Portrait photography — Calgary
It starts with an idea of you.
I make portraits for individuals, models, and artists who want something personal, not just a set of standard photos. I often come in with a direction, then we shape it together around your style, what you want from the shoot, and what will make you look and feel your best.
The offer
One portrait session.
I offer one session rather than a list of packages. We plan about 1–2 weeks ahead, shoot for up to 2 hours on location, and finish 10 photographs. Your ratings show me what you love; I use them when I choose the final set, then retouch and colour grade each photograph individually.
Most sessions are outdoors in natural light, with flash when the idea calls for it. Studio sessions are available when the concept needs one.
- Concept planning and creative direction
- Location scouting around Calgary
- Help with wardrobe and accessories
- The full proof gallery within 5 business days
- 10 fully retouched photographs
- A colour grade built around the whole shoot
Jasmine
We wanted a warm, sensual retro R&B feel. Black streetwear, gold jewellery, body oil catching the light, and an 85mm lens brought intimacy and warmth to the portraits. As the sun fell, we moved from the rust of the bridge to the greenery of the park. I finished the set with a soft, glowing grade and used Latent to emulate 35mm film.
How it works
From idea to finished gallery.
The idea
Usually I start with an idea of how I want to photograph you. I'll tell you what I'm thinking, then we talk through what feels right, what you already own, and what you want from the shoot. If the wardrobe is missing something, we can go thrifting or adjust the idea. Booking one to two weeks ahead gives us room to do that without rushing.
The shoot
Up to two hours on location in Calgary, usually outdoors in natural light, with flash when the idea calls for it. I'll give you direction throughout, but I still want the shoot to feel light and collaborative rather than stiff. I often record a little behind-the-scenes footage for my own content; when I do, you're welcome to use it too.
The proofs
Within five business days, I send the full shoot in a Capture One online gallery. You rate the frames from one to five stars, and I pay closest attention to your fours and fives. I choose the final 10 with your preferences and the shape of the full set in mind.
The finish
I retouch and colour grade the final 10 one by one. I think about colour from the beginning — your skin tone, the wardrobe, location, time of day, and light — so the finished set feels like the idea came together, not like a look was pasted on at the end. I aim to deliver within three weeks after you rate the proofs; four weeks is the outside limit.
Karis
The goal was bold, weird, and editorial — something that makes you double-take. Off-camera flash and Karis's magenta sweater made her pop against the blue sky and grit of Beltline alleys. We leaned into the 16mm distortion with limbs pushed toward the lens, ladders, and shopping carts. No idea was too weird, because weird was the point.
Retouching
Retouched, not rewritten.
I remove temporary blemishes, stray hairs, and anything distracting in the frame. I don't make people thinner, reshape their bodies, or change their features just because I can. I want you to look as good as possible and still recognize yourself.
That matters even more to me now that so much imagery is generated or heavily altered. I want the person looking at the photograph, and the person in it, to be able to trust what they're seeing.
The details
What to expect.
- Session
- CAD $450 · 10 finished photographs
- Time
- up to 2 hours on location, booked 1–2 weeks out
- Payment
- 50% reserves your date; the rest is due when your finished gallery is ready
- Proofs
- The full shoot within 5 business days; rate the frames from one to five stars
- Delivery
- Target 3 weeks after selections, promised within 4 weeks
- Usage
- Personal, social, and model or artist portfolio use included; commercial licensing is scoped separately
- Weather
- We reschedule without penalty if the weather would hurt the shoot
- Changes
- One date transfer with 48 hours' notice; if I ever cancel, you choose a reschedule or a full refund
Fit
Who I photograph.
Most of my work is one-on-one with individuals, models, and artists. It's a good fit if you want direction and a concept built around you, rather than family photos, corporate headshots, or a quick batch of standard portraits.
I'll sometimes photograph a couple when the idea genuinely feels right for two people. If you're unsure whether your idea fits, send it to me and I'll tell you honestly.
Questions people ask
Do I need to come with an idea?
No. If you have one, bring it. If you don't, tell me a little about yourself, what you want from the photos, and what you're drawn to. I can build a direction from there, and we'll shape it together.
How far ahead should I book?
One to two weeks is usually right. That gives us time to develop the concept, plan the location and light, and sort wardrobe without rushing.
What happens if the weather turns?
We reschedule without a penalty if the weather would work against the shoot. I'll keep an eye on the forecast and make the call with you.
How does payment and rescheduling work?
Half reserves your date; the other half is due when your finished gallery is ready. Need to move the date? One transfer is included with 48 hours' notice. Costs I can't recover — like a booked studio rental — stay with you. And if I ever have to cancel, you choose: reschedule or full refund.
What can I use the photographs for?
Ordinary personal and social use, plus model and artist portfolios and submissions — all included. Commercial campaigns and licensing are a separate conversation; email me and we'll scope it properly.
Do you shoot in a studio?
Yes, when the concept calls for it. I don't keep a permanent studio, so rental and lighting costs are quoted separately and approved before anything is booked.
Start
Start an inquiry.
A few sentences is enough. I read every inquiry and reply personally from hi@ohqay.com.