Question 1

What is a self-portrait studio?

Accepted Answer

A self-portrait studio, like HQ Portraits, is a space where you are in complete control of your photoshoot. Instead of a photographer, you use a remote control (a clicker) to trigger a professional camera. You can see yourself in a large mirror in front of you, allowing you to direct your own poses and expressions in total privacy. It's all the quality of a professional studio, with all the comfort and fun of being yourself.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

It’s simple! You book your session online. You arrive at our studio, and we'll give you a quick 2-minute introduction on how to use the clicker. You step into your private studio room, choose your backdrop, play your favorite music, and start shooting. The clicker is your trigger. See a pose you like in the mirror? Click. Want to capture a candid laugh? Click. You take as many photos as you want during your session.

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our studio is located at 415 Minuet Lane, Suite "E", Charlotte, NC, 28217.

Question 4

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday - Sunday, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Question 5

Is there parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is free parking available right at the studio.

Question 6

How long are the sessions?

Accepted Answer

We offer three session durations to fit your needs: 25 minutes, 45 minutes, 90 minutes.

Question 7

How many people are allowed in one session?

Accepted Answer

Each package includes a different number of people: Mini (1 person), Standard (3 people), Extended (4 people). You can add more people to any package for just $15 per person. Our studio comfortably fits up to 6-7 people total for the best experience.

Question 8

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We are a pet-friendly studio. Please add the "Pet Fee" add-on when you book so we can prepare the studio accordingly.

Question 9

Can I come earlier to do my make-up?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are booked back-to-back, so we cannot accommodate early arrivals for makeup or prep. Please come with hair and makeup ready to maximize your shooting time.

Question 10

Can I book the studio for a private event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HQ Portraits is a strong fit for birthdays, bachelorette parties, brand collaborations, content creation days, and private events. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel or reschedule for a full refund up to 24 hours before your appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Question 12

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring your creativity, good energy, and any outfits or props you’d like to use. We recommend planning 2–3 outfits for variety.

Question 13

Can I bring food or drinks?

Accepted Answer

Food & Beverage Policy:

We always offer complimentary bottled water for our guests.

Food and other drinks (especially colorful liquids) are prohibited inside the shooting room.

Snacks are not allowed inside the studio area to maintain pristine cleanliness.

Liability: Any spills or messes inside the shooting room will trigger a specialized cleaning fee of $50-$100 to maintain our premium standards for the next guest.

Question 14

Do you have a changing room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a private changing area and a clothing rack with hangers for you to organize your looks.

Question 15

Can I choose the color of the backdrop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a selection of backdrop colors available when you arrive.

Question 16

When should I arrive for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled time. Your session time starts exactly at the time you booked.

Question 17

What happens if I'm late?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are back-to-back, so we cannot extend your time if you are late. We recommend planning your trip to arrive on time.

Question 18

Can I extend my session?

Accepted Answer

If there is no booking immediately after yours, you may extend your session in 15-minute increments. Ask our staff on-site.

Question 19

How many photos do I get?

Accepted Answer

Photo Volume & Pace:

The Unlimited Rule: We do not cap the number of photos taken. You receive every frame captured during your session.

Realistic Expectations: For a comfortable session with time for posing and checking the screen, typical counts are:
- EXPRESS (15 min): 30 – 50 photos.
- SIGNATURE (45 min): 150 – 300 photos.
- CREATOR (90 min): 300 – 800 photos.

The Technical Maximum: Our professional cameras are calibrated to trigger every 2 seconds. While the theoretical limit is much higher, we recommend a steady pace to ensure the best autofocus performance and pose quality.

Delivery: All captured photos are processed with our "Natural Look" retouching and delivered within 24 hours (or next morning for sessions after 5 PM).

Question 20

When and how will I receive my photos?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a link to your full digital gallery via email within 24 hours after your session.

Question 21

Are the photos edited? Do you offer retouching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All photos are processed with our automatic gentle retouching and delivered within 24 hours (or next morning for sessions after 5 PM). If you add Fort Knox Privacy, we skip retouching and deliver photos directly to a new USB drive.

Question 22

What is the resolution/quality of the images?

Accepted Answer

All photos are captured with professional cameras and lenses, delivering high-resolution JPEG files suitable for large prints and professional use.

Question 23

Can I get unedited/RAW photos?

Accepted Answer

We provide high-resolution JPEG files as standard. RAW files are available as an add-on for advanced editors who want more control over post-processing.

Question 24

Will my photos be published anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Your privacy is our top priority. We will never use or publish your photos without your explicit written permission.

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