Love Free Studio

Photographed my first full day wedding since Covid kicked off on Saturday! And my first 8 hour day in a mask. Even though their original location and guest list had to change, the new venue was beautiful and it was such a perfect day that I am so happy to have been a part of. This wedding left this introvert energized! Having been deprived of in person gatherings for all these months really made this day extra special. The speeches, the slideshows and videos of those who coul...dn't travel, the love and the laughter ... Karin and Janette made their union official surrounded by their beautiful family (they co-parent their two children with another queer couple) and friends . . . . . . #ottawaphotographer #queerweddings #quebecweddings #documentaryweddingphotographers #unposedweddingphotography #reportageweddingphotography #barnwedding

Valérie & Matt were married yesterday and to say it was raining was an understatement!! But it is good luck you know .... . . . . #ottawaweddings #ottawaphotographer #countryweddings #rainonyourweddingday #documentaryweddingphotographers #unposedweddingphotography See more

POP in the name of love .

As of today, us Ottawa area photographers are legally allowed to work again! While I haven't been behind the camera much these past few months, I've been part of an initiative started as a response to Covid by @lssscharlotte to deliver food and supplies to vulnerable youth in our city. We've started a GoFundMe to help with the costs to keep this going till the end of August. Any little bit helps if you're able to donate https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-outreach-a...nd-food-deli Charlotte will also be on @cbcradio All In A Day this afternoon, talking about what we've been up to . . . . . #ottawa #613 #CommunityMatters See more

A wedding eve tableau . . . . .... #documentaryweddingphotographers #ottawaweddings #countryweddings #unposedweddingphotography See more

You won't find me sharing many "posed" images, but they do happen when the client requests them Couple and bridal portraits that won't take up your whole day and then it's back to enjoying your day!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, Linda!! Thanks to my sister @juliacomedy for the pic! Here she is on her wedding day circa 1983. My parents wedding album only has about 20 photos in it, but I used to pour over that album and I think quality over quantity wins everytime! The photographer was Vincent Chan of Van's Studio . .... . . . #ottawaweddings #ottawaweddingphotographer #vanstudio #vincentchan #mothersday See more

A wedding morning tableau

Meant to post this yesterday...Happy Lesbian Visibility day! . . . .... . #ottawaweddings #ottawaweddingvenues #queerweddings #love See more

Happy 70th birthday to my mom, Linda!!

Social animals

As a photographer who focuses on capturing candid moments my attention is usually on the human drama, but I have been known to photograph details when there's some down time, and always if the client asks. Like these shoes straight out of Carrie Bradshaw's closet I've never handled such expensive shoes, unless you count horse riding boots I'm not a shoe snob, and can usually be found wearing some old Chucks or my pride and joys @dubarryofireland ...maybe I'm more of a... boot person Over the years I've seen people married in everything from the poshest strappy heels to Crocs and the only thing the mattered is if the wearer was happy in them . . . . . #monoloblahnik #ottawaphotographer #ottawaweddings #weddingshoes #weddingdetails See more

Covid got us feeling like this organist

Sometimes you just want pretty pictures. I always love to take the time before the guests arrive to photograph the space and showcase all the hard work of the other vendors @ Stonefields Estate

. , , , , , , . , . , , , . . Rumi

HBD to the Queen

Going through some older photos and it's fun to see stuff you forgot about...I like this photo because it has a mix of weird (headless orange person) and romance (the lovers to the left you might miss on a quick glance) . . . . .... #ottawaphotographer #documentaryweddingphotographers #unposedweddingphotography #ottawaartgallery See more

POP in the name of love . . . . .... #ottawaweddingvenues #ottawaphotographer #ottawadocumentaryphotographer #champagnetoast #dianaross @ Ottawa, Ontario See more

Resuming regular programming here by posting some of my favourite wedding photos

' ' ' ‘ ’ It's always special when all your friends and family are able to gather, those memories are even more precious now and not to be taken for granted With weddings being pushed back, those gatherings will be even more special... . . . . . #jonimitchell #ottawaweddingphotographer #reportageweddingphotography #unposedweddingphotography #ottawadocumentaryphotographer See more

Sanding sides, a job made so much easier by using this Rolling Pin Sander designed and made by ELEVATE Lutherie in my Freshley Cosy Overalls designed and made b...y Dovetail Workwear during a photo shoot with @lovefreestudio https://www.facebook.com/studiolovefree/ Thanks to Chris, the Dovetail gang and Jen! #getdirtywithdovetail #guitarbuilding #elevatelutherie #woodworking #lovefreestudio #sandingwood #luthier #whatsonyourbench #guitarsofinstagram #makingsomedust #madeinalmonte #ilovemyjob #madeincanada #staysafe See more

Just before the world was turned upside down I had a great session with luthier Peggy White of Peggy White Guitars It was fascinating to see how guitars come together in her workshop. As a photographer I love being invited into another world and being able to create photos for small business owners that reflect who they are and what they do

Sometimes you gotta make your own fun when the world of adult conversation gets to be too much . . . . .... #documentaryweddingphotographers #reportageweddingphotography #unposedweddingphotography #kidsatweddings #millwedding See more

Finding magic in the mundane As someone who works from home much of the time, I've been stuck by how many instagram posts I've seen of people documenting sunbeams and light in their homes they weren't aware existed. I love the way the light fills my apartment at various times during the day, from clear morning rays, afternoon beams that fall on my office chair to the flood of warmth of the sunset. I take joy from the simple things This whole pandemic thing has to have a silver lining, to bring us back to ourselves, to connect with community and each other on a deeper personal and collective level. To finally step out of the hamster wheel of modern day society and the hustle.

We've all heard of a dive bar, but what about diving on the bar . . . . .... #ottawaphotographer #documentaryweddingphotographers #reportageweddingphotography #unposedweddingphotography See more

When the show must go on! Hopefully things will have calmed down for spring and early summer weddings

A little Irish humour

The first of its kind, the Making the Shift Network for Scholars with LivEx will support people with lived experience of youth homelessness in their academic pursuits, through peer-to-peer networking, mentorship & professional development. Founded by Charlotte Smith and Jayne Malenfant (pictured together here) ... I attended their event at the University of Ottawa Feb 19 to document and take portraits, which I'll be sharing over the next few days. A very important initiative by these two scholars! " , " Charlotte Smith . . . . . . #ottawaportraits #academics #livedexperience #endhomelessness See more

Shot for the @ottawapocketjazzband Check them out if you're looking for toe-tappin' music at your next event! @ RSC: Rideau Sports Centre

, ’ ’ . . This portrait series was shot at the University of Ottawa in preparation for the AWHO A Way Home Ottawa youth stream at the Annual Community Forum on Ending Homelessness tomorrow Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa ... The YOUTH STREAM includes a more defined stream of workshops, advocacy training and capacity building including both community agencies and youth voice. Designed by our youth planning committee, made up of young people with lived experiences of homelessness, the conference’s dedicated youth stream will provide information, workshops, and resources for young people who are currently or were formerly homeless. There will also be a low- stress hangout space provided for young conference attendees. A lounge will be available for conference attendees seeking a low-stress space away from the hustle and bustle of the conference, equipped with snacks, refreshments and activities. The Annual Community Forum on Ending Homelessness is the only event of its kind in Ottawa, bringing over 300 housing researchers, practitioners, front line workers, policy makers, community organizations and governments together to work collaboratively to build solutions to ending homelessness in Ottawa See more

At the @ATEH_OTT Forum this Feb 20 Love Free Studio will be offering complimentary head shots to anyone with lived experience of homelessness Here's a bts practicing my setup with some of the youth from @awayhomeottawa 's team . .... . . . #CommunityMatters #KindnessMatters #awho #endhomelessness #ottawa

You know it's a happy day when you're 20something and getting a cheek pinch . . .... . . #ottawaphotographer #ottawaweddingphotographer #unposedweddingphotography #countryweddings #intimateweddings #cheeky See more

Hiring a documentary style wedding photographer means all moments are given equal attention. When I worked for a very traditional wedding photography company, this type of photo would have been a no-no. But I want to capture it all! (And I think enjoying the food at weddings is very important ) . . . . .... #ottawaweddings #ottawaphotographer #unposedweddingphotography #documentarywedding #quebecwedding #ottawaweddings See more

I love this photo because it doesn't just show the bride having a quiet moment opening a pre-ceremony gift from her husband-to-be, but also the cake getting its finishing touches and a glimpse of the bridesmaids getting ready in the other room . . . . .... . #ottawaphotographer #ottawaweddings #ottawaengagement #documentaryweddingphotographers #unposedweddingphotography #countryweddings @ Ottawa, Ontario See more

"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved is everything"

scroll down for a chance to win a session When hiring a documentary or "un-posed" wedding photographer a common misconception might be "does that mean they won't do portraits or family photos?" Not all do but I definitely do if that's what you want! I love to take the couple away for a quick session (usually just before sunset) where they can take a break from the party be with each other alone (well except for me...) At that time I'll offer gentle prompts, but usually the... love just flows. I capture it and it's back to your friends and family In the spirit of old Saint Valentine, I'll be doing a giveaway Feb 14th for either an engagement session, couple's session OR a solo session (because loving yourself is cool too...also you can include your favorite pet!) To enter simply comment below with a yellow heart . . . . #ottawaweddings #ottawaphotographer #ottawacouples #613weddings #ottawaengagement #valentines See more

Most #unposed or #documentaryweddingphotographers will tell you they love to photograph the getting ready portion of the day. I won't direct you or move a couch to place you by the window light. You just have to act naturally

Attaching your boutonniere/corsage ...the most challenging part of the day

I'll stop the world and melt with you I approach wedding photography like I'm writing a script...making sure to develop the "cast of characters" as the driving force of the story ... revisiting the same people at different moments, not just the "main players"

The coveted double-hug The flood gates of love and congratulations are always opened up right after the ceremony and I want to capture it all!

With antici...pation // I love to document those final moments as much as possible before the ceremony...even the most chill couple will usually get a little nervous and or giddy right before. My calm energy and un-posed style means I won't get in your way! But I will bring you a bottle of water or say an encouraging word if that's what you need . . . .... #ottawaweddings #ottawaengagement #ottawavalley #613weddings #unposedweddingphotography #documentarywedding #ottawaweddingvenues #rockyhorrorpictureshow See more

You did it! You said yes to the love of your life and you can't wait for all the adventures that await you both . . . . .... . #ottawaweddings #613weddings #ottawaweddingvenues #ottawaengagement See more

I'm lucky to have loyal clients like @rebeccak.paterson and her husband who has trusted me with so many intimate moments of their lives, from headshots and horseshows to their surprise proposal, wedding shower, wedding and now with this exciting announcement! . . . . .... . #ottawadocumentaryphotographer #ottawaweddingphotographer #ottawaengagement #ottawabride @ Carp, Ontario See more

3 years ago today I was in balmy Playa del Carmen photographing Emma & Thomas' amazing beach wedding! Happy anniversary! . . . . .... #ottawaweddings #documentarywedding #mexicowedding #beachwedding #ottawabride #destinationwedding See more

Haven't been that active on here but making an appearance for this super good cause!! If you've followed me for a while you've probably seen me post about Charlotte from time to time. When I met her she was a horse stable manager and was barely a year clean from hard drugs and living in shelters and on the streets as a result of being kicked out of her middle class home at 15, through no fault of her own, only a couple years after being re-adopted by her biological mother. ...Flash forward to today, and she's completing her Master's of Sociology at @carleton_u and has dedicated herself to helping other people turn around their own lives by fostering community and compassion On this #givingtuesday please consider donating to the Chicken & Boots Bursary (named after two Ottawa youth who died as a result of homelessness) an initiative that will allow a youth who has experienced homelessness the chance at an education, and maybe to change the world "University graduation was a wonderful day for me. One of the best. An opportunity & privilege that I certainly never expected to have in my life." Charlotte Smith Invest in the future of another youth who has experienced #homelessness by donating to the Chicken & Boots Bursary this #GivingTuesday In partnership with Carleton University (Official), all donations on December 3rd will be matched To donate: www.AWHO.ca #TogetherforGood

Eliot & Michael got married at the beginning of November but apparently it's January now ... Their night was full of art, love, sparkles and laughs (Eliot has a high wattage smile that's contagious!) I even turned into a picture taking on the dance floor momentarily

Recycling this post from 2 years ago but it's always relevant // Per ardua ad astra" My Grandad's. This book has literally been through the war. He started pilot training at age 21, in 1939. In 1944 he and his squadron sunk a U-Boat and were subsequently shot down. 3 of his crew died. 36 lives on the U-Boat. Up to 6 million Jewish people dead in the Holocaust. Non-Jewish Polish civilians: around 1.8 million. My Polish grandparents were tak...en to a work camp at age 16. In 6 years 70 million dead in WWII. This wasn't even that long ago. Hell, the Rohingya people are facing genocide RIGHT NOW. Ethnic cleaning. War sucks. People like Himmler and Hitler were deranged individuals. Stalin was evil but not wrong when he said "a single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic." When death becomes a statistic we can process it, rationalize it, compartmentalize it, and stash it away. Remember those who fought and gave their lives; but just as thoughts and prayers won't stop gun violence, neither will they do anything to stop war. Remembering involves learning from the past as to not repeat it, not only sentimental patriotism. I know I am armchair venting to the void; it seems like all you can do when faced with the magnitude of hate and violence and unrest. It's easy to be numb to it all with infinite distractions. Having real discussions surrounding difficult issues is a start. Peace & love. "Extreme violence is impossible without hate propaganda. Such hatred though is instrumental, not impulsive. We may feel deep-seated resentment towards others, but the transformation of such impulses into an instrument of systemic violence, far from being a spontaneous crime of passion, requires careful premeditation and planning." Payam Akhavan

Chantal & Shawna's wedding photo-film! Sit back and relive all the little moments that make up a big day *make sure is on *

It can be hard to be a kid at a wedding

Weddings bring the generations together

The energy was amazing!!

It's hard to beat an intimate wedding on the beach (and you don't need to go to Cancun when it's as nice as this one in rural Quebec!) Click below to get a feel for how I approach weddings

Wedding photography is all about connection

Slideshows are my favourite way of delivering wedding photos to clients! They're a great way to sit back and relive the day in select sequenced stills (accidental alliteration...omg I did it again...!) to music I'm a firm believe that sequencing and editing is just as important as taking the photos, and I want to client to experience them as a whole story. After they receive the slideshow, they'll also receive a customized USB as well as an online gallery with all of the edited images from the day

Might as well share another ceremony shot, especially when the venue is as beautiful as @stonefields_estate Ceremony House! The look of pure happiness .

Leah & Dan's wedding was my first Jewish wedding and it didn't disappoint! Wait till you see pics of the chair dance!

Live Laugh Love

Rebecca & Andrew's fairytale first dance Their wedding was incredible, down to the smallest details

Branding isn’t something I advertise much, but I love to shoot! I take my documentary approach to give a candid feel to the images. Need fresh content for your small biz? Get in touch! (Some of these images have been cropped from vertical to fit Instagram)

Summer evenings are for spending time with your best friends (and maybe hire a photographer to tag along and capture those memories for you ;))

Ashleigh & Nathan // you don’t have to be engaged to do a cute couples session . . .... . . #ottawaphotographer #ottawacouplesphotographer #rideaucanal #613 See more

Steven & Julia had a real night at the museum for their engagement session! It was so fun having the place to ourselves for a couple of hours. Here are some moments from the evening, all vertical orientation, I’ll be posting more from this session soon!

It would have been my grandmother’s 93rd birthday today. The first year we won’t be celebrating with her. I cherish these last photos I took of her, my only regret is I should have spent more time with her near the end, but we always think we have more time. Gone but never forgotten

@rebeccadimoff had a perfect Sunday for her fancy hat tea party bridal shower

Took a break from social media, back with this image from Alex & Eric's past Friday Strathmere Inn wedding! The ceremony was brief, then on to the cocktail party! I think this photograph sums up the dayone filled with love and celebration!

It was a great turnout at the Brain & Mental Health Art Show organized by the Society for Neuroscience last night! This is the second time I’ve photographed this event, and I’m always happy to support such an important cause! The Brain & Mental Health Art Show is an annual event organized by SfN Ottawa to help link the scientific and the mental health communities in Ottawa. The show further helps raise awareness and funds in support of local mental health charities. T...he Art Show is organized as a vernissage, or preview, allowing artists and guests to express their own experiences, feelings, and struggles related to the brain and mental health. Each year we present a diverse range of work including sculptures, mixed media, photographs and paintings, created by researchers, students, artists, community members and individuals with mental health issues. See more

I will be photographing this event! Hosted by Society for Neuroscience Come out and buy original art and support a great cause! "All proceeds from the show go to our community partner Ancoura who provide housing for those living with mental health challenges in our community. "

#sundaybookday featuring Susan Sontag’s classic essays On Photography to take a photograph is to participate in another person's mortality, vulnerability, mutability. precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time's relentless melt.Susan Sontag You may be familiar with superstar photographer Annie Leibovitz. Susan Sontag was Annie’s friend/lover until Susan’s death in 2004. Annie has published photographs of Susan during the stages o...f her diagnosis and ultimately death from Leukaemia, in her book A Photographers Life 1990-2005 I don’t have two lives. This is one life, and the personal pictures and the assignment work are all part of it. Annie Leibovitz . . . . . #photographybooks #onphotography #susansontag #annieleibovitz #ottawaphotographer #ottawaweddingphotographer See more

It’s snowing outside. So if March wants to hold spring hostage, I can post fall photos #saturdaylovers ft Mat & Monica . . . .... . #ottawaweddingphotographer #ottawaengagement #fallinottawa #couplesession @ Hampton Park Dog Park Ottawa See more

Without opening a door we can open our hearts to the world Lao Tzu #filmfriday double exposure made with #trix400 and the #pentax67ii .

Grandma knows using film is still cool .

Your fiancé and your ...you don’t have to leave your other love behind on during your engagement session . . .... . . #ottawaphotographer #ottawaengagement #ottawadocumentaryphotographer #surpriseengagement #ottawaweddingphotographer #strathmerebride @ Eagle's Nest Lookout, Calabogie, on See more

Contest alert! Are you a Queer woman in business? Thanks Queering613 for the feature!

I'm all for this Kinda like when you go to a concert and pull out the ipad/phone and stay glued to it for a chunk of time... But even if your ceremony isn't unplugged, you'll still get great documentary photos of the guests watching (they just might be looking through their screens)...a sign of the times, I guess!

There are two main types of kids at weddings ... can’t impress everyone