Costume Shoot
Slip into a morning coat and keep a photograph in the butler's attire
About Costume Shoot
A costume shoot is a way of using the Manor in which you wear the full morning-coat ensemble, the butler's formal dress, and keep photographs in the Wardrobe, the Study, the Dining Room and elsewhere. The butler assists from choosing the attire and dressing through to the finishing of collar and white gloves. Open to all, for up to six guests.
Even on a first visit, the butler fits you garment by garment
A first costume shoot is not merely the hiring of clothes; it is the time spent completing your attire with the butler before proceeding to the photographs. The butler who greets you at the door takes your belongings, confirms your height and usual clothing size, and brings a fitting garment from the Wardrobe.
Shirt first, then waistcoat, striped trousers and morning coat. The butler checks in the mirror the height of the collar, the position of the tie, and how much white shows at the cuff. With white gloves, leather shoes and a top hat, your standing figure is ready for the camera.
The butlers in residence at the Manor are both men and women. We attend to wearers of any gender, and if you are unsure where to look or how to hold your hands, the butler quietly shows you by taking the same pose. When two or more dress alike, the order in which you stand is arranged with an eye to height and the line of the attire.
What does the full morning-coat ensemble include?
| Coat | The morning coat: the formal coat whose front cuts away into long tails behind |
|---|---|
| Beneath | Shirt and waistcoat, joining collar and coat with precision |
| Trousers | Striped trousers, completing the butler's silhouette with the coat |
| Neck | Wing collar and tie; the butler checks the centre and the height |
| Hands | White gloves, for a photograph holding silver or a close-up of the cuff |
| Feet | Leather shoes. If the size does not fit, please bring your own black shoes |
How does the day proceed, from arrival to dressing to photographs?
Tell us your sizes in advance
Please give your height, usual clothing and shoe sizes, the number of wearers and the photographs you have in mind. The butler matches the attire and prepares candidates for you to see on the day.
Greeted at the door
The butler bows and receives you, taking your belongings and coat. The order of photographs and the handling of any accessories you have brought are confirmed here.
Choosing in the Wardrobe
Candidates are tried before the mirror, checking shoulders, sleeves and length. Nothing is forced; the garment is chosen with the outline in the photograph in mind.
Dressing
You change in a room with the door closed, and the butler helps only where needed. Collar, tie, cuffs, hem and white gloves are finished in that order.
Test shots before the mirror
Front, three-quarter and profile are checked, and the position of the top hat and gloves is set while looking at the actual frame.
Which backdrops suit the butler's attire?
Mirror and wardrobe
A profile matching a top hat, the butler's hands at your collar, a full-length figure before the wardrobe. The afterglow of dressing carries straight into the photograph.
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The Study and its leather-topped desk
Standing before quill and old books, seated in the chair, a letter in hand. The dark morning coat sits well against wood and leather.
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The Dining Room and the double doors
Opening the double doors, some 2,480 mm high, or standing in attendance beside the long table. The full-length line and the depth of the room in a single frame.
Read moreOur promises for photographing attire and antiques beautifully
The promises of photography at the Manor are about composing each picture while protecting both the hem and fastenings of the attire and the furnishings that have lived through long years. Before any move, the butler checks the tails of the coat, and as you approach a desk or chair, tells you what may be touched and at what distance. Rather than hurrying from scene to scene, setting the attire straight for each picture gives the photograph a cleaner line.
In the Study, a profile at the leather-topped desk; in the Dining Room, a standing figure showing the long tails. Full-length and close-up alternate according to the outline of each room.
For a picture holding silver in white gloves, the butler carries the silver and shows how to hold it and where to return it. Armour, the hall clock, porcelain and silver are handled by the butler, so if there is a piece you wish to photograph, please ask in advance.
Attire and preparations provided by the Manor
- Morning coat, shirt, waistcoat, striped trousers, wing collar and tie
- White gloves, leather shoes and top hat
- The butler's help in choosing the attire and dressing
- Mirror, a room to change in, and a clothes rail
- Commemorative photographs on your own camera or smartphone
What you provide yourself
- Alternative attire if the size does not fit
- Arranging a hair or make-up artist
- Free use of the attire outside the Manor
- The serving of meals. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink
Worth bringing
- Your own black shoes
- Spectacles, a pocket watch or other accessories you wish to photograph
- A camera or smartphone for the photographs
- Your own hair and make-up tools
- Your full costume, if combining it with your own attire
How does the butler support your posture and hands?
| Standing | Your footing is steadied and the direction in which the tails fall naturally is checked. Before a full-length shot, the shoes are aligned too |
|---|---|
| Bowing | The butler shows the posture beside you, matching your gaze and the movement of the upper body |
| White gloves | Fingers held loosely, positioned so that the join of cuff and glove is in frame |
| Top hat | Worn, held to the chest or carried in one hand, chosen to suit the backdrop |
| Chair | Distance is kept from the chair so as not to tread on the tails, and the coat is set straight once seated |
| Silver | Furnishings are handed to you by the butler and received back after the photograph. Handling is explained on the spot |
Three things to decide before booking, so that all is ready
The wearer's measurements
Beyond height, please give the usual coat, trouser and shoe sizes of everyone who will dress. Candidate attire is matched in advance.
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The picture you wish to keep
Full-length, hands, a bow for two: tell us in words or with reference photographs. The butler plans the rooms and accessories to use.
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Photography outside the Manor
Going out in the attire is possible with the butler in attendance, within a range agreed in advance. Please tell us at booking of any wish involving a location or travel.
Read moreQI am worried the attire will not fit.
Before booking we ask your height, usual clothing and shoe sizes and match them against the attire we hold. As sizes and styles are limited, we confirm a fitting garment before proposing a date.
QCan women wear the morning coat?
Yes. Women's attire is available for heights of roughly 150 to 160 cm. Female butlers are also in residence and will ask about your wishes for dressing and attire.
QCan I be photographed on my own?
Yes, from one guest. The butler takes your camera or smartphone and photographs a commemorative picture within the Manor. If no photographer accompanies you, please tell us in advance the composition you wish to keep.
QMay I bring my own costume or accessories?
Yes. Your own attire, shoes, spectacles, pocket watch and so on are welcome. Accessories that will touch the furnishings are checked by the butler in advance to avoid scratches or colour transfer.
QWhat is the maximum number of guests?
Up to six, including companions who are not dressing. When several guests dress, please give everyone's sizes and the order of photographs at booking.
QMay I leave the Manor in the attire?
Yes, with the butler in attendance and within a location and time agreed in advance. We cannot hand over the attire for you to leave the Manor alone. We ask your destination and the photographs planned at booking, and advise on what is possible, including the care of the attire.
About the attire
- Sizes and styles are limited. Before booking, please tell us your height and usual clothing size
- Please ask about sizes other than those listed
About using The Studio
- The manor is never let unattended. A butler is present for every booking, and keys are not handed over
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drink. We do not provide meals
- Please use the antique furnishings under the butler's guidance. The armour, hall clock, porcelain and silver are handled by the butler
- Please consult us in advance about loud sound or the use of naked flames
- Prices shown include tax
You may also wish to read
The Footman — Apprentice Butler Experience
Wear the morning coat and learn the butler's manner.
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Portrait in butler's attire
The plan suited to a costume shoot, with its contents and fees.
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Etiquette and sizes for photographs in hired attire
Dressing and the handling of furnishings in detail.
Read more
The photograph begins with a single well-fitted garment.
Tell us the wearer's height, clothing and shoe sizes, your number and the photographs you have in mind. The butler prepares the attire and the order of photographs to receive you.