FAQ

Booking Your Shoot

• How long do I have to redeem my session?

  Your portrait experience session is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase and must be redeemed by calling the studio on 04 3488527 or by visiting the studio.

• I have a gift voucher but it has expired. Can I still book in?

  Gift vouchers have a 6 month expiry date. If you have not booked a session before the expiry date then we can only extend for a maximum of 1 month.

• What are your opening hours?

  We are open Saturday through to Thursday from 10.00 to 18.00.

• If I cancel my shoot do I lose my shoot fee?

  We can only refund your shoot fee if you cancel within 24 hours of paying for the session (as long as it is not less than 48 hours before your booking, if you have arranged a time for your session). It is however transferable should you wish to rebook for another day.

• How soon can you fit me in for my photo shoot?

  This all depends on what day and times you are looking for. Afternoon and weekend slots are the most popular and you can generally expect to book 2-3 weeks in advance. Morning slots (not weekends) are more flexible and we can normally fit you in within one week.

• Which photographer will be shooting my pictures?

  If you have booked the Portrait Experience promotion your photographs will be taken by one of our Creative Team. Our highly skilled Creative Team are qualified with either the MPA (Master Photographer Association) or SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) and are all trained to Stu's exacting standards.

  If you have booked Stu's prestigious Signature Service you're photographs will be taken by Stu himself. If you have not received information on Stu's signature service but would like to find out more about this VIP portrait service, please call us on 043488527.

• How many times can I book under the Portrait Experience offer?

  We strictly permit only one promotional booking per household per calendar year.

• I'm not sure what style of pictures I want. Can I come by the studio and chat to a member of staff about possible options?

  We do offer a free consultation. It is advisable to book an appointment for this. One of our consultants can show you around the studio and show you a large selection of past clients pictures along with various presentation options for the photographs afterwards.

The Studio Session

• I have woken up with a spot can I cancel my shoot?

  There is no need to cancel you appointment as we can remove all blemishes during post-production.

• What happens if my child is poorly and does not want to be photographed? Do I lose my shoot fee?

  If this happens don't worry we will rebook you in on another day. Your shoot fee is transferable to your next session.

• Can I have black & white and colour photographs taken??

  As all our pictures are taken digitally they can be presented in a variety of finishes including, black & white, sepia, cream, colour and cross-process.

• How many photographs are taken during the shoot?

  It varies considerably from one shoot to another but we always make sure you have got plenty of choice. Typically however you will have between 30 and 100 images to choose from when you come back to view your photographs.

• How long will my photo session take?

  Your session will take anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes according to how many combinations you are having taken and how your children are responding to the photographer.

• What happens if I do not like the pictures?

  In the unlikely event that you do not like any of the photographs we will take more for you free of charge.

• My children are generally very naughty and we have never been able to get a good picture. What makes your team of photographers different?

  Don't worry. Some of our photographers have children and all our photographers have plenty of experience with children. If we cannot capture the shots during the first session then we will rebook you in for another session free of charge.

• I am a Muslim woman wanting some shots taken of myself and/or with my family. Can you guarantee that only females will see my pictures?

  Your photographs will be taken by one of our lady photographers. They will also do all your retouching and printing. A lady within a private area of our studio, ensuring no men see your photographs, will compile your frames and albums.

• I would like my makeup done professionally? Do you recommend that I should have it done?

  We do have a professional makeup artist on hand but one week's notice is advisable if you wish to book her. Our makeup artist's rate is 700AED for this service and includes full make up and minimal hair styling all done at your home prior to the shoot. We do advise makeup for ladies who are having portraits on their own i.e. makeovers/model portfolios. For general portraits, professional make-up is not essential.

• I don't have any children but I love my cats/dog. Do you photograph pets?

  We can photograph your pets with and/or without you.

• What do you advise to wear?

  We try to create classic, timeless images, which should be reflected in the clothing you choose. Plain and simple clothing is the best. When you make your booking with us, an information sheet will be emailed to you giving you further advice.

• Do you supply props?

  We do have a large selection of props i.e. boxes, toys, alternative backgrounds which we can supply throughout your photo shoot. We do recommend bringing in your own props if they are personal to you such as teddy bears, musical instruments, hobbies.

Viewing Your Photographs

• How long before my pictures are ready to view after my shoot?

  After your shoot the photographer will shortlist his/her favorite images. These 30-60 images are then digitally enhanced for superior quality and then given various effects and colour finishes. We will also create some collections and product samples for you too. This is a meticulous process and normally means your pictures will not be ready to view until 1 week after your shoot.

• How do I view my pictures?

  You view your pictures with your photographer at your own exclusive screening in our comfortable preview lounge. We project your images on a large 2.25 Meter screen using specialist photographic software.

• How long does it take to view my pictures?

  This normally takes anything up to 60 minutes depending on how many combinations were shot and how good you are at decision making.

• How much do the pictures cost?

  If you have booked the Portrait Experience you will receive one complimentary framed portrait valued at Dhs 950. Additional images range from Dhs 950 for our 8-inch desktop size to Dhs 4950 for our 50-inch wall display. All our images are digitally retouched, hand finished and presented in quality frames or albums.

• Why are the pictures so expensive?

  Actually, our pictures are very inexpensive when you consider the creativity and skill required to produce them. Each one is an individual piece of art created by one of our highly trained photographers, retouched and hand finished for superior quality.

  Your pictures include frames. How much are the pictures without the frames?

  The frames are complimentary so are in fact the same price with or without frames. We do not recommend you have your pictures unframed as they may get scratched or damaged.

• Do I get a choice of frame?

  We have a range of frames in a variety of finishes. Examples are available at the studio. The complimentary Mini portrait included with our Portrait Experience promotion comes with a contemporary black frame as standard.

• How long does it take for me to get my pictures after I choose them?

  Your pictures normally take about 3 to 4 weeks to complete. Should you require them sooner we do offer a Fast Track Service for guaranteed delivery within a week.

• Can I get all my pictures onto a disc?

  We've found that when clients take their images on disk and get them printed elsewhere, we can't control the quality of the image or print. Having poor quality photos or compromised images in the market damages our reputation as a professional studio, therefore we regret that this is not a service we can offer.

• Where do you print/frame your pictures?

  All our prints and products are produced in house here at our studio, ensuring we have total control over the quality of our work. The paper we use has a guarantee of 50 years.

• Can you deliver and hang my pictures?

  We do offer this service free of charge with selected orders. For orders that do not qualify for complimentary delivery we can arrange this service, including hanging for a small cost.