NOT SURE WHERE TO START WHEN IT COMES TO STYLING YOUR SESSION? PORTRAIT magazine&sessionguide WE CAN HELP THEWHATTO WEARGUIDE
HI'm the heart-centred creative ( photographer and graphic designer) behind Essence Photography & Design. I have called Regina home for the last 19 years and have been blessed to have been doing photography as my side hustle for the last 15 years while raising a family. I'm a mom of two amazing boys (23 & 14) and the sweetest mini doodle. One of my biggest accomplishments to date, (besides my kids)is graduating with a diploma in graphic communications in 2020. 2024 is my years to to step back into my calling and open back up my studio.
My “WHY”
I'm passionate about capturing life's authentic moments and the beauty found in everyday life. More than just capturing images, I specialize in crafting timeless keepsakes. From our initial consultation to final viewing, I'm dedicated to providing a personalized experience. With a strong emphasis on quality, I offer exquisite prints, archival folio boxes, and custom gifts, ensuring your memories last for generations to come "
HEART-CENTERED BUSINESS MEANING:
A heart-centered business involves operating in a way that gives back and positively impacts the world while aligning with their core values
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Table of Contents
1 WELCOME TO ESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN LEARN MORE ABOUT MELISSA
3 THE PHOTOGRAPHY PROCESS WHAT TO EXPECT
5 WHAT TO WEAR STYLE GUIDE LET US HELP YOU
7 BUNDLE IT! SAVE MONEY WITH A COLLECTION
8 WHAT WE OFFER FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS
9 TIPS AND TRICKS HOW TO MAKE YOUR SESSION ROCK
10 KIND WORDS WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING
E S S E N C E
Photography Process
Let’s Talk
Once I get your inquiry we’ll book a time to meet and talk about your vision. If you don’t know were to start, that’s ok too. I will ask you questions and we will come up with a game plan. After we select a date, I will send you a contract to make it official
STEP One
Photo Session
This is the fun part! Today is shoot day! I will make this a fun experience for everyone! Most lifestyle session last aproximentally an hour but as kids can be unpredictable or take time to warm-up I only plan one session per day so that we can capture your vision
STEP Two
Reveal & Viewing Appt.
Two weeks after your photo session, your images will be ready to view in the studio. There will be a slideshow to watch and then the fun of selecting your images will begin.
STEP Three
Touch-Ups & Delivery
Once you place your order, the retouching magic begins. I polish up your images and add a little extra sparkle. Typically, I remove fly aways, clean-up and smooth the skin, whiten teeth and other photoshop magic.
STEP Four
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E S S E N C E
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WHAT TO WEAR STYLE GUIDE
Tips on what to wear
STICK TO ONE OUTFIT
Don’t make things more complicated then they need to be! All you need for an awesome lifestyle session is one outfit for everyone. Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and can put your kids in a grumpy mood.
CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR
If you’re planning to hang your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colourful nursery, then wear vivid outfits.
COMPLIMENT, NOT MATCH
The day of all white shirts and khaki pants are long past! We want colours that generally complement each other: so for instance, soft colours (light blue, grey, blush) or warm colours (brown, orange, burgundy), If you want colourful images, then you should choose a more vivid colour scheme for your outfits!
Say yes to......
COMFORT
Above all, if you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
PATTERNS
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints! They can work great in moderation. Try one statement piece (for instance, a colourful floral dress for mom) and one subtle pattern (maybe tiny polka dots for baby girl), and then keep the rest of the family more simple.
LAYERS & ACCESSORIES
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints! These are the quickest way to take your outfits from average to amazing! Think scarves, blazers, cardigans, belts, jewellery, fun socks, and hats.
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WHAT TO WEAR PALETTE IDEAS
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LIFESTYLEPricing Guide
Booking fee is $249 and the covers the planning, the reveal, the photo shoot & editing.
$475
Planning session
In-person reveal 5 edited digitals
1 - Matted 8x10
Custom photo phone app.
Collection One
DIGITAL COLLECTION
$650
Planning session
In-person reveal 8 edited digitals
2 - Matted 8x10
Custom photo phone app.
Collection Two
$999
Planning session
In-person reveal
12 edited digitals
3 - Matted 8x10
Custom photo phone app.
Collection Three
$1450
Planning session
In-person reveal 10 matted 8x10
Archival keepsake folio box with USB
Custom photo
phone app
Collection Four
$1875 FOLIO COLLECTION
Planning session
In-person reveal 15 matted 8x10
Archival keepsake folio box with USB
Custom photo phone app
Collection Five
$2250
Planning session
In-person reveal 20 matted 8x10
Archival keepsake folio box with USB
Custom photo phone app
Collection Six
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SAVE $249 SAVE $499 SAVE $686 SAVE $489 SAVE $800 SAVE $1279 New Collection Pricing!
A LA CARTE
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8x10.................................................................. Matted 8x10................................................. Custom Pillow .......................................... Slide Show .................................................. 5x7 Acrylic Frame..................................... One Digital ................................................. All Digital .................................................... Empty Folio Box & USB.......................... GIFTS Guide 95.00 149.00 99.00 199.00 99.00 95.00 999.00 349.00 CustomPillow 5x7AcrylicFrame 5x7BabyAnnouncement KeepsakeFolioBox 16x20WallPortrait 16x20 Frame................................................. 24x36 Frame................................................ 40x60 Frame .............................................. WALL PORTRAITS 899.00 1299.00 1699.00 25 Cards ........................................................ 50 Cards ........................................................ 75 Cards ......................................................... 100 Cards ....................................................... 5X7 SINGLE SIDED CARD 62.50 125.00 187.50 200.00 3 frame colours to choose from Baby announcements, grad & Christmas cards Cards are designed & printed in-house for quick turnaround. White envelope come with.
LIFESTYLEFrequently Asked Questions
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO I DO?
I focus on lifestyle photography, capturing moments for families, maternity, graduation, pets, and baby milestones such as smash cake sessions and baby's first year. Additionally, I offer business headshots and branding photography services.
IS THE BOOKING FEE REFUNDABLE?
The booking fee is typically non-refundable, but exceptions may be made based on individual circumstances. For instance, if you're unable to attend due to illness, we're happy to reschedule your session for a later date.
WHEN WILL I GET MY FINISHED PRINTS?
I take pride in delivering timely in-person reveals approximately 10-14 days following your session. The timeframe for receiving your final product depends on a few factors. Firstly, once payment is complete, I proceed with ordering your product. Secondly, the type of product you've selected also impacts delivery time. Digital downloads are available immediately, while items like pillows may take up to 3 weeks for delivery.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELATION POLICY?
We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, especially with children. While we do not offer refunds for no-shows without prior notice, we empathize with situations such as illness. We kindly request that you provide as much notice as possible, ideally 48-24 hours before your session, as we begin preparations well in advance.
HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION TAKE?
Typically, a session lasts about 1 hour. However, I understand that children may need some time to adjust to new surroundings and a new person. I'll work patiently with them to ensure we capture the images you desire. As long as the kids are enjoying themselves, I'll continue shooting. On the flip side, I value punctuality. If you're more than 30 minutes late without prior notice, your session will be shortened to 30 minutes as a courtesy to my time.
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LIFESTYLE Testimonial
Melissa is a kind & comfortable photographer. She made us feel at ease during the session and we received our image within weeks!
Laura
ReginaSK
Melissa was not only a master behind the camera but also a true professional from start to end. We had a good time with her doing the “Mommy & Me” session, she had a variety of baby headbands & helped with selected the outfits. We are pleased with the outcome and how smartly and authentically she captured our special moment.
Eliane
Regina SK
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