Portrait FAQ

How do we know what to wear for the shoot?
On the day of the shoot if you bring to the studio or have ready at home a selection of clothes, Mark and Sue will help you decide. As a guide, Mark and Sue usually recommend that you wear casual or smart/casual clothing for the shoot: Denim/Blue/Black Trousers, White tops/T-shirts etc look great. If you bring along a light coat/jacket this may be used to drape or tie around shoulders and this will look and feel more comfortable than heavy coats. The real key is ‘comfort’.

Accessories for shoots with children – Mark and Sue usually suggest that you bring along or have to one side at home, any suitable accessories which match or compliment outfits, such as matching hats, baseball hats, shoes, socks etc. Of course this is not absolutely necessary so please do not worry.

How long will it be before the images will be ready for viewing?
Your images are normally ready to view 10 to 14 days after your shoot.

Will Mark and Sue photograph more than one portrait sitting in a day?
The amount of portrait shoots undertaken by Mark and Sue in any one day is usually no more than 2 shoots, however, this largely depends upon the duration of the shoot booked e.g. half day etc, and also the location, as they must allow for their potential travelling time.

How many photographs will they take on an average portrait shoot?
Each shoot varies according to location and the number of people taking part on the photographs. Their photography is very natural and spontaneous and therefore is not measurable to a formula. On average a portrait shoot would attract 75+ shots.

What would happen if one of us was unable to make the shoot or was ill?
Mark and Sue would assess the situation and possibly rearrange the shoot for an alternative date and time. They do understand that circumstances may arise or illnesses occur which make it difficult to enjoy a photo shoot. Mark and Sue would recommend a telephone call to the studio as soon as you know that you may be unable to meet the shoot. A diary system is in operation in the studio and they do book well in advance and so are not able to guarantee that the appointment will be able to be rearranged quickly.

How many photographs would we expect to view from the shoot?
This is a difficult question to answer; however, Mark and Sue usually anticipate that the client may select their favourites from a viewing of somewhere between 50 and perhaps 150 images.

How much could we expect to spend from our portrait shoot?
As with their wedding clients, each shoot is different and every body is different. Mark and Sue offer a broad range of bespoke products from select frames to canvas wraps as well as a beautiful range of contemporary hand made albums from across the world. Products are exclusively designed, by Mark, around your choice of images. On average, clients spend between £1000 and £3500 following their portrait shoot.

Do you use digital technology for portrait shoots as well as for weddings?
Mark Wilson Photography is a fully digital studio. Now in their fifth year of digital photography Mark has a great deal of experience ensuring he obtains a very high quality product.

What is the advantage of using Digital Cameras?
Digital cameras give a great quality advantage over film cameras in low light conditions. With the ability to take shots, without using flash, Mark and Sue can be more creative, using natural light conditions. Digital cameras are also much less noisy than film cameras (as there is no film motordrives etc) which enables them to work discreetly and they have instant facilities to check for blinks etc. The ultimate plus of digital photography is that, having a skilled and knowledgeable production and design team, the finished print quality is exceptional.

Using digital cameras, how much manipulation is applied to our images once the shot has been taken?
Each and every image in its raw state is analysed for colour and tone, and black and white, selective colour and fashion colour options are created etc. Most images will be tidied up to some degree. This may include removal or toning down of unnatural blemishes such as spots or cuts, whitening of teeth if required, and sometimes the removal of fine lines if requested by the client. Digital does not provide an instant ability to take great photographs – you still need to know what you are doing behind the lens! All reasonable editing is carried out as part of the service and is not a chargeable extra. Sue and Mark pride themselves on their reputation and the high levels of service and quality of product.

What cameras do Mark and Sue use?
Mark and Sue use superb Canon professional cameras and lenses. This allows them to work unobtrusively in all lighting conditions.

Following the portrait shoot, how do we select our favourite images?
Following the shoot a mutually convenient date will be arranged, for you to view your images. The images are viewed as a show on a large screen and this is like reliving your wedding day all over again! By a process of elimination, you choose your favourite images, and also your preferred method of display. The process is great fun and it is not as hard as you would possible think! Mark is also very good at guiding clients on image selection.

Once we have selected our images what happens then?
Once you have obtained your final selection of favourite images, Mark will advise and help you decide on the best method of display for the images. Once you have decided how you would like your images displayed, all details and full payment for the order will be taken. It is as easy as that!

How long will it take for the order to be produced following our viewing at the studio or our home?
It usually takes approximately 6 weeks to exclusively design, produce and hand finish the frames, canvas wraps and albums. Once your order is ready Mark or Sue will call you from the studio in order to arrange collection or delivery of your order at a mutually convenient date and time.

Will other members of our family and our friends be able to select any images from the portrait shoot if they so wish?
Any friends or family are most welcome to arrange a viewing in order to see the images from the shoot.

Are we able to obtain reprints if we would wish in say several years time?
All images are archived for an indefinite period of time and reprints can be ordered by contacting the studio.

If any of our frames, albums etc get damaged by flood or fire, can these be replaced?
All albums, frames, canvas wraps etc can be reproduced as detailed records are kept of all orders and product design. However, Mark Wilson Photography is unable to guarantee for example, the exact same album cover or colour will be available from their supplier if much time has elapsed as they are continuously developing new ranges and innovative products. Mark and Sue would strive to achieve the most exact match to your album or frame. Mark and Sue do recommend, your wedding album and photographs are insured on your home contents policy.

How long will our photographs last?
Longer than us! If the paper manufacturers, are to be believed. Mark and Sue use photographic printing materials exclusively and paper manufacturers believe that 60+ years without any noticeable change is achievable. In an ever changing era of modern technology who knows what assurances will be available in the future.At Mark Wilson photography, only materials of the highest quality are used. Mark and Sue are only interested in printing processes that are archival. It is not company policy to use short life imaging materials.

How do we book a shoot?
Please call the studio and speak to Mark or Sue (01977 699901). They will be delighted to speak with you and book in the diary your portrait shoot. Your shoot fee is payable on booking. This can be made via any of the options below. A receipt will be sent to you via post as well as written confirmation of the agreed arrangements for the shoot.

What form of payment do you accept?
All major credit / debit cards are acceptable, (with the exception of American Express) and also cheques or cash and online banking. (Cheques must be made payable to 'Mark Wilson Photography').

Do you charge VAT?
Mark Wilson Photography is a VAT registered business but all prices are INCLUSIVE of VAT.