FAQs.
Real questions. Honest answers. Zero fluff.
Whether you're planning a shoot for yourself, your team, or your brand, there’s a lot to think about.
This FAQ section is here to make things clearer, calmer, and easier.
I’ve grouped everything into six areas - Portraits, Business Lifestyle, Team & Office, Events, Food & Cocktails and Interiors - jump straight to what’s relevant for you.
From what to wear and how to prep, to understanding the difference between a portrait
and a headshot, or what happens on the day - this is the stuff people always ask me,
(and the things they didn’t know they needed to ask).
Still have a question?
Just shout.
I’m always happy to talk through your ideas and make sure you feel
completely supported, from first enquiry to final image.
Let’s take out the guesswork - and make some magic instead.
portraits
I hate having my photo taken—can you help?
Absolutely. You're not alone—most people feel a little camera-shy. My job is to make this an easy, even enjoyable experience. I guide you through it gently, making sure you feel supported, confident, and seen. You’ll leave with images you love (and a few tricks for your next selfie).
What’s the difference between a headshot and a portrait?
Headshots are clean, close, and focused—typically chest-up with a simple background, perfect for LinkedIn, bios, and websites. Portraits give us more room to play—different angles, lighting, outfits, and creative energy. Great for book covers, editorial features, or when you want range and personality.
What should I wear?
Think: simple, polished, and comfortable. Solid colours, minimal patterns, and layers that reflect your style. If in doubt, bring options—I’ll help you choose. This isn’t about dressing up, it’s about showing up.
Can you retouch my photos?
Yes. Every final image includes professional editing think skin tone balance, blemish removal, light enhancements. I keep it natural, no plastic-skin filters here. Just you, looking like the best version of you. Retouching is additional, $37.50 per image and addresses things like removal of creases in clothing, slimming, facial reshape, background switch etc.
How long will it take to get my images?
Typically within 2–5 business days, but I can accommodate urgent turnarounds if needed. Just ask. Longer if retouching is involved, allow 7 to ten days.
Can I choose my favourite shots?
Definitely. After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery to review and choose your final images.
IMAGE: Shane N - Professional Portrait for LinkedIn
business lifestyle
What is business lifestyle photography, exactly?
It’s the behind-the-scenes heartbeat of your brand. Business lifestyle photography captures you, your team, your products, and your space in action. It’s less about posing, more about presence—showing what it feels like to work with you. Think team meetings, client interactions, hands-on product shots, creative process, quiet moments, and everyday magic.
Who is it for?
Founders, teams, creatives, consultants, clinics, makers, retailers—any business that wants to move beyond the stock-photo look and show up with clarity, character, and connection. It’s especially powerful for service-based brands where trust and vibe matter just as much as credentials.
What kind of content can I expect from the shoot?
You'll walk away with a curated gallery of lifestyle imagery—team in action, portraits with personality, your space in use, product lifestyle shots, detail shots, flat lays, and visual storytelling pieces that make your marketing easier, more beautiful, and more aligned.
What do I need to prepare beforehand?
We’ll have a pre-shoot planning session to go through your goals, shoot locations, talent, wardrobe, props, and any specific content needs. If you’ve got a launch, campaign, or website update in the works, we’ll align everything to that.
Can we include products in the shoot?
Absolutely. Whether it’s hero products, packaging, or your offering in use, I’ll shoot them in real-life settings that bring context and mood—no sterile white backdrops unless that’s your vibe.
Do you offer hair, makeup, or styling?
Yes. I can organise hair and makeup for people in the shoot, and if you need brand styling or product styling, we can bring in trusted collaborators. If you’re also shooting interiors, my Hessian Blonde package may be the perfect fit—bringing design, styling, and photography together in one seamless experience.
How long does the shoot usually take?
That depends on what we’re capturing, but most business lifestyle shoots run between 2–4 hours. Longer shoots, full-day brand refreshes, or content library creation can also be arranged.
Where do you shoot?
On location—your office, workspace, shopfront, home studio, warehouse, or any venue that tells the story of your business. If we need to scout a location, I can help with that too.
Will I get a mix of vertical and horizontal shots?
Yes. I always shoot with your platforms in mind—so you’ll receive a versatile gallery that works across websites, socials, banners, print, and email. Everything you need for a consistent, magnetic brand presence.
IMAGE: Avant Dental - People + Product Shoot
team & office
Do you offer consistent headshots for teams?
Yes—and it’s one of my specialities. I create a cohesive, on-brand look across your entire team, whether it's five people or five hundred. Consistency builds credibility, trust, and a polished digital presence.
What if our team is growing or changes often?
I offer composite portraits and flexible templates that let us seamlessly add or update team members as needed—no need to reshoot the whole team.
Our current team photos are outdated or mismatched—can you help?
Absolutely. I can retouch and standardise older images for a unified look, or organise a fresh shoot that aligns with your current brand story.
Do you help with logistics?
Yes. I make it easy—from reminder emails and session-day texts, to naming your image files correctly and creating a stress-free run sheet. I’ve worked with large corporate teams, so I know how to get in, get the job done, and keep your day flowing.
What’s your process?
It’s collaborative and customised. From a pre-shoot planning call to 1:1 direction on the day, every team member is coached to look confident and feel at ease. The result? Images that genuinely reflect your people and your brand.
IMAGE: MJD Recruitment - Team & Office Shoot
events
Corporate events, launches, panel discussions, multi-day conferences—if it matters to your business, I’ll be there capturing it. Think of me as your visual storyteller: everywhere at once, unobtrusive, and always on the lookout for that magic moment.
What will I get after the event?
A beautifully edited library of images that highlight the energy, connection, and key moments—perfect for press, socials, marketing, and internal comms. You’ll have high-quality content that extends the life and impact of your event.
Do you offer same-day or fast-tracked edits?
Yes. If you need hero shots for media or socials straight away, I’ve got options for fast-track delivery—just let me know when we chat.
Can you set up a headshot station at our event?
Absolutely. It’s a popular add-on that guests love. We create a seamless mini-studio setup, and guests walk away with a fresh new headshot—great for engagement, brand building, and lead generation.
Do you work with other photographers for big events?
Yes. I collaborate with a trusted team to ensure full coverage of large-scale events without compromising quality or cohesion.
IMAGE: Equifax - Event Shoot
food & cocktails
Can we shoot both food and drinks in one session?
Absolutely. Most shoots include a blend of both—hero dishes, best-sellers, atmosphere, and key drinks. We’ll map out the flow in advance so you get the most from your time and budget.
Do you style the food and drinks, or should we bring a stylist?
I offer natural styling on set—tweaking, placing, refining as we go. For a larger or editorial shoot, I can recommend a professional food stylist or bar consultant to really elevate the setup.
What should we prep before the shoot?
Have your top dishes and drinks ready to go, and your space tidy with the vibe you want to convey. If you’ve got a visual moodboard or brand guide, bring it along—it helps shape the shot list and ensures everything’s on brand.
How long will the shoot take?
It depends on your scope, but most food and drink shoots range from 1.5 to 4 hours. I shoot quickly and intentionally, balancing beauty with efficiency so your food doesn’t go cold (and your drinks don’t melt).
Can you shoot during service?
Preferably not—but if needed, I can work around it discreetly. For best results, we usually plan to shoot before doors open, after hours, or during quiet periods.
What about lighting? Do you bring your own?
Yes. I bring lighting gear tailored to your space, whether we’re going for moody and intimate or bright and clean. It’s all about capturing your food and drinks in their best light—literally.
Can you match our existing brand aesthetic or previous photos?
Yes. If you’ve got a visual direction, I’ll match it. If you’re ready to evolve or refresh your style, I’ll guide you through that too.
IMAGE: The Cauliflower Hotel - Food Shoot
interiors
What kinds of spaces do you photograph?
I work with beautifully designed spaces—restaurants, bars, cafés, salons, boutique hotels, lifestyle shops, and interiors-led Airbnbs. If it’s thoughtfully styled and full of personality, I’m there. My goal is to capture the feeling of your space, not just the layout.
What’s your photography style?
I’m a sucker for detail. Shallow depth of field is my secret weapon—it brings texture, warmth, and that voyeuristic, lived-in feel. From the curve of a chair to the shadows on a tiled wall, I hone in on the moments that make your space feel alive. The result? Images that invite the viewer in.
Do you style the space or work with someone?
For standalone shoots, I lightly style as I go—adjusting, tweaking, and framing with intention. But for elevated, editorial-level visuals, I team up with Hessian Blonde—a collaborative package I’ve co-created with interior designer Kerena Berry. Together, we blend design and photography to tell a deeper brand story and ensure every detail is dialled in.
What is Hessian Blonde?
Hessian Blonde is where interiors, style, and photography meet. It’s a tailored package for brands and businesses who want to do more than just showcase their space—they want to communicate it. Think styling, art direction, and a full shoot experience built around your brand vision. Ideal for launches, website updates, or brands who want next-level visual storytelling.
How long will the shoot take?
Typically 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the size of your space, how much we’re capturing, and whether we’re shooting at different times of day. If we’re working as Hessian Blonde, we’ll do a full pre-shoot walkthrough and planning session to maximise every frame. 1 day to three days, depending upon your needs.
Can you shoot during service or opening hours?
It’s possible, but not ideal. To get clean, intentional shots (especially of the interiors), I recommend we shoot before or after opening—or during quiet periods. If it’s about capturing your space in action, we’ll plan around the rhythm of your team and guests.
Will you photograph both wide and detailed shots?
Always. I capture wide shots to showcase layout and flow—and zoom in on the details that make your space sing. Light hitting linen. Steam curling from a teacup. A worn timber edge. These are the images that bring texture, tone, and story.
Can you match our brand aesthetic or past photography?
Yes. If you’ve got a visual direction or existing image library, I’ll make sure the new photos align. If you’re after something fresh, I’ll guide that too—with styling support from Hessian Blonde if needed.
IMAGE: Coppolla Homes - Rug Shoot