As with all aspects of life, having a portrait taken raises questions. Hopefully the answers to the majority of these questions are below, but do feel free to contact me if you have any others questions.
Q: What should we wear?
A: This is a very common question with a relatively simple answer, wear what reflects you, wear what you normally would, be relaxed and comfortable. It doesn’t just have to be jeans and a white top as colour can work well, for more help click here.
Q: How long does the photography session last?
A: A portrait photography session normally lasts about an hour, this gives us plenty of time to try lots of different things
Q: Can we bring a change of clothes?
A: Yes, and I encourage it. This can add a great diversity to the photographs, it can make totally different images all within one shoot. Here you can be quite creative, think about where in the room the image(s) are going for example I have done portraits to hang in a kitchen and the family (parents and children) dressed as chefs with culinary equipment as props – it was perfect. I have also done several pyjama shots to go in or near to bedroom, on the landing maybe. So think about where in the home the images are going to be used, and think about what sort of clothes describe or reflect you.
Q: Do you have your own studio?
A: Yes, I have my own studio which is in Leckhampstead just 5 minutes outside of Newbury, Berkshire. To find out more about the Studio click here.
Q: Can we bring the dog?
A: Yes, this is fine, pets are welcome. I have grown up with all kinds of pets and I recognise they are part of the family, so whether you are bringing up the dog or the pet lizard (which make great shots) as long as they are fed, watered and have been to the pet loo then bring them along.
Q: Can we order the images on CD?
A: Yes. Unlike the majority of photographers I do allow my customers to purchase the images digitally on CD. I believe it is important these days to recognise the digital age, and whilst I could wax lyrical about the beauty of frames and canvases, there is an understandable want for digital images so people can print and reprint to their hearts content, have the peace of mind of having a back up of the image, share the image online or by email or even just to have it as their wallpaper on their PC at work. I even allow customers to buy the entire finished collection on CD so they own every photograph.
Q: How long does it take until we can see the images?
A: We normally aim to have the finished photographs presented back to you with all retouching and post production work completed within 10 days. This can however be slightly extended during the heavy wedding season. However if my customers have urgent deadlines (they have left it to the last minute!!) then I will always try and accommodate.
Q: Where is your studio?
A: My own studio is in Leckhampstead just 5 minutes outside of Newbury, Berkshire. For directions to the studio click here.
Q: Can we bring our own props?
A: Yes, and this I encourage. Props can add a real edge and great fun to a portrait, more importantly it makes them so personal to you, as long as the props are right and they reflect you and your interests and hobbies. I will always discuss props with you, but to find out more click here.
Q: I have seen a photograph in a magazine, can you try and reproduce it?
A: Yes of course. The great thing with photography is that it’s a blank canvas so we can try anything. All I would ask is that you sow me a copy of the image rather than you try and describe it to me as this is easier, also if this can be done in advance of a shoot in case as this gives us time to plan the shot.
Q: What is your photography style, formal or relaxed?
A: My style is most definitely relaxed and natural. This doesn’t mean I can’t do formal portraits of course I can. But my character and personality is relaxed and fun and this really helps create very natural enjoyable portraits.
Q: Am I committed to ordering one of the images?
A: No most certainly not. This has always been very important to me, I have always wanted my photography to be for everyone and with no pressure of heavy sales processes. I don’t charge for the sessions, I see my job as being to create beautiful photographs of my customers that I want them to love. If, and it has never happened yet, but if one of my customers different fall in love with the images then I couldn’t nor would I want to have to force them to purchase. I hate the thought of anyone resenting anything they had brought from me, having a portrait from Adam hillier Photography is about the whole package, the entire experience including loving the final images.
Q: I hate being photographed, can you help me through it?
A: There are very few and I mean very, very few people that enjoy the thought of being photographed by someone they don’t know. The vast majority of us are not models for a living and therefore the thought of being posed and fake smiles and not knowing what to do with our hands fill us with dread.
Well relax, before we even think of starting any photography I spend a good while just getting to know everyone and having a nice relaxed chat with everyone, remember I need to feel comfortable in your company as well as the other way around.
My style is all about being relaxed and informal, natural and fun portraits. So when we start photographing there will be no heavy posing, no fake smiling or just tilt your head etc etc. I want to see you relaxed, interacting with each other, laughing and most of the time not even thinking about me.
This is what gives us the results we are after and therefore it is a major part of my role to ensure everyone feels relaxed, comfortable and happy and that a good time is had by all.
