Let me start off by saying that commissioning a photographer/artist to create custom artwork for you should be expensive. Low prices are actually one of my top red flags when hiring artists (but more on that here).


In terms of investment, you'll find a breakdown of my packages with starting prices if you click here. It's common for people to save up for a couple of months to financially afford a 1-2 hour photo session. For 8-12 hour sessions (think weddings, music videos, and multi-day events), it's not unusual for folks to save for a year or two!


But I recognize that there are many people who could save for years & years and still not have enough money put aside to book an hour photo session. A lot of us are just trying to keep a roof over our heads and heat in our homes! The thought of experiencing a professional photo session is a distant dream for a large population of people.


I believe abundance comes in many forms.


If your access to capital is limited but you feel that you have something valuable to offer, don't count yourself out! I may be able to offer a discount on your photo session depending on the value of your offering and how helpful the trade is for me.


If you’re able to offer a value of $310 or more, we can discuss a 1:1 trade where no money is exchanged.


Who qualifies for trades?


Before I dive into what trades are and how they work, please keep in mind that support is a two-way street. Trades are intended to support folks with limited access to capital who otherwise won't see their milestones documented. I'm only able to offer a limited number of trades per year and they work on the honour system. Folks who can pay full price for their photo sessions are expected to show their support by doing so.


How do I ask for a trade?


When you fill out our inquiry form (linked here), please indicate that you're interested in a trade. Provide as much information as you can about what you have to offer along with an estimate of your offering's value.


What type of trades do you accept for photo sessions?


Every trade is different because all of my clients are unique! So I accept all sorts of trades. I recommend that you start off by figuring out what you have an abundance of (ex. experience, creativity, products, time, etc etc) and then seeing if that lines up with what I'm needing.


Things I’m usually open to trading for:


  • Artwork that speaks to me, common mediums including:
  • Photography
  • Print or canvas
  • Ceramic
  • Stained glass
  • (Fine) jewelry
  • Textile (weaving, sewing, tufting, etc)
  • Woodwork
  • Magickal offerings, commonly including:
  • Candles, incense
  • Dried botanicals (teas, bundles, etc)
  • Fresh botanicals (herbs from the garden, floral bouquets, etc)
  • Raw cannabis flower or cannabis products
  • Oracle/tarot readings
  • Camera film
  • 135 (35mm) rolls
  • 120 (medium format) rolls
  • Instax Mini cartridges
  • Books and guides
  • Natural wellness products or experiences
  • Physical wellness sessions or experiences, commonly including:
  • Yoga classes
  • Physiotherapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Nourishment, often on a consistent basis for a set amount of time
  • Meals: takeout or homecooked
  • Weekly meal prep
  • Fresh home-grown produce
  • Baked goods (in general, this one is a great way to tip artists that you commission)


What do I do if you're not into what I have to offer?


Please keep in mind that I only accept mutually beneficial trades. I might say no to your offer based on my own need, even if your offer is valuable.


Things I'm rarely open to trading for due to my own abundance include:


  • Crystals
  • House plants
  • Vintage clothing


Things I don't trade for:


  • Hmm... I'm still thinking about this one. But I'll update this space as I do!


If a trade isn't in the cards for us, I'll walk you through my other accessibility programs like referral discounts, sponsorships, and pay-what-you-can marathon sessions. I'll do what I can to help you out!