Not knowing what to expect is the biggest source of nerves before a portrait session. In practice it runs in a fixed order, start to finish.
The session starts with a few minutes to settle in and talk through what you’re hoping to get, even if that’s already been discussed beforehand, and from there direction stays constant throughout so there’s no standing around wondering what to do next. Once the shoot wraps, a proofing gallery follows within a couple of days. A first look, before anything is retouched.
Final delivery follows once retouching is complete, with the timeline agreed clearly at the point of booking rather than left open-ended.
See also: Why a cheap portrait session often costs more in the end.
For everything this post didn’t cover, including current pricing, the Portraits page has the full picture, or reach out directly and ask.
FAQs
A couple of quick answers.
How quickly do I get my images?
A proofing gallery lands within 48 hours. Retouched finals follow within a week, or faster when a deadline says so.
What does the £400 studio session include?
An hour and a half in the studio, up to three outfit changes and five fully retouched images chosen by the client. Extra retouched images can be added after the shoot.
Further reading
A handful of related posts.
- Booking a portrait session in Canary Wharf: what to know
- Editorial vs traditional: which style suits your wedding film?
- Booking an elopement in Clapham: what to know
- Events trends worth knowing about in 2026
The steps
Broken down, it looks like this.
- Settle in and talk through the brief. The first few minutes, even if it's already been discussed beforehand.
- Be directed throughout the shoot. Constant, gentle direction means there's no standing around wondering what to do.
- Review the proofing gallery. A first look within a couple of days, before anything is retouched.
- Receive final delivery. On the timeline agreed at booking, not left open-ended.