The Art of Portraiture SVP Photography
Calgary
Calgary
The Art of Portraiture by SVP Photography is a home-based portrait studio specializing in custom family portraiture. Custom sessions begin with a design session in which Shelley assists you in selecting the mood and style of portraits you would like created.
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What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
Lighting, posing and composition are important, but when photographing people there must be a genuine connection between the photographer and the subject. You are counting on the photographer to bring out the best in you, and that includes your expression. Shelley encourages you to "feel" into what you want your photo to express not just to put an expression on your face. Most people have been encouraged to "smile" or "say cheese" all their lives. Having plenty of time to become comfortable in front of the lens helps you to let go of your "picture" face and relax into who you really are. As the late Darton Drake said, "A picture is what you look like, a portrait is who you are". Instead of having a picture taken, why not have a portrait created?
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
Why are you having portraits created at this time? Is it to celebrate a special occasion?
Who will we be photographing?
What mood or style would like? (Formal, casual, fun)
Are these photos a gift to yourself or someone you love?
When would you like the printed portraits to be completed?
What do you love most about your job?
Everyone deserved to exist in portraits and I love providing children with a sense of history and allow them to remember their parents and grandparents and be able to show their children the last generation. Children grow up so quickly and I love to create portraits that will be enjoyed well after the babies are in school and the children have left for university or a life of their own. I also love helping women celebrate themselves. Women are givers and nurturers and don't often pamper themselves. I love the opportunity to do that with hair, makeup, a glass or two of bubbly and personal portraits of their choice.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Looking back I realize there were many things that lead me to my second career. One was our house fire at the age of 12. Wel all got out safely but we lost everything, including the family photos. Not knowing what one looked like as a baby or a child affected me, especially when we were asked to bring a baby photo in for the yearbook. I realized how photos provide a sense of history and a sense of self.
I lost my Mom in a car accident. She never liked having her photos taken, putting her hands in front of her face. I wish I had more pictures of her. I also have lost four of my eight siblings over the years. We never know when someone we love will walk out the door and not return.
I was a Speech-Language Pathologist for 20 years when my late husband became ill with Parkinson's, Heart Disease and Cancer. Realizing how short life can be, I decided it was time to retire and enjoy life. I always had an interest in photography and planned to take it up as a more serious hobby. That quickly turned into my second career when I joined The Professional Photographers of Canada and began to learn the technical and artistic elements of photography and portraiture. I fell in love with life again!
Why should our clients choose you?
I could say because I have won awards provincially, nationally & internationally or because I was Alberta's and Canada's Portrait Photographer of the Year, but I actually think you should hire me because I love what I do, I care that you will love your photos as much I love creating them and if you don't I will either reshoot or give you 100% return of your session fee.
Baby Portraits
When you have your baby portraits created by me you have your choice of having a full body massage while I photograph your baby or having professional hair & makeup done and be in the photos too!
Book a complimentary design session to plan your baby's next portraits.
Children's Storybook Portraits
We have a variety of Limited Edition Storybook Portrait Themes available each year. Each theme is only available to ten families and as always only one session is booked per day so you and your children will never feel rushed. Your child(ren)'s face will light up when they choose their outfit and enter the set, from The Enchanted Forest to The Winter Wonderland. These sessions are so much fun, for the children, the parents and me!
Classical Children's Portraits
Shelley loves portraying the shy, the innocent and the rambunctious child, from toddler to teen. The first thing she tells children is "You don't have to smile". Then she typically asks the parents to stay just outside the studio, out of the child's sight. The results are being able to see into the child's soul.
Having worked in daycare before becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist exclusively with children on the autism spectrum Shelley knows how to encourage the best from children of all ages.
Family Portraits
Having Family Portraits created at The Art of Portraiture is an opportunity to celebrate your family. Shelley only books one session per day and makes it easy on everyone. Women and girls come first, professional hair & makeup is available and each of you is photographed individually and together.
Then the boys arrive for the whole family to be photographed and then Dad and the boys individually and together.
You are encouraged to bring beverages and snacks and enjoy a celebration of family.
Professional Business Portraits
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Do you want a picture of what you look like? Or do you want a photo that sends a message of who you are and what you offer your customers? Book a complimentary design session to plan how to do just that. Shelley would love to create with you.
