FAQ • Portrait Photography

Children and often adults get much better results in the morning, after a good nights sleep, having eaten and are feeling happy! Although this all depends on your usual routine. We offer shoots Thursday-Saturday.

There is no limit to the number of family members you can include. During the shoot we will photograph each person individually as well as combinations; ie: Mum and Dad, Mum and kids, Dad and kids, Siblings, the whole family.

We understand that each family is unique, and we will discuss the images and combinations you are wanting during our design session.

Absolutely! We understand that pets are a part of the family and have photographed everything from snakes to horses. Photographing some animals requires special preparation so let us know who will be coming with you to the shoot. that you let us know as soon as possible

If someone is not feeling well, we will simply re-schedule. We just ask that you let us know as soon as possible

We style your session to suit your personality. We suggest you bring things that represent your style, personality and hobbies. Do you or your family play any sport or musical instruments, what are your hobbies, do you collect anything? What is your favourite way to spend your spare time?

For young children, think of what you would bring along on a day out. Snacks, wipes, favourite toys, blankies. Steer clear of snacks like cheezles, that stain faces and fingers. Also hold back on the sweets, sugar highs can come crashing down mid-shoot.

These are all things we discuss during your design consultation.

We suggest bringing a few changes of clothes with you on the day to give you a few options. Natural, earthy tones are suggested; blues, greens, browns, creams all work well together. Steer clear of bold patterns and logos – you don’t want to distract from your faces. Go for texture rather than pattern, and layering is a great way to add interest while giving you the ability to change the look of your outfit quickly by removing a layer or two. Everybody wearing the same thing, such as blue jeans and white shirts, can sometimes resemble a uniform.

Of course these are all just suggestions, if bold patterns and bright colours are part of what make you wonderful, wear it!

Nope. Why? Everyone is different and we want to celebrate that! We recommend that you do what makes you feel your best – after all, when you feel your best it really shines through in the photos.
If you get your hair coloured, do that before the shoot, if you like having your nails done, do that. Make-up, we suggest doing the same as you would for a nice night out, although if you love to be pampered and made up by someone else and feel that this is what makes you shine, go right ahead!

Gents, have a shave before you come in – or don’t – it all depends on how you feel your best. Just remember the old rule… two weeks to a good haircut!

For the kiddies, full make-up on a child is unnecessary, hair out of eyes is suggested. Pay special attention to nose, eyes and mouth, make sure there are no remnants of breakfast, snacks or the backyard 🙂 Wet wipes are always a great asset.

At the conclusion of the shoot we will make a sales appointment. This will generally be a week after the shoot date. This is where you will view your photographs from the session and decide which images and products you wish to purchase. For more information head to the General section on this FAQ page.

Time is spent at the beginning of each session getting to know the animals, introducing them to the camera equipment and making sure they are comfortable. Our pet sessions usually take between 1 to 1&1/2 hours. It really depends on the number of family members involved (both two legged and four legged) and how co-operative they are.

We love to get the whole family involved. That includes multiple pets from the same family. If you have more than one pet, we always suggest bringing in a friend, whom your pet is comfortable with to help out.

We love all creatures great and small (although any tarantula handling will most likely be left up to you). Jo Howell worked as a commercial wildlife photographer in South Africa. Meerkats climbing up jeans and cheetah cubs chewing on shoelaces are some of her favourite stories. Some animals require more specific preparation for their shoot. Call us to discuss your needs.

Some pets won’t sit still for the camera (either do some 3 year olds) and we don’t always want them to! With a wildlife photography background and years of animal handling experience we have all sorts of tips and tricks to capture your pet at their best.
For particularly hyper dogs we do suggest you take them for a walk right before the session, this can help expel a bit of energy before the session.

Of course, we encourage it. Please take advantage of the opportunity to get professional family photographs. We are all about celebrating the bond between you and your fur family. Often we will start the session with a few photos of you together, this can really help the animals settle into the whole process quicker.

We encourage you to bring items that represent you and your pets’ personalities. Think about what makes your pet truly individual. Do they have a favourite toy, is there something they love to chew on, play or snuggle with or is there something that, along with your pet, is your absolute favourite? We have had people bring in their shoe collection, musical instruments, a basket of socks even pieces of furniture!

Collars and leads, make sure they are ones that you like. If not, maybe its time to go shopping for a new one.

Also photo day is the perfect day for bribery! Bring in your dogs favourite treats, this can be a big help when it comes to co-operation.

For the safety of your pets and also others we ask that all pets arrive on lead or in an appropriate carrier.

At the conclusion of the shoot we will make a viewing and ordering appointment. This will generally be a week after the shoot date. This is where you will view your photographs from the session and decide which images and products you wish to purchase. For more information head to the General section on this FAQ page.