What to expect


Most people land on this page because they like our work, but aren’t quite sure what actually happens next. This short film is our way of making it easy to picture. You’ll see the studio, meet us properly, and get a feel for how everything runs before you ever pick up the phone.

From there, it’s straightforward. You visit our Belfast studio, we photograph pet and family portrait sessions, and afterwards you return for a proper viewing to see the portraits and choose your favourites. The whole experience is designed to feel like an occasion, with finished artwork at the end that genuinely belongs in your home.

 

What our clients say

 

Melissa Riddell – Cool FM ★★★★★

 

Cecilia Daly – BBC Weather ★★★★★

 

Jordan Arnold – Q Radio ★★★★★

432 ★★★★★

GOOGLE REVIEWS & COUNTING

 

How it all works

Step 1: Let's have a chat

Everything starts with a conversation. Hannah, our Client Happiness Manager, will talk you through how the experience works, answer your questions, and make sure it feels like the right fit before anything is booked. Most people simply want to understand what to expect next, and this is where everything becomes clear.

Step 2: Your studio session

Your portrait session takes place at our Belfast studio. Pets and people are photographed together and separately, with time for everyone to settle in and enjoy being part of it. There’s no need to know what to do or how to pose — guidance is given naturally as the session unfolds.

Step 3: Your 'Big Reveal'

Around a week later, you return to the studio to see your portraits properly for the first time. This is where images are viewed at the size and quality they’re intended for, and where you choose the portraits you love and decide how you’d like them finished.

Step 4: From Graham's camera to your wall

Once your choices are made, your artwork is created and prepared for your home. Each finished piece is designed to be seen and enjoyed every day, rather than left on a phone or computer.

Framed dog portrait above a sofa and orange armchair in a modern living room setting at Graham Crichton Photography Belfast.

From camera, to your home


The portraits you choose are made to be lived with. Most people arrive expecting a few photographs, then realise they want something they can see properly every day. Finished artwork changes how the images feel, becoming part of the home rather than something stored away on a screen.

This is where it all leads. Portraits that don’t just capture a moment, but become part of everyday life.

When you’re ready…

 
Most people start with a quick conversation to see if it feels right for them. If you already know you’d like to go ahead, you can book your studio experience or purchase a voucher below. Either way, the next step is simply getting in touch.

 

Graham and Hannah at their Belfast portrait studio holding a vintage camera and telephone, showcasing the studio experience.

Looking for a gift?

 
Our studio experience vouchers are a simple way to give something thoughtful, whether for yourself or someone close to you.

 

People & pet portrait experience guide brochure

Start Here: Download the Portrait Guide & Pricing

Our brochure explains how the portrait experience works and outlines the products we offer, including sizes and current pricing.

Pet portrait of a large mastiff dog holding a colourful lollipop in a Belfast studio
Young girl holding a vintage camera, studio child portrait in Belfast
Portrait experience vouchers

Things we get asked all the time

How much do portraits by Graham cost?

Portraits are made to last, beautifully finished and ready to hang. Every piece is printed in house and handmade by our framer to your order, so what you take home is created specifically for you.

  • Tabletop frames start from £175
  • Wall art starts from £585

Most clients invest on average between £750 and £1500 on their finished artwork. There is something for different homes and different spaces, and flexible 0% interest payment options are available if helpful.

Can I see product samples before purchasing?

Absolutely. You’re very welcome to visit the studio for a chat and to see all of our products up close before booking anything.

At your cinematic reveal, we’ll also show you exactly how your portraits could look on your own walls using our clever mockup software – just send us a photo of your space and we’ll do the rest!

Remember, you also don’t need to make any decisions about products until you come back to see your pictures at your big cinematic reveal session.

Do you have any offers or bundles if I buy multiple images?

We do. Rather than set packages, we offer flexible options that fit you, your home, and what you actually want. It means you get the best value without being boxed into something that doesn’t suit.

If you’ve got one of our Experience Portrait Vouchers, you’ll already have £50 credit to use towards any wall portrait — a great place to start. And it gets even better… once you’ve chosen your first wall portrait, you’ll get another completely free. It’s a brilliant way to build a collection you love while making the most of your investment. You’ll find full details of offers and incentives in our downloadable brochure.

How does 0% finance work?

Absolutely! We want everyone to be able to enjoy what we do, so we offer a couple of easy, 0% interest options:

Third-party finance through our finance partners (PayItMonthly or Buyline)

Pay just 10% at your big reveal, then split the rest over 9 months with no interest. There’s a minimum spend of £500, and a quick affordability/credit check is required.

Example: Spend £1250? Pay £125 upfront, then 9 monthly payments of £125.

In-House Studio finance (no credit check)

Prefer something simpler? We also offer an in-house plan with no credit checks. Same payment breakdown, but we produce your artwork once the balance is fully paid.

Can I buy digital images?

Yes, you can! We offer digital images in different quantities, so you’re not locked into buying every single photo – just the ones you want. You can also get digital images alongside any wall art you purchase, and when you do, they’re 50% off. We’ve also got a range of great value bundles that include digital files too.

Can I order additional prints later?

All orders are placed during your big cinematic reveal session, when you come back to view your portraits. This is the moment everything comes together, and we’ll guide you through every step to help you make the right choices for your home. We provide full pricing in advance, offer flexible 0% finance options, and encourage you to book only when the time feels right – there’s no pressure from us, ever. We want you to feel excited, not rushed.

How long does it take to receive finished portraits?

Your finished portraits are carefully handcrafted, so quality takes a little time. Most orders are ready around 5 weeks after approval – that includes retouching, printing, custom framing, and our final quality check before it leaves the studio. If digital images are ordered, these are usually sent within 7 days of ordering.

If you need it sooner, just let us know. Depending on what you’ve ordered and our schedule, we can sometimes offer a faster turnaround.

Do you offer online galleries or virtual viewings?

We don’t – and there’s a good reason for that. Your viewing appointment is a big part of what makes the experience so special. It takes place here at the studio in a relaxed, private session that lasts up to 2 hours.

During that time, we’ll guide you through your images, help you compare layouts, and advise on finishes, frames, and how best to display your portraits. With so many options available – especially when creating collections – trying to make those choices online can quickly feel overwhelming.

Can we bring family members to the viewing appointment?

Absolutely. We love when families come together for the viewing – it’s often a really special moment seeing your portraits for the first time.

Having everyone there also helps when deciding what goes where, especially if you’re thinking about creating a collection for different rooms or spaces.

We do just suggest avoiding bringing toddlers or very young children if you can (babies are absolutely fine). The viewing room is designed to be calm and focused, and it’s much easier to enjoy the experience without little ones getting restless.

Is the studio Sensory Aware?

If you or any of your party have any particular needs that you would like to make us aware of, please let us know in advance of your session. We are sensory aware, with all our staff having completed training and examinations with Autism NI. If you need us to turn the lights down, quiet the music, or just want to come to see us before your session – we’re here for you.

*Everyone* hates having their photo taken

This is perfectly normal, and Graham hates having his photo taken too! We make sure we put you at ease, before we start even taking a single photo. Graham is a great people person and is the master of distraction! So if you’re feeling nervous before your session, don’t worry. You only have to look at the hundreds and hundreds of reviews we have to see he knows how to get the very best out of you, without you feeling uncomfortable. If you’d like to chat or visit the studio before your session, please just get in touch. It would be no trouble at all.

What if I have a nervous dog?

We are used to seeing all sorts of dogs. It goes with the business. Dogs are very much like people. They like their own surroundings and sometimes new environments can take a little getting used to. If your dog is nervous, you may want to bring them to the studio for a good sniff-about before your session. Everyone thinks their dog won’t sit or behave, but that’s just normal. Trust us, we have seen it all.