This year, Hip Image celebrates a significant milestone—10 years of redefining event experiences through creativity, innovation, and immersive storytelling. Since its inception, this locally grown, Calgary-operated company has been at the forefront of interactive event photography, continuously evolving to bring fresh, engaging experiences to clients across industries.
Founded by professional event photographer Monique de St. Croix and PR/brand strategist Jo Williams, Hip Image made its mark as the first to introduce the VW photo booth concept to Canada. Reflecting on the early days, de St. Croix shares, “The goal was always to offer something unique—something that would connect with people and create lasting memories.”
Since the debut of the beloved VW Bus photo booth, Buttercup, in 2015, Hip Image has consistently pushed the boundaries of event engagement. From 360° video activations and AI-driven experiences to fully customizable photo sets, the company has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of the event industry.
“Creativity has been at the core of everything we do,” says Williams. “It’s about blending technology, design, and interactive storytelling to craft experiences that stand out and resonate.”
This commitment to innovation and high-quality event execution has made Hip Image a trusted partner for major brands, non-profits, and corporate events across Canada.
Beyond its reputation for cutting-edge event activations, Hip Image remains deeply rooted in Calgary’s community. Over the years, the company has collaborated with numerous organizations, including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, United Way, and Kids Cancer Care.
“Giving back to the community has always been a core value,” says Williams. “We believe in using our platform to create meaningful connections and support the organizations that make a difference.”
As a women-owned, Métis-partnered business, Hip Image also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and representation, ensuring that every project reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
As Hip Image celebrates a decade of success, its founders remain focused on the next wave of innovation. Plans are already in motion to introduce new interactive experiences, cutting-edge event technology, and expanded custom activations that continue to push the limits of creativity.
Among the exciting developments ahead is the launch of the original red carpet Glambot™—the first of its kind in Calgary. This high-speed robotic camera experience, seen on Hollywood’s biggest award shows, will bring high-fashion, slow-motion glamour to local events.
“When we introduced the VW photo booth concept to Canada, it changed the game for event activations,” says de St. Croix. “Now, we’re doing it again with the Glambot™. We’re excited to be the first in Calgary to offer this jaw-dropping, cinematic experience.”
With 10 years of groundbreaking event activations behind them, Hip Image is poised to continue redefining the future of experiential marketing and event engagement.
The success of Hip Image over the past decade has been driven by the support of its clients, partners, and the Calgary community. As the company looks ahead, its mission remains the same—to bring creativity, innovation, and unforgettable experiences to every event.
For those looking to make their next event truly stand out, Hip Image continues to be the go-to choice for bold, interactive, and high-impact event activations.
Join the celebration and see what’s next for Hip Image as it enters the next decade of creativity!
