Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
1. What if I’m not comfortable in front of the camera?
You’re definitely not alone. Most people we photograph aren’t completely comfortable in front of a camera. We’ll guide you throughout the session, keep things relaxed and give you plenty of direction so you’re never left wondering what to do.
2. Do I need to know how to pose?
Not at all — that’s our job. We’ll guide you through posing, expression and movement while paying attention to the little details like posture, hands, angles and clothing. You just need to show up; we’ll take care of the rest.
3. How do I know which photography service is right for me?
Start with what you need the photographs for. Headshots are ideal when you need a polished professional image, branding tells more of your story, portraits are about people and connection, Creative adds specialized lighting and artistic direction, and Signature Fine Art takes the concept much further. Talent and Commercial services are designed specifically for industry and business needs. If you're still not sure which service is right for you, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
4. What should I wear for my session?
It depends on the type of session, but clothing that fits well, makes you feel confident and doesn’t distract from you is usually a great place to start. Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide guidance specific to your session, and you’re always welcome to ask us about wardrobe choices beforehand.
5. Who chooses the final images?
Hayley selects the final photographs. Part of the service is her professional eye in choosing the strongest images from your session based on expression, composition, lighting and overall impact. Those selected images are then professionally retouched and delivered as your finished collection.
6. Can I purchase additional images?
Depending on the service, additional professionally retouched images may be available for purchase. If there are additional photographs from your session that Hayley feels are worth finishing, we’ll let you know what options are available.
7. How long will it take to receive my finished photographs?
Turnaround varies depending on the type of session and the amount of retouching involved. We’ll let you know what to expect for your specific service when you book. More complex Creative, Fine Art and Commercial work may require additional time because of the level of post-production involved.
8. Do you provide RAW or unedited images?
RAW or unedited files are not included with our standard photography services. If you require RAW files, please contact us before booking to discuss available options.
9. Can I keep my photographs private?
Absolutely. We love sharing our work, but we respect that not everyone wants their photographs displayed publicly. If you would prefer your images not be used on our website, portfolio, social media or marketing, just let us know before your session.
10. What happens if I need to reschedule?
We understand that plans sometimes change. If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible. Rescheduling is subject to the terms of your booking, and we’ll work with you to find another available date whenever possible.
Headshots & Personal Branding
11. What’s the difference between a headshot and personal branding photography?
A headshot focuses primarily on you — usually your face and upper body — and is designed to create a polished, current image for professional profiles, websites, LinkedIn and similar uses.
Personal branding goes further. It creates a broader collection of images that can show your personality, what you do and the story behind your professional brand. Sessions may incorporate different poses, wardrobe, tools or other elements relevant to your work.
12. Which headshot option should I choose?
Choose Headshot Express if you need a quick, polished update and only a couple of finished images.
Choose Headshot Pro if you’d like more time, additional variety and more finished images.
If you need photographs that go beyond a traditional headshot and show more of who you are and what you do, our Personal Branding Photography Experience may be the better fit.
13. Can I change outfits or backgrounds during my session?
It depends on the service you book. Some sessions are intentionally kept simple with one outfit and background, while others allow more time and flexibility for wardrobe variations, backgrounds and different looks.
Each service page explains what’s included, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you book.
14. Can I use my headshots or Personal Branding images for my business, website and social media?
Yes. Headshots and Personal Branding images are intended for use in promoting you and your own professional presence, including your website, professional profiles, social media and personal business marketing.
If you need photography to promote a business or organization as a whole — including employees, workplace, products, services or a larger marketing image library — our Commercial & Business Photography services are designed for that.
15. What if I book Headshot Pro and realize I need personal branding instead?
If you book a Headshot Pro session and realize you need more than a traditional headshot, you can upgrade to our Personal Branding Photography Experience within 30 days of your Headshot Pro session.
This gives you the option to build on your professional images with a more comprehensive branding session designed around you, your work and how you want to present your professional brand.
PORTRAIT & CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
16. What’s the difference between a Portrait Photography Experience and a Creative Photography Experience?
Our Portrait Photography Experience is designed for individuals, couples and families, with a focus on creating beautifully finished portraits that capture personality, connection and the people who matter to you.
Our Creative Photography Experience is designed for one individual and takes a more artistic approach, using specialized lighting, controlled shadows and intentional composition to create something bolder and more dramatic.
If you’re looking for something less traditional and want the lighting itself to become part of the photograph, Creative may be the better fit.
17. Can couples and families book a Portrait Photography Experience?
Absolutely. Our Portrait Photography Experience is designed for individuals, couples and families and includes up to five participants.
Groups of six or more can also be accommodated with advance notice for an additional fee per participant.
18. Can I bring my pet to the studio?
Yes. One well behaved and owner-controlled pet weighing up to 75lbs can be included as a participant in your Portrait Photography Experience when arranged with us in advance.
Please let us know before your session if you’d like your pet included so we can confirm that the studio and session are suitable and prepare accordingly.
19. Can I bring an inspiration photo or idea for my session?
Absolutely. Inspiration images are a great way to show us the lighting, pose, mood, composition or overall feeling you’re drawn to.
Please send your inspiration to us before your session. This gives us a chance to review it together, ask any questions we may have and better prepare for what you’d like to create.
We’ll use inspiration as a starting point rather than something to copy exactly, creating our own interpretation that works for you and your session.
20. Do I need to have a creative idea before booking?
Not at all. You can come to us with a fully formed idea, the beginning of one, or simply know that you want something a little different.
Creative collaboration is always welcome! If you do have an idea, let us know in advance so we can explore it with you, prepare ahead of your session and help make the experience — and the final images — extra special for you.
SIGNATURE FINE ART
21. What makes Signature Fine Art different from a Creative Photography Experience?
Our Creative Photography Experience uses specialized lighting, controlled shadows and intentional composition to create bold, artistic portraits within a focused studio session.
Signature Fine Art goes much further. It begins with an original concept and may involve custom styling, specialty lighting, sets, props, compositing and extensive post-production to create a highly finished piece of photographic artwork.
Creative is about creating something distinctive during the session. Fine Art allows us to build an entire image from concept through to the finished artwork.
22. Do I need to come up with the Fine Art concept myself?
Not at all. You can come to us with a complete vision, the beginning of an idea, an inspiration image or simply a feeling for the kind of artwork you’d love to create.
Developing the concept is part of the Signature Fine Art experience. We’ll work with you to explore the possibilities and turn those initial ideas into a concept that can be planned and created specifically for you.
23. Can Signature Fine Art include custom sets, props or compositing?
Absolutely. Depending on the concept, your Fine Art piece may incorporate sets, props, specialty lighting, creative photographic techniques, compositing and extensive post-production.
Because every concept is different, anything beyond what is included in the starting experience will be discussed during planning and quoted where required.
24. Can more than one person be included in a Signature Fine Art concept?
The standard Signature Fine Art Photography Experience is designed for one individual and one custom creative concept.
Concepts involving two or more participants require considerably more planning, production and Fine Art editing, so they aren’t offered as a simple additional-person add-on. Multi-participant concepts may be considered on a custom basis and, where possible, will be quoted according to the scope and complexity of the idea.
25. What happens during the Fine Art consultation?
Your consultation is where we begin turning an idea into something we can actually create.
We’ll talk about your vision, inspiration, styling, mood, colour, lighting, possible sets or props and how you’d ultimately like the finished piece to feel. We’ll also look at what will be required to bring the concept to life and make sure we have a clear creative direction before production begins.
You don’t need to arrive with all the answers — that’s what the consultation is for.
26. Can you recreate a Fine Art image I’ve seen somewhere else?
You’re absolutely welcome to share images that inspire you. They can be incredibly helpful in showing us the mood, lighting, styling or overall direction you’re drawn to.
We won’t set out to make an exact copy of another artist’s work. Instead, we’ll use your inspiration as a starting point and develop an original concept and interpretation that becomes your own.
27. How much creative input will I have in my Fine Art piece?
Signature Fine Art is a creative collaboration. We want to know what you love, what you don’t, what inspires you and what you hope the finished artwork will feel like.
Hayley will then bring her own creative vision and photographic expertise to the process, helping shape those ideas into something that can be successfully photographed and finished as a cohesive piece of artwork.
You’re part of the creative process — but you don’t have to direct it.
28. Why does Signature Fine Art start at $1,250?
Because Signature Fine Art is much more than the time spent taking the photograph.
Your experience includes creative concept development, an in-person consultation, detailed planning, specialized photographic techniques and the extensive post-production required to create a highly finished piece of photographic artwork. Depending on the concept, it may also involve custom sets, props, compositing or other production elements.
It’s a much more involved creative process than a traditional portrait session, with considerably more work happening before and after the camera comes out.
29. Will my finished Fine Art image look exactly like we planned?
We’ll develop a clear creative direction together and make every reasonable effort to bring the agreed concept to life, but Fine Art is a creative process and sometimes the strongest image develops as we work.
Lighting, pose, expression, composition and other creative elements may evolve during the session and post-production. Rather than promising an exact photograph in advance, the goal is to stay true to the overall concept and artistic direction while allowing room to create something even better along the way.
30. Can I purchase my Fine Art photographs as physical artwork?
Absolutely. Signature Fine Art is created with finished artwork in mind, not simply as another image to live on a screen.
Your experience includes a $300 Artwork Credit toward an eligible artwork purchase of $500 or more. We’ll help you choose a finished piece that complements both the photograph and the space where you’d like to display it.
After putting this much thought, creativity and detail into creating something uniquely yours, we want the finished photograph to become something you can see, enjoy and live with for years to come.
TALENT PHOTOGRAPHY
31. What’s the difference between actor headshots, model digitals and portfolio photography?
They’re created for different purposes.
Actor headshots are designed for casting and need to accurately represent how you look while showing the qualities, personality and casting range relevant to the roles you’re pursuing.
Model digitals are simple, clean photographs designed to show agencies and clients what you naturally look like, with minimal styling, simple clothing and little to no makeup.
Portfolio photography goes further, creating a broader range of polished images that demonstrate your versatility, different looks and ability to work in front of the camera.
32. Do you photograph both actors and models?
Yes. We offer Talent Photography specifically for actors and models, with the photography adapted to the requirements of each industry.
An actor preparing for commercial casting needs something very different from a fashion model updating a portfolio, which is why we don’t approach every Talent session the same way.
33. What should I wear for actor or model photography?
That depends on what we’re creating.
For actor photography, wardrobe should support the types of roles and casting opportunities you’re targeting without looking like a costume.
For model digitals, simple, fitted clothing in neutral colours is generally best so the focus stays on you, your proportions and your natural appearance.
Portfolio sessions allow more freedom, with wardrobe chosen to create different looks and demonstrate range.
We’ll provide more specific guidance for your session before you arrive.
34. Can I wear makeup for my Talent Photography session?
It depends on the type of Talent Photography.
For actor photography, natural, camera-ready makeup is appropriate when it reflects how you would normally present yourself for casting.
For model digitals, agencies generally want to see your natural appearance, so makeup should be minimal or avoided depending on what your agency or submission requires.
For portfolio work, makeup and styling can be incorporated according to the looks we’re creating.
If an agency has provided specific requirements, please send them to us before your session so we can photograph you accordingly.
35. Can you create both commercial and theatrical actor headshots?
Yes. Commercial and theatrical headshots serve different casting purposes, and the photography should reflect that.
Commercial headshots generally feel approachable, relatable and natural, while theatrical headshots can show greater intensity, character and dramatic range for film, television and stage opportunities.
If you need both, we can plan your session to create images appropriate for each.
36. What are model digitals, and why do agencies ask for them?
Model digitals — sometimes called Polaroids — are simple photographs that show what you naturally look like without elaborate styling, dramatic lighting or heavy retouching.
Agencies and casting professionals use them to assess your current appearance, proportions and suitability for potential work without those details being disguised by production or extensive editing.
They’re intentionally simple. The goal isn’t to transform you — it’s to show you accurately.
37. Do I need to already be represented by an agency to book Talent Photography?
Not at all. We work with both new and experienced actors and models, whether you’re represented, seeking representation, building your first portfolio or updating your current images.
If you are represented, we recommend checking with your agent before booking to see whether they have specific requirements. Send those requirements to us in advance and we can plan your session accordingly.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
38. What types of Commercial Photography do you offer?
Our Commercial Photography services focus on Business Branding, Business Image Libraries and Product Photography.
Depending on the project, this may include business owners and teams, people at work, services and processes, workplace environments, products, tools and equipment, behind-the-scenes imagery, website and marketing content, recruitment imagery and other photographs created specifically for your business.
Every commercial project is different, so we’ll work with you to determine what photography will be most useful for how your business communicates and markets itself.
39. What’s the difference between Personal Branding and Business Branding Photography?
The easiest way to think about it is who the photography is promoting.
Personal Branding is centred around an individual and their professional identity — who you are, what you do and how you present yourself professionally.
Business Branding represents the business or organization as a whole. It may include owners, leadership, employees, workplace, services, processes, products and other imagery that helps show what the business does and what it’s like to work with you.
If the brand is primarily you, Personal Branding is usually the right fit. If we’re telling the story of your business, that’s Business Branding.
40. What is a Business Image Library?
A Business Image Library is a planned collection of professional photographs created specifically for your business to use across its marketing and communications.
Rather than relying on the same handful of images over and over — or filling the gaps with generic stock photography — you’ll have your own collection of images showing your people, workplace, products, services, processes and brand.
The goal is to give your business a useful bank of consistent, on-brand imagery you can draw from when you need it.
41. Do you photograph businesses on location?
Yes. Commercial and Business Branding photography is typically created at your business or another relevant location, allowing us to photograph your actual people, environment, services and processes.
We’ll discuss the location and what you’d like photographed during the planning process so we can prepare appropriately before the shoot.
42. Can you photograph our employees or team as part of a Business Branding session?
Absolutely. Your people are often an important part of telling the story of your business.
Depending on the project, we can photograph owners, leadership, employees and teams individually or while they’re working and interacting naturally within the business.
If you primarily need traditional individual employee headshots rather than broader Business Branding imagery, our Professional Headshot services may be a better fit.
43. Do you offer Product Photography?
Yes. We offer professional studio Product Photography for products that are suitable for our studio and the type of work we specialize in.
Depending on what you need, products can be photographed cleanly and simply or incorporated into more styled and creative imagery.
Because products and intended uses vary considerably, Product Photography is quoted based on the scope of the project.
44. How are Commercial Photography projects priced?
Commercial projects are priced according to the scope and complexity of the photography, rather than trying to fit every business into the same package.
Factors can include what needs to be photographed, the amount of planning and production involved, location, number of people or products, intended deliverables, post-production requirements and how the finished images will be used.
We provide starting-from pricing for our core Commercial services, with a customized quote provided when the scope of your project requires it.
45. What is included in a Business Usage Licence?
A Business Usage Licence gives the business permission to use the finished photographs for the agreed business and marketing purposes.
The exact licence can vary depending on the project and intended use, so usage is discussed as part of the quoting process. This ensures you know where and how the images can be used before the project begins.
The photographer retains copyright to the photographs unless otherwise agreed in writing.
46. Can we use our Commercial images for advertising, social media and our website?
Generally, yes — Commercial Photography is specifically created with business use in mind.
Your specific usage rights will be outlined in the Business Usage Licence for your project and may include your website, social media, marketing materials, recruitment and other agreed business uses.
If you’re planning a larger advertising campaign, third-party use, publication or another use outside the agreed licence, let us know so the appropriate rights can be included.
47. Do you offer ongoing photography for businesses that need new content throughout the year?
Yes. For businesses that regularly need fresh imagery, we offer ongoing Business Image Library options rather than starting from scratch every time you need new photographs.
An annual arrangement can include four planned photography visits throughout the year, allowing us to update your image library as your team, products, services, seasons or marketing needs change.
It’s a practical way to keep your business imagery current and consistent while building a larger custom image library over time.
BOOKING & EXPERIENCE
48. What happens after I book a photography session?
Once your booking is complete, including your session questionnaire, you’ll receive a confirmation with the details of your session.
We’ll review the information you’ve provided so we can prepare ahead of time. Depending on the service, we may also arrange a consultation or get in touch if there’s anything we’d like to discuss before your session.
Then all that’s left is to get ready — we’ll take it from there.
49. Can I talk to you about my ideas or questions before my session?
Absolutely — we encourage it!
If you have an idea, inspiration images, wardrobe questions or anything else you’d like us to know, reach out before your session. The more we understand what you’re hoping to create, the better we can prepare and make the most of our time together.
Email is the best way to reach us at notnormalphotography@outlook.com.
50. What makes Not Normal Photography different?
We don’t photograph everyone — or everything — the same way.
The person, purpose or project leads the photography — never a formula. We take the time to look closer, explore the possibilities and create every image with intention.
Because the best photography doesn’t make everything look the same. It reveals what makes it different.
And that’s exactly why we’re called Not Normal Photography.