As a family photographer, you quickly learn that working with children is a delightful whirlwind of unpredictability. In my latest job, I was reminded of a universal truth - expect the expected. And this blog post is all about that.
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The session was in the beautiful city of Ottawa with a wonderful family. Armed with my trusty Sony Alpha a7IV, we set about capturing some memorable family portraits. But, as the saying goes, 'the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry', and this situation was no different.
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The kids, full of youthful energy and free of inhibitions, were more interested in exploring the surroundings than posing for pictures. A typical challenge for an Ottawa family photographer, one might say. However, it's these unplanned moments that often create the most authentic and memorable images.
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Just as I was about to capture what seemed like the perfect family moment, one of the young ones decided to go on an impromptu adventure. You know, the kind that involves running away from the camera at the last moment. And that's how I got 'the one that got away' shot. Far from a picture-perfect family portrait, this was a snapshot of real family life - uncensored, chaotic, and utterly beautiful.
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Some might see the chaos of photographing kids as a downside. I think it's one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Every time I look at that photo, I can't help but chuckle. It reminded me of the days when I too, like those young kids, had no grasp of language or the ability to control my impulses. And the result? A raw, unfiltered, and delightful mess.
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So, my dear readers, next time you find yourself at a family photo session that seems to be spiraling out of control, remember to take a deep breath and embrace the chaos. You never know, you might just get a 'one that got away' shot of your own.
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Until next time, keep expecting the expected!
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#ottawa #ottawafamilyphotographer #ottawafamily #familyportraits #sony #sonyalpha #sonya7iv

Embracing the Unpredictability of Family Photography Sessions

It was a day painted with love, laughter, and familial bonds, one that still lingers in memories even after the echoes of the wedding bells have faded. The day Komal and Hasim pledged their lives to each other before their loved ones, in the heart of Ottawa, was indeed magical. Their venue, the Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara Sahib, was not just a place of worship but a symbol of unity, strength, and commitment that reflected the essence of their union.
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The Gurdwara, with its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, was the perfect setting for their big day. Its grandeur was a sight to behold, and the spirituality it exuded added a divine charm to the proceedings. The place was dressed in vibrant hues and adorned with exquisite decorations that mirrored the joyous mood of the ceremony.
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Komal, the bride, looked radiant in her traditional attire, while Hasim, the groom, appeared dapper in his ensemble. Their eyes spoke volumes of the love they held for each other, and the air was filled with the sweet promise of a forever together. They exchanged vows under the watchful eyes of their families and friends, promising to navigate the journey of life hand-in-hand.
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However, the highlight of the day was not just the exchange of vows or the joyous celebration that followed. It was the sight of two families coming together, bonding, and becoming one in front of the Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara Sahib. It was a sight that melted hearts and evoked emotions. The way they embraced each other's differences, celebrated their togetherness, and pledged their support for Komal and Hasim was beyond beautiful.
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Every smile shared, every tear shed, every hug exchanged, and every laugh echoed added to the beauty of the day. It was a celebration of love, unity, and new beginnings. It was a day that not only marked the union of Komal and Hasim but also of two families and their cultures. It was a day that exemplified the beauty of love and the strength of familial bonds.
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As a photographer, it was an absolute delight to capture these precious moments. The love, joy, and warmth that radiated from everyone present were overwhelming. Each frame I captured was a testament to the love shared by Komal and Hasim and the unity of their families. The memories of this wedding are etched in my heart, and it was indeed a privilege to be a part of such a beautiful day.

Ottawa Wedding Photography - Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara Sahib

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<h2>Capturing Authentic Love: A First Nations, Two-Spirit Wedding at Evergreen Wedding and Event Centre"</h2>
 I had the honour of photographing the beautiful union of Annie and Felecia, a First Nations, two-spirit couple, thanks to my colleague, Kathi Robertson. From the moment I met Felecia on the wedding day in her Gatineau apartment, surrounded by friends, parents, and siblings, I could sense the depth of the love that would unfold throughout the day.
 Evergreen Wedding and Event Centre, nestled southeast of Ottawa on a sprawling estate, provided the perfect backdrop for Annie and Felecia's celebration. The large, permanent tent and open-air ceremony location seamlessly complemented the essence of their First Nations two-spirit wedding.
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While the wedding didn't feature specific cultural or traditional elements, I had the privilege of capturing poignant moments between Annie and her Elders. The exchange of wisdom before the ceremony added a meaningful layer to the celebration.
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Several moments etched themselves into the memory of this special day. Witnessing the emotional outpouring from Felecia's father as he gave her away, tears streaming down his face while embracing Annie, was a profound testament to the depth of familial love. The sheer joy expressed by the newly announced life partners, Felecia and Annie, radiated throughout the ceremony, leaving a lasting impact.
During the receiving line, tears of joy flowed freely, underscoring the powerful emotional currents that ran through the gathering. I felt privileged to capture these authentic and emotive moments, each frame telling a unique story of love and connection.
 Annie and Felecia's openness and vulnerability on their wedding day allowed me to connect with them on a profound level. Despite our meeting being on the day of the celebration, their authenticity shone through, enabling me to capture some of the most powerful expressions of love in my 20 years as an Ottawa wedding photographer.
 Annie and Felecia's First Nations, two-spirit wedding at Evergreen Wedding and Event Centre was a celebration of love, authenticity, and familial bonds. Through my lens, I had the privilege of documenting not just a wedding, but a profound expression of genuine emotion and connection. It serves as a testament to the strength of love and the beauty that unfolds when individuals are true to themselves.
 For couples seeking a photographer to capture their unique love story, I invite you to explore my portfolio and reach out to discuss how we can collaborate to create timeless memories that reflect your authentic selves.
Feel free to modify and expand upon this draft to align it with your personal style and the overall tone of your wedding photography website.
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(Special thanks to Kathi Robertson Weddings for having me as an Associate lead photographer for this wedding)
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Ottawa Wedding Photography - Evergreen Wedding & Event Centre

Marie-Eve and Eric recently had a small and cozy wedding at their home in Gatineau, QC. Despite coming from different places, Montreal and Thunder Bay, they were surrounded by their loved ones, with about 60 family and friends in attendance. The ceremony was heartwarming, but the real highlight was their adorable son George. During the vows, he accidentally stumbled into a shrub, stealing the show and bringing laughter to everyone present. It was a precious and unforgettable moment. Marie-Eve and Eric have a group of wonderful friends who looked stunning in their trendy summer outfits. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, making the day even more special. After the ceremony, both Eric and Marie-Eve's fathers gave heartfelt speeches. It was a touching moment as they shared their love and support for the newlyweds. To top it off, the reception was catered by EvOO Greek Kitchen, providing delicious food for everyone to enjoy. The whole day felt authentic and relaxed, just like Marie-Eve and Eric wanted. As a photographer, my goal was to capture the real emotions and candid moments of this intimate wedding. I believe in creating natural and documentary-style wedding photography that truly reflects the genuine love and happiness shared on such occasions. It was an honour to be a part of their special day and preserve these beautiful memories for years to come.

Ottawa Wedding Photography - Intimate Backyard Wedding

Darren was absolutely stellar! The way he captured the love joy and happiness throughout our wedding was incredible. 
Darren was intuitive, always being in the right spot at the right time. One of my favourite pictures looks planned, but Darren just watched our dance and got to the perfect spot and captured this stunning shot. Truly authentic. 
Although Darren didn’t have a 2nd shooter, he didn’t need one. He was everywhere at once. In our ceremony, we have shots from so many angles. In watching videos from our day, it is incredible watching him somehow be in every place at once. 
Darren was also so approachable. He was so great leading up to the wedding, during, and after.

Sarah and Iain

I’m a photographer myself, so people kept asking me, “How does a photographer choose a photographer for their own wedding?”

It was an easy decision after Darren came to mind. We wanted someone who would document our day as it happened and capture the spirit of the day. We didn’t want anyone who would manipulate scenes or add any pressure to the day. Darren was perfect for this.

Esther and I loved Darren’s approach to photographing our wedding — we loved simply being able to focus on each other and celebrate with our guests. Darren’s relaxed yet professional presence allowed us to be carefree about the photography.

Justin and Esther

Our biggest concern when hiring a photographer was finding that person who would capture the spirit of our wedding and our eclectic group of guests in an authentic and creative way. When we saw Darren's work, however, we knew he was the right photographer to capture our special day. And he came through in such a huge way.

 Our favourite part of the photography experience was that we were able to just be ourselves and enjoy the day without having to put on a show. Darren, both warm and considerate throughout the day, really fit in just like the rest of our guests and captured the events in a very journalistic manner.

Many of our friends were so impressed with both Darren's work and his outgoing personality that they hired him to shoot thei

Justine and Alex

Our biggest fear as we started looking for a wedding photographer was that we'd get stuck with someone tense, imposing, and scattered throughout the day. Simply put, we wanted someone who could work with us to set a broad plan for the day, and just "do their thing" without us worrying about it.

Darren was excellent from day one. He is incredibly approachable and quickly understood what we were hoping for.

My favourite part about the wedding photography experience was Darren's ability to find balance. Darren was able to make sure we got the "must-have" shots we agreed on, while not imposing on the natural flow of the day and time with family. We never felt pulled away from meaningful time with our guests, and Darren was comfortable

Janelle and Jared

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Capture the essence of your special occasion with our 6-Hour Wedding Photography Collection. This package is ideal for smaller, intimate weddings with smaller bridal parties and guest counts. The duration allows enough time to document all the important aspects of your event, from candid moments to planned shots. To ensure your satisfaction, this package includes a pre-shoot consultation. I believe in working closely with my clients to understand their vision and expectations. This personalized approach ensures that every photograph I take resonates with your desired aesthetic and captures the unique atmosphere of your event. After the event, you will receive the best images professionally edited. These high-quality images will be carefully selected to tell the story of your event, allowing you to relive those special moments anytime you wish. Moreover, I provide an online gallery for easy access and sharing. This feature allows you to view, download, and share your photos with family and friends. It's a convenient way to keep your memories safe and readily available. Every event is unique, and I would love to be a part of yours. Connect with me today for any inquiries or to book your 6-Hour Wedding Photography Collection. Let's create beautiful memories together.

The Ogilvie

Perhaps the most popular package, the 8-hour Stanfield package, named after one of my favourite National Geographic photographers, offers you the perfect amount of time to capture some "Getting Ready" images as well as some of the party during the wedding reception at the end of the night. How you choose to use the wedding photography coverage is up to you!Expecting a barn-burner of a party? Shift your coverage time to start a bit later, maybe forgoing some of the getting ready, and capture all the craziness!Want more of that "behind-the-scenes" coverage and see what your partner was up to while they were getting ready in the morning? Shift your to wedding photography coverage to start sooner and get a more "story-telling" portfolio from your day.

The Stanfield

Capture the beauty and intimacy of your special day with our Cartier-Bresson wedding photography package. This service offers up to 10 hours of contemporary documentary-style photography, ensuring every enchanting moment is frozen in time. 
With this package, you'll receive all the best images, professionally edited and delivered in high resolution. These are not just pictures; they are cherished memories, captured with the utmost attention to detail, color balance, and composition. 
Moreover, you'll be provided with a private, online gallery which remains accessible for up to 90 days. From this platform, you can view, share, download, and print all of your stunning images. It's an easy and convenient way to relive and share your special day with loved ones near and far.
To ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day, this package also includes a pre-wedding prep consultation. During this session, we'll discuss your specific needs, expectations, and preferences to ensure we capture your wedding exactly as you envision it.
Let us help you make your wedding day unforgettable. For inquiries or to book the Cartier-Bresson package, please get in touch.

The Cartier-Bresson

My Family Collection package offers a comprehensive photography service tailored specifically for immediate families. With this package, you will receive 1 hour of lifestyle photography coverage, ensuring that every precious moment is captured. In addition to the coverage, you will receive 50 high-quality edited photos that perfectly encapsulate the essence of your family. These photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come. To make sharing and viewing your photos convenient, an online gallery where you can easily access and share your images with friends and relatives is included. This gallery enables you to relive those beautiful moments and showcase your family's happiness. Our Family Collection package is ideal for immediate families, capturing the intimate bond and the joy shared amongst family members. However, if you would like to include extended family members in the session, please don't hesitate to inquire about adding them to the package. We are more than happy to accommodate your needs and provide a tailor-made experience for your entire family. Choose our Family Collection package to ensure your family's special moments are beautifully captured and preserved forever.

Custom Family Session

This 3-hour documentary photography session aims to capture what I like to call, "The Beauty of Normality"Scheduled during any time of the day, these sessions are completely unscripted and capture whatever happens during that time. Ideally, I suggest my clients start with some photos at home before going out on a little adventure. Don't think your life is exciting enough for this package? Think again. When you see your life through the eyes of a dedicated photojournalist you'll realize just how special the bond you have with each other. You'll get all the best images edited in colour and black and white (the true documentary form) and delivered via your private online gallery to download, share and print. This session is geared towards the client that wants to get deeper than just a few posed snapshots. You'll remember these images more than anything else you have - guaranteed! Ask about the coffee table book add-on

A Day in the Life

The Year Book

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

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Capturing Moments, Crafting Stories: Meet Your Photographer.

Ottawa Wedding Photography - Intimate Backyard Wedding

July 30th, 2023

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Embracing the Unpredictability of Family Photography Sessions

Ottawa Wedding Photography - Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara Sahib

Ottawa Wedding Photography - Evergreen Wedding & Event Centre