FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a studio in London?

In 90% of cases I'm location based so don't usually need a studio space.

However for some shoots I will rent a studio or other indoor location in London etc that suits the commercial photography brief given by my client.

Studios are available around the world to rent on a daily basis, so it gives me more options and saves on the overhead costs I would have if I had my own physical studio.

If your shoot requires a studio space, we can choose and agree on a good location together that works best for the shoot brief and requirements.

Do you do video?

No.

I'm fully focused on stills photography.

I do work with a number of individual freelancers, small and large video production companies, and London based agencies who I trust.

So get in touch and I'll point you to the relevant people for your project.

How far in advance do I need to book you?

I'm usually 75% booked up at least a month in advance, but I do leave a few dates available for last minute shoots as this seems to be the nature of the industry.

So please get in touch as soon as you can if you'd like to work with me, as the more notice you give me the better our chances are of working together.

What types of photography do you specialise in?

I don't just shoot one type of photography. Mainly because if I only shot one thing over and over again then I know I'd get bored. I do photography as career choice because I love it, and I want to keep loving it as much as I do now!

I do however limit the types of photography I cover and I specialise in a few key areas which I've mastered from over a decade of experience, which are:

Aviation Photography: I started my full-time photography career in 2015 working in-house for British Airways, so Aviation has always played a key role in my photography. I also now shoot a lot of private aviation now too including interiors and exteriors of private jets for jet brokers and charter companies as well as private airports and FBO's. - I also still work a lot for large commercial airlines and airports too around the globe.

Retail Photography: Retail photography has become a key part of my photography business. I've fallen in love with shooting retail interiors, installations, pop-up experientials and other retail related photography projects. The majority of my retail work is London based and mainly around Oxford Street, New Bond Street, and Covent Garden. I also photograph a lot in Harrods, and the two Westfield shopping centres in London too That said, I also photograph retail projects in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and also overseas too.

Event Photography: I focus my event photography around corporate events and business networking events in and around London. I can provide a 24 hour turn around service or even same day turn arounds for certain corporate events too. - Please note: I do not cover weddings or family birthday parties etc.

Headshot Photography: Corporate headshot photography is another key part of my business. I like to keep things simple with my headshot photography and have one main style and look for my corporate headshot clients. That way everyone has a good idea of what their headshots will look like before they even book me.

Property & Interiors Photography: I photography luxury properties and interiors in London, Surrey, and Berkshire from £2m in value and above only.

Commercial and Lifestyle Photography: I photograph commercial advertising projects for leading brands and companies in London and worldwide. I keep my commercial and lifestyle photography looking natural, unobtrusive, and authentic. I use a mixture of natural light and continuous lighting to help created the effect and looks that I'm known for.

What is the best time to photograph a retail project?

The best time to photograph any retail project is when the store is closed so no customers will get in the way. In London, most stores open at 10am, so I like to get in a photograph around 7am or 8am, so that I have a couple of hours to capture everything.

How long does it take to photograph a retail project?

In 70% of cases it takes me around 2 hours to photograph a retail interior, installation or pop-up. That can vary of course if I'm photographing a small boutique on New Bond Street, a pop-up activation in Covent Garden, or a multi floor London flagship store on Oxford Street. However, most of the retail projects I photograph are around the 2 to 4 hour mark.

How much space do you need for a corporate headshot shoot?

I always say the more space the better. Ideally for me and my London corporate headshot shoots, I like to have a large meeting room where we can remove the table, or at least move the table and chairs out of the way. Any room that is around 8 metres in length by 4 metres wide is ideal. Anything bigger than that is event better. However I can photograph in smaller rooms from around 5 metres in length to 3 metres wide too.

What should you wear for a corporate headshot shoot?

What you should wear to a corporate headshot shoot depends on what your company policy is on dress code, whether you're a suit and tie kind of company, or if people wear more t-shirt and jeans.

It also depends on how you want to be perceived too in your headshot photo. If you do want to be perceived as more professional, then definitely wear a shirt. If you want to come across more casual or even creative, then maybe dress in a t-shirt and jeans. It's entirely up to you in how you want to come across and how you usually dress too.

There are a couple of things to note on what not to wear, which are:

Tight-knit patterns - Anything like a thin pinstriped or tight gingham patten shirt, as they might look warped on camera and be a bit too distracting from the main subject, which is you.

So stick to plain block colours, like a plain navy blue top, pink, and any other colour apart from white.

Wearing white will likely look a bit washed out against the plain white background.

Do you tether your camera to a computer for a corporate headshot shoot?

I always link (or tether) my camera up to a laptop when photographing headshots. That way you can see exactly how you look on screen straight away and we can adjust posting and different looks as we go.

What are your rates?

I charge slightly differently for the different types of photography work I do.

Commercial Photography: I usually charge a day rate, a usage fee (in some circumstances), and a production cost (if I'm producing the shoot myself).

Headshot Photography: I charge a set fee for the actual headshot shoot, and then a small fee for each chosen photo you would like to purchase and get retouched. - More questions about headshot photography? Click here

Commercial Property & Interiors Photography: I charge a bit like I do with the commercial photography with a day rate or half day rate, especially if I'm photographing a hotel, airline lounge, or commercial office for example.

Note: In all circumstances I charge travel expenses.

I don't publish my photography rates online as it can be slightly different for each job, so it's best to get in touch with me directly.

Ready to book a shoot? Click here

Do you have representation (or an agent)?

No, I'm self represented.

Do you do Drone Photography or Video?

I don't myself, but I've partnered with an amazing licensed drone photography and videography company who do drone work all over the UK, so please get in touch to find out more.

You're a photographer based in London, but how far can you travel for a job?

Where is your shoot?

I have travelled to many countries for commercial, advertising, and lifestyle photography work and even for some property photography jobs I have travelled as far as New York for less than 24 hours.

Most of my work tends to be in or around the London area in the UK, however of course I am more than willing and able to travel to pretty much anywhere in the world for work.

It's part of why I love my job as a professional photographer so much, as it takes me to new and interesting places all the time!

Do you have all your own equipment?

I own all the essential camera equipment I need for 90% of the shoots I do.

Some larger commercial, advertising, or lifestyle photography shoots I do may need special cameras and lighting equipment, smoke machines, rigs etc which I will need to hire from a production or camera rental company.

Can you produce your own shoots?

It depends on how big the shoot is, but in a lot of cases, yes. I actually produce a lot of the commercial photography shoots I do myself.

Anything from sourcing and arranging models, wardrobe, catering, camera and lighting hire, booking studio space or finding locations, sourcing assistants, digital technicians, lighting designers, vehicle hire, and hotels etc.

I do charge extra for this, but clients usually like it as I know what I'm looking for, I have the contacts, and it also saves them time.

How do you send me the photos you take for us and what format are they in?

I usually send the final edited photos over to the client by Dropbox or WeTransfer as I can do this securely.

In terms of format the photographs are sent (unless requested otherwise), I will send them in JPEG format at 300dpi at their highest resolution.

TIFF files can also be sent, however these are much larger files and most clients usually don't usually require them.

I can also send the files on a physical external hard drive on request (additional cost).

Can you photograph private aviation interiors and exteriors?

Absolutely. Aviation photography is one of my specialist areas, covering both aircraft interiors and exteriors. From private jets and business aviation to commercial airline cabins, I understand the technical challenges of photographing confined spaces, managing reflections, and capturing luxury details. This work often requires airport access coordination and specific timing for optimal lighting conditions.

Ready to book a shoot? Click here

Do I have to credit you when publishing or posting the photos you’ve taken for us?

It's totally optional, but if you can then yes please, as it really helps me and my commercial photography business gain a bit more exposure and attention.

Do you have more information about your headshot photo shoots?

I do. I've written a blog post answering the most common questions I get regarding headshot photography. You can read it here!

Who owns the copyright to the photographs you take for us?

So the copyright for the photographs I take for all my clients is held by myself, Stuart Bailey.

A licence or usage fee will be agreed (if applicable) for the final images.

This is where I license the photographs to the client so they have permission to use them in their selected media types, regions, and set time period.

Licence and terms of use will be agreed and set before hand and I will publish the usage information in the invoice to you as well.

I may use the photos on my own social media, website, marketing, and promotional materials unless the client explicitly requests me not to do so. This will first be agreed in the licence and terms of use we set up.

Can I buy the copyright to the photographs you take for me?

Not usually do I sell the copyright to any of my photographs.

However, If the client really needs to buy and own the copyright to the images, then this can be agreed for a fee called "copyright buy-out".

The usage of the photographs is then completely in the clients hands in terms of how they can be used and controlled.

This copyright buy-out fee is usually calculated on where the photos will be used, for how long, and how much revenue the photographs will make the client in terms of sales etc.

Can I have the RAW camera files?

I don't give these away unless under very special circumstances. There is also usually an additional cost for the RAW files.

Ready to book a shoot? Click here

What is lifestyle commercial photography?

Lifestyle commercial photography captures real people and authentic moments that reflect how a product or service fits into everyday life. Unlike traditional studio shots, it focuses on storytelling—showing brand personality, atmosphere, and emotion—making it ideal for retail, corporate, and marketing campaigns.

Why is lifestyle imagery important for retail brands?

Lifestyle imagery helps retail brands connect emotionally with customers by showing products in relatable, real-world settings. It builds trust, improves engagement, and drives sales by allowing audiences to visualise themselves using the product. This style of photography turns shopping into a story-driven experience.

How can professional commercial photography strengthen my brand?

Professional commercial photography provides consistent, high-quality visuals that reinforce your brand identity. From website imagery and retail campaigns to corporate events, professional photos enhance credibility and create a lasting impression—helping your business stand out in competitive markets like London.

When should we schedule retail photography for a new store?

Schedule professional photography before the store opens to the public, when the space is pristine and reflects the designer's exact vision. This allows shooting without customer flow, staff schedules, or operational constraints. For redesigns or pop-ups, photograph immediately after installation is complete, before daily wear begins affecting the space's appearance.

Ready to book a shoot? Click here

What happens if I need to cancel or postpone my commercial photography shoot?

If a confirmed shoot is cancelled or postponed for reasons outside the control of the Photographer (including unsuitable weather / light), the Photographer reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee at the following rates together with all incurred expenses.

More than 6 working days notice: 50% of fee + all expenses

3 - 6 working days notice: 75% of fee + all expenses

2 days or less notice: 100% of fee + all expenses

If the shoot has to be postposed we will first see the options to re-arrange the shoot as soon as possible before any cancellation charges are incurred.

What happens if you're sick?

If I become ill or injured then I will have one of my trusted photographs to come and complete the photoshoot on my behalf. If another photographer is not available we will look at the options to re-arrange.

How do I pay for the shoot?

All payments are to be made by bank transfer or BACS. Payment details will be listed in the invoice I send out.

Do you do weddings, families, or pet photography?

I don't shoot weddings, families, babies, or pets. We are a commercial photography practice.

I do have some photographers I recommend though, so get in touch and I’ll point you to my favourites from around the country.

What does "Above the Line" (ATL), and "Below the Line" (BTL) mean?

Funny you should ask! I have written a short blog post explaining this. Read it here!

What types of corporate hospitality events do you photograph?

I photograph a wide range of corporate hospitality events, including conferences, company celebrations, networking events, product launches, awards evenings, sporting hospitality, executive meetings, and client entertainment. My approach focuses on capturing authentic moments, professional branding, and the atmosphere that makes each event unique.

Ready to book a shoot? Click here

Are you on Social Media?

Of course I am! My social media handle is @StuBaileyPhoto on pretty much everything.

Here are the links...

Instagram - @StuBaileyPhoto - https://www.instagram.com/StuBaileyPhoto/

LinkedIn - @StuBaileyPhoto- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stubaileyphoto/

Facebook - @StuBaileyPhoto - https://www.facebook.com/StuBaileyPhoto

X - @StuBaileyPhoto - https://x.com/stubaileyphoto

Pinterest - @StuBaileyPhoto - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/stubaileyphoto/

Do you have a Blog?

I do indeed, you can read my blog by following the link in the menu at the top, or by clicking here.

I have more questions, can I contact you?