Calgary headshot photographer
Think you're not photogenic? Many of my clients say that at first. I'll coach every expression, show you the shots live as we go, and deliver your retouched headshots within two business days.
Real clients, real sessionsPurple House Photography
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You're in great hands
"With the right support and guidance, everyone, absolutely everyone, can have an amazing headshot."
I'm Dan MacDonald. For over 12 years I've photographed business leaders, actors, realtors, lawyers and whole corporate teams across Calgary. I have specialized training in directing headshots, so you never have to guess what to do with your hands or your face. You just follow along.
What I shoot
In studio or on location, for one person or a hundred. Clear prices, quick turnaround, no surprises.
Coached, relaxed sessions in my Sunalta studio. Any number of outfits, live review on the laptop, retouched and delivered in two business days.
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I bring the studio to your office and photograph your whole team with one consistent look. New hires can match it later at the studio.
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Portraits with personality for founders, authors, coaches and creatives.
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Conferences, galas, launches and grand openings, captured unobtrusively. Photos delivered in 24 to 72 hours, same day previews if you need them.
Learn moreHow it works
A simple, friction free process, so you go from booking to a headshot you love as quickly as possible.
Book a studio session online, or call, text or email me to talk about your needs. As soon as you're confirmed I'll send you a short guide on how to prepare.
I follow up the same day you reach out. If your company or casting agency has requirements, or you have a look you want to achieve, this is where we nail it down.
In my studio or at your office, I keep it relaxed and give you clear, specific direction. I shoot tethered to a laptop, so you see every frame as we go.
We review the images together at the end of the session and pick the ones you want. I accept credit or debit cards, or we can make arrangements for cheque, eTransfer or EFT if that's better for your business.
I retouch every image you purchase and deliver web ready and high resolution versions, in a range of crops, within two business days. Often sooner.
Tethered shooting
My camera is connected to a laptop, so we can immediately review, see what's working, and adjust together, and you know you have a headshot you love before we move on.
Portfolio
Verified Google reviews
I appreciated the diversity of skin colour represented on Dan's website and how amazing everyone looked. Being black, I wanted someone who understood lighting for my skin tone. Dan was personable and knowledgeable, he shared tricks with me to help me pose better. The best pictures I've ever had taken.
As a professional actor who has worked with many photographers, my session with Dan has been the best experience of my career. Finally, I have a gallery of headshots I feel confident submitting for agents and casting.
Getting your picture taken can feel kind of awkward but Dan made the whole process fun, comfortable and engaging. He provided us with many choices (poses, crops, lighting). We are very happy with how the photos turned out!
Pricing
Everything you need is included, and there are never hidden fees.
In my Sunalta studio, with one fully retouched headshot included.
I bring the studio to your office, for one person or the whole company.
Then $225 for each additional hour of coverage.
GST is added to all prices. I accept all credit and debit cards.
For companies
I set up a portable studio at your office and move your team through efficiently, so your website, LinkedIn, and sales decks finally match.
Event photography
Organizations like UNICEF Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart and Amazon Canada have counted on me to document their events, unobtrusively and professionally.
FAQ
Can't find your answer? Call or text me and I'll get back to you the same day.
A studio session with me is $199. That includes a pre session consultation, as many outfits as you like, reviewing the images together, and one fully retouched headshot in web ready and high resolution versions with multiple crops. Additional selections are $95 each. On location sessions start at $299. GST is added to all prices.
Yes, many people who book with me feel the same way at first. I give you specific, simple direction the whole way through, and because I shoot tethered to a laptop you can see what's working in real time. Nobody leaves without a headshot they like.
Retouched headshots are delivered within two business days, often sooner. Event photos are delivered in 24 to 72 hours depending on how much coverage you booked, and I can turn around a few images the same day, or even during the event, for your socials.
Bring a few options. There's no limit on outfits in a studio session, so we can try more than one look. Solid colours that suit your skin tone work best, along with clothes that fit well through the shoulders. Skip busy patterns and big logos. Everyone who books gets my prep guide with more tips.
Absolutely. I bring a portable studio to your location and work through your team efficiently, with minimal disruption to your day. When you hire someone new, they can drop by my studio for a headshot that matches the rest of the team.
I'm in The Bows studios at 2001b 10 Ave SW, in Sunalta just outside downtown Calgary. I'm in the studio by appointment only, so please book online or get in touch first.
The studio
Just outside downtown Calgary, inside The Bows studios. It's a relaxed, private space set up for headshots, with room to change outfits.
Studio sessions are $199 and your retouched headshot arrives within two business days. Book online in a minute, or call or text me with questions.
