For clients
How long does it take for you to deliver the edited images after a shoot?
It generally varies depending how busy I am at the time, but as a general rule of thumb, it takes roughly 3-4 weeks from the day that a client makes their selections of which images they would like edited.
How long are your shoots?
I usually set aside two hours for each shoot (although you can purchase extra time if you feel you'll need it).
What is the closest public transport station/stop to your studio?
The closest station to my studio is Hackney Wick overground station.
Do you only work with experienced models?
No, anybody can book in to shoot. I've even done a photoshoot with a corgi.
Do you play music during your studio shoots?
Almost always. I have a few playlists that set the mood I'm looking for which is usually calm and relaxed.
You can check out the playlists by clicking here.
What should I bring for a digitals/polaroid session?
There are two different options for a digitals session. The first (and if you're only doing one look, I would recommend this one) is a fitted black tank top, fitted dark jeans and a pair of classic heels.
The second would be a basic black bikini and heels.
Do you make moodboards for your shoots?
Usually, yes. I use Pinterest mainly since it's a platform most people are either on or at least know of. Either I will or the client will send one through before the shoot for us to work off of.
What camera equipment do you shoot on?
All the work you see on my website was shot on a Fujifilm X-T5.
Can I bring someone with me to the shoot?
Yes, absolutely. There's a couch in the studio for guests.
Is there parking at the studio?
There is. If you intend to park at the studio, please let me know when booking as I will need to let the building manager know.
Can I send you inspiration pictures before the shoot?
Yes, please do. It's always helpful to know what exactly it is you're looking to get out of the shoot.
Is there step-free access to the studio?
Unfortunately not. The studio is located up two small flights of stairs.
What social media platforms are you on?
Just Instagram.
What languages do you speak?
Just English.
Do you offer video packages?
Not at the moment although I am looking into adding video to my services.
How do you deliver your images?
I prefer to use Google Drive. I used to use WeTransfer but didn't like the fact that the link would stop working not too long after sending it to the client.
With Google Drive, I can send you a link to a folder with your images and you can continue to access that folder months (and sometimes years) after the shoot to download the images again if you happen to lose them.
Do you only shoot women?
No.
For aspiring photographers
How do I make a model feel comfortable and relaxed?
This will be different for everyone, depending on your strengths.
I talk a lot. Probably too much. I treat each photoshoot like a long conversation and we just so happen to be taking pictures throughout. I feel this is the best way to calm the nerves of even the newest of models and lets them know to not take the whole experience too seriously.
How do you direct models to get the right expression?
Every model and shoot is different. There is one thing that I do quite often though where I'll slow the shoot down, talk with the model for a bit and wait for them to relax into a natural pose on their own. I'll then ask them to hold the pose and work from there.
Where can I find models who want to collaborate?
If you're literally just starting out then the best thing to do would be to start shooting with family members or friends. It'll help you find your footing in a much more relaxed environment than if you were to just approach a stranger on Instagram. You'll learn some valuable lessons about posing and lighting.
What's your advice to someone starting their photographic journey?
Something I wish I knew at the start was that spotting flaws in your work is almost always a good thing.
If you're noticing things you don't like in your previous work it means your eye is getting better at seeing what's stopping you from going to the next level.
Identify the problems you're seeing in your own work and study photographers who excel in that area so you can see how to improve.
Are you a self-taught photographer?
I wouldn't say self taught but I didn't go to any school or do any work shops. I was lucky enough to have a few friends who were photographers when I got started so they taught me the ropes and the rest was all trial and error.
If I was to start again, I'd probably do a few workshops with photographers who shoot in a style I like. It would have saved me time, but it's definitely not essential.
What apps do you edit your images in?
I use Lightroom Classic for my initial colour, then take the image into Photoshop for detail and skin before exporting back into Lightroom Classic to finish off.
Can I come and assist on a shoot?
Whilst I would love to be able to bring others along to my shoots, it would tend to go against the way I shoot. I try to keep my shooting team as small as possible with only the essential personnel there.
Do you offer one on one or group tutoring?
I used to but not anymore I'm afraid.
How to become a full-time photographer?
This one I can't really answer because it's going to be different for everybody. I started off as a writer/blogger and needed images to go along with the content I was writing plus content for our social media. I gradually made the switch over to portrait photography after growing a small base of clients whilst shooting as a hobby.
How much should I charge?
Again, there's no definitive answer for this as what you're really putting a price on is your time and your time may be more or less valuable to you than to another photographer. I'd say pick a figure that "feels" right for you and then adjust with demand/available time.
Who do you use for your portfolio site?
I currently use Format and find that their service is perfect for what I need.
How much should I charge?
Again, there's no definitive answer for this as what you're really putting a price on is your time and your time may be more or less valuable to you than to another photographer. I'd say pick a figure that "feels" right for you and then adjust with demand/available time.
What camera equipment do you shoot on?
All the work you see on my website was shot on either a Fujifilm X-T4 or X-T5.
How do I improve my travel/street photography?
Firstly, I'd recommend to look at as many photographers and film makers work as you can and try to list down what it is you like about their work. Then try to replicate those aspects in your own.
For me, it was Fan Ho and the director West Anderson. I realised that I really liked the "little people" in Fan Ho's work as it really emphasised the scale and size of the location he was shooting in. And with Anderson's work I was drawn to how he framed most of his shots almost like a painting with perfect leading lines leading the viewer into the the centre of the frame (or wherever he wants his audience to look).
How do you make a location look nice in bad weather?
It depends what you're shooting. If you're on a portrait or fashion shoot, sometimes bad weather is just bad weather and there's nothing you can do but seek a different, covered location or just wait it out.
If you're shooting travel it's a bit easier as the whole point of shooting travel is trying to capture the feel of the location itself. A lot of cities and towns look amazing in "bad" weather. Paris is stunning with it's sparkling lights reflecting off of puddles and glistening pavements. It's all about incorporating the weather into the beauty of the location.
How do you find your outdoor locations?
I try my best to at least once a week go out on a scouting day and literally walk around a certain area of London just looking for interesting or cool streets that would work for a shoot. I am currently working on a page to add to my site where I can share interesting spots for photographers.
General / Misc
If you could shoot with anybody who would it be?
Audrey Hepburn... or Arsene Wenger.
Unpopular photography opinion?
Unless you're well off or already an established photographer, the best camera is likely not "the one you have with you".
Camera gear is important and finding what best suits your shooting style will make your work better if you know how to use it.
What is your favourite film?
The Grand Budapest Hotel or No Country For Old Men.
What's your dream booking?
I don't really shoot brans but it would probably be Calvin Klein or Levi's.
What is your star sign?
Nonexistent.
How significant is the difference between full frame and aps-c?
It depends what you're looking for in a camera. I don't like massively out of focus backgrounds so the shallow depth of field you can achieve with full frame does not matter to me. The same goes for shooting in low light as I use lighting for my studio work and don't really shoot during the evening's when on location or travelling. If these two things are important to you then the difference is going to be huge but if they're not, it's not going to matter the size of the sensor you're shooting on
Are you Turkish?
I was born and raised in East London, but my family are from North Cyprus, so yes, kind of. I'm ethnically Turkish Cypriot.
Favourite Power Ranger?
The green one that turned into the white one.
Do you like pineapple on your pizza?
No, I have a soul.
Are you a cat or a dog person?
Both.
I don't trust people who don't like dogs and/or cats.
Who are your inspirations?
In no particular order:
Wes Anderson, Fan Ho & Peter Lindbergh.
Do you have any pets?
I have two cats, Maple & Aslan.
Dream place to live?
Either Venice, Italy or Famagusta, North Cyprus.
Top five cuisines in the world?
Turkish (I may be bias), Italian, Lebanese, Syrian and Indian.
How do you pronounce your name?
CoRe-Eye
Core, like "apple core" whilst rolling the R.
And Eye... Like the word eye.
Who is your favourite photographer of all time?
Fan Ho.
Have a question for me that's not on here?
Just fill in this form with your name, email and question and I'll answer as soon as I can.