Tag Archives: engagement photos

How to Prep for a Winter Photo Shoot

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It’s been an unusually cold and snowy winter and it’s brought on a few questions about how to prepare for a winter photo shoot. The falling snow and blue skies can reveal a magical feeling and beautiful photos, and we wanted to share with you a few tips on how to survive a photo shoot on a winter day. Because let’s be honest, winter makes up about half of our year in Alberta, so why not learn how to embrace it with your photos!

Here’s some helpful tips to give you the best experience possible for winter photos:

  1. Talk to your photographer about the best location for outdoor winter photos. There’s so many ways you can have fun with winter photos. Some location ideas could be:
    • Skating
    • Sledding
    • In a park
    • In the forest
    • By a river
  2. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your outfits. Adding a pop of colour in winter photos can give a cheery feel on a cooler day. Purples, emerald greens, and blues look beautiful in winter photos. And don’t be afraid to liven it up with some patterned clothes or a patterned scarf!
  3. Dress warmly. Layers are a good idea because there may be periods of time where you are in the same position for photos without consistent movement, you could start to feel cold. Bundling up is a good idea so everyone stays happy and warm 🙂
  4. Consider bringing a blanket or a large scarf. Aesthetically pleasing warm blankets and scarves can make for cozy photos and also keep you nice and warm!
  5. Session time may be a little shorter than if it were a session in the summer, for obvious reasons. We don’t want you to freeze while you are having your photos taken. Talk to your photographer about having the most important photos taken at the beginning while everyone is warm and in good spirits.
  6. Gloves and toques are A-ok! We want you to stay warm, so a cute toque or warm gloves is perfectly acceptable. We also recommend you bring along items such as Kleenex and hand warmers if it is particularly cold day.
  7. Consider taking a small break mid-session for a cup of tea or hot chocolate to keep your body temperature up. Bonus is that pictures can also look very adorable when taken as you are drinking from a cute mug.
  8. Have fun! Don’t be afraid to get moving during your session (with your photographer’s guidance). Action shots like snowball fights, skating, dancing in the snow, building a snowman, etc are all fun ideas and help keep you warm!

If you have any questions about your winter photo shoot, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss!

Not having a photo shoot until spring? No problem! We are booking into April and May with a Spring Special – $99 session in Fish Creek and a bonus mini album with any package! Contact us today to book.

Frequently Asked Questions about Photoshoots

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There are a few things to consider when you have a photo session booked with your photographer. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions we get asked about photoshoots, and our answers:

Newborn Sessions

Q: When should we take our newborn photos of our son/daughter?

A: We recommend that newborn sessions take place within the first 5-7 days of life.

Q: What should our newborn wear, and what should we wear?

A: Most of the images of your newborn will be bare, but if you have a special outfit, we encourage you to bring it. For a standard black background, Mom and Dad should dress in (or bring) black 3/4 to long sleeved tops and are welcome to have a change of clothing for a different look.  Jeans or other dark pants are just fine for bottoms.  If you would like a different backdrop please call Jana to let her know so she can plan accordingly.

Q: What else should we bring?

A: If you have any props that you would like in the photos (special  blanket, toy, or article of clothing), we encourage you to bring those along.

Q: How long will the session take?

A: The session will happen at your newborns pace, allowing for feeding and giving him/her time to settle into a peaceful sleep for those perfect images.

 

Children & Family Sessions

Q: When should we take our family photos?

A: We encourage family photos to be taken at any time of year. If you want family photos to give out at Christmas, we recommend that you book a session in the fall. For other special occasions, try to book your photos at least six weeks in advance of the date you will need the prints.

Q: What should our family wear?

A: There are many looks that work very well for both studio and outdoor portraits. Whether you choose to go classic or trendy, make sure everyone involved is coordinated with one another.

For a classic portrait, solid colors are generally best as busy patterns can be distracting and will often become outdated sooner than a simpler design.

Don’t forget about the little things. If you are in the studio, everyone should be wearing the same color of socks or shoes or…. my favorite look is to have everyone in bare feet.

Q: What else should we bring?

A: If you have any props that you would like in the photos (special  blanket, toy, or article of clothing), we encourage you to bring those along. Also, if you feel that your kids might get hungry during the shoot, bring along a face-friendly snack.

Q: How long will the session take?

A: We know that little ones can get impatient. Plan a two hour window for your photos to be taken. It will likely take less time, but we want to leave ample time to capture the perfect family photos.

 

Professional Headshots

Q: What should I wear for my professional headshot?

A: Choose an outfit that fits you well. Make sure it is not too tight(or loose) and that it lays well when you move. Choose dark or bright colors that compliment your skin tone. Solid colors are usually best as busy patterns can distract from your face and are more likely to become outdated. A collar is a nice touch, depending on your business.

Be yourself. Dress the way you would to meet with your best client or prospect. For a regular studio session, you may also bring additional outfits to change your look or add a scarf, hat, or prop that reflects your business.

Q: What should I do with my hair?

A: Don’t make any drastic changes just before your shoot. If you need a cut, have it done the week before if you can, to give it time to settle and so you are used to styling it. Style as you normally would.

Q: What should I do with my makeup?

A: A little extra Makeup is a good idea for your business portrait. Neutral tones are best. The idea is to look your best without looking like you are wearing a lot of makeup. Even if you prefer the natural look, a well matched concealer and powder is a good idea to even out skin tones and mascara and a touch of lipstick will enhance your features. Avoid lip gloss or any glossy makeup as it can create reflections.

Q: Where should my photos be taken?

A: Photos can be taken at our indoor studio. If you prefer a different location, please let us know. Some other ideas are to have photos taken outside against a brick wall, or inside a hotel lobby.

Q: Should I wear jewelry?

A: Simple jewelry is best, it is non distracting and adds the finishing touch for a professional appearance.

 

Weddings

Q: How far in advance should I book my photographer?

A: While you may luck out and find a last minute photographer, it is always best to book well in advance. Once the date is set you can call in to book your wedding photos. Booking well in advance also means that we will have time to offer you a complimentary engagement session and the photos from that can be used for ‘save the date’ cards, invitations, guest signing books, table decorations and many other creative ways for your wedding.

Q: How much time should I allow for wedding photos?

A: If you can plan three hours for your photos it will allow for a more relaxing, fun experience as well as the flexibility to try some different idea and more creative shots. We have certainly done lots with less time, but we love to have the time to give a little extra when possible. Also remember to leave yourselves time to get away from the ceremony location and excited guests that are there to congratulate you. If you can plan to have your receiving line at your reception as you are returning you will have a lot more control over timing but if you do have it right away be sure to leave ample time.

Q: Where should my photos be taken?

A: There are so many wonderful spots in Calgary to have your wedding photos taken. Depending on the location of your wedding and reception, the time you have allowed for photos and the look you are after we will discuss the options and come up with a plan that is best for you.

 

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photo Shoot

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Engagement photos are a fun way to get to know the bride and groom before their big day! It’s always a new adventure capturing special moments between the couple, and using those photos as memories for years to come.

Often times, I get asked by couples what they should wear for their photo session. It’s something a lot of people seem to get hung up on, but here’s some easy tricks to remember when planning your outfit for an engagement shoot:

1) Coordination is good, but you don’t need to go all matchy-matchy! Decide if you want your photos to have a formal look, or more of a relaxed look. If he is wearing a tux, complement his outfit by wearing a nice blouse and skirt. If she is dressed in a fancy dress, make sure he doesn’t come in his favourite hockey jersey.

2) Once you have decided what look you want to go for (formal or relaxed), think about colours. What are your wedding colours? Often times, this will help a couple decide what they should wear. If you know your wedding colours are going to be purple and gold, consider those colours when deciding outfits. We often suggest solid colours for the shirts and pants, but feel free to accessorize and add some patterns to the look with a fun scarf, chunky necklace, or headband.

3) Show your true colours. Black is slimming, but it is not always the best choice. Black can often show every speck of dust and hair, so keep that in mind. Also, try to avoid wearing a lot of white – save that for your big day!

4) Consider comfort so you are relaxed. Some people simply don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, and you want to be relaxed during your photo session. This is not to say you should wear yoga pants and your favourite sweatshirt, but make sure the outfit you choose fits you well and is easy to move in.

5) Play off the location of your photo shoot. If you already know where you want to have your pictures taken, think about the surroundings. Is it in a park? If so, wearing green might cause you to blend in with your surrounding more than you want.

6) Consider the season. If you are having your photos taken in winter or spring, you may want to re-think wearing that fancy short skirt and tank top. If you’re fair-skinned and are doing photos in the early spring, your blindingly white legs probably haven’t seen much sun. Avoid wearing bright colours in those situations, as they can wash pale skin out.

If you have any questions about your engagement photos, talk to your photographer, and they can help you out as well.

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