Thank you so much for considering me as your photographer!
A little about me. I'm a Mom of three myself, I've been photographing Calgary families for 14 years and I never take myself too seriously :)

I hope this little guide answers all of your questions and gives you a good idea of what to expect from a session with me!

- Virginia

All About Family Sessions

403.454.8897

virginia@sweetgingerphotography.com

@swtginger

This is the fun bit!

First we'll decide on the location of your session.
This will determine everything else including what you'll wear. 

Your session can take place at your home or an outdoor location we choose together. 
Once your location is chosen I'll send you a style guide which will help you choose your outfits for the session. If you'd like to send me photos of what you're planning to wear by all means do, I'm here to help!

This is also when I want you to tell me exactly what you're looking for from our session. I'll send you a short questionnaire to fill out that will help get us both on the same page. 

After all, these are YOUR photos and I want you to love them!

Family sessions are candid, natural and relaxed. I want to photograph you and your children as you are. Taking time to watch your interactions, leaving you to play and laugh with each other helps me get those natural photos we love. I try to capture both peaceful moments and the fun chaos. 

Before the Session

Day of Your Session

Here we are!

I'll send you a reminder the day before just so that we're all on track.
We'll meet at your home or the location we chose and off we go!

Expect that we will be taking photos for an hour. I won't immediately start shooting.
A little chat helps loosen everyone up and gets the kids comfortable before we begin!

Typically we'll use a few different spots to get a good variety in your photos. 
This also helps if the kids are getting antsy!

If you need to stop for snacks or a break this is totally fine.
I always plan for a stop sometime during a session.

Once I feel like I've gotten a good variety of images and the ones you were hoping for
you can give your child whatever you bribed them with. (Just kidding! Not really...)

After Your Session

Okay now the easy part for you!

Sit back and relax, I'll take care of the rest.

My editing style is simple. I want your photos to be timeless. Flawless skin, great light, vibrant colours. 

You can expect to see all your edited images in two weeks. They'll be presented to you in a custom made slideshow that you can share with friends and family as well as a password protected gallery from which you can order products.

Yes. ALL of the edited images files are included in your session fee!
(Cue happy dance!)

The files can be downloaded immediately from your online gallery.
Here you can also optionally purchase prints, albums and so many other beautiful products I have available.

Packages

collection i

*ALL PACKAGES ARE PAID FOR IN
TWO INSTALLMENTS

$850

1 hour session
50-60 fully edited images
password protected online gallery

collection ii

collection iiI

1 hour session
50-60 fully edited images
A password protected online gallery
A downloadable custom slideshow
AND
A 13X11 Coffee Table book featuring all of your images 
AND
4 - 5X7 prints
2 - 8X10 prints

$1100

$1475

I keep backup dates available in case of inclement weather. 
There is no charge for rescheduling our session. Calgary weather is notoriously unpredictable so I typically wait until the day before to reschedule a session.

Yes! If you have kids I expect your house will have some mess. Please don't worry about this, it doesn't faze me at all.  If needed, I'll help you move furniture/clutter around as we go. I've photographed in hundreds of homes and I've never found one that didn't work. Every home has good light, some I just need to search for a bit more than others.

This is probably one of the biggest worries of parents before a session. I get it! You've got high hopes and you just want everyone to be on their best behaviour. I have a lot of patience with kids. Whether they're shy, over-excited, you name it, I find the more easy-going I am the better the results. I'll never get frustrated. I love playing with kids and the goofier I am, the more relaxed they are with me.

Believe it or not this is very common for my clients to say to me. None of the people you see on my website are models. They're all everyday people. I have my tricks to make you look your best.

Absolutely.
There is an optional Model Release Contract to sign but if you'd prefer to keep your images private you may request at that time.

You bet! They're a member of your family after all. Pets are welcome to join in!

Yay let's do this!
Send me an email to virginia@sweetgingerphotography.com and we'll come up with a game plan for your session. After that I'll have you sign the Photo Session Contract and submit a 50% deposit online to secure your session date. The remaining 50% is due the day of our session.

Um!!!! These photos are seriously amazing!!! Amazing!! I cried my little heart out. I can't stop looking!

- The Wagil's

Wow Virginia! Every year I'm blown away by your work. But this year is the best yet. Looking back on that day, I can't believe you were able to capture all of these incredible moments. I'm thrilled with the proofs and I love the location!

- The Desousa's

Thank you so much for coming out!! I love them! You are truly the best at what you do!!!

- The Connell's

Thank you for all your hard work and artistic eye, we so appreciate it and will treasure these photos forever.

- The Sauter's

I just came home and watched the slideshow over a giant cupcake and a cup of coffee. I'm not a cryer. But I cried! You ARE amazing!

- The Howatt's

1 hour session
50-60 fully edited images
A password protected online gallery
with a downloadable custom slideshow
AND
A 13X11 Coffee Table book featuring all of your images 
AND
2 - 16X20 Canvases

Your Questions Answered

What if it rains/snows?

Can we do an at-home session even if our house is tiny/dark/messy?

What if my kids don't cooperate?

Help! I'm not photogenic at all!

Can I keep the images from my session private?

Can my pet be part of the session?

Alright I'm ready to book, now what?

Still not convinced?
Some sweet words from former clients... and click HERE for my Google reviews.