What to expect at your sitting

Person sitting in a photography studio with lighting setup and backdrop.
Woman in pink shirt and jeans sitting on a stool in a photography studio.
Person standing with folded arms next to a large studio light reflector; wearing a pink sweater and black pants, against a dark background.

 Thanks for booking with Mark Kelly Photography.

Your portrait session prioritizes your well-being, identity, and individuality. Whether you are here for personal or professional portraits, we will build a relationship based on trust and respect, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout the session. As we work together to Realize Your Vision, I'm committed to providing a supportive environment where you can truly be yourself.

Preparing for Your Portrait Session

Here are a few common questions people ask when preparing for their photoshoot. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so feel free to give me a call if you would like to chat about your preparations.

How can I prepare for the portrait session to ensure the best results?

  • To prepare for the session, I recommend getting plenty of rest, eating well and staying hydrated. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have leading up to the session.

What should I wear?

  • Select clothing that reflects your personal and/or professional style.

  • Your outfit(s) should fit well, be free of wrinkles and excess lint or pet hair.

  • Solid colours and timeless styles generally work best, avoiding busy patterns or logos that can be distracting.

  • Keep your hair and makeup natural and polished. Avoid drastic changes right before the shoot and consider hiring a professional makeup artist if you're unsure about doing it yourself. I work with a number of hair and makeup artists. Just let me know if you would like a referral or if you would like to include hair and makeup in your package

  • Take care of any grooming needs such as trimming facial hair, shaping eyebrows, and grooming nails. This attention to detail will contribute to a polished and professional appearance.

Should I get my hair (and makeup) done?

  • Plenty of folks have a visit to the barber or stylist right before their portrait session. It’s a great idea!

  • Keep your hair and makeup natural and polished. Avoid drastic changes right before the shoot and consider hiring a professional makeup artist if you're unsure about doing it yourself. I work with a number of hair and makeup artists. Just let me know if you would like a referral or if you would like to include hair and makeup in your package

  • Take care of any grooming needs such as trimming facial hair, shaping eyebrows, and grooming nails. This attention to detail will contribute to a polished and professional appearance.

  • If you plan to have a haircut or your hair done, make sure the barber or stylist removes all the small trimmings from your face, hairline and clothing. You may want to ask for a little extra blow-dry to make sure these pesky little hairs are all gone. Have a close look in the mirror before you come to the session and again when you get here. Plenty of folks have a visit to the barber or stylist right before their portrait session. It’s a great idea!

  • Keep your hair and makeup natural and polished. Avoid drastic changes right before the shoot and consider hiring a professional makeup artist if you're unsure about doing it yourself. I work with a number of hair and makeup artists. Just let me know if you would like a referral or if you would like to include hair and makeup in your package

  • Take care of any grooming needs such as trimming facial hair, shaping eyebrows, and grooming nails. This attention to detail will contribute to a polished and professional appearance.

  • If you plan to have a haircut or your hair done, make sure the barber or stylist removes all the small trimmings from your face, hairline and clothing. You may want to ask for a little extra blow-dry to make sure these pesky little hairs are all gone.

  • Have a close look in the mirror before you come to the session and again when you get here.

Who or what are these photos for?

  • Consider who will be viewing your portraits. Are these for professional use, such as a company website or conference presentation? Tailor your wardrobe, makeup, and expressions accordingly.

Can I talk to the photographer before my shoot?

  • You sure can! Feel free to share your goals and expectations before or during the shoot. Discuss any specific poses or styles you have in mind. This is a great way to start your collaboration.

  • MKP offers a free 15-minute consultation if you’d like to discuss your upcoming session or have any questions.

How long will the portrait session last?

  • Depending on the package you choose, sessions will last 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

  • Extended sessions are available upon request.

  • The length of custom sessions will be outlined in your MKP quote and/or agreement.

Where will the portrait session take place?

  • MKP Studio – 2180 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, for portrait sessions

  • For location shoots, the details will be outlined in your MKP quote and/or agreement.

Do I need to bring anything to the portrait session?

  • Feel free to bring along any props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into your portraits, such as hats, scarves, or meaningful items.

  • It's also a good idea to bring a comb, brush or makeup for any last-minute touch-ups.

  • Not to worry if you leave your grooming tools at home, there are limited cosmetics and grooming items available at the MKP studio.

What can I expect during the portrait session?

  • During the session, I'll guide you through various poses and expressions to best capture your personality. I strive to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

When will I receive my portraits?

  • After the session we will discuss the turnaround time that works best for you and fits within the existing workload of the studio.

  • Your images will be provided either via digital download in print or both, depending on your choices.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my portrait session?

  • Life happens, and I understand that sometimes plans need to change. If you need to reschedule or cancel your session, please let me know as soon as possible, and we'll work together to find a new date that works for both of us.

  • Cancellations incur a $50 processing fee to offset non-refundable processing fees applied by the payment processor. Cancellations within 72 hours of your session are subject to a 50% refund, and cancellations or no-shows are non-refundable.

What if I'm camera-shy or nervous about having my portrait made?

  • A significant part of the session is making the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for you. I'll provide gentle guidance and encouragement throughout the session to help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. Remember, capturing your unique look is top priority, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.

I know you have a lot of choice for photography out there. I'd like to sincerely thank you for choosing MKP for your portrait session.