Portrait of a woman with curly blonde hair, fair skin, and tattoos on her arms and side, sitting against a plain beige background. Nicolette Pearse

What to Expect

A woman with curly brown hair smiling and looking to the side, wearing a patterned jacket and a black top, against a plain background. Samantha Hurley

Step 1

Say Hello!

It all starts with a simple reach-out. Head to the Contact page and send a note. 

No pressure, no commitment. Just tell Sam a little about yourself and what you have in mind. Whether you're a brand, a business, or someone with a creative idea brewing, she'd (seriously) love to hear from you.

Let's Talk It Through

Step 2

Once Sam receives your message, she'll get back to you to have a simple conversation. Together you'll cover:

  • Timing — when you're hoping to book the photoshoot

  • Pricing — transparent and tailored to your project

  • Usage — whether it's corporate, creative, food, product, or something in between, knowing how the images will be used helps Sam plan the right approach

  • Your vision — what are you actually trying to create? (the fun part) 

  • Deposit  — A link will be sent to pay a deposit for your shoot 

Once the deposit is paid, your session is officially booked! 

A woman holding a glass panel with water droplets, her face partially visible behind it, surrounded by pink flowers. Photo of Nicolette Pearse

Step 3

Share Your Inspiration

Before the shoot, Sam loves to see the world through your eyes a little. Send over any reference images, mood boards, outfit choices and/ or examples that capture what you're going for. This is where you select your colour palette and overall vibe. 

You bring the idea. Sam brings it to life. Which just happens to be the next step… 


A man with dark hair and fair skin, wearing a white t-shirt with rolled-up sleeves, shows a tattoo of a rose on his upper arm, and is posed slightly turned, looking over his shoulder with a subtle smile against a dark background.Photo of Kelly Penner

Step 4

Arriving for your photoshoot! 

Come hair and make-up ready, and honestly…you don't need much!
Most of Sam's headshot clients keep it minimal, and that's completely intentional. Less is more when we want the authentic you to shine through.

Now for creative shoots, feel free to play with your look! It can be anything from full glam with a make-up artist in tow, to prosthetics, to being covered in Flowers! 

Want a hair and make-up artist on set? Sam can arrange that! Just keep in mind it adds time and budget to your session — typically ranging from $300–$400. If this is something you'd like to explore, just mention it when you're in the planning stage, and Sam will help you arrange this.

Makeup and Hair

A woman sitting with flowers on her white dress and a makeup artist applying makeup to her face, with a green background. Behind the Scenes
A woman sitting with flowers on her white dress and a makeup artist applying makeup to her face, with a green background. Behind the Scenes

Refreshments are Available !!! 

When you arrive, you'll have time to get comfortable in the space and change into your first look. Sam will have music going, but feel free to bring your own playlist if there's a specific vibe or energy you need to get into your zone.
Sam has worked with professional creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs all across Toronto, including many who are not comfortable in front of a camera. Before the camera starts clicking, Sam will have a brief chat with you. No posing, no pressure, just a chance to connect and settle. Sam brings a genuinely empathetic approach to every session, helping clients access their sense of play so that you don't just walk away with incredible photos… You walk away having had an incredible experience.

That, and coffee, tea or a refreshing beverage of your choice is also offered upon arrival.

A tall glass with a floral pattern contains a beverage with lemon slices, ice, and floating fruit pieces, with water splashing at the top against a red background.

Step 5

The Photoshoot!

You will never have to wonder what to do with your hands!

From the moment the camera starts clicking, Sam’s right there with you, guiding you through poses, helping you find your best angles, and working the lighting to make sure every frame is doing you justice.

Depending on how many looks you've planned, Sam will help navigate the timing of the day to make sure everything you've envisioned actually gets captured. She keeps the energy moving without ever making you feel rushed.

Step 6

The Finished Product 

A young man with dark hair, wearing earrings, a chain, and rings, touching his face thoughtfully, with tattoos on his arm. Photo of David July

Within 24–48 hours of your shoot, you'll receive your proofs (aka a gallery of images Sam captured throughout the day). This is your chance to go through them and pick your favourites!

Not sure which ones to choose? Just ask Sam, she is always happy to share her recommendations on which images she feels have the greatest potential.

Once you've made your selections, Sam gets to work. Your finished, edited photos will be delivered within 5–7 business days in both hi-res and web-ready formats — so they're ready for wherever life takes them.

Not 100% happy with something? Revisions are part of the process. Sam wants you to love what you receive, so give her your feedback, let her know if she’s missed anything (like those pesky stray hairs), and she will adjust accordingly.