Calgary Family Photographer
BFA. Published in Magazines,
20 + Years Experience.
Creating timeless family portraits that capture genuine connection, personality, and the moments you'll treasure for generations.
“You just have to live and life will give you pictures.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson
My passion for family photography started when I had babies of my own and I wanted to take beautiful, poignantly composed photos of my own growing family. In university, when I was studying to be a visual artist, it was finding meaning through image making which was my goals. I loved how intuitive it was me for me capture "decisive" moments for my own family and friends started to hire me!
I love meeting families! I love capturing the composed photograph, the joyous candid, the generational photograph, the stolen kisses, and shared secrets! I get so excited before each shoot, because every family is so special and every interaction captured is a potential photographic masterpiece!
I like to work in central Calgary in Elbow Park, Mardaloop and Altadore.
But photograph all over the city: Nosehill, Confederation, Fish Creek Park & More. I love urban locations too: Inglewood, Stephen Avenue, East Village, Kensington and more.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Alex Chee
So great to work with Linh. She came to our house and took 3 generational photos with my parents and children. Great formal photos but I appreciate the candid photos even more. Some of these photos are timeless - will be cherished for years!
Brenda H
Linh was great at making everyone comfortable and welcome. We had a big family photo shoot, and she did wonderful at capturing us all!
Tiede Family
We loved our session with Linh for our 50th anniversary. LInh was so encouraging to help us relax, so patient and very sweet. We are so pleased with our pictures. She really captured "us" in our pictures! She takes wonderful pictures and really cares about her clients. No disappointments here and we highly, highly recommend her services to others. Thank you Linh!!!
Tips for a Successful 3-Generation Family Session!
1. Coordinate, Don't Match Choose a color palette everyone pulls from rather than identical outfits. Aim for 2–3 complementary colors with varied textures — and prioritize comfort, especially for grandparents and little ones.
2. Schedule Around the Kids Plan your session during a time when babies and toddlers are at their happiest — typically mid-morning after a nap and a snack. A well-rested child makes the whole session smoother for everyone.
3. Pack the Essentials Bring snacks, a change of clothes for little ones, and any comfort items that help your family feel relaxed. A few simple things can make a big difference in keeping everyone happy between shots.
4. Let Go of Perfect With three generations together, someone will blink, a toddler will wander, and grandpa might make a silly face — and that's okay. Focus on enjoying the time together and the real moments will shine through in your images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I book a family portrait session in Calgary?
Linh Ly Photography - that's me! I've been photographing families for over twenty years. I take pride in creating images and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you are a new family of two or there or your are looking for the perfect group portrait of generations!
Where to find lifestyle photography services in Calgary?
Linh Ly Photography. I love creating and directing portraits that reflect a fleeting moment, a wonderful connection, joy, love and happiness; all in the context of sweeping landscapes; or architecturally textured environments. Count on me to find the best angles in any location.
How much does family photography cost in Calgary? Can I book a group portrait session in Calgary?
How long does a typical family portrait session last in Calgary?
Family photography with Linh Ly Photography starts at $249 CAD for a 30-minute session, including approximately 100 digital photographs for families of up to five people. A one-hour sessionis $475 CAD and includes approximately 200 digital photographs, ideal for larger families and multi-generational portraits.
Linh Ly Photography offers indoor studio and outdoor photography throughout Calgary, Alberta.
$249 / 30 / 100 images / up to 5 family members
$475 / 1 hour / 200 images / up to 6+ family members
Where do you photograph families in Calgary?
All over the city. I concentrate mostly in central Calgary, but I am willing to travel to all parts. Stanley Park. Sandy Beach, Confederation, Nose Hill, Fish Creek and more. Please check out my blog for other locations.
What should we wear for family photos?
TIPS on what to wear:
https://www.linhlyphotography.com/post/what-to-wear-to-your-family-photo-session
How long does a family photo session take?
30 minutes for families up to 5 people. This is usually enough time for group photos, couples, and individual photos.
60 minutes for families 6+ family members. This is usually enough time for group photos, couples, and individual photos and every permutation in between.
How long does a family photo session take for large extended families?
Do you do group photos?
60 minutes for families 6+ family members. This usually includes grandparents and 1 - 2 micro families. If you wish to book an hour I can photograph. When it a small gathering of 6 people. There is more time for individual photos and couples photos and every permutation that exists for a family of six. There is more time to play when groups are smaller.
Where when it's a larger group of families such as 12-20. I usually concentrate on all the group photos: whole family; grandparents and original children; siblings, cousins, grandparents and grand children; individual family photos; all the children.
Are there photographers in Calgary who do both family and individual portraits?
When you book a family portrait; I pose both group shots as well as individual portraits as well. You will be in good hands; so you won't have to ask- what do I do with my hands!
when is the best time to book family photographs?
The best time to book family photographs is when it is most convenient for your family!
For large extended family photos, it could be when out of town members are visiting. It makes family visits extra special when you can celebrate with photos!
Occasions could include family re-unions, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation and just because why not!
For outdoor photography, I recommend May to the first week of November if you have little ones; as young children are not good at looking happy when cold.
In May and June; cherry blossoms are often in bloom. I'm very busy during grad season; so best to book me in March or April for Spring Sessions.
The summer days are long, so evening sessions are possible. Summer is when adult children come home from college and university.
Fall Foliage Season is my busiest for outdoor photography; so it's actually best to book me in July and August for Fall Sessions.
In the winter months; I recommend a studio session in my studio or other indoor locations in the city. I decorate my studio for Christmas.
If you have room in your budget, you can also rent studios in the city and hire me as a photographer. If your home is large enough - I can bring lights.
Feel free to reach out if you need ideas! I get booked all season long.
I recommend browsing through my blog for inspiration and location details!