What is included in a portrait session?
Our portrait sessions include a pre-session consultation with Danielle, an in-home or on-location* portrait session, and an in-person ordering session. Traditional and digital prints, frames and albums are additional. Prices do not include HST.
*$75 additional fee for weekend/holiday, travel (more than 25km) and studio bookings
How long do sessions take?
This really depends. We take the time that is needed to capture the best expressions and poses. We urge you not to rush your children. Let them warm up at their own pace not yours. Kids’ sessions can be done in 30 minutes, family and business portraits up to an hour, while newborn sessions often take a few hours. It really depends on what your vision is for the session and what the mood of the kids happens to be on that particular day.
What should I wear?
Once you have booked your session, we will provide you with a PDF of tips on what to wear. Ultimately what you wear is up to you. Keep it simple is the most important thing. We do encourage you to keep the clothing options to a minimum, no more than three, especially with younger, more exuberant child. Remember that we want to focus on you or your child’s expression.
How can I get the best results for my child’s/children’s portrait session?
Here are some useful tips to help in creating the very best results:
Keep it positive and fun – this is the most important tip!
If your child is at all shy, it’s important not to make a big fuss about the portrait session beforehand. Act like nothing is out of the norm. During the session, be patient and give them as much time as they need to warm up to me and my camera. Parents are eager to please by urging the child on, and this never really helps. Keep it light, let it be a game, and let me create a bond with your child at their pace. Stay positive and keep smiling. This should be a fun and happy experience. They will warm up to us and settle down in time.
With very young children try to keep the variation in poses to a minimum, starting with the most important poses. For example, child alone, child with sibling, child with grandma, child with a different outfit. Children, especially younger ones, only give me so much time. When they say the session is over it’s over, so I try to get the key shots first.
Please don’t answer for your child when he or she is asked a question because I try to bond with them by getting them to talk to me. I sometimes will reach out and “test” them to see how they will respond (if they reach back to hold my hand/finger). It tells me if I’m gaining their trust.
Never, ever say “smile.” I try to get them smiling at other things that create real smiles. The best way to get great smiles is by playing games, singing songs, or by doing anything they love to do. I will make some silly noises, ask funny questions, encourage some singing of favourite songs and, of course, there is always the end that comes with the rewards of candy or stickers. Often the most favourite expression with many clients are the more serious, pensive looks, especially with children.
I encourage you to have a vision (bring your personal ideas or personal props) for your session. Many parents bring in one or two outfits, hats, or favourite toys. Remember changing younger kids usually changes their moods too. Try to keep it simple.
Should I be present for my child’s/children’s portrait session?
For older children we usually create the best results when Mom and Dad are not around. For babies it’s always best to have you help out in the studio.
Can we have our pet in the picture?
Yes. Pets are always welcome to outdoor sessions. Let’s talk about it. Sometimes it is best for me to come to your home to photograph you with your pet.
My pictures didn’t turn out the way I expected them to. Now what?
We will always offer to re-shoot any session that failed to meet your expectations.
Kids Club FAQ
I’m interested in a Kids Club membership for my children, what is included with the membership?
Our membership is $597 per child between the ages of 0 and 18. The membership includes 10 thirty-minute sessions to be held within 5 years; pre-session consultation with Danielle; in-person ordering session; 1 high resolution file, and 1-5x7 printed portrait per session; and a professional album after your tenth session. Traditional and digital prints are additional. Prices do not include HST.
Does the Kids Club membership expire?
Yes, you have 5 years from the date of your first session to book your 10 sessions. We recommend 2 per year to best capture the memories as your children grow. We regularly send notices to Kids Club members for priority booking sessions. It is up to the parent to book the 10 sessions before the membership expires.
When I do I receive my Kids Club album?
You will receive your Kids Club album after your tenth session. The album includes one image from each session. It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for albums to be processed.
Can I renew my Kids Club membership?
Absolutely! We’re happy you and your children enjoyed the experience. As long as your children are under 18, you can enjoy the benefits of renewal. We also have a Platinum Kids Club membership. This membership includes 10 thirty-minute sessions to be held within 5 years; 1 high resolution digital printed portrait and 1–8x10 mounted printed portrait per session; 1 professional fine art coffee table album.