Portrait FAQs

How long does a portrait shoot last?

Portrait shoots last between one and two hours.

How do I book?

To book, just send me an email or give me a call. I send you a portrait contract, and we go from there.

What are your rates?

You can find out about my rates and what is included in my portrait package here.

Are there any hidden extras for getting my images?

No, high resolution digital image files of 40 edits (20 colour, 20 black and white) are included in my upfront fee.

We have a budget in mind.  Can you accommodate it?

This is not something I am able to do with portrait shoots, as it would be unfair to my clients who are happy to pay my rates without bartering.  I keep my rates as low as possible, to remain accessible to all, whilst being honest and realistic about the amount of work involved in what I do.

When do I pay and how?

A booking fee of £100.00 is taken with booking, and the remainder of the fee is due 24 hours before the session.  If you prefer to pay both the whole fee in one go, that is also fine.  I accept cheques, bank transfers and paypal.

Do you offer a payment plan if we need one?

Yes, I am happy to discuss ways of paying in special circumstances.  Just let me know this is something you are interested in and we can go from there.

Do you use a contract?

Yes.  I find it helps everyone feel comfortable and clear on expectations.

Can I use my photos for other purposes?

This depends a little on what you mean, so probably best to ask me about your specific situation.  If you want to get some images for one purpose (e.g. your dating profile), and some for another (e.g. professional use) from one shoot, that is not a problem – just let me know when you book.

What kinds of locations do people go for?

Some people like to work at their home; some people like to work at a place of personal significance; some people just want somewhere beautiful or with a specific feel.  Many people don’t really know where they’d like to shoot and I’m always happy to discuss ideas and options – I know lots of beautiful spots around here.  Usually one important factor in selecting a location is privacy – most people don’t want lots of other people around, watching or getting in the pics, and it can be distracting and get in the way of relaxing into the shoot.

Can I have location changes?

Yes, this is certainly an option, if agreed with me beforehand.  The shoot will still be the same length of time, so I generally advise against more than two locations.  A lot of families, for example, do some of the shoot at home, and then opt to head to a local park or beauty spot for the other half.

What kinds of outfits do you suggest?

I will offer guidance on this when you book your shoot.  Generally it is about wearing something you feel really comfortable in.  What is your favourite outfit?

Can I have outfit changes?

Yes, as with location changes, this is fine, though please bear in mind that any time for changing will be taken from the session length.  Often I work with individuals during a shoot to establish what works best in the photos and we go from there.

Is there a best time of day for a shoot?

We can do a shoot any time, but if we are shooting outside, the nicest light is first thing in the morning, and last thing before the sun goes down.

What if the weather is bad?

If the weather is really bad (non-stop rain, storms) and we are shooting outside, I usually reschedule.  Please note that ‘rescheduling’ last minute by you will be considered a no show, and any change needs to be discussed at least 24 hours before the shoot time.

What if need to reschedule/cancel?

**ADD SOMETHING!

Will you put our images on your blog, the Mim Saxl Photography facebook page or use our images in your portfolio and marketing?

Yes, unless you specifically ask me not to (which is absolutely fine).  Usage of your images is outlined in my contract.

What if we book a family shoot and our kids won’t cooperate?

Don’t worry, we will get some beautiful shots whatever your kids feel like doing.  I have tricks up my sleeve, and will make suggestions for how you can prepare when you book your shoot.

I hate having my photo taken.  Will this work?

Yes! Don’t worry, lots of people hate having their photo taken, and I’m a bit of an expert at helping people to relax and feel confident in front of the camera.  I regularly shock camera-shy types with the great shots I get of them.

How long will my photos take to be ready?

Your unedited images appear in the first stage gallery within one week of your shoot; once you have chosen your final twenty for editing, edits are ready in two weeks.

How many photos will you take during the shoot?  Do I see them all?

The number of images I take during a portrait shoot varies but my clients tend to see around 200 images, from which images for editing.

How many images can I select for editing?

20 images, fully professionally edited in both colour and b&w are included in my portrait package.  If you would like more than 20 images edited, I am happy to do that for an additional fee.

In addition to the 40 high resolution edits (20 images in colour and b&w), do I get the rest of the photos I did not select for editing?

No, I only share editing images with my clients.

Can I have copies of the RAW files so I can play about with editing myself?

No, I do not share my RAW files with clients, only the fully edited final images.

How do we get our final edits?

Your edits are transferred to you using wetransfer.

Can I order additional prints through you, and can friends order prints?

Yes, printing and downloading is all possible through your online gallery, which you are free to share.

Are you CRB-checked?

I am just in the process of being DBS- checked (the new version of CRB).

Are you insured?

Yes, I have full Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Employer’s Liability insurance from Policy Bee.

Will you travel, and what are your travel rates?

Yes, I am happy to travel.  Travel outside Oxford is charged at 45p/mile mileage or the cost of a ticket on public transport (e.g. to central London), and I am clear about how I intend to travel when you book.

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