How can I help you?

I get lots of questions regarding the photo sessions so I’ve put together a Frequently Asked Question’s page. If there’s anything I’ve not covered please feel free to get in touch.

The Studio

Where are you based?

I am based in Fleetwood along the Promenade. The address is 12 The Esplanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6DL. For anyone who already knows Fleetwood we are in the strip of shops next to The Ferry Cafe and opposite The Euston Park.

Where do your photo sessions take place?

The photo session will take place at the studio (see above for location). I have made it as homely as possible to make your visit relaxed and non intimidating.

How do you get there?

Enter Fleetwood via Amounderness Way. Follow until the it reaches the end of Amounderness Way and take the second exit at the roundabout leading you onto Dock Street. Continue along Dock street and onto The Esplanade (it’s all one road). Kerry Reilly Photography is situated within a strip of shops on your right.

The Sitting

What are the photo sessions like?

The photo sessions are very laid back and relaxed. My aim is to get beautiful and natural portraits so I have made it as welcoming as possible. I will greet you at the front before we go into the back of the studio and get started with the session. There is plenty of time so no rushing or pressure.

How long will our photo session last?

The length of the photo session depends on the clients. Sometimes I have had families come in and be out the door within 20 minutes. However I always save at least an hour for the session and always spend time doing different poses and with a variation of different family members i.e some of Mum and Dad alone, some of just the kids, some individuals of each child and lots of you all together too!

For newborn sessions I leave 3 hours. This way you don’t have to worry and you can just relax while I do all the leg work. I suggest bringing a bottle if you are not breastfeeding and then if baby needs a feed we can have a break and let them get fed and settled.

Is there anything we should bring?

The only thing you have to bring is yourselves! Optional extras include a change of clothes and sentimental items that you may wish to include in the session. Some great ideas include story books, favourite blankets, favorite teddies and toys! We have lots of props at the studio, mainly for newborns, but if you bring your own it makes the portraits more personal to you.

What should we wear?

It’s your photo session so this is completely up to you. I have had families come very dressed up in smart clothing, but most come casual smart. I would advise to be mindful that these portraits are to go on your wall for a number of years so you will want your clothing to be something you really feel like yourself in. Also it’s a good idea to make sure what you wear doesn’t clash with any other family members, sometimes it’s a good idea to have a bit of a colour theme.

How do I know where to stand?

I will direct the photo session so you will never have to feel awkward or out of place. For the most part the session will just progress naturally and you will become more relaxed and go with the flow. If something doesn’t look quite right I will adjust you subtly and we can carry on with ease.

Do you charge a cancellation fee?

I take a non-refundable booking fee. If you have to rearrange you can do so as long as you give a certain amount of notice. Please see the T&C’s for full details.

What happens if my child is ill?

If any member of the party is ill I will happily reschedule your booking within the space of a month at a time convenient for both of us. All I ask is that I be notified two hours prior to session. This is how long it takes me to heat up the studio and get set up.

I’m worried about my kids behaving. What if they are a nightmare during the session?

Don’t worry-they can’t be worse than my own! I have two young boys and I KNOW they don’t always behave the way you want but please don’t worry. The studio is a very non judgemental space for you to bring your children. I am happy to let them get used to their surroundings before I start photographing, I will get down on the floor at their level and have a chat with them about what they enjoy. I also like to play games whether it be Peek-a-Boo or Simon Says to get them engaged. Some of the best portraits I have gotten in the studio is when children are running riot. My aim is to get portraits that reflect your child’s personality-I want to encourage that in any way I can. If all else fails I have a secret stash of chocolate and lollipops to bribe them with!

I’d like my husband to be involved in the session and he works all week – can you do weekends?

I have two young children so am therefore not open set hours. The upside to this is that when I do work I can do so to fit around my clients. I can arrange weekend appointments (including Sunday), I am also happy to work Bank Holidays and I can do evenings. This goes for photo sessions and for viewings!

Is the studio heated?

The studio has sufficient heating for those days when it is needed!

Do you have baby changing facilities?

Yes you are very welcome to use our baby changing facilities.

Can I breast/bottle feed during a session?

I encourage women to bring a feed to their sessions with them. I would never expect a parent to let their baby go unfed. It also helps soothe baby for the session and there is plenty of time so Mum and Dad don’t need to rush.

Can the children bring their own toys?

This is a great idea. Whether it be to keep them occupied while I take portraits they are not included in, or to use in the portraits as props.

Can we bring the dog?

Each and every member of the family is welcome to the photo sessions-otherwise it wouldn’t be a full family portrait.

What do the parents have to do on the day?

Occasionally I may ask a parent to stand behind me to get their child looking towards the camera, and if they have a fast mover I may ask them to keep popping their little one back on the white backdrop. Other than that you can sit back and relax whilst I get to it photographing.

What should we do to prepare for the photo shoot?

Relax! This should be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

What sort of service can we expect from you?

I pride myself on giving a personal and professional service to my clients. I am the only person working at the studio so you will always deal with me. I like to get to know my clients names and also engage with the children so that they can enjoy the experience.

The Viewing

How long until we see our pictures?

I will book you in for a viewing around a week after the photo session.

How will I see my pictures?

You will return to the studio and view them on a TV screen in a relaxed, no pressure environment.

How many images will we be able to choose from?

I don’t have a set amount-I usually get around 30+ images from each session. I do always get a variety for each client and will spend as long as I think is needed to get a good range of portraits.

Do I have to tell you in advance what products I want to order?

No not at all! You place your order at the viewing, after having a look through all of the portraits taken, in a no pressure environment (I can’t stress the no pressure part enough)!

Who has copyright to the images, and can I buy the portraits as digital files?

I retain copyright for all of the portraits taken at the session. The client has full permission to use any portraits purchased on USB for personal use.

Are you able to remove imperfections from the images?

Yes that’s no problem. Children especially are prone to having scratches and bruises from either learning to walk or from constantly running around.

Will the portraits be in colour or black and white?

You will view all of the portraits that were edited in colour and I will also edit a selection of these to black and white.

When will we receive our order?

The turnaround time is between 3-8 weeks depending on what products you order. If there is a specific date you need your order by please let me know beforehand and I will be able to get a more specific deadline for you.

My Background

How long have you been a photographer?

I have practiced photography since leaving school in 2005. My background is in fine art photography, travel photography, product photography and portrait photography. After delving into each of these I found my passion lay with baby and family portraiture. I found images I captured within this genre to be the most meaningful, not just to others but also for me. To have created something irreplaceable and unique, that will be treasured by my clients for years to come, is an honour.

Did you study photography?

Yes I completed a Nation Diploma in Photography at Blackpool and the Fylde College and then went on to do a BA Hons Degree in Photography at Falmouth University.

What we offer

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes I sell vouchers of any amount. These are great ideas for the arrival of a newborn, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day or even for a work collegues leaving present (especially if they’re going on maternity). Please get in touch to arrange purchase.

When should we book a sitting?

I advise giving me a call sooner rather than later to book your session in at the studio. That way I am more likely to get you in at your preferred time.

Or as one of my favourite quotes says “Do it now. Sometimes later becomes never”.