Frequently Asked Questions & Answers by Laurie MacBrown Photography

Price is usually the first thing that potential clients ask about. I believe in being completely upfront and transparent about costs. No nasty surprises! 

A custom portrait session in my studio is $390 and includes the following:

• Design Consultation
• Beauty and Style Guides
• Professional Hair & Makeup
• Portrait Session
• Reveal & Order Session
• Custom Wall Art Design

This is payable upon booking to hold your session date and time.

Portraits are purchased separately - only buy what you love!

Individual prints start at $275 and Collections start at $1250.

Portraits are purchased separately at your Reveal & Order appointment.  Custom wall art design is complimentary and you will be able to choose from the finest heirloom products.  Only buy what you love!

Although I want all of my clients to have beautiful printed portraits adorning their walls and tables, I understand that we live in a digital age, and everybody wants to share their images online. That is why I include a web-ready digital copy of each print that is purchased.
If you need printing or commercial rights, then you can upgrade to a collection that includes it OR you have the option to purchase the license separately.

It really depends on what you decide to do with your portraits in terms of presentation.  I offer only the finest products from as far away as Italy.  These are heirlooms to be enjoyed for generations. My clients only buy what they love and on average, a client will spend around $2000.

This is a common question but in reality I am not more expensive - I am just offering something completely different. But what does that mean?

Let's focus on three things:

Unique to You - You are different to every other woman. You will have your insecurities about your appearance but hopefully there will be aspects of yourself that you like also! We will chat about these so that we can enhance and disguise where appropriate and give you images that would not look out of place in a magazine. This is a bespoke experience. You are unique, let me capture this and create imagery you won't get anywhere else!

Passion for Presentation - At the end of this wonderful experience you will want something tangible and stunning to remember it with. I specialize in beautiful matted prints and elegant wall art. I use only the very best suppliers and source luxury products from as far away as Italy.

Commitment to Service - From your booking to your pre-session consultation to your makeover to your Portrait Session to your Reveal & Order appointment and then finally your product design and delivery, I am there every step of the way communicating with you and making sure you are having the very best experience possible. I am committed to providing you with not only beautiful imagery and products but also the highest standard of client service. Guaranteed.

There are so many different reasons for booking a styled portrait session like this.

Many of my clients just want to do this for themselves and don’t need a reason while others want to surprise their partner with a gift for a special birthday, anniversary or wedding day. 

I have many clients who book a session to celebrate a milestone, like turning 40, 50, 60! 

Some of my clients have been through a negative experience such as illness or a bad relationship and they want to mark the end of this with a real confidence boost. 

A few of the ladies I have photographed have lost weight and want to capture their new figures while others have reached a point in their lives where they are at one with themselves and how they look and want to celebrate this (I love this reason!).

You bet you can!

I have preferred hair and makeup artists who are experts in styling for this genre of photography. 

You can add hair and makeup for yourself and extra people (maybe a friend, sister, your mom) for an additional $180+GST each, and payment for this will be taken at the same time as your session fee to reserve the date and time with my stylist. 

Your makeover typically lasts for 1-1.5 hours and is tailored to you and the outfits you bring along with you.

The makeup artist will stay for the shoot for touchups and small changes (ie: lipstick or quick updo).

Some clients are skilled in styling their own hair and applying their own makeup and wish to do this themselves. 

This is absolutely fine.

We can discuss this during your pre-shoot consultation. 

I do, however, recommend opting for my hair and makeup artist for two reasons. 

First, you can relax and have a chat with us while you mentally prepare for your shoot.

Secondly, their techniques and products are perfect for the camera and will leave you looking flawless and radiant!

It is completely normal and understandable to be anxious about a glamour shoot. However, from start to finish we are focused on ensuring you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Most of my clients are very nervous but they all say that they felt immediately better after their pre-shoot consultation. This is why I feel this part of the experience is so important. By the time I start shooting, you will feel as though you have known me for a long time and your nerves will subside. I promise.

Your pre-session consultation is a phone or Zoom call between you and I.

This will be arranged for a convenient day and time so that you can chat for around 15-20 minutes.

During this conversation, I like to find out more about you and what you really want from your custom session and what you want to do with your images in terms of display on walls or in albums and boxes.

You can tell me about any insecurities you may have and I can advise you on how to prepare for your session and help you decide what you will wear! 

You will be so excited about your session after this chat and you will also know exactly what to expect which will enable you to relax and enjoy the experience.

Most of my Portrait Sessions take place in my studio.  

You will have complete privacy, a bathroom to yourself, and space to relax.

If you are interested in an on-location session, I can do that too - let's talk about it!

#FAQ How many 'looks' can we do?

I recommend 5-6 different outfits. Any more than that can be tiring.

You might have some empathy for models after this experience - it's more exhausting than it looks!

While you are being made over by the hair and makeup artist, I will look over your wardrobe and make a list. If I feel you brought too much, I will ask you to help me prioritize the looks.

If you're worried you don't have the “right” clothes, don't worry! I have a studio wardrobe that you can borrow from!

The black tulle skirt is probably my most recognizable piece and has become a bit of a signature style for my personal portrait sessions.

I have other tulle skirts, wraps, scarves, and dresses to choose from too. If this is something that interests you, then ask me during the pre-session consultation and we can discuss how to use some studio pieces with your own wardrobe for a unique look!

Consults are always complimentary - book a call with me to discuss YOUR dream session. www.lauriemacbrownphotography.com/contact

I am on hand to help with this!

During your pre-session consultation I like to find out more about you and what you really want from your session and images.

I love to chat with clients about their outfits and I can even advise you on what will work best with your body shape and colouring.

I can even point you in the direction of some inspiration.

You can set up a secret Pinterest board to share with me possible outfit ideas and I love it!

It helps me prepare for your session and I get as excited as you do!

No two sessions are the same!

I also have a guide that I will send you after your book your session that will help you figure out what to wear.  

In the meantime, I've written a blog post on the subject that you might find useful.  

Of course you can, we will give them the same warm welcome we give you! In fact, you could make it a girl's day out and both get the glamour experience! I can photograph you both individually during outfit changes, and we have to get a shot of you together as a memento of the day for sure!

If you just want a friend to come for support, that's cool too.  Space is limited, so no more than one friend please.

Many of my clients opt for a gorgeous heirloom box of matted prints called a Reveal Box. The Reveal Box has a see-through lid that acts as a frame and protective keepsake. It is like having an album and frame all in one! It really is the most versatile solution, which is why I love to offer it.

Sometimes my client has a feature wall or special place in their home where they want to have a larger display, which I help them design.

I use state-of-the-art software to create a visual representation prior to ordering so that the client is reassured that the final pieces are a perfect size and finish to suit the space.

I ask that you allow two to three hours for your shoot. You will be in hair and makeup for 1-1 1/2 hours and your shoot will last between 1-1 1/2 hours. I don't want you to ever feel rushed. Your glamour shoot should be relaxed and comfortable and that is exactly what I promise to give you.

I know you will be excited to see your images. I want to make the decision-making process as easy for you as possible, so I will do all the heavy lifting for you. I hand-select only the very best images from your session and fully retouch them. This takes time! Reveal & Order sessions are usually 2-4 weeks after your session, but you can rest assured that you will not have to pore over images that are nearly identical or have to wonder what "fully retouched" looks like. Your images will be ready to go - that day! In fact, if you decide to purchase a Reveal Box, you can take it home with you right away and I will deliver the digital collection the same day. The only pieces you will need to pick up later are the custom wall art or extra prints.

I love showing your images to you! It's probably my favourite part! I will arrange a time for you to come and view your images 2-4 weeks after your session. I will show you a slideshow first and then we will go through them one by one to select your favourites. This usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half.

Put simply, I would not be giving you the best possible service if I did this. I specialize in final image presentation and love to create  something special and unique for you. I can only do this if we are together. It's all part of the experience. Not only will I show you samples, but I will also guide you through the process and help you decide on the best way to display your gorgeous photographs. I have fantastic software that can show you what you images will look like on the wall, in different frames and layouts. It is a great experience and there are often happy tears! Rest assured that there is NO hard sell during this Reveal and Order session. I am not a sleazy salesperson. I only want you to purchase what you love and what you can afford.

I love it when ladies bring their partner or friend along to the viewing. This can really help with your decisions. It is important that you bring someone who will be a positive presence during your viewing so bear this in mind when deciding on this. Many of my clients come alone and I help them with their decisions in the same way a friend would.  If your partner holds the purse strings, make sure you educate them before this appointment.  They have not been through this amazing experience and may not understand the value if you don't tell them.  This is an investment in your legacy.  Make sure they understand what it means to you.  I will provide my full price list to you in advance.  Make sure you are in agreement with your partner about your budget to avoid an awkward and negative experience at the Reveal - this is supposed to be a fun and empowering experience!  

Not at all....  Although you are more likely to get exactly what you want if you tell me before the shoot.  Let me explain.  If I know ahead of time that you want an epic enlargement to go over your headboard in the master bedroom, and you want it to be sexy and anonymous - then I will shoot for that in the session to give you several options to choose from. 

If you are doing a glamour shoot but want to include a headshot that needs to have a pure white background to match your company website - then I need to be prepared for that.

If you're not sure what you want, that's okay too - I will capture lots of different looks for you to choose from.  Just be prepared to love them all!

This is one of the things we should discuss during your pre-shoot consult. We will talk about your budget and your needs and desires then we will design a session that is perfect for you!

I am very aware that some people wish to keep some or all of their portraits private. I respect this completely. I never work without a full model release. At any point in the process, you are welcome to ask me to write a note on your file to restrict the use of some or all of your images online. However, I have many clients who are so happy with the end result that they are excited for me to share their images!

Of course! In fact, this can be a fabulous girl’s day out. You will need to allow more time for this of course. Doing this with a friend costs the same as doing it alone as it is still two makeovers and two shoots. If you would like to include a partner and/or small kids, I recommend doing the makeover and first part of the shoot alone, and then bringing your partner and/or kids for the last 1/2 hour.  Let's face it, husbands and kids have less staying power - and I want you to have a full set of glamourous images just for you! 

I can only be available for a shoot on a weekend but you only seem to have weekday availability? Weekend slots are snapped up very  quickly and quite far in advance, as most of my time slots are Monday-Friday. I encourage you to think of your shoot like any other weekday appointment and arrange a day off work. You do it for the doctor and dentist after all, and this is a special occasion!  Treat  yourself!

If you have decided to go ahead and book your glamour session - great! Let's get on the phone and start planning your glamour experience!  Click the "Book a Consult" button to book a 15-minute call with me. Without exaggeration, investing in the right glamour experience can be truly life-changing for you. Don't put it off. Get in touch and let's start planning your shoot!

Occasionally a client will want to use their home or a special place outdoors for their shoot. I am open to discussing ideas with you, so please just ask! Extra fees will apply.

As a female team, my makeup artist and I completely understand the feelings you will have about different aspects of your body. We are here to guide you at every step and to alleviate these worries. Before your shoot, I will help you decide what to wear. I understand what works for every body shape. During your shoot I will guide you into poses that enhance what you want to show off and conceal what you don't. After your shoot your images will be subtly enhanced in Photoshop so that they look as beautiful as possible while still looking like YOU!

I fully finish your images in Photoshop prior to your Reveal & Order appointment. I remove blemishes, cellulite, stretch marks and scars. I also soften skin in general. However, it is important to state that I want you to look like 'you'. I will not take you down dress sizes and airbrush you to the point that you are no longer recognizable. I want you to look at your images and know that you actually are that  beautiful, not that Photoshop made you that way!