Frequently asked questions.
Q: What types of photography services do you offer?
A: I offer a wide range of professional photography services to meet various client needs. My expertise spans commercial and campaign photography, lifestyle and sports photography, as well as fashion, product, and studio shoots. In short, whether you need dynamic action shots for an ad campaign, polished product imagery for e-commerce, or a styled fashion or lifestyle shoot, I have the experience to deliver. I blend creative direction with technical precision to craft visuals that authentically connect with your brand’s audience.
Q: Where are you based, and do you travel for shoots?
A: I’m based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and I regularly work with clients across the country and internationally. Travel is part of my service, and I’m available to shoot on location wherever your project needs to be. Whether your campaign is in Auckland, Sydney, or further abroad, I can travel to your desired location. We’ll discuss any travel costs or logistics as part of the project planning, and I’m very accustomed to working in different cities and environments to get the shot.
Q: How do I book a shoot or check your availability?
A: The best way to start is to contact me through my website’s contact form. Let me know a bit about your project, such as the type of shoot, timeframe, and location, and I’ll get back to you promptly. We can then discuss your needs in detail, and I’ll confirm my availability for your preferred dates. Once we decide to move forward, I typically require a brief consultation or call to align on the creative direction, after which we’ll firm up the shoot date. A booking is secured once we’ve agreed on the scope and terms, usually by acceptance of the quote.
Q: What is your photography process from start to finish?
A: I follow a well-organised process to ensure everything runs smoothly and you get the results you need. Here’s what to expect when working with me:
Initial Consultation: First, we discuss your project requirements, creative vision, and goals. This can be over email, phone, or in person. I’ll ask questions about the look and feel you want, how the images will be used, and any specific shots you have in mind.
Planning and Preparation: I work with you to plan the photographic approach, ensuring the creative direction and shot list are clear and aligned ahead of the shoot. Production elements such as locations, studios, permits, and crew are usually organised by the client or their producer, with collaboration as needed.
Shoot Day: On the day of the shoot, I’ll arrive early to set up. Whether we’re on location or in a studio, I use professional lighting and gear to capture the images. I work efficiently but also ensure we take the time to get each shot right. I’ll guide any models or subjects as needed to fulfil the creative brief. Clients are welcome on set to observe and provide feedback as we go.
Post-Production: After the shoot, a Capture One catalogue will be made available. Clients select the best images from the day. I provide a basic colour grade, including colour correction and exposure adjustments, to ensure the photos meet a high-quality standard. For larger projects, I may send a proof gallery for you to choose your favourites before final edits.
Delivery of Final Images: Final images are delivered as high-resolution files in the agreed format. Basic colour correction is included as standard. Retouching or additional post-production beyond this is optional and available at an additional cost. Revisions are limited and managed as outlined in the revisions section of this FAQ.
Q: How are your photography services priced?
A: Pricing for photography projects can vary widely depending on the specifics. I have a set price list available on request, but custom pricing per project can also be arranged. Each shoot’s requirements are unique. The quote will take into account several factors, including:
Scope of the Shoot: How large or complex is the project? For example, a simple product shoot versus a multi-day campaign with multiple locations.
Time and Effort: The length of the shoot itself and the time required for pre-production and post-production.
Usage and Licensing: How the photos will be used and for how long. Usage rights for commercial projects can influence the fee.
Expenses: Any travel costs, special equipment rentals, or additional crew needed for the shoot.
Once the brief is confirmed, I’ll supply a detailed estimate with a full breakdown of costs and inclusions. Pricing is transparent and clearly defined. If you’re working to a set budget, we can discuss options within that framework. Quotes are tailored to each project, and any last-minute scope changes may affect the final cost.
Q: How long does it take to receive the final images?
A: I aim to deliver your images promptly, but turnaround depends on the scope of your project. Before the shoot, we’ll agree on a timeline that works for both of us, and I’ll keep you updated throughout the process. If you have a tight deadline or need a few key images quickly, let me know in advance and I’ll do my best to accommodate. Meeting agreed timelines is always a priority.
Q: What rights will we have to use the photos?
A: Once the project is completed and paid for, you’ll receive a usage license for the images, tailored to your needs and outlined in the quote. This typically covers using the images for marketing, social media, websites, advertising, and other agreed purposes.
I can adjust usage rights depending on your requirements, such as exclusive rights, specific territories, time-limited use, or a full buyout. If you’d like to use an image in a new way outside the original scope, we can easily extend or update the license. My goal is to make sure you can confidently use your photos without any confusion, while keeping the rights structured and clear for both sides.
Q: Are editing and retouching included? What if we want revisions?
A: Basic colour grading through Capture One is included in all my services and applied during the shoot. After the shoot, the client or their assigned retoucher receives the high-resolution selected images for any further post-production.
I don’t offer full retouching myself; however, I work with a trusted retoucher who has collaborated with me for years and is familiar with my workflow. Any additional edits or retouching beyond the basic colour grading would need to be handled by either my retoucher or the client’s own. This approach ensures the images are delivered promptly and in the highest quality, while giving you full flexibility for any further creative adjustments.
Q: Do you have your own studio, and what equipment do you use?
A: I don’t have a personal studio, but I frequently work with trusted Christchurch studios such as Big Sky, Kelleher, and 921 when a controlled indoor environment is needed. These spaces are fully equipped for product, portrait, or fashion shoots.
For lighting, I use professional grade Profoto and Broncolor equipment to ensure consistent, high-quality results. Whether we’re in a studio or on location, I have the right setup to achieve the desired look, and I can make arrangements for any special technical requirements.
Q: What is your experience in this industry? Have you worked with major brands or campaigns before?
A: I bring over 20 years of professional photography experience to the table. Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with a variety of well-known brands, including ASICS, Adidas, Lexus, Omega, and Tissot. I’ve also worked with New Zealand companies such as Kathmandu and Untouched World, covering everything from international sports events to lifestyle and fashion projects.
This experience means I understand the demands of big campaigns and tight deadlines, and I’m comfortable working with creative teams or art directors to achieve a specific vision. Having a robust portfolio of past projects, including work with A-list athletes and products, has strengthened my ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results. When you hire me, you’re getting a seasoned professional who will bring that expertise to your project to ensure its success.
Q: Can you assist with creative direction and concept development for our shoot?
A: Absolutely. I often collaborate with clients during the planning phase to ensure the photographic vision is clear. If you already have a concept or mood board, I can work within that framework. If you’re looking for input, I can advise on creative direction, helping you make informed decisions about the look and feel of the shoot.
My role is to provide guidance and collaborate, while the actual execution, including studio hire, props, or full styling, remains with the client or their production team. With experience across a range of environments, from outdoor action scenes to intricate studio setups, I can suggest approaches that maximize the impact of your images and align with your objectives.
Q: What if we need to reschedule or cancel the shoot?
A: I understand that plans can change or unforeseen circumstances can arise, such as bad weather for an outdoor shoot or last-minute scheduling conflicts. If you need to reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible and we’ll find a new date that works. I aim to be flexible and accommodating where I can.
For cancellations, the policy depends on how close the request is to the shoot date and the terms in our agreement. Generally, cancellations made well in advance are handled without issue. For short-notice cancellations, a fee or forfeiture of the booking deposit may apply, since that time was reserved and potentially turned down other work.
These details will always be clearly stated in the agreement, so there are no surprises. My priority is to communicate openly and find a fair solution, whether that means rescheduling or managing a cancellation.
