Thank you so much for taking the time to have a look around our website. I totally understand how hard it is to choose and commit to a photographer – let alone prepare for a session and show up on the day! So, you probably have questions right!? OK, let me go through some of the most commonly asked ones for you.

q. Where are you based?

I am based in central Algarve on the south coast of Portugal. This central location allows me to get virtually anywhere in the Algarve, within an hour. I am able to reach Lisbon or Seville in under 3 hours, and Porto in 5. I am also just 20 minutes from the international Airport in Faro giving me access to Europe and the rest of the World.

Please be aware that travel outside of the Algarve may incur additional travel costs which can be discussed during my booking conversations.

q. What equipment do you use?

The equipment I use will change depending on the type of shoot and the format required. My cameras and lenses produce high-quality images, more than good enough for advertising billboards (if required).

q. Do you require a deposit to secure a booking?

Once we have completed our consultation and you have accepted my proposal, I will ask for a security deposit of 25%. This will be discussed during the consultation.

q. Do you deliver digital images, PHYSICAL prints, or both?

There are 3 options for how we can deliver your finished images:

Physical products direct from us:

This option will provide the best quality as we get to personally check each item before they are sent out.  This option works best for clients who are relatively local as we have found the delivery of a fragile, framed prints can be expensive and may result in damages. Therefore, I would not suggest this method if the item is fragile, and a parcel delivery service is required.

Physical products using trusted partners:

We have selected professional printers to provide a specialised service to provide physical products. These providers will be located in your geographical area which will reduce transportation charges (and import taxes). Ordering is simple and can be accessed through your customer portal.

Digital Files only:

You will have access to all your high-resolution images through your customer portal. You will be able to download your images allowing you to use a professional printing and framing service local to you. Please note that you are able to download and print as many copies of these images as you like (as long as they are for non-commercial use).

q. Do you provide online galleries for viewing and sharing?

Yes. A link to a secure portal will be sent shortly after your shoot. This portal will allow you to view, select, download and order additional physical prints. This gallery will be available for a minimum of 12 months.

q. How much editing / retouching do you do on photos?

As mentioned above, the RAW files captured by modern professional cameras will need some level of editing. My goal is to produce striking images that look natural and not obviously processed.

I see the editing of an image as a vital part of the creative process. It allows a photographer to produce images that stand out and put their own personal style into the image. Without editing, we wouldn't be able to produce Black & White images using digital cameras.

Q. Can I request specific edits or adjustments?

Absolutely. I may have edited an image as a Black & White, but you might like to see how it would look in colour. I want you to be fully satisfied with your images and welcome any ideas about how an image can be edited in a different way.

q. Can we have the RAW or unedited files?

This can be a sensitive issue. There are many reasons why photographers do not include the RAW files when sending images to customers. Here are the main ones:

1. Quality - RAW files are designed to allow the camera to capture as much information as possible. The files are uncompressed and unprocessed, and very rarely resemble the scene when the shutter button was pressed. They require editing in software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to bring them to life.
2. Artistic Control - RAW files are not the finished product and are not a true reflection of a photographer's skill. Editing the image is part of the creative process and is where the photographer is able to add their personal style. Releasing unedited RAW files may compromise a photographer's artistic integrity.
3. File Size - A RAW file straight from the camera can be anything up to 100mb and can be problematic to transfer and store. At 100mb you would only get 7 or 8 images on a single CD (remember them?). Edited JPEG files not only look better, they are much smaller and therefore easier to transfer and store.
4. Compatibility - RAW files often need specialist software to open.

q. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

To confirm our booking, I will require a deposit to secure the date. Rescheduling a date with plenty of notice is straightforward but cancelling will likely result in the forfeit of your deposit. The contract you complete when paying the deposit will clarify the conditions.

As much as I'd prefer this to be all about the 'art', it's also my living. The saying  'time is money' has never been truer than when applied to a photographer and last minute cancellations impact my income. Having a clear understanding between us before we start this journey will hopefully prevent any misunderstandings.

With all that said, my focus is, and will always be to provide you with the images you require. I will always try 100% to make sure the appointment can go ahead. The cancellation policy will only be applied as a last resort.

Q. What if you are unavailable due to illness or emergency?

If unforeseen circumstances on my side prevent me from fulfilling our appointment, I will contact you to reschedule. If this is not an acceptable option and you would prefer to cancel I will of course provide a full refund of any payment including the security deposit.

q. Do I own the copyright to the photos you take?

This is another sensitive question. Simply put, no. Legally the default position is that the copyright and ownership is always retained by the photographer unless previously agreed and clarified in our contracted terms. The contract will also clarify exactly what we can both do with the images taken on the day.

Q. Will you use my photos on your website or social media?

I will always want to 'show off' my best images and posting these on my website or social media can really help promote my business. If you are unhappy with any images used, please talk to me and they can be removed.

Q. Do you work with clients who don’t speak English?

Absolutely. I'm British by birth but my Portuguese is slowly improving. If I get stuck I can always ask my amazing Portuguese wife to help out with any language barriers that might arise.

Q. What should I wear for a photo session?

This will be discussed leading up to the shoot and obviously depends on the type of session booked. In general it's best to stick to neutral colours. These tend to age better than brighter clothing in 'this season's colours.

Q. What happens if the weather is bad?

We are lucky to have over 300 days of sun each year in the Algarve. Even on the remaining 65 days, we only get twenty or so days where the weather will prevent getting outside completely. If you're unlucky enough to pick one of those, I am more than happy to reschedule if needed.

I tend to be aware of what the weather forecast is at all times. I will be in constant communication in the days leading up to your photo-shoot and will be able to advise if I think we may need to postpone. Sessions on cloudy days will go ahead as scheduled particularly if you have a sought-after weekend appointment, as these tend to get booked up many weeks in advance! You would be surprised at how beautifully soft the light is on overcast days, which can make for really gorgeous photographs.

Q. What about outdoor winter photos?

Winter in the Algarve can produce some of the best conditions for dramatic outdoor images. The light is soft and warm and is so flattering for skin tones. The added benefit is that even little children are still awake for the sunset, unlike in the summer months! Even though Algarvian winter days are often warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, the temperature will plummet as the sun sets so please be prepared to wrap up.

q. Can you edit out my wrinkles?

In a word, yes. Whilst modern cameras have the ability to capture every tiny detail, I know that most would prefer not to see every pore on their face in all its glory (I know I don't)! I sensitively retouch skin and blemishes with a very light hand with the aim that you won't even know when you see the images. It's also worth bearing in mind that I never photograph my subjects with direct light on their faces and instead seek out soft, flattering light so that minimal skin retouching is needed.

If you have any questions that aren't covered above, please contact me to discuss.