Planning
The portrait design consultation is the first step in creating a timeless image. Every portrait study is planned and created for each individual client. At this appointment, we will look at sample images and discuss the creative vision for your portrait. We can help guide you in clothing selection and a style that would work best for your type of portrait. With your help we will design a portrait that represents a refined statement of who you are. Preparation is key and helps make the actual day of photographing run smoothly. This will result in a successful portrait experience and provide you with images that will be a priceless legacy for you and your family.

Before coming to your consultation take a walk through your home and make notes of where you would like to see new art work. Perhaps it's your entry table or that gallery you always wanted to create. Remember, our goal is to help you decorate your home with priceless memories in an artistic way.

With a bit of planning your portrait creation will exceed your expectation.

The Portrait Session
Our goal is to create a portrait that express the uniqueness of each child. Since the portrait is already designed and planned, this will be the fun part. We love to photograph with the final image in mind. We photograph in a free-spirited way that creates natural expressions for portraits beyond the ordinary. There is no limit to how many images we will capture of your child during your portrait session. Sessions last approximately one hour but please schedule extra time incase we extend the time because Margie does not look at her watch while photographing.

The Viewing
The most important decision in the portrait process is the selection of images for your home. Your images will be ready for viewing within a few days of your session. It is important that all decision makers are present during this time as this is your ordering appointment. It will last approximately one hour. At this appointment, you will watch your session unfold on the big screen in a slide show. We will guide you in selecting images suitable for the home, at the office, and gifts for family and friends. We offer a variety of products with a dedication to quality, service and satisfaction. Quality takes time so please allow six weeks from the ordering appointment to receive your portraits.

Before coming to your viewing please take a walk through your home and make notes of where you would like to see new art work. We ask that you come with your notes and snapshots of your walls, rooms, and areas you would like to decorate. We can import your photo into our special viewing software and display your portraits inside your room.

How long will it take to receive my order?
Your portraits will be ready 'approximately' six weeks after you place your order, quality takes time. We will contact you when your portraits are ready. If your order is a highly customizable product it will take longer to complete. We are dealing with artistic creative processes. It's not the same as big box retailers that output a product the next day through some automated systems. If you absolutely can't be flexible then reconsidering the studio may be an option. I work very hard at making my clients happy, working together making children happy and producing amazing images and priceless memories for your family. My clients must work in cooperation with me.

When do I pay for my order?
Payment is due the day you place your order. Due to the custom nature of our products orders are non-refundable. All portraits are inspected prior to delivery and are guaranteed from manufacturing defects. If it isn't right we will re-do your portrait.

Do you require a deposit?
No, we require full payment for your session date at time of booking. The studio will be blocked for your appointment only and no other session will be allowed to book. You are purchasing an exclusive reserved time with Margie at the studio. We require 48 hour rescheduling notice and can accommodate one reschedule.

You can be guaranteed that a portrait created by Margie is a one-of-a-kind unique original piece that you will treasure forever and your children will take to their own homes one day and pass down to their children too.

Can I keep the digital files?
Absolutely! As a mother of two lovely daughters, I understand the importance of archiving family memories. That's why, after consultations with my clients over the last year, I have created an archival collection that provides you with the high resolution image files on DvD. They're not free but they are worth the investment. You will have them forever and be able to pass them on to your children when they grow up. I know how important this will be because my oldest daughter is 24 and I want her to have these treasured keepsakes to pass on to her family to continue our family legacy.

Guarantee
Although it doesn't happen often, should your children have a bad day at their session we will try again on another day at no charge to you. Even if we are half way through a session. Kids are kids and should not be penalized for not feeling good. Sometimes children may behave fine but may not feel like playing. Sometimes children stay shy and it may take a long time to become comfortable with the studio. We want our clients to know that whatever happens, we will ensure that you and your children have a great session with us. So please be open minded for another appointment. There is never a charge for coming back to complete something we started. When Margie works with children she prefers to work with them in a playful environment. She tries to make the session a play date. Children are not asked to perform poses, rather they are asked questions in a game like fashion. Parents attitudes are also very important. We can't force a session to be perfect. Perfect sessions are ones involving a product not a child. Please come with a healthy attitude and be open to everything your child may give us.

Pricing
Please call Margie (416-657-2002) for a no-obligation consultation. Typically our clients invest in the area of $900 - $3000 with the studio.

Our clients retain us for our creative and design time as well as the finished piece. In the past this has been referred to as a 'commission' although it is not as widely used today. It has been replaced with session or creation fee.

We are not the cheapest nor are we the most expensive. Our pricing is based on standards set by Professional Photographers of America and is used by professional photographers and boutique studios across Canada and the US.