This page is here to help answer some commonly asked questions

 

What does on-location mean?

On-location refers to any session taking place outside of my home studio. For business portraits this may be your workplace, or for the adventurous family we might travel to the mountains together (some of my favourite mountain spots are only 30 mins from Okotoks)!

 

What can I expect from an in-home Lifestyle Newborn Session?

Lifestyle newborn sessions allow us to capture your growing family in the comfort of your own home in a style that is soft and candid. The familiar sounds, smells and temperature of your home are all a starting point to help keep your baby at ease. Your home is already infused with your personal style, so this will seamlessly reflect in your images. You might not consider your home to be the ideal backdrop for portraits, but images taken this way help tell your family’s unique story.  There is NO NEED TO TIDY your home. These sessions are meant to be relaxed, and we will work with your home as it is. 

 

What lighting do you use for an in-home Lifestyle Session?

I love natural light, and will use it whenever possible. When booking an in-home session, please be aware that the time of day is important. I might ask to visit your home briefly ahead of time to get a sense for the the light, or ask you to send me a few snapshots from around their home. Despite all of these steps and careful planning, there will be times when a day is particularly dim and portable lighting will be used. 

 

What can I expect from a Studio Session?

Studio sessions are wonderful for several reasons. They allow us to capture beautiful, consistently-lit images regardless of time of day or weather. Everything we need for a portrait session is close at hand. Studio lighting creates crisp and vivid images. This colour and clarity can look stunning in everything from playful children’s portraits to professional business headshots. 

 

What portrait session is right for me?

Consider the final product you are looking for and how you hope to use your images. Are you looking to update a single, family portrait on your wall? Are you hoping for a fun, energetic candid portrait, or a classic and timeless one? Perhaps you are hoping to create a photo book for your family to enjoy. Discuss these things with your photographer, and she can help you to decide which session best suits your needs. 

 

What are some good outdoor locations for portraits in and around Okotoks?

Some of my favourite locations to capture portraits (within my free travel zone) are listed below. 

Okotoks:

Sheep River Cove

Waller Park

Near the Okotoks Library

In Cimarron along the river valley

Calgary:

Fish Creek Park

High River:

George Lane Park

Downtown

 

What should I wear?

This is the most common question I receive, and your choice of outfits will certainly contribute to the overall look of your images, however I always encourage my clients to focus on choosing something they feel great in, even if it means selecting clothing that doesn’t fall in line with the following suggestions. 

For all sessions:

• Keep it simple! 

• Incorporate texture (knits, lace, accessories, flowy fabrics)

• Avoid logos, characters and loud prints

• Avoid dark fabrics that collect lint

• Consider how windy it is outdoors when deciding how to style longer hair 

• Choose a colour theme that will accent your home decor if you plan to hang your portrait on the wall 

• Lotion your hands and tidy your fingernails (especially for newborn and engagement sessions)! 

For newborn sessions:

• Keep prints small and subtle

• Avoid bright and/or primary colours, which can bounce colour onto baby’s skin

• Baby can bring special outfits, but will mainly be wrapped or naked (it is best for baby to be in a diaper and swaddled when a session begins)

• Avoid outfits that go over baby's head (these can wake or upset baby during changing)

• Empire waists or maxi dresses are flattering on expecting and new mamas

***Consider the end result you would like in your pictures. If light and airy is a style you gravitate towards, wear light, neutral colours (cream, white, pastels, khaki). If you love a darker, moody/edgy image, wearing deeper colours will help us achieve that aesthetic (black, navy, forest green, burgundy). Colours like mustard yellow, burnt orange and dusty pink are great options for a pop of colour that isn't overly vibrant. 

 

What is the best timing for a newborn session?

A newborn session is best booked to take place 5-10 days after baby’s due date, and the date can be later adjusted if needed. 

 

What should I bring?

All you really need to bring is your smile! You may wish to bring a comb, lip chap, lint roller and wipes (especially for children). I welcome pets, but ask that you let me know ahead of time if you wish to include them. A fun distraction like bubbles or a favourite book can be helpful for gaining attention from young children. For a newborn session, please bring any outfits you wish to have baby photographed in, a pacifier, and extra diapers. 

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Do you offer print product options?

Print items can always be added on to any package! Click here to view examples of print product, as well as a print product pricing sheet: Print Product