“I enjoyed that a LOT more than I thought I would,” clients regularly tell me as they leave the studio.
Being in front of the camera lens can seem scary, but my super-relaxed approach to portrait photography makes it as easy, enjoyable and un-intimidating as possible.
In fact, my unique approach has led to me becoming the top-rated photographer in the county, with over 240 five-star reviews on Google.
Here’s what you’ll experience when you book with me:
Before your photoshoot
Once we’ve booked in a date for your photography session, we’ll also plan a time for me to call you for an informal chat. During this half hour phone call, we’ll discuss what you want to get from your photos and talk through some of the details.
I’ll share advice on what to wear (and how many outfits to bring) as well as some tips for getting the best from your children on the day of our shoot.
A few days after making your booking, you’ll receive one or more guides relevant to your photoshoot. For example, depending on your session type, you may receive my Maternity Guide, Newborn Guide, Outfit Guide and/or my guide to getting the best from your children on the day of your session.
When you’ve had a chance to think about what outfits you might bring, you can send over a quick snap to me via email or WhatsApp if you’d like feedback and suggestions from a photographic point of view.
The day before your photoshoot I’ll email over a few key reminders, including address and parking info, so they are at the top of your inbox.
During your photoshoot
Turn up and relax: I’ll guide you through every part of your session, and all of it is super-easy.
I’ll direct you through a series of flattering, natural-looking poses that capture the love and connection between everyone.
We’ll play a whole bunch of mini-games to generate big, genuine laughs and interactions, while also distracting everyone from the presence of the camera.
Clients often ask me how much time I allocate for photoshoots. The answer is that they are as long as we need! I only book a maximum of one newborn, child or family photoshoot per day to ensure you get all my energy and attention. Allow at least 1-2 hours (2-3 for newborn photoshoots) so that we’ve got plenty of time for outfit changes, nappy changes and/or newborn top-up feeds.
Once we’ve created and captured a whole range of stunning images, you can head off knowing that you’ve got something really exciting to look forward to: seeing the results!
After your photoshoot
I’ll edit each image by hand before showing them to you approximately one to two weeks after your photoshoot. Some of my clients make an event of the big reveal by inviting their families over to see the images for the first time, while others like to keep things secret as they’ll be gifting the pictures as presents.
You’ll see the images set to music, and it’s very common for everyone to start feeling a little emotional – after all, you’re seeing your loved ones at their happiest and most beautiful!
Then it’s decision time: would you like a picture or two for the wall, a stunning Heirloom Album to flick through or are you interested in prints and digitals?
I’ll help you with any questions you may have – without any pressure at any point – and make recommendations on size, frames and mounts if you opt for wall art. If you opt for an Heirloom Album, I’ll professionally design the layout and send you a proof to check that you love it before it goes to the pro lab for printing and binding.
Once your order is placed, I’d love to write a personal blog about your shoot – with your permission, of course. You’ll have a chance to check it through before I share it, and you can let me know of any changes you’d like me to make. It’s a page on the internet that’s all about you, and the perfect place to send friends and family who want to enjoy the images from your shoot.
And then, when your order arrives, you get to enjoy the experience all over again: the funny moments, the sweet moments, and the ones that melt your heart, all captured in images you will want to share, keep and treasure forever.
See for yourself
- Read reviews from previous clients here.
- See some of my recent awards and accolades here.
- Ready to get booked in? You can get in contact here.
Got a question? These pages might help:
- For latest availability for photoshoots, click here.
- For information on pricing, click here.
- For studio location and directions, click here.
Sarah Plater AMPA is a multi-award-winning qualified, certified professional portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 and Young Families Photographer of the Year 2022 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).
© Sarah Plater Photography. All rights reserved.
