What to Expect from Your Portrait Session
A Thoughtfully Guided Journey From Start to Finish
At Jillian Faulkner Photography, every Calgary portrait session is a carefully curated experience designed around you and your family. From your very first consultation to the moment your finished artwork arrives, every detail is thoughtfully considered. The location, session wardrobe and timing, as well as how you’d love to enjoy your final selected images in your home. This guided approach ensures a seamless, enjoyable, and truly memorable experience from start to finish.
Step One — The Pre-Session Consultation
Every exceptional portrait begins long before the camera takes the shot. Your Calgary portrait session starts with a pre‑session styling and concept consultation, where I take the time to understand your vision, your style, and how you’d love to enjoy your final images.
During your consultation, we’ll talk through:
✦ Session style and overall concept for your portraits
✦ Location options — in my Hudson Lofts studio or outdoor location in Calgary or surrounding communities
✦ Wardrobe guidance and styling suggestions for you and your family
✦ Your vision for finished artwork, from gift prints to wall art and heirloom albums
Step Two — Your Portrait Session Day
With over 15 years of experience photographing families, professionals, and everything in between, your portrait session day is in exceptionally capable hands. Every session is thoughtfully paced, gently guided, and designed to feel as enjoyable as the final images look.
Whether you’ve chosen a studio session in the heart of downtown Calgary or an outdoor location that holds special meaning for you, you’ll be supported through every moment with confidence and care. From expertly directed posing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the experience is crafted to feel relaxed and natural, resulting in imagery that feels effortless, authentic, and truly extraordinary.
Step Three — Your Image REveal & Ordering Appointment
Approximately two weeks after your session, you’ll be invited to the studio for your personal image reveal and ordering appointment. This is often one of the most exciting moments of the entire experience. Your images are presented on a stunning 70" 4K screen, allowing you to see every detail of your portraits in their full, breathtaking glory.
During this appointment, you’ll be able to:
✦ View your gallery and select the images you wish to purchase
✦ Preview and handle the exquisite product collections my studio offers
✦ Design wall art, albums, and digital collections tailored to your home
✦ Make your final artwork selections with expert guidance every step of the way
I kindly ask that all family members who participated in the session attend this appointment, as the decisions made here will shape the artwork that graces your home for generations to come. For clients located outside of Calgary, virtual viewing appointments are also available upon request, so you can enjoy the same curated experience from afar.
Step Four — Delivery & Artwork
All ordered products are carefully prepared and ready for studio pickup within approximately four weeks of your order being placed. Every piece is inspected to ensure it meets the highest standard of quality—because your memories deserve nothing less. Digital files you purchase are delivered via secure direct download, so your images are both safely backed up and beautifully preserved for years to come.
Building Your Family Legacy
It’s one of the greatest honours of this work to welcome families back year after year—watching children grow, families evolve, and legacies unfold through beautifully crafted portraiture. For families who return each year, every portrait session is thoughtfully designed to complement and build upon what we’ve already created together. This keeps your family photos feeling fresh, cohesive, and as dynamic as your family itself. The most extraordinary thing about a portrait isn’t just what it captures today—it’s what it will mean twenty years from now.
Are You Ready to Begin?
Your portrait experience starts with a simple conversation. Book your consultation today, and let’s create something truly extraordinary together.
Portrait Session Planning & Inspiration
Planning a portrait session with a Calgary family photographer should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you’re searching for the best family photographer in Calgary, preparing for your first professional portrait session, or looking for guidance on what to wear and how to prepare, my studio resources are here to help.
As one of Calgary’s trusted family photography studios, Jillian Faulkner Photography is committed to ensuring that every family feels fully prepared, completely at ease, and genuinely excited long before they ever step foot in the studio. Browse the latest tips and inspiration below to help you plan the perfect Calgary family portrait session.
