A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Sarah.
I am a mother of two with a partner and two cats. I also love documentaries and I am a sucker for cheesy movies, resulting in easily crying at the end of a good rom-com or emotional drama. I am a passionate photographer with a bubbly, cheeky personality who gets inspired by the day to day moments in life and how people interact with each other.
Thanks to my training in photography, I now see the world around me with a potential photo snap-shot that is being created in my mind's eye. This helps with my documentary approach to my event photography and to some extent all my portrait work. I try to blur the line between the two genres.
The visual arts has always intrigued me from an early age but family photos were the first interaction I had with my love of photography. I remember my mother always insisting on our annual posed family photo. Now I am a mother of two children, I truly understand the urge to find a way to imprint the family, 'my family', and its memory on to this world. I want to help other families to do that too and I aim to help, with my photography.
Since starting my own family, I can relate to the day to day demands of family life and thus am very considerate of everyone's needs and understanding to unforeseen events when dealing with my clients. For instance, if your baby is needing a feed or nappy change etc I am very willing to extend your session to accommodate your needs.
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As already mentioned, my passion for photography started at a young age but in particular playing with my dad's Minolta SLR camera and being intrigued by it's split focusing centre and metering needle. Becoming a self confessed shutterbug required more understanding of the craft, which led me into taking a BTEC National Diploma and later, a BA Hons degree in Photography. To discover myself and which photographic avenue to take, I travelled around Africa on a gap year before my degree. This trip sealed my love for people and their ever changing expressions, intrigue and beauty and my second love which are animals, especially elephants, monkeys and the big cats.
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From working in a photographic studio and gaining work experience as a teacher's assistant on photography workshops for kids in the U.K and U.S.A and then photographing for a range of clients from Warner Chappell to The Architecture Foundation to Wokingham Council to everyday families, I can adapt my photo skills to many different situations
I have learnt how to get the best out whatever situation I am faced with. I put my heart and soul into every image. I like to find different ways into improving my photography as it is important to strive to be a better photographer, for you the client and for me too, the artist.
Click on the link below to see some of my personal projects or keep scrolling for more about the photo experience and F.A.Q's.
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YOUR PHOTO EXPERIENCE
Its more than just a photo, its a new way of looking; a new way of connecting.
THE BOOKING & CONSULTATION
When booking your photo session with me, you can ask any questions you may have, discuss your location of choice or confirm your session schedule and gain useful information about colour and type of clothing etc.
To confirm your date and session in my diary, you will be required to pay the session fee and signing an electronic contract when booking. For portraits and headshots, a £95 fee is required and includes your scheduled photo session, a selection of images I have professionally edited on the computer, in my unique style and then you will get an opportunity to purchase your images at your viewing reveal session.
Events / children's party / wedding photography is priced differently and the digital photo product is included in the package so a retainer will be required to secure the booking. Please go to the appropriate page for more info.
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For your ease and convenience, you pay the session fee / retainer via an invoice. I will email you an electronic contract and a Stripe payment link. Once the payment and signed contract has been received, I will send you an email confirmation and you are all set. If there is a problem with the date, I will happily change it to a new available date and time.
Please check out prices on pricing page or contact me for more information and I will try my best to answer any of your queries.
THE PHOTO SESSION
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For portraits and business head shots, you have the option to come to my garden studio in Tilehurst, Reading or I can come to your home, business or chosen location for the photo session. Depending on your requirements, I can use on/off-camera flash, studio equipment with a backdrop or just the natural environment to create your ideal photo.
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For your event, I will come to your location armed with a array of my professional Canon camera, lenses and back up equipment, walk around photo-documenting.
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Each session is different, as it is about you and your story. It is waiting to be revealed through my camera lens.
Let the creativity begin.
THE VIEWING REVEAL & ORDERING YOUR IMAGES
Depending on your chosen type of session, it can take up to three weeks after the photos are taken for your viewing reveal, but usually within two weeks. For events, wedding and children's parties it can take a little longer depending on the size of the event. One the final images are ready, I will email you a link to your personal password protected online gallery that has music playing while you view the images. While in the comfort of your own home or workplace, you can sit back with your favourite drink and enjoy a slideshow of your edited images.
Then you will have an opportunity to go through the different product collections and purchase your order. Any photo products like prints, photo books or wall art will then be personally ordered and carefully presented by myself and posted or hand delivered to you within 14 days of ordering. Some products may need longer to order like hand crafted framed photos. I will keep you updated on progress of these items.
LETS TALK
A great experience is what we all want when it comes to a service and to achieve this there has to be good communication and relationship between the photographer and the client. Communication throughout your experience, from the booking to the delivery of your product is one of the utmost important aspects to me (apart from the photography of course!). You can contact me via e-mail or phone call.
If you have forgotten to mention something in your booking or have any further questions at any point before or after your session, please feel free to contact me, as you, the client need to feel fully relaxed, prepared and excited about your experience.
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Beautiful photography + friendly professional service
results in ...
an experience you will want again and again.
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Click on the button below to see the different photo services available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I am based in Tilehurst, Reading and work within Berkshire and surrounding areas. Clients are welcome to come to my 29 m2 garden studio at my home in Tilehurst or I can come to your home, business or meet you on location at a local park. A surplus fee may be required if the location is further than 30 miles from Reading to cover my travel expenses and possible accommodation.
WHEN AND HOW DO I PAY?
For portraits and business head shots, your session fee is due in full on the day you book your session. I will send you an invoice that has an easy to use Stripe access link. I will also send you an electronical contract to sign. Once I have received the payment and notification of the signed contract, I will send you a confirmation e-mail with details of your booking and useful information to help you enjoy your photo experience to the full. You can purchase any photo products, such as digitals or physical products which will be available via your personal online password protected gallery within two weeks after your photo session. For weddings, children's parties and events, you will need to pay a retainer at time of booking via a stripe link then as these are inclusive packages the remaining balance is due by two weeks before the event. However, you can buy add on products after viewing the images once the online gallery is available.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS ILL ON THE DAY OF THE PORTRAIT SESSION?
Don't worry! I totally understand. Being a mum myself, I remember too well how life is like with little ones. I will reschedule a new day for your photo session as it is important that everyone being photographed are feeling at their best and ready to enjoy the photo experience. I would appreciate it though if you can give me as much notice as possible in case I need to travel far to your location.
HOW DO I SEE MY IMAGES?
Within three weeks of your portrait photo session, your edited images will be presented on a password protected private online gallery. I will email you a link with log in details . You will have 7 days to view, share with family and friends and purchase a digital photo collection and order any photo products like prints, framed photos, photo books or canvases. There is also a compare photos and a favourite function in the gallery to help you choose which ones to buy. Alternatively, you come to my studio in Tilehurst, Reading to have a reveal and ordering session with me in person. I can then talk you through all your options. For weddings and events, it can take up to 4-6 weeks until the photo gallery is ready for viewing. Also, for weddings, children's parties and events the photo gallery will stay active for longer for all guests to view images etc
​IS THERE AN OBLIGATION TO BUY ANY PHOTO PRODUCTS, PHYSICAL OR DIGITAL?
The short answer is no. I will let the images speak for themselves. I will just guide you and let you know of your options. For Portraits & Business Head Shots, there is no obligation to buy any photo product. There is no hard sell. You just need to pay the session fee which comes with one complimentary digital photo and then if you would like to purchase any photos you can start by choosing a digital collection. For Children's Parties, there are three all inclusive packages to choose from when booking. You will need to tell me before the event which package you want. However, after you see the photos you can upgrade from the extensive digital package to the top Deluxe Digital and Print package by just paying the difference. For Events, digital images are included in the hourly rate of the event but if want photo products please contact me for a personal quote to accommodate your event's needs. ​For Weddings, there are three main packages to choose from where two of them have products included. You can also purchase other add on items but there is no obligation to buy any extra.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE UNTIL I GET MY PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS?
It depends on what you order. Digital files can be transferred to you via a zip file in an email almost immediately once you purchase them via the online gallery. If you order digital files to be presented on a USB stick and any unmounted prints via the online gallery or a face to face viewing and ordering session, it can take 1- 2 weeks. Canvases, framed prints and albums can take up to 6 weeks. I will check each product for quality control before I hand deliver or post it to you at your home or business.
DO YOU HAVE A PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Yes, I have insurance for all my camera equipment including public liability insurance and all my studio based and portable electrical studio equipment is pat tested to ensure it is safe in my studio, in your home or place of business.
WHO HAS THE COPYRIGHT OF THE IMAGES?
I, as the photographer retain the copyright to all the images. However, once you purchase a digital collection of images you will get printing rights to use those images for personal use. For business headshots and event photography, printing rights for commercial use can arranged with agreed restrictions.
WILL YOU USE THE IMAGES FOR MARKETING?
I would love if you would allow me to use them for marketing on my social media and website etc but I will only do it if you have given prior permission.
HOW DO I BOOK YOUR SERVICES?
Get in touch either email me at info@sarahcurtice.com OR Call me on 07932 755959 I look forward to hearing from you.
Testimonials
"Dearest Sarah
You made me soooooo happy with the amazing photos you took of us. From the start till the end...your service and level of professionalism has been incredible. I couldn't have chosen a better photographer to capture what I wanted...true love and beauty and you magnified it to another level!
We were so delighted to sit back and look at all the wonderful photos you took of us...we had big big smiles on our faces. You have been so lovely with all your care and attention in everything. Thank you for these lovely memories you have created for us....going to cherish them. We are so thankful to you"
Shazia Sheikh
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"They are amazing. She certainly has great skill and a natural photographer's eye as she knows what her client wants. Makes you feel at ease too and listens to you. A rare talent."
Tara Richardson
"Sarah has just done an amazing photo shoot with my four children. She has done a fab job and was great with my kids. She is fantastic! I definitely will be using her again. Thank you Sarah."
Lara Goatley
"Thank you Sarah for the magnificent photos. As I sat looking at them, I was in tears; they are truly awesome. You captured the essence of everyone and number of tender moments. Thank you so much. Definitely recommending you to anyone looking for a photographer."
Charlize Kuzniar
"Sarah is an amazing, passionate and very talented photographer. I had a few ocassions to experience her brilliant work, either with studio like photo shoot and photographing a very important event for my family. Both of those times, she was very professional and made me and everyone else feel at ease and also managed to create amazing photos. All of them are high quality and simply beautiful. I had trouble to choose a favourite as they are all states of art. I have already booked her to photograph my girls very soon. Thank you Sarah"
Weronika Kowalczyk
"Sarah took photos of my husband's birthday party and we were really pleased with them as they all turned out well. She is reliable, trustworthy and professional. I would highly recommend her."