fbpx

Frequently Asked Questions

Kirsty Larmour Photography FAQ’s

How do you define your style? Storytelling. Fresh, contemporary, fun, quirky, detail focussed, emotional, whimsical.  My photos tell the stories of those important moments in life…

What is Lifestyle Photography? Lifestyle photography is about capturing the real moments – the connections between siblings, the love between a newly engaged couple, the laughter within a family, the hugs, the giggles, the tickles, the laughter, the sassyness, the serious moments too…. It’s not about capturing flawless posed photos – it’s about being real, authentic – being YOU! Showing the love that represents your life…  

Do you have a studio? No I don’t. Studio photography just isn’t my style – I’m an out and about kind of girl, and that’s the way I like to photograph – I love the way different environments challenge me.

How far in advance should I book? In order that I work to the highest possible standards I take only a limited number of commissions per month and so am usually booked up a few months in advance for the cooler months. In the hot summer the waiting time may be a little less, however, I do have a waiting list most of the year round.

How much does your photography cost? In total the average client usually invests upwards of 5,000AED in photographic products after their session. This includes prints and digital images and custom designed boutique items such as albums and storyboards. My collections offer savings over the a la carte prices and are very popular with clients as they include a little bit of everything.  Sessions start at AED800 for week days.  Read more on Pricing here

Do you sell digital files? Yes, they are available either as a full collection or on purchase of a minimum amount – in fact, the full digital collection has been my best selling boutique item since 2010 because so many people want ALL the photos from their session.

What happens to my files? After a session I spend about an hour downloading and backing up files, both to disc and off-site to ensure they are safe – I’m super paranoid! I then keep them on file for a year.  

I read that you’re a Natural Light Photographer – what does that mean? It means that I photograph only using natural light – which is why we sometimes have to schedule outdoor sessions for very early morning, before the light is too bright. It also means if your home is very dark it might not be suitable for a shoot so we need to have a back up plan in place. I don’t bring lights to a session, and the only time I ever use a flash is at a wedding reception – nothing wrong with flash photography – it’s just not my style…

How can I pay for my session and my prints? I can accept credit card payments via paypal even if you don’t have a paypal account. I also accept cheques and cash.

Do you come to Dubai for photoshoots? My number one job is being a Mummy to my 2 little girls and because they are still young I can’t leave them to come to Dubai for shoots at the moment.  Some people use this as an excuse for a nice weekend getaway in the Capital though and I’d love to hear from you if fancy a weekend break here.  I do also know some fantastic photographers in Dubai so shoot me an email and I’ll pass on their details if you can’t make it to Abu Dhabi.

I wear a shayla – is this a problem? Not at all – you wear whatever you feel comfortable in for your photos. If we’re in your home and you’re un-covered in your photos then I won’t publish such photos on my blog or website – they are for you and your family only. I also edit all my own files.  The only people who see the photos I take are me, and my printer. At your request, I process these prints at a female only lab in the UAE or can even send your prints to a lab in the USA for printing should you wish. I also do this for any maternity shots and boudoir shoots which may feature nudity out of respect for both my client’s privacy and the laws of the U.A.E.

My home is rented and not really my personal style – what do you suggest? Let’s meet at the park or the beach, or somewhere else your family enjoys hanging out. As long as I consider the light is good enough for natural light photography we can go anywhere.

My husband is reluctant to have photos taken – how do I convince him? Well, I don’t know your husband so I don’t know what methods work for him individually, but show him the website and blog, and how I’m not about catching people looking at the camera with cheesy grins, but more about interactions, relaxed fun and telling the stories of families just being themselves.

How long does it take to get my photos?

2-3 weeks after your session I’ll upload your online gallery

You choose what you want, and once payment is received I’ll start to process your order – this includes design of any customised items.

Prints usually take 3-4 weeks

Customised boutique products such as announcements and albums usually take 6-8 weeks

Do you photograph Weddings? Yes I do! I love weddings! I also shoot engagement photos for people to take home and show at their weddings. My wedding and engagement style is similar to my portrait style, candid and fresh so if that’s what you’re after, give me a call to chat about your big day!

How can I schedule a newborn session when I don’t know when my baby will be born? Let me know your due date well in advance (I recommend you contact me before your third trimester to avoid me being booked out)  and I’ll keep some time free around that time. Call me once your precious bundle arrives and we’ll finalise a day. Please don’t wait until your baby is born because I can’t guarantee to fit you in while they’re still tiny.

How many people can we have in our shoot? As many as you like in theory, but it may get a bit chaotic if you involve too many and that might prevent us from getting exactly the interactions and shots you’re after. My session fee covers up to 5 people.

How many photos will we get? Your online gallery (password protected) usually has around 50 fully retouched images from your photo session – I only show and spend time editing the best because I know my clients only want to order the very best!

What shall I do with my photos after the shoot? I always suggest that you think about what you’re going to do with your photos before the shoot – do you want files or albums or canvasses. I also suggest that you follow my Pinterest board on Photo Displays as it’s packed full of ideas and projects to do with your photos

Why are digital files so expensive? I put a lot of time and effort into creating the perfect pictures for you. Simply put, your digital files will last forever, you can print them out as many times as you want and they are equally as treasured and take as much time and effort as prints or albums so the value is the same – most of my clients know and understand this, and that’s why my digital files are my best seller.

Why are you more expensive than other photographers out there? I’m not even sure I need to answer this – but would you go to a surgeon who was charging AED100 as a starting out special because they just purchased a scalpel last week? Would you take a chance on AED20  highlights from a hairdresser who brought out a home hair dying kit? Likewise, I would never trust someone who just got a new camera, who hasn’t had some kind of professional, technical and artistic training to capture the very essence of my family – to make pictures to hand down to the next generation.  You need to choose a photographer you know can deliver, not one you’re just taking a chance on. That’s my belief, that’s my approach and that’s what I aim to give every client. The number of years of blood, sweat and tears I put into honing my craft and defining my style mean I can do that.

These are just a few of the questions I get asked by clients – if you have more questions please email me, and if I get asked a particular question often enough I’ll add it in here – so check back again sometime,

Kirsty x

Answers and Information © Kirsty Larmour – please don’t steal my words… it’s not nice….

I'm Kirsty Hello There!

WELCOME TO KIRSTY LARMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi, I'm Kirsty, a lifestyle photographer and photography educator who lives in India. My approach to photography is to capture real life – with a little sparkle on top fueled by my obsession with pretty light. I want to treasure the moments that need to be remembered.

Grab a cup of tea and have a roam around my blog to see my photography style and ideas. (Check out the Details section up there on the menu bar, and the FAQ's for lots of info too). I post pictures on here from recent photo sessions, as well as some personal photo projects and some ramblings about life in general. Leave some love, check my page out over on Facebook to stay up to date, and come back again soon,

Kirsty xx

Be Social

Categories

Kirsty on Instagram

Sign up for the Newsletter

I love Blurb Books

Take 35% off your first book

Blurb

Other Links that I Love!

Learn With Kirsty

Popular Posts

Highlights of 2018
Highlights of 2017
Photography on the Fly
The Photographers Gift Guide
Menu