FAQ

These are the 24 most popular questions we’ve been asked about portraits and the Accent Photography studio operation. 
If this selection doesn’t cover your needs, please
call us!

Do you offer gift certificates?
How do I book a session?
How much will it cost?
How long will my photo session take?
What should we wear?  (In general)
What should we wear? (Specific)
Can we include our pet?
Will you come to my home?
After the session, what’s next?
How can I make use of my photos?
How do I go about choosing my portraits?
Will you touch up my photos?
Personal viewing or online ordering?
What are some portrait and print options?
Where do I get frames?
How long will my order take?
Where is Accent located?
Do you have a cancellation policy?
What about copyright?
Will you give us the digital files?
Do you do other types of photography?
Can you help me find a studio in another city?
What about referrals?
Why do portraits cost so much?
 
Gift Certificates
A gift of fine custom portraiture is a gift that someone will forever cherish.  While gift certificates are a great choice for any occasion they are especially loved at baby showers and seasonal gatherings and are available in any denomination.

Some opportunities:

Newborns, Christenings, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Engagements, Weddings, Graduations, Anniversaries, Parents, Grandparents, Families, Friends, Reunions and other events.

 
How to book a session.
Call us at Accent Photography on the 403.271.4120 line and tell us what type of portrait you are wanting and we can discuss the details, dates and times available. Once we’ve settled on a date, we’ll then ask for payment of the session fee. This is a non-refundable fee that holds your date and time.  Please contact us if you are unable to keep your appointment as a no show will mean forfeiture of the session fee.

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 How much does it cost?
The session fee is normally $100-$300 and allows us to spend as much time as needed to capture truly beautiful images of your child or family.  This fee also includes a one hour Viewing/Selection time to be booked after your session is completed.

Gift prints start as low as $25 and portraits for wall decor start about $250.

All of your portraits are custom printed, include professional retouching and are almost always protected with several coats of anti-UV non-glare lacquer to keep  your images healthy for years to come. You can wipe off any fingerprints or dust with a damp cloth with ease!

 
How long will my session take?
Most sessions with families or children will take about an hour. We will set up various poses and, if outdoors, use different locations.  If it’s a large family group, we’ll photograph the complete group first and then subgroups and individuals as required.

For newborns or infants, one to two hour session time is set aside for you and your little one/ones so that we have plenty of time to capture what we need to make you happy and to allow for feedings, snacks, and cuddles from parents if needed.

Please note: If the kids aren’t cooperating, pressure and stern commands will not help.  Sometimes a little bit of humour or a quick break will win the day…

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What should we wear?   In general

You know the expression “keep it simple…”

  • Simple garments in medium to dark tones of blue, brown, grey or burgundy are good choices when being photographed against a medium or dark background. And, because darker clothes are slimming, these are often the best choice. Black works well too, although a little more dramatic. White to beige or pastels are best for High Key or all-white sessions.
  • Proper clothing coordination is especially critical for family group portraits. You don’t want any individual to stand out because the clothing is too light or bright compared to the rest of the group or because it contrasts with other colors.
  • Clothing that is too tight or too loose will not hang properly and may have too many folds or creases. Avoid clothing with words, small straps, logos, stripes and loud patterns.
The bottom line is that we should be looking at faces, not the clothes!
 
 
General Clothing Guidelines & Specific Session Suggestions
There are no hard and fast rules about what you should wear for your portrait, but there are some guidelines you may wish to consider when planning your photographic session…Wear what you like and feel comfortable in!
  •  Choose either formal or casual clothing for the family members - e.g. try not to have one person in formal wear (for e.g. business suit) while all others are wearing casual style clothes.
  • Try to avoid high fashion - classicly styled clothing will not date as quickly. If it’s to be a colour portrait try to think if the colours compliment  or clash.  Strong colours can be very striking (or may overpower), while pastel colours offer a softer feel and work well for babies and small children giving a “fresh” look.
  • For Black and White portraits, choose simple clothing and avoid strong patterns and logos, especially corporate branding! If unsure, please bring along another change of clothing or two.
  • So when choosing wardrobe for your session these are the things to keep in mind:  Avoid clothing with loud, heavy patterns or logos.  They can distract from the subject in the photo.  Solid colour neutrals and midtones, such as beiges, browns, blues, denims and earth tones photograph beautifully.  Keep it simple and comfortable.
  • Tight restrictive clothing offers challenges for your comfort and posing.  And we suggest women bring a make up bag for touch ups and loose powder if you are prone to oily skin.
  • Above all, don’t stress out over the session. We are here to help. And the more relaxed you are the better the results.
 Hair and Makeup
 
Your normal make-up is fine; prepare yourself for your portrait session as you would if getting dressed for a special occasion - hair and make-up as you like it.  Probably not the time for something new unless you’re going for a dramatic look. It is important that you feel relaxed and comfortable and enjoy the session!

Professional hair and make-up artists can be provided for a fee. Please let us know in advance.

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Maternity Studio Sessions
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life.  As the baby within you slowly shapes your body, pregnancy portraits will provide you with lasting memories long after the new precious life arrives.
  • To provide you with as much variety in your images as possible, it’s best to bring several pieces of clothing.  Tank tops and yoga pants, though they may be snug, provide a beautiful silhouette of your belly.
  • An oversized, solid coloured, men’s shirt with jeans that won’t do up anymore are also flattering with your tummy peeking out. Wear or at least bring black undergarments to your session. And lastly, beautiful lingerie such as a camisole or matching bra and panty set offer a romantic feel.
  • We can provide a collection of fabrics to wrap around you.  They offer a flowing and more sensual photo.  When being photographed with your partner or existing children, please be sure to bring a few clothing options for them that coordinate with your wardrobe.
  • If dad is included, have him wear a plain black short sleeve shirt and dark pants, (jeans are fine).  If a child or children are to be included please have them in simple attire, no patterns or logos please, color is usually not an issue as it will often be I black and white.  No need to worry about shoes, bare feet are best. Keep jewellery simple and no watches please.
  • Pack a make up bag for touch ups and bring hair clips if you have long hair.  Your hands and your partners‚ hands should be well groomed as hands are an important prop in maternity portraits and will be prominent in the photos.
 
Newborn Studio Sessions
Conceived in love, you grew and grew.  For nine long months the world awaited you.  Now that your precious little one has arrived it’s time to preserve those unique moments that only a newborn can provide.  The Newborn Session is our most-loved session of all.  Each infant being such a miracle inspires us to create unique, beautiful portraits you will cherish forever.  
  • The most successful newborn sessions are taken in the first few weeks of life.  The babies are generally smaller, sleepier and easily posed into position.  It’s important to us that this be a relaxing experience for you.  Having a baby can be overwhelming.  If you are calm and relaxed, chances are your baby will feel its surroundings and be at peace too.
  • We prefer to photograph newborns au naturel‚ but also suggest packing a bag with a few favourite outfits, cute hats and baby blankets.  Parents’ hands and arms have proven to be great props in newborn photos.  Please wear or bring a black long sleeve turtleneck or jersey.  This is an essential piece if you desire a seamless looking portrait.
  • If dad is included, have him wear a plain black short sleeve shirt and dark pants, (jeans are fine).  If a child or children are to be included please have them in simple attire, no patterns or logos please, color is usually not an issue as it will often be I black and white.  No need to worry about shoes, bare feet are best. Keep jewellery simple and no watches please.
  • You can expect your session to last between 1-2 hours.  This allows for feedings, diaper changes and cuddles between images.   Don’t forget a diaper bag full of all the essentials.   If your baby accepts a soother it’s recommended to bring one as it may help to calm a restless little soul. 
 
Babies/Children Studio Sessions
With their enthusiasm and budding personalities a baby or child delivers a guarantee for a unique portrait session.  Whether you choose bright solids or softer pastels it’s important to choose the wardrobe wisely.  Colour of clothing can help emphasize your child’s‚ hair or eye colour or just provide a natural background for the face.
  • We strongly recommend packing a bag with several clothing options.  Denim overalls or jeans, dresses, colourful hats and accessories are a few suggestions. Coordinate separate pieces to create different combinations.  While matching dress shoes are good, it’s usually best to kick off the shoes and see those little piggies.  We can work together at your session to piece items together with suitable backgrounds.
  • Please try to avoid directing the children during their shoot, eg. 'smile' or 'don’t do that' etc.  Our photographer has years of experience working with babies and children and is extremely patient.  It can take a while for children to relax and this is anticipated. Every child and every session is different. And, after all, it is not necessary to smile in every photo…
  • We find most children are best photographed in the morning but only you know when your child is in top form.  You can expect your session to be between 1-2 hours.  Please consider meal and naptime when requesting a session. And feel free to bring favorite toys, hobby items or costumes.
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Family or Group Studio Sessions

One of the most common questions asked is, “What should the whole family wear?”.  The general guidelines outline some of our suggestions. However please take into consideration your style.  If you are posing for a more formal picture your attire should match it.  We much prefer to capture families in the heat of the moment.  For example, photo taken while you are interacting with one another makes for a great candid photo and a refreshing change from the traditional but useful “ look at the camera” pose.

Consider comfortable clothing with coordinating bottoms and tops.   For example, everyone in dark bottoms, like jeans, and light tops will create a sense of unity or harmony within the portrait.  Or, a good rule of thumb is for everyone to try and stay in the same colour family.  Be willing to throw the shoes and socks off for some fun, casual pictures. On Location, earth tones like greens, browns or burgundy work well. Any of the fall colors look great.
 
Please remember our general rule: keep clothing simple. Avoid loud busy patterns, logos and bold, contrasty (eg. red) colours.  We should really be looking at the faces and not the clothes. The goal is to create a classic, timeless piece you can enjoy for many years.  You should expect your session to last 1-2 hours and achieve several different groupings or poses.

   
Can we include our Pet in our family photo?
Pets are always welcome. After all, they are part of the family. Let us know in advance if you are planning to bring in your pet. We’ll include this member in some or all of the photos. If possible, the pet should remain in a carrier when he/she is not being photographed.
 

Will you come to my Home?
Your home or anywhere else that will make it more convenient, more interesting or lead to greater satisfaction. And we don’t even charge extra unless it’s beyond the city limits.  See also Global Portraits

 
After my Session, what’s next?
After your session you will be invited to book a Viewing/Ordering Session time. This is when you will see a slideshow of images edited from your session. Viewings are usually available within a week.
  • Print orders are to be placed at the time of your viewing, so it is best to come with an idea of what sizes you might want for walls or albums and number of gift prints you will need for friends and relatives. It is a good idea to measure wall spaces for any wall portraits. Of course, we can assist you with all this. It is important, at least, that all decision-makers attend this session.
  • Half the investment will be due at the time the  print order it is placed and the balance is due when the portraits are completed.
  • Print orders normally take 3-4 weeks to complete, although rush orders can be done faster for an additional fee.
  • Greeting cards and birth announcements can often be crafted within one week if requested, at no additional charge.
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How can I make use of my photographs?
The portraits can be displayed individually or in groupings, in albums and on the wall in numerous wall décor sizes.  They should all be framed in some fashion and we’ll have lots of suggestions and options for doing so.

Your portraits can be given as gifts or be on display at your home or office and will serve as both a tasteful reflection of your decorating style and a tribute to the ones you love. They will eventually prove to be family heirlooms. See also: Print Options

  
How do I choose my portrait images?
After your session is complete we will invite you to book a Viewing/Ordering Session time.  This time will be set aside at our studio or in your home exclusively for you. You will have the opportunity to view your portrait session on a large projector screen in our viewing room (or on a laptop) to make your final selections. Please make sure that everyone involved in the decision-making process is in attendance.

It is recommended that you come with a list for prints and sizes you may need for walls, albums and gifts for family. And it will be easier to concentrate on the choices if the young ones are left at home.


Will you touch up my portraits?
Yes. All of our portraits get at least basic enhancements: facial blemishes, eye lines, stray hairs, etc. Extreme work or creative changes may require extra time and fees.

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Personal Viewing vs. Online Ordering
At Accent, our clients enjoy beautiful photography and they look to us to create it with them.  In order for us to create the look they want, it is necessary for us to be a part of the process of planning, photographing and of image selection. We spend the same amount of time with our clients, giving them our expert advice and going over all the options in their order session, as we do taking their images during their photography session.

We have tried using online ordering in the past and our clients found it impersonal, frustrating, and time consuming.  In an online photo website the images are too small to really connect with; there’s not enough info and the options cannot all be explained (eg. why image A will work better than image B).  And when placing an order online clients cannot receive the guidance necessary to create the beautiful finished portraits you expect.

Online ordering may sound convenient, but it simply amounts to getting less service and more annoyance.  We’re here to help!  Are those other studios just a bit lazy…?
 
 
Portrait Prints and Options
 
• Portrait Collections and Individual Prints
 
Photographic Portrait Prints are available in any size. Though we tend to use mostly conventional dimensions (8x10, 20x24), we are also quite willing to create dramatic combinations for extra effect (eg. 10x40 inches). We are happy to discuss all your gifting & decor needs.

All ordered prints receive basic enhancement retouching:  removal of blemishes, scratches and reduction of darkness or wrinkles under the eyes are all included in the print prices.  Each image is respected as its own individual piece of art.  We want you to be proud to decorate the rooms of your home with your new portraits or give them as gifts to loved ones.  When selecting a portrait package or individual prints please remember you may combine them to best fit your needs.

 
• Gallery Wrapped Canvases

Make a dramatic statement with a deep edge Gallery Wrapped Canvas.  Truly an outstanding way to make your portraits into a piece of wall art. This is a canvas mounted print stretched over and across the depth of a support frame to set it off from the wall and allow you to see the edges.  It also means no framing required so it has a clean, contemporary look. It comes ready to hang!  Available in standard and custom sizes.


• Storyboards
 
Tell a "story" and capture the essence of your portrait session with a series of photos.  Storyboards come in several standard sizes and are available in two finishes.  All varieties come ready to hang!
 

• Hard Cover Coffee Table Books
 
Coffee Table Books are the perfect way to display a large quantity of photos from your session.  These professionally printed, hard cover bound books, with leather or fabric covers, are sure to be a conversation piece. No two are alike!! And they come in a variety of sizes to suit your keepsake and gifting needs.


• Accordian Shelf Albums
 
These little cuties are great when viewed as as album, but are even cuter when displayed open on a shelf.  Each opens up to reveal an accordian style display.  They make great gifts for grandparents or proud family members.  Perfect for a shelf or desktop showing!!
 

• Custom Photo Announcements / Greeting Cards

Introduce your new addition to the world with a custom designed photo birth announcement.  No two are ever alike and are designed to coordinate with the images of your choice.  Includes all digital effects and personalized text.  A great addition to any thank you cards.

Minimum order quantity is 30 announcements. $50.00 creative design fee  $2.50 per card.
 

• Session Archive DVD
 
The Session DVD will provide you with a slide show of all your sessions images.  It is beautifully programmed to be viewable on either your DVD player or computer.  Commemorate your images like a digital photo album.  May be set to music if you desire.  All images appear as they do at your viewing and are low resolution to prevent reproduction and protect copyright to the photographer.
 

• Gift Certificates

A gift of fine custom portraiture is a gift that someone will forever cherish.  While gift certificates are a great choice for any occasion they are especially loved at baby showers and seasonal gatherings and are available in any denomination.
 
Some opportunities:

Newborns, Christenings, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Engagements, Weddings, Graduations, Anniversaries, Parents, Grandparents, Families, Friends, Reunions and other events.

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Where do I get frames?

Truly the “finishing touch” of any fine portraiture, framing must be both complementary to the image (so as not to distract the viewer’s attention from the subject matter) and an appropriate accent for a given room’s furnishings. A frame completes the look. For this reason, we include a frame (or frame credit) in the pricing of almost all our photographs (not cards, wallets, etc.).

And so, we take care of the framing for you. How convenient!  We have 100’s of framing options (we do our own framing in house) in both standard and custom sizes.

 
How long will my order take?
Most print orders take 3-4 weeks to ensure the best quality portraits possible. More complicated projects may take 4-6 weeks. Birth announcements or greeting cards are usually available in 1 week and rush orders can be done for an additional fee.

 
Studio Location
Accent Photography is located in SW Calgary at 1842 31 Ave. SW. and easily accessible from Crowfoot Trail or 14 Ave. SW. We are open 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday on an appointment only basis so that we can ensure the best one on one customer service possible. For your convenience, we can arrange evening and weekend appointments as well.  See map in CONTACT.


Accent Cancellation Policy
As a courtesy to the studio and other clients, please contact us at the earliest possible time if you or your child becomes sick and you are unable to keep your appointment.  We will gladly reschedule your session for a later date.  However, if you do not call, your session fee may be forfeited.
 
Due to the custom nature of our work, and the digital retouching and preparing of images, all sales are final. There will be no cancellations once the order has been placed. It may be possible, however, to add additional images to the total order.
 
We have been exceeding clients’ expectations for over 20 years. If for any reason any finished portraits are not what you envisioned, please do not hesitate to let us know.
 
Prices are subject to GST and may change at any time without notice.

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Copyright Information
All images are copyrighted © by ACCENT Photography.  Copyright law states that it is illegal to scan, copy or reproduce images created by Accent Photography.  In order to maintain the highest quality and integrity of work, as well as the reputation of Accent Photography, please do not alter or reproduce any images without written consent.

    
Do you give us the digital files?
While it has become common practice for some photographers to shoot and then give a DVD of files, it appears that these are the ones that will essentially abandon you when the job is only half done. In other words, who’s going to do the retouching and make the custom prints or build the albums?  And, if the files are printed at a Big Box store, will they look like the images you expect to receive from a professional like Accent?  Not likely, well, not at all!  For the same reason we seldom upload to the internet for editing or ordering (unless it’s a wedding), we will not abandon you half way.  We want you very satisfied and we want you to come back.

We will, however, be happy to create viewing files which you can share online or, in special circumstances, we can negotiate for individual files.

 
Do you do Other Types of Photography?
Yes. We specialize in photographing people and we love to create for commercial clients as well as varieties of Photoart used for décor.  Take a look!
  
 
Can you help me Find a photographer in another city?
Sure. We know great photographers across the country. If you need a family portrait in Vancouver or Toronto, for example, we’ll be happy to put you n touch…

   
Referrals
We love to hear from and about your referrals. We are s-o-o-o grateful. It makes us feel loved and appreciated! And you’ll get a bonus for referring too.  Give us a shout!

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Why do you charge so much for your portraits?
The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the custom work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.
  •  It’s not off the shelf. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph you and your family, give you devoted one on one attention and create beautiful images unique to you.
The digital revolution has brought amazing new skills and flexibilities to the market and the ability to better control or enhance various factors during the image taking and making process but many will ask,  “How in the world can you charge $50 or $200 for an 8x10 if it costs me $2 to print at the Big Box store?”
 
The answer to this question is multifaceted.  Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, not to mention the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
  • For instance, time inputs from a photo session include: Prep, travel, set-up, session, uploading images, backing up files, editing, prepping files, slideshow production, order taking session, print production, packaging, delivery. Likely, on average, 12-15 hours per client.
  • Then there’s Overhead: rent/mortgage, taxes, vehicle, equipment, lab fees, advertising and marketing, etc.
  • To become the studio you want to deal with ie. being well known for quality creative work and having a good reputation has costs of time, training and materials on the photographer’s part.
  • And a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to maintain their reputation. To create good work continual learning is a must as is the necessity of  good equipment. Reliable equipment and even back up equipment is a necessity.  The photographer who desires to be known as the go-to studio reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is offer reliability, dependability, new ideas and techniques.
Clients who enjoy taking a more active role in the creation of their families’ memories have the desire to own portrait art that is truly personalized.  These more discerning clients will budget and allot time for a custom photography session.  Many clients opt for a once a year special experience, some opt to have custom photography sessions done to record their child’s stages in life and some choose other intervals.
 
Having said this, it is clear that custom photography is not in everyone’s budget. It is something that most families save for to splurge on from time to time to memorialize their children and families as they really are as opposed to the cookie cutter studio version.

And by paying more money you are getting great service, better choices and a superb end product: hopefully heirloom quality images.
 
The beauty of custom photography is in the choices and in the luxury of those options.   And the knowledge that your final images are the result of someone caring about those moments so much that they take extra time ensuring that the artwork you receive is good enough to stand with their name on it.

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