Client Welcome Guide
I am happy you're here.
Thank you for inquiring with Sydney Ellise Photography.
Photography is the way I understand the world. My camera taught me to slow down, to watch, and to wait for the story to reveal itself. And it's that patience, that trained eye, that has become my secret weapon.
I believe the best photos happen when life is allowed to unfold naturally. I approach all sessions whether studio or outside with a documentary eye because whether the shoot was planned from start to finish or a crazy afternoon in the park, you deserve to feel the energy in the photos not just have something pretty to look at.
This Page includes everything you need to know to finish your booking.
Session Types
My main packages are catered towards indoor sessions but can be adapted depending on your goals. Chasing Daylight is my flagship outdoor package.
The Mobile Studio
Exactly as it sounds, I bring the studio to you.
I'll bring my mobile studio to your home, set it up, and work with you and your little ones or pets to get the images you've always imagined, without you ever leaving the comfort of your house.
You'll get to choose your backdrop: seamless paper in white or dark grey for that smooth, clean studio look, or one of several cloth backdrops for a softer feel. Cloth includes white, grey and light blue.
I'll also bring professional lighting and softboxes, so you get soft, flattering light no matter what your room is like.
Depending on the package you are interested in mobile studio sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. Your session time does not include set up or take down of the equipment.
Still have questions? Send me a message anytime, or ask during a free planning call.
Chasing Daylight
For when you want to get outside
Saskatchewan only has so many hours of daylight in a year and while I might advertise the mobile studio I am always down to chase natural light.
I have a few favourite locations in Regina that I can suggest based off the size of your family, mobility concerns and the goals of what you want to capture, but am always up for trying somewhere new if you have a destination in mind or a location that means something special to you and your family.
My outdoor sessions start with the classic "Christmas card photo", which means everyone looking at the camera then I love to let kids be kids. Whether thats blowing bubbles, reading a story or running through the park. You get to be you and with some gentle direction you will have photos to last a lifetime.
Timeline
STEP 01
Inquiry
If you are viewing this page it means you have already inquired so don't worry about this step. Once you have confirmed you would like to proceed we move to step 2.
STEP 02
Lets Chat Details
Book a free 15 minute planning call, or we can chat over email. This allows us to make sure we are on the same page for your photos and no detail is missed.
STEP 03
Sign the contract and pay the retainer
After our chat I will send over the contract and your invoice. The retainer reserves your date and once you are signed and paid, you're officially booked.
STEP 04
Fill out the questionnaire
As soon as you have paid your invoice I will send over a short questionnaire that helps me learn more about your family, your kids, and what your hoping to get from your session.
STEP 05
Relax and have fun
Take a deep breath. The planning is done and now its time for the fun part.
STEP 06
Keep an eye on your emails
Within 48 hours of your session I will send along a few sneak peaks so you know what you have to look forward to. You will recieve your final gallery within three weeks.
How to prepare.
Step 01
On the Day
- Clear the spot you want to set up, no need to clean for me otherwise. Even if were doing candid photos life is always welcome.
- Kids: We will plan the session time around snacks and naps so that kids are happiest.
- Dogs: Take the pup for a walk. A tired dog usually cooperates better.
- Cats: Feed them a little about an hour before I arrive, and leave the door to their favourite room open. If they hide when I arrive, that's normal and I'm not worried.
- Other pets: Keep them in their usual space until I'm set up, so they're calm when it's their turn.
Step 02
Before Your Session
I'll come in to say hi to the little ones or pets before bringing in any equipment.
If were outside I always let kids say hi or animals sniff me before we get started.
Setup for studio photos take about 30 minutes. Finish getting ready or put the coffee on, and keep kids and pets clear of the gear while I set up.
We begin with the "Christmas card shots", then it's all movement, toys, treats and a few (very) bad jokes.
What To Wear
First, dress in what makes you feel good. I can recommend colours and ideas, but you won't love your family photos if you're not comfortable in what you're wearing.
That said, here's what tends to photograph best: soft neutral tones that complement each other — think sage, cream, camel, or dusty blue, with one or two richer accent colors layered in. Picking one "anchor" piece (a patterned dress, a colored shirt) and matching everyone's palette to it is an easy way to keep things cohesive without overthinking it.
A few things to avoid: neon or overly bright colors (they pull focus and can clash with natural light), stark black (it can look heavy outdoors and flatten skin tones), and anything with large logos, text, or busy prints as they distract from you.
Image Selection & Delivery
After your session, I'll carefully go through every image and hand-select the very best ones to edit for your gallery. I look for genuine expressions, flattering angles, and moments that tell your story. Sometimes that includes a few candid outtakes too, like the mid-laugh or the toddler escaping the shot, because those are often the moments you'll love most. Duplicates, blinks, and unflattering frames are removed, so you'll receive a curated collection of edited images rather than hundreds of similar shots to sort through. Unedited files are not included or available for purchase.
Your images will be sent to you via an online gallery, with a download code. I recommend downloading the files on a desktop computer because downloading and locating them on a mobile device can be confusing.
Upon recieving the gll
Feeling Nervous or Awkward?
Don't worry, I know that's easier said than done, but chances are I'll be more awkward than you! I tend to chat a lot during sessions, so you'll never feel like you need to fill the silence.
Ill provide you some gentle direction and posing to create movement and energy, so you don't have to think about anything.
But as always if there something you want to try don't be scared to speak up.
Rescheduling & Cancellation
Your retainer reserves your session date just for you, which means I turn away other bookings for that time. Because of this, the retainer is non-refundable. Life happens, though! If you need to reschedule, just let me know at least 3 days before your session and we'll move it to a new date at no extra cost, with your retainer applied. If you cancel with at least 3 days' notice, any payments beyond the retainer will be refunded. Cancellations or changes made with less than 3 days' notice will forfeit the retainer and any payments made.
Payment
Your retainer, which is 25 per cent of your session fee, is due upon booking and then the remainder of your fee must be payed 72 hours prior to your session.
For larger sessions (heirloom or first year) I am happy to set up a payment plan for you.