Meet Buttercup the VW, Bert the Boler & Vintage Open Air Photo BoothsMeet Buttercup, our charming 1972 VW Bus. She’s had a good life enjoying time on the road and plenty of starry nights. After a little makeover into the ultimate custom photo booth, she’s starting on her next journey as “life of the party.”Buttercup has just been joined by Bert the Boler this year to add a little spice to the party. Bert is of similar vintage and brings a Canadiana flavour. Lovingly restored, our VW bus and Boler will take your photo booth experience to the next level. We’ve combined our love for the vintage VW, Boler and fresh ideas for events and a passion for photography to bring you Hip Image—Calgary’s most unique and memorable photo booth experience. We are excited to announce our new vintage tripod open air photo booth for all of those indoor experiences where the VW or Boler are just too big. It allows for more people to be in your photos and also the exciting green screen option. |
Social Media SavvyLaunching a new product? Want to up the style-ante in your themed event? We’re all about creating stylish and interactive experiences with you.Getting noticed in the social media space requires superb creativity. That’s where we come in. With creative, personalized events made visual, you’re bound to get people talking on the social grapevine with our images. Our booths are social media enabled, allowing users to email or upload photos to their Facebook or Twitter accounts, text message or email direct from our units—live at your event. And learn more about our freshly launched Hashtag Printer here » |
We all know and love that one friend. The one you check with first when you’re planning a bash. The one whose charisma and fun-loving energy lights up a room. The spark that sets the mood for a great evening ahead. The life of the party (LOTP).
While Hip Image launched with Buttercup as the attraction for clients and events, it wasn’t long before the business-minded and tech savvy entrepreneur partners grew Hip Image into a premier offering, serving corporate Alberta – adding pizazz to brand launches, engagement to social media campaigns and memorable stories for organic sharing and word of mouth buzz.
 Monique de St. Croix, Partner
First, a degree in French, then a degree in Education. During her first year of teaching, Monique discovered her passion for photography - capturing the essence of the moment. After a few years of doing both, she finally took the leap and left full time teaching behind to duck behind the lens and let the camera earn her living. She has been able to travel all over the world with her photography kit: Bosnia, Italy, Poland, Israel, France, Texas, Norway, UK, Colombia, The Bahamas, Germany, Thailand, Denmark, and as far North as the Arctic Circle. She is still a guest teacher in Calgary, bringing her visual world into the classroom. Jo and Monique have worked on many projects over the years, and when she brought this crazy idea forward to step back in retro-time, Monique gladly hopped in the time machine. What I’ve been surprised with about Hip Image: The best part of Hip Image is the relationship with all the clients we meet. It is SO FUN, and that is a great way to live! Favourite Prop: My favorite prop is the google-eyed glasses + Viking helmet + fox pelt ensemble. Best Song: Hmmmm… being a Calgary Folk Fest volunteer for over a decade, I certainly have my favorites from there. I have been a Kate Bush fan since the late 80s. A song that will get me up every time is Dancing Queen by ABBA. A more this-century song that appeals to my creative sense of possibility is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. I’m a sap for hopeful lyrics! 'Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten. Oh, Oh, Oh.' The 'oh, oh, oh' part gets me every time. |
 Jo Williams, Partner
With 20 years experience in the PR and event biz, Jo of Not Your Average Jo Communications, is always on the lookout for new ways to spice up special events. The VW Photo Booth bus (and expanded fleet) seemed like such a natural evolution of the photo booth, she had to jump on the opportunity. Teaming up with Monique to pull this idea off just seemed like a natural fit. Jo is inspired by the ability to do colour outside the lines with this venture—particularly in coming up with unique and crazy props! Favourite Prop: Velvet sombrero + animal mask + maracas What I’ve been surprised with about Hip Image: The insane positive energy we’re able to draw from our guests. Plus everyone’s on the same level when you put silly glasses, hats and moustaches on. Best Song: Try Everything by Shakira |
 Rebus Liu, Chief Technician
Rebus is the go-to guy for everything tech related at Hip Image. Rebus came to Canada from China in 2008, and his background ranges from marketing, environmental science, and photographer. A man of many talents, he’ll magically appear when he hears his name called combined with the phrase “What should I do?” Rebus has a passion for science and a large knowledge of pop culture. Favourite prop: Curly hair wig What I’ve been surprised with about Hip Image: The unstoppable creativity, fast growing capacity and how much joy we bring to people. Favourite song: Whatever the mood is that day! |
 Nicole Halverson
Nicole was born and raised in Calgary, and graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She majored in photography in 2000, and has had her own Photography business since 1999. She is married with two sons. Her favourite car is a VW beetle, and in her spare time, Nicole renovates vintage trailers. What I was surprised about with Hip Image: I was most surprised about how great the VW bus and Boler trailers are! Favorite prop: Feather boa and sunglasses Best Song: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper |
 Michelle Janzen
Fashionista extraordinare and choreographed fun-maker, Michelle is super with props and getting all ages and group sizes smiling. With her flair for drama and love of dancing, she is the "go to girl" to put the energy into your event What I was surprised with about Hip Image: How the craziness of the Hip Image scene and team can break down barriers between people of all walks of life. Best song: I had the time of my life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes Favourite prop ensemble: Pink feather boa with diva glasses |
 Helen Ellis
Helen’s experience is in accounting and finance. For her, Hip Image is about getting out of her box and doing something fun. Jo and Monique are two incredibly talented and creative people who she says have given her the opportunity to explore her not-so-creative side. Favourite Prop: The money boa of course What I was surprised with about Hip Image: The way it inspires people to let go and have fun, which creates a whole lot of laughter and memories. Favourite song: Alberta Bound by Paul Brandt |
 Anna Black
Anna has a wide range of experience in the service and hospitality industry. She moved to Calgary from Edmonton in 2015 and now spends most of her time caring for her three young kids. She loves all things creative and is excited to be able to share that passion with Hip Image! Favourite Prop: Big sunglasses and you always gotta have a sign What I was surprised with about Hip Image: How much fun it is! Thanks to all of YOU, you make it a blast! Best Song: Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra |
