Portrait and Headshot Mini Sessions.
Saturday 25th April
Risk Free Booking
Let’s be honest.
Booking a photo shoot can feel like a bit of a commitment.
You book it.
You pay for it.
Then you quietly hope you don’t hate every photo.
So this is a simpler way of doing things.
You can book a 30 minute headshot session in the studio completely free. No upfront payment, no pressure.
After the session I’ll send you a small gallery of the best images. If there’s one you love, you can buy it. If there isn’t, that’s absolutely fine too.
No awkward conversations. No obligation.
Just a good portrait if the stars align.
Don’t worry about posing.
Almost everyone who walks into the studio says the same thing within the first two minutes.
“I’m terrible in photos.”
The truth is, most people aren’t. They’ve just never been shown what to do.
During the session I’ll guide you through everything. Small adjustments, simple directions, nothing complicated. We’ll try a few different expressions, a couple of subtle posture changes, and usually somewhere along the way something just clicks.
You don’t need to practise anything beforehand.
Just show up as you are and we’ll figure it out together.
Simple, transparent pricing
Booking your mini session is completely free.
You’ll come to the studio for a 30 minute portrait session, we’ll take a range of photos, and afterwards you’ll receive a small online gallery of the best images from the shoot.
At that point you can decide if you’d like to purchase any photos.
There’s no obligation to buy anything. But if you do decide to purchase images, the minimum order is eight photographs.
Image pricing
Images £20 each
There is a minimum purchase of 8 images (£160).
You’re very welcome to purchase additional images if you’d like more from the session.
Each image you purchase includes:
• Professional retouching
• High-resolution digital file
• Suitable for LinkedIn, websites, casting profiles and social media
What’s included
• 30 minute studio portrait session
• Guidance and direction throughout the shoot
• A private online gallery to view your images
• Professional retouching on selected images
• High-resolution digital downloads
“Loved my session with James! I was so nervous to begin with, but James eases you into it and really helps you relax in front of the camera. I highly recommend going to James - I've already told all my friends to :))”
Book an Appointment.
Booking your appointment is simple, and our team is ready to provide the attention, care, and expertise you deserve. Let’s get started—pick a time that works for you.
Terms and Conditions
Just so everything is clear before you book.
Booking your session is completely free.
This simply reserves your 30-minute slot on the day.
After the session you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and choose your favourites.
If you decide you’d like to purchase photos, there is a minimum order of 8 images (£160).
Additional images can be purchased for £20 per image.
You only buy the images you love, but booking a session means you understand and agree to the minimum image purchase of £160 if you wish to receive any photos.
Sessions run on a tight schedule, so please arrive on time.
If you need to cancel or move your slot, please give at least 48 hours notice.
By booking a Mini Session, you agree to the full terms and conditions listed below.
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By booking a Mini Session with James Melia Studio, you agree to the following terms.
1. Booking
Mini Sessions are free to book, allowing you to reserve a time slot without paying upfront.
Each session lasts 30 minutes and takes place on the scheduled Mini Session date.
Booking a session secures your time slot only. Images are purchased separately after the session.
2. Pricing
Clients only purchase images if they love them. However, there is a minimum purchase requirement.
Minimum purchase:
8 images – £160
Additional images:
£20 per image
Images are professionally edited and delivered as high-resolution digital files suitable for both web and print use.
By booking a session, you confirm you understand and accept the minimum purchase requirement of £160 should you wish to receive any images.
3. Image Selection & Delivery
After the session, you will receive a private online gallery to view your photographs.
From this gallery you can:
• Select your minimum 8 images
• Purchase additional images if desired
Once selections are made and payment is received, final edited images will be delivered digitally.
4. Payment
Payment for images is required before final images are delivered.
Payments are made through the online gallery using the available payment options.
5. Cancellations & Rescheduling
If you cannot attend your session, please provide at least 48 hours notice.
Because Mini Sessions run on a tight schedule, missed appointments or late arrivals may result in reduced session time or forfeiting the slot.
James Melia Studio reserves the right to reschedule sessions in the unlikely event of illness, emergency, or circumstances outside of control.
6. Lateness
Mini Sessions run back-to-back.
If you arrive late, your session will still end at the originally scheduled time to avoid impacting other clients.
7. Usage Rights
Clients receive a personal usage licence for all purchased images.
This allows you to:
• Use images online
• Use them for personal or professional promotion
• Print them for personal use
Images may not be altered, edited, or sold without written permission.
James Melia Studio retains the copyright to all photographs.
8. Portfolio Use
James Melia Studio may use selected images for:
• Portfolio
• Website
• Social media
• Marketing materials
If you would prefer your images not to be used publicly, please let us know before your session.
9. Agreement
By booking a Mini Session you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions, including the minimum image purchase of £160 (8 images).
Mini Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. These sessions work perfectly for actors, creatives, business owners, and anyone needing updated portraits or headshots.
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Yes, of course.
Many people bring a friend, partner, or colleague along. It can help you feel more relaxed and they’re often great at spotting their favourite images when you’re choosing.
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You only purchase images if you love them.
After your session you’ll be able to view all the photographs in your private gallery before deciding which ones you’d like. The minimum order of 8 images (£160) only applies if you choose to purchase photos.
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Booking your Mini Session is free.
After the shoot you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and choose your favourites.
If you decide to purchase photos, there is a minimum order of 8 images (£160).
Additional images are £20 each. Payment is made when selecting your images.
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Your gallery will usually be ready within 3–5 days after the session.
Once you’ve selected your images and payment is complete, your final edited photographs will be delivered digitally.
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All Mini Sessions take place at James Melia Studio in Manchester.
You’ll receive the full address and arrival details after booking so everything is easy to find on the day.
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Bring a couple of outfit options if you’d like some variety. Simple clothing that feels like you tends to work best.
If you’re unsure, think clean, comfortable, and something you’d normally wear when you feel confident.
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Absolutely.
Most people who come to the studio say the same thing. I’ll guide you through everything during the session so you don’t have to worry about what to do with your hands or how to stand.
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Of course.
While I may occasionally use images for my portfolio or social media, if you’d prefer your photographs not to be shared publicly, just let me know and I’ll happily keep them private.