FAQ | The Portrait

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know before your visit.

01 — ABOUT YOUR SESSION

What is a self-portrait session?
A private photography experience where you take your own photos using a professional camera, lighting, and remote. No photographer.

Do I need photography experience?
Not at all! We’ll show you how everything works before you start. No photography or posing experience is required.

How many people are included in the session?

Our regular package includes up to 2 people. Additional people are $30 + tax per person, payable at the studio.

Are children included in the 2-person limit?
Children under 24 months are free and do not count toward the two-person limit. Additional charges apply for children over 24 months.

Can I extend my session?
Yes. If you’d like more shooting time, you can book consecutive sessions, subject to availability.

02 — BEFORE & DURING YOUR SESSION

How do I book a session?
Click BOOK ONLINE on our website, choose your preferred date and time, and complete your booking.

How early should I arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session time for check-in and getting ready.

What happens if I’m late?
Late arrivals will have less shooting time. Significantly late arrivals may be cancelled. Sessions cannot be extended, and session fees are non-refundable.

Can I change outfits?
Yes! You’re welcome to change outfits during your session. Please note that changing outfits is included in your 25-minute shooting time.

What shoes should I bring?
Outdoor shoes are not allowed in the studio. Clean indoor shoes are required. If you arrive without indoor shoes, you will be asked to remove your outdoor shoes before entering.

What should I wear?
You’re welcome to wear whatever makes you feel your best! Please avoid glitter, sparkles, or heavily shedding fabrics, as they can damage or leave residue on our paper backdrop. Heavy body oil or lotion is also not permitted.

Can I bring props?Yes! We have a selection of props available, and you’re welcome to bring your own. Please note that glitter, sparkles, food, and beverages are not permitted.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes! Trained, well-behaved pets are welcome. Pets count as a person in your booking and an additional fee applies. Please let us know in advance if you’re bringing a pet.

03 — PHOTOS & PAYMENT

How many photos can I take?
You can take unlimited photos during your 25-minute shooting time.

How do I select my photos?
After your session, you’ll select your favorite images.

When will I receive my edited photos and prints?
Your photos are carefully edited after your session. Edited digital images and prints are typically ready within 1–2 weeks. We’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.

Do I receive all of my digital photos?
Your package includes the digital images and prints specified at booking. Additional digital images or full-gallery options may be available for purchase or ask for in studio promotion.

How do I pay for additional photos or services?
Additional products and services can be purchased at the studio using cash, debit, or credit card.

01 — BEFORE YOU VISIT

Do I need an appointment?
We offer walk-in service only and do not take reservations. Service is first-come, first-served and depends on studio capacity. Please call or email us before visiting to confirm current availability.

How long does a passport photo take?
Most adult passport photos take approximately 15 - 20 minutes per person. Children may require additional time depending on cooperation and photo requirements. Wait times may vary depending on studio traffic.

What types of passport and ID photos do you offer?
We provide passport, visa, PR card, and other official ID photos, including photos for Canadian passports, US visas, and other document requirements. Requirements vary by country and document type.

How many photos do I receive?
The number of photos provided depends on the specific service and document requirements.

02 — PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

What should I wear for a passport photo?

We recommend wearing dark or medium-coloured clothing. Avoid white, light grey, or very pale tops, as they can blend into the light background.

Can I wear jewelry or accessories?
Please avoid sparkly, reflective, or distracting accessories. Facial jewelry may also need to be removed if it interferes with your facial features.

Can I wear makeup?
Yes. Please keep your makeup natural and consistent with your usual appearance. Avoid heavy makeup or anything that significantly changes your appearance, as passport photos must reflect how you currently look.

Can I wear glasses?
Regular prescription glasses are generally acceptable as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare or reflection on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not accepted.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?
Head coverings are permitted when worn daily for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face remains clearly visible and the covering does not cast shadows.

Can I smile in my passport photo?
No. Passport photos require a neutral facial expression, with your mouth closed and eyes clearly visible.

Can I have my hair down?
Yes. Hair may be worn up or down, but it must not cover your face or obscure the edges of your face.

Are passport photos edited or retouched?
Passport photos must be unaltered. We do not retouch facial features or use filters, AI, or other editing that changes your appearance. Photos must represent your natural appearance and meet the applicable government requirements.

03 — REPRINTS, RESIZING & CHILDREN

What is a passport photo reprint?
A reprint is for additional copies of a properly formatted passport photo that was taken by us and is still within the valid time frame. No new photo session is required. Normally $10 + tax for 2 printed photos.

What if I already have a digital photo that needs to be resized?
If you provide an existing digital image taken by us that requires cropping, resizing, or formatting for a different document requirement, it is treated as a new passport photo service.

Can you resize a photo from another country or document type?
Passport and visa requirements vary by country and document type and are not always interchangeable. A photo that meets one requirement may not meet another.

Can you resize any digital photo?
No. Only digital images taken by us are eligible for our resizing service.

Do you photograph babies and children?
We provide baby passport photos for children 1 year and older.

What should I bring for a baby passport photo?
For younger children, a white blanket can help with positioning and background support. Please bring a pacifier or small item if needed to help keep the child calm. Additional time may be required depending on cooperation.

01 — ABOUT YOUR SESSION

What types of headshot sessions do you offer?
We offer two main headshot options: Basic Corporate Headshots and Premium Headshots. We also offer group, corporate, and off-site headshot services.

What is a Basic Corporate Headshot?
Our Basic Corporate Headshot is a quick and simple studio session designed for a clean, professional look. It can be booked directly online.

What is a Premium Headshot?
Our Premium Headshot experience is more personalized and may include different backgrounds, looks, lighting, and creative direction. A consultation is required before booking so we can plan the session around your needs.

Do I need to know how to pose?
Not at all. We’ll provide posing and direction throughout your session to help you feel comfortable and look your best.

How early should I arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session time for check-in and getting ready. Your session starts at your scheduled time, and late arrivals may result in a shortened session.

02 — BOOKING & SERVICES

Can I book a Basic Corporate Headshot online?
Yes! Basic Corporate Headshots can be booked directly through our website.

Do I need a consultation for a Premium Headshot?
Yes. Premium Headshots are customized to your needs, so we’ll discuss your vision and requirements before scheduling your session.

Do you offer group or corporate headshots?
Yes! We offer headshot sessions for teams, companies, and groups. Contact us to discuss your group size, location, and requirements.

Do you offer off-site headshot services?
Yes! We can bring our headshot setup to your office, workplace, or other location. Contact us for availability and pricing.

Can you photograph our entire team?
Absolutely. We can accommodate both small teams and larger corporate groups. We’ll work with you to plan the setup and schedule efficiently.

03 — PREPARATION & PHOTOS

What should I wear?
Choose clothing that reflects your professional style and the image you want to present. If you’re unsure, we recommend bringing a few options.

Can I change outfits?
Outfit changes depend on your selected package. Please check your package details or discuss your needs during your consultation.

Are the photos retouched?
Yes. Your selected images are professionally retouched while maintaining a natural and professional appearance.

When will I receive my photos?
Professionally retouched images are typically ready within 1–2 weeks. We’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.

Can I purchase additional images?
Yes. Additional images and upgrades may be available depending on your package.

01 — VISITING THE STUDIO

Where are you located?
We’re located at 224 14 Ave SE, Calgary, AB.

Is parking available?
There is plenty of parking available around the studio, including street parking and nearby parking lots. As we’re located downtown, most parking is paid parking. Please allow a little extra time to find parking before your session.

What are your studio hours?
We’re closed on Mondays.
Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Do I need an appointment?
Appointment requirements vary by service. Please check the specific service page before visiting.

02 — PAYMENTS & POLICIES

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, and credit cards at the studio.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by service. Please review the applicable policy before booking.

Are session fees refundable?
Session fees are generally non-refundable. Please review the cancellation and rescheduling policy for your specific service.

Can I bring food or drinks into the studio?
Food and beverages are not permitted in the studio.

Can I bring a pet?
Pet policies vary by service. Please check the FAQ or service information for the specific service you are booking.

03 — CONTACT & OTHER QUESTIONS

How can I contact The Portrait?
You can reach us by email at info@theportrait.ca or phone at 587-956-7121. For event inquiries, you can also submit our Inquiry Form.

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Feel free to contact us and our team will be happy to help.

01 — BOOKING & PLANNING

How do I book a photo booth for my event?
Fill out our Inquiry Form or email us with your event date, location, guest count, and other event details. Our team will respond within 48 hours.

How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weddings, corporate events, and busy seasons. Availability is not guaranteed until your contract is signed and deposit is received.

Do I need to sign a contract?
Yes. Once the details are finalized, a contract must be signed to confirm your booking.

What is required to secure my booking?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your event date. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your event.

What information do you need for an inquiry?

To help us provide an accurate quote, please include your event date, location, type of event, guest count, and preferred service.

02 — CUSTOMIZATION

Can I customize the photo template?
Absolutely! Our team will create a custom photo template for your event. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for our team to create and draft your template.

Can I request changes to the template?
Yes! We’ll work with you during the design process to make adjustments and customizations that fit your event.

Can you match my event theme or branding?
Yes! We can customize your photo template to coordinate with your event theme, colours, or brand.