Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL SERVICES
• Q: What type of photography do you offer?
A: We specialise in headshots, portraits, lifestyle and pet photography, shot at our East London studio or on location. Whether you're an actor, creative professional, business leader or pet parent, we create imagery that reflects your true character.
• Q: Do you offer consultations before a shoot?
A: Yes — we offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to understand your needs and help you prepare. This ensures we deliver images that feel authentic and purposeful.
• Q: Can I choose between studio and location shoots?
A: Absolutely. We offer sessions either in-studio at M.A.P Studios or at selected East London locations, depending on your preference and style goals.
PET PHOTOGRAPHY
• Q: Do you offer pet photography?
A: Yes! We offer professional pet portrait sessions — Furry Lens By KJ Mandikate, for all types of animals including five retouched images, with upgrade options available.
• Q: Can I purchase prints of my pet photos?
A: Definitely. We offer fine art inkjet (Giclée) prints, known for their vibrant detail, longevity, and gallery-quality finish. Available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes, as session add-ons or stand-alone purchases. You can also add personalised footer messages or upgrade to limited edition formats.
ADD-ONS & EXPRESS SERVICES
• Q: What is the Express Furry Lens session?
A: The Express Furry Lens is a shorter, focused pet portrait session designed for efficiency without compromising quality. It includes one look, one backdrop, and one retouched image — ideal if you’re after quick, impactful results.
• Q: Can I include more than one pet in the session?
A: Yes! Our Furry Lens with Siblings add-on allows for multi-pet sessions. We’ll aim to capture them both together and separately where possible. Just let us know how many pets to expect so we can plan accordingly.
• Q: What is the Express Edit service?
A: Express Edit is an upgrade option that fast-tracks your selected images, with professional retouching delivered within 48 hours (weekdays only). Great for clients with time-sensitive needs.
• Q: Can I combine a pet session with my own headshots or portraits?
A: Absolutely. We’re happy to accommodate joint sessions for you and your pet. Please let us know in advance so we can tailor the structure and quote accordingly.
• Q: Is there a quality difference with Express sessions?
A: Not at all. Our Express sessions are simply more time-efficient. You’ll still receive the same high-quality lighting, direction, and final edits — just within a more streamlined shoot.
PRINT SALES
• Q: What kind of prints do you sell?
A: We offer fine art inkjet (Giclée) prints, known for their vibrant detail, longevity, and gallery-quality finish. Available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes.
• Q: Are prints included with my session?
A: Digital images are not included depending in your shoot unless via an agreed package. Prints are available as optional add-ons or stand alone purchases.
• Q: How are prints shipped?
A: Prints are securely rolled and shipped in durable protective tubes. We offer standard and tracked delivery options. Estimated shipping costs are based on courier rates with a small handling markup.
APPOINTMENTS & SCHEDULING
• Q: How do I book a session?
A: Use our online booking system or contact us directly to schedule your shoot. We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots.
• Q: How long is a typical session?
A: We offer flexible durations:
- 30-minute express shoot – includes 5 edited images
- 60-minute session – includes 10 edited images
- 90-minute session – includes 20 edited images
- 2.5-hour location & studio shoot – includes 25 edited images
• Q: Do you retouch the images?
A: Yes, naturally, all selected images are professionally retouched to high standards as part of the price, ensuring your photos are clean, confident, and natural.
STUDIO HIRE
Q: Can I hire M.A.P Studios for my own shoot?
A: Yes! Our studio is available for hourly, half-day or full-day hire to other professional photographers. We offer a well-equipped space at a competitive East London rate — 6 people max capacity per shoot.
Q: What equipment is included with hire?
A: Studio hire includes access to:
• Media suite with Adobe Create Cloud, WiFi, monitor speakers, microphone, audio interface
• Professional lighting, modifiers, diffusers, grips
• Green screen and various backdrops
• Hair & makeup suite with Hollywood mirror
• Clothing rail, iron and sewing machine
Q: Are catering options available during studio hire?
A: Yes! We offer on-site catering options, perfect for longer shoots, team days, or commercial sessions. Choose from light refreshments to curated food packages — all locally sourced and prepared by our qualified in-house chefs and East End–approved.
Our space is designed for small-scale quality: relaxed, professional, and intentionally intimate. Enjoy fresh, chef-made meals with a focus on wholesome, healthy options — served in a calm, purpose-built setting that supports both creativity and comfort.
The 6-person max typically includes a photographer, stylist, editor, assistant, and up to two models — ensuring enough room to work efficiently.
CATERING & DIETARY ENQUIRIES
• Q: Do you offer catering or food at your sessions or events?
A: Yes — catering can be arranged for selected shoots, creative days, or private sessions. We offer wholesome, seasonal food prepared in-house, rooted in our chef’s modern, health-focused style. Read more about studio catering options here >
• Q: Can you cater to dietary requirements?
A: Absolutely. We can tailor food offerings to suit vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-aware diets. Just let us know your needs in advance by contacting the chef directly at the time of booking.
CLIENT AREA & FILE DELIVERY
• Q: How do I access my images after the shoot?
A: You’ll receive a password-protected gallery where you can view, select, and download your images securely or direct file transfer via google drive.
• Q: Can I reorder prints later?
A: Yes — clients can reorder prints at any time from their gallery or by contacting us directly. We archive all final edited images for future access.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
No problem. Reach out via our contact page. We’re a relaxed, independent East End team — and we’re here to help you stand out.