Modern portrait & branding photography.
I have been shooting portraits for over ten years for clients such as The Guardian and Penguin Random House. To this day I still get a major buzz from shooting portraits - it’s a huge privilege to me to be trusted to capture someone’s spirit and essence which is what I’m always trying to do with my portraiture. My portraits aren’t about making you look like a model, I’m here for honest and true images of you showing up as yourself because that is all you ever need to show up as.
My extensive experience means you will get maximum output and you can trust me to know what kind of images are highly usable.
Whether you want capturing in your working studio, out in nature, at home or in my studio I promise a fun session where we hang out and shoot some images. I mostly use natural light and an editorial style to create portraits that capture the essence of who you are. I can travel further afield for half day portrait shoots, see my FAQ’s below for more information about my portrait sessions.
While my sessions and fun and easy, your images mean serious business. Let’s work together to elevate you and your brand.
My portrait offerings
I offer half day (nationwide) and 2 hour (Derbyshire only) portrait sessions in your studio, out in nature, in your workplace, in your home or anywhere else is a good fit for your sessions. If you are looking for headshots, go here. I also offer team headshots and corporate workplace photography, get in touch for more info.
“Emma is a dream to collaborate with. So kind and fun and brings so much creativity to the whole project, not just the shoot day. I genuinely had such a good day I almost forget we'd have images at the end of it. The experience alone was worth the investment.” - Fi Gregory
“I absolutely loved our day together. Hands down the best photoshoot I have ever done (by a long way) and I would certainly like to book you in for future photoshoots please. The photos are so fantastic I have had real trouble narrowing it down (!)” - Louise
“I have had the privilege to work with Emma on five photo shoots over the past seven years and I can hand on heart say that she is a rare gem. Emma has an effortlessly natural talent, whereby she creates just the right mood and tone to her shoots. She captures the very essence of the person or product she is working with and the results are simply stunning. Emma is a true professional, and her passion for nature, holistic health and photography offers the most unique fusion of skills and talent. Book her NOW- your business will not regret it!” - Tanya
Pricing.
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The Straight Up.
(Derbyshire, Sheffield, Manchester, Leicester - other areas may be available on request)
Perfect for those that need some imagery to get started or to fill a website. Or if you’ve been asked for some imagery for PR. Most solo business folk find this package ample unless you need course content. You can expect around 5 different sets up with plenty of variations on each so you’ll end up with around 50 images.
Questionnaire to define your story.
A call to introduce ourselves to each other and chat ideas.
Moodboard & Shoot Schedule.
Up to 2.5 hours photography & standard post production.
BTS clips - people love these on social!
Includes license to use.
Your choice of keywords embedded into the image metadata.
Images posted to my Instagram audience (optional).
Extras available such as stock photography, support with usage and curation services.
£500 (2 x £250)
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The Deeper Dive.
(Nationwide - travel costs may apply outside of 1.5 hours from Matlock, Derbyshire)
These longer sessions are perfect for those that need a variety of images with a few changes of outfits for various uses - course content, marketing, social media strategies and throughout a website. You can expect around 10 different set ups which result in over 100 images.
Questionnaire to define your story.
A call to introduce ourselves to each other and chat ideas.
Moodboard & Shoot Schedule.
Up to 4 hours photography and standard post production.
BTS clips - people love these on social!
Includes license to use.
Your choice of keywords embedded into the image metadata.
Images posted to my Instagram audience (optional).
Extras available such as stock photography, support with usage and curation services.
£750 (2 x £375)
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The Peak.
(In and around The Peak District)
The ultimate package to create your perfect assets. Many clients find they learnt so much and have lots of fun on their first shoot they wanted to go again! Having two shoots over a 6 month period means you get two seasons and can split the payments to make it super accessible. It turns the pressure off for the first shoot and when you start to use the images you learn from your needs. It’s a win win!
In depth call to identify your needs and define your story.
Moodboard & Shoot Schedule.
2 × 2.5 hours photography sessions + standard post production.
Around 150 images and video clips from each shoot.
Includes license to use.
Your choice of keywords embedded into the image metadata.
Images posted to my Instagram audience (optional).
Extras available such as stock photography, support with usage and curation services.
£900 (6 × £150)
FAQs
How can I book?
You can book straight from my booking system or if you feel like you need a bit more guidance just drop me a line on email.
Why am I paying half upfront?
To secure a date 50% of your shoot fee is payable. As a one person business who only has so many bookable days in a month this is to protect me from loss of work. This payment is non refundable but if you need to move your shoot date this can be done up-to 5 days in advance.
What’s your style?
My style of portraits are very natural portraits mostly taken in natural light, leaving the surrounding as organic and authentic as possible. On the day we can work together to remove any unsightly items but I am so here for messy studios, unfinished walls and perfectly imperfect spaces. As long as there is good light from a window we are all set.
What about styling/wardrobe?
Most portraits shoots don’t call for a lifestyle stylist unless you are someone who needs some food shots to demonstrate your brand further or would like to make sure everything in the background of your shots is styled to a professional level. These type of shoots will almost always need at least a half day and I can recommend a food or interior stylist if it’s something you’re not confident doing yourself.
In terms of clothes, hair and make up while I can give you some input on the overall palette in the images, this is something you’d ideally have prepped before the shoot. I am of a come as you are approach and would not expect you to have professional hair and make up for our shoot but if it gives you confidence, go for it! While on the shoot there is a lot for me to be looking at through the lens - composition, light, colours so while I can try and keep an eye out for flyaways I would always suggest keeping an eye on your hair and make up throughout your shoot. It is also very subjective. Should you require retouching of hair and make up after our shoot a third party retoucher will quote you on the work to be done but it is rare this is needed, it might just be in one shot there is a little bit over your face from the wind and that happens to be your favourite from the set.
With clothing my suggestion would be to keep things fairly neutral, staying away from strong patterns, block colour (unless we are playing to it) and all black outfits as this can bring the lightness of your images down. Play with a few outfits beforehand and photograph yourself in them on your phone with self timer and think about how they will work with your brand colours. If you book a shoot with me we can chat about what would work best on our planning session.
I’d like something a bit different to the style of photos in your portfolio, is that possible?
Every photographer is different. I specialise in offering a certain style of photography as this is the visual language and use of light that I’ve practised and crafted over a number of years. Therefore if you wanted a different style I would recommend finding a photographer with a style you connect with.
Can you travel to me?
It does depend on where you are. My Straight Up sessions are generally available in Derbyshire, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and Manchester but for half day sessions I can travel - fuel and accommodation maybe chargeable. I do travel quite a bit in my van so it is always worth trying me if you’re digging my vibe!
Where should we shoot?
For some folks, it will be obvious where their portraits should be taken: maybe you’re an artist who works from a studio, or a practitioner who works from a clinic - these are the spaces that make the most sense. If you aren’t sure about light you can take a few phone photos with the lights off and I can let you know what I think of the light and the outcome.
For others you might not have a space you feel works for your portraits, in this instance we can work together on finding a space. I have worked in many location houses and studios and have a contact list of places that could work. Likewise, if you feel like an outdoors space is more fitting for your shoot I can help with suggestions - I have special places earmarked all over the UK!
So you know, commercial portraits in lit photographic studios isn’t something I offer. However I do offer portrait days where if you just want a headshot I offer 20 minute slots for some simple, soft headshots. To find out when the next one is, check here.
I have a brief, are you able to work to this instead of your usual workflow?
Absolutely. I have shot for many brands, celebs and magazines over the years and I am very used to working in this way. Over the years I’ve learned that my portrait clients either need some guidance as they’ve never done this before or have some clear ideas of what they need. If you are the latter, send over the brief and I can make sure we are a good fit for your shoot.
What happens after the shoot?
Within a few days I’ll send you some previews of your shoot so you can see a few images. Then within ten days (if it will be any longer than this I will let you know before you book your date in) you will get a set of proofs. I shoot quite quickly and like to give you as many photos as I can to choose from, removing any clearly unusable ones where you have your eyes shut or where there are technically better options.
You choose your favourites from the shoot and I then tidy up the images in terms of colours, contrast and straightening. If you have any specific edit requests you have the options to add input.
Any removal of objects from an image or specialist retouching will be on a quotation basis. Please note I do not offer any image retouching that changes how you look on a permanent basis - while I can removes temporary pimples I won’t change the shape or your face or remove permanent features due to ethics around body image.
