FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQ]
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BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Do I need to decide which package to go for when making a booking?
Understandably, you'll only know which to go for once you have seen the images we have taken in the studio.
However, it's helpful to have a rough idea of your budget on the day so that we can both plan the session accordingly.
So, simply book a date and then think about your budget before the session. We go through the images together at the end of the session and then select your favourites to purchase.
I don't want my images shared online or on social media. Can my images be kept private?
Yes, of course. Privacy is well within your human rights and something we respect. When signing a model/print release as part of your order form on the day of the session, we can add an addendum to express that images from this collection are to be kept private.
Which type of session should I book?
Unless booking something specific, like a Cake Smash or Maternity session, simply book a session based on your baby's age.
Newborn Sessions - We recommend that newborns are photographed within the first two weeks of their safe arrival. To ensure availability, we advise customers to book during pregnancy.
When booking online, please schedule your session for around a week after your due date. Should your baby arrive early or late, we'll simply adjust the date to suit!
Maternity Sessions - Recommended around 36-38 weeks of your pregnancy.
Studio Sessions - We love to welcome babies, toddlers & children of all ages into the studio as each brings something different to the session. However, certain ages will have more options in the studio than others - generally, babies over 4 months will have a more varied complete collection (excluding newborns).
I've booked a session online. Now what?
Wonderful! Please now take a moment to gather some ideas and think about your budget. We have created an easy online session planner for you to submit your ideas & read through the preparation details before your photoshoot. This is sent within your booking confirmation email - you may need to check your junk box for our emails.
What do I need to bring with me?
Full preparation details are provided within a bespoke session planner, which is sent within your booking confirmation email.
We always recommend bringing along a couple of outfits for your little one(s) as we do several different setups during your session and it's good to have a variety of options. Too much choice is better than not enough. That said, should you wish to solely use the outfits we have here, that's fine! Simply bring yourself and the baby - don't forget the baby 😉
It's lovely to include a personal touch in your images too. Consider bringing your baby's favourite toy/comforter, a blanket or a cute item from their nursery.
Can we have a family image taken too?
Absolutely! No need to book a separate option. We do a mixture of setups/backdrops in all sessions and including family portraits or those with siblings are great.
Are props/backdrops included for free?
They certainly are! We have a huge collection of props, accessories and baby clothes along with both patterned and plain backdrops, all free to use in your session.
I'm booking a Cake Smash session. How do I pick the cake?
Each cake for our cake smash photoshoots is baked fresh and specifically just for you. Our baker is Hey Little Cupcake and cakes are decorated to whichever colour combination you'd like - simply let us know your preferred colour when submitting your session planner.
How many setups will you do during the photoshoot?
We plan the session based on which package you're aiming for and we can change up the backdrops for each outfit, or more. Each session must be ultimately carried out at baby's pace. So, whilst some children will tolerate multiple outfit changes, most will get fed up with more than three or four. However, if you're looking for one of our higher packages, we'll add variety in your collection that doesn't require too many outfit changes for your little one. We recommend not trying to push for numerous outfits/setups as this breaks up the session and disturbs your little one. Based on your budget/package, we will advise you on the day as to what is achievable. As a guide, our first package for a baby or toddler would have two outfits/backdfrops, whilst setups blend together for newborns. It's not uncommon for a package of 20 images to have three setups, but with a variety of shorts within each.
Can I bring my own props?
Absolutely! We love to get creative with new props, especially those which are personal to you. Whilst most of the props shown in our galleries are our own, the occasional one has been brought in by the client.
Can I include a Splash within my Cake Smash?
We find that most clients opt for more regular studio setups in additional to a Cake Smash and that babies can be too tired by the end for added setups. Therefore, splash-type images are not planned as standard, but we do have the facilities to include these images. Currently, we offer either a blue or tin bath which can either be filled with warm water, used as a milk-bath or left un-filled - we can always work some photoshop magic on editing in some bubbles!
Do you have clothes for children?
The outfits in our wardrobe will fit babies & toddlers. We have headbands which are suitable for children & adults, but we advise to bring your own clothing for those over 2 years old.
Do you do gift cards or vouchers?
Yes, we do. Gift vouchers can be purchased to any amount, full or partial package for any session. Click here to buy a voucher. Alternatively, we can arrange a card payment for these online or over the phone. Your gift voucher will be sent via email along with a note to explain the booking process to the recipient.
My baby has dry skin/a bruise. Will this show in the images?
Do not worry at all if your baby has dry skin, a bump/bruise leading up to the session. Natural skin smoothing is part of our standard editing process and it's no problem at all to make extra adjustments to these specifics - they're commonplace!
Do you have any last-minute availability?
Any sessions within than 24 hours or recent cancellations may not show on the system, please use our live chat feature or call 0161 222 9470 if you're looking to make a last-minute booking.
Do you provide any hair and make-up services?
Unfortunately not. We specialise in capturing baby portraits, rather than being a makeover type studio. Should you wish to have your makeup done professionally for your photoshoot, we recommend booking an afternoon session time and giving yourself ample time beforehand for a local appointment.
What if my baby won't settle?
Luckily, we find it quite rare for a baby to be unsettled for the entirety of your session. On average, we may only get one or two of these a year. Of course, should we find ourselves unable to capture your baby at their best, we can simply try again another day.
When is payment taken? Can I spread the cost?
Payment for your images is taken on the day of the session, once you have chosen how many to purchase. We accept Visa debit/credit card payments and cash. Payment plans are also available to help spread the cost of your images - helpful if you love more images than budgeted for!
Payment plans are arranged interest-free via GoCardless. We can arrange payments to be taken weekly/monthly and to any amount. However, your images will be provided only when your balance is paid in full.
Where is the studio?
The studio is on the top floor of 3 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN - Don't worry, there is a lift in the building
Our closest car parks are located on Tib Street M4 1PD or Dale Street M1 2EQ
Click here for more details
AFTER YOUR SESSION
How long does it take to receive the images?
The turnaround can vary based on our workload but is averaged between 1 to 2 weeks. Once your collection is finished, we'll send over an email with the access code for your personal online gallery.
How are the images supplied?
Your chosen images are supplied digitally, in high resolution via instant download on your own private online gallery, over on the client area of our website.
Each image is provided in both colour and black & white, with personal print rights.
RAW or un-edited images are not included or available to purchase. This is to ensure that we only hand over work that meets the standards and styling of our brand
Can I order prints of my images?
Printing your images is highly recommended. Your online gallery is linked up to our recommended print lab, enabling you to order professional quality prints & gifts of your images at trade cost. It's a simple process, similar to ordering clothes online, with payment taken via Paypal. The print lab will deal with your order independently and post out in 3-5 working days.
Can I download the images to my iPhone?
Yes. Your final images can be downloaded individually or in bulk, to whichever device you're on, this includes iPhones. However, there's a possibility that files may compress in size when downloading to a smartphone, so we highly recommend downloading to a computer or laptop in addition to keep a copy of the highest quality images.
How long do you keep my images after the session?
After your photoshoot, your all of your shortlisted images (the ones you have seen on the day) are archived on an encrypted hard drive. These are kept for some years, should we wish to return to these at any point, to resend or to make an additional order. You can, of course, request that we remove these from our records at any point