FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question? It’s very normal to have lots of questions both before and after you’ve decided to work with me.
Here’s a list of the most common Netherlands business photography questions I get asked. If you don’t see your question on this page, please get in touch.
NETHERLANDS BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS
What’s your style and approach
to photography?
What’s most important to me is that people feel ‘seen’ - that they recognise themselves in the photos. And that they feel genuinely comfortable being photographed, because this shows through in the final images.
Being photographed can bring up all sorts of feelings. That’s why I seek to understand what you’re looking for, any concerns you have, so I can best support you while we work together.
Here are some of the words people use to describe working with me:
Relaxed, reassuring, creative
Positive, friendly, honest and authentic
Candid, engaging, accessible
Fresh, joyful, real
And:
“I wasn’t expecting it to be so much fun!”
“This has given me such a confidence boost.”
“For the first time, I can see the ‘real me’ in my photos.”
I’d describe my photographic style as fresh, relaxed, creative and (just a little bit) cool. I can’t resist a pop of colour or the chance to photograph in nature, under open skies.
What if there’s rain / wind / snow on the day of the photography session?
If we’re photographing outside, then it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. It doesn’t need to be blue skies and sunny at all - cloudy, grey weather is totally fine. I recommend choosing locations that have undercover areas (trees or buildings) in case of rain, and to have a back up indoor location. I can also be a bit flexible with the photography session timings to avoid any dodgy weather.
But if it looks like the weather will be terrible (which happens much less than you think!), then I always offer to reschedule.
How much does a photography session cost?
You can find my different packages and pricing here. For team photos, the cost depends on the number of people being photographed and the number and type of images needed. You can contact me to get a quote.
If you’d like something different that you don’t see on my website, please get in touch and let’s see what’s possible.
I have accessibility needs or sensitivities that make me hesitant about booking a session, can you help?
It is really important to me to make you feel comfortable and supported during the process of working together, and to adapt to your needs. When you book your photography session, I’ll ask you if you have any needs or requirements to be able to work together comfortably, so that we can factor that into how we plan the photography session together.
For example, if you need to take regular breaks, use a particular location, be photographed seated, or avoid certain settings, then I will always do my best to accommodate this.
What happens during the photography session?
Before we start the photography session we’ll have an informal chat to break the ice, and to remind ourselves what we’re aiming to capture. As well as acknowledging the inevitable nervousness before a photography session!
If you’ve told me about any particular worries, concerns or accessibility needs, then I’ll be taking those into account during our photography session.
I take things at a relaxed pace, but fast enough that you don’t have time to freeze up or get in your head. I’ll give you tips (as much or as little as you need) on how to sit or stand, where to look, what to do with your hands, all of that.
I’ll also give you lots of genuine positive feedback and encouragement. My aim is for the photography session to be uplifting and confidence building. I’ll take a lot of photos to choose from, so you don’t need to worry about any not turning out perfectly.
A lot of the time we’ll be chatting, so it feels less like being in the spotlight and more like a conversation during which we take photos.
I’ll also remind you to breathe :)
What happens after the photography session?
After our session I go home and upload the photos, then choose the strongest ones that meet the brief that we’ve discussed, that show you in your best light, and are the most compelling to look at. I also aim to give a variety of poses, expressions and backgrounds.
I then lightly edit the photos - making sure the colour, light and composition is looking good.
Once they’re ready, I upload them to a private gallery and ask you when you’d like to receive them. I do this because it’s nice to carve out some time to see your photos for the first time - and be mentally prepared. Often it’s the first time my clients have been professionally photographed. Then you can view and download the photos, and get using them!
How soon after the photography session will I get my photos?
The photos are usually ready within one to two weeks. If you need them sooner, that’s something we can discuss during the planning stage.
What if I hate posing or am really nervous about having my photo taken?
Pretty much no one likes having to pose for the camera, so you are definitely not alone. There is an art to looking natural and confident in photographs, and I give as much or as little guidance as you need during the photography session on how to sit or stand, where to look, what to do with your hands, etc. Everyone I work with creates natural, authentic looking photos. I promise I won’t make you do anything that feels fake or cheesy!
Nerves are totally normal, and to be expected. I do my absolute best to make every photography session relaxed, unrushed, and fun - and part of that is getting to know you a bit first. During the planning stage, I always seek to understand what worries you may have, and discuss how best to support you on the day.
What different kinds of business photography in the Netherlands do you offer?
I offer a range of portrait photography for individuals and teams.
The packages I offer are:
Simple Headshots - when you need a few great profile photos.
The Creative Portrait - when you’re ready to share your work with the world and want images that show your true personality.
The Personal Branding Experience - when you need perfectly aligned images to tell your brand story
Team Photos - a bespoke package based on your organisation or team’s needs - which can include headshots, group photos, and behind the scenes images.
Need something else? I'm always happy to create bespoke packages tailored to what you need. Just get in touch here.
What location should I choose for my photography session?
For indoor locations, there needs to be plenty of space and natural light. Just as importantly, it should be a space that you feel comfortable in and that you think is a suitable backdrop for your photos. At the very least it should be tidy and uncluttered, and ideally be aligned with your personal style or values.
I often photograph people in their homes or workplaces, or people also hire spaces specifically for their photography session. If you want to use a cafe or public space, have a think about whether you’ll be comfortable being photographed with others around you - and check in advance whether they allow photography.
With outdoor locations, there are so many great possibilities. Whether that be photographing among trees and water, or against striking colourful walls, or characterful neighbourhoods that mean something to you. The weather being what it is, it’s always good to have a back up indoor location or covered area nearby in case there’s a spot of rain.
I always recommend visiting the location before you decide on it, so you can get ideas for your photos and check that it will live up to your expectations!
For my Rotterdam Simple Headshots sessions, I have suggestions of set locations that I use, depending on the sort of backdrop you’d prefer - or you can choose your own.
I would like to book a business photography session with you, what do I need to do?
The best thing to do is to fill in my contact form and I’ll get back to you within a day or so, and we can get the ball rolling. Or, if you’d like to talk to me before booking, you can book a call with me here.
Once you’ve decided which package you’d like to book, I will send you my contract and an invoice for the booking fee. You can choose either to pay in full or in instalments, with the final payment due a week before the day of the photography session.
Once the booking fee has been paid and the contract is signed, your photography session date is secured and we will start the planning process.
What happens before the business photography session?
Once you’ve booked a session with me, then the planning can begin! Depending on the package you have chosen there will be lighter or more in-depth preparation.
For my Simple Headshots package I send you a few questions for you to answer ahead of the photography session over email - including what you want the photos to say about you, and whether you have any worries or support needs. I also send you a blog with tips on how to prepare.
For my longer portrait and personal branding packages I send a longer set of questions for you to consider, and we correspond over email or a short call to plan the photography session (e.g. to agree locations, types of shots needed, whether to use props, etc).
For team photoshoots, I work with you to agree the brief for the photography (e.g. headshots, team photos, behind the scenes) and to agree the schedule and location.
What’s your cancellation policy?
If you need to change the date for an unavoidable reason, such as illness or train strikes, then I am usually able to offer another date. Likewise, if we are photographing outside and the weather is going to be really bad, then we can reschedule. Otherwise the date of the photography session can not be changed.
If you decide to cancel for any reason up to a week before the photography session, the 50% booking fee is not refundable. If you cancel less than a week before the photography session then the whole fee is not refundable. This rarely happens - if you’re having any problems, then please get in touch so we can figure something out together.
If I need to cancel the photography session for any reason, you will be refunded in full.
What if I don’t like how I look in my photos?
Any tips on planning my photography session?
Yes! Lots. And that's something I help you with as part of all my photography packages.
Some of the main things to reflect on that will help you get clearer on what you need are:
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Why now - what do you need these photos for?
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What do you want the photos to say about you?
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What location would you like to be photographed in, that says something about you?
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What sort of photos do you like of yourself? And which do you not like? Why is this? This information can be really helpful to share with your photographer.
Do you photograph groups or teams?
Yes I do! The organisations that I work with really value photography that shows the personality of their team members and is aligned with their brand and their ethos. No boring, stiff corporate images in sight!
As with all my photography sessions, I work with you to understand how photography can best support your organisation's branding and communications.
Within my team photos package I offer headshots, group photos, mini personal brand photography sessions for key team members, and ‘behind the scenes’ shots - depending on what you need. I regularly work with creative agencies, social enterprises, consultancies, charities and more.
Check out my Team Photos page for more information and to read some of my client testimonials.
Do you have a photography studio or do you work on location?
I’m a natural light photographer and I work with people in the place(s) they choose for their photos. I photograph both indoors and outdoors.
The reason for not having a studio (apart from the cost!) is because I think that the context people are photographed in can say a lot about who they are and what they stand for. I love the opportunity to take photos in many different types of places and spaces.
The location is always the client’s choice and responsibility to arrange, although I’m always happy to advise, share ideas or help decide between options during the planning process.
What areas will you travel to for a photography session?
I’m based in Rotterdam and regularly travel to places within an hour’s travel - mainly Amsterdam, Den Haag, Leiden, Eindhoven and Utrecht. I also go to London every few months with my camera.
I can also travel further afield and charge a bit extra for the additional travel time and costs so please get in touch if you’re based somewhere else and interested in working with me.
During both the planning process and the photography session I will guide and support you to get the best possible photos. I aim to work in a way that builds your confidence as well as using flattering poses, lighting and compositions. However, I can’t be held responsible for any specific dislikes that people may have around how they look (e.g. body shape, teeth, hair, wrinkles, etc).
I truly understand what a big deal it can be to see a gallery of professional images of yourself for the first time!
When I share the final images with you, I always advise taking your time with them, looking over them several times, to get used to them. It is very normal for our first response to be self-critical or focus on the things we don’t like so much. In time, and often with the encouragement and feedback from loved ones who recognise our beautiful selves, I find people grow to like their photos even more.
However, I also realise that some people have body or confidence issues or other reasons why they may not like their images. While we’re here, here’s a blog I wrote about body neutrality that you might find interesting.
What should I wear for my photography session?
Ah, the eternal question! Here's what I think - which you are completely free to ignore:
You do you. Your clothes / jewellery / tattoos say something about you. So let's photograph them. No smartening up or self-editing required - unless you want to.
Think about what you'd wear if you were hanging out with the people you intend to see these photos (if you were being your real self). Above all - wear what you feel good in. If you're not sure, try on all the options in advance of the big day and ask a trusted friend what they think.
Also…befriend your iron! Want more thoughts? I wrote a blog about what to wear for your photography session, here.
What about hair and makeup?
This is such a personal choice. When it comes to makeup, if you feel good in it, go for it. If not, then there’s no reason you need to wear makeup for your photography session, in my opinion. If you’re not confident about getting your makeup right yourself, then it can be really nice to work with a makeup artist whose style you like.
If you’re planning to have your hair cut or changed before the photography session, I’d wait at least a week so you can get used to it and how to style it. As with clothing, wear your hair the way you like it best - it’s really about whatever will make you feel most confident and comfortable on the day.
Are there any types of people or organisations that you won’t work with?
Ethics are very important to me and I decline work with people or organisations that I feel are involved in work that is harmful or unethical. I work on a case by case basis and do research on organisations that I’m not familiar with.
Certain industries that I will not work with are the fossil fuel industry, mining, arms, fast fashion, or any organisations that are clearly involved in the destruction or exploitation of people and the natural world.
I’m not sure I can afford to book a photography session. Do you offer discounts?
I understand that people have very different budgets, and also different expectations of what photography should cost. I want to make my services as accessible as possible and so I offer interest free payment plans on all my services.
I also offer mini headshot photography days from time to time in Rotterdam, a slightly shorter service than my Simple Headshots package for a lower price. You can join the waiting list to find out about future Rotterdam mini headshots days here.
From time to time I offer reduced rate photography sessions for people or organisations that otherwise wouldn’t be able to access my services and are working towards positive change or have a marginalised identity. If that’s you, then get in touch here.
Do you offer retouching on the photos?
By retouching, I mean changing things like the smoothness of your skin, removing eye bags, removing untidy hairs (whereas editing is things like changing the light levels, composition, etc).
I do not offer retouching, however - if you have a small blemish I can remove that during the editing process. In some cases, people have asked me for some additional retouching - e.g. to ‘tidy up’ their hair (e.g. if it was a bit frizzy at the edges). I can offer this service if you need it. I work with a professional retoucher and charge an additional fee per photo, price on request.
I don’t make any changes to people’s permanent features (e.g. size of eyes, width of face, etc).
Never had professional photos taken? Dread the idea? Sarah is the person for you. She spends time getting to know you and helping define what you need from your photos.
On the day she immediately puts you at ease and at the end of it you get photos that feel just like you...on a really good day.
IONA LAWRENCE
FOUNDER OF THE JO COX FOUNDATION
