Frequently Asked Questions

Today anyone with a camera and a social media profile can add ‘Photographer’ to their name and call themselves a ‘Professional’.  But, how can you be sure they are a professional?  Viewing cute photos on Facebook or other social media sites, only tells you part of the story. 

It takes years of training and practice to become a professional photographer.  An investment in professional photography means an investment in value, artistry and quality that will last a lifetime. 

It's tempting to skimp on professional family, child or business portraits. After all, everyone knows someone with a camera who does a photo shoot for next to nothing.  But consider what you're getting. Are you getting technically beautiful images that you will be proud to display?  Or are you just getting a bunch of digital images for your Facebook page? 

There are snapshots to document snippets of your daily life, and then there are artistic portraits of your family handed down for generations. Both have their place, but when it comes time to create  those works of art, it's best to trust your family history to a pro. 

Here is what to look for and the questions you should ask a potential photographer to ensure you are selecting the perfect fit for you.  Dealing with a reputable studio will ensure a great experience from the time you book to when you pick up your completed pieces.  Select a studio you would like to work with for a long time; this is just the beginning of many images your photographer will create for you over the years.

•  Check out their website to see the style of work they do; you are hiring an artist to create portraits that appeal to your design esthetic.  Each photographers style is unique to them so the images they create are in their signature style of composition, lighting, and posing.  Asking them to change their style is like asking Rembrandt to paint like Picasso.
• Are they a professional photographer or an amateur? Professional photographers earn their living from the images they create for sale to their clients; it is not a part time gig.  Because of this, it is vital to them that you are happy with the work they have produced for you and will continue to hire them for all your photography needs. Len is really handy with a hammer but he is a photographer not a carpenter and Cheryl loves to cook but she is a photographer, not a chef. A pro typically costs more than an amateur but their training and experience will be worth it in every aspect.
• Do they have the equipment (cameras, lighting, studio facility, backgrounds, technical and production equipment, etc.) to properly complete the assignment?
•  What are their guarantees?
• Are they properly licensed and insured? Do they collect taxes as required by anyone selling any product or service? Although it may be tempting to hire someone who "works under the table", integrity should be carried out through all aspects of their business.
• What credentials do they have?  Membership in a professional association or a photography degree shows a level of commitment to the  profession. Every day professionals help record the  most important moments in life. And while every situation brings new  challenges - you can be assured that the professional has the creativity  and skills to deliver the best possible images for you.
• Does your photographer assist you in every step of the design process?  It is very important that you receive the right image for your application - art for your home, updated images for your company, gifts for family and friends.  It is part of the photographer's responsibility to guide you through the best selections and products.
• Do they have the ability to produce various products to showcase the images you select? Can they show you actual samples of their work so you can see and touch the products you are considering?

Confidence!

When you make the wise choice to decide to hire a Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) Accredited Professional Photographer you can feel confident they will provide you with the skills and expertise necessary to get the job done and that you will be happy with the results. Accredited photographers possess the experience, knowledge, and equipment to provide you with a quality product in their area of expertise.

What does it take to be an Accredited photographer?

Accreditation is achieved by submitting samples of the applicant’s photography in a chosen category. Accreditation demonstrates that the photographer has proven professional ability to the Board of Examiners of the Professional Photographers of Canada. In assessing Accreditation submissions, the judges will consider the following criteria: Impact, Creativity, Style, Composition, Presentation, Colour Balance, Centre of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, Technique and Story Telling. To be Accredited is to be recognized as an expert in a given photographic field.

We are proud to have been awarded Accreditation in these areas of expertise:

• Family Portrait
• Children and Infant Portraits
• Senior/Graduation portraiture
• Modelling Portfolio
• Environmental Family Portraiture
• General Portrait 
• Canine/Dog Portraits
• Fashion
• Print Enhancement
• Restoration

One of the cornerstones of our profession is the Annual Image Salon, this juried exhibition showcases the best of the best. Within this Salon Exhibition, you will find the most creative, the newest and most cutting edge, and the finest technically executed images produced by member photographers.

From those submitted images deemed worthy of inclusion in the final Salon Exhibition, those which stand above the rest are awarded scores of Merit, and the small number which are deemed to be truly exceptional images are awarded the prestigious score of Excellence.

We have been the recipients of many Salon Awards which have scored among the highest in the country. This includes a portrait created for a local family which scored Excellence and received the Best in Class trophy and was accepted into the National Loan Collection.

As a  requirement for admission to and retention of membership and  participation in the Professional Photographers of America, Wells Photographic Design agrees to use the highest levels  of professionalism, honesty and integrity in all relationships with  colleagues, clients and the general public. 

Our goal is to create images that you will love and be proud to own so we offer an incredible two part Guarantee: If you are not delighted with the images taken, all monies will be refunded. In addition, all portraits are guaranteed for YOUR LIFETIME with the Kodak Promise of Excellence Program.

The Promise of Excellence Program gives our clients what they're looking for: quality portraits that are guaranteed for life. That's what the KODAK PROFESSIONAL Promise of Excellence (POE) Program is all about. We are building consumer confidence by offering high-quality products that are guaranteed for a lifetime by the most trusted brand in the industry.

The POE Program guarantee gives you assurance that:

• You will be 100% satisfied with the photographic session experience and the resulting portraits at the time of delivery or we will rephotograph or reprint at our expense.
• Your portraits are made with the finest KODAK PROFESSIONAL products.
• If, at any time after the sale, anything happens to your portraits due to product performance, new ones will be made at no charge wherever you live in North America, per the terms and conditions of the program. (This is Kodak's commitment.)

What are you willing to spend on documenting and preserving images of the ones you love and the special times of your life?  Let's put it in perspective:

• A full service family portrait session complete with a 24" Gallery Wrap canvas portrait for your home, a custom set of designer holiday cards and gift prints for family is about the same price as a premium cup of coffee twice a week for just over a year. 
• An Enchanted Session for your child with an exquisite Designer Folio and gifts for the grandparents is less than the cost of a single day lift tickets for a couple with a child and dinner following.  One day of fun in the snow or a beautiful keepsake to last a lifetime.
• Booking one of our Mini Sessions including portrait gifts for yourself and family is about the same price as a dinner for four at a dine in casual restaurant.  The portraits will bring you joy for years vs. you might have a midnight snack before you go to bed.
• An extra gift print from one of our children's sessions is about the same price as a throw cushion for your sofa.  

It really comes down to how much you value the wonderful memories these portraits will bring to you.  This is about investing in your memories...

That depends on how big and how many. We offer different finishes and sizes for different tastes and budgets. There are wallet sizes and holiday cards, wall portraits up to 100 inches wide on fine art canvas and everything in between. 8”x10” and smaller prints start at $100 with  small wall sizes starting at $300.  Most families choose a  larger wall portrait as a focal point in their living room area, accented with albums or smaller prints of different poses and groupings  around the room and for other areas of their home and office.

A fine portrait will also make a lasting and enduring gift for yourself, your family, and generations to come.  We have a menu of  options in the studio with samples of each.  The same size print can have 5 different prices depending on the finish you choose. Images are  printed on the finest professional paper and canvases with a protective coating and mounted for proper display and longevity. Enhancements and artwork is done to each of these custom prints by a professional enhancement specialist - we do not just run them through a filter and tell you we edited them.  We offer a  satisfaction guarantee, backed up with the skills, knowledge,  experience, reputation, and credentials to provide you with a portrait  you will love.

If you value these types of things like we do, then we will probably be a great fit. If you are looking for the cheapest possible price for photography, we won't be able to provide you with that service. We have the experience and skills in this field and take the utmost care with respect to your memories and your delivered product. Our work is truly an investment, and we appreciate the clients that value that investment as much as we do.

While many people immediately think of newborn babies  and weddings, a professional photographer can preserve any memory that is important to you. Because nothing is as precious as the story of a child, many parents have photographs created at different stages in their child’s development.   Families often choose to come in every year creating a "portrait history" (plus it's really fun to create something new every year!).  Graduation, religious ceremonies, family reunions, pet portraits,  birthdays and anniversaries are some of the reasons people hire a professional photographer. 

Businesses, large and small, use professional images to advertise their products  - whether in print, broadcast, catalogs or social media. Other business needs include executive portraits and press release photos. It is extremely important that these images reflect the current image of your company and personnel.

Here are the steps involved to create photography you will be proud to own:

• Give us a call at 250-489-3557 and set a time to meet with us at the Studio for your Design Consultation (more on that to follow).
• Book your portrait appointment time and pay the Creation Fee (see below).  
• Select your clothing and accessories for your session from the information received at your Design Consultation; remember that we are as close as the phone if you have any questions. Don't forget to send us snapshots of your room(s).
• On your portrait day, try to be on time but if you are running late, give us a call. Now relax, knowing that you are in very capable hands.
• Approximately one week after your session, your images are ready for viewing and ordering your portraits (see below for further information).  A deposit is required on your order which will be completed within two to six weeks depending on the complexity of your order.
• We will contact you when your finished images are ready to be picked up; your balance is paid at that time.
• Enjoy your portraits!

Portraiture involves craftsmanship, knowledge, talent and time; for this a charge is made - the Creation Fee.  The Creation Fee is applied toward your purchase of our beautiful selection of printed photographic art. Cancellations due to weather or illness may be rescheduled however missed appointments will forfeit the deposit. This deposit is not refundable but can be transferred to another date or time within one year of the original appointment date due to illness or if an outdoor session has to cancelled due to inclement weather.

At your design consultation you will see samples of our photographic art detailing background choices along with clothing, accessories and prop selections. You will also see actual samples of our gorgeous papers, reveal boxes, albums, wall art and gift choices so you can select products to fit your needs. 

At your design consultation you will see samples of our photographic art detailing background choices along with clothing, accessories and prop selections. You will also see actual samples of our gorgeous papers, reveal boxes, albums, wall art and gift choices so you can select products to fit your needs. 

All this planning and preparation will result in portraits you will be proud to own.

We understand how important these images are to you so a complimentary design consultation is included in all our full sessions.  At that time we will discuss clothing selections to work with the set design you have chosen. The goal of any fine portrait is to direct the viewer's eye to the face(s) in the portrait. All other elements including the background should be secondary.

For individuals we recommend simple long-sleeved garments in a solid color. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and hosiery if full length portraits are also being created (but bare feet are fun too!). Always wear clothing that fits you well, check yourself both standing and seated in front of a full length mirror to ensure the fabric flows properly and doesn't bunch or gape open. Bring several outfits and accessories with you, we have a huge array of indoor and outdoor backgrounds and props.

Our goal is to create portraits as individual as you are. We are delighted to work with you to help you achieve the style of images you would like to display in your home. Memorable portraits take careful planning;  these guidelines will help you to make decisions about clothing and the style of your artwork.  

Images will be available for viewing within one week after your session on our large screen projection system.  Selections can be viewed up to 7x8 feet and to your specific cropping dimensions - no more squinting at your computer screen or trying to view them on your phone.  By viewing at the studio,  we are able to guide you through the selection process and assist you with choosing the best products to suit your home decor and gifts.

When you come in for your appointment, we will be able to show you your images to scale in your own rooms so you can be sure that the portraits you select will be a perfect size for your home decor.  Prior to your ordering appointment, take a photograph of the wall(s) of the rooms you are considering displaying your portraits in. Be sure to include a yardstick/meter-stick in the photograph or put two sticky notes on the wall with 36” between the two notes and then email the photo to us at: info@wellsphoto.ca.

Please come prepared to make your final selections and bring everyone with you who is part of the decision process. We recommend leaving the little ones at home for this appointment so you are not distracted. Viewing appointments are scheduled for 90 minutes so take a moment before you arrive to make a list of the portrait gifts you require.

Photographers who invest time into their clients and their sessions always ensure their clients are delighted with the images.  By doing face to face consultations and meetings we both have the opportunity to collaborate and we get a real understanding of what you require.

Our clients who are willing to invest these extra steps into helping us create these portraits  are assured that we care about the images we produce.  If there are circumstances which prevent you from in-person consultations and viewing appointments, we will certainly work with you provide you with the services you need.  We know you are busy but your portraits are worth the extra time you put into helping us create them!

Our Mini Sessions are your opportunity to purchase our award winning photography at a lower price point and give you a taste of what we do.  We offer themed sessions throughout the year and many clients book  several sessions for their family and each of their children in addition to their full service portraits.  The price for each session includes the Creation Fee, gift prints or cards and social media file(s).

Unlike our full service portraiture, Mini Sessions are much shorter (20 to 30 minutes), consultations are done by phone and pose selection is made on-line; but always be assured we are here to help you every step of the way and guide you with clothing and pose selections.  As always, our guarantees and warranties also apply to these sessions.

Check out our Calendar of Events page for upcoming Mini Sessions.  Reservations are limited and always sell out so book early.

You may pay by e-Transfer, cheque, or cash.  A deposit is required when booking your session, 50% down when you place your order and the balance is due when the portraits are completed. All prices are plus taxes.

We make our living by selling photographs; this is not a hobby or part-time gig. Under the Canadian Copyright Act, photographs are protected just like any other artistic works such as sculptures, paintings, drawings and engravings.

As professional photographers, we spend a great deal of time, effort  and money in making these photographs. We must learn our profession,  including techniques of lighting, posing, background, and finishing. We consistently continue to improve skills and products through educational courses, books, videos, workshops, conventions and  professional organizations. We have invested tens of thousands of dollars into our Studio space and Portrait Park. The only way that we can do all of this is by selling finished photographs to  our customers.

When one of our customers has reprints made by an infringer or even copies it with their phone camera without our permission, our market for that photograph is destroyed. Try putting  yourself in our place and imagine what your business would be like if you could not control the theft of your products; you would not be able to stay in business for very long.

All of our photographs are protected under the copyright law and may not be copied or scanned without our written permission. We will try to accommodate all reasonable requests from our customers and for a release of our exclusive rights if we cannot fulfill your needs.

Thank you for your understanding.

We do all the finishing on your portrait because we care about our images from their creation to how they are displayed in your home. We know how they are supposed to look and we won't settle for anything less. We would be doing you a great disservice by handing off digital images for you to "finish";  what artist of merit does that?

We use the highest quality digital equipment and software. Then your images are printed on professional portrait paper with a protective coating.  Anything else would be a poor representation of you and our work, and would not hold up over time. These prints should last for generations.  And this is exactly why we print them - so that in 20, 30 or even 50 years from now, your children and grandchildren won't be holding a USB drive or a link to an online gallery that will no longer open.  Instead, they will be holding a precious image in their hands, thankful that you cared enough to preserve it for them in print.

We understand that everyone would like to have copies of their pictures to share on social media sites and email to family and friends.  We include branded social media sized images of all purchased images.

We take the health and safety of our clients very seriously and follow all current health regulations. If requested, we will wear masks and maintain social distancing.

A non-refundable deposit is required when you book.  In case of cancellation due to sickness, your deposit can be applied toward any Mini or Full Service Session within one year. No refunds or credit for any appointment cancelled on the day of reservation.