Q&A
Q: What is your Cancelation Policy?
A: All lifestyle sessions require a non-refundable retainer to book a date. If your session is canceled or rescheduled, your retainer will be applied to your next scheduled date. Retainers are held as a credit for future sessions. Mini sessions are paid upfront and can be used as a credit to Full Sessions in the future. Continuous cancelations done by the client will result in loss of retainer.
Q: What about bad weather?
A: We know how quickly the weather can change! If there's a high chance of rain on the day of your session, we'll be in touch to discuss options like moving up your time, switching locations, or rescheduling to a different day. We make these decisions together on the day of the session to ensure the best experience. In some cases, we might also reschedule due to extreme heat, smoke, wind, or other weather conditions.
Q: What should I bring to Family photos?
A: Feel free to bring your favorite blanket, though I'll have one on hand. Don't forget water, a stroller for little ones, and of course, yourself! Try to limit what you bring, like bags and phones, as they’ll likely end up on the ground during the shoot. If your little one has a hard time focusing on the camera, you’re welcome to bring someone they love to stand with me and help capture those sweet smiles.
Q: What should I bring to my Engagement photos?
A: You're welcome to bring a second outfit, but keep your session simple so we can truly focus on you. If you have something special in mind—like champagne to pop, a guitar, bikes, a canoe, your favorite vehicle, or even fun props like smoke bombs or sparklers—feel free to bring them along! Let's make your session uniquely yours.
Q: What do we wear?
A: I recommend choosing clothing in earthy tones. This doesn’t mean avoiding color, but rather opting for shades you might find in nature. For example, if you're thinking pink, go for a soft dusty pink. If you like yellow, try a mustard shade. For orange, consider a warm rust, and for reds, think deep cranberry.
Avoid everyone in the same tops and bottoms. Instead, choose 2-3 colours and have everyone compliment each other. Mix your materials, textures, and items to give your photos interest.
I could go on for days, but instead here is a link to my Pinterest board for more inspiration. Never hesitate to reach out for further help.
https://www.pinterest.ca/melissatoyephotography/
Q: How long does it take to get our photos back?
A: For lifestyle sessions, including minis, family, maternity, newborn, engagement, mentoring, branding, and more, your photos will be delivered within two weeks of your session. For weddings, expect your images within two months of your special day.
Q: Can I share with my vendors, friends, family?
A: Absolutely, feel free to share your wedding photos with your vendors! I just ask that they tag my business if they use the images on social media. It would also mean the world to me if your friends and family could do the same when they share. Thank you so much!
Q: Best place to print my photos?
A: When you receive your photos through your online gallery, you’ll have access to a gorgeous print shop where you can order the highest-quality prints. If you choose to print elsewhere, I can't guarantee the quality, but I’ve had some success with the following options: Staples for larger prints, Costco, Mpix.com, and Photobook Canada. Just keep in mind that results can be hit or miss, and you may need to request reprints occasionally.
Q: Can I bring My Dog?
A: Absolutely, bring your dog! I love working with pups. If your dog tends to get easily distracted, consider bringing someone along who can take them for a walk mid-session. This way, we can capture some shots without your furry cutie while keeping things relaxed and fun
Q: How are the photos Delivered?
A: All of my sessions and weddings are delivered digitally. I provide the Digital JPEG versions of your photos through an online gallery. This gallery is a beautiful visual representation of our time together, offering easy downloads, print options, and the ability to share with your loved ones, no matter how far away they may be.
Q: How long have you been shooting?
A: Over 16 years, and full-time since 2012! I’ve been capturing Weddings and beyond since 2010 as well. This is a one-of-a-kind job that I adore!
Q: Whats your take on photography?
A: I love a quote I recently heard: “You can’t capture the magic without the messy.” In the chaos, the messy moments, and the emotional times, I see the beauty of your story. I don’t expect kids to sit perfectly still or weddings to go off without a hitch—that’s just not how life works. Instead, let’s embrace the chaos and go with the flow. I strive to keep my approach laid-back and easygoing, aiming to make our time together as stress-free as possible. Life has enough stress; photography shouldn’t add to it
Q: Why Goldenhour? What is this?
A: Have you ever sat outside in the evening when the sun is low, and everything looks peaceful, beautiful, and bathed in a warm glow, thinking to yourself, “I love this time of day”? That’s because the hour before the sun sets is truly magical for lighting. This golden hour not only offers endless location options but also creates a soft, flattering glow on your skin, reduces harsh shadows, and makes even the simplest settings look cinematic. It’s a time many photographers, including myself, absolutely adore for its gorgeous light.
Golden hour can start as early as 3:30 pm in some months and as late as 8:30 pm in others, so keep this in mind when booking if your heart is set on an earlier time, but you want that glow. May and June have the latest sunsets, while fall and early winter have the earliest. Many clients, including myself, have found that later naps, choosing closer locations, and the fresh air can help little ones stay up later than usual.
Q: What if I need a session earlier in the evening?
A: No problem if you need to start earlier in the day! We can work with a location that provides ample shade to avoid harsh sun. I do suggest booking as late into the evening as possible though for a more flattering light. Let’s work together to find a location that best suits your start time.
As a parent myself, I understand the importance of sleep schedules and nap routines.
Q: I’ve never done this before? Do I need to know poses?
A: No! I will do all the work for you. You just need to show up with an open mind and I will do the rest. If you have ideas, feel free to let me know, but it’s not necessary. I’ll tweak your positioning when needed, and fix your hair!