Looking at your images your photo shoots look like they were fun, are they?

Studio X photo shoots are always fun and enlivening! Everyone has a great time, and not only that, you then have fantastic images to take home and admire for many years to come and to remind you of the amazing experience you had.

What kind of people come to Studio X?

We work with everyday people of all shapes and sizes, and ages too! From young women, couples and guys through to more mature clients well into their 60’s. Everyone has the right to feel fantastic about themselves, and at Studio X we work closely with everyone to show you at your best!

I think I would be too nervous. What do you suggest?

Most people are nervous to some degree and sometimes the nervousness gets confused with the excitement, because it is exciting! After all, this isn’t the sort of thing you do everyday! You’re quite welcome to bring a bottle of wine to your photo shoot if that helps you to relax but remember, you are among friends, non judgmental, encouraging and supportive friends. All photo shoots are completed to your pace, and in whichever way makes you feel the most comfortable.

I would like to do this but I am worried I will feel silly in front of strangers?

Ok, first thing to remember is we are not strangers. Unlike most other studios, we are a family business. We do not and will not use outside contract photographers for two reasons. One because our quality standards are so high and two you would never know who was going to photograph you on the day. This is probably not an issue for normal portraiture but for semi-nude, nude, lingerie or full body glamour we feel it is vital you feel comfortable and safe. At the consultation you will usually meet Christine (my wife) and Loric (my son) and get to know them. They are also the same people who will be doing your photo shoot. As I said, you will be among friends, never strangers.

Is my partner welcome to the Photo shoot?

Yes. We encourage partners to come to the session if they wish. Even if the partner does not wish to be part of the session, they are more than welcome to co-create the shoot with the photographer and be part of the process….or else put their feet up and relax!

If my partner want to be in some of the images do you charge extra?

Absolutely not.

What do you mean when you say you are "Bespoke" photographers?

Well, if you think of McDonalds you are looking at the opposite of bespoke. Most studios are run by the clock to get as many shoots in and out as quickly as possible which sort of makes you a "McClient".

Bespoke simply means tailor-made or custom-made. In other words we design your shoot exclusively for you. We take onboard any ideas you may have, offer suggestions and then construct your shoot around that. Because we are more interested in the end result than the number of "McClients" we shoot on a day we can apply true craftsmanship to our work and are prepared to spend the time in retouching as required. The finished art is unique, personally gratifying and truly bespoke.

I don’t know what to do in front of a camera. Do you help me with posing?

Yes we will help you with all of the posing, explaining (and even showing in some cases) what looks the best and how to do it. You will see what you look like as we go along which rapidly builds your confidence.

Do I have to do anything I am not comfortable with?

Never. During the course of the shoot we may suggest a “look” you may like to try. If you like it then do it, or if it doesn’t feel right for you, then don’t. Don’t forget, this experience is like being in the ultimate sandbox. You are here to relax, play, let go, have fun and have a truly amazing experience and then you get to take the proof home.

I know some people want to do nude. What if I don't but still want that classy, elegant look and feel you guys do so well?

Not a problem. You decide what kind of images you want taken. Some people choose to do glamour, some lingerie / boudoir, some choose nude whilst others choose a combination of everything. It is entirely your decision! We have some clients who only choose traditional portraiture! We have won awards for our traditional portraiture as well. You will never be pressured into doing something you don’t feel comfortable with because we will have spoken about it beforehand.

I do not consider myself particularly glamourous or sexy. In fact I have never had a decent photo taken of me in my life. Are you sure you could help me get some nice photos of myself?

We hear this more often than you would expect. Firstly, everyone is uniquely beautiful. You need to see your uniqueness as the asset it is. We assist you to feel relaxed and to recognise your own inner beauty through the lens of our camera. Using adaptive posing for your body type, appropriate props and inspired studio lighting we capture you at your best, and that’s before retouching!

Ok, talking about retouching I know I need some help in that department but I still want to look like me? I have seen a lot of "makeover" pictures that look nothing like the person in real life and I don't want that.

Good question. Retouching is personal. It can be simply removing an unwanted mole or other blemish, through to facial age reduction and even body contouring and slimming. We can usually remove cellulite and remove a few kg’s at the same time. It’s all up to you. However unlike most other “Glamour Makeover” studios we do not “tart” you up to look like someone totally different. We help you to bring out the elegant, sexy and sensual side of you that you already know exists and retouch as desired. Each image is indeed a work of art with you as the subject.

I have noticed that sometimes you refer to the photos as an “investment”.
I don’t understand that!

Ok, it’s like this. Typically an investment is where you purchase something material like a house, a car or something similar which you hope will be of a greater value to you in the future than it is when you purchased it. Sometimes they go up and sometimes they go down. We offer you something far better than that and with a guaranteed upside.

Taking into account you are only going to get older from this day on (sorry to break the news), we are helping you bring out and maximise the sexy, glamorous and sensual “you” of today and then freezing it in time. The “you” in those images is never going to age. As you age gracefully over the years those images will become even more priceless to you and your loved ones, hence your investment is forever increasing. The only time you loose out is if you fail to invest at all!

Is Hair and Makeup available?

Yes it is. This will be discussed during the consultation.

Do you hold consultations with clients before doing the photo shoot and is there a charge?

Yes. Consultations take approximately twenty minutes to half an hour and are by appointment only. This is when we listen to what you like, offer you ideas and show you possibilities to ensure you get something totally unique, just for you. Your consultation is totally free and with no-obligation.

Do I need to bring anything to the consultation?

You only need bring yourself to the consultation :) Everything will be discussed there, including what you should bring for your photo shoot.

I work fulltime..when can I do my shoot?

We are open six days a week (not Sundays), so organising an appointment is easy.

What if I don’t live in Auckland, or even New Zealand?

That is not a problem for us. We frequently have clients travel from all over New Zealand and also Australia. For people out of Auckland we can organise a phone consultation with you, which will cover the information which we would normally discuss with you at a studio consultation. From there a shoot date would be booked. On the day of your shoot we can pick you up from your hotel and drop you back if required. After the photo shoot when your images are retouched and completed we will then freight them right to you door!

Is there a limit on the amount of images you take during a photo shoot that I should know about?

No there is not. Unlike most other photographic studios we place no limit on how many images we take. We discuss with clients before hand what their desired outcomes for the photo shoot are and work with them closely to ensure they receive exactly what they wish for, plus a bit more.

What if I don’t like any of the images?

The only images you purchase are the ones you absolutely love! But be warned, you will be amazed how many that will be. There is no minimum purchase amount; you invest in the images which feel right for you.

Will anyone else see my images?

No. For all of the images you see on the website and in our studio we have obtained signed releases from the client, allowing us to display them. If you do not wish to have your images shown to other people, you will be the only one who sees them!

How long from the photographic session until I receive my chosen images?

This depends on what you choose. Whether you decide upon albums, contemporary frames and wall mounted images, or a bit of everything! Normally however it takes between two and three weeks from the day of your photo shoot.

What about my budget?

We have a wide range of products to suit most budgets whether it’s for albums or wall mounted images. We cater for everyone from university students upwards. Layby options are available too!

How long has Studio X been in Auckland?

Studio X has been in Newmarket since 2004.