Frequently Asked Questions


Here are some of our most asked questions about fairy events and roadshows … If you can’t see what you want to know here then please use the contact form and we’ll answer quickly and even include your question here!

Q: What’s a fairy event?
A: It’s a special portrait event running over a limited time frame. The fairy event is our most popular by far because the pictures are absolutely gorgeous and unique to us. We build a full sized 3D dell as a theatre set…. there is NO COMPUTER TRICKERY – it is all real and done in the camera! Booking is essential.
Learn all about your child’s fairy portrait here

Q:How many fairy events do you hold a year?
A: Only a few at our studio and several ‘Roadshows’ nationwide.

Q: Why do I need to book?
A: Booking early means you are guaranteed an appointment during the event dates.

Q: What happens after I book for the roadshow?
A: We’ll email you confirmation of your session time, parking details and helpful hints and tips, Issue your booking fee in vouchers (£25) and put them with your paperwork and we’ll see you on the day!

Q: Will you confirm my appointment details?
A: Yes, via email. If you don’t receive it as quickly as you’d expect then please blame the technology and get in touch.

Q: What can you offer me that other studio’s don’t?
A: A different sort of portrait. The way we shoot our Fairy portraits is extremely unique to us.

Q: Can I come without an appointment?
A: Sorry, an appointment is always necessary for a roadshow event to guarantee your child’s time in the dell. However, do ring us and see what we can do on 01291 680089 or click here for our online contact form.

Q:What age does my child have to be for a fairy portrait?
A: We have costumes in a variety of colours and sizes to suit 3 years old to 11 years. We regret we cannot take children under 3 years of age due to health and safety limitations. We will revisit your area annually so get in touch and get on our mailing list if your fairy is under 3 years of age for advance notice of when we are coming back to a venue near you.

Q: Can I bring more than one child?
A: Yes. Siblings are welcome to join in the magic. We will shoot them together and individually to give you the best possible variety. Cousins are welcome too, or all the grandchildren … Please let us know who is coming with you.

Q: Are all the costumes and props provided?
A: Yes. They are all carefully chosen for their appeal and gorgeousness in a variety of styles and sizes.

Q: Should I do my child’s hair in a special way?
A: Not in a special way no, girls with longer hair look best if the hair is down to show off the headpieces of the costumes. Curls should be untamed and fancy free. You can always bring a brush and adjust from time to time but the more natural the better in our experience.

Q: What’s a ‘shoot/session’?
A: We use the terms ‘shoot’ and ‘session’ for the time at which we take the actual photographs.

Q: How long does a session last?
A: About 30 minutes on a roadshow.

Q: Can I bring a friend/relative along to my session
A: If you feel you’ll need an extra pair of hands then by all means bring some! We only ask that once the session starts that any guests staying are kept to the bare minimum and are happy to stay seated in an inconspicuous manner and let your child become absorbed in the experience.

Q: Can I use my phone or video camera in the dell
A: Sorry, no. Sound or visual recording devices are strictly forbidden in the dell. Mobile phones must be turned off as they may interfere with some more technical aspects of our professional equipment. We are nice people and find it very awkward once the session has begun to ask you to switch phones and things off but we must and so we’d rather be upfront about the issue rather that offend anyone on the day … Also, in our experience we have found it to be distracting for your child and to Sheryl – who puts her heart and soul into your child’s experience – to have something ‘going on in the background’ during your child’s fairy experience. The artwork that you choose to buy on the day will be the BEST possible reminder of the event you can get so why compromise?

Q: When do I get to see my child’s images?
A: After your shoot you’ll be invited to an adjoining room after a short interval to see your images via projector set to music to choose from. This is the ONLY time to purchase.

Q: What’s a ‘viewing’?
A: It’s what we call the time when you get to see your special images. We do this on our big screen TV in a lounge type environment. You’ll see all the images in the final edit and get to select the ones you love and talk about what you’d like to do with them. This is the time to purchase.

Q: Can I bring my friend/relative along to my viewing?
A: You can indeed. A word of caution though – when it comes to actually choosing your images be sure to listen to your heart and not be influenced by other peoples tastes. Accept their comments graciously and then do what YOU wish to do. If relatives want to choose a picture for themselves they are very welcome. NB – You will need to bring whoever is involved in your decision making process on the day. That way you can see the quality of the images and products and take advantage of the value packages. We can’t ‘keep’ pictures that you don’t buy, sorry.

Q: Is choosing my images hard?
A: You won’t know for sure what images you want until you see them. We have software that lets you start with many and whittle them down to your favourites, repeating the process until you are absolutely sure. Bob is on hand to navigate the software for you and add an artists opinion of the opportunities and merits each picture holds. Remember to take advantage of our package items which help you have more images for better value!

Q: What are your prices for photos?
A: The short answer is as much as you choose to afford when you see your images from £50.

Only buy what you love when you see the pictures. The product choice is vast and we are on hand throughout to guide you depending on your taste and your budget.

Now the longer answer…

Please consider the following: In our experience, over many fairy events, people’s reactions to their images are always the same – they are delighted! Please expect to fall in love with your fairy pictures and budget to spend £200 and up. Please be prepared to make a financial commitment on the day, either in full (cards accepted) or in part (as an installment on our payment plan).

Regrettably, your images may not be available after the event due to the admin involved in archiving 100s of sensational images that don’t get purchased. We cannot ‘upload’ images to the internet. As artists, we avoid doing it as we lose our intellectual property over Sheryl’s beautiful images and talent once they become part of the public domain. We have NO way of offering or tailoring packages over the internet as our software simply doesn’t work in this manner.

As our roadshows are EXTREMELY limited edition at only 20 sessions a roadshow we ask that parents serious about seizing this type of opportunity for their child be able to make this level of investment to achieve the best possible presentation of their special artwork and do their child’s experience justice.

Remember you have £25 towards your artwork already!

Q: What products do you offer?
A: Mounted artwork and canvasses (these are particularly great with fairy pictures as the texture complements the features of the dell). We are able to advise the best use of your special images at the viewing session. This year we have also introduced some contemporary perspex treatments!

Q: Do you have special packages available?
A: Yes, each roadshow has a special ‘pixie package’ which is our ultimate value bundle and always popular. It includes high resolution images on CD too!

Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, everything bar ‘Amex’ and Maestro.

Q: Do you offer any payment plans?
A: Yes. A deposit on the day and then installments via debit or credit card, we will write a mutual agreement with you which we will both adhere by. All artwork remains with us until full payment has been made. You can choose to pay more to finish the installment plan earlier if desired without any penalties.

Q: Can I buy all my pictures on a disc?
A: If having some files on disc appeals to you then choose a package which includes the high resolution file. We can only offer image files of pictures that are being made into canvas wraps, mounted art prints or oak wraps as part of a package purchase. A CD of images is not available as a stand alone product.

Q: Can I buy some pictures as gifts?
A: Photo’s make excellent presents and fairies even more so as they are so special!
Consider the benefits of splitting one of your value packages or going for a gift pack.

Q: I have had my viewing… when can I get my artwork?
A: Usually within 28 working days of the event, Via courier to your door. Delivery is included with your purchase.

Q: Can you post my artwork to me?
A: Yes, all artwork will be dispatched from fairy HQ, to your door, via UPS or Hermes couriers. We are able to provide a tracking number on request once the artwork has left our offices. If you’d like one then please call us.

Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Children should come dressed in comfy but easily removable clothes and will be barefoot whilst in costume. Bubbles can be useful if your child likes them. The Dell is so magical in itself that no toys will be required. If your child has a ‘blankie’ or comforter then bring this as they may be tired afterward (we prefer not to have them in the pictures though!) Please don’t bring snacks or drinks into the dell – do bring them though if you wish but leave them in your handbag until after your child’s shoot.

Q: Where is the studio?
A: In Tintern, in the Wye Valley, on the A466 between Chepstow and monmouth, exactly opposite The Royal George Hotel. Use our postcode, NP16 6SE, in your sat-nav. Our door is always open!

Q: How do I know you’re for real and not a scam?
A: Sadly, we live in a world where not everyone is as nice, honest and trustworthy as we are. If you are in any doubt, or would like to satisfy your curiosity please visit our studio (see above entry). We also welcome you to ‘google’ us – type Abbey House Studios Photography into your preferred search engine & you’ll see 100’s of reviews, write-ups & blog entries from our fairy, weddings and portrait clients. You can also contact the Master Photographers Association to check our bona fides …

Q: What about parking?
A: We will advise about parking depending on the roadshow location as every hotel is different. Details will be in your roadshow confirmation email.

Q: Is the dell safe?
A: We have taken every measure possible to ensure your child’s safety in the dell. All our plants and props are child friendly. The dell has been tested with our own children, in all circumstances. We won’t ask your child to do anything you might be uncomfortable with. However, we do ask you to be present at all times and keep a watchful eye, discouraging your child from dismantling the dell or putting anything in their mouths etc just to be on the safe side.

Q: Who will be our photographer?
A: Sheryl Long LMPA. She’s a national award winning photographer and mum with a bubbly personality and an inexhaustible energy and a passion for what she does. You’ll see Sheryl for your session and every step of you fairy adventure!

Q: Is Sheryl a qualified photographer?
A: Absolutely! Sheryl is a registered member of the Master Photographers Association and abides by their best practice charter. She is also a national and welsh award winner in the Mother and child category! Sheryl is also a ‘qualified’ mum – probably the hardest job in the book! You’re in safe hands!

Q: What happens if I have an appointment but my child is ill?
A: These things happen. Please let us know as early as possible. We fully appreciate these things don’t run completely to plan! The most important thing is that your child gets better :) The earlier you let us know the more help we are able to give. We always have a waiting list, if we can rebook your session then we may be able to refund your booking fee but we need to know as early as possible! Call the studio directly on 01291 680089 and one of our friendly staff will be able to help or pass a message to the roadshow team and to Sheryl who will contact you directly as soon as she becomes available between appointments.

Q: Will my child’s pictures look as good as the ones on your website?
A: Just as good and even Better! Because they are personal to you and of your little cutie with their own personality and feeling!

Q: What if my child won’t smile/is camera shy/or has a strop?
A: They haven’t had the right photographer yet! Seriously though, don’t worry. The whole fairies theme is so enchanting that they will forget they are being photographed altogether and start gaining confidence. We have a few tricks up our sleeves to gain your child’s interest. The most important thing is that we always do everything at your child’s pace, There’s no pressure on them to perform. Quite often, the best shots are the thoughtful ones. ‘Sit and say cheese’ isn’t really our style. Let the children be themselves and it will all work out I promise! If it all seems like it’s going wrong then Sheryl will advise taking into account individual circumstances.

Q: Should I tell my child they are going to be a fairy?
A: It depends on your child. Telling them beforehand can get them excited, ready and in the mood to be a fairy. Others prefer just to be told it’s a ‘surprise’. You must do what is best for your child. Whatever you decide, they will love their fairy experience and we will make it work for them.

Q: What if my child is not co-operating?
A: Don’t force them to. It’s very rare that Sheryl and the team can’t make best friends with them, or at least coax them a bit. Eventually everything will be fine, you’ll see.

Q: Do you do offer other types of portraits?
A: Absolutely! This is a special website portal just for our fairy roadshow events but we also offer all sorts of studio styles – relaxed, fun and natural to arty, elegant and soul filled in colour and black and white. Please note that all studio work is ‘on hold’ during a fairy event.

Q: What do you offer for boys?
A: A really funky graffiti alley set with a fabulous REAL miniature, child sized ‘Harley Davison’ chopper style motorcycle, old trash cans and leather jackets – really cool! These are done at a separate event, please join our mailing list or ask for details.

Q: Can I join your mailing list?
A: Sure, we’d love to have you! Fill in the online form and tick ‘join the e-mailing list’ and we’ll keep you up to date with all studio news, events and offers via email. You information is secure with us, won’t be sold on or abused. You can unsubscribe at any time (but we’re sure you won’t want to!)

*Q: I can’t find the answer to my question here…. *
A: Click contact and ask us or phone 01291 680089 and we’ll help as much as we can. Contact Us