FAQs
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The Shoot
We specialise in empowering women and girls through portraiture, no matter what your age, size or level of experience in front of the camera. And it’s not all about the finished photo, it’s just as much about your journey, from our initial meeting through to final photo selection – you’ll be made to feel like a VIP every step of the way and central to the creative process. Our personalised approach and luxurious editorial-style photoshoots make The Modern Muse a truly unique portrait experience. What also sets us apart are the 12 feminine archetypes we offer for inspiration – think high-end fashion editorial, definitely not your traditional portrait!
We’ve developed 12 feminine archetypes to help inspire and connect with archetype traits that may be present within you, or traits you might aspire to embody. You may feel a connection to The Wanderer and The Rose but want to tap into The Huntress for example, we’ll discuss what you’d like to portray in your photos, whether it’s one or a combination, and we’d love to hear of any other ideas you may have too. Archetypes allow us to explore ourselves, similar to how a fashion model inhabits a personality in a magazine. The physical transformation of make-up, hair, and clothing helps in the transformation of your inner self. We love watching these transformations on-set! Archetypes help open the door to your imagination.
Depending on how many looks or archetypes in your package, allow from 3-6 hours. For a typical photoshoot we’ll welcome you with delicious refreshments before going over the wardrobe, then into hair and makeup. Once you’re ready, we have the rest of the session to play in front of the camera, finding the looks that work best for you, changing outfits and guiding you throughout. Fresh flowers and scented candles set the tone and you’re welcome to play your own music. This day is all about you!
To achieve the high-end product we’re known for, and that you expect, we prefer to use our trusted professional makeup artists and hairstylists. They know our 12 archetypes and they have many years of experience, they know all the tricks essential to achieving a great photograph. However, we want you to be comfortable and if you’d prefer to do this yourself we can discuss this.
Of course! If it's a great outfit that flatters you and you feel comfortable in it, then it will probably make for a great photograph. Bring it along to our in-person meeting and we can discuss how it could work with the type of feel you’re wanting to portray.
We take care of this! Pre-photoshoot we create a mood board in collaboration with you, based on the archetypes you’re inspired by. Then we go into the photoshoot clear about what we’re trying to achieve, any tweaks can be made in a final pre-photoshoot meeting. Sometimes clients bring their whole closet! and sometimes we rent or buy parts of an outfit. And you can wear multiple outfits throughout the photoshoot, so you don’t have to worry about picking just one look.
On a Modern Muse photoshoot you’ll be made to feel immediately part of our family. We’re a small team of 3 or 4 on the day, and our focus is solely you. But if you think you’d feel more comfortable bringing someone along, you’re most welcome to do so.
Pricing
Everything included in a Modern Muse portrait is outlined in The Process on our Portraits page. We tailor portraits to your needs, the cost depends on how many different photos/archetypes you’d like, which determines the length of the photoshoot and behind-the-scenes prep. These are personalised luxury portraits that are just as much about the overall experience and journey, as the final photo artwork – both are memories you’ll treasure forever.
Yes! Although we don’t sell individual digitals, we do give you a digital file optimised for social media, of every image you purchase. Our Artwork service takes the hassle out of finding a good printer and arranging printing, actually getting your photo off the computer. Cindy has extensive experience in photographic printing and framing, working with quality suppliers. We offer advice on paper stocks, sizing and framing, and create a virtual mockup of your images to scale on a photo of an interior wall of your home. Our Artwork service includes complimentary professional hanging to ensure its securely mounted and in the best position for maximum enjoyment.
Sorry to hear that’s happened but we’re glad you’ve come to us! We have our Process in place to ensure you’ll be happy with your photos (see Portraits page). Our pre-photoshoot meetings ensure we are on the same page about image style, hair and makeup, props and wardrobe, so that we head into the photoshoot completely clear about what you’re after. You can read the lovely feedback we’ve had from clients on our Testimonials page.
This isn’t something I promote, but I do have a couple of clients who book me regularly for this type of work, and so I’m happy to have a conversation about what you’re looking for and see if I’m able to help you.
Personal Concerns
This is a really common concern and totally understandable as most of our clients are not models or celebrities. We don’t expect you to be ‘good’ in front of a camera, our role is to guide you with poses, where to position your hands, eyes, we make it easy so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Before the shoot, we can even send you a posing tutorial so that you can become familiar with a few ideas and have a practise if you like.
We totally understand, honestly I haven’t met one person yet who feels 100% confident in front of the camera. But once you’ve had hair and makeup done, wearing amazing clothes and experiencing the fun of the photoshoot, you’ll find the confidence. We see it every time! There’s something about being pampered by creative professionals, indulge and enjoy the moment, it truly is a luxury experience and we’ll be holding your hand every step of the way.