🌿 Before You Book

Answers to the questions you didn’t know you had… yet.

From nervous first-timers to seasoned memory-makers, this is where curiosity meets clarit with warmth, honesty and heart.

Whether you’re here to mark a milestone, celebrate your family’s bond (fur or human) or step into a little bit of everyday magic, you deserve to know exactly what to expect.

Here are some of the most asked questions  and the answers that just might make you say, “Yes, this feels right.”

❓What makes Woodland Hill Photography different?

I create photography experiences that feel calm, joyful and deeply personal.

From the very first call, you’re welcomed into a space where there is no pressure, no rushing and no sales scripts; just genuine care, artistry and a focus on connection.

Every experience is designed to help you feel confident, seen and celebrated, with photography that tells your story in a meaningful way.

❓Where are you based and which areas do you cover?

My studio is in East Grinstead, West Sussex, and I regularly welcome families from Surrey, Kent, and the surrounding areas.

I also work with clients who travel from further afield for the experience.

❓What photography experiences do you offer?

I specialise in immersive, story-driven experiences:

• Family Portrait Experiences
• Children’s Portrait Experiences
• Pawtrait (pet) Family Experiences
• First Birthday Cake Smash & Splash Experiences
• Wizard School Immersive Experiences
• Mother & Daughter Experiences
• Actor & Professional Branding
• Maternity & Baby Photography

All experiences are designed to help you feel comfortable, confident and connected.

❓What is the journey from first contact to receiving our artwork?

Your journey is calm, guided and enjoyable from start to finish:

1. Discovery Call – a gentle chat to understand what matters most to you
2. Planning & Styling – colours, outfits, ideas, themes, emotional goals
3. Your Session – relaxed, patient, joyful and tailored to your pace
4. Design Consultation – where your story comes to life and we design heirloom artwork that fits beautifully in your home
5. Artwork Creation – heirloom pieces crafted to last a lifetime

Everything is intentionally designed, so you never feel rushed or lost.

❓How do I know which experience is right for us?

If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal, most people are.

During the discovery call, I’ll guide you gently through your options based on:

• the story you want to tell
• the personalities involved
• ages of children
• family dynamics
• whether pets are included
• the style of artwork you love

You will never be pushed – just supported.

❓Do you help with outfit planning, colours and styling?

Yes, absolutely.

We’ll talk through colours that flatter, ideas that suit your story and looks that feel natural for your family.
I’ll also help coordinate outfits so your final artwork fits beautifully in your home.

For cake smashes and themed sessions, I guide you through every detail.

❓What if my child is shy, energetic, sensitive or neurodiverse?

You are in safe hands.
I work at a calm, gentle pace, adapting to each child’s comfort level.

Whether your child is shy, spirited, sensory-seeking, neurodiverse or somewhere in-between; the experience will always honour who they are.

There is no pressure here, just patience, warmth and genuine understanding.

❓Can we include pets?

Absolutely, dogs are always welcome and very much part of the family.

As a pawtrait specialist, I work confidently with dogs of all personalities, ages and training levels.

❓What if my baby/child/dog doesn’t cooperate on the day?

This is one of the most common concerns and it’s completely natural.

Every experience is booked at a time that aligns with your child’s or pet’s natural rhythm, so we work with their best time of day, not against it.

I’ve worked with hundreds of families and dogs, and I adapt the energy, environment and pace gently in real time. There is no expectation for perfection – just connection.

❓How long do sessions usually last?

Sessions vary depending on the experience, but the pace is always comfortable.

I allow ample time so no one feels rushed and everyone has the space to settle in.

❓Do you offer payment plans?

Yes.
I want every family to enjoy artwork that lasts a lifetime, so flexible payment options are available.

❓What heirloom artwork products do you offer?

Your story deserves to be seen every day.
I offer:

• Custom Wall Art Collections
• Treasure Boxes
• Signature Albums
• Gift Prints
• Quantum Card (digital copies included with all heirloom pieces excluding gift prints)

Each piece is crafted to last for generations.

❓Do you offer digital-only packages?

I don’t offer digital-only packages and that’s intentional.

Your photographs belong on your walls, in your hands and in your daily life, not forgotten on a hard drive.

Every heirloom product you choose includes matching digital photographs via the Quantum Card, giving you the best of both worlds:
✨ artwork you’ll enjoy every day
✨ digitals to keep, share and carry with you

Most people don’t truly want “just digitals”, they want something meaningful, lasting and beautiful… they just didn’t know how to ask for it.

❓How far in advance should we book?

As early as possible, especially for:

• first birthdays
• school holidays
• Christmas gifts
• autumn/winter weekends

Last-minute availability does happen, but it isn’t guaranteed.

❓Are your experiences suitable for families with additional needs or sensory considerations?

Yes, absolutely.
The studio is a calm, flexible, sensory-aware space.
I adapt the pace, environment and approach entirely around your needs.

❓What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?

You’re not alone, almost everyone tells me this.
My gentle, guided approach helps you feel relaxed and connected.

You won’t be left to pose or “perform.”  It’s about connection, not perfection.

❓Do you offer Experience Certificates?

Yes, photography experiences and heirloom artwork make beautiful, meaningful gifts.

Because each experience is fully personalised, I always have a short conversation with the gift-giver first.

This ensures:

• the gift matches what they truly want to give
• the recipient understands what is included
• there are no unexpected costs or awkwardness later
• the experience feels thoughtful, stress-free and genuinely special

Gift vouchers are available year-round, and I’ll guide you through choosing the most suitable option with complete transparency.

❓What happens after the session?

You’ll return for your Design Consultation, where we look at your photographs together and create artwork that fits your home and tells your story beautifully.

❓How do you keep sessions feeling natural and connected?

I focus on gentle direction, genuine interaction and storytelling moments rather than stiff posing.

Your connection leads the session, I simply guide it.

❓Do you have a no-pressure approach to choosing artwork?

Completely.
Ethics and respect are at the heart of Woodland Hill Photography.

You will never be pressured or rushed.  My role is to guide you, not to push you.

❓Do You Still Photograph Weddings?

While I no longer take on full-day wedding commissions, I do still love photographing small, heartfelt celebrations that need just a few hours of coverage.

If you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a quiet gathering with your closest people with meaning at its core, then I’d be honoured to capture it.

And if you’re looking for something bigger, I’m happy to recommend trusted colleagues who share my values and style.

💬 Still wondering something?

If it matters to you, it matters to me.
📧 Send me a message or browse recent stories on the blog