- Check out our website Portfolio, Facebook and Pinterest to get inspired and the idea ball rolling!
- Remember that we are unable to photograph minors (under-18s) without a parent or guardian present throughout the shoot and viewing.
- Allow 3.5 – 4 hours for your booking (shoot and viewing) so you can relax and enjoy the experience and don’t feel rushed.
- Temporary skin blemishes etc can generally be removed in post production, so don’t stress about last minute pimples, scratches etc.

- Check out our range of quality artwork
- Consider your decorating style (modern, traditional etc) so you have an idea of what sort of artwork will suit your house.
- Think about where you might put new artwork (many of our customers measure their wall space prior to the shoot).
- As we only do the one viewing, consider who you want to bring with you to assist you in choosing artwork.
- Discuss with your partner the artwork options so you are both prepared for your viewing and have an idea of what you both might want (this makes the selection process a little easier for you!)
- We accept Visa, MasterCard and AMEX, as well as cash payments
- We also have a variety of payment options – if you think you might want to use one of these, make sure you bring your drivers license and bank account (or credit card) details.
Please note, due to time and space constraints, hair and makeup is only available for one person per shoot, and can only be added to a beauty or a couples shoot.
In line with current Government Guidelines, please refer to our Makeup Artist’s Covid Safety Plan found here – https://www.mankimakeup.com/covid-safety-plan-and-procedures—home-studio
- Makeup must be booked prior to the day of your shoot. If you would like to add this onto your experience, contact the team and we can see if a makeup artist is available for your booking.
- Hair and makeup as standard is $60 ($70 for a Saturday) and is paid directly to the makeup artist. As they work freelance any vouchers etc are not able to be used to pay for hair and makeup.
- NOTE: come without any makeup on if getting hair & makeup done at studio (& ensure all old makeup i.e. mascara is completely removed).
- – this ensures that our makeup artist can create an even finish and make you look your best!
- Consider prior to coming in how you would like your hair and makeup – google and Pinterest are good places to look for photos to get some inspiration!
- Let us know prior to coming in if you have any cosmetic/skincare allergies so the makeup artist can take this into consideration and ensure she has suitable products
- If you would like false eyelashes applied, please bring these with you, alternatively let us know so we can advise the makeup artist to provide these, at an additional $10 per pair
- Ask us to book a freelance hair & makeup artist for you if required, otherwise ensure you are ready for your shoot when you arrive (we use beautiful soft lighting, so many customers are happy to do their own makeup).
- Consider what clothes you want to bring – as its an individual shoot we can normally get through 2-3 different looks.
- If you are considering getting skin, lingerie or swimwear shots done, bring suitable lingerie and wear loose fitting clothes to the shoot so you don’t have elastic marks digging into your skin
- If you wear nail polish make sure it is either freshly applied or completely removed – chipped nail polish is difficult to retouch.
- Decide whether you want to bring your fur babies with you! Check out additional info below for what to consider if a furry companion will be in your shoot.
Check out our Pinterest boards for inspiration of what to bring in, and for the feel that you are looking for!
- Portraiture
- Fashion
- Fitness
- Boudoir
- Nude
- Passions & Hobbies
- Tattoos
- With your dog
- With your cat/bird/unusual pet
SHOOTS THAT INCLUDE PETS
- Ensure your pet is well groomed for the shoot so they are looking their best as well!
- Wear them out prior to the shoot to ensure they are settled and well behaved (remember its a new environment so even the most well trained dog will require time to settle)
- Arrive early to allow time for ‘walkies’ – there is a park down the road from the studio if more energetic dogs require a run before the shoot
- Treats and toys are useful in getting their attention and rewarding them for good behaviour – so remember to bring them with you.
- If your pet has a nice soft bed/pet beanbag, it is often a good idea to bring it to help them settle, especially if they love curling up in it for a nap!
- Discuss ideas with your partner and get their input on whether they are happy to show skin etc and what clothes they want to bring in.
- Bring in a couple of outfits for each of you.
- Think of what you love about your partner that we can capture (e.g. their smile, the way they cuddle you in close, their playful nature etc)
- Discuss with your partner whether you want to bring your fur babies with you! Check out additional info below for what to consider if a furry companion will be included your shoot.
Check out our Pinterest boards for inspiration of what to bring in, and for the feel that you are looking for!
- Sophisticated
- Sensual
- Fun
- Individual Female Portrait
- Individual Male Portrait
- With your dog
- With your cat/bird/unusual pet
SHOOTS THAT INCLUDE PETS
- Ensure your pet is well groomed for the shoot so they are looking their best as well!
- Wear them out prior to the shoot to ensure they are settled and well behaved (remember its a new environment so even the most well trained dog will require time to settle)
- Arrive early to allow time for ‘walkies’ – there is a park down the road from the studio if more energetic dogs require a run before the shoot
- Treats and toys are useful in getting their attention and rewarding them for good behaviour – so remember to bring them with you.
- If your pet has a nice soft bed/pet beanbag, it is often a good idea to bring it to help them settle, especially if they love curling up in it for a nap!
- Remember, we always photograph your whole family, so make sure you and your partner come dressed for the shoot too.
- Choose clothes for each participant that help express their personality – the outfits don’t necessarily have to all match with each other.
- Discuss ideas with your partner and get their input.
- Consider bringing props that showcase each participant’s individuality and talents e.g. musical instruments, sporting outfits etc.
- It’s best if small children don’t eat during the shoot, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks for after.
- Kids can sometimes get restless during the viewing, so it is a good idea to bring some age appropriate toys/amusements to keep them occupied (we have a few things in studio if you forget)
- Decide if you would like to include that four-legged family member in the shoot as well! Check out additional info below for what to consider if a furry companion is coming with you.
Check out our Pinterest boards for inspiration of what to bring in, and for the feel that you are looking for!
- Newborn
- Babies & Toddlers
- Kids
- Older kids!
- Passions & Hobbies
- Young family group shots
- Grown up family group shots
- With the family dog
- With the family cat/bird/unusual pet
FAMILY SHOOTS WITH BABIES
- We allow plenty of time for the shoot, so don’t worry if baby wants a feed, change or a nap during the shoot (we can get beautiful shots when they are both asleep and awake).
- Consider bringing in any sentimental accessories e.g. hand made baby blankets or other props you want included in the photos.
- Consider if you want skin shots of your baby (and how much skin you and your partner are willing to show).
SHOOTS THAT INCLUDE PETS
- Ensure your pet is well groomed for the shoot so they are looking their best as well!
- Wear them out prior to the shoot to ensure they are settled and well behaved (remember its a new environment so even the most well trained dog will require time to settle)
- Arrive early to allow time for ‘walkies’ – there is a park down the road from the studio if more energetic dogs require a run before the shoot
- Treats and toys are useful in getting their attention and rewarding them for good behaviour – so remember to bring them with you.
- If your pet has a nice soft bed/pet beanbag, it is often a good idea to bring it to help them settle, especially if they love curling up in it for a nap!
- Outfit choices
- Remember that these photos are meant to be keepsakes that will be around for your whole life, and will often get passed down through the generations. As such, you should be happy with what you are wearing!
- Bring in outfits that match your own personal style and that make you feel good when you are wearing them. This is the time for your favourite outfits, so have a hunt through your wardrobe for what you love.
- If unsure, our photographers are there to help, so you are more than welcome to bring in an extra option or two.
- To tan or not to tan?
- We often have customers ask whether they should apply fake tan prior to their beauty or boudoir shoot. This is up to you (we don’t think you need to tan to look beautiful!!) – but please be aware that tanning mistakes are very difficult to fix in post production.
- This is the perfect example of what not to do!! The fake tan on the hands is quite patchy, and we are unable to guarantee that we can fix this. (Thanks to Studio Manager Jodie for the visual example!)
- If you would prefer to tan, we recommend getting it done professionally to ensure that it is a natural, clean look, as well as an appropriate colour for your skin tone. Nobody wants to be orange in their photos!!
- If you have never had a fake tan before, we recommend going without unless you have time for a “practice” run prior to your session, just in case you don’t like how it turns out.
- Sunburn and natural tan lines!
- Extreme sunburn where the skin is very red or blistered is not something that can be easily fixed with post production (or by our makeup artist). If you have particular concerns, please get in touch with us.