Below are several questions that we have either been asked in the past or that we feel will be able to clear up anything you’re slightly unsure about, simply click the question to reveal the answer. If however you’re still in need of an answer then the section at the bottom will allow you to ask away, we’ll even add your question to the list.
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What is the largest you can print things up to?
How big do you want something? The plain and simple answer is very large indeed, we use a Canons very best 21 megapixel digital camera and high quality lenses.
I have a very specific requirement / image in my minds eye, how can I be sure you'll get it right?
During every review session we have a projector, laptop computer and great software which allows us to build the end product digitally for you on the spot and even display it at full size (so long as it's smaller that eighty inches that is!). There's no gambling on what the end result will be it's the "have it your way" of photography!
How long will my order take?
We always aim to have all orders completed and with the customer in under 21 days. Very often we can achieve this much faster but it can all depend upon how fast we get things from our suppliers. If you need something fast let is know and we will see what is possible.
I'm not that confident with my body but do want to be involved in the shoot with my little one, what do you suggest?
There are always ways to achieve fantastic pictures and have you in them too, if you have specifics on areas of your body your not that comfortable with then all we ask is that you be upfront and honest and we can do our best to come up with shots to avoid those areas. Worst case scenario is that you'll be the only one looking at them in your review session anyhow.
Your portfolio gallery doesn't seem to have many images have you only just started out?
Nope, we just don't want to over load you with too much. If you'd like to see more then you're welcome to come see the rest of our portfolio. As is often the case, "less is more".
I see from your list of "Your Images" the list isn't very extensive, am I to assume you don't have much work on?
Far from it - we only list shoots in the purchase prints area that are generally large groups that have asked stay online for a greater period of time, also the your images section is for clients that require this service for friends and family to see their photographs. In the "Your Images" section we can do one of two things or both if you require... Firstly create an e-commerce area for people to buy these, secondly a private gallery / slideshow of the photo session accompanied by music.
I can’t find where to view images from my recent shoot or purchase images from your store?
There is now two permanent side bars located over on the left hand side of the web page, these will stay present no matter which page you are on and will pop out when you hover your mouse over them to reveal many shoots.
Why are some of the images in the store covered with your logo?
This is to prevent any misuse of the images, of late even small images that are unprintable are found being used on social networking sites so if they’re going to be used in this way at least we get something in return. We do however sell small resolution images for use of this kind that are watermark free.
How long do you leave photos online for sale / how long after my shoot can I purchase images?
We will always have these available for 28 days after the shoot, we cannot guarantee how long they will be available for and recomend that you purchase earleir than later to avoid dissapointment.
Will you display any images you choose from our shoot in your gallery or use for marketing?
Not without your prior consent, we always ask if you are happy for us to use any specific imagery on the web. If we want to use anything for marketing we will aproach you and ask you to sign a model release form and in exchange you’ll be given some freebies.
Do you tweak images that you shoot?
All photo’s recieve ‘Basic Editing’, this is merely colour correcting and re-cropping the image where required. If you require us to cary out more extensive editing then please ask, depending on how much you require we may have to charge extra dependant upon the amount of time this will take. As a general rule any images ordered from portrait shoots will receive ‘enhanced editing’ to remove skin blemishes, whiten eyes and teeth and tweak here and there for overall improvement which is done free of charge.
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I got a ‘Free’ shoot, why do you still insist on charging £35 for the session?
We ask you to pay this to ensure you attend your shoot. We will refund this after the shoot has taken place or deduct this from anything you decide to order from us.
Do you accept American Express? If not what means of payment do you accept.
Sorry, American Express (AMEX) is one of the few forms of payment we don’t accept. Our merchant services allow us to accept the following forms of payment – Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, Maestro, Mastercard, JCB, Solo, Paypal, Cheques and not forgetting good ole' Cash.
I’d rather not pay online using Paypal, do you offer other alternatives?
Certainly, we can either take payment over the phone or you can send a cheque through the post (cheques will be subject to being cahsed before progressing your order so a delay of about one week will occur).
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Do you have a referal program?
We certainly do, refering your friends displays to us your loyalty and demonstrates you liked what we did for you enough to recommend your friends and family to us. If you do refer a friend, they book a session and attend we will give you a £25 voucher to use towards your next session or to order a print from your shoot up to the size of 10x8". Our referal page is located here: http://www.f8cus.com/refer-a-friend
No where on your website states the equipment you use, why not?
We don't feel the need nor do we want to advertise the extent of the business assets unnecasarily! At the end of the day generally equipment is not as important as the skilled professionals doing the job in hand. You hire a tradesman for their skills not their tool bags and we're exactly the same. If you really want to know we use decent equipment our camera bodies are in the region of £6000.
How do I pronounce your business name as it has a number in the middle of it?
Quite simply it’s just “focus”, the number 8 is representative of a letter ‘O’ becuase you take most portraits of people at an aperture of f8.0 – this is a camera setting that puts the entire shot of someone in focus. Love it or hate it – you’ll remember it!!!
I suffer from epilepsy – do you use strobe lighting in the studio?
We do, if need be we can look to hire alternative lighting to prevent any flashing, get in touch with us to discuss what we can do - if you're not set on studio style photo's maybe an outdoor shoot could be a better alternative!
I see you maternity photography, do you have a female photographer as I am not sure I would be comfortable with a man photographing me.
Our photographer is male, we always ask you to be accompanied by a friend or ideally your partner. All imagery is agreed prior to any shoot and our photographer will always make you feel very relaxed and comfortable throughout the duration of your photo shoot. Should you require any nude imagery our photographer will only shoot tasteful images. If you're still unsure it's worth meeting him to discuss your requirements, should you still not feel comfortable or happy with this then there's absolutely no problem and no loss of money either.
Your Mums 2B shoots are free! Why?
Believing in your product is key and we know what we do is fabulous, as some people are unsure we offer these for free as an incentive and once you’ve seen what we shot we’re certain you wont be dissapointed, who know’s you might even come back to us for baby’s first photo’s!
Mums 2B ~ Maternity, I don’t quite understand why people want this?
If you’re asking this then it’s probably not for you! It’s quite niche in terms of uptake. Being pregnant needn’t be a means to having a baby, enjoy the experience! becomg pregnant can be one of lifes little challenges and we feel it should be celebrated – take a look at our portfolio to see for yourself (there are two galleries in this section, nude and non-nude).
Are you environmentally friendly?
Oh yes, not only do we recycle all waste and packaging, we also ensure all our goods for sale are from the UK, not just UK suppliers but that the goods are made and sourced in the UK too. You’ll be pleased to know that all our wooden frames are from sustained forrests. Heck we can go one step further and sell you the digital negative to save using paper of any sort!
I have been offered a session at Venture that looks too good to be true, I have been offered £125 photo session for £25 (and it was buy one get one free too), is this something you offer?
Dare we say it but you only get what you pay for! If all you want is the experience of having your photographs taken in a studio (twice!) then you've got yourself a bargain, from what our other clients have said you will not get the same as when you go to a local photographer, don't hope to buy the odd print! You'll have to buy their framed 7x5" print which is around £75. Your free image will also be in the cheapest of frames and should you wish to upgrade to one of the larger frames get ready for a surprise, it wont be a pleasant one.
Do we offer something similar? Yes & No... At certain times of the year you will see our site have special offers and the offer 'might' have sessions for £40 or there abouts including a frame we would normally retail at over £75 and looks like it's worth that too, if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing well.
Do you offer other services than those listed?
We offer a varied array of photographic needs, get in touch with us to find out if we can cater for your needs…
Do you do pet photography?
Not solely pets no, this is after previous disasters we definitely don't do pet photography no matter how large or small. We're always reminded not to work with animals or small children... Seeing as the small children aspect is unavoidable we'll take the advice of other and choose not to work with animals! If you have a pet you want to involve in your shoot and you think it will add to your set of pictures then let us know and we can discuss the arrangements.
How far do you travel?
There is no limit although anything over 30 miles away from Leamington Spa will be subject to extra charge for travel, if you want to know more get in touch and tell us where you are thinking of asking us to travel to.
There isn’t a calendar on your website to view availability, how can we see your availability?
You can book your session and find out about availabilty later or call / email prior to booking a shoot.
If I buy vouchers do they have an expiry date
All vouchers are valid for 12 months, if the voucher is for a shoot then so long as the shoot is arranged within 12 months it can take place after the 12 month period. For all other monetary based vouchers these must be used within the 12 month period.
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