What are your opening hours?
Give us a goo photography is open 7 days a week, from 8am – 8pm.
Where are you located?
Give us a goo is a family run business that consists of myself, Phil and my wife, Patricia. We’re based in Sallins, Kildare but like to think of ourselves as your next door neighbour since we try our hardest to come to you instead.
Are you a professional photographer?
Yes, I am. I got my B.A. in Photography and Arts in 2001 and have been fully immersed in all aspects of photography since then. I’m also fully insured to be at any location and always arrive with back up equipment.
How long is a Home Portrait Session and how many shots do you take?
A home portrait session will usually last between 30 minutes to an hour. There is no limit to the number of photographs taken and absolutely no extra cost if the session takes much longer than anticipated. It’s important to remember that it can take time for children and adults to become comfortable in front of the camera and I ensure you that I am flexible and you are never rushed.
How many people can be photographed in one session?
As many as you like within the immediate family*. I have no problem photogaphing a large family or group of people but if there are 10 or more then I will need advance notice to make sure that the location will be able to facillitate the day’s shoot without any complications, such as being able to photograph that many people in your living room!
*If the family extends to uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and long lost brothers etc then a session fee of €50 will apply to separate families or the option of one of the three packages.If all this sounds confusing then please contact me with details of those attending the shoot otherwise arrangements will be made on the day.
Whats the difference between “Lifestyle Portraiture” and “Home Studio Portraiture”?
With Lifestyle Portraits, I photograph your family within their natural environment such as the living room, kitchen, bedroom, garden etc. This type of photography is very popular with people who would like a reportage style photograph of a time and place in their home life.
Home Studio Portaits are photographs of your family against a white or black studio background. I will bring a proffessional portable studio to your house capable of the same style of photographs that are captured at a studio. The only difference being the price and the amount of people a portable backdrop can hold. I can generally photograph up to 10 people comfortably against the backdrop.
What’s the costs and terms?
A Home Portrait/Lifestyle Session is non-refundable and must be paid after I’ve taken your photographs at the location of your choice. If you are in anyway unhappy with the session photographs, I will return your money minus €30.00
What should I wear?
It’s up to you and the style of home portraiture that you choose. But generally:
- A group portrait whether in colour or black & white works best when everyone wears similar shades of one particular colour. Everyone should be dressed in a similar fashion for better emphasis on the group rather than the clothing, all formal or all casual. Saying all that, there are no straightforward rules and being creative can often achieve unique results as long as you know that the person with the loudest piece of clothing gets the most attention.
- Always remember that brands and labels draw attention to the eye and not the person.
- Creases, fluff, old clothing, lint, stray pet hairs and creases will also draw attention away from the faces being photographed.
- Short pants, jeans, shirts, skirts and sleeves will also draw attention to what they are not hiding! Do you really want to show off the belly, legs and arms?
- Remember that white and black clothing works in entirely different ways. Where dark clothing against a dark background can make you look slimmer and emphasise your features, white clothing can make you look younger but not as slim!
- Whatever the clothes you choose for yourself or family make sure it’s comfortable. Little Johnny will laugh and smile in a pair of pyjamas quicker than a tight fitting suit.
- Remember the acid wash jeans and the neon bright jackets with shoulder pads of the 80′s? Would you wear it for a photograph today? If so, great, but take into consideration that the latest fashion will draw attention to a time period rather than to the person being photographed.
- There is no right or wrong to what you wear and sometimes the most outlandish clothes with the messiest of backgrounds make the best photographs. However, this may not have been your intention.
What about hair and make-up?
The best person to do your hair and make up is yourself. Just make sure to have some powder at hand to remove any shine during the shoot. Please have your hair and make up ready prior to the photoshoot/ before I arrive. Men should avoid shaving if their skin is sensitive and prone to reddening or breaking out in a rash on the day
I have a small apartment/house. Will that affect the portraits?
Not for Lifestyle photographs as we have the appropriate lenses to get good portraits in small spaces. However, it will pose a problem for large groups of people. If you can comfortably fit a large group of people that you want photographed in the room with at least 3 metres between you and the photographer then it should be fine.
For Home Studio Portaits, I need a space that is at least 2 metres width by 3 metres lenght for a small portrait of 3-4 people in front of a studio backdrop. The more space you make in your home, the more combinations of photogaphs we can take.
What are the ideal conditions for children and babies to be photographed?
- Whatever you do, don’t make a big deal of the day. Treat me like a friend that comes around everyday and your children will do the same. Enforcing manners will put a barrier between the children and me. Any stress or anxiety that you might have leading up to the day will be a cause of stress and anxiety for the children too!
- Please try to book a time of day when your child is at his/her best as this will ensure the best results.
- If your baby or child happens to become sick on the day or aren’t up to the session then please reschedule at no extra cost.
- It can take some time before younger children feel comfortable being photographed but the best results are often achieved without mammy and daddy giving orders. Saying “smile” can often result in a “frown”. However, that doesn’t mean that I won’t ask for assistance during the shoot. It’s best to watch over them unless I ask for help.
- Sometimes all a child needs is his/her favourite toy to make them smile.
When do I get to see the photos?
Generally, the photos will be available to view in about 1-2 weeks later online. If you are satisfied with the photos online and don’t require prints or frames then I will post you the DVD with all images that can be printed up to the package deal chosen along with the additonal free prints within 2 weeks upon receipt of payment.
What if I don’t have the internet?
I will post you a cd with low resolution images so that you can confirm that you approve the photographs before the full purchase.
How long does the viewing last and what happens during the viewing?
It usually takes anything from half an hour to an hour whereby you will decide through a process of elimination which photographs you might want printed or framed or put in an album. I will have a variety of sample frames / prints and albums that you can choose from and can advise you on which photograph would suit which medium the best.
What happens if I don’t want any photos, prints or frames after the viewing?
That’s no problem at all, the photos will always be availble from me at a later date but remember that the minimum session fee of €30 is non refundable as this covers the time I invested in creating your photographs.
How long will it take before I finally receive the prints and frames chosen during the viewing?
They will be available for collection within 4 weeks. I can also post the prints to you at an additional cost but accept no responsibility for damaged goods. It’s also possible for me to hand deliver them to you at a time when you are available for an additional fee if you live within Kildare/Dublin.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, I do. They make a fantastic present and I can post the personalised gift voucher to the person to receive the gift upon request. The gift vouchers never expire but are non-redeemable. Please click here for more information.
If you have any further questions or queries then please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.
