Whether it’s a family portrait, pet photo, or one of our special promotions like 40 Over 40 or The Enchanted Forest, here’s everything you need to know about how our sessions work.


 

Q: Where is the studio based?

A: You’ll find us on the ground floor of the beautiful Byram Arcade in Huddersfield town centre. The studio is easy to access and located right next to a lovely independent café — so if you arrive early, you can relax with a latte or americano before your session begins. The arcade is full of character and well worth a wander while you’re here.

Q: Where can we park?

A: The Kingsgate Centre car park (postcode: HD1 2QB) and Springwood car park (HD1 4BN) are both good options — we’re around a 5–10 minute walk from either. There are also on-street spaces nearby, but do take care with the town centre’s one-way system, and be especially mindful of the bus gate near the train station. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention, and the council aren’t shy about issuing fines! If in doubt, stick to the main car parks and enjoy a short walk through town.

Q: Is the studio accessible?

A: The entrance to our studio reception has a five-step ornate staircase, which unfortunately makes wheelchair access difficult — one of the quirks of our beautiful but very Victorian building! There’s also an internal staircase from reception up to the studio itself. While we can’t change the entrance steps (blame the Victorians!), we always allow extra time for anyone who might need it, and we’re happy to take things at your pace. There’s a comfy settee at the top of the stairs where you can catch your breath before the session begins, and we’ll do everything we can to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Q: How does it work with family portraits?

A: The £40 fee includes a full photo session in our studio, where we capture a range of different poses, group combinations, and setups. After the session, we carefully prepare and edit the images ready for your viewing. About a week later, you’ll return to the studio for a viewing appointment, where we show you a selection of 20–40 images on a large screen. Together, we’ll go through your favourites and help you decide how you’d like them presented — whether that’s prints, wall art, or digital collections. Your session also includes one 7”x5” gift print in a mount, included as part of the £40 offer.

Q: How does it work with headshots and graduation photographs?

A: We offer two types of headshot sessions — a short session and a fuller session — depending on how many looks or image variations you need. Full details of what’s included with each option can be found on our Headshots page. Graduation sessions follow a similar process. You’ll have time in the studio for a range of poses, with or without your gown and scroll, and we’ll guide you through to make sure we capture a mix of classic and relaxed images. After your shoot, we upload a personal online gallery for you within a few days. From there, you can choose and download your favourite images from the comfort of your own home. It’s a quick, relaxed process — perfect whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, celebrating a graduation, or refreshing your business image.

Q: What should we wear?

A: Keep it simple and timeless. Solid colours usually work best — avoid bold logos, slogans, or busy patterns. Neutral tones like whites, greys, blues, and earth tones photograph beautifully. If it’s a group session, try to coordinate without matching exactly. Feel free to bring a change of outfit too — we can advise on the day.

Q: Can we include the dog?

A: Absolutely! We’re a pet-friendly studio and dogs are very welcome — they’re part of the family too. Just let us know in advance so we can allow extra time and have a few treats ready. If you’ve got more than one pet, or any other animals in mind, get in touch and we’ll chat through what’s possible.

Q: How long does the session last?

A: Most sessions last around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of people (or pets!) involved and how many combinations you’d like. We’ll never rush things — we allow plenty of time to make sure everyone feels relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.

Q: Can I buy extra images or products?

A: Yes, absolutely. At your viewing appointment, you’ll be able to choose from a range of display options including wall portraits, storyboard frames, digital memory boxes, and high-resolution digital files. Most families who choose extras typically spend between £200 and £300, but there’s no pressure — you only buy what you love. We also run special offers throughout the year, so there are often great deals available. Everything will be clearly explained at your viewing, and we’ll help you find the perfect option for your home and budget.

Q: What if I need to reschedule?

A: No problem at all — we understand that plans can change. As long as you give us a bit of notice, we’re happy to carry your £40 session fee over to a new date. If it’s very short notice (less than 72 hours), the fee may be used towards rebooking at our discretion — but we’ll always do our best to be fair and flexible.

Q: How do we book?

A: Easy! Just head over to our Booking Page, where you’ll find all the session types listed with availability, pricing, and everything you need to know. You can book directly from there at a time that suits you. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right session, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

Q: What’s the ‘Books’ section about?

A: Inspired by the amazing dogs that have visited our studio — and our own much-loved whippet — I’ve written a few books that are available on Amazon. The first, Through Time and Conflict, tells the story of a lineage of whippets (all called Max) caught up in the great wars of the twentieth century. The second book, The Girl Who Killed Kennedy, is a historical thriller about the JFK assassination — no whippets in that one, I’m afraid!

A third book is on the way soon: another collection of short stories with a strong local history theme and, of course, more Max adventures.

They’re suitable for readers aged 10 and up — perfect for history lovers, dog fans, and curious minds alike.