Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking your photoshoot with Sabina Hurley Photography.
The Experience & Value
Why should I pay for professional photos when I can just use my phone?
Smartphone cameras are amazing for catching everyday snapshots, but a professional photography session with Sabina Hurley Photography offers something completely different. Here are just a few reasons that a professional photoshoot is still worth it in the age of phone camera.
You deserve to be in your family photos: Instead of managing the camera or settling for an awkward selfie, you get to be fully present in the frame with your favorite people. Photos become memories, you should be in them, looking your best.
Flattering gear over phone lenses: Smartphones use very wide, short focal length lenses that can subtly distort facial features. I use a professional portrait lenses designed specifically to flatter your natural features and compress the background so you stand out beautifully.
Light, angles, and editing: I know how to find the soft light, position you dynamically against a backdrop, and use flattering angles. I then hand-edit every photo to make sure each of you looks your best.
The "magic" of a neutral adult: As a mum, I know kids don't always listen to their parents! Children will often engage, play, and take direction from me in ways they simply won't for mum or dad.
Merging photos for perfect smiles: If a toddler looks away during an otherwise perfect group shot, my editing workflow allows me to seamlessly combine frames so you get a final image where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.
A fun milestone event: We turn picture day into an enjoyable family memory and a beautiful tradition you will want to come back to year after year.
The Sabina Hurley Style & Philosophy
What is your photography and editing style?
My style is natural, timeless, and true-to-life, both in camera and in editing. My editing does not rely on filters or presets, I hand edit each image to enhance the light, balance colours, make you the focus, and remove any subtle distractions or blemishes. I then bring in subtle pop with a richness in tones. Leaving a natural image where you look your best.
What is light retouching?
When I edit your photos I want you to look like yourself on a great day. I remove any temporary blemishes. I tame a few flyaway hairs. I may soften undereye circles or ever so slightly smooth your skin and brighten eyes and teeth. Never plastic and fake looking, just you with a good night’s rest. I maintain true-to-life skin tones and will never alter or erase permanent features like birthmarks, scars, or freckles unless you explicitly ask me to. If it takes merging photos in a set to get everyone smiling and looking at the camera, I will also do that. Finally, I remove any minor distractions in the background, but do not alter the setting in an unrealistic way.
My child won't sit still or smile on command. Will this be a problem?
Not at all! In fact, I prefer it that way. Forcing kids into rigid, perfect poses usually results in strained smiles. My outdoor family photoshoots give children space to move, run, and play.
I bring elements of play into every session—whether that’s hide-and-seek, foot races, dance moves, or a few minutes on a playground swing. I keep direction to a minimum and let kids be themselves. We will capture a few traditional poses, but our main focus is always on capturing the real smiles and genuine connection in the little moments in between.
I am not comfortable having images of my children shared online. Do you publish our photos?
Your family’s privacy and safety are important to me. While I am very grateful to clients who allow me to feature their sessions in my portfolio and marketing, it is never a requirement.
Written Consent Only: I will never share identifiable photos of anyone in your family on social media or my website without your explicit written permission. If you do choose to opt-in, I do not publish names alongside the images.
Anonymous Frames: I completely understand the balance between wanting to keep your children's faces off the internet and wanting to share how proud you are of them. To help with this, I look to capture "anonymous" lifestyle frames during our session—such as a close-up of tiny hands holding yours, a silhouette running ahead on a path, or your family looking out at the view. These frames allow you to safely share your beautiful day online while keeping their faces private.
Gallery Cover Discretion: Unless you have given me permission to share your gallery images publicly, I will always use one of these non-identifiable photos as the cover image for your private online gallery so it remains completely discreet when logging in.
Sabina Hurley Photography Anonymised Image
What if I am uncomfortable or awkward in front of the camera?
Please don’t worry—this is a very common feeling, and being a bit camera-shy myself, I completely understand it.
We will design a session that entirely avoids stiff, traditional poses or forced "say cheese" moments. Instead, we keep things moving at a pace that works for you. We can slow right down, take as many breaks as you need, and give you plenty of time to warm up naturally. Or, if you only have a small amount of “on” energy to give, I can work quickly to get some great shots before that energy fades.
By focusing on moments of play, humor, and connection, I am able to catch genuine, candid reactions when you are simply laughing with your family or partner. My job is to create an easygoing environment where you can forget the camera is there and actually enjoy the experience.
Do you have experience working with neurodivergent individuals or those with additional needs?
I do. I want my sessions to be a safe, welcoming, and low-stress space for every single client, child or adult.
In my personal and professional life I have collaborated with and supported a wonderful, brilliant mix of personalities and communication styles, including those who are neurodivergent. I understand that standard portrait settings or rigid expectations don't fit everyone, and I am entirely comfortable adapting my approach.
During our initial consultation, I will ask if there are any specific needs, social anxieties, sensory triggers, or environmental preferences I should be aware of. I will work with you to understand what works best and what should be avoided.
We can tailor the environment to your needs—whether that means choosing a quiet, uncrowded outdoor location, sticking to accessible locations, bypassing studio flash equipment entirely, or keeping direction completely minimal and low-pressure. We will design a session where you or your child can simply be yourselves at a comfortable pace.
Booking, Timing, and Logistics
What if we need a little more time during our shoot?
I always keep things flexible if your immediate family unit needs a bit of extra time to settle in, change an outfit, or calm a fussy toddler. However, if you are looking to capture extended families or larger groups, you can easily book extra time blocks at £125 per additional 30 minutes to ensure we can comfortably get all the permutations of couples, siblings, and grandparents without rushing.
How do we choose the right location for our photoshoot?
We will work together to find a meaningful location that suits your family's style. I am based in Bourn, just west of Cambridge, and know many wonderful local spots. We can use the dedicated Sabina Hurley Photography studio and garden in Bourn, explore the public footpaths and fields in your own village, use your home and garden, or head into the historic city of Cambridge. We are also spoiled for choice with beautiful local country parks like Wandlebury, Milton, Hinchingbrooke, and Priory Country Parks, which offer a variety of beautiful backdrops and room to roam.
Sabina Hurley Photoshoot and walking tour in Cambridge
Sabina Hurley Photoshoot at Country Park
Can we do our session at a National Trust property or historic estate?
Stately homes and manicured gardens make a classic backdrop, but the logistics can be tricky. Most estates require a commercial photography fee and advance booking. Some organizations—like the National Trust—have very strict policies on professional photoshoots. If you love this aesthetic, let me know during our initial chat and I will work with you to find a an accommodating venue and work the logistics.
Sabina Hurley Photoshoot at Historic Estate
What happens if the British weather doesn't cooperate?
If you have booked a studio portrait session, we are protected from the elements and can shoot as planned. For outdoor family photoshoots, we will keep a close eye on the forecast. If it is raining heavily or otherwise impractical to hold an outdoor session, we can either pivot your session to my indoor studio in Bourn or reschedule to another date that works for you.
What if someone has a temporary blemish, scratch, or bruise - or just isn’t looking their best - on the day?
Don't worry—life happens! My philosophy is all about showcasing you looking your best. And I have A LOT of experience touching up little scrapes and bruises.
What I will fix: During the hand-editing process, I will happily remove temporary marks like sudden blemishes, accidental scratches, or playground bruises. I can also gently soften under-eye circles if you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, and reduce redness caused by a cold or a stuffy nose.
What I keep natural: To keep your portraits completely authentic, I maintain true-to-life skin tones and will never alter or erase permanent features like birthmarks, scars, or freckles unless you explicitly ask me to.
When to reschedule: If someone in your family is truly unwell and simply not able to participate, or has a more significant injury, like a black eye or cast, please let me know so we can discuss options. I want everyone in your group feeling well enough to relax, have fun, and fully enjoy the experience.
Preparation & Styling Tips
What should we wear to our family photoshoot?
The most important rule is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable and confident moving around in. Keep styling true to you. If you would never wear something in the rest of your life, or don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it for the photoshoot. Remember, it is not about perfect, it is about looking like yourself on a good day. Here are a few simple tips:
Coordinate, don't match: Avoid everyone wearing the exact same outfit. Instead, pick a color palette of 3 to 4 complementary tones (e.g., earthy neutrals, soft pastels, or rich autumnal shades). If you choose a monochrome pallet (e.g. all blues) try to vary the shades so your outfits do not blend into each other.
Dress for the season: Embrace the weather! Cozy knitwear, textures, scarves, and boots look fantastic for autumn and winter sessions. Soft, light fabrics work wonderfully in spring and summer.
Avoid distractions: Graphic tees and heavy patterns can draw attention away from your faces and real smiles and can date your photos quickly. Also check that your clothes fit well and give them a once over for wrinkles, stains, missing buttons, or other flaws you would rather not have in your photographs.
Consider the location: If we are shooting in a green field or woodland park, vibrant colors like mustard yellow, rust, or deep blues pop beautifully against the natural backdrop.
Sabina Hurley Photography Styling Example: Keep it comfortable, coordinate but don't match, embrace the season, consider your location
Is there anything we need to prepare or bring?
I keep things simple so your family can feel at ease. Here is how you can prepare for a relaxed, natural session:
Adults and older children: You truly do not need to prepare anything special. Just come as you are!
For younger children: I recommend a light snack shortly before you arrive. It is also a great idea to pack a few small, non-messy snacks just in case anyone needs a quick energy boost. Tissues or nose wipes are always a good idea. Finally, if you are still in the diaper stage, bring your diaper bag with you, I will safely stash it out of view.
Timing is key: Try to avoid scheduling your session during usual nap times or when your little ones tend to get tired. I will help you find the right time slot during our initial consultation.
Consider a cozy blanket: A large blanket that coordinates with your outfits can be a nice addition. It gives us a lovely, comfortable seating option if you prefer not to sit directly on the grass.
Comfort items and hobbies: If there is an object that feels like a constant companion at this stage of life - be it a favourite cuddly toy, a football, or something more unique to your child - feel free to bring it along. I love capturing these genuine stages of life. I suggest keeping it out of sight until the end of the session, so it doesn’t appear in every single photo.
Packages, Galleries & Prints
How long does it take to get our photos back?
Within 10 days of your photoshoot, I will send you a secure link to your private online gallery.
What is the difference between the Full Collection and A La Carte Packages?
I want you to enjoy your images without agonizing over arbitrary photo limits.
With The Full Collection you get all the best images from your photoshoot, hand-edited and delivered in your online gallery as high-resolution digital files ready to download. No agonizing over which ones to select, no watermarked proofing images, just your beautiful photos ready to go. The Full Collection often represents the best value, as buying each image individually will add up to far more than the Full Collection Package cost.
The A La Carte Option allows you to pay a lower upfront fee for just the session time and the creation of a proofing gallery of lightly edited images. Images in your proofing gallery will be lower resolution, only lightly edited, and watermarked. They cannot be downloaded or shared. You browse the gallery and pay per individual image only for the ones you love, which I will then hand-edit and deliver to you as high-resolution digital files ready to download. If you love more photos than you planned to purchase (I hope you love them all!) you can upgrade to the Full Collection, but there is additional fee for the extra editing and on online proofing cycle.
Neither the Full Collection, nor the A La Carte packages include prints. You can purchase prints separately. See below for more information.
Can we order physical prints and albums?
Yes! High-quality, professional prints and custom photobooks are available to order directly through your private online gallery with any package. I don't lock you into restrictive or expensive print packages; you can pick exactly what you want at reasonable prices. If you feel overwhelmed by the choices, I am happy to meet with you to help select the perfect sizes and finishes for your home, managing the order with a professional lab from start to finish.
Still have questions?