Questions

My little portrait and product photography studio is located in Sharnbrook in rural Bedfordshire. (It’s about 30 minutes from Milton Keynes, 60 minutes from Cambridge, and 90 minutes north of London). I cover the whole of the UK and have also worked in Portugal, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the USA.

Well, I can’t vouch for how you’ll behave, but I find a mix of encouragement and existential humour helps to get the best out of people. Sessions tend to be pretty relaxed. Wherever possible I shoot “tethered” (connected to a screen) so that images can be reviewed as we go. That way you can be confident about what we’re capturing.

Not actually a question, but no problem... Many people are at least a little nervous about being on camera, but don’t worry! I coach you with posing and presenting yourself in front of camera throughout the session. I love to find the gems that reflect who you are (even if they're really hidden). It’s like a mini therapy and cheerleading session!

It depends on what you book! An Express Headshot session is half an hour. Personal branding may take several days. I try to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the session.

That depends on how you want people to see you! Before we shoot I'll send you a guide or we’ll have a quick chat to help you get clear on what’s going to work best for you. For personal branding and creative or conceptual shoots, I'll work with you to build a mood-board with references for styling, hair, makeup, props, backdrops, etc.

It’s certainly a thing! And it’s a thing I can organize for you, if you want, for an additional fee. I have several makeup artists, hairdressers, and stylists I work with.

Previews of all images from the shoot will be provided digitally within 48-72 hours. You choose what you want and the final edited images usually take about 1-2 weeks to be delivered after you’ve made your selection.

If you need the images in a hurry I can process them quicker for an additional fee.

For products and locations, the answer is yes!

Images of humans get a little light editing — nothing too heavy-handed! I adjust the exposure and colour, and I can remove blemishes, and lighten the shadows under the eyes (just a touch). The result is the best possible authentic version of you!

No! You wouldn't like them, anyway! Half the art is in the edit.

Yes, I offer printing and framing services. I can print up to A2 on art-paper in-house, and larger sizes and framing are available on request.

If driving, I don’t charge for travel up to 50 miles and the first 90 minutes from Bedford.

Distances beyond 50 miles are charged at 50p per mile. And travel time longer than 90 minutes is charged at £50 per hour.

International travel or multi-day shoots are agreed.

Mostly no! But it depends on how they’re going to be used.

Headshots, personal branding, and product images include an exclusive unlimited perpetual license. You may use these images in any way for personal, professional, and promotional purposes (such as on your websites, social media profiles, personal branding materials, LinkedIn, business cards, promotional materials, etc.).

Additionally these images may be used for third-party editorial purposes as long as they are credited — Alex Kalimat (@alexkalimat on social media). (You don’t have to credit me in your own posts, but if you do it is appreciated!)

The only time an additional usage fee or may be required is if you wish to sublicense images to others for use in advertising, publication, or commercial products. This will be agreed in line with the rates set by the UK Association of Photographers.

Other types of images and any featuring models are licensed for a fixed-period for the specific commercial or editorial purposes they have been commissioned for. Other types of usage must be agreed separately with regards to usage fees and model releases.

Unless agreed otherwise, I may use all images for promotional purposes in my own portfolios and social media.