Family photo sessions
Our 'standard' photography sessions are perfect for capturing beautiful moments with your loved ones. They are up to an hour long and are only £60. They take place in the studio or out in the grounds. Suitable for families, children and couples or dogs, so everyone can join in on the fun.
How it works:
Step 1: Contact us to book your session. Session cost is £60 (£40 non refundable fee on booking, £20 balance to be paid 48 hours before the session). We will organise a pre-session consultation in which we will discuss the feel, colour palette and style that you want. We will also send you a link to the print packages and wall art available to you. To give you an idea, desktop prints start from £75, wall art from £270 and digital packages from £200.
Step 2: Your session - full of laughter and fun. We will create a number of poses as groups and/or individuals as you require. We suggest 2-3 clothes changes and can use props, one colour backdrops and simple lighting to give you a diverse range of photographs. You will be guided all the way. Alternatively, we can venture out to the backdrop of the windmill, farmland and trees that surround The Cowshed.
Step 3: After your session your photographs will receive careful hand editing and retouching. You will be invited back for a viewing and ordering session. You will be able to look at samples of our carefully chosen art products and we can discuss the options that suit you, your decor or the best gift options for others. There will be no hard sell because it isn't in our nature.
Frequently asked questions
Who are these sessions for?
Anyone! We love people and being inclusive is very important to us. The hour session can be tailored whether it is a family group, grandparents' diamond wedding, engagement shoot or dog shoot, we embrace it all! The fun is making it special to you. Cake smashes are a silver experience (£80 session fee).
The only restrictions is the size of the group in our compact studio and we do not offer specialist newborn sessions currently (although babies are, of course, photographed in a family group).
What shall we wear?
We shall discuss this on the pre-session consultation, depending on the style we are going for. Without a doubt, clothing makes a huge impact on the final results.
If you are having group photographs, decide if you want a unified feeling across the photograph or if you want a more random look. Some people wear matching outfits, some choose a pleasing colour range, e.g. natural tones or blue-greens just to give the look more 'polish' and some clothing choices are very eclectic! Try to visualise what it will look like when you all stand together.
Avoid writing and logos. Not only is the eye drawn to reading them (taking away from the people), but logos date very quickly and heroes change!
Block colours or small floral or checked prints are better than big, bold statements. Denim dungarees/ dresses work well with younger children.
Simple, fitted clothes are a lot more flattering than baggy ones. We suggest simple designs without lots of frills, and fuss.
Teenagers, particularly, need to feel comfortable in their clothes. Feel free to negotiate. If they play ball by wearing the family colour palette outfit for the group shots, they can also be photographed in their choice afterwards!
What if my child/ teenager has a tantrum or sulk?
Every parents nightmare! Firstly we suggest that you do not put too much pressure on your child(ren) before you arrive. We know you want fabulous photographs, but a long list of do's and dont's is going to sow the seeds that they are going to have a horrible time before they get here. Liz was a teacher for over 20 years and is very adept at working with children. If your child is really having a meltdown then the best course may be to postpone the session and reschedule it one more time without extra cost. This is exceedingly rare.
Teenagers - some of the most treasured photographs are the honest ones of a teenager trying to be 'individual'. That scowl and clothes choice will be a source of amusement for years to come!
What is the timescale for payments?
The non refundable booking fee is paid at the time of booking with the balance due 48 hours before the session. The booking fee payment also confirms that you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
All print products must be paid for before they are ordered. This will be at the viewing and ordering session after your photographs have been hand edited. We can accept BACS and credit/ debit card payments at that session.
What if a family member has additional needs?
It may sound flippant, but we want to answer, "and?". Everyone deserves beautiful portraits of themselves. We will just build in a bit of extra time and adapt as necessary. Dad has Alzheimer's? Then we take it slow and make him feel safe. Your daughter has Down Syndrome? Well we shall soon have that beautiful smile on camera. Teenager has ADD? Then we make everything short and sharp. Adaptability is key. We can avoid triggers and build on their strengths. We can make physical adaptations, e.g. use continuous lighting instead of strobes, avoid loud sounds or rough textures etc.
Access: The Cowshed is on one level with only slightly raised threshold, wide doors and a large toilet space with a frame available.
Do you do photoshoots on location?
Yes we do. Please contact us for a quote to include mileage and travel time. Location shoots are best suited to early morning or a couple of hours before dusk to give a soft, pleasing feel, but we've photographed weddings for years in alsorts of lighting conditions.