Question 1

Help! I've never done a photoshoot before.

Accepted Answer

✦ I can imagine it can be quite daunting if you’ve not done a photoshoot before, but don’t worry, I’ve got you!

✦ Once your deposit is paid, I’ll start an email consultation with you to talk you through all aspects of your shoot and what to expect from the day, and you can ask me any questions or concerns you have about your shoot and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Question 2

Do I need to have modelling experience?

Accepted Answer

✦ Not at all! I've had plenty of people in my studio who've never done a shoot before.  I'm a firm believer that photoshoots are for everyone, not just for those with previous modelling experience.

Question 3

I don't know which photoshoot style to choose!

Accepted Answer

✦ Most of the photoshoot styles I have to offer are fairly self explanatory (pole/aerial, pet portraits, pet & owner portraits, band promo, live music), but the area that might get a little confusing is the 'Portraits' section!
The following styles are classed as 'Portrait' shoots;

✦ Fantasy shoots
✦ Performer updates
✦ Fine Art images
✦ Dark beauty aesthetic
✦ Bold editorial 
✦ Horror/spooky themes

If you're still not sure which shoot style to go for, just select 'Portrait' when making your booking and let me know you're a little unsure, and we can have a chat about your shoot requirements!

Question 4

Can you help me with poses?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, yes, depending on the shoot style!

✦ Portrait/Band Promo shoots - In the run up to your shoot, I'll email over some hints and tips to help you prepare for how best to pose for your shoot.  On the day, I'll give as much or as little direction as I think you need!

✦ Pole / Aerial shoots - I always find it's best that you plan your poses in advance, and practise them at your local pole/aerial studio ahead of time to be sure you can safely get into the poses and hold them for long enough for me to be able to capture the shot.  Whilst I do pole myself, I'm not a pole/aerial instructor, and so can't always help with getting you into position. However, what I can do is tell you where to look, and when to point those toes!

✦ Pet portrait shoots - You know that old adage 'never work with children or animals?' It's a cliche for a reason! Even the most well trained pet can be a little unpredictable in a new environment, and a lot of pet shoots are at the mercy of whatever mood they're in on the day.  However, fear not! I've never had a pet shoot where there wasn't any usable images at the end of it.

✦ Pet & Owner portrait shoots - the same rules as above still apply, however I can help you pose, and give you some helpful hints in how to get the best out of your shoot with your furry friend.

Question 5

How much is a photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

✦ My photoshoot rates start from £125 and vary depending on what shoot style you're wanting to do.  Full details of all my rates can be found on the 'Rates & Bookings' page.

Question 6

Do I need to pay a deposit, or do I have to pay in full upfront?

Accepted Answer

✦ A non refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining amount to be paid no later than 1 week before your photoshoot. 
✦  All deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation on your behalf.  If you have to postpone your photoshoot, you can transfer this deposit one time to a new booking within 1 month of your original shoot date, but if any more cancellations/reschedules occur, a new deposit will need to be paid.

Question 7

Can I buy extra images?

Accepted Answer

✦ Absolutely! I keep your images on record indefinitely so you can buy extra images whenever you like.

✦ Extra images are £15 each (6-8 week lead time) or £20 fast tracked (2 week lead time).  Payment must be made at the time of ordering, and I won't be able to make a start on your images until the payment has been made.  Lead times are from the date the images were paid for, not the date they were ordered.

✦ Keep an eye on my Instagram, as I occasionally do flash sale days on extra image purchases (only applicable to second time purchases.)

Question 8

Do you do any deals?

Accepted Answer

✦ I host mini studio days from time to time, sometimes themed, sometimes open concept.  These shoots are shorter shoots, and therefore cheaper than normal shoots.

✦ I occasionally also offer discounts on full length shoots and extra images, which are usually advertised on my Instagram stories.

✦  The best way to keep an eye on any and all discounts, offers and studio days to give me a follow on Instagram (@emmastonephoto) and add me to your Favourites, and you can be the first to know when I'm offering any deals!

Question 9

Do you provide the outfits?

Accepted Answer

✦ I can if you need me to! I have an extensive studio wardrobe in a range of styles and sizes - download the Studio Wardrobe below and see for yourself! This is constantly being updated and new styles added, so be sure to check back to see what's new to shoot in

✦ However, if you have the perfect shoot outfit ready to go, I love it when clients bring in their own clothing & accessories.

Question 10

Can I get changed at the studio?

Accepted Answer

✦ I have a private changing room in the studio for you to change in.

Question 11

Do I need to have my hair and make up done?

Accepted Answer

✦ Yes please! Unless discussed previously and we’ve hired a make up artist for your shoot, please be sure to come with your hair and make up all ready to go so we can get straight to shooting.  There is a mirror in the changing room if you need to do any last minute touch ups, but we unfortunately don’t have time for full face make up application / hair styling.

Question 12

Can you recommend me a make up artist?

Accepted Answer

✦ Of course! I regularly work with and can highly recommend Rosie Roberts Beauty.(https://www.rosierobertsbeauty.com)  If you're wanting to book her services for your shoot, you can contact her through her website to enquire about getting her on board.

Question 13

I hate having my photo taken - help!

Accepted Answer

✦ You’re not alone! I get a lot of people in the studio who don’t feel overly comfortable in front of the camera (myself included 😅).

✦ In our email consultation, I’ll go through some hints and tips to show you the best way to pose and get comfortable in front of the camera.

✦ In the studio on the day, I’ll do my best to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed, and will take my time with you to ensure you don’t feel rushed.

✦ I’ll also show you the images on the back of the camera throughout the shoot to be sure you’re happy with what we’re shooting.

Question 14

What happens during the photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

✦ When you arrive for the shoot, I'll greet you at the door after you've buzzed in to take you down to the studio and welcome you to your shoot!

✦ We can take some time at the beginning just to get introduced / let you settle in to the space and have a look round and see what there is.

✦ If you're yet to decide on your outfit and have brought a few options, we can take a look at what you've brought and decide between us which outfit would be the best one for your shoot, or you can take a look at the studio wardrobe and see if anything takes your fancy from there! (See the 'Do you provide the outfits?' tab to download a PDF of the studio wardrobe ahead of time to see what's on offer.)

✦ Once you've decided on your outfit, you can pop yourself in the changing room to get changed and do any final small hair / make up touch ups, and then we can get you onto the set!

✦ Unless we've not finalised the set design in the email consultation, the photoshoot set will be set up and ready to go for when you arrive.

✦ I'll already have a clear idea in mind of the type of lighting / look we're going for for the shoot, but when we do start shooting, I'll always run through some lighting test shots and show you the camera to see if you're happy with the look of the images and if there's anything you want to change before we continue on with the full shoot.

✦ Not sure what a lighting test shot is? It's a handful of photographs taken at the start of the shoot to allow for me to check all the lights are working / positioned correctly, and allows me to make any adjustments before we get fully immersed in the shoot.  To do the lighting test shots, I'll simply ask you to stand in place on the pre-built set, and start taking some photos (which gives you the opportunity to start practising some poses!), and after a few shots, I'll review the images to ensure the lighting is correct.  These shots are always helpful to both me as a photographer, and you as a model, as it gives you the chance to practise some poses safe in the knowledge these images aren't likely to be used if the lighting isn't correct, and it allows me to ensure the lighting is just how we both want it for the shoot!

✦ After the lighting test is done, the shoot can finally commence!  I'll have gone through all the hints, tips and tricks to help you posing in our email consultation, so now's the time to put them to the test and start having some fun getting the shots!

Question 15

How long does the shoot last?

Accepted Answer

✦ Unless you’ve booked onto a mini shoot studio day, or if I have a client booked in after you, I don't tend to put time limits on shoots. I'd much rather just go with the flow and shoot for as long as we need to to get the most out of your photoshoot!

✦ In such instances as mini shoot days/clients booked in after you, shoot lengths will be discussed at the time of booking, or during the email consultation.

Question 16

Can we have music on whilst we're shooting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, I don't let a shoot start without it - I hate shooting in silence 😅 Music really helps set the mood and makes everything feel more relaxed and fun. If you’ve got a favourite song, artist, or playlist that gets you feeling confident and fabulous, send it to me ahead of time in our email consultation, and we'll have it playing the whole time!

Question 17

How do I get to your studio from Leeds City Centre?

Accepted Answer

You've got the option of an Uber (around £7 from Leeds City Train Station depending on the time of day), or there are a few bus options!

You can catch either the 72, 15, 508 or 14 from various locations in the city centre.  I'd advise downloading the First Bus app ahead of time so you can plan your route and work out which bus would be the best option.

For the 72, 15 & 508 bus, you want to get off at the 'Pickering Street' stop.

For the 14 bus, you want to get off at the 'Canal Road Pickering Street' stop.

Failing that, if it's a sunny day and you fancy a walk, it's a 35-40 min / 1.7 mile walk from Leeds City Train Station.

Question 18

Is there parking on site?

Accepted Answer

✦  There is! There's both free on-street parking right outside my studio, and a free car park to the right of my studio.

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Question 19

Can I bring someone to the shoot with me?

Accepted Answer

✦ Yes, I love it when people bring a friend / partner / family member along to chaperone you on the shoot.

✦ Bringing plus 1s always adds to the atmosphere and can make the shoot more enjoyable, it also means extra pairs of hands for taking behind the scenes photos, or help spinning you into position if you're booked on for a pole/aerial shoot!

✦ Please note, they won’t be allowed to join in on the shoot unless previously discussed when making the booking, and I would just ask that anyone chaperoning doesn't cause an excessive disturbance whilst shooting.

Question 20

Is your studio accessible?

Accepted Answer

✦ Sadly not.  There are around 20 stairs leading up to the studio, which unfortunately renders the space inaccessible depending on your accessibility requirements.  If you have accessibility requirements and are wanting to book in for a shoot, please do send me a message and I can look into alternate shooting spaces that are fully accessible.

Question 21

Is this a safe, inclusive environment?

Accepted Answer

✦ Very much so.  I pride myself as being a firm ally to both the LGBTQAI+ and SWer community, and always strive to provide a safe, judgement free experience at my studio.

✦That being said, I will not accept bookings from bigots, TERF’s and general phobic people.

✦ If I feel you’re making any derogatory or phobic comments during a photoshoot at my studio, I reserve the rights to immediately end the photoshoot, and no refunds will be given.

Question 22

What pole / aerial kit do you have?

Accepted Answer

✦ I have an X Pole Stage Pole with a chrome pole, and an X Pole A Frame rig with a hoop attachment and Cloud Aerial Arts galvanised steel chains (rated to 1.3kn and gives a safe working load of 260kg per chain).

Question 23

Do I need to know how to do pole / aerial  first?

Accepted Answer

✦ First and foremost, I want to make it known that I am not a pole or aerial instructor, simply a pole / aerial photographer.

✦ Photoshoots are open to all levels of polers, as long as you have some experience under your belt. To safely make the most of your time in the studio, I'd recommend coming prepared with a few shapes you have practiced and can comfortably hold for a few seconds to ensure I can get the shots. If there are shapes you want to do but currently haven't mastered, I'd advise that you consult with your own instructor for guidance ahead of time.

✦ If you're wanting to do standing / floor work poses with the pole, pole experience isn't essential, but please do not attempt anything up the pole / anything you're unsure of or not practised ahead of time.

✦ I find aerial is a little more forgiving than pole in terms of beginners (I myself have had zero aerial training and have managed to get some nice basic 'sitting poses' in both the hoop & the chains), but again, for aerial tricks, please come prepared with shapes you can comfortably hold for an extended period of time, and are able to confidently dismount from also.

Question 24

How long until I can see the photos?

Accepted Answer

✦ I’ll send watermarked contact sheets via email within 1 week of our photoshoot for you to make your selection.

Question 25

How long til I get my edited photos back?

Accepted Answer

✦ The standard lead time on images for all my shoots is 6-8 weeks.  I offer a fast tracked option where you will receive your images back within 2 weeks of you placing your order for an extra £5 per image.

✦ If you need your images back by a certain date, it's your responsibility to make me aware of that at the time of booking to ensure I'm able to get them back to you in time.

Question 26

Can I sell prints of my photos?

Accepted Answer

✦ Selling prints or digital copies of images from our shoots is not permitted unless this has been agreed upon in advance.  Please see the 'Use of Images & Licensing' tab in the Policies section on this page for more information.

Question 27

Can I bring food / drinks on the photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

✦ Absolutely you can, in fact I actively encourage it!

✦ I have a little mini fridge in the studio to keep any drinks or snacks cool, and I’m a firm believer that all the best photoshoots have snacks a-plenty.!

Question 28

Can I crop or edit the digital versions?

Accepted Answer

✦ Each image from your shoot is carefully edited to reflect my style and the standard of work I’m proud to share. Because of this, I kindly ask that you don’t apply any filters or make any additional edits such as heavy cropping (basic Insta crop is ok), 'Facetune' or 'Bodytune' apps etc before sharing.
✦ Please note, if I do notice an image has been altered in any way, I’ll simply get in touch and ask that the original version is shared instead - this helps keep my work consistent and ensures you’re showcasing the best possible result from your shoot.

Question 29

What happens if I arrive early for my shoot, or if I'm late?

Accepted Answer

✦ If you arrive a little early, I kindly ask that you wait until your scheduled start time before buzzing into the studio. I’ll likely be setting up and making sure everything is just right for your shoot, and I want it to be perfect when you step in.

✦ If you’re running late, please let me know as soon as possible. In most cases (unless it’s a studio day with back-to-back bookings), we can still go ahead as long as you arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled time.

✦ If more than 30 minutes passes without any contact, the session will unfortunately be considered a no-show, the shoot will be cancelled, and payment will be forfeited.

✦ I completely understand that life happens and things can come up/get in the way, and I’ll always do my best to accommodate where possible, which is why clear communication is essential to keep us both in the loop.

Question 30

I still have questions!

Accepted Answer

✦ That’s ok! You can send me an email at emmastonephotography@hotmail.com,  and I will happily answer any questions you might have.