General Information
Where are photos taken?
I am very flexible to your needs. Individual shots and small groups can be photographed at the studio in my home.
For any photo shoot, I can also come to your home. Or there may be another special place you’d like to have memories of your family or children captured, whether it is a park or a country setting. If you are looking for an outdoor location and you don’t have a specific place in mind, I would be happy to suggest some areas in Calgary as well.
What is the sitting fee and what does it include?
The session fee includes a pre-session phone consultation, the photo session (up to two hours), preparation of your image proofs, creation of your online proof gallery, creation of two collage samples of photographer's choice, retouching ordered images, and archiving your ordered images for a period of one year. This fee is for photographer's time and talent only and does not include prints. . Prices for prints are listed below.
Sitting Fees:
- On location or in your home: $150
- Visual Hues studio: $125
- Sitting fees include up to four people. $10 will be charged for each additional person.
What are the print prices?
Single prints are a classic option and you can choose from a variety of sizes.
Click here for pricing.
How do I view and select my images?
Within two weeks after the portrait session, you will be sent a link to an on-line gallery. There, you can view your images and select which ones you would like to have printed. Selecting the images is very simple; you click on the images you would like to add to your shopping cart, indicating which size, quantity and colour preference. After you fill your shopping cart with the images you’d like, you enter in additional shipping and payment information to complete your order. The order automatically goes to Visual Hues and we will contact you when your prints are ready. If you have any questions about the on-line gallery, I will gladly help you through the process.
The link to the gallery can be forwarded to friends and family, who can also order prints if they desire.
Print orders are due within three weeks of images being posted on-line. There will be a reposting fee of $40.
What are other options to display my images?
There are numerous other ways to display your new images. See pricing tab for costs.
Custom Framing:
The prints can be custom framed. Visual Hues Photography works with Herringer-Kiss Gallery to produce amazing pieces of art for your home. Prices depend on size and selected frames.
Storyboards:
Another wonderful way to display your images is through a collage. I can create an unique and special storyboard that uses at least two images from your photo shoot. The focus of the storyboard will be images, but it can also include a name, a birth date, or a saying that means a lot to you. Images can also be mixed from different photo sessions into a storyboard to show the passage of time.
Canvas:
Images can also be printed on canvas for an unique look. Inquire about pricing.
Albums:
Many times it is difficult to choose which photos will make a place in your home! That dilemma can be solved by ordering an album full of a large selection of images from your shoot. Choose a leather-bound album or a printed hard-cover coffee table book that hold at least twenty-five images from your shoot.
Custom Cards/Announcements:
If you are looking to use images in a card or announcement, I would be pleased to design one for you. Contact us for pricing.
How can I make payment?
The sitting fee is required before the photos are taken, either at time of booking or at the photo session. Payment for prints and other products must be received by Visual Hues Photography before the prints and or products are released.
Visual Hues Photography accepts cheque or cash. Cheques are to be made payable to “Visual Hues Photography”.
Newborn
A new little person! Newborns are one of my favourite subjects to photograph. Knowing the joy and completeness a new baby brings to your life, I truly honour the opportunity to help you document this precious, yet fleeting, time.
About the session:
Your baby’s comfort is the most important thing during the photo session. The room will be warm and cozy so your baby is as comfortable as possible. Be assured there will be plenty of time for feeding, changing, comforting, and snuggling. The newborn shoot may only take an hour, but two hours will be set aside for the session so no-one will feel rushed or pressured. This allows time for any necessary breaks, feeding times and a variety of different set-ups to perfectly capture the new addition to your life.
We’ll be sure to get images of all those important parts of a newborn’s life; sleeping, gazing, hanging out, cuddling with and being adored by mom and dad. And if baby has an older sibling or two, we’ll capture that new relationship as well.
The most ideal time to photograph your newborn is within the first couple weeks, even the first few days, as they will start changing so quickly in the first few weeks of their arrival. I also understand how unpredictable the first weeks of parenthood can be. If there are any reasons to reschedule, I will be happy to find another time for you.
What to wear:
Bare skin is the most beautiful choice for newborns. Feel free to bring a special outfit if you would like. Simple is the best way to go, so focus can be all on your newborn.
If you would like to be in the photograph as well, black long-sleeved tops are ideal against baby’s skin. Bring a couple different outfits, as you never know when a bare naked baby may decide to make a mess!
Preparing for the shoot
Although I will do as much as I can to accommodate your session, phone as early as you can to book your newborn photo shoot. Phone from the hospital if you like!!
On the day of the shoot, please try to feed your baby beforehand to make the most effective use of our time together. As mentioned previously, however, we are more than happy to take breaks whenever your baby may need a top-up!
Simple props such as baskets, blankets, cushions, material, etc will be provided by Visual Hues. If you would like to bring a stuffed animal, a favourite baby blanket or anything else that you may want to include in the photo shoot, feel free to do so. Also bring extra diapers, receiving blankets and that change of clothes for yourself!
Enjoy this special time and celebrate this new life in yours.
Document the first year of your baby's life with the:
“Baby’s First Year” Photo Package - $325
Provides three sessions throughout baby’s first year (newborn, 6 months, 12 months), which document those magical changes that take place during the first year of your baby’s life. Each session includes up to 2 hours of studio time and online proofing of approximately 20 – 30 images via an online gallery.
With the booking of Watch Me Grow, receive one complimentary 5x7 image with each of the 3 sessions.
Note: Prints are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy portraits capture one of the most precious moments of your life. I understand the magic of this transformation and will work with you to capture the miracle of your pregnancy in a way you will cherish.
About the session:
An ideal time for a pregnancy shoot is in your 8th or 9th month. Book for a time when you are feeling good; come in sooner if you are feeling big early or you’re retaining a lot of fluid.
After booking your pregnancy shoot, we’ll have a discussion about what type of images you are looking for with your beautiful belly! We will approach this special shoot with different options based on your comfort level, how you carry this new little person, and what you’d like to have captured.
The photo shoot will be between one and two hours. Dad and any future big brothers or sisters are, of course, welcome as well.
What to wear:
As a general guideline, fitted on the top and loose and flowy on the bottom works very well for maternity photographs. However, bring anything you feel comfortable with and anything that you love how it looks on you!
Visual Hues also has various pieces of material which can be used in your session. You may want to bring a special shawl, blanket or material of your own as well. It is great for us to have lots to choose from.
Preparing for the shoot:
First off, please book in advance to ensure you can get a date you are looking for. Book your pregnancy session during your 8th or 9th month. If possible, use the services of a make-up artist/hair stylist to add finishing touches by enhancing your natural beauty and creating the look you are after.
For nude or partially nude photos, be sure to avoid anything that will leave lines on your skin such as underwear, socks, etc for at least a couple hours before the shoot.
Babies & Children
As everyone says, “they grow up so fast!” Photographs that document these special times and the unique personality of your child/children will be treasured in years to come.
About the session:
To me, any time is an ideal time to capture the spirit of a child! Let’s talk before the session to determine what kind of photos you are looking for – a natural portrait session or a more photojournalistic approach. We can take photos inside in a studio-like setting or outdoors in your backyard, in a garden or at a favourite park. We can spend a couple hours at your home, capturing your child just being themselves; playing, reading, even baking! Or there may be a special milestone you’d like to capture whether it is a birthday, baby’s ability to sit up on their own or the start of school.
Whatever the backdrop, my aim is to capture your child as they are at this time in their lives. Props used in the photographs, if any, are very simple: from a single flower or toy to mom’s leg or shoulder.
Be assured I am very patient and allow lots of time to get to know your child. I’ll be sure to be interacting lots, playing with them at their level and making them feel as comfortable as possible. If breaks are needed, we’ll be sure to take them. Please do not feel stressed and pressure your child if it seems like they are not sitting still and smiling nicely for the camera. I will adapt to your child and will work with them to capture these priceless moments.
What to wear:
There are lots of great options with little ones. Remember that simple is best as you don’t want to take away from your child’s adorable face. Try to stay away from busy patterns and logos, opting for more simple choices. Clothes with texture, solid colours, jeans, khakis – these are all good options. Of course, I understand there are some adorable outfits that might not follow these guidelines -- bring them along and we’ll see if we can incorporate them into the shoot. For the feet, bare feet is usually best!
Bring an outfit that coordinates with your child’s as well. You may want some photos of yourself with your child and sometimes we may even use you as a prop in the photo if your child needs a little extra security. If you have a young baby, black long sleeved tops look great against your baby’s bare skin.
Preparing for the shoot:
When booking the session, please consider the time of day your child or children are the most awake and happiest.
Bring any music or toys that your child would like to play with. And feel free to bring more than one outfit for them to wear.
Connections & Families
Preserving the connections between siblings, parents, children, and friends is what these sessions are about. I hope the sessions are fun and relaxed and end with beautiful images for you to cherish for generations.
About the session:
This session can be indoors in a more studio-like atmosphere, indoors at your home or outdoors at a favourite location. Whatever the background, my intention is to capture the interaction and unique bonds you have with each other. With gentle guidance from myself, the photos should encapsulate the love, emotion and spirit of your relationship. There will be some posing and direction, but mostly I will mostly encourage you to be yourselves.
In a family session, we can take images of any combination of individuals. Perhaps you would like a session focused solely on the relationships between mom and daughter. Beautiful! Or perhaps you would like a series of photographs that includes the entire family, just the kids, mom and dad on their own and the kids your family pet. Anything is possible! The number of combinations will determine how long the session will be, but expect it to take between one and two hours.
What to wear:
In a family session, it is important to keep dress coordinated in some way. The colours do not have to match exactly, but they should somehow be unified. Solid colours work the best as they do not distract from the face as much as stripes, patterns or logos may. When booking your session we will talk about what to wear at greater length so you are confident in your choices.
Preparing for the shoot:
Besides spending time determining what everyone should wear, there is not much more to prepare. If it is a larger group be sure to let me know what combinations of individuals you would like photos of, so we can be sure we are capture all the groupings you’re looking for.
