Reviews

Classic portraiture  aims to show the subject as they are through using simple backgrounds and a minimum of props.

Light and shadow is used to emphasise and compliment the sitter with particular emphasis on the eyes.

Classic portraits can be distinguished by being in black and white (although not exclusively).

My portraits are inspired by, but not direct copies of, the Hollywood studio portraits from the 1930's to the 1950's.  I use these as a starting point from which a unique portrait  is created.

Yes - its a variation on the classic lighting setup in that I I won't place so much emphasis on dramatic shadow, using the lighting more evenly without ending up with something that looks like a passport photo.

I have a pop-up studio at the YouNique Wellbeing Studios in Bexhill-on-Sea, a friendly and welcoming environment.

I want your portrait to be special and individual so I won't schedule more than two sessions per month.   This gives me time to give attention to your portrait, which extends beyond the photo shoot on the day itself.

If you would like a portrait for a special event or anniversary I would recommend getting in contact sooner, rather than later, so we can arrange dates.

On enquiry the first thing I like to do is to have an initial quick chat, either in person, phone  (or via zoom) to get a feel for the type of portrait that I'll be looking to capture, in terms of mood and posing - for example head and shoulders, three quarter.   I'll describe the lighting variations with some examples so that on the day I'll have the lights setup and ready.

The lighting used consists of a LED modelling lights, (no hot lights), and flash.  There will be a short delay between each flash exposure, so there won't be any strobe disco type effect.  The  session will start with some "warm up" photos while I fine tune the lighting and suggest some comfortable poses.

The whole experience will be relaxed, you can stop anytime.  There will be breaks built in as we'll review the photographs on a tablet/laptop - one of the great things about shooting digitally.

No problem at all.  I welcome anything that makes you comfortable.

Just let me know in advance of the session.

When the photographs are ready you will have access to a private online viewing gallery where you can view the photographs at your leisure.

No, you don't have to buy prints, although the option is available, but that's entirely up to you.  I can provide samples of the print quality if that were to be of interest.

Download of up to three high resolution files suitable for prints up to 10 x 8 inches from your private gallery page, is included within the portrait session fee.  If we have managed to shoot more than that, and selected, more than three images, these will be chargeable for each download.

However, I've heard many times that people prefer to have the digital file with the good intention of having a print made, but it ends up sitting on a computer or phone.  If you don't want to order your own, high quality fine art prints are available to order.  

These are printed on 200gsm art paper using archival inks. There are two print options available:

i) a 10 x 8 inch print, unmatted.  The actual image size will be slightly smaller than the 10x8 inch print size as it will have a small border.

ii) a 10 x 8 print, presented in a 1.4mm museum grade mount ready for framing.  Total size including the mount is 13 x 11 inches

Photographs will be "photo-shopped" as part of the standard  process to get the best rendering from the digital file.

This work will be kept to a minimum as my preference is to create the image using a combination  of camera lens and lighting.

For black and white images, I will use the digital equivalent of classic darkroom techniques to get the best "look."

Overall the effect will be naturalistic and hopefully you'll agree it will show you at your best.

Only with your permission.

A selection of the  images will be used on my website as part of the portfolio, along with any testimonials received.  With your permission they may also be used for posts on my blog, Linkedin,my  Facebook business page, and Twitter.  If you would prefer your images not to be used on any, or all of these platforms - let me know.  It won't be a problem.

You can of course post the photographs to your own social media feed.  There's no copyright restriction for personal non-commercial use, although I wouldn't mind an acknowledgement as the photographer.

Prior to the portrait session the studio is ventilated with the entrance doors and windows open to allow a through flow, and change of air.  The studio windows will be left open during the portrait session.

All attendees are requested to use the available hand sanitiser at the entrance.

My COVID vaccinations are up to date and I am tested regularly as part of the Office for National Statistics Covid survey.

In the event of a positive test, or I'm made aware of having been around someone who tested positive for COVID, I'll take a lateral flow test.  If in doubt, the portrait session will be rescheduled.  If attendees for a portrait have tested positive, been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are generally feeling below the weather, I would strongly encourage them to reschedule, or cancel the session.  There are no cancellation charges levied at the moment.