Family and group photo sessions are one hour long, allowing everyone time to enjoy themselves without rushing. An hour allows time to change outfits, touch up hair and makeup, soothe a crying baby or calm a puppy. Lullaby Club Sessions are 30 minutes as they include Maternity and Baby photo studies which are usually fine within a 30 minute photo session.
We suggest casual and comfortable clothing. If you are looking for formal portraits, then more sophisticated outfits will complement this style. If you are not sure what will look best on camera and you have booked a one hour session, bring several outfits. We always suggest using lots of color, texture and accessories. Check out our Photo Gallery for ideas on wardrobe and great colour combinations.
Avoid running shoes, white socks and heavy footwear. Dark shoes and socks are best. Also, consider fashionable boots, sandals or bare feet for casual photos.
IMPORTANT: The photography studio floor is white so street shoes are not allowed in this space. Please bring clean footwear to change into before your photo session.
Solid monochromatic colours are easiest to coordinate but primary or complementary colours also look great and bring energy to the photograph. Be careful of using too many prints or checks. Fine stripes and checks can cause distortion to digital photographs. Dark pants or jeans with dark shoes give texture and visually anchor a portrait. When choosing colour schemes, consider not only what looks best on your family, but also what colours will look best in wall portraits and complement your home’s décor.
Props bring out the personality of adults and help kids feel more at ease. Some of the best props are hats, teddy bears, favourite “blankies”, musical instruments, sports equipment, skateboards, dance costumes and toys.
Think of yourself as the “costume designer” for your photo session. It is all about styling and planning. The more time you invest in choosing a wardrobe for your photo shoot, the happier you will be with the results. Leaving the details to the last minute creates stress and takes the fun out of the day. Don’t hesitate to consult with us on options for colours and accessories.
It is often windy on Beacon Hill, so don’t forget to bring your hairbrush and styling products. Our best tip for makeup is to keep it natural and avoid eye shadow or blush with glitter or sparkle. The reflection can cause distortion to the photograph. Matt finish makeup is always best.
If you are looking for a stylist for your photo session, we suggest Allison from Make Me. A professional stylist will give you the casual, yet polished look of magazine style photos. Allison from Make Me is available at an hourly rate of $60 and can usually style a family of four within one hour. Visit www.makeme.ca and check out the Photography Packages. Please let us know if you are booking a stylist to help you get ready for your session. We will make sure that our hair and makeup area is prepared for you.
If you are considering a wall portrait or “Art for Your Home”, decide where you will hang the portrait. Measure the area and consider what format will suit the space – horizontal or vertical, square or landscape, large portrait or a collection of smaller photos. Better yet, take a snapshot of the wall and show us the space you are decorating. Visit our Image Gallery for inspiration. You will also want to give prints to family and friends so make a list and consider the size each would prefer.
Parents often express that it is difficult to view their images with their children at the Preview appointment. For your convenience, we suggest making your viewing appointment for a time when you can come without your little ones. We understand, however, that this is not always possible. If you will be bringing your children, please let the receptionist know their ages and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The best way to create continuity in a family or group photo is to dress in the same style and colour combination – monochromatic (shades of the same color), complementary
(blue/green), contrasting or primary colours, are some options. This takes some planning, especially for family reunions, but the results or worth it. After you have decided on wardrobe colours, ask everyone to visit our website TIPS and review our advice on footwear, hair and makeup.
Just prior to your session, feed and undress your newborn, keeping your little one warm in a favourite blanket. Hopefully, he or she will fall asleep so that we can capture some “lullaby” moments. The most precious images show the intimacy between parent and newborn. For this reason, and to make the photo session most comfortable for your baby, we ask that you come prepared to have your picture taken while holding your baby in most of the shots. Please know that newborn and baby photo sessions are somewhat unpredictable, so if your baby gets fussy we will reschedule another session at no additional charge.
The best time to have your baby’s picture taken is when he or she is sitting up. At this age he/she is full of smiles and giggles. Bring your latest outfits and don’t forget your baby’s favourite blankets, and toys. Hats are also great accessories and add character to close-up poses.
This is the time to capture your toddler in action – crawling, walking and running!
Toddlers love to play! Candid shots tell great stories so bring his/her favourite toys, hats and blankets to complete the picture.
Maternity photos are the perfect images for your baby’s photo album. In addition to your individual portrait, you may want to include images of you with your partner and your children. The best time for a maternity photo session is at 5 - 8 months of pregnancy. Most mothers-to-be are looking for semi-clothed poses. Men’s dress shirts are a good wardrobe choice, revealing only what you want to. Solid colours and pastel tones are best. Our Image Gallery will provide you with ideas for poses and outfit styles.
We welcome your family pets, but please have them well groomed prior to the photo session. Bring smaller pets in a carrier and larger dogs on leashes. Don’t forget your pet’s toys and treats and try to keep him/her calm. The bright lights and studio environment can make some animals nervous, so please do not bring your pet if there is any possibility that he/she may become aggressive.
LIGHTS. CAMERA. FUN! Your Grad photo session will be almost like a fashion shoot. Wear your prom dress and then consider doing a wardrobe change into a more casual look. Include your prom date or friends from your graduating class and make it a party!
The Life Experience will showcase your personality and style! Bring a few wardrobe changes and show off your various looks and moods. Most actors and models purchase their best images on CD along with full copyright release so that unlimited copies may be made.