Professional photography is an investment. When I’m making decisions, I like as much information as possible, so I’ve tried to cover lots of details here. This will get you started, but it’s best to chat live. If I’ve missed anything please send me an email sarah@sarahsims.ca or call me 905.464.0648
General Information
Apart from being a Professional Photographer with over nine years experience (and many more as a hobbyist), I am a mother of three teenagers (2 girls, 1 boy). community member (volunteering in several roles across Oakville), dog lover, book reader and general creative.
After years of enjoying photography as a hobby, in 2009 I decided to make it my career. I returned to school, studying digital photography and editing at Sheridan College. In 2011, I launched Sarah Sims Photography, and have enjoyed working with families all over the GTA since then. I have continued to hone my craft through a variety of training programmes, conferences and workshops.
FAMILIES
I am a family photographer based in Oakville, ON specializing in relaxed sessions that blend candid and posed images of your family. Working with dozens of families each year has developed my style and session approach, bringing me to the relaxed, playful style that I incorporate to all my family sessions. My approach to photography reflects my attitude in life – Let’s have fun! We’ll play together, tell some jokes, and make some magical images
I work throughout the GTA in homes and outdoor locations and I also have a small studio location in Oakville.
TEENS
I offer a unique photography experience just for pre-teens and teens, showcasing their individual personalities, talents and interest.
HEADSHOTS & BRANDING
Whether you are looking to rebrand yourself, update your LinkedIn profile or a business website, I will work with you to determine the right “look” for your professional portrait session.
There’s three parts to every booking. Pre-Session Consultation, Actual Shooting Session and Ordering Appointment.
FAMILIES
Every Sarah Sims Photography session is unique. I work with you to create the ideal session experience for your needs. I typically conduct sessions in your home/backyard or another local spot, but also have a small studio. During our pre-session consultation, we’ll discuss the type of images you want, whether it be totally candid “lifestyle” images, some coached groupings or more structured poses. We’ll discuss your vision for how and where you want to display your art (and if you aren’t sure, I can give you plenty of ideas). At this time, I’ll also give you advice on preparing for the session, wardrobe, etc., ensuring that your session is everything you want it to be.
On your session day, will meet and work together for the agreed amount of time, having lots of fun while we make great images.
After the session, I review everything I’ve shot, pare it down to a proof gallery of images you actually want to see and load just those to your online proof gallery. After you’ve had a chance to look at those, we’ll meet in my home office that is set-up with a big viewing screen and comfy couch. During the ordering appointment, I’ll help you pick your favourite images to have printed and guide you through the decision making process of how you want to display them, including sizing and finishing.
HEADSHOT & BRANDING
The package that you choose will determine the time and location for your photography experience. There are lots more details on this over on my Headshot & Branding page.
Exceptional Customer Service! I’m a perfectionist in every way — especially in how I serve my clients. That’s just how I roll — you are important to me! I have endless patience and enthusiasm. With nine years of experience and hundreds of sessions under my belt, I’m great at anticipating tricky situations and resolving them in advance
No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. Trust me, you DO NOT want to see ever image I shoot!
Yes, I have experience in many fields of photography, Families & Individual portraits are my specialty. Feel free to contact me for more information.
We can work in your home/backyard, another local spot or my studio. Together we will choose the perfect location for your session. For headshot and branding sessions you can choose between the simple look of the studio or your place of work.
I am based in Oakville, Ontario and work with families and individuals across the GTA.
I have been working professionally for eleven years.
Typically, I am booked one to five months in advance, depending on the season. However please contact me here, as there may be cancellations in my schedule.
No, to discuss other options, please get in touch at 905-464-0648 or sarah@sarahsims.ca
Thank you for asking. Fill out the contact form right here, or call me at 905-464-0648.
I strongly believe family photos should be printed to be enjoyed. That said, any image you have printed you receive a social media sharing file. Higher resolution images can be purchased a la carte.
Headshots and branding photos are delivered as digital files.
Basic Family Sessions are approximately one hour. I don’t time it with a stop watch, if we need a bit more than an hour then we’ll do that, or if we get what you want quickly we can wrap up earlier. Larger extended family groups usually take a bit longer.
Basic Headshots are 20 minutes.
Personal Branding are one to three hours (or more as needed.)
I have limited availability for event photography. Please contact me to discuss options.
A popular option when extended families are coming together for a reunion or special celebration, is to schedule a dedicated photo session separate from festivities.
FAMILIES
Your proof gallery will be minimum 40 images (usually many more). You can then choose to print as many or few as you want. There is no order minimum.
HEADSHOT
The basic session is one finished images
BRANDING
The number of branding images depends on the package that you choose.
During the ordering session I provide “soft proofing” which means your images are not retouched ahead of time. You choose your images and the level of retouching you want done.
YES, absolutely, I love dogs.
pricing
FAMILIES
Session fees start at $350. Most clients spend an average of $900 on their prints, wall art and books, but there is no minimum order.
HEADSHOTS
Starts at $195
BRANDING
Starts at $495
I’m proud to provide an experience that will bring you lasting memories and heirloom books and artwork – Is it worth the investment? ABSOLUTELY, some experiences are priceless.
There is no additional fee to pay by credit card. I accept credit cards, Interac transfers, cash or cheques.
Unfortunately, we all must pay the tax man, so no cash discount.
Travel fees only apply if your location is more than 25km from my base in South East Oakville.
I offer three product packages that are discounted from the “a la carté” menu.
Additionally, I occasionally have limited-time discounts on specific products based on promotions from my print lab partner.
before session
FAMILIES
For Family Photo Sessions, I typically work in your home or favourite spot around town, but I also have a small studio space.
HEADSHOTS & BRANDING
These are usually done in my studio or your office/place of business, but I have few other location options that we can discuss.
FAMILIES
Be comfortable, be yourself. You want your photos to reflect who you are, so your clothing should be typical to you, but perhaps a step above your everyday look. For small children especially, comfort is important. They will not relax if their clothes “bug” them. When we meet before your session, I’ll talk through ideas with you.
BRANDING AND HEADSHOTS
Your wardrobe for a branding or headshot session very much depends on the nature of your business. You’ll want to dress to reflect that. A lawyer vs a personal fitness trainer are going to choose very different looks!
I keep a few backup dates open each month in case of bad weather. There’s no charge to reschedule to a new date if it’s pouring raining or a blizzard. I don’t want to be out there any more than you do!
Kids can be shy, stubborn and in bad moods (just like adults). I always approach each session as a new friend who’s just there to play and have a good time. I have all the patience in the world, and I find that being easy-going translates to happy children. My goal is to capture the personalities of your children, including all the beautiful quirks, details, and small moments that make up childhood.
Yes! I’ve worked in many clients’ homes, and I’ve never found one that didn’t work, and please do not worry about the mess – I am coming to tell the story of your family with timeless photographs.
Awesome! Please enter a few details on my contact form and we’ll come up with a game plan for your session.
the actual session
We meet at your chosen location. I’ll take a few minutes to get to know the family so that everyone is comfortable. If we’re working in your home I’ll scout some possible locations or “scenes”, then we’ll spend the rest of the hour in a mix of organized shots (some loose posing), as well as some play time for candid images. I use my experience to read everyone’s cues as to what comes next and when anyone is just “done”.
Your proof images will be up online in a private gallery within 7-14 business days. About a week after your images are online, we set up an in-office consultation to determine how to best present your images in your home or as gifts.
Yes, I do. Click this link to be taken to my gift certificate page or send me an email if you want to design a custom gift.
The day goes most smoothly when you’ve prepared ahead of time. Have your outfits picked out at least a couple of days ahead so you can be sure they’re clean and ironed. Haircuts should happen at least a week ahead of the session. Fingernails should be painted the day before or bare. Guys should be freshly shaved or beard trimmed.
Please don’t threaten kids “behave or else…” I want them to look forward to this, the aim is fun. I have three kids of my own and have worked with every age and demeanour of kids – I’m pretty sure nothing would surprise me, or upset me. Don’t worry about them! I want you to be as relaxed as possible. We’ll have plenty of time to get great pictures, it’s not a race to a goal line.
If younger kids want to bring a small toy or stuff animal to keep them company that’s fine. If your dog is part of the session take them for a good walk ahead of time. They’ll be more cooperative if they aren’t overflowing with energy. A few treats in your pocket are helpful too!
Hair and make-up are not because they are such a personal choice. But, I can provide some recommendations.
I use a flash when it’s necessary. That said, I’ve worked with kids that have had sensory challenges with use of flash, so I don’t rely on it. I’m skilled in dealing with a variety of lighting situations.
after session
After your order is placed, and deposit paid, print orders will generally be completed within 4 weeks, books albums and wall art may take up to 6 weeks.
YES, I have a great line of products that I’ll show you at our ordering appointment.
YES. We’ll cover these options in your ordering appointment
For most images, you can choose whether you prefer them in colour or black and white. I’ll help with this choice at your ordering appointment.
You will have an online proof gallery, and then we’ll meet for your ordering appointment at my home office.
I offer a variety of sizes and styles of Christmas and Holiday cards.
Delivery time depends how early you order but usually about 2-3 weeks from your ordering appointment.
Probably more than you can imagine! The products people choose most are gallery wrapped canvases, acrylic mounts, wood and metal mounts, coffee table books, mounted presentation prints and of course traditional prints. I’ll show you options at your ordering appointment.
By looking carefully at each image captured at your session and then hand selecting the best images; eliminating duplicates, out of focus shots, etc. I am looking for images that represent your family, to the fullest. I guarantee minimum of 40 images, but usually there are many more included.
Your Proof gallery will be online 7-14 days after the session.
We’ll meet for ordering appointment one week later.
Your prints, wall art, and books take between 2 – 6 weeks depending on the product and season.
Yes, you can. I can only guarantee holding proof images for 60 days. However, after ordering appointment you can order additional copies of previously printed images up to 1-year later.