Ok, so you have booked a family shoot and you now want to know all sorts of things. Well, hopefully I can answer all of your questions on this page. If there is anything you still need to know, then please ring me or email me and I'll be only to happy to help.

How do I get to the studio?

The studio is called "ImageRed Photographic Studios" and is located in Fazeley, Tamworth. The address is:

ImageRed Photographic Studios,
Unit 60
Mill Lane Trading Estate,
Mill Lane,
Fazeley,
Staffordshire. B78 3QD

Once you turn onto Victoria Drive off Lichfield Street take your first left. This is Mill Lane. Follow it all the way down to the bottom where you will go through some gates.Go through the gates and turn left, then follow the road round to the right and continue for about 40 yards. Turn left at the "T" and the studio is Unit 60 on your left.

Google Maps Link (Opens in new window)

What clothes should I bring?

This really depends on what sort of styled shoot you want. If you are looking for a set of photos which are very formal, then probably it's best to bring evening gowns or dresses for the ladies and suits and ties for the men. Colour always works well, so think about maybe bringing coloured bow ties or cummerbunds for the men if they are going to be wearing dinner suits. For the ladies, whilst that little black dress is always a safe bet when out, try and be a little more adventurous for your photo shoot. Reds always work well.

If it is a less formal more casual shoot you are looking for then for the ladies (and bear in mind here - I am male) bring a nice brightly coloured dress or skirt/trousers and blouse emsemble. An excuse to get some new shoes perhaps? For the boys, smart trousers and shirt. Again try and make the colours vibrant, wishy washy pale colours will not convert as well and will not make for great black and white shots should any be required. One point to make a note of is clean shoes! Make sure everyone's shoes have been cleaned/polished. If someone in your family has an especially favourite piece of clothing, bring it along, it could be a jacket, a pair of boots or a piece of jewellery. Just let me know so that I can make sure it's included in the pictures.

Hats. Hats are always good fun, they can be worn at all sorts of different angles, by different people and can turn some shots into really great moments.

Scarves. Again, as above these can help some pictures and can also make good props to use and also give you something to do with your hands.

Logos. try and stay away from large logos. In fact if you have arranged a shoot where you will be providing model releases, no logos at all please.

Can I bring any other props?

You can bring whatever you like! As long as we can get it into the studio door! If you are bringing something along which you want to be featured in your shoot, let me know beforehand so I can make any neccessary preparations and give some thought as to how I can incorporate it into the shoot.

Can we have more than one outfit?

Bring as many changes of clothes as you like. If during the time you have booked we have time, then I'll shoot you in whatever you're wearing! Mum's you may want to bring an extra shirt/blouse/dress/trousers for young children in case of accidents!

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup artistes can be arranged for additional charge (Usually around £50). If you are doing your own though remember these few points:

• Makeup - Ladies nothing too heavy or colourful. It's easier for me to tone it up afterwards than to tone it down. That said, good foundation and makeup make a huge difference to getting great photos. There are proper makeup mirrors in the changing rooms at the studio for you to use if you want to touch up when you get there.
• Lipstick - Does wonders for you ladies! A little gloss always helps photos.
• Glitter - Go easy on that glitter girls! A little (and I do mean a little) is fine.
• Boys - Let your Mum brush your hair... you can mess it up afterwards all you want!
• Dads - Designer stubble is fine, an afternoon shadow is not. Shave about between one and two hours before you come along. Don't be afraid to use an aftershave balm if you have dry skin.

Pets?

I don't mind you bringing you pets. Just remember, any mess Hammy the hampster makes is yours to clean up!

What time should we arrive?

Try and arrive around 20 minutes prior to the shoot. There may well be other people using the studio before you so they need to be given the space and time to move out. As time is of the essence it is important that we make the most of the time slot available.

Should I bring food and drink?

There is tea, coffe and bottled water available at the studio. If you would like to bring anything else, please feel free. There is a lounge area where you can eat and drink, but no drinks or food in the actual studio please. (By the way... I like chocolate digestives!)

Who do I pay, how and when?

That's easy, pay me, in cash, at the shoot.

When can I see the photos?

This depends on the actual shoot day. If there is time at the end of your session, it may be possible to have a look at the unedited photos after the shoot itself. If not, then I endeavour to process the photos as quickly as possible for all involved. Post processing can take quite a long time but I will try and have some photos for you to see within a few days.

How do I order prints?

Having photos on a CD or on the computer is great but for real impact and timeless memories you will probably want some prints. You can order prints through me or have your own done (some places will ask for a letter of permission from the photographer which I am happy to provide). However, I can organise professional quality A4 prints at £10.00 each, photo books for around £50.00 and framed prints and canvasses which are priced on request. If you would like me to arrange these, let me know and we can discuss your requirements, you then let me have the numbers and sizes of the photos you would like for your orders and I will sort it out from there. Payment for these items is required at the time of placing any order either by cash, bank transfer or cheque.

Can I use the photos on the Web?

Of course you can. All I ask it that I am credited whenever a photo is used. I usually supply web safe versions sized at 600 pixels on the longest side specifically for use on the web. You can send them to your friends, put them on your own web space, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc, once again, as long as my name is credited on the post.

What can I NOT do with the photos?

As the copyright of ALL photographs taken is owned by me there are certain things you may not do with the photos including:

• Resell the photos to any agency, private individual or organisation without my written consent.
• Have the photos edited by anyone other than you for your own personal use or me.

What the photographer will/will not do with the photos

After the shoot, I will process the photos for you. This involves (where neccessary) lighting control, colour balancing, blemish removal and basic editing and cropping. I will create sets of the photos in Full, Half and Quarter sizes and also some web safe ones as mentioned earlier.

I may use the photos for advertising my own photography on my personal web sites.

None of your, or your family's personal details will ever be included or published.

I will not use the photos for any other purpose other than that agreed by you and I. If you have agreed to supplying a signed model release, the photos may be used for sales on iStockPhoto under my account. However, if you have not signed a model release for me, this cannot happen.