Thanks to Michelle Drummond Photography for the above photo of Chelsey at work! This behind the scenes pull back shot demonstrates a mock studio set up.
My goal is to create great portraits and candids in a comfortable and relaxed environment. I want to make your session fun! Everyone wants beautiful portraits, but the process isn’t always enjoyable for some. The day is sometimes dreaded or stressed over and this often comes through in the photos, so I like to do everything I can to avoid that situation. One of those ways, is to be prepared so please read this page through to the end if you have an upcoming shoot.
I'm an amateur life photographer so at this point I am up for any kind of shoot! Email me if you've got an event/idea/theme you saw online that you want to discuss.
Let's get started...
I offer hour long sessions...
Sessions are booked on an hourly basis. Once a session length is established, I will never hurry you along and we can take all the time needed to be sure that we get a good sampling of photos for you. Newborns and young babies may need the most time as they often require comforting, soothing and feeding. Grown men often need time to become comfortable in front of the camera as well. ;) You receive a disc of your edited photos, usually 3-6 weeks following your session. One of the great thing about the way I do things is that there is currently no maximum number of photos on a disc.
Sometimes I offer mini session marathons...
Multiple sessions held for multiple clients on the same day, usually back to back. These are for special occasions like back to school, holidays or boudoir. Clients receive a couple of photos of their choosing from their session.
These are two different styles of sessions. If you have questions about pricing for these.. please visit the "investment" page for pricing.
I'm an amateur life photographer so at this point I am up for any kind of shoot! Email me if you've got an event/idea/theme you saw online that you want to discuss.
Let's get started...
I offer hour long sessions...
Sessions are booked on an hourly basis. Once a session length is established, I will never hurry you along and we can take all the time needed to be sure that we get a good sampling of photos for you. Newborns and young babies may need the most time as they often require comforting, soothing and feeding. Grown men often need time to become comfortable in front of the camera as well. ;) You receive a disc of your edited photos, usually 3-6 weeks following your session. One of the great thing about the way I do things is that there is currently no maximum number of photos on a disc.
Sometimes I offer mini session marathons...
Multiple sessions held for multiple clients on the same day, usually back to back. These are for special occasions like back to school, holidays or boudoir. Clients receive a couple of photos of their choosing from their session.
These are two different styles of sessions. If you have questions about pricing for these.. please visit the "investment" page for pricing.
Let's talk about preparing for your session...
Here is the most basic thing you will need to decide if you are booking a photo session. I offer two styles of sessions; Candids and Studio. It's up to you which you would prefer. We can also look at combining the two if that's something you're interested in.
Informal/Candid Session 
These sessions have a fun, informal sort of photojournalistic feel to them and if I'm being totally honest, are my favourite. They are usually held at an outside location or at a client's home. The photo on the right was taken on the front steps of the family's first home. Backyards can make great locations for shooting too, especially in the summer. The most popular places for a candid session to occur is in a park or location of importance to the clients. I've shot in parks, farms and even on the side of highways. I've even shot a photo session in a commercial airline hangar and on Q-400 aircrafts. Almost any location can become a set, so feel free to suggest something you might like to try. If you can't decide where you want to go, sometimes locations are chosen because they are meaningful to the clients.
If this is the route you're thinking of going, I usually recommend you have a back up plan in case the weather doesn't have the same vision for your photos as we do. A candid example (see the joke I made there?) would be another engagement session I shot in a downtown Calgary mall, after our initial plan fell through thanks to -30 weather.
Candid sessions are a great way to make your photos more personalized and creative. I should also mention that this style works well with children, since sitting still for a studio set up might not be something they're interested in doing that day. Below are a few examples...
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| Capturing a snapshot at home is not only a great momento but a tender moment you can share. Who doesn't love newborn baby snuggles? |
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| Bow Valley Ranch after a fresh snowfall. |
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| Almost any park in the fall makes for a great spot . |
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| This engagement session was shot outside a random, dilapidated barn on the side of a highway. |
Studio Sessions
Looking for something a little more traditional? That's okay! This style of session is most commonly used for portraits, newborns and cake smashes. Maybe you want photos to be able to give to your relatives who expect you to have standard portraits they can hang on their walls or on their fridge? Or maybe you want something to hang on your own walls that doesn't clash with a theme you might have in that room? Then a studio set up is probably more your style. I offer a few different backdrops in basic colours and then a couple more in patterns. (If you have your heart set on a specific backdrop and I don't have it, we can even discuss acquiring it for your session, depending on the cost.)
Now here's where things get really fun... Do you want a portrait session but don't want to have to leave your house? I will gladly come to you! I can't count the number of times new moms have been glad they didn't have to pack up their little ones for their photo session, or how many families have saved themselves the stress of a car ride across town with everyone dressed up.
If you're worried about not having enough space at your home.... don't be. I've worked in some very small spaces. I even set up shop in a client's garage one summer day! But if there really isn't much room, don't worry, just warn me ahead of time. Usually when there is not a lot of room to work with, I will tape the backdrop up to the wall with painter's tape. There's no damage done to your walls but keep in mind that your background selection might be somewhat limited since not all of my backdrops are meant to be taped up. Below is an example of working in a small space.
I'll set up a mock studio with backgrounds and props (depending on the session) in your home. The session can be shot in natural light but I also usually travel with at least one flash and some additional lighting tools. I prefer to shoot with a combination of natural and artificial lighting. When choosing your spot to hold your mock studio session, if possible pick a location with big windows for a good source of natural light. If you want photos that involve being on the ground (for example, baby's first cake smash) you'll want to pick a spot that has hard floors. Don't worry if that means we're shooting in your kitchen or back porch, we can make it work. Here are a few example of mock studio set up...
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| Cake Smashes can be a lot of fun, Not to mention, super easy when I come to you with my mobile/mock studio because once we're done, your baby goes straight in the tub in the comfort of their own home.  |
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| Maternity session aren't usually studio set ups nowadays but it's definitely something you can consider for a more traditional style. 
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| And of course there is your standard family and individual portrait! |
A note on Props
If you would prefer props, or if there are important items that you would like to have included in the portrait, please have them ready and prepared prior to the session. For example, with babies, folks will often bring a special family momento or gift they were given that they want the baby photographed with.
In this photo I used a prop hat and diaper cover that I have in my prop box. Depending on what kind of props you want to use in your session, I may already have it in my prop box. If not, I know some very talented artisans who can create some amazing things.
When it comes to kids photo sessions, sometimes a prop is something simple like a favourite teddy bear or toy that gets incorporated. Sometimes it's just something you picked up along the way that you want to use for your theme.
Obviously, at an engagement shoot we'll want to see your ring but if you have a shared interest, say a love for a specific sports team- then bring your jerseys. When it comes to Maternity sessions it never hurts to bring a photo copy of your ultrasound or a little pair of baby shoes. The lists go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea.
If you have seen a prop used in one of my sessions and you would like for me to bring it to yours, feel free to ask! It may have been one of mine. I am, what we in the industry like to call, a 'propoholic.'
When planning for your session, clothing should be a top priority. I know you're probably beginning to wonder what exactly you've gotten yourself into, but trust me on this. Its importance is often underplayed (next only to hair/make up selections) and really should be considered and coordinated carefully.
Your clothing choices will be a determining factor in the final outcome of your photos. If possible, clothing should be neutral and not have any logos. Avoiding too much patterned fabric is usually helpful.
That being said, if your little one has a favourite shirt, we can make it work. Newborns and babies photograph best in their own skin. A simple diaper to cover works very well.
If more than one person will be in the session, clothing tones and styles should match to be sure that the clothing does not draw away from the subjects. (Like the family portraits featured in this section.) Each colour is flattering to the individual person without clashing. The main focus of the portraits should be the person being photographed and not what they are wearing.
Policies
There is a standard waiver/contract that must be signed. This includes are modeling release allowing me to photograph and use your photos for promotion. Payments are requested to be in cash and must be paid no later than the date of the session. While I will make every effort to ensure your complete happiness and satisfaction with your photos, due to the unique nature of custom portraiture, all sales are final.
In this photo I used a prop hat and diaper cover that I have in my prop box. Depending on what kind of props you want to use in your session, I may already have it in my prop box. If not, I know some very talented artisans who can create some amazing things.
When it comes to kids photo sessions, sometimes a prop is something simple like a favourite teddy bear or toy that gets incorporated. Sometimes it's just something you picked up along the way that you want to use for your theme.
Obviously, at an engagement shoot we'll want to see your ring but if you have a shared interest, say a love for a specific sports team- then bring your jerseys. When it comes to Maternity sessions it never hurts to bring a photo copy of your ultrasound or a little pair of baby shoes. The lists go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea.
If you have seen a prop used in one of my sessions and you would like for me to bring it to yours, feel free to ask! It may have been one of mine. I am, what we in the industry like to call, a 'propoholic.'
A note on Clothing
When planning for your session, clothing should be a top priority. I know you're probably beginning to wonder what exactly you've gotten yourself into, but trust me on this. Its importance is often underplayed (next only to hair/make up selections) and really should be considered and coordinated carefully. Your clothing choices will be a determining factor in the final outcome of your photos. If possible, clothing should be neutral and not have any logos. Avoiding too much patterned fabric is usually helpful.
If more than one person will be in the session, clothing tones and styles should match to be sure that the clothing does not draw away from the subjects. (Like the family portraits featured in this section.) Each colour is flattering to the individual person without clashing. The main focus of the portraits should be the person being photographed and not what they are wearing.
Policies
There is a standard waiver/contract that must be signed. This includes are modeling release allowing me to photograph and use your photos for promotion. Payments are requested to be in cash and must be paid no later than the date of the session. While I will make every effort to ensure your complete happiness and satisfaction with your photos, due to the unique nature of custom portraiture, all sales are final.