Changing Facilities

For photoshoots taking place at Richard's studio, you will have use of a large double bedroom with an attached ensuite bathroom. There's a dressing table with mirrors, a wall-mounted mirror and an adjustable floor mirror to help you get your look just right.

There's also a large wardrobe for you to hang any outfits ready to change into.

We will provide complimentary face wipes for removing makeup and towels for showering.

Makeup Artists

Richard works with two makeup artists; each makeup artist has their own unique skills. If you would like to have a makeover as part of the shoot, please contact Richard to discuss your requirements. The makeup artist costs from £60, depending on your requirements.

You are welcome to bring your own makeup artist or to visit one before attending the photoshoot. If you are selecting your own makeup artist, we strongly suggest one who has experience working with transgender clients and can adjust their makeup to suit your face and desired look. It is even better if the makeup artist can be present during the day so they can touch up makeup or give you a new look if you are changing outfits or the style of photos.

Refreshments

Free tea, coffee and soft drinks are included when photoshoots take place at Richard's studio. When photoshoots occur over lunch or dinner, we will also feed you!

Types of Photo

What type of photos do you take?

Richard is a transgender portrait photography specialist. He takes photos of people indoors or outdoors, including studio and environmental portraits.

Examples of portrait photography are:

Do you take nude photos?

Richard is happy to take fully clothed or tasteful lingerie, boudoir or fetish images. He will also take tasteful nude photographs in which genitalia are hidden. He does not take photographs of genitalia or sexual activities (solo or otherwise).

Introduction

Two common types of digital image formats are RAW and JPEG. JPEG files are significantly smaller than the equivalent RAW image but contain a fraction of the data the sensor on a camera can record. A RAW image contains all the original camera data for a photo, giving much greater editing flexibility.

The default setting on most cameras is JPEG files. When taking pictures in JPEG format, the camera makes processing decisions relating to white balance, colour saturation, tone curve and colour space. The camera then builds these changes into the resulting image but does not store the original data. When a picture is taken in RAW format, all data relating to white balance, colour saturation, tone curve and colour space are recorded, resulting in greater detail, improved colour options, greater dynamic range and full artistic control. Unlike JPEG images, repeated (non-destructive) editing can be undertaken without losing quality.

Basic Editing

Richard usually takes images in RAW format (with a JPEG backup). He will then use editing software (typically Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop) to process the image. This process gives greater control than shooting images in JPEG and applying formatting in-camera.

When processing an image, Richard checks each photo to sharpen details, sets the white balance and colour profiles and applies an appropriate crop (if needed).

When using a studio set-up, Richard will also edit photos to remove background objects (such as stands and lights) and to smooth out the backdrop.

Richard is happy to apply further editing to photos (often called 'photoshopping', although photoshop is only one of several pieces of software Richard uses).

When the digital processing is complete, the images are normally exported to JPEG files for use by the client.

Advanced Editing

Editing can be used to:

• remove unwanted objects (for example, a person moving in the background)
• remove blemishes (for example, a stain on a dress or a spot on a face)
• correct or apply makeup (for example, correct smudged mascara or lipstick)
• make minor corrections to improve posing positions
• make stylistic changes to the photo (for example, changing an image to a black and white photo or applying a vintage effect)
• extracting a person or object from the background
• and lots of other options!

It is also possible to reduce wrinkles and change body shape: as a general rule, Richard prefers images to resemble the subject and keeps changes subtle. However, there may be a good reason for wanting significant changes in these areas, for example, when the image is to be used for an advert to target a younger or older audience, and you wish to adjust the model's age and looks accordingly.

Deposit

The standard deposit is £100. Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

Clients are also expected to pay for any non-refundable charges relating to the photoshoot, for example, entrance fees and hire of location or equipment.

Discounts

10% discount offered to returning customers for photoshoots within six months of a previous shoot.

A 10% discount is also offered to members of Transliving (proof of membership is required).

Makeup Artist

Prices from £60.

Package Prices

Basic prices are:

Other Costs

The following additional costs may apply depending on the location:

• Admission prices
• Charges by private premises for the use of their premises for photography
• Studio hire
• Hotel costs (either as the location of the shoot and/or where a shoot requires an overnight stay)
• Equipment hire: the cost of hiring specialist photographic equipment and/or clothing or props that are part of the photoshoot.

Travel Costs: Photoshoots at other locations

Travel by car

• Within 20 mile radius for travel by car: FREE
• Over 20 and up to 50 miles: £30 (plus tolls, congestion charges and parking)
• Between 50 and 100 miles: £50 (plus tolls, congestion charges and parking)
• Other distances by agreement

Public Transport

• Within London travel zones: FREE (unless I am unable to return on the last train)
• Other public transport: return costs

Photoshoots at Richard's studio

Richard is pleased to conduct photo shoots at his house in rural Kent near Wrotham village (close to M20/M26 junction). He is happy to collect and drop off clients at the nearest railway stations (Kemsing Station and Borough Green & Wrotham Station) if you travel by public transport (there is no charge for this service).

Richard has a large kitchen/diner with plenty of natural light, making a beautiful studio. Richard can also take photos in a large double bedroom, the lounge, our large double garage, or outdoors. Richard has a generous garden and a large orchard. (Outdoor photos are subject to the weather and time of day.)

If you wish, you can change (either before and/or after) in a guest bedroom and use the attached ensuite.

Photoshoots at other locations

Richard is pleased to shoot at your house, in hotel rooms, and in public (museums, historic houses, woodland walks, etc.). The latter is subject to any permissions needed from the property owner; some property owners may charge.

Any photographs in public places must be of a suitable nature for the location of the shoot.

Richard has portable equipment (lighting and backdrops) to bring to your chosen location.