Elle Odyn Photography & Film offers outdoor family photo sessions in Ottawa year-round. After 12+ years of photographing families (and so many kids at camp!), here are some tips to have an awesome session.

Coordinate your clothes, No Matchy Matchy

The focus of your family photo session with Elle Odyn Photography & Film is the connection between you and your child(ren). Let's frame those special moments with a gorgeous Ottawa outdoor setting, and all the exploring, discovering, giggles, and snuggles. When choosing clothes for your session, choose items that coordinate with each other. Avoid matching perfectly with your child (ren) - unless of course - that is something you love to do! I want to photograph you and your child as you usually are. Sometimes I send clients to clothing websites like the Gap or Children’s Place because families often wear coordinating outfits, which is a great source of inspiration. Another option is to search for "What to wear for my photo session" on Pinterest; you'll find hundreds of ideas. It's fun to pull out one family-favourite colour and pair it with an accessory, like a hat or shoes, that matches. It's up to you!

Elle Odyn Photography & Film Family Outdoor Photos

Be ready to work with your baby's or children's energy

We never know how a child or baby will react to the camera or to having a stranger around who wants to take photos. I will spend time with your child, chatting and getting to know them and most importantly I will work with your child or baby's energy at the time of the session. Don't worry if your baby is really sleepy and tired. Don't worry if your toddler is feeling silly and rambunctious - we'll work with it! If your child is sleeping, we will capture some quiet, calm, connected images. I may ask you to close your eyes and connect with your sleeping baby, for example. If your child is feeling energized and ready to party, we will work with that too, as we did in the photos above. Tickling toes, spins, hopping, walking - we will capture some family images that meet your child's energy. It's great to just let go and work with your baby's or kid’s mood.

Connect with each other, not the camera

Mom and son on beach smiling and laughing together in green trees as sun is setting.

My goal is to capture images that you can look back on and be brought right back to all the feelings of these wild and fleeting younger years. Let's celebrate the snuggles, the giggles, the little fingers exploring your necklace, the fuzzy baby hair on your chin, the flushed cheek on your chest or back. My goal is to capture those little details. I may remind you to connect with your baby by smelling his head, kissing her cheek, tickling his toes, or giving her a hug. I will still be sure to capture some eyes looking at the camera if I can (and if everyone is awake), but the focus will be on the little intimacies between you and your baby or child (ren).

Mom and toddler son on the beach at sunset with blue sky behind them.

Be Ready for Anything & Bring Snacks

Sometimes, no matter how much we want to capture beautiful family photos, babies and kids have other plans. This happens - so instead of the vision you may have in your head, we will capture lots of photos of your children wandering and exploring. I love it when kids come up to me as the “photographer” and show me what they find - and those are some of the most real photos - that look of wonder and pride at finding the coolest stick in the forest! Have a ball, snack, book, or favourite toy in your bag so we have something novel to work with if needed. I will still capture some fun images of your children - promise. I have years of experience working with children of all ages, having worked in camping and outdoor education for over 20 years - I will find a way to play or connect with your little one so we can capture their personality on camera.

Dance it out!

All of these images on the beach were the result of a pretty random and perfect event. It was evening, and the sun was just starting to go low in the sky. As we approached the water, some people on the beach turned on HUGE speakers with some awesome ambient beats. As a huge music lover, I took it as a sign, and we just worked with the environment. Both mom and babies and I just moved with the music, and we had so much fun. If dancing isn't your thing, I might ask you to walk and move around the space we are in. Since that experience, I've started inviting families to dance more during sessions. So be prepared - I might ask you to do some movin'!