It is important to get a good night sleep before your session. Stress and tiredness will show in your photographs. Drink lots of fluids as this will improve your skin texture.
How long is a Photography session?
Can I bring a friend?
How many days in advance shall I book a session?
What do I need to prepare for the photo session?
How long after the session will I be able to view my photographs?
Can I purchase the high resolution files?
When do we pay for the session?
How can we pay?
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Do you offer Black and White or Sepia as well as color?
What is “On Location” session?
What if I don’t like my photos?
Will you travel outside of Calgary?
How much do you charge for a sitting fee?
Do you do model portfolios?
Do you do weddings?
Do you do business portraiture?
How long is a Photography session?
Depending on the package you have chosen each session lasts for 2 to 4 hours including briefing, make up (if necessary), styling (if necessary), warm up, and break time. If kids and/or pets are part of the portrait session we allow more time in order to capture the best look. We understand children’s and pet’s emotions and we try to accommodate them.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. We would like you to feel comfortable and have fun during your session; we encourage you to bring a friend with you. You are also welcome to bring a friend for the Boudoir Session.
How many days in advance shall I book a session?
Clients are suggested to book their session at least 1 week prior. If rescheduling is needed you are required to notify us at least 3 days prior to the session.
What do I need to prepare for the photo session?
Clothing for Portrait Session:
- Think about what type of portrait you want and bring in your favorite outfits that capture that look.
- If you are taking full length photos, don't forget shoes, hosiery, etc. Make sure socks are matching (i.e. black pants with black socks). White socks work well with jeans, khakis, shorts.
- Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits. Remember; if you are self-conscious about your arms do not wear sleeveless tops.
- Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits
- Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.
- Busy patterns and bright/loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits; however, subtle aloha wear is always nice. Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.
- Solid colors are best but avoid solid white outfits.
- In a group or family portrait, proper clothing coordination is critical. Do not mix casual and formal attire and choose clothing in the same tonal ranges (i.e. do not mix light and dark values) so that no single member stands out.
If you normally wear glasses and you prefer to have them in your photos, please keep in mind reflections are hard remove and there would be an extra charge for the removal.
Keep it simple with jewellery. Remove watches at least an hour before the session, as they tend to leave heavy marks on your skin. Simpler accessories tend to produce more classic portraits.
Clothing for Boudoir Session:
Wear clothing that is suitable to your romantic photo session
Come to your intimate photography session wearing clothing that fits loosely to insure the least amounts of marks on your body. These marks take time to go away and may waste your limited amount of time allocated for the portrait session. (Professional glamour models know this secret and are ready to go without a waiting period)
Bring any outfit you would like to wear, as there is no limit on changing outfits during your session.
Tips for Boudoir Session: If your photo session is in the morning, be sure and eat a good breakfast.
If you are having an afternoon session, eat a light lunch. It takes a lot of energy to do romantic portraits and you don't want to run out of steam before the session is over.
Don't let time stress you out - It will show in your photographs
Try to leave home early enough to be at the boudoir session on time, or better still, a little early.
When you are in a hurry, stress sets in. Although we don't rush you into a session (some photographers do) the anxiety that you feel because of being rushed to get to your photo session will make it difficult to put yourself into the relaxed, romantic mood needed to have a successful boudoir photo session.
Hair and Make Up for Portrait Session:
- Don't forget your necessities...makeup, hair brush, hair spray, etc.
- If you would like to have a professional makeup artist (recommended), you must notify us at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Be careful when applying foundation. You do not want your face to be one color and your upper body another.
- Apply makeup as you would if you were going to a formal occasion in the evening. In other words, using a bit more than you would during the day.
- Use enough powder base for a matte finish to avoid any shiny or oily appearance on your face.
- Pay special attention to your eyes, as they will be the most important part of your portrait. Eye shadow should be a lighter color to bring your eyes forward.
- If you plan to get your hair cut, do it at least 1-2 weeks before your appointment.
- Allow two weeks for a fresh perm to relax.
- Your hands might be shown in the photos, please have your nails well manicured.
Hair and Make Up for Boudoir Session:
Hair style is included in your Boudoir session. Please ensure your hair is neat and clean prior to session.
Make Up can be provided at the studio
If you are doing your own make up, we will send you a guide 3 days prior to the session along with sample photos and tips.
Your hands might be shown in the photos, please have your nails well manicured.
Props:
Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some ideas:
- Flowers
- Musical Instrument
- Jacket
- Uniform
- Hats
- Sports Equipment
- Stuffed Animals
- Sunglasses
- Beach Props
Pet Photography Session:
If family will be in the portraits – simple hair styles and make up work best.
Color coordination is necessary to achieve good results. Your feet may show in some photos, make sure your socks are matching.
For a traditional look, solid-color dress clothing or formal wear is a good choice. If casual is what you're looking for, outfit your family in matching tops and bottoms.
If your pet is being groomed, please schedule your photo session on the following day, as grooming usually takes few hours and pets tend to become anxious. If you schedule your session for the following day, the pet will have enough time to relax.
Ensure your pet gets a heavy exercise 2 hours prior to session.
Please avoid feeding or giving your pet water at least 2 hours prior to session. This would be really appreciated, that way the risk of any “Oopsies” is minimized.
Bring a bag of treats with you. Treats should be something that your pet does not normally get as those will be used as rewards for job well done. Bring soft treats, such as cheese, hot dogs, etc… cut in very small pieces.
Pets with long fur should be brushed and trimmed around the face (Maltese, Beshon types) prior to session, nails trimmed, teeth cleaned.
Your hands might be shown in the photos, please have your nails well manicured.
How long after the session will I be able to view my photographs?
We are committed to producing quality images. Your photos will be available within 10-14 days after the session. You will be able to view them online on a private page available only to you. The prints included in your package will be delivered to your door step.
Can I purchase the high resolution files?
The high resolution files are available for purchase; however, we encourage if you require extra prints to let us know, as we don’t guarantee printing quality at other vendors due to different printer settings and calibration. Please read our blog "High Resolution Files? What Does it Mean?"
When do we pay for the session?
Payment is due on the day of the session when you arrive at our studio.
How can we pay?
We accept cash, cheque or money order at this point.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, Gift vouchers are available from $20...perfect for any gift. These make a wonderful gift and leave the person receiving the voucher free to choose how they would like to spend them. They can be used as part or full payment for a session, session package or on any of our print and framing products. Gift vouchers do not expire.
Do you offer Black and White or Sepia as well as color?
Absolutely. These are available at NO extra charge
What is “On Location” session?
Our services are mobile, meaning we can bring the necessary equipment and background to the location of your choice. It is up to you whether you would like the session at your home or an outdoor location.
What if I don’t like my photos?
If you're not satisfied with the portraits then we're not satisfied. We'll gladly meet with you and reshoot the session again at no charge. Please let us know you're not satisfied after viewing the proofs and before we print them. This way we'll be able to reshoot your session right away to stay on track.
Will you travel outside of Calgary?
Sure. Just let us know in advance and we will work out a deal.
How much do you charge for a sitting fee?
No charge. The prices for each package include all items indicated. No extra charges, unless you are ordering extra prints.
Do you do model portfolios?
Absolutely. Please contact us and provide full details of what exactly you need and we will customize a package for you. Each model project is different and requires customized price depending on your needs.
Do you do weddings?
Yes we do. We have few wedding packages available to choose from; however, we also can customize one for you if our packages have too much or not enough items.
Do you do business portraiture?
Yes we do. Our “On Location” package is perfect for your business portraits (head shots).