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FAQS

FAMILY PORTRAIT FAQS

HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT?

Preparation is key! I share a detailed planning guide with you ahead of the session with some useful tips including clothing suggestions.  I also send you a link to a short questionnaire, to ensure I capture any specific shots you have in mind.  Make sure everyone is well-rested, has eaten before we meet and is excited about the shoot and we’ll have a great time!

Family portrait photograph in Richmond Park, London, UK
Family portrait photograph in Richmond Park, London, UK
WHERE AND WHEN DOES THE SHOOT TAKE PLACE?

I have a number of beautiful locations that I can suggest for your shoot

 

For babies that aren’t yet walking, sessions in your home tend to work best, but after this age, outside is where children are often happiest and at their most natural.

 

Early in the morning is when children usually have most energy and the light is best, so my sessions take place around 9:00am as much as possible. 

The duration of a family photo session can vary depending on factors including the size of the family, but generally last one to two hours. Children have a limited attention span so I work as quickly as I can! However, I’ll never rush you and if a break or snack is needed, that’s fine too!

Newborn shoots often take up to 3-4 hours due to feeding/sleeping/changing requirements, so please do factor this in when you’re planning your shoot day.

HOW LONG DOES THE SHOOT TAKE?
Mother and baby portrait photograph
Family portrait photograph in Richmond Park, London, UK
WHAT SHALL I WEAR?

I send through a detailed planning guide on how to prepare for your session, which includes outfit advice, but below are a few foolproof tips:

  • Be comfortable. If you're wearing something you like and fits well, you'll be more relaxed and happy and this will come across in the images. 

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  • Steer away from bold designs, loud patterns and logos - these can clash with other outfits and sometimes with your surroundings too. Solid colours and subtle patterns work best, but try and avoid black, white and very light coloured clothing for the best images outside.

  •  Think about everyone's outfits and make sure you're not poles apart with your choices.  Similar colour palettes work well, so choose 2-3 colours for everyone to wear at least one item in one or more of those colours.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN?

The way I like to photograph is very informal and relaxed.  Often the best images are those you don't expect and you're just having fun as a family. Don’t worry – it won’t feel formal and people often tell me that they’re surprised at how much they actually enjoy the experience.

Family portrait photograph on front doorstep, London, UK
Portrait of child in Richmond Park, London, UK
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?

There's nothing you need to bring, unless there's a favourite item you'd like to incorporate. However, I definitely suggest snacks for the children - attention spans can be short and a packet of raisins make everything better! Baby wipes are also an essential for last minute wiping noses!

WHAT IF MY CHILDREN WON'T PLAY BALL?

I understand that children don’t always behave as you want them to. Don’t worry - children's natural behaviour when being shy or silly can actually enhance the shoot as the photos tell their story. Usually once they realise that I’m fun too, it’s fairly easy for me to get their cooperation and I never leave until I'm sure I've got the best photos. 

The great thing about my style is that many of my shoots take place outside, so children are free to run around and burn off extra energy as much as they need!

Portrait photograph of father and child at the Hurlingham Club, London, UK
Portrait photograph of dog in Richmond, London, UK
CAN I BRING EXTENDED FAMILY AND/OR MY DOG WITH ME?

Yes, absolutely! Just let me know in advance so we can ensure that the location is suitable for everyone - including any four legged friends. I charge a £50 supplement for more than 8 people. 

I keep a close eye on the weather forecast and if it looks like heavy rain, I’ll be in touch so we can discuss whether to reschedule or brave the elements.

 

If we're photographing outside, grey, overcast weather isn’t a problem. The light can be really flattering and wellies and a puddle are lots of fun!  However, if it's scheduled to rain heavily, don't worry - we can either photograph inside your home, or we can reschedule. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT'S RAINING?
Portrait photograph of children in Richmond Park, London, UK
Portrait of child in Richmond Park, London, UK
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS POORLY?

Don't worry - just let me know as soon as you can.  My calendar fills up fast, so if we have to reschedule a second time, there may be a rebooking charge.

DO YOU OFFER BOTH COLOUR AND BLACK & WHITE IMAGES?

I develop each image as I think works best. Most of my images are in colour, but I also provide a selection in black and white. If there is a particular image you love in your gallery, but you’d like it processed the other way, just let me know.

Black and white portrait photograph of mother and child, Richmond, London, UK
Emma Gibson Photography family portrait shoot packaging gift box
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PHOTO SHOOT?

Around two weeks after your photo shoot you will receive a link to a beautiful private online gallery where your images will be ready to view. The gallery is open for 3 days for you to make your selections and i'm on hand to help if you need.   

If you wish, I will have ideas for frame layouts or an album, but it’s completely up to you as to how you’d like to display your photographs. Any product is ready approximately 4 weeks after you place your order. 

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EVENTS FAQS

WHAT IS EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY?

Event photography involves capturing moments and scenes from events such as corporate gatherings, parties, team days, conferences, and other special occasions. These images document the event, preserve memories, and are often used for promotional or marketing purposes.

Event photograph on influencer on a bath
Book signing event photograph
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY PROCESS?

In advance of the event, I ask for a brief to discuss your vision, logistics, and any specific shots or moments you want captured. On the day of the event, I work discreetly to capture candid moments, as well as posed shots if requested. After the event, you'll receive edited photos that highlight the best moments of the occasion.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE EDITED PHOTOS AFTER THE EVENT?

The turnaround time for receiving edited photos varies depending on the scope of the event and the brief. Typically, you can expect to receive these within a few days to a couple of weeks after the event.

Photograph of influencers at a John Lewis event, London, UK
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PERSONAL BRANDING & COMMERCIAL FAQS

WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL OR PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTO SHOOT?

A commercial photo shoot is a professional photography session to capture images of brand owners, employees, teams, or events within a corporate, working environment. These images are often used for marketing materials, company websites, internal communications, and promotional purposes.

Personal branding photo shoots tell the story of you and your brand and bring these to life visually.  I create a beautifully curated range of images that show off your product or service, as well as the person behind it (that's you!)  These images can be used across your website, marketing materials, social media channels and more.  It takes away the stress of worrying, ‘what should I put onto Instagram today?’ and keeps your content fresh and inspiring.

Photographs for John Lewis Instagram account, UK
Headshot photograph of man in studio
DO YOU OFFER HEADSHOTS

Absolutely! People buy into people and showing someone who you are is intrinsic to your business. I work with individuals and businesses to establish exactly what you want from your headshots so I can deliver images you're proud to show off. 

 

For individuals, I have a home studio set up, or can do these outdoors depending on the look and feel you want.  If you are a team looking for corporate headshots or team shots, I can also travel to your office to create images in your own working environment.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY PHOTO SHOOT?

For headshots I send you a short questionnaire so I can ensure that these meet your requirements. I also send you a short planning guide ahead of the session, with some clothing suggestions.

For personal branding sessions, I ask you to fill in a detailed questions, and we then have a consultation call to fully discuss your brief and image requirements. I also work with you ahead of the session on a moodboard and shot list.

For bigger corporate shoots, I request a brief so that I am aware of logistics such as location, timing and the number of participants as well as any specific requests you might have.  The more detail you can share, the better I can work!

 

As well as letting me know what you need, it’s also key to ensure that anyone else involved in the shoot is informed in advance and you share any necessary clothing or styling guidelines.

Commercial photograph of Retail 100 workspace, UK
Shape Talent headshot photograph
CAN WE REQUEST SPECIFIC SHOTS OR POSES DURING THE PHOTO SHOOT?

Absolutely! I always request a brief in advance, so I can be aware of any specific requests and ensure that my final images meet your needs.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE FINAL EDITED PHOTOS?

The turnaround time for receiving edited photos varies depending on the scope of the event and the brief. Typically, you can expect to receive these within a few days to a couple of weeks after the event.

Kitchen Shoppe interiors photograph
Stephanie Tayler personal branding photograph
CAN WE REQUEST ADDITIONAL EDITING OR RETOUCHING OF THE PHOTOS?

I edit each individual image by hand, which includes light retouching and can offer additional editing or retouching services for an extra fee. If you have specific requests for editing or retouching, please let me know beforehand to determine any additional costs and ensure that your needs are met.

I REALLY HATE THE CAMERA – CAN YOU STILL HELP?

I get it, many people (me included!) don’t love having their photo taken, but I promise it's both fun and worthwhile!  I'm here to help, offering advice on location(s), clothing, hair and make up and images and I promise you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy the whole experience. I really want you to leave having had a good time and excited to see the images.

Retail 100 headshot photograph
Personal branding photograph

Every event, commercial and personal branding session is very bespoke to your requirements, so let’s chat! To give you a rough guide, my headshot sessions start from £125 and my personal branding sessions start from £545, and are available Monday - Friday.

I take on commercial work both during the week and weekends and these start from £595 for up to 4 hours and £895 for up to 8 hours, depending on the timings and location. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
WHAT KIND OF EVENTS AND COMMERCIAL WORK DO YOU TAKE ON?

I have worked with many clients, both big and small on their events and corporate work, including John Lewis & Partners, Waitrose & Partners, Innovate UKScamp & DudeThe Hurlingham ClubChildren with Cancer,  and more. I work on press and media events, launch parties, capturing content for away days and team events, Instagram and other lifestyle content and more. Do contact me if you'd like to find out more. 

Children with Cancer UK event photograpph
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