ImageMaker portfolio shoots

We have over 20 years experience doing photo shoots for a wide range of people and we are regarded as one of the best creative photographic studios in Kent. People regularly travel from all over the UK to work with us rather than other studios they've looked at because of the creativity of our work, and they recommend their friends afterwards because they had a great experience and loved the photos.

What we offer is unique:

• BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS - Would you rather have an established photographer with a great reputation who cares about the results, or an impersonal company that only cares about getting as many people through the door as possible. Compare our work with other photo studios and you'll see the difference. Watch out for the weekend warrior (part time photographers)
• INCLUSIVE PRICES - Our prices are clear, up front and include all the best photos. Student discounts available.
• THE PHOTOS YOU WANT - Unlike makeover studios, your photos will be tailored to whatever you want.
• FEEL COMFORTABLE - Our studio isn't a huge warehouse with 10 people watching! It's a relaxed, informal environment so you feel as comfortable as you would at home.
• WARM-UP SHOTS - We do as many warm-up shots as necessary. You don't need to know any poses or have any experience. It's our job to make you feel comfortable and look good.
• REVIEW - We show you the images as we go along, to make sure you're happy with them.

How It Works:
For a shoot, we work according to your requirements and together we come up with whatever style of images you want, whether that's fashion, portraits, headshots, dance, glamour or something else. Or if you're not sure and just want a portfolio or variety of styles, We will offer you guidance on what clothes and accessories to bring. Some people have specific looks in mind that they want us to create; others aren't sure yet and want our input on what styles would suit them. Either way, we will discuss it when you first arrive for the shoot and together pinpoint exactly what photos would be most beneficial and fun for you to do. We'll also do test shots as we go along that you can see, so you can make sure that the photos are ones you like.

There's a lot of good looking people on my website,( these are all normal people, just good lighting and having fun) but you don't need to be a model - most people who work with us aren't, and the majority have never done a photo shoot before. Plenty of them are convinced they're not photogenic and certainly not all are skinny! We are used to working with all shapes, sizes and ages. So don't worry if you're a bit camera-shy - everyone is at first. We are not expecting any previous experience or knowledge of poses. 

Retouching:
Retouching of the best photos is fully included in the price of the shoot (except for the IMAGEMAKER 1 package). The number of images retouched depends which package you book. Skin smoothing and slimming can also be included in the retouching free of charge but must be discussed with me before the day of the shoot as it's not always possible in all shots.

What You Get:
About a week after the shoot, your images will be put on line and you can chose the images for your CD. You'll get a CD of the best (Depends on package chosen) images retouched, in both colour and black and white versions, all in both large size for printing and small size for the internet. So there will be four different versions of each image on the CD: Colour Large, Colour Small, B&W Large, B&W Small etc.

Please note that apart from the specific Headshots package, we can do any styles you like in any of the packages. So an Image Maker 1 or Image Maker 2 shoot can include head shots as well as other portfolio photos - you don't need to book a separate head shots shoot. 

Student Discounts:
Student discounts are available on all packages. To qualify for these, you must let me know that you're a student when booking, and bring a valid student ID card on the day of the shoot. 

Current Rates and Packages:
Please note that unlike most studios, my prices INCLUDE THE PHOTOS on CD. No hidden costs!

What Happens on the Day
On the day of the shoot you bring a variety of outfits/accessories/props that suit the looks and ideas you want to go for. We don't provide wardrobe, so you need to bring your own clothes. If you're not sure exactly what you want, we can discuss it, either on the day of the shoot or before at the studio or on the phone. When you arrive, we'll discuss the outfits/looks/ideas. Then you'll have makeup and hair done (if you've opted for a makeup artist). We'll do some warm-up shots to get you comfortable in front of the camera, and then proceed with the shoot. The whole process is fun!

With each outfit/idea there'll be a different lighting setup, and you'll get a chance to review the images we've just taken to make sure you're happy before moving on to the next look.

In the days following the shoot we'll edit the best photos and put them on line (you chose a password) within approximately a week.

How to Pay
In order to book I'll need a non-refundable deposit from you, either by card/cheque and then the remainder you just pay on the day of the shoot. (Or earlier if you prefer.)

ImageMaker 1
This 'no frills' package is only £160 (£130 student rate), which is a two hour photo shoot, and you'll need to do your own hair and makeup. You do not get retouching with this package, but you will get a CD of the 10 best photos from the shoot within a week. If you later decide you want some retouched, I am happy to do it for just £10 per image.

ImageMaker 2
£235 gets you a half day (3 hour) studio shoot (£190 student rate), add £65 if you want makeup and hair styling. We do a variety of looks, whatever styles you like, including head shots and full body shots. So it's perfect for starting or adding to a portfolio. This package gets you the best 10 images retouched on the CD.

ImageMaker 2 WITH FRIEND
If you want to do a shoot with a friend and split the cost, it'll be £135 each / £270 total (or for students, £120 each / £240 total), which is a 3-4 hour photo shoot with the two of you alternating outfits/ideas. There will be a total of 20 retouched images on the CD, approximately 10 of each of you. Add £100 to the total cost (i.e. £50 each) if you both want makeup and hair styling, or £65 for just one of you. It's entirely up to you how many of the photos you have both together, or separate. I also do group shoots - tell me what you have in mind and I'll quote you a price.

ImageMaker 3
£360 gets you a full day photo shoot (£320 student rate); add £100 if you want makeup and hair styling. We have time to do both location and studio photos in the same day with this package. There will be the 20 best images retouched on the CD, enough to create a whole portfolio from scratch. If you want to do the ImageMaker 3 package with two or more of you and split the cost, that's possible - ask me for details.

ImageMaker 4 (HEADSHOTS)
£125 gets you a 1 hour mini shoot of professional headshots (£100 student rate), and includes retouching of the 5 best images. Note that you can't book makeup or hair styling for this package as makeup alone often takes an hour. (If you want makeup done, please book the Image Maker 2 instead.)

ImageMaker 5
We can shoot anywhere in the world as long as expenses are paid. So if you want ultra glamorous photos, we could do the shoot on a tropical beach or some other exotic location. It sounds extravagant, but package holidays and flights are often very cheap, so it might be more affordable than you think. You can get holiday deals to a Greek island for less than the price of some UK train fares. And the photos will put your portfolio in a class of its own.

Please note that with the IMAGEMAKER packages the images come on CD, and not as prints.

Studio Location
The Photo Me Gorgeous offers studio and environmental backdrops in the beautiful Kent countryside, making each photo session unique, varied and most importantly fun! Take advantage of our promotions that run throughout the year, please phone 01580 893040

Set in the grounds of The White Cottage a traditional Kentish farmhouse built in the 18th century and set in 2 acres of landscaped gardens. The setting provides a very comfortable and idyllic place for your photographic session.

Situated in the Weald of Kent in a peaceful rural setting between the two small towns of Headcorn and Staplehurst, this studio is ideally located with the M20 just 10 minutes away plus Staplehurst railway station only a 5 minute drive with rail access to London and the Kent coast.

For the fashion/boudoir shoots, out of area clients are welcome to stay at The White Cottage for bed and breakfast.

The studio is very welcoming with a comfortable reception area and provides hot and cold drinks, with sitting areas around the garden for enjoying the tranquility of the kent countryside.

We have access to fields and a local river if you require something different, these provide different environmental locations through the changing seasons.

Make-up for Men and Women
We only use the best, fully trained professional make-up artists. Professional make-up will make you look your best in the photos, and you can also ask for glamorous and exotic make-up styles that you wouldn't be able to do normally. Booking a make-up artist is optional, because sometimes people prefer to do their own make-up and hair, or to bring a friend to do it, all of which is fine.

Men often wonder whether it's normal for them to book a makeup artist on a shoot. The answer is yes, just as you would have make-up done on TV or in a movie. The makeup will be more subtle than on a woman, and will enhance your features and skin complexion without looking like you're wearing make-up. It is optional though. 

Availabilty
We tend to get booked up 1-3 weeks in advance on Saturdays/weekdays. We can also do weekday evenings. I charge a weekend supplement of £50 if you want to do your shoot on a Sunday (any package). Please bear in mind that weekends tend to get booked up the fastest, as much as two months in advance.