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Why hire a Calgary family photographer when you have a designated family picture-taker on hand? Your family member has probably taken hundreds if not thousands of photographs on their smartphone, and I’m sure they’re well-cherished. There’s nothing wrong with using your phone’s camera for everyday memories, but maybe it’s time to do something a bit more special for your loved ones with a professional photographer from Calgary and celebrate in print than photos stored on a device that are hardly seen or when you get your yearly memory reminder from Facebook.
Whether you’re local to Calgary or you’re planning a vacation here or heading to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Banff, investing in a Calgary family photographer will be a blessing for a lifetime.
When you’re searching for the right photographer and services, you might have some questions about what to expect. To help you achieve your family portrait dreams, I’ve put together the details and frequently asked questions below.
Before I go too much further, I would like to introduce my Family photograph and portrait photography business to you, known as OKES Portraits. Click here to learn more about OKES Portraits.
I keep OKES Portraits separate from my wedding business as my family and portrait photography are their own genre. I wish not to confuse the two businesses as both companies are established and extremely successful. I’m so proud of OKES as well as GW Photography, and I’m here to serve you. For headshot and branding photography portraits I think you’ll like to explore this also.
Your Calgary Family Photographer
Family photography comes in several different categories but can generally be described as professional family portraits, maternal and newborn portraits, or family vacation photography. As you narrow down exactly what you want out of your portrait photography experience, the details will determine the setting and process involved.
As your Calgary family photographer, I can help walk you through the process whether you know exactly what you want or need some guidance. Instead of making you fill out impersonal forms, I will talk with you directly over an initial phone call.
During this first conversation, my main goal is to learn about your family and what’s important to you. By building a relationship with you personally, I will be able to highlight the essence of your family through intuitive portraits.
Depending on the situation and where your family is most comfortable, we will then decide on your photographic experience setting. We have many incredible options for your family shoot from your home, outside, take a day trip to the Canadian Rockies, or even take a private helicopter to the top of a mountain.
Once the session is over, I will include you in the design process. You will get to be involved in how we curate a cinematic experience that best highlights your family during your personal cinematic design consultation.
To top off your experience, you will be able to choose which ways are best to display your new family portraits from several luxury options.
Family Photographers in Calgary
Are you looking for a Calgary, Alberta family photographer? There are three important things you should keep in mind when choosing the perfect fit. Pricing, experience, and style define most of what a photographer offers you as a professional.
Budget
Most people tend to look for affordable options when choosing photographers, but you should be careful not to go with the first person to offer you the cheapest price. The worst thing would be to pay the money to get professional photography but end up with photographs that don’t properly capture you and your family.
Most of the time, if you have found a photographer you really like, there are ways to stay on budget. You should express your needs and expectations to the photographer and see how they can serve you best.
I offer competitive prices, but photography is still an investment. Keep in mind that the product you’re buying will be worth the cost if you’re paired with the right professional!
Experience
You don’t always have to go with the most experienced photographer, but you should make sure the professional is well-versed in the kind of photography you want. They should have a substantial gallery you can review.
If you have any concerns, pick up the phone. The perfect Calgary family photographer will be able to field any questions and concerns you have with professionalism and expertise.
Style
When you are working with a professional artist, they can tweak what they do to match your desires, but the fundamentals of their work will stay the same. If you can point to photographs that the professional has shot and know that you want something similar, that’s a great way to pick a photographer and communicate with them!
It is better to choose a photographer who already offers the type of pictures you’re looking for rather than asking them to do something completely different. Look through their galleries to see how they work. For example, some photographers like to play with more contrast while others focus on bright, crisp portraits.
No style is wrong, only different and entirely up to preference. You should also apply this to personality. Some photographers might be more hands-on, while others blend into the background while they take your portraits.
The only way to know is to communicate with them!
Calgary Newborn Photographers
If you have recently welcomed a little one into the family, congratulations! This is such a special time to celebrate. Children grow so fast, so it’s important to capture how they look and behave now so you can cherish it forever.
One of the most important things to capture, other than the cuteness of your newborn, is the depth of emotion that comes with this new chapter of life. You must be full of love and excitement, maybe even a little scared or in awe. All of these emotions are natural and beautiful, and I would love to capture them in professional portraits.
As an experienced newborn Calgary photographer, I know how to mix posing and candid styles to achieve the authenticity of your new parenting experience. I will get both shots of your baby alone and with you so that you can highlight both the new life of your child and your beautiful new family unit.
Family Photography
Family photography can come in so many different forms and styles, completely informed by you. You can have portraits taken in your home, a special place, outside, or a studio. I am completely ready to travel to you or set up my studio for your portraits.
When choosing a professional photographer, you will be able to get advice about what to wear and how to pose so that your portraits come out natural, beautiful, and ready to be displayed.
I personally have a fabulous wife and two great boys, so I understand the importance of family and what it can be like to do things together.
Hire The Perfect Family Photographer
It’s a beautiful thing that you’ve decided to hire a professional to capture your family’s love through family photography. As an experienced and passionate Calgary family photographer, I am ready to get to know your family personally and anticipate your needs.
For all of your photography needs, reach out today to book a session! I look forward to speaking with you.
FAQ
What should we wear for our family photography session?
What you should wear for family portraits will largely depend on when and where you are having your session. If you are having portraits taken outside, you’ll want to dress comfortably for the season and wear colors that make you stand out but yet compliment the setting.
If you are having portraits taken in your home, make sure to stand out from your home decor without clashing with it. You don’t have to match with each other exactly, but try to pick one or two focal colors and textures that all members can use to inform their outfit choices.
Keep in mind how you will be displaying these pictures on your wall as wall art. Think about how your outfits will look against the backdrop while being displayed as wall art!
What are the options for printing and displaying our portraits?
As a premier Calgary family photographer, I am proud to offer several different ways to display the portraits that you worked so hard to achieve. You can choose to have your portraits made into wall art collections, mounted in luxury portrait boxes, or displayed in fine art albums.
What is the average cost for family portraits?
I am happy to offer competitive pricing and work with you to achieve your vision on your budget. Family portrait sessions start at $150 and include the initial phone call, photography session, and a photo reveal so that you can pick which portraits you’d like to purchase.
How do I prepare my newborn for portraits?
Some of the best photography sessions with newborns happen when you’re newborn is happy, warm, and full. It really helps to feed them right before the session so that they get sleepy. You should also be sure to bring extra cleaning supplies like baby wipes and fresh diapers so that any messes can quickly be fixed.
What should we wear for newborn portraits?
Because we want the focus of the portraits to be on your newborn and your new family, it is usually best to pick soft and neutral colors and stay away from bold patterns. Try to wear clothes that are comfortable and don’t need to be adjusted constantly.
Can I get family videos taken by a photographer?
I am excited to offer you family cinematic films! These great products can capture your family bond and personality as well as your favorite things to do together as a living memory. Some of my favorite family films have been of families playing together in their backyard or interacting comfortably in their homes.
How do we pick a setting for our family portraits?
Work with your Calgary family photographer to get advice and choose the best location. Think about where your family would feel most comfortable and free to be themselves. You should also keep in mind what you hope to achieve from your portraits in terms of feel and how you will display them.
Can pets be in family portraits?
Of course! Pets are members of the family and can even help members to loosen up and act more naturally. Just make sure to keep your pet on a leash, bring treats, and consider how well-behaved they are around strangers and in different settings.
