Frequently Asked Questions
Annie Griggs Photography, St Albans
Not sure what to expect from a session? You are in the right place. Below, I have answered the questions I get asked most often. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please get in touch, I am always happy to help.
General Questions
My studio is at Abbey Avenue, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4AZ. It is a warm, cosy space just a short walk from Verulamium Park, with easy parking.
Simply get in touch via the contact page or call me on 07901 338911. We will arrange a quick call to go through your session, and I will then send you an electronic session contract and an invoice for your session fee. Once the contract is signed and payment is received, your date is secured. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cheque or cash.
Your viewing and ordering session takes place approximately two to three weeks after your photoshoot. This happens at my St Albans studio, where you can view your images on a large screen without watermarks. It is a lovely experience, most clients tell me it is one of their favourite parts!
Absolutely. I have a beautiful range of print and framing options, from large wall pieces to desktop-sized prints, perfect as gifts too. I use professional print laboratories and wall art manufacturers with the highest production standards, and my equipment is colour-calibrated to ensure accurate results. You can browse all my product samples at your viewing session before placing any orders. Find out more on my Framing and Wall Art page.
Yes! Gift vouchers are available for all sessions, starting from £185, and can be redeemed within 12 months of purchase. They make a wonderful gift for new parents, expectant mums, or anyone who deserves a confidence boost. Find out more on my Gift Vouchers page.
Yes, dogs are very welcome! If your four-legged family member is part of the family, they are welcome to be part of your session too.
My studio is in St Albans, and I also offer outdoor and on-location sessions across Hertfordshire, including Harpenden, Redbourn, Hemel Hempstead, Watford and the surrounding areas.
Maternity Photography — Questions and Answers
I recommend booking as early as possible, ideally before 30 weeks. The best time to have your maternity photoshoot is between 32 and 36 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round but you are (hopefully!) still feeling comfortable.
Maternity sessions typically last around one to one and a half hours. If you are bringing a partner or older siblings, sessions may run a little longer.
Please bring a selection of outfits you feel comfortable and confident in, a fitted vest or t-shirt with leggings or maternity jeans works really well. I also have a beautiful collection of maternity gowns you are welcome to borrow. In our pre-shoot consultation, we will go through everything so you feel fully prepared.
Sometimes nature has its own timescale! If baby arrives early, I can either issue a refund or transfer your session fee towards a newborn shoot instead. Just get in touch as soon as you can and we will sort it together.
Absolutely — and I encourage it. It is lovely to capture this special time as a couple. Partners are very welcome throughout the session.
This is one of the most common worries I hear, and I completely understand it. I use my posing and lighting knowledge to photograph you in a way that is genuinely flattering for your body and bump. Almost every client tells me afterwards that they wished they had not worried at all. These are images you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Newborn Photography — Questions and Answers
I recommend booking your newborn session during pregnancy, ideally at the same time as your maternity session. Newborn sessions are best carried out within the first 14 days after birth, when babies are sleepy and naturally curl into those beautiful posed positions. After two weeks they become more wakeful and stretchy, which means some poses may not be possible, though sessions are absolutely still worthwhile after this point.
Newborn sessions typically last two to two and a half hours. I always allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, nappy changes and cuddles, there is no rushing whatsoever.
A few things that really help: try to keep baby awake for a short period before you leave for the studio, dress baby in a simple poppered babygrow that is easy to remove, and bring extra feeds if you are bottle feeding. Dummies are also really useful during the session even if baby only uses one occasionally, they help to settle and soothe baby during pose changes. I will send you a full preparation guide once your session is booked.
Yes, absolutely. My studio is heated to a temperature that is comfortable for a newborn throughout the session.
I provide all props, wraps and newborn outfits, you do not need to bring anything specific. That said, if there are sentimental items you would like to include, such as a special toy, scan photos or baby’s first booties, please bring them along. We can discuss this in your pre-shoot consultation.
Yes, I like to include some family portraits at the start of the session to capture this precious moment for everyone. If you have older children, I will photograph siblings with baby first. After that, one parent can take them for a walk or a snack while I focus on baby’s solo images.
Yes. If you have previously booked a maternity session with me, there is no session fee for your newborn shoot, just the cost of your prints and products at the ordering session.
Baby and Toddler Photography — Questions and Answers
A sitter session is a milestone session for babies who are sitting up confidently, typically between six and nine months old. It captures that wonderfully expressive stage before they start to crawl. I provide a lovely range of sitter outfits, so you do not need to bring a specific outfit, though you are welcome to.
I recommend booking a couple of weeks after your baby is sitting confidently on their own. If your baby is already crawling, it may be worth waiting until their first birthday portraits instead. If you are unsure, just get in touch and I will advise what works best for your little one’s stage.
A cake smash is a fun, themed birthday session, most popular for first and second birthdays. Each session is completely bespoke. In a pre-shoot consultation, we agree a theme based on your child’s personality, favourite colour, toy or book. The session has four parts: a mini portrait in their birthday outfit, the cake smash itself, a splash in a bubble-filled tub, and cosy towel cuddles at the end. It is one of the most joyful sessions I offer!
I recommend booking at least two months before the birthday. Cake smash sessions take time to plan and theme, so the earlier the better.
In some cultures, reaching 100 days old is a milestone worth celebrating, and these sessions have also become popular simply because babies at this age are so beautifully expressive and alert. Sessions last approximately one hour and take place in my St Albans studio.
Children and Family Photography — Questions and Answers
Yes. In addition to studio sessions, I offer outdoor family photography. Verulamium Park in St Albans is a beautiful backdrop for natural, relaxed portraits. I can also suggest other lovely locations across Hertfordshire to suit your family’s style and the time of year.
Family sessions typically last one and a half to two hours. I always work at your family’s pace, there is no rushing and no pressure. If younger children need a snack break or a moment to settle, that is absolutely fine.
I will email you clothing and colour suggestions ahead of your session, which I usually tailor to the season. We can also go through this in more detail during your pre-shoot consultation. The key thing is to choose outfits that feel like you, comfortable, coordinated but not too matchy-matchy tends to work really well.
Please do not worry at all, this is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents. As a mum of two and a former teacher, I know exactly how children behave on their good days and their not-so-good days! I have plenty of tricks to encourage natural smiles and genuine moments. A snack break halfway through works wonders.
Please give me a call and we will work out a solution. I am always happy to reschedule if needed, I would much rather rearrange than have a poorly family member struggling through a session.
I keep a close eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your outdoor session. We make a final decision together the day before, so there are no last-minute surprises. If the weather is not suitable, we can either reschedule or move to a studio session instead.
Professional Headshots — Questions and Answers
Business and LinkedIn headshot sessions last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. During that time I will photograph you in a variety of poses and we can change backgrounds and outfits as needed. Acting and modelling portfolio sessions last around 45 minutes to one hour.
This depends on the session type. Business headshot sessions include two professionally edited digital images, with additional images available to purchase. Dating and social media sessions include three images. Acting and modelling portfolio sessions offer a choice of packages from three to ten images. Full details are on my Professional Headshots page.
Yes, as much or as little as you would like. We can discuss your preferences in the pre-shoot consultation and also on the day. My aim is always to make you look like the best version of yourself, naturally.
Most headshot sessions take place at my studio on Abbey Avenue, St Albans. Outdoor shots near the studio can also be included if the weather is suitable. For corporate onsite headshots, where I photograph a whole team at your offices, please get in touch to discuss.
Please give me a call and we will work out a solution. I am always happy to reschedule if needed, I would much rather rearrange than have a poorly family member struggling through a session.
I will send you clothing and colour guidance ahead of your session. In general, classic, well-fitting clothes work best, avoiding busy patterns and very bright colours. The most important thing is that you feel confident and like yourself.
Still Have a Question?
I hope that covers everything — but if not, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am always happy to answer any questions before you book.
Contact Annie Griggs Photography