About Me
Hi, I’m Sarah. I've been a photographer for many years, in fact one of my earliest memories is of making prints in my dad's wardrobe darkroom when I was very tiny. I have a first class degree in Photography and I work in a college as a photography teacher, as well as running my portrait business and teaching classes privately. My favourite studio is the great outdoors with its lovely natural light. My most-used props are flowers, leaves and puddles.
I live in Earley in Reading, Berkshire, UK. I love exploring and I'm happy to travel, but please ask me for a quote if you're outside the Reading area.
PRICes
The price of a natural outdoor photo session (family, maternity, newborn etc) is £220. This includes the session and at least 16 full-sized, professionally edited digital files, ready for you to print and share as you wish. I also offer other packages, see below for full price list. I give discounts to returning customers (20% off), and to anyone who signs my model release form (10% off) as this allows me to use the pictures on my website and to promote my business. If you do choose to sign my model release form it's quite possible that you'll end up with extra photos, as I often go back through my old images at a later stage and rework them in more experimental ways.
Natural outdoor session - 16+ images - £220
Bump to Baby - maternity and newborn session - 16+ images per session - £330
Four Seasons - four separate mini sessions spring/summer/autumn/winter (in any order!) - 8+ images per session - a final set of four favourite prints, mounted together and ready to frame - £390
If you decide to go ahead you’ll be asked to pay a £50 deposit in order to secure your booking. This can be paid by Paypal, credit or debit card securely online.
About your session
Once your session is booked, we'll discuss locations. The final decision might need to be made at the last minute for the most beautiful seasonal backdrops, because plants flower and leaves change colour at slightly different times each year, meadows may be mown, and nature is unpredictable! I love scouting for the best spots though, so rest assured I can find you somewhere beautiful if you don't already have your own favourite place in mind.
The timing of your session is very important. During the months of 'British Summer Time' (April, May, June, July, August, September, October) it’s best to work in the early morning or in the evening to get the best light. Midday sunlight can be harsh and unflattering, there may not be any shade, and in the summer it can be hot and uncomfortable. The winter months are much easier as the sun is low in the sky all day, and contrary to popular belief the light is often golden and beautiful.
Early morning sessions can be very beautiful, especially if we get sparkly dew, frost or a little bit of mist. Do bear in mind though, that the morning is always colder, and even in the summer you'll need to wear extra layers!
On the day before the session I’ll contact you to discuss the last minute details such as weather conditions (it may be necessary to postpone if the forecast is very bad). If you've booked a Four Seasons package and snow is forecast in winter, or we have a run of perfect sunny evenings in summer, don't be surprised if I send you a message to offer you a change of date for that perfect seasonal backdrop!
What to wear is completely up to you of course, but my advice for best results would be to choose smart/casual clothing that you feel comfortable in and is suitable for the weather and location. I'd suggest avoiding very bright colours, khaki/camouflage, and tops with writing, logos, or obvious pictures on them. I also wouldn’t recommend wearing hats with brims or peaked caps as they may cast shadows on your face. I have more specific detailed advice for Four Seasons clients, which I will send to you when you book.
After your session
I’ll send you a link to an online gallery containing your photographs within 21 days. If you’re happy with them you'll be able to download the full sized files on receipt of cleared payment. There will also be the opportunity to purchase beautiful professional quality prints, enlargements and wall art pieces, directly from your gallery. There will be absolutely no obligation to do this though, you may use any lab you choose, of course.