The Family photography experience
Capture what makes your family unique
Capture what makes your family unique
packages
With each snap, my goal is to capture the heart and soul of your family’s connections. I’m talking about the inside jokes, the bear hugs, the unique quirks that make you all so fabulously you. These are the memories that will forever sing in your heart, and I aim to freeze them in time, creating a visual storybook that will leave you breathless. I’m not just clicking away; I’m weaving a tale that will speak to the heart of your family’s love and joy. Let’s embark on this adventure together and capture not just images but your family’s beautiful, one-of-a-kind story.
investment starts at $395+hst
essential collection
Includes:
- Up to 30 minute session
- 10 fully edited images of your choice from a proofing gallery
- Final images delivered in both colour and black & white
- Access to client closet. Additional fee for in-person styling session
- Comprehensive Family Prep Guide
NOTE: Maximum of 6 family members.
Additional people may be added for $25+hst/person.
Premium collection
Includes:
- Up to 1-hour session
- 30 fully edited images of your choice
- Final images delivered in colour and black & white
- Access to client closet & personalized in-person styling session
- 30-minute virtual planning session
- Comprehensive Family Prep Guide
- 10% off all printed items
NOTE: Maximum of 6 family members.
Additional people may be added for $25+hst/person.
all inclusive collection
Includes:
- Up to 90-min session
- Your entire fully edited gallery delivered in colour and black & white
- Access to client closet
- 30-minute virtual planning session
- Access to client closet & personalized in-person styling session
- Comprehensive Family Prep Guide
- Complimentary Gift of an Heirloom Photo Box with all images from your session
- 20% off all printed items
portfolio
the family gallery
the process
How it works
Book your session
Contact me to choose your date, package, and finalize the details with a contract and retainer payment.
Virtual Planning
Schedule a 30-minute virtual session (if included) to align on your vision for the shoot.
In person styling
If using a client closet item, book an in-person styling session.
Shoot day
Enjoy our session at your chosen location, capturing beautiful moments together.
Receive photos
Sneak peeks within 48 hours, proofing gallery in 3 weeks, and final images within 7 days of your selection.
testimonials from our happy families
"We can't wait to make our session with Melissa a yearly tradition.
I found Melissa on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her photographs and photography style. We chose a flower field mini to get family photos of ourself and young daughter. Before the session I met with Melissa for a styling session to discuss our family’s outfits for the day. Not only did she give me great tips and explain everything about our mini, but she made me feel like I was visiting with a friend. On the day of our session, she made us feel very comfortable and had us laughing the entire time. After the session we were counting down the days until we got to see our photographs. When we got the photographs back, we were thrilled with how they turned out. She perfectly captured our family.
- Amanda
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is a rockstar! We are beyond grateful for all of her talent and expertise in capturing photos of our baby boy and family.
From the onset she put us at ease with her pre-planning guides and taking the time to answer questions. As new parents she immediately put us at ease and we had so much fun with her. It was such a special time to spend together and Melissa created a wonderful and fun environment for all of us. We loved the sneak peek gallery! It was such a nice touch and when we saw the full gallery we were blown away at how well she captured our special moments. We can’t recommend Melissa Shearer Photography enough! Thank you again Melissa for being there to capture our special moments and life milestones.”
- Tanya J.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is a queen at the customer experience before your session even starts!
She wants you to feel comfortable and make sure your needs are being met for your in person session. If the experience before your session is just as important as the session and delivery of images, Melissa is your go-to photographer.
- Erika M.
FAQ
Frequently asked Questions
I'm worried about my young child not behaving - can you help?
As a mom myself, I completely understand this worry. My advice may sound strange – but don’t worry about them behaving. Don’t stress about them looking and smiling at the camera. It is my job to photograph your story exactly where it’s at in this moment. I promise you we will get some beautiful photographs – your job will be to try your best to relax and just connect with your family members in an authentic way. Embrace the chaos. Give the hugs. Be silly together.
my child is nervous around new people, especially adults. Can you ensure that they won't be hiding behind my leg the whole time?
While I can never guarantee how a child will respond to me or the camera- I have a whole bag of tricks when it comes to getting your child out of their shell and to trust me. In my prep guide there is a whole section on how YOU can prep your child for our session together – if they know what to expect and what they’re walking into, that’s half the battle. When in doubt I also encourage families to bring some snacks (such as goldfish crackers) or their favourite toys to help ease their children’s nerves.
My husband hates photos, I'm afraid he's going to be a grump during the entire shoot. Help!
There are two options – he can suck it up and put on a happy face just enjoy the time doing something that your future children will thank you for, or you can do a mommy & me without them. Trust me there’s no vibe killer worse than someone who GENUINELY doesn’t want to be there.
Can you make me look skinnier in the photos using Photoshop? I forgot my phone in my pocket during the shoot- can it be removed in editing?
Extensive editing such as extreme body modification are above and beyond the scope of work included in my packages. If it is feasible to complete the requested extreme edits they will be charged at a rate of $15/image. Removing distracting items such as keys, wallets, apple watches, phones in pockets or hair ties on wrists are the responsibility of the participants and may not be able to be fixed in editing – these tasks will be considered extensive editing and will be billed accordingly if requested.