1. Where is your studio located?
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I
have a home studio located 10 minutes northwest of St. Albert, and a loft I
sublet in downtown Edmonton. HOME
STUDIO:
LOFT: Beatty Lofts, 10265 – 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. As this is a shared space, the
location must be booked in advance. I have a number of favourite
location spots as well. When booking
your session, I will speak with you about which
location best suits your style and taste. |
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2. What should I wear?
With
the exception of children, I believe medium toned clothing works best. Choose
solids or large patterns, avoid smaller patterned
clothing, decals and prints as they are too distracting and busy. If you are
coming in a group, stay in the same colour tones. Denim is great. Avoid
turtlenecks and large stripes. Sundresses and costumes work well. Two or three
outfits at most is best, any more can make the decision process hard. Too many
clothing changes are not easy for little ones. Don’t worry about shoes, I love
to photograph bare feet! I have a number of props in my studio including a
large array of tutus, blankets, flowers, hats and headbands, bubbles, posers,
wings, etc. but feel free to bring anything along you would like photographed.
Children can be dressed in whatever you like. They will steal the show anyway
so allow the clothing to express who they are. But keep in mind children become
fussy when they are uncomfortable or if they are expected to change their
clothes over and over again during a session. Try to keep the outfits to two or
three options at the most.
Newborns - Less is more. Choose very little clothing, onesies work well. If you have a basic cloth diaper, please
bring it along. If you do not have one, I have some on hand.
Glamour, Boudoir and Maternity - Go overboard! If you can, I strongly
suggest having your hair and makeup done. I have worked several times with Lauriane Rutberg of
www.laurianerutberg.com. She knows
how to apply makeup for the camera. If you cannot see her, ensure your stylist
applies heavy eye makeup (smoky eye), a very good concealer and foundation, and
false eyelashes. Lips should have colour as well. Have
a look in fashion magazines or music videos for great ideas on how your makeup
should look and ideas on clothing. For maternity, I use fabric to produce a
very dreamy, ethereal look. Your hair should be soft and have movement. Don’t
forget your fingernails and toenails. Practice some looks in the mirror so you
can get to know how you look best. If you are not sure what to wear, feel free
to bring different outfits and we can choose the best ones together.
3. Should I bring something along to my family/children session?
If
your child has a favourite toy or prop you would like photographed, or a
musical instrument, sporting equipment etc., feel free to bring it along. Pets
are also welcome, but please let me know in advance. It is understandably hard
for young children to stay still for very long. It often helps to bring
"bribes" in the form of favourite treats, chocolates or small toy. If
you forget this, I always have treats. Try to remember to bring a comb to touch
up unruly hairdos during the session. I have wipes and a spray bottle of water
on hand.
4. How long after the session will my photographs be ready?
I do
not overcrowd my bookings, so I am able to spend the time required to work on
your photographs and have them ready in a timely fashion. Other than weddings,
you can expect to have your finished product within 2 weeks of being advised of
your choice images at the latest. As there are considerably more photographs
taken for weddings, you should expect to see your photographs posted to my
website within 30 days from your wedding under most circumstances.
5. Do you provide prints?
I am
pleased to offer the highest quality prints and enlargements with a lustre
finish. The colours are true and will not to fade over time. Mounting and
laminating is available on enlargements. I am also able to provide a variety of
albums, storybooks and brag-books, and the very popular canvas mount prints.
See the Investment
section of my website for print and product price list.
6. Some final words...
Trust
me. I am not a department store photographer so do not expect those
highly-posed, smiling directly at the camera square on photos. I set aside an
hour with your child or children and will get on the ground with them get them
engaged and excited. I am an artist, so
although I appreciate some input on what you like, I do have my own unique
style of photography.
Sometimes the best photos are the ones when the child is peeking out shyly from
behind their blanket or your legs, giving me a huge pout, or talking with me
about their new puppy and hardly notice the camera. You are welcome to
participate in the photo shoot with your child by making them giggle but please
do not ask them to say CHEESE! The best smiles are natural.
Be aware that not every session will go smoothly with everyone cooperating and
sitting up straight. The kids may be shy at first. They may pull each other's
hair. They may cry and not want to smile at all. They may run around the
studio. When this happens, just relax and go with it. Your children will pick
up on your anxiety and things will get worse before they get better. We can
always take a break and try again. I am a mom as well, and I totally get it!