Frequently Asked Questions

I feel really awkward about posing for a photographer! Is that a problem?

I totally understand.

You don’t need to feel excited about being photographed. And you definitely don’t need to be convinced you’ll be any good at it.

No one arrives with a catalogue of poses, a personal brand moodboard and a god-given talent for leaning against walls.

This whole process is designed for people who might feel a bit awkward at first.

My job is to direct you clearly, keep the shoot relaxed and help you get photos that feel natural and not forced.

You don’t need to arrive confident. You just need to arrive!

What happens during the shoot? How long does it take?

We meet at the agreed location, walk between a few good spots, and take photos along the way.

I’ll give you direction throughout, so you’re not left wondering what to do with your hands, face, posture, or just your general existence.

The length of the shoot depends on the package that you book, but most portrait-style sessions are long enough to let you settle in and get a useful range of photos.

The first part of the shoot is about warming up—that’s totally normal. The best photos usually happen once you start forgetting about the camera and start acting as you normally would again.

What should I wear? Can I change clothes during the shoot?

Wear something that feels like you, but make sure it’s considered.

Some guidelines I’m fond of, depending on the look you want to give in your pics:

• For professional headshots, dress as you would to meet a client or speak at an event in your industry.
• For social media shots, dress as you would on a nice night out.
• For dating photos, dress as you would if you knew you were going to run into your ex that day!

And as a general rule, dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Avoid anything that makes you self-conscious. If there’s anything you think you can “pull off” but aren’t quite sure, leave it at home.

As for changing clothes: within reason, you’re welcome to do so.

During the shorter shoots, it’s worth bringing something that can quickly change your look, such as a jumper/coat.

For longer shoots, you’re welcome to bring a few different outfits, but let me know in advance so we can plan around where you can change.

Where are you based, and where can I arrange photo shoots?

I’m based in South London, the UK.

The exact location depends on what you need the photos for, but as long as it’s reasonably accessible to me on the date of the shoot (i.e. not near a stadium on the date of a football match, or similar) then I’m happy to meet in most places in London.

What kind of photo shoots do you offer?

I mainly offer relaxed photography in London for people who need natural, useful photos of themselves or their event.

That includes…

• Professional headshots in London
• Dating photos in London
• Social media photography in London
• Event photography in London

Can I bring a friend? Do you do shoots for multiple people (like couples)?

You’re welcome to. If anything, I encourage it!

If there’s someone you’d like to bring and/or you’d like a shoot for multiple people, make sure you book a package with enough photos to include everyone. But even if you only want photos of yourself and you have a friend who’s willing to join and support, I’m wholeheartedly in favour.

I get it; photo shoots feel like they’re going to be really awkward. I’m pretty personable myself; I’ll do everything from my side to help you calm down and bring out your natural personality. But if you’d like someone else you know to join and do the same, they’re very welcome to join.

What if the weather is bad on the date of the shoot?

It depends on how bad, really.

A cloudy/overcast day is actually better for photography because the clouds scatter the light (direct sunlight is unflattering).

But if it rains or snows, we’ll aim to reschedule and if we can’t find a future date that works for both of us, you’ll get a full, no-questions-asked refund (including your booking deposit).

I can’t make a shoot which we confirmed. Can I reschedule?

Usually, yes, with enough notice.

Life happens. The weather happens. And London transport definitely happens.

If you need to reschedule, tell me as soon as possible so we can find another time.

Do I need to pay a deposit to book?

For portrait shoots, I charge a £50 deposit to secure the date and time of the shoot.

The deposit secures your slot and helps keep bookings fair, especially because I’m setting aside that time specifically for you.

What is your refund policy?

If I can’t make your requested time and we can’t figure out another time that works, you get the whole deposit back—no questions asked.

If you need to cancel a shoot more than 72 hours before the shoot itself, then I’ll refund you everything minus the booking deposit.

If you need to cancel after that or you’re a no-show on the day, then sadly I won’t be able to offer any refund.

How long before I get the photos / when will I get the selection?

I aim to send your private selection gallery within 1-2 weeks of the shoot.

After the shoot, I’ll go through the full set and narrow it down to the strongest images. I’ll then retouch them and send you the number of images agreed upon in your package.

If you need them more urgently, please let me know before the day of the shoot; I can offer a rush service in exchange for a small fee.

Will I receive the raw image files?

No; I only deliver finished, edited images.

Raw files aren’t a finished product. They’re more like ingredients than the meal.

You’ll receive the number of polished digital images suitable for LinkedIn, dating apps, social media, websites or other use online.

Then finally…what if I’m still nervous…?

When I started in photography, my mentor taught me a secret.

He said, “When you’re photographing parties, just get right in people’s faces.” No kidding. “They feel awkward as hell at first. The first half hour you’re there, the photos will be completely unusable. But after that, they stop giving a sh*t. And THAT’S when you get the really good photos.”

In over a decade of photographing people, I can say one thing: the story my mentor told me is 100% true.

I’ve learned a thing or two over the years about helping people relax and stop caring about the camera pointed at them (and don’t worry; I’m not going to get right in your face). If you’re really worried about being nervous through the whole thing, I honestly recommend booking one of the longer sessions.

I can promise you that, with a bit of time, direction and warming up, we’ll be able to bring out your personality and capture it in a photo. I’ll guide you through it, we’ll keep things relaxed, and you’ll leave with photos that feel more true to you than the ones you’ve been putting off replacing!