Who are the best photographers near Ottawa?

Finding a photographer in Ottawa can be overwhelming because the photographic talent here and the many different session offerings are endless! So, as someone who appreciates great photography, I’d like to share the best photographers near Ottawa, in my opinion. If we were hanging out at Bridgehead in Beechwood, having a latte, this is how I would answer. (This is not an exhaustive list either!)

My family visits the Log Farm in Ottawa yearly - this is a photo I captured when they were so small. Take photos, because things change.

The best artful, calming, and soulful photographer in the Ottawa area

Sophie Deschamps is not only a friend of many years but also someone I admire and am in awe of as an artist! Based in the Chelsea area, she travels to Antarctica (and more places, too) and captures the essence of the land, the ocean, the animals, and the ice, leaving me feeling beautifully grounded and part of something incredible.

She creates gorgeous images and small films, and also draws! Her art is in our home in the form of fun family photos from when our kids were tiny, and lately, in her gorgeous hand-drawn stickers that decorate my children’s water bottles. They are my kids’ favourite sticker “ever!”.

If you are looking for wall art for your home, have a look at Sophie’s unique, soulful, breathtaking photography.

A photo taken by me, Elle Odyn, during my Farm Project of 2025. I love a good side photography project to keep me on my toes every year! Notice the weird chicken buts on the right side?? Yup, that was me learning AI editing. It did not go well…I still don’t get it.

The best family lifestyle photographer in Ottawa: heart-led, multi-talented artist and creator.

Kelly Manweiller of This Splendid Chaos. Another friend (yes, it happened 12ish years ago when she came to my door to purchase some baby stuff), and a fellow photographer in Ottawa. I don’t think we knew we were fellow photogs on that fateful day, but we sure “got” each other.

Kelly’s photography comes from a deep, soulful place, with a side of funny, sourdough bread, and a straightforwardness that keeps things real and shows how beautiful the rawness of family life can be. When I met her, she had an old-school manual 50mm on it, and right then I knew I was meeting an artist, not just a photog.

As a mom herself, dog-lover, and musician (her singing!!), she really gets how fleeting the baby-kid years can be. She values connection and laughter, tears and frustration, and she captures all of it.

Her photos are the ones families will tell stories about- her photos will elicit memories of personalities, moments, and the unique stuff that makes your family yours. And THAT, folks, is my kind of family photography.

Also, she makes memory quilts, and stuffies…

Meet my favourite family lifestyle photographer in Ottawa, This Splendid Chaos, here.

This photo was taken near an Ottawa Dog Park as part of a whole family session. He was actually chatting away in this photo, and I just loved how he naturally framed himself with the fence and trails. His hands moved and touched the grass or bugs for most of the session.

The best portrait photographer in the Ottawa area: artful, master of light, captures the depth and truth of his subjects.

Shawn Moreton Photography is based in the Cantley area. Oh my goodness. On a whim, and because his photography caught my eye, I went to Shawn’s Ice Shack Exhibition at the Old Chelsea Gallery in November 2024. He uses film often, and his portraits stop my scroll every time. His photos capture the surroundings and the person. They make me pause - and I love that.

Like art - I don’t have the words. I have feelings about his work - and well - since “you” asked me, my answer is Shawn Moreton’s portraits (and his other photos too!) stand apart, and I would highly recommend taking a while to scroll through his work, and perhaps you will understand.

Bring me your true selves, and hiding your eyes or looking away is perfect! (This is my son, so - I get it!) The story is what makes it, a kale-forest, at his favourite farm in our area, and those blue overalls and his curls - I will treasure this photo always. One thing to know about my family photo sessions is that no one needs to look at the camera.

The best newborn studio (and family) photographer in Ottawa: creative, organized, wise, funny, experienced, and “gets” families.

If you want experienced, ridiculously talented, and know exactly what to expect, and have gorgeous newborn photos for your walls and albums, it’s Sara McConnell Photography. Ok, yes, another friend, and one I met because our babies were the same age at the same time, and we both loved pretty wraps.

Sara knows photography from all angles. She has all the safety knowledge, she has won awards for her photos, and she comes up with some amazing ideas for sessions. She keeps things interesting…and yet consistent. You will always have sharp photos, you’ll have excellently edited images, and she can pose a baby masterfully. (She photographed our babies, too!)

Simply, if you want a newborn studio photographer you can trust - it’s Sara McConnell.

Sara also offers family, maternity, branding, and more - but again, I can only answer one question at a time here.

Some folks may not know that I’m the photographer behind Breathe In Photography (my birth and family photos are on the walls at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre), but when I moved to the Quebec side, I changed my business name to Elle Odyn Photography & Film. I don’t do birth photography anymore, but I do offer Birth Photography for Doulas Workshops now.

The best Ottawa Brand photographer: consistent, kind, knows what makes a gorgeous image, takes time to get to know you.

Ashley from The Notley Creative - is it! I admired her work from afar as a fellow photographer through the years and recognized her, but only figured out who she was later. It turns out we were at Camp Davern at the same time 20+ years ago for a few years (I’m a few years older…shhhh).

I recommend her to all of my local website design (or website upgrade) clients for brand photos. Her work is impecable and that matters when designing a website. Colour consistency, she takes into account your brand colours, she gets to know your work - all the ingredients to an amazing photo session. She has done the photos for many of my website design clients for this reason.

Everyone reports back (yes, we talk about you behind your back, Ashley) that she is professional, friendly, and guides you into feeling at ease quickly, so she can really capture who you are on camera. And her Instagram feed is on point - so check that out too!

Next time you are looking for an Ottawa Brand Photographer for your business, reach out to The Notley Creative for sure!

A self-portrait from 2015 many years ago at Westboro Beach with my now teen.

All of this to say, take photos, and when you are looking for an Ottawa Area Photographer, you are lucky because we are surrounded by excellent photographers! So many styles and personalities, you will find your favourites, I’m sure. And heck, if you are ever in my area in Quebec, join me at my new location in the forest by the lake, and your outdoor family photos or outdoor brand portraits can happen here in Val des Monts!

Happy choosing to you! There’s a photographer for everyone in the Ottawa Area, and so many gorgeous locations too!