FAQ

I offer a range of professional, custom curated photoshoots. My style is varied and includes both classic portraiture and more modern, magazine-style sessions. From dressed up in formal portraits to dressed way down in my Come as You Are sessions, there is a portrait offering to suit your needs. I also offer custom studio headshots and personal branding sessions as well as studio maternity photo shoots.

Photo shoots in our Red Deer photo studio are custom created with you in mind, and this experience includes everything.

We start with conversation and continue on that thread throughout your experience - you’ll have many opportunities to connect to yourself and let me connect with you while we plan your transformational experience to achieve results that will take your breath away.

Part of our conversation prior to your session day will include session planning (what’s your vibe?) and wardrobe planning (how do we make YOUR clothes look their best and tell your story how you want it told).

Based on your wants and wishes, you’ll relax while our professional hair and makeup artists bring your vision to life.

With hair and makeup done and wardrobe all planned out, you’ll be ready for your moment - and not to worry, you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own. I’ll explain my vision for each outfit or set, then professionally guide you through ideas and poses that will bring out the parts of you that you’re wanting to showcase.

Once your experience has come to an end, you’ll be walking on air and looking fantastic as you leave the photo studio - maybe you’ll take yourself out for a fancy meal?

I think every day is a milestone, and every day you deserve to be celebrated. How many birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions have passed by without fanfare in your life? It’s sometimes up to you to create your own moment, you just have to start believing that you are worth it. And you are.

This photo studio is right here in your back yard, and I’m here to help you realize that every moment is worth celebrating and you are reason enough as you are. Practice a little self care and book that photo shoot!

Who you are right now deserves to be documented, and you’re reading this FAQ today for a reason - this experience is something you want to give yourself now. You have my permission and encouragement to jump in using your current body (this version of you is a version your people love, you know)?

If you have areas of your body that you’re sensitive about, we have lots of time to talk about that. Rest assured that by using pro lighting and posing techniques, we’ll be focusing more on your heart and soul in the finished image.

And if you do end up changing somewhere down the line, you’ll be even more excited to come back and do it all again.

I hear this a lot and understand your fears - we’ve all taken “bad photos.” With trust and guidance though, we can all be surprised by how “photogenic” we look.

According to an article titled “You Can Learn to be Photogenic” written by Michael Walters and posted in The Atlantic, “when someone gets called “photogenic,” what people are really referring to is a practiced sense of ease in front of the camera—and the ability of a photographer and photographic technology to capture it. Photogenicity, in this sense, is more nurture than nature.”

So, building a trusting relationship with your photographer will lead to an ease in front of the camera that will change your mind about photogenicity.

I understand how it feels when you’re not sure if you belong or whether you’ll be welcomed and celebrated. Please rest assured, you are welcome in this photo studio and will be celebrated here, and yes, this is for you.

This experience is for anyone who identifies a desire in themselves to feel seen and recognized in a unique and beautiful way. As a photographer I endeavor to include as many different types of people in my portfolio as I can so that people will recognize that there is a place for them here. Also, while I have attended conferences and photographed models, almost none of them are pictured in my website gallery.

All you need is an open mind and a bit of an adventurous spirit, and I’ll guide you (and your feet and hands) the whole way.

Most definitely. This is a major part of what makes my photoshoots so comfortable for my clients. From the first conversation we have, I’ll be guiding you on wardrobe choices. My hair and makeup artist will provide expert guidance and opinion on how to help you look your best, and throughout your photoshoot I’ll be giving you direct instruction on exactly where to put your hands and whether or not you should smile. Photoshoots are intriguing and exciting, but I know they can also be nerve-wracking and scary. It’s important to have a photographer you trust - I’ve got you!

I combine a thoughtful, individual-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what I do—it’s how I do it that sets me apart. Your experience is fully guided and custom curated and includes professional hair and makeup artistry. Lots of planning goes into your photoshoot, and part of the success we achieve comes down to the warm relationship we build with each other through the process. I don’t want to just take photos of you - I want you to connect with yourself and find your own reason “why,” and then help you realize the results you’ve been seeking. Check out my about me page for a few more details on my philosophy.

Just as my session offerings vary, the cost varies alongside. For custom photoshoots in my Red Deer photo studio you will pay a session fee of $690 that will cover the cost of your entire experience including all the planning and preparation, plus your hair and makeup and the photoshoot itself. A portion of that session fee ($500) will be applied as credit to whatever products (albums and artwork) you decide to purchase. What you ultimately spend will depend on what you fall in love with and choose to purchase. Occasionally I run special event days for headshots and personal branding with a pared-down offering (not customized) or special projects with short-term session fee differences. Sign up for my mailing list to stay in the know!

Payment of your photo session fee is required at the time of booking. The remainder of your payment will be completed at the time of image selection, which may be immediately following your session or some time shortly afterwards. These details will be arranged on a case by case basis.

To book a photo session at our Red Deer photography studio, get in touch using the contact form here. Once you submit your contact details, I’ll get in touch by phone to start planning.

You will receive email communications leading up to your photo session that include instructions on how to prepare for your session, what to wear, and what to expect. We’ll also talk in detail about this during your planning appointment which happens between booking and session day, either at your home or via Zoom. Most of this planning involves getting you relaxed and in touch with yourself and your vision for the session, there isn’t a whole lot of preparation required outside of that practice.

This is a very important question that doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all answer, aside from basic advice that applies across the board.

• Don’t wear clothes that are way too big for you.

• Don’t wear clothes that are way too small for you.

• Don’t wear patterns and logos that take attention away from your face.

The beauty of your custom portrait shoot in my studio though is that you get expert guidance on this question, and it’s based on YOU and your goals. Check out these blog posts (How many outfits should I bring for my photo shoot? and What to wear for your maternity photo shoot) for more info, or download the Crush Your Session guide to get even more details on what to expect and how to prep for your photoshoot.

In most cases, you don’t need to buy anything. Together we will go through your clothing options and design your session based on what you already own, as your own clothing works best in communicating who you are. If there is a specific vibe you want to achieve that would require the purchase of a special piece, we’ll talk about that at the planning stage.

Yes, hair and makeup services are standard with each photo session and included with the session retainer unless explicitly stated (Come as You Are sessions, for example). Your look will be your choice, from a no makeup look to full glam. Your portrait session is custom curated for you.

In most cases, photography sessions last 3-3.5 hours including hair and makeup application. Photo sessions run at a slow and easy pace, with plenty of room for conversation, wardrobe changes, and breaks where needed. It is recommended that you book yourself out for a full day to let yourself enjoy the time with no pressure. In general, portrait sessions do not run past 2:30 p.m.

This is dependent on the situation and the time allowance on the day of your photo session. If time allows, in some cases we may sit down and look at your unedited photos immediately. If not, we will arrange a time to meet either in person or over video conference within 1-2 weeks of your session. Once you have made your final choices, editing will be completed and your products will be ordered. Delivery of your handcrafted products from Italy can take 6-8 weeks.

You’re welcome to bring a friend to your portrait session to cheer you along from the sidelines and provide support if you feel you need it. Unless you’re doing a couples portrait session, we do encourage you to leave romantic partners at home, it’s easier to fully embrace yourself when you’re not subconsciously thinking about how your partner is perceiving you.

My personal view on retouching is to only remove or “fix” that which is temporary like blemishes and zits. The extent to which I edit the photo generally will depend on the type of session we’ve done. A raw or “come as you are” portrait will get virtually no retouching, where a more formal, magazine style portrait will definitely receive more attention which will include finessing wrinkles in clothing and evening out shadows throughout. I won’t drastically change the shape of your body with editing tools, because you don’t need to be changed! We can however talk about specifics if you have wants, wishes or concerns.

The photo studio is located in Red Deer at 4920 50 (Gaetz) Avenue. This area of downtown Red Deer is comprised of one-way streets, it’s best to consult your favorite map app if you aren’t local. Red Deer isn’t huge, but one-way streets can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the area.

Paid street parking is available throughout Red Deer’s downtown core, with one public parking lot (Lot P4, pictured near the bottom right of the below map) within walking distance. I recommend clients park along 50 (Ross) Street just west of 50 (Gaetz) Avenue. This becomes important because parking in Red Deer is split into different zones, and some zones allow you to stay parked for a longer duration. The recommended parking zone along 50 Street will accommodate your vehicle for up to 4 hours, ensuring you don’t need to leave your portrait session mid-way through to move your vehicle and avoid a ticket.

While the studio is located on the second floor of a heritage building in downtown Red Deer (meaning no elevator!), I do make arrangements with other studio spaces that are accessible for clients with different needs!

Yes, the photo studio is secured by a locked door at street level with another locked door to the studio.