Photo Shoot F.A.Q.
What sort of photography does Studio X Photography specialise in?
We specialise in sexy glamour portraits, seductive boudoir portraits, stunning makeover portraits, romantic couples portraits, classic artistic nude portraits, and cheeky exotic and risqué portraits for both individuals and couples.
You are free to choose and mix any themes so that the results are exactly what you want! We also offer a fantastic range of presentation options available for you to choose from. These include personal album collections, great for creating a perfect mix of beautiful images, as well as stunning wall mounted images; both great ways to display and celebrate your chosen photos.
If you would like to find out more about our portrait sizes and options, please contact Studio X Photography on (09) 309 4646.
What kind of people come to Studio X Photography?
As a professional Auckland photographer, we work with everyday people of all shapes, sizes and ages from all walks of life! Everyone from young people in their 20's through to more mature clients well into their 60’s beyond. Everybody has the right to feel fantastic about themselves, and at Studio X we work closely with you to make you feel and look your absolute best!
Looking at your images your photo shoots look like they are fun and relaxed. Are they?
A professional photo session at Studio X Photography is always fun and enlivening! Everyone has a great time, and not only that, you also then have fantastic images to take home and cherish for many years to come; reminding you of the amazing experience you had.
Your session with our photographer is just as much about your chosen artistic photos as they are about your fun-filled in-studio experience.
I would like to do this, but I'm worried I'd feel silly in front of strangers. Does everyone feel this way?
Ok, first thing to remember is we are not strangers. Unlike most other studios, we are a family owned and operated business. We do not and will not use outside contract photographers for two reasons. Firstly, we strive to ensure every client consistently enjoys our high level of service and satisfaction, and secondly with external contract photographers you would never know who was going to photograph you on the day.
This is probably not an issue for normal portraiture but for the nature of our work we feel it is vital you feel completely comfortable and safe. During your pre-portrait consultation you will meet Christine and Loric and get to know them. They are also the same people who will be doing your photo shoot. This will ensure you feel completely at ease and know who you will be working with during your session!
I think I would be too nervous. What do you suggest?
Everyone is nervous to some degree and sometimes as it's easy to confuse nervousness with excitement, because this is exciting! After all, this isn’t the sort of thing you do every day! You’re quite welcome to bring a bottle of wine if that helps you to relax but remember, you are among friends, non-judgmental, encouraging and supportive friends.
All of our photo sessions are completed at your pace, and in whichever way makes you feel the most comfortable.
Is my partner welcome to my photo shoot?
Yes, they certainly are! We encourage partners to come to the session if they wish. Even if your partner does not wish to be included in the photos, they are more than welcome to co-create the session with the photographer and be part of the process; or else put their feet up and relax!
Some women prefer to gift their photos to their partners as a surprise, others prefer their partner's input. This is entirely up to you.
If my partner wants to be in some of the photos, do you charge extra?
Absolutely not! Many couples wish to take the opportunity to create some stunning pieces of art together with their significant other. Be sure to check out our professional couple photography service to find out more!
I don’t know what to do in front of a camera. Do you help me with posing?
Yes, our photographer and team will help you with all of the posing, explaining (and even showing where necessary) what looks best and how to achieve it. You will see what you look like as we go along which rapidly builds your confidence.
What do you mean when you say you are "Bespoke" photographers?
Well, if you think of fast-food you are looking at the opposite of bespoke. Most studios are run by the clock to get as many photo shoots in and out as quickly as possible, the opposite of our philosophy. Bespoke simply means tailor-made or custom-made. In other words, we design your shoot exclusively for you.
At Studio X Photography, we take on board any ideas you may have, offer suggestions and then construct your session around that. Because we are more interested in the end result than simply the number of clients we shoot on a day, we can apply true craftsmanship to our work and are prepared to spend the time in retouching as required. The finished art is unique, personally gratifying and truly bespoke.
I know some people want to do artistic nudes. What if I don't but I still want that classy, elegant look and feel you guys do so well?
Not a problem! You decide what kind of images you want taken. Some people choose to do glamour, some lingerie / boudoir, some choose artistic nude whilst others still choose a combination of everything. It is entirely your decision! We have some clients who choose traditional portraiture, for which we have even won awards for as well.
You will never be pressured into doing anything you don’t feel entirely comfortable with, the theme(s) of your photo shoot are entirely at your discretion.
Do I have to do anything I am not comfortable with?
Never! During your session, we may suggest a 'look' or a pose you may wish to try. If you like it then do it, or if it doesn’t feel right for you, then don’t. It's that simple.
This experience is like being in the ultimate sandbox. You are here to relax, play, let go, have fun and have a truly amazing experience and then you get to take home the proof and memories in the form of beautiful and personalised portraits to cherish forever.
I have seen a lot of "makeover" pictures that look nothing like the person in real life and I don't want that. How do you ensure my portraits still look like me?
Good question! Retouching is personal - it can be simply removing an unwanted mole or blemish, through to facial age reduction and even body contouring and slimming! We can usually remove cellulite and remove a few kg’s at the same time. It’s all up to you!
However, unlike most other “glamour makeover” studios, our team at Studio X Photography do not “tart” you up to look like someone totally different. We help you to bring out the elegant, sexy and sensual side of you that you already know exists and retouch as desired. Each image is indeed a work of art with you as the subject.
I do not consider myself particularly glamourous or sexy. In fact, I have never had a decent photo taken of me in my life. Are you sure you could help me get some nice photos of myself?
We hear this more often than you would expect. Firstly, everyone is uniquely beautiful. You need to see your uniqueness as the asset it is. We assist you to feel relaxed and to recognise your own inner beauty through the lens of our camera. Using adaptive posing for your body type, appropriate props and inspired studio lighting we capture you at your best, and that’s before retouching!
Ok, talking about retouching, do you have any examples for me to see what is available?
Yes, you can view our portrait retouching to see some before and after results. Our professional retouching can soften skin, soften lines and wrinkles, as well as reshaping your figure! We will discuss with you what you would like to have retouched during your image viewing and show you the possibilities.
Is hair and makeup available?
Yes, it certainly is! This will be discussed during your pre-portrait consultation or on the phone prior to booking your photo shoot with us.
I have noticed that sometimes you refer to the photos as an “investment”. I don’t understand that!
Ok, it’s like this. Typically, an investment is where you purchase something material like a house for example, or something similar which you hope will be of a greater value to you in the future than it is when you purchased it. Sometimes they go up and sometimes they go down.
We offer you something far better than that and with a guaranteed upside. Taking into account you are only going to get older from this day on (sorry to break the news), we are helping you bring out and maximise the sexy, glamorous and sensual “you” of today and then freezing it in time. The “you” in those images is never going to age. As you age gracefully over the years those images will become even more priceless to you and your loved ones, hence your investment is forever increasing.
The only time you lose out is if you fail to invest at all!
Do you hold consultations with clients before doing the photo shoot and is there a charge?
Yes, photo shoot consultations are available at our portrait studio! Consultations take approximately half an hour and are by appointment only. This is when we listen to any ideas you may have, offer you ideas and examples for your consideration. Your pre-shoot consultation is totally free, with no-obligation, and is a great chance to meet our professional photographer and team.
Do I need to bring anything to the consultation?
You only need bring yourself to the consultation :) Everything will be discussed there, including what you should bring along to your photo shoot.
What if I don’t live in Auckland, or even New Zealand?
That is not a problem for us. We frequently have clients travel from all over New Zealand and also Australia and further abroad. For people out of Auckland we can organise a phone consultation with you, which will cover the information which we would normally discuss with you at a studio consultation.
From there a shoot date would be booked. After the photo shoot when your images are retouched and completed, we will then securely freight them right to your door!
I work full time. When can I book my photo shoot?
Studio X Photography are open six days a week (Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday) so organising an appointment is easy. Simply get in touch with our portrait studio on (09) 309 4646 and we can have a chat about potential dates and times with you.
What if I don’t like any of the images?
The only images you purchase are the ones you absolutely love! But be warned, you will be amazed by how many that will be. There is no minimum purchase amount; you invest in the images which feel right for you.
Be sure to visit our photo shoot testimonials to see some of the amazing things others have had to say about their photo shoot experience with us!
Is there a limit on the number of images you take during a photo shoot that I should know about?
No there is not. Unlike most other photographic studios, we place no limit on how many images we take. We discuss with clients beforehand what their desired outcomes for the photo shoot are and work with them closely to ensure they receive exactly what they wish for, plus a bit more.
Digital copies of images (not suitable for high-resolution printing) become available for images that have been purchased physically first and are suitable for personal, non-reproducing use.
How long from the photographic session until I receive my chosen images?
This depends on what presentation options you choose to invest in for your portraits. Whether you decide upon personalised albums, contemporary framing and wall mounted images, or perhaps a bit of everything. Normally allow between two and three weeks from the day of your photo shoot for pickup.
Please have this in mind if you are wanting your photos for a specific date, and if so, please mention this to us when making your booking.
Will anyone else see my images?
No. For all of the images you see on the website and in our studio, we have obtained signed releases from the client, kindly allowing us to display them. If you do not wish to have your images shown to other people, you will be the only one who sees them! This is simply a choice for you to make.
How long has Studio X Photography been in Auckland?
Studio X Photography has been open in Auckland since 2004.
What about my budget?
We offer a great range of portrait options and sizes to suit most budgets; whether you decide to invest in portrait album or from our range of beautiful wall mounted portraits. Flexible layby options are available too making it even easier to obtain exactly what you want from your photo shoot!
As an indication, we offer portrait options starting from just $265.00, with beautiful wall portraits starting at just $695.00!
Be sure to check out our photo shoot specials including our fabulous portrait packages to see some of the awesome offers currently available.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Studio X Photography accepts cash, EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard, plus Farmers Card as well as Direct Debits as forms of payment.
How do I make a photo shoot booking? And do you offer gift vouchers?
Simply call Studio X Photography on (09) 309 4646 or contact us and one of our friendly staff will assist you with your photo shoot booking.
We also offer flexible portrait photo shoot gift vouchers which make for a great gift for any number of occasions! Please get in touch to discuss the options available to you.