Your journey begins long before your actual photo session…

A fine art portrait session is more than just pretty pictures, it is a luxury and an investment in YOU! But unlike a Gucci bag or a fancy pair of Louboutin's, this is something that you will have forever. A fine art portrait session will provide you with an experience that empowers you, and allows you to fall in love with yourself again. It's about being pampered, having fun, leaving your insecurities at the door and celebrating your femininity, sensuality and true beauty.

How to choose the right photographer for you

You might be asking yourself, “How do I choose a photographer?”.  Choosing a photographer should never be based on price alone. Here are the critical questions you should be asking:

• Does the artwork of the photographer speak to you?  Your best judge is your eyes and while not every style can be displayed, deep down you know if you like what you see.

• Do the pictures look fun and comfortable?  For a successful outcome in style of portraiture you should feel reassured and comfortable with your photographer.

• Do you feel like you would have trust and confidence?  Establishing a trusted bond and having confidence in the photographer’s ability will provide you with beautiful, timeless mementos of your experience.

This day is all about you and I take great pride in offering all of the above to my clients. Together, we focus on the experience and providing you with the best quality.  YOU are the focus of our day together.

Where do we start?

We start with an in-person consultation at the studio to get to know each other and establish that initial bond.  Together we discuss ideas and thoughts about what you want to achieve with your personalized session. 

Consultations and sessions are by appointment only. Studio hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm; however, I am willing to accommodate evening appointments for consultations and viewings.

Your Big Day

Your day begins with you being a star!  Have you ever wondered what it must feel like to be a model in a major photo shoot?  Once you arrive you will be whisked away to prepare.  After slipping on a satin robe and given a light refreshment of your choice we will meet to go over the plan.  Together we will go through the wardrobe you brought, choose your best looks, and discuss the specifics of your session with a visual storyboard created especially for you. 

For boudoir and glamour clients, Ariana (our amazing contemporary makeup/hair artist) will pamper you in-studio with the most glamourous makeover (complete with lashes). For our retro pinup clients, Alison (our retro hair/makeup artist extraordinaire) will transform you into a bombshell vixen at her nearby salon.

Once the makeovers are complete, the magic begins! We’ll begin to channel the energy in the room into something positively amazing and wonderful.  My role in this production is to make you feel comfortable and guide you every step of the way. I am here to assist with direction and posing as well as evoking those feelings and expressions that transform your session into something truly unique and special.  Don’t be fooled by the fresh smiling faces, modeling can be hard work, and this makes the right photographer HUGE for you.

The Reveal

On your reveal day (generally about a week after your session) you will come back to the studio to review your proofs.  To continue your “star” status and get an initial perspective you will be shown an incredible music video slideshow before we move to the individual review process. Proofs are lightly retouched, but all ordered images will be fully retouched (including, when applicable, removal of blemishes/scars/bruises/stretch marks; softening of skin/wrinkles/dark circles and smoothing body lines).

The experience is not complete without one of our luxurious products to commemorate your time with us. Whether it's a fine art book or a framed print for your wall. Our product lines include high quality prints, wall portraits, gallery art canvas, and fine art books. I offer easy payment plans that make this experience accessible to anyone who truly wants the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  I don’t know how to model. I am a plus size gal with curves and all…. is this really for me?

A:  Of course you can! It’s not about size, it’s about confidence & attitude. We’ll glam you up with hair & makeup, you’ll throw on an outfit to strut in & bring out your inner goddess!

Q:  How many prints/digitals are included in the session fee?

A:  None -- all prints/albums/digitals are sold separately. Your session fee includes your studio time, a glamourous makeover, use of any clothing/shoes/props, posing guidance, refreshments & snacks. 

Q:  Will my images be retouched?

A:  All images that are ordered are fully retouched as much or as little as you want. Retouching can include removing any blemishes/scars, softening wrinkles, whitening teeth and giving you glowing skin.  Whatever you desire, your images will be polished to help you look your very best. At the viewing appt, we will discuss any retouching that you would like done.

Q:  Can I drop in anytime to check out your studio?

A:  Consultations and photo sessions are by appointment only. Please email us at suzanne@jemadoreportraits.ca for your initial consultation (it’s FREE!) or use the form on the contact page.  The studio is open Monday to Friday only.

Q:  What days of the week can I book my photo session?

A:   Photo Sessions are available Tuesdays & Thursdays. We are closed on weekends and holidays. Your day begins at 11am with a glamourous makeover (which lasts around 1 hour or so), followed by the photo session  which will last around 2 hours.

Q:  I want to do this as a surprise gift for my special someone. How far in advance should I book?

A:  When you have a firm deadline of when you need your print order ready for, we normally suggest having your session done 6-8 weeks in advance, especially if the finished product is for a Christmas, Valentine’s, wedding, anniversary or birthday gift.  Bookings for Christmas should be made in October and for Valentine’s Day in December or early January. Your consultation can be booked at any time, but at least a week before your session. And it's never too early to book your consutation!

Q:  I don’t have any “retro” clothing for a pinup session? Will you provide all the wardrobe and props?

A:  We do have some clothing options available from retro dresses, to corsets, to girdles, to shoes — but you have to appreciate the fact that we couldn’t possibly carry every size imaginable. At the consultation, you will have an opportunity to see what is available and try some on for size.  But you are also encouraged to bring clothing from your own wardrobe. And they don’t necessarily have to be “retro”.  Bring whatever you would wear out on a night on the town — whatever makes you feel fabulously sexy! You could even buy a costume and have a theme photo session!  In terms of props, we have some vintage items available for use (as seen in the gallery pix, well except for the cupcake… you must bring your own and one for me too!).

Q: What do I bring for a Glamour/Boudoir session?

A:  You can wear whatever you feel fabulous in! Whether it’s jeans, a fancy dress and/or lingerie, you’ll want to choose items from your closet that are flattering and show off your figure! Bring several outfits & we’ll decide on your best looks together (just be sure to try EVERYTHING on before you come). Glamour and Boudoir are as sexy as PinUp but a little more provocative. You will also have access to the CLIENT CLOSET: a collection of bodysuits, robes, fabrics, glamourous gowns and heels.

Q: What is the difference between a Glamour and Boudoir session?

A: Glamour portraiture is fashion oriented, sophisticated and reflects the sensuous beauty of a woman. Boudoir portraiture is more seductive and celebrates the female form with the use of beautiful lingerie. It does not necessarily have to include nudity – in fact, implied nudity can sometimes be sexier! We will work within your comfort level and the end result will be sensual, yet as tastefully elegant. Both genres celebrate a woman’s beauty and can overlap to create one dynamic, and empowering, portrait session. How can it overlap, you may ask? Well, lingerie can certainly be used in glamour portraiture and on the flipside, I usually start a boudoir session with a glam look — usually wearing your favourite dress can help break the ice and ease you into the session.

Q:  How do I prepare for the session? Is there a consultation?

A:  Yes! We offer FREE consultations. We will decide as a team what kind of look you want and plan accordingly. We will give you tips on what to bring and how to prepare for your session.

Q:  Should I get a tan before my photo session?

A:  Oh hell, no!! Personally, I am not a fan of tanned skin in portraits, especially if it’s a spray tan. Fake tans don’t photograph well! They make the skin look orange, plus those streaky hands/feet can sometimes be a hot mess! If you do need a little glow from the sun, just beware of tan lines & please don’t get burned! Why? Because tan lines/burns cost EXTRA to retouch. 

Q:  When do I pay for my session?

A:  There is a $100 non-refundable retainer (deposit) that is due when you book a session date.  The balance of your session fee is due on the day of your portrait session. If you do not show up for your session day or give proper notice, your retainer fee is forfeited. 

Q: What does my session fee include? How much should I expect to spend in total?

A: The session fee is includes your time in the studio (consultation, portrait session, viewing appointment), complimentary hair & makeup by a professional stylist, up to 4 outfit changes, multiple sets, use of our clothing/shoe collection and professional hand retouching of your ordered images.  

Q: What is your privacy policy? What if I do not want my images shown on your website/blog? 

A: At your viewing appointment, we will discuss specifically which images can and cannot be used by me for the following uses: website blog, website gallery, Facebook, marketing, etc. If, for professional or personal reasons, you do not wish to have your images shown online, then we will make an amendment to the model release contract that stipulates that. My clients' privacy is very important to me and I will not publish any images without signed permission by the client first.

Q: What type of payments do you accept? Do you offer payment plans for print orders?

A: We accept cash, EMT, and credit card. In terms of payment plans, we offer interest-free monthly payments, customized to each client. Payment plans help break your order into smaller monthly or bi-monthly payments. 

Q: Do you offer discounts for military members and/or front line workers?

A: YES! We offer a 20% discount off session fees to individuals who serve in the Canadian military & their spouses as well as emergency & front line workers: nurses, doctors, pharmacists, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, teachers, childcare workers, individuals working in food & beverage services, etc.

Q: What is your refund policy?

A: Deposits are non-refundable, so are session fees once paid in full. If you miss your scheduled session date without sufficient notice (at least 24 hours), you will lose your deposit and will be required to pay a new deposit when rescheduling your date. In terms of print orders, there are no refunds on product orders once payment is received. Exchange only on flawed/misprinted items (at time of pickup).

Q: What if I don't like my pictures?

A: After photographing women for 10+yrs, I’m confident that you will be thrilled with the finished product. However, if you’re unsatisfied, you may opt-out of purchasing your photos.

Q: I’m ready to book, what’s next?

A: The first step is definitely the hardest, but you won't regret it!  We are so excited you're interested in a boudoir session with Suzanne & the Je m'adore team! Boudoir is truly an art form – we are deeply passionate about making you feel and look your very best. We can show you just how worthy and beautiful you actually are, showing you what everyone else sees and ultimately changing the way you see yourself in the mirror. Boudoir is very personal and sometimes can be intimidating but trust us, 100% of our clients leave us happy, excited, and feeling amazing. Start by filling out the inquiry form and we will send you our planning guide!