Stuck for a Christmas gift idea? How about living like a celebrity for a day with a 'red carpet' photoshoot?

IF you've ever wanted to know what it feels like on Oscar night when celebrities dress up in their finery to face the paparazzi on the red carpet, then a pair of Yorkshire photographers can make it happen.

Because two portrait photographers have launched ‘celebrity-style' photoshoots for clients in a new venture with The Principal Hotel in York.

Lincoln Roth and Perrin Read, from Roth Read Photography, are offering a portrait package with a difference – and one that would make that elusive gift for the woman who has everything this Christmas.

For one day, the client can live it up like a VIP. They will be given the keys to a luxury room at one of York's swankiest hotels (which is their's for the night), where they will be pampered and preened ahead of a photoshoot among the stunning interiors and gardens of the hotel, next to York Railway Station. They will have their hair styled and make-up applied by local professionals then slip into a gorgeous evening dress they will have pre-selected from Va Va Voom Boutique in Angram, near York (and which they can keep afterwards).

During the day they will enjoy lunch and twilight tea and cocktails.

Afterwards, they will be presented with the results of their photoshoot – an Italian hand-crafted leatherette bound box containing 30 (12"x8") matted images of the day.

Not surprisingly, this package isn't cheap. The price for living it up like a VIP for the day is a whopping £2,500 – some Christmas gift!

Women can have the photoshoot themselves, or with a partner, or with up to two other friends.

Perrin said the aim was to help women look and feel fabulous for a day – and create lasting memories.

She added: “After all, why should women only experience a glamorous on-location photoshoot, dressed in a fabulous gown on their wedding day? It’s great fun and we love inspiring everyone to feel confident.”

Lincoln said they created luxury packages because they wanted to offer their clients more than just a typical studio photoshoot. "Up to three people can experience being pampered, posed and professionally photographed like a film star," he said.

And he added that the venue was perfect for the location shoot. “The Principal Hotel is late Victorian architecture so it creates some stunning backdrops.

“This is where our clients can wear a beautiful dress, be pampered by our stylist and really experience the red carpet treatment.”

Another great advantage of using the hotel as a setting, he said, was that shoots were not weather dependent – a bonus when the 'red carpet' is being rolled out in York rather than LA.

The evening gowns are provided by Va Va Voom Boutique in Angram, near York where, by appointment only, every client receives a private and personal shopping experience.

Perrin and Lincoln hold a consultation with clients before each shoot at their studio in Leeds.

Perrin said: "I took up portrait photography because I have a passion to inspire women to be happy in their own skin. Often people can be nervous about having their photographs taken, so we spend time with them during the consultation and a lot of time with them on the shoot, which helps them grow in confidence."

Shoots tend to last around four hours.

Lincoln said the end result not only creates lasting memories, but a legacy for each client and added: "These days we mostly take lots of photographs on our phone or iPad."

And the day itself is one to treasure forever, he added. "We really look after them. They are made to feel special – and live like a celebrity for a little while!"

More information from rothreadphotography.com