Heidi Horton Photography

Ever wondered what it's like to get your portraits created by Heidi Horton Photography?

​Right from the beginning of our business I decided to put a huge emphasis on the experience we give our clients. I believe my job as photographer is not only to take the photos but also to provide an awesome experience during the whole process. Capturing your story is not a transaction for me, it's a privilege.

With weddings that extra experience comes in many forms right from booking, through the planning stages, on the big day & after. While portrait sessions aren't as in-depth as weddings, I still bring the same philosophy to my portrait clients too. My portrait sessions are fun and relaxed, as is the whole experience from planning through to the finished product. I love the connections I get to make with the people I photograph and I strive to offer a luxury experience.

​So here's what you can expect from the portrait experience with me...

Enquiry
When you first enquire about portraits we have a quick chat about the sort of portraits you want created. We chat about potential locations, the best time of day for your portrait session, how you want to be photographed, when the last time you had portraits taken. I run you through how my portrait experience works and the pricing. I answer any initial questions you might already have.

Booking
After you've had a chance to look over my portrait information email and we've found a date that suits for your portrait session we get your booking confirmed and in the calendar. Your booking is confirmed with payment of your session fee plus acceptance of our terms & conditions which I email out to you. Our Portrait T&C's can be signed digitally online which make it easy and painless.

​This is pretty much the only formal part of the whole portrait experience and then it's on to the fun part!

Pre-shoot planning
We can do the pre-shoot planning either via email, a phone call or even a coffee date in studio. This part is all about how you want to be photographed. We talk about any goals or ideas you have for your portraits. If you already have an idea in mind of how you want to display the final products we can plan for that too. Whether you have a wall in your home you'd like to fill or maybe a keepsake box for the bookshelf - this can influence the style of the portrait session.

I also send you information & tips for preparing for your portrait session. Including what to expect and ideas for what to wear.

The portrait session itself
My portrait sessions are really relaxed and conversational. I know just how awkward it can feel being in front of the camera so I make sure everyone has a fun, enjoyable time with zero awkwardness. I'll give you all the guidance you need & I promise we'll have a great time during the shoot! 

​I don't put a time limit on my portrait sessions as every family is unique. Some sessions go for 30 minutes, others for 90 minutes! I let the sessions unfold organically - sometimes we'll start with the obvious combinations and shots, then move into capturing more candid photos. Each session is different and I encourage you to put forward any specific shots you want during our time together.

Your viewing session
After your shoot I process your photographs and invite you into the studio to view them. I play a slideshow of the images from your portrait session up on the big TV so you can see what we captured. Then we go through the photographs one-by-one and discuss options for what you might like to do with them. We can compare images side-by-side, select favourites and also look at the sample products in studio for inspiration.

I help you with ideas for getting the most from your photographs and answer any questions you may have. I can also design up a wall collage or frame series on the computer to give you a visual idea of how the finished product will look. This viewing session is all about how you wish to display and enjoy your portraits.

The final product
This is the exciting part - getting to hand over to you the final product! It's also a little sad because it brings the experience to a close (until next time!). 

I love when clients see their printed portraits for the very first time! There is something incredible about the tangible keepsake of a printed photograph. Being able to hold it in your hands. To feel and see the quality, the texture and crispness. It is at that moment that I am reminded of the true value of what I do and of what I have created for my clients. Those printed portraits will be treasured for the rest of time.

I was chatting to someone recently about photographs. She mentioned how she always has her camera out taking photos of her family - kids at sports games, candid holiday snaps, generational photos at family events. When her father died she gathered up photographs of him with her, him with her children. As you do, whenever a loved one passes the first thing you reach for is the tangible remainders of precious memories - photographs. She said it was sad that her siblings then realised that they didn't have a lot of photographs with their father, or him with their kids. And so even though family sometimes protested that she always had her camera out, it showed her that documenting her family's life through photos was important and valuable.

This person also told me how herself and her children walk past those photographs of her father on their wall at home everyday. Her kids often talk about her dad and their fond memories. The photos weren’t tucked away on a dusty USB, or saved in a bird’s nest of folders on the computer. They were out to be enjoyed on display.

This conversation was a simple chat over coffee, but it was profound because I realised that all too often I hear the opposite story; "We've never had family photos done", or "I'm never in the photos with my kids, I'm always the one taking the photo". I know myself how true it is to regret the photographs that were never taken.

Photographs are a celebration of our lives. The photographs I have of my loved ones are the greatest possession I own. And I get to create photographs for others to enjoy and cherish too. I love being a photographer, there is nothing in this world I would rather be doing.

Take the photo. Be in the photo. Exist in photos.

During the summer holidays Tara & Graham's family were all back together. Something which doesn't happen all that often with one daughter living in Bristol and another in Christchurch!  So it was the perfect time to create portraits of such precious memories and moments.

I really enjoyed documenting the beautiful bond these sisters have and the whole shoot was filled with laughter and fun. The girls even got out the playing cards to have a fierce game of Last Card, because this is something they love doing as a family!

Tara thank you so much for asking me to create these portraits for you! It was a privilege. xx