Frequently Asked Questions
If you are thinking about booking branding photography, product photography or a photography workshop, this page answers the questions I am most often asked.
I work with makers, artists, creatives and small businesses across Ireland who need natural, professional images for their websites, social media, launches, press, online shops and brand visibility.
Branding Photography FAQs
What is branding photography?
Branding photography is a collection of professional images that tells the story of your business.
It can include portraits, images of you at work, your workspace, tools, materials, products, process, details and behind-the-scenes moments. The goal is to create photographs that show not only what you sell, but who you are, how you work and why people should connect with you.
Who are your branding sessions for?
My branding sessions are ideal for makers, artists, designers, educators, consultants, creatives and small business owners who want images that feel natural, thoughtful and professional.
They are especially useful if you need photographs for your website, Instagram, email marketing, press, launches or general brand visibility.
Where do branding sessions take place?
Most branding sessions take place on location — in your studio, workshop, shop, treatment room, kitchen, office or creative space.
I am based in Naas, Co. Kildare and work with businesses across Ireland. Travel expenses may apply depending on location.
What is included in a branding session?
A branding session includes a consultation call, planning support, an on-location shoot and a varied gallery of professionally edited images.
Before the shoot, we talk through what you need the images for and map out the most useful parts of your business to photograph — your process, workspace, portraits, details, products, tools and everyday working moments.
Do I need to know how to pose?
No. Most people do not know what to do in front of the camera, and that is completely normal.
I guide you throughout the session so you know where to stand, what to do with your hands and how to move naturally. The aim is not to make you look overly posed. The aim is to create images that feel like you, but polished and professional.
What can I use the images for?
You can use your branding images across your website, social media, email marketing, printed materials, press features, launches, online profiles and general brand communications.
What is the difference between branding photography and product photography?
Branding photography tells the wider story of your business — you, your process, your space, your personality and the feeling behind the brand.
Product photography focuses specifically on the products themselves. This is usually done separately, often in my studio, with careful attention to lighting, styling, detail and consistency.
Can product photography be added to a branding session?
Yes, product photography can be added if needed, but it is priced separately.
Branding sessions focus mainly on the people, process, workspace and story behind the business. Product photography is a separate service because it often requires different styling, lighting and setup.
How much does a branding session cost?
Branding sessions start from €1,600.
The final quote depends on the location, scope of work, number of setups required and whether you need additional product photography.
Product Photography FAQs
What is product photography?
Product photography focuses on creating professional images of your products for websites, online shops, social media, launches, press and marketing.
Depending on what you need, this can include clean white-background images, styled product images, lifestyle images or a combination of all three.
Who is product photography for?
Product photography is ideal for makers, designers, artists, food producers, skincare brands, jewellery designers, craft businesses and small brands who need their products to look professional, consistent and appealing online.
Where does product photography take place?
Product photography takes place in my studio in Naas.
Products can be delivered or posted to me, depending on the project. If your products are large, delicate or need to be photographed on location, we can discuss the best approach.
Are variations of the same product counted separately?
Yes. Variations of the same product are usually counted as separate images or setups.
This includes different colours, designs, sizes, sets, packaging variations or group shots. Each variation needs its own styling, lighting, positioning and editing, so it is treated as separate work.
Can I include my own props?
Yes. You are welcome to provide props if they are relevant to your brand or product.
Props are used at my discretion, depending on what works best visually. If specific props need to be sourced or purchased for the shoot, this may involve an additional cost.
Who is responsible for delivering and collecting products?
Clients are responsible for arranging delivery and collection of products.
Postage, courier fees and insurance are not included in estimates. Products should be packed carefully, especially if they are fragile, perishable or difficult to replace.
What if my products are damaged during shipping?
Clients are responsible for making sure products are securely packed before they are sent.
I cannot take responsibility for damage that happens during shipping or delivery, so please package your products carefully and use a reliable courier where needed.
Can products used in the photoshoot be sold afterwards?
Sometimes, but not always.
Products may need to be opened, handled, styled, arranged or manipulated during the shoot. Packaging may be removed or altered. For that reason, products used in a photoshoot may not always be suitable for sale afterwards.
What happens if products are not collected after the shoot?
Products should be collected within one week of the photoshoot being completed unless we have agreed otherwise.
Products not collected after that time may be discarded.
How long does it take to receive the final images?
Turnaround depends on the size and complexity of the project, as well as current workload.
I will confirm an estimated delivery time before the project begins. If you have a specific deadline, please let me know at the enquiry stage.
How will I receive the final images?
Final images are delivered digitally, usually via WeTransfer or a similar service.
You will receive your edited images in the agreed formats. Depending on the project, this may include high-resolution files, web-optimised files and TIFF files for print.
I strongly recommend downloading your files promptly and keeping at least two backup copies.
Who owns the copyright of the images?
Copyright remains with Ana Dorado.
Clients receive usage rights for the agreed purpose, such as website, social media, marketing, online shops, press and printed materials. I also retain the right to use selected images in my portfolio, website, social media and marketing unless agreed otherwise in advance.
How many revisions are included?
Estimates include one round of reasonable revisions to the final images if adjustments are needed.
Additional revisions or changes outside the original brief may be charged separately.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total fee is required to secure your booking.
The remaining balance is due before the final high-resolution images are delivered.
Photography Workshop FAQs
Who are your photography workshops for?
My product photography workshops are designed for small business owners, makers, artists and creatives who want to take better photographs of their own work.
They are especially useful if you need better images for Instagram, your website, online shop, email marketing or general business visibility.
Do I need previous photography experience?
No previous experience is needed.
The workshops are practical and designed for people who want simple, repeatable techniques they can use in their own workspace. You do not need to be a photographer to benefit from them.
Do I need a professional camera?
No. Many participants use their phones.
The focus is on understanding light, composition, styling, backgrounds, angles and practical ways to make your images stronger, whether you are using a phone or a camera.
What do we cover in the workshop?
Workshops usually cover natural light, composition, styling, backgrounds, props, simple editing, common mistakes and how to create images that feel more professional and consistent.
The exact content may vary depending on the group and the type of products people bring.
Do we get one-to-one advice?
I always try to give personalised advice where possible, especially when participants bring their own products.
The main focus of the workshop is to teach practical skills that everyone can apply, but individual guidance is included when time allows.
Do we get support after the workshop?
Yes. Participants receive support before and after the workshop, usually through email or agreed support channel.
This gives you somewhere to ask questions, share progress and keep learning after the workshop is over.
How much is the workshop?
My full-day product photography workshop is usually €290 per person.
The workshop typically runs from 10am to 4pm and includes practical teaching, demonstrations and hands-on learning.
How do I book a place?
Workshop places can be booked directly through my website when a date is available.
If there is no current date listed, you can join my mailing list to hear about future workshops.
Do you offer one-to-one lessons?
Yes. I offer one-to-one product photography lessons for people who want more tailored support.
These sessions can cover your own products, your available light, your workspace, styling, composition, editing and camera or phone settings.
Do you facilitate workshops for craft councils, organisations or established groups?
Yes. I facilitate product photography workshops for craft councils, creative organisations, business groups and established communities.
These workshops can be tailored to the needs of the group and delivered at your venue. Group workshops start from €1,600, with a maximum of 10 participants per workshop.
I am fully insured.
Should You Invest in Professional Photography?
Is professional photography worth it for a small business?
Yes, if your images are part of how people discover, understand and trust your business.
Strong photographs can help your website look more professional, make your social media more consistent and give customers a clearer sense of what you offer.
How does product photography help online sales?
When people shop online, they cannot hold the product in their hands. Your photographs have to do a lot of the work.
Clear, consistent and well-styled product images help people understand the size, colour, texture, quality and feel of what you sell. This builds trust and can make it easier for customers to buy.
How does branding photography help my business?
Branding photography helps people connect with the person and story behind the business.
For makers, artists and small businesses, this matters. People often want to know who made the product, how it was created, what your values are and why your work feels different from something mass-produced.
Can professional photography save me time?
Yes. Trying to photograph everything yourself can take a huge amount of time, especially if you are also running the business.
Professional photography gives you a bank of images you can use across your website, social media, email marketing, launches and press, so you are not constantly scrambling for something to post.
Why is consistency important?
Consistency helps your brand feel more professional and recognisable.
When your images have a similar level of quality, lighting, styling and tone, your website and social media feel more intentional. That can make a small business look more established and trustworthy.
How do I know which service I need?
If you mainly need images of you, your workspace, your process and the story behind your business, a branding session is probably the best fit.
If you mainly need images of your products for your website, online shop or marketing, product photography is the best place to start.
If you want to learn how to take better photographs yourself, a workshop or one-to-one lesson may be more suitable.
Still have a question?
If you are not sure what you need, get in touch and tell me a little about your business, your products and where you want to use the images.
I will help you work out whether branding photography, product photography, a workshop or a combination of services is the best fit.
