Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to work with me as a Calgary Photographer?
As soon as you book with me, I'm problem solving. Location? Check. Lighting? Check. Wardrobe? Check.
So on the day of the shoot, I like to have FUN with my clients!
It's about making you and your loved ones feel relaxed, comfortable and happy.
I will often pose my clients so everyone looks their best as a group and as an individual.
My mind is a vast rolodex of poses and angles! In addition, I also like to create spaces for CANDID moments. Children are encouraged to play, to jump, to spin.
I capture interaction, expression and connection. Those are loving moments that last a lifetime!
How much does a portrait session cost?
Linh Ly Photography offers two packages for Family:
$249 for a 30-minute session with 100 digital images (ideal for families up to 5 people),
$475 for a 1-hour session with 200 digital images (ideal for groups of 6 or more).
Corporate and branding sessions range:
$249 (30 min) - $1500 (for half day.)
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Online gallery & app; clients have one month to download photos.
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Images edited in colour and black & white
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High resolution photo files are printable up to 10"x12"
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(Museum, Archival Prints, Wall Art & Books are Available for Purchase!)
When will I receive my images?
2 - 3 day turnaround!
How do I book a session?
Form Submission is the Best Way to Book!
Where do you shoot — indoors or outdoors?
Both! I shoot on location across Calgary — parks, neighbourhoods, urban settings — as well as in studio. We'll choose the best location based on your group size, the time of year, and what you're looking for. Please check my blog for inspiration and locations in Calgary.
Where can I get group portraits done in Calgary?
Any size — from individuals and couples to large families and corporate teams of 50-75 people. Pricing adjusts based on group size and session length.
Are there photographers in Calgary who do both group, family and individual portraits?
Yes! I love taking portraits of individuals and groups. I 'm great at posing both individual and groups. I love bringing the energy and I have a sharp eye for details.
What should WE wear?
Feel free to dress as fancy or as casual as you wish.
Book with me and I'll send you a blog I wrote on what to wear.
10 Tips to play with colour.
Can we bring our pets to the photoshoot?
Yes! We can do a few family photos with pets. Usually I take 5-10 minutes to shoot with pets. Then they go in the car while we finish the rest of the photos.
Pets are allowed in my studio if they are potty trained.
What is if it snows or rains?
Just so you know; cloudy overcast day light is beautiful for portraiture.
But if there is precipitation, either snow or rain - I have back up plans:
1. We can schedule for another day.
2.We can book you in my studio!
3.We photograph either at Sait Parking Lot or Central Public Library. Both public spaces offer beautiful natural light.
4.We can shoot in your home if is big enough. I can bring lights. But many homes I find are too tight - including my own.
5.I generally don't recommend winter sessions for young children; they are not good at pretending to be happy when they are cold.
Teenagers and adults are tougher!
How long does it take to edit photos? what Is the turnaround time?
Usually, I take 2-3 days to edit photos. You will be emailed a link to an online gallery.
You can email your gallery link to family and friends.
Gallery link will be online for one month.
Do you take a deposit?
$25 dollar deposit/retainer fee is required. This ensures I won't book anyone else for your desired time.
I know this is new - I'm testing this out to improve client communication and commitment. :)
How do I pay you?
I prefer to take e-transfers please. But credit cards are also welcome.
When is the best time to take photos?
For outdoor photography, I prefer to avoid taking photos between 11-2pm because I like to photograph portraiture within the context of landscape.
Early morning, afternoon light and evening light is preferred for portraiture.
For studio photos; I prefer to book between 11-2pm. If you like sunset, golden hour light. Make sure you book early- these spots fill up fast.
What Is the best Location for photos in Calgary?
I have photographed all over the city, but prefer to work in Central Calgary.
Stanley Park, Prince's Island, St. Patrick's Island, Inglewood, East Village.
Kensington, Peace Bridge, Sandy Beach, River Park, Confederation, Stephen Avenue. St. Andrews.
But I've also photographed in Fish Creek, Baker's Park, Nose Hill, Baker's Park.
I'm very adept at finding great angles in any location. Experience is behind me. I know Calgary very well.
Please check out my blog for locations.
How long have you been a photographer?
I've been photographing Calgary families, couples, newborns, and professionals for over 20 years. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and have been published in magazines.
My majored in Drawing and Photography at the University of Calgary. I learned darkroom techniques actually. I've worked as a photographer for an architectural firm. Because my degree was in fine art, I was trained as a Visual Artist. My photographs are in the collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Glenbow Museum. I pivoted as a portrait and commercial photographer pretty quickly though! Because I've photographed for so long; I've been able to learn many genres within photography! That's why my portfolio is so diverse! I love my photography practice because everyday is different for me. A different client, a different genre, a different location, a different energy!
The goal is always the same - to tell them most stunning visual photographic story!
Do you offer family mini-sessions?
30 Minutes is the minimum booking time offered for up to 5 people.
For 1 person - 30 minutes. 2 people - 30 minutes; etc.
6 people or more; 1 hour please.
That being said, I've had clients share their one hour session with their extended family and their friends.
Book a 3 generation session for one hour! It's usually enough time to photograph grandparents and 3 micro-families.
It's always fun for cousins to get together! Grandparents love seeing their grandchildren.
It's a terrific way to create core memories for everyone!
Do you create Branding & Shoot Corporate headshots in Calgary?
Yes I do! 30 minutes is the minimum booking for corporate headshots. Yes this is a lot of time for one person. It gives someone a lot a time to find their perfect angle. Usually this is enough time for 2 outfits. If you want to share a 30 minute session with a friend that is a possibility.
I also do team corporate photography. I usually find downtown office locations to be a wonderful backdrop I bring my lights. Please see my branding & corporate page for more information.
How do you approach content creation as a Calgary photographer?
1 hour is the minimum booking for content creation. Within that hour; we can shoot branding and headshots. We can cover a lot of ground, if we are working outdoors. We create a shot list that showcases lifestyle; we can create product photography, fashion photography and architectural photography. My content creation portfolio is on my branding & corporate page.
Do you offer video as a photographer in Calgary?
I am not a videographer. But I do love making short films. I can create short 30 second or 60 second video reels or stories for instagram or websites using video and photography.
You have to book me a full day for this option. My full day rate is $1200 - $2000.
Do you do newborn photography in Calgary?
Yes — newborn sessions are one of my specialties. These are best scheduled in the first 2 weeks after birth when babies are sleepiest and most poseable.
Do you do event photography in Calgary?
Yes —I photograph events, weddings, grad parties, christenings and more. My rate is $475/ hour per hour including images.
Do you do sports photography?
Yes —I photograph games. $375 per hour including images.
Why is sports photography rate lower than my normal rate. This is one way I like to give back to the community.
I know many sports teams don't have a huge budget. In addition; I just really enjoy photographing sports!
Believe it or not; parents book me a full hour to photograph one child. That's actually the best way to get great action photos of your star athlete.
I also do roster & team photos; I make it look super pro & bring my studio lights.
The largest club I've worked with is with Canada West Volleyball Club with 430+ athletes! But I've also worked with small teams of 12-14.
Can I purchase prints through you?
Yes! I have an online print store where you can order museum archival quality prints directly. Visit the Print Store on my website. But there is no pressure - you can print with your digital files. Museum archival prints stay vibrant for 30 years. Drug store prints often degrade within months.
I still have more questions...
Feel free to reach out with a form submission!