portrait welcome guide
Services offered by Kalispell Family Photographer, Valerie Clement
I'm so happy you're here! Chances are, you've already "met" me via my website but if not, Hello! I'm Valerie. I'm a mom of three (including twins) and married to my complete opposite, I'm an introvert and a homebody so I chose an interesting career that requires me to leave the house and meet new people all the time. 😂 But I love every minute of it! I hope we'll have the chance to meet in-person and create some beautiful memories for your family.
Let's make something magical together.
Hello & Welcome!
what to expect
A little about my photography "style"...
I wouldn't necessarily call myself a "traditional "look at the camera and smile" portrait photographer, at least when it comes to outdoor photography. Candids and emotive images have my heart, but don't get me wrong, I do love a good posed photo too so I'll always do my best to capture photos where everyone is actually looking and smiling, because, hey, as a mom, I want those photos too.
I get really excited about pretty sunlight, moody clouds, and the perfect amount of wind, but the best session is when I get to capture your family just being who they are. Whether it's chaotic or quiet or playful, my goal is to document authentic moments and leave you with photos you will treasure for years to come.
location & scheduling
I offer outdoor sessions on-location within 25 miles of Kalispell (please see Glacier National Park pricing below, other locations are possible with a travel fee, let's talk about what you're looking for in your photos). A typical session lasts approximately one hour or until we run out of light. If you are inquiring about a maternity session, congratulations! I typically schedule these between 28 - 34 weeks, give or take and have a large selection of maternity gowns to choose from (if desired). P.S. Save $100 on a Full newborn session or $50 on a Mini newborn session when you combine with a Maternity Session (check out my Newborn Welcome Guide here).
Your session will begin just before sunrise or about an hour before sunset. Late summer sunsets do make it a bit more challenging for young children, but unfortunately the light is just too harsh before this time.
Once booked, I will work with you on choosing a location and will send over my location guide, style guide and client closet with tips for choosing a location, what to wear, etc.
I typically schedule sessions on weekday evenings but have some weekends available as needed, though these do go quickly and typically need to be scheduled further in advance.
working with children
As a mom of three, I totally understand the stress of family photos with young children and worrying if they will behave, will they smile, or will they just cry? First things first, don't stress! I promise that I won't be phased by children crying or not listening, in fact, I'll probably photograph it! Your children are who they are and this is all about documenting real life and your family, just as you are.
Will we get just one smiling photo? I will definitely try my best but the more pressure we add, the less likely it is to happen. If parents relax, kids are more likely to follow suit. I love candid photos, so the less everyone has to worry about all looking at the camera, the better!
outdoor sessions $800
- Full set of 60+ artistically edited high resolution images
- Locations include: Kalispell, Whitefish, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Creston, Big Fork. For sessions outside of this area, travel fees apply. West Glacier +$150, Eureka +$200, Polson +$200, please inquire for other locations.
- Assistance with styling and free use of client closet
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery
- Couples, Individual Families (parents+children), Maternity
- Return clients receive a $200 gratitude discount
VCP private property outdoor sessions $550
- Location Options: Private property on Foys Canyon Rd. or Herron Park
- 60 minute sunrise or sunset session
- Individual Families, Couples, Maternity (does not include Extended Family sessions)
- 25 artistically edited high resolution images. Option to upgrade to full gallery of images (typically 60+ images but I do not limit) for $175
- Assistance with styling and free access to client closet for women and children (newborn to teen)
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery.
- Return Clients receive a $50 client appreciation discount
extended family sessions
- Includes one family but more than one immediate family, such as parents + kids + grandparents, parents + kids + spouses, etc. (Not available for maternity sessions.)
- Full set of 60+ artistically edited high resolution images
- Locations include: Kalispell, Whitefish, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Creston, Big Fork. For sessions outside of this area, travel fees apply. I do not photograph extended families in GNP.
- Assistance with styling and free use of client closet
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery
- Return clients receive a $200 gratitude discount
- To secure your session date on my calendar, a $200 non-refundable retainer is required. The balance will be due the day of the session. Payment plans are available by request.
These sessions combine multiple family units and therefore multiple family sessions into one. They involve more people combinations, often longer session times, and more editing time. Extended family sessions due tend to be more posed versus candid images since most families are seeking different portrait combinations (i.e. full family, individual families, children, children + grandparents, etc.).
in-home lifestyle sessions $850
- Up to 2 hours in your home
- Couples, family, maternity, newborn (does not include extended family sessions)
- Full set of 40+ artistically edited high resolution images
- Locations include: Kalispell, Whitefish, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Creston, Big Fork. For sessions outside of this area, travel fees apply.
- Lifestyle sessions are more documentary and are less posed, using natural lighting
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery
Studio maternity sessions $600
- Up to 2 hours in studio
- Just Mom or Couples
- Includes up to 4 outfits, studio options are available at no charge
- Full set of 30+ artistically edited high resolution images
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery
mini studio sessions $400
- 30 minute studio session
- Individual Families & Couples (does not include Newborn or Extended Family sessions)
- Your choice of 15 images with option to upgrade to full set of 40+ artistically edited high resolution images
- Location: South Kalispell on Foys Canyon Rd.
- Assistance with styling, if desired
- Professional quality prints and cards available to order directly from your gallery.
- Upgrade Offer: $35/additional image or $225 full gallery upgrade
RETAINER & BOOKING
To secure your session date on my calendar, a $200 non-refundable retainer is required. The balance will be due the day of the session. Payment plans are available by request.
frequently asked questions
Q: What is your photography style?
A: I love to capture candid moments but I also love posed photos, where everyone is smiling, so we'll try our best to get some of both. My sessions do tend to include many unposed images, hopefully lots of snuggles, close up details, sitting, playing, running, whatever happens during your session. I don't deliver a gallery where everyone is looking and smiling at the camera in every image. It's OK if that's what you want, it just means that I may not be the photographer you're looking for and I totally understand that.
Q: Does our session have to be at sunset?
A: My outdoor photos are always scheduled at sunset, or on occasion, sunrise. I don't shoot midday due to harsh sunlight and I couldn't guarantee photos in my style if we shoot with harsh light. I know sunset is often later than young children's' bed times during summer months, so keep this in mind when choosing a date for your session. If this is a major concern, I highly suggest considering Spring or Fall photos when sunset is a little earlier.
Q: Where will the session take place?
A: If you have a location in mind, let me know! But I usually like locations that are a little more remote or at least appear to be, meaning locations that don't have man made items in them like paved roads, houses, buildings, etc. I scout for new locations all the time, so if you're booking further in advance, we can choose a location as we get closer to your date.
Q: What if it's raining or snowing the day of my session?
A: We'll stay in touch throughout the day. If it looks like it's going to be heavy rain or snow, we will reschedule. I try to reserve a few rain out dates, so I can usually do so within a few days but might require a weekday versus a weekend. If it's just sprinkling off and on or barely snowing, we can usually still shoot or we can reschedule, if you desire. I generally do not reschedule for gray or overcast days as those are far too common in Montana, unless you are OK with potentially pushing your session to a further out date if my schedule is full. Overcast days may require that we start a little earlier.
Q: We have no clue what to wear, can you help us?
A: Of course! I'm happy to help make color palette suggestions, send links to clothing, or you may also borrow from my client closet. Once booked, I will send you my style guide with suggestions and clothing I have available.
Q: Can we include our pet?
A: I'm always happy to include pets, though I generally recommend including them for a few photos and having a safe place for them during the remainder of the session so you aren't worrying about them the entire time. However, I do not include pets in GNP sessions due to restrictions throughout the park.
Q: Do you deliver all images in color and black and white?
A: I deliver a mix of both color and black and white images. Since I hand edit all of my images in Photoshop, I do not deliver everything in color and black and white. Sometimes I choose certain images to only deliver in color or only deliver in black and white. That being said, I definitely deliver a majority of images in color, probably 90-95%, with just a few in black and white.
Q: How do I view and download my images?
A: I will send you a link to view and download your photos from my gallery site called Shootproof. This allows for high resolution downloads and social media downloads but please do not screenshot your images from Shootproof as they will not print or share on social media well. You can also order prints and canvases directly from your gallery.
Q: How soon do we get our images after the session?
A: My delivery time is estimated at 3 weeks. If you book during Fall season, delivery times increase to 4 weeks. I try to send a sneak peek within the first 24 hours but cannot guarantee this.
Q: How do we book a session?
A: I'm so happy you want to book! Once you've reviewed this welcome guide and have decided that I'm the photographer for you, just message me and we can work out the details. Your session requires a $200 non-refundable retainer to reserve your date on my calendar with the balance due the day of the session. I will send over the contract and invoice for your review and signature. Once booked, let the planning begin!
Q: What do we need for a session in Glacier?
A: There's a few more hoops when shooting in Glacier National Park but of course those views can make it all worthwhile. First and foremost, be prepared for weather. The weather can change rapidly, think blue skies to clouds to rain to snow to wind. During the summer months, there is a ticket system but since we'll be shooting at sunset, we won't need to worry about this. However, a park pass is always required so you will need to purchase a $35 weekly pass, a $70 annual GNP pass, or you can buy an annual America The Beautiful pass for $80. Be prepared for heavy traffic when entering the park, so plan to leave early so you can arrive on time for your session. Always watch your kids closely and don't let them wander in Glacier as wildlife is abundant and can show up anywhere at anytime (which is also why I always carry bear spray). Parking in some locations can be tricky so please consolidate to as few cars as possible. Also, keep in mind that most locations are busy around sunset so we will need to work around people without inhibiting their visit to the park. Last but not least, this applies to all locations...please follow the "Leave No Trace" rule. Anything you bring in, please be sure to bring out. For this same reason, I do not use any sort of confetti, glitter, color bombs, paints, etc.
Did I miss something? Feel free to contact me directly with any other questions!
Thank you for taking the time to read through my Outdoor Session Welcome Guide! I would be honored to be your photographer and I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your family.
Once you have booked, keep an eye out for more information on choosing a location, styling, planning, etc. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
