What happens at a shoot
Start to finish, so you know what you are walking into before you get here. Nothing on this page will be a surprise on the day.
Before the day
A little preparation makes the session run more smoothly. It does not mean the shoot has to be rigid or over-planned, and some of the best images come from trying things as we go.
Telling me what you want from it
Before the shoot I like a clear idea of what you want out of the session. The type of images you need, your experience level, any styling ideas, whether you are building a modelling portfolio or need images for social media or agency submissions, and whether there are looks or poses you would rather avoid.
Outfits
Bring more than you think you will need. Somewhere around six to ten options is useful, depending on the length of the session. We may not photograph everything, and having choices gives us more flexibility.
A good selection covers a simple clean look, something more fashion-led, something with texture or shape, and one or two looks that show more personality. Plain clothing often works very well because it keeps the attention on you rather than the outfit. Bring suitable underwear options for different outfits, such as black, nude or strapless, which is simply practical planning if you are bringing lighter or fitted clothing or tops with different necklines.
Worth packing too: a hairbrush, makeup for touch-ups, water, snacks, and any medication or personal items you may need during the session.
Sending ideas over beforehand
I actively encourage it. Quick phone photos of outfits are absolutely fine, and they do not need to be polished. I can then give practical feedback, such as whether something will work better on a light or dark background, or whether a look suits a headshot or a full-length image.
Pinterest boards and reference images are useful as well. They help me understand the mood, styling, lighting and direction you are drawn to. The shoot does not have to copy them, and I would rather not simply reproduce someone else’s work, though they build a shared visual language before we start. Send examples of anything you do not want to do as well. Knowing what to avoid is often as useful as knowing what you like.
Hair, makeup, and anyone coming with you
Hair and makeup are not automatically included unless that has been arranged specifically. Many models do their own for portfolio shoots, and for a first shoot, simple and well-prepared is usually more useful than anything heavy or experimental. If a makeup artist is needed, we can discuss it before booking, though it may affect the cost and timing of the session.
If you are bringing a makeup artist, hairstylist, stylist or a friend to help with clothing, let me know in advance so I can plan the session properly. Chaperones are always welcome and you never have to ask.
Props and backgrounds
Props and accessories work well when they support the shoot rather than distract from it. Jackets, hats, jewellery, glasses, scarves, bags, instruments, books, anything relevant to the images you want. Mention them beforehand so we can decide whether they genuinely add something.
The studio has different background options and you can have a say in which we use. Grey, white, black and warmer neutral tones all work well for portfolio work because they keep the attention on you.
Finding the studio
Foyers Photography is based at Bentwaters, near Woodbridge in Suffolk. The studio is close to Rendlesham and within easy reach of Woodbridge, Ipswich, Wickham Market, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Framlingham and the wider Suffolk coast.
If you are travelling by train, Wickham Market station is the nearest. Please check your travel before booking, particularly if you are relying on public transport.
On the day
Arriving
When you get here we take a few minutes to go through the plan. We look at your outfit options, work out the order of the looks, talk through any ideas or concerns, and make sure you are comfortable before we begin. There is no need to rush straight in front of the camera. I would rather start properly and have the session feel clear from the beginning.
Changing
There is space at the studio to change between looks. If you are bringing several, organise them so they are easy to work through. Keeping shoes, accessories and any specific underwear with the outfit they belong to keeps things moving and saves working out later which items were meant to go together.
Direction and posing
You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose. I will guide you through the session, including small adjustments to posture, hands, expression, shoulders, head position and body angle. Some of that is subtle. Other times I will demonstrate a pose from a respectful distance so it is easier to follow. The aim is posing that feels natural and controlled, and that suits the images we are making.
I do not touch models
I do not adjust clothing, move hair, or physically place anyone into a pose. All direction is given verbally or demonstrated from a distance. If hair, clothing, jewellery or a collar needs adjusting, I will point it out and ask you, or your chaperone where appropriate, to sort it. That rule applies to every shoot without exception.
Seeing the images as we go
I usually shoot tethered to a screen, so we can review images during the session. You can see what is working, understand the small posing adjustments, and make decisions with me rather than waiting to find out afterwards. Most people relax once they can see that a small change in posture, expression or lighting makes a real difference.
Saying no, and stopping
You can say no to any pose, outfit, lighting idea, styling suggestion or direction, and it will not be treated as awkward. A simple “I would rather not do that” is enough, and you do not need to justify it.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point we can pause, adjust or stop. Sometimes people need a moment to reset, change outfit, ask a question, look at the images or take a short break. That is completely fine. I would always rather adjust the shoot than have someone push through feeling uncomfortable.
If you are nervous
Most people are, including those with experience. I keep the session calm, clear and well-paced, and we can take it step by step. If something would make the shoot easier for you, tell me beforehand. That might be bringing a chaperone, starting with simpler poses, avoiding certain kinds of direction, or building in short breaks.
Afterwards
Choosing your images
After the shoot I put together an online proof gallery so you can review everything and pick your favourites. Proofs are low-resolution and watermarked because they are for selection only. Once your choices are confirmed I edit those images and deliver them as finished files.
What is included
Every image you select is colour corrected and lightly retouched as standard. That is enough for most portfolio work, and it keeps the images looking like you rather than like a different person.
If you want more than that, heavier retouching is available as a paid upgrade and anything complex is quoted separately. The options and prices are on the Book a Shoot page.
How long editing takes
It varies with the shoot, the number of images selected, and what else I have on at the time. I will give you a clearer idea after the session or once you have made your selections. I would rather edit properly than rush it, because the final images should look considered.
Still have a question?
The FAQ covers the things this page does not, and the safety page is worth reading before a first shoot with anyone new.