Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Boutique Lifestyle Photography FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our services, studio policies, and what to expect during your session. Whether you're interested in family, graduation, maternity, couples, or headshot portraits in Auckland, we've got you covered.
Explore the information below to learn more about booking a session, preparing for your photoshoot, and what makes our portrait studio unique. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us directly.
What kind of people come to Boutique Lifestyle Photography?
We photograph people from all over Auckland and New Zealand from all different backgrounds. We cater for individuals, couples, children, and families of up to 8-10 people comfortably within our Auckland portrait studio, located in Grafton.
Whether this is your first photo shoot or not, our award-winning photographer and experienced team assist you with everything, from posing and ideas through to tips and advice during your image viewing. Since 2007, we have continuously refined our services to offer you an enjoyable and rewarding experience that you will enjoy.
What type of photography do you specialise in?
We specialise in professional and contemporary portraits that are designed to be enjoyed for years to come. Our services include:
- Family Portraits
- Children's Portraits
- Couples Portraits
- Maternity Portraits
- Graduation Portraits
- Glamour and Boudoir Portraits
In addition, we also offer professional headshots and a product photo shoot service catering to individuals and businesses looking to promote their stock. We welcome you to call our portrait studio on (09) 522 5123 with any booking enquiries.
When is Boutique Lifestyle Photography open?
Our portrait studio is open Monday to Saturday, with all photo shoot bookings by appointment. Saturday is our busiest day, so please take this into consideration. We kindly suggest making your booking as far in advance where possible to ensure availability.
Do you offer studio-based photography?
Yes, all our photo sessions are held in our portrait studio in Auckland. We have a very trendy upmarket location in Grafton, only a couple of kilometres from central Auckland. Our studio is located at Suite 1, 231 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023 (just above Jaycar Electronics). Onsite free carparking is also available.
Our studio offers a range of different backdrops and props that you are welcome to use during your photo session, helping to create artistic and timeless portraits of your loved ones.
Do you hold consultations with clients?
Yes, you may wish to see us prior to your photo shoot. Our obligation-free consultations are held by appointment at our studio and normally take around half an hour.
Consultation bookings are available Monday to Saturday. Please call us on (09) 522 5123 to schedule a date and time.
Do I need to bring anything to my consultation?
Simply bring yourself to your pre-portrait consultation. However, if you have any ideas for your shoot, please feel free to bring them with you.
During your consultation, we will happily provide you with ideas and concepts for your consideration. This is also a great time to meet our professional photographer and team, see our studio, and begin planning your session with us!
I don’t know how to pose myself. Do you help us with that?
Absolutely, our team will assist you with posing throughout your photo shoot! Few people know how to naturally pose themselves in photos. Our photographer will explain and show you all the poses to ensure you look your absolute best!
How long does a photo shoot take?
Normally allow between 1 - 1.5 hours for your family photo shoot in addition to your portrait viewing, held directly after your session (same day). The length of your shoot depends on a few factors, including how many people you are bringing and the number of different combinations you would like photographed.
We can comfortably accommodate 8-10 people within our portrait studio. Please note our studio does not cater for pets and is located on the first floor of our building.
What should I wear to my photo shoot?
A smart casual theme works well in most instances. Please try to avoid clothing which has large logos or writing visible, as this tends to date photographs. Denim jeans and a clean shirt/blouse is a good example of a classic & timeless look that photographs well. We generally ask you to consider more 'winter fashion', as this tends to look more professional, unless you are after an overly casual appearance.
What to wear will be discussed with you when making your booking. Feel free to peruse our portrait galleries to see the results of our other clients to help you plan for your session. You can also view our blog post preparing for my family photo shoot for tips and advice.
Can I purchase digital images from my photo shoot?
Digital images are available for the images which are first purchased in a physical format. That is, digital images are available only in conjunction with physical portraits.
Our digital image options are not available as a high-resolution format for printing purposes (as mentioned in our booking terms), rather a 'personal format', suitable for uses such as social media and phones, for example. If you have any questions regarding this aspect of our service, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Can I have my portraits framed and mounted?
Absolutely! We have a fantastic range of presentation options including our contemporary portrait prints and wall mounted portraits that are available in an assortment of fabulous sizes.
These presentation options will be shown to you during your image viewing, with examples available to see, pickup with our team outlining the benefits of each.
Will my portraits be retouched?
Yes, all of your purchased portraits receive our portrait retouching that ensures fantastic and flattering, yet natural results. We will discuss with you during your image viewing what you would like to have retouched. This can be a little or a lot; it’s just up to you!
Unwanted blemishes, pimples, scratches, and bruises are just some of the things that can be removed from your photos with our professional retouching. This is just another way of making your beautiful photos even better!
How long does it take to prepare my portraits?
This can vary depending on the number of orders we are simultaneously processing. Once you have placed your order, please allow approximately two weeks for us to retouch and produce your images. Please take this into consideration if you require your photos for a specific date, and please mention this to us when making your booking.
We kindly ask that clients choose their images carefully, as we cannot reduce the size or change your order once it has been placed, as each order is customised. We are of course happy to supply a remedy under the Consumer Guarantees Act should there be any fault with your images.
You can read about our terms and conditions including our refund policy and call us with any queries.
Why do you refer to photography as an investment?
An investment refers to something that appreciates and gains value over time, like a house or shares (hopefully)! Sometimes they go up and sometimes they go down. We offer you something far better than that and with a guaranteed upside.
Photography is a way of capturing special moments between you and your loved ones you can enjoy for years to come. These are treasured photos you will never tire of and will become more important with each passing year. The only time you lose is when you fail to invest at all!
How much does it cost?
The cost of your portraits depends upon the size and quantity that you would like to order. As an indication, we have products to cater for all budgets – both big and small, with print options starting from as little as $149.00. The only images you purchase are the ones you love, and we do offer flexible packages that offer great savings!
Be sure to visit our current specials to see some of our latest offers. If you have any questions regarding our options or pricing, please feel free to get in touch with us. You may also enquire about our flexible range of payment options!
Will anyone else see my photographs?
Only if you allow us to show them. For all our promotional images (including on this website) we have obtained a signed release from the client allowing us to use their photographs. You are under no obligation to have your photos shown to anyone else, and if this is the case, you will be the only one to see them.
How do I choose my images? What if I don’t like any of the photographs?
At the conclusion of your session, you will be shown through your photos and have the chance to select your favourites during your viewing. Here, we can discuss with you our range of great presentation options and portrait sizes. We kindly ask that all decision makers are present during your viewing session.
The only photographs you invest in are the ones you love! You have no obligation to purchase any images that don’t feel like the right ones for you. But be prepared, you will have many gorgeous and memorable portraits to choose from!
The process of choosing your images is a fun and relaxing experience. Our fantastic viewing software is specifically designed to make selecting your portraits easy and enjoyable!
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard payments as well as cash. We also accept Farmers Card.
How do I make a photo shoot booking?
Booking a photo shoot with us is simple! You are welcome to contact us on (09) 522 5123 Monday to Saturday to discuss dates and arrange your photo session. You may also send us your contact details via our contact us page, with one of our team getting in touch with you shortly.
Do you offer photo shoot gift vouchers?
Yes, we offer a range of awesome photography gift vouchers that are a fantastic gifting idea and always well received. Vouchers are available across our range of professional portrait services and can be prepared and sent within 24 hours.
Call us today on (09) 522 5123 to find out more and order your portrait voucher.