If you’ve never worked with a professional Vancouver portrait photographer before — or it’s been years since your last session — you might be wondering what the experience is really like. Is it awkward? Will you know what to do? How do you prepare? And how do we make sure the images feel like you?

Whether you’re booking a family session, a milestone portrait, updated headshots, or something just for you, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect from start to finish. My process is warm, simple, and designed to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera — even if you usually don’t.

Portrait photography is about so much more than taking a pretty picture. It’s about capturing your connections, your personality, and the season of life you’re in. And when done well, it should feel relaxed and enjoyable from beginning to end.

Let’s walk through the experience.

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1. A Collaborative Planning Process

Every great portrait session starts long before the camera comes out.

When you book a session with me, I start by learning a bit about you — who you are, who will be in the photos, and what you want the final images to feel like. Are we creating something light and joyful? Warm and intimate? Clean and modern? More editorial and confident?

You don’t need a perfect vision. Most clients come to me saying, “I just want something that feels like us,” and that’s more than enough. From there, I guide you through:

• Location selection — whether an outdoor spot, an indoor studio I rent, or your home

• Wardrobe guidance — colours, textures, and silhouettes that photograph beautifully

• Session timing — based on ideal natural light or studio availability

• Styling suggestions — especially for families and headshots

• What to bring — snacks for kids, lip colour or powder for adults, sentimental items if you want them included

You’ll never feel left guessing or overwhelmed. The planning process is intentionally simple and personalized so you can step into the session feeling prepared and supported.

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2. Gentle, Natural Direction (No Stiff Posing)

One of the biggest fears I hear from clients is, “I’m not photogenic,” or, “I never know what to do with my hands.”

You don’t have to.

As a Vancouver portrait photographer with years of experience working with families, professionals, and people who don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, I give you gentle direction throughout the entire session.

Think of it like guided movement, not stiff posing:

• I show you flattering ways to stand or sit

• I direct where to place your hands

• I offer prompts that help create natural expressions

• I adjust anything that feels awkward (hair, clothing, angles)

• I make sure kids are relaxed, engaged, and having fun

The goal is for you to feel like yourself — confident, natural, and at ease — and for the images to reflect that.

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3. A Calm, Comfortable Session Environment

Whether we’re photographing in an outdoor location, a rented Vancouver photo studio, or your home, the environment matters.

I choose locations that feel calm, uncluttered, and allow room to move naturally. For families, I make space for kids to warm up, explore, and settle in without pressure. For headshots and portraits, I curate a space that feels private and relaxed so you can focus on being present, not being perfect.

Your session will feel:

• unrushed

• calm

• kid-friendly

• simple

• comfortable

Most clients say at the end, “That was actually really fun.”

That’s exactly how it should feel.

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4. A Photographer Who Anticipates Your Needs

As a mom of three and a photographer specializing in people — from tiny newborns to busy executives — I’ve learned that anticipating needs is the difference between a good session and an exceptional one.

That means:

• I see when kids need a break

• I can read your expression before you ever say, “Can we try that again?”

• I help fix hair, adjust collars, and smooth dresses

• I remind you to relax your shoulders

• I help you stand in the most flattering light without making it feel awkward or staged

• I adapt the session to fit your energy and comfort level

My role is to guide you into the best possible light and moments while making it feel effortless for you.

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5. A Blend of Guided Portraits + Natural Moments

Depending on the type of session, I like to create a mixture of looks so you end up with a gallery that feels rich and complete.

You can expect:

• Classic portraits — everyone looking, relaxed, and beautifully composed

• Connection-focused moments — laughter, cuddles, movement

• Individually directed portraits — headshots, personality-driven images, or milestone shots

• Candid-style storytelling frames — a quiet moment, a hand squeeze, a toddler snuggle

This mix gives you both the timeless images you’ll frame and the more natural images that capture the heart of your season of life.

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6. A Stress-Free Experience for Kids (and Parents)

For families, my approach is rooted in patience, play, and connection.

Kids don’t need to be perfect. They don’t need to sit still the whole time. They don’t need to smile on command.

I let kids be kids — curious, silly, energetic, shy, or anywhere in between — and I work with who they are instead of forcing them into a moment that feels unnatural.

From one mom to another: you can relax. Let me guide. Let them be themselves.

Those are often the moments that become your favourite images anyway.

Read more about me and my approach here.

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7. Professional Editing That Feels Natural and Timeless

You’ll never receive overly retouched, airbrushed, or trendy-edited portraits.

My editing style is:

• warm

• true-to-life

• soft

• timeless

• clean

• artistic, without being overly processed

I enhance the image in a way that honours the real moment — subtle adjustments to light, colour, and skin tone, without erasing the details that make you look like you.

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8. A Thoughtfully Curated Final Gallery

Once your session is complete, I begin the editing process. You’ll receive a fully edited gallery — no unedited images, no guessing, no extra work on your part.

Your gallery will include:

• consistent tones

• a blend of posed + candid images

• storytelling depth

• beautifully cohesive visuals

• a curated set (not 300+ overwhelming options)

From there, you can select your favourite images to purchase based on your collection.

And if you purchase artwork or albums, I guide you through designs to ensure everything matches your home’s aesthetic.

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9. A Portrait Experience That Feels Personal

Above all, working with a Vancouver portrait photographer shouldn’t feel transactional or overly staged.

It should feel like:

• an exhale

• a moment to pause

• a way to see your family, or yourself, with fresh eyes

• a meaningful experience, not just a photoshoot

Whether you’re booking portraits for your children, yourself, your business, or your entire family, my aim is always the same — to create images you’ll treasure now and decades from now.

Portraits aren’t just for this season. They become a part of your legacy.

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