The Story of a Photographer
I’m a romantic at heart, a dreamer, and a visual storyteller who thrives on connection. My life is fueled by passion and curiosity—whether I’m discovering new restaurants, cuddling my two cats, Miso and Sumo, or tending to my ever-growing collection of houseplants. You can often find me at home in our charming century-old farmhouse in eastern Ottawa, or traveling and exploring with my partner of 15 years, Stefan, and our little fur family.
My love for photography began early; I vividly remember bringing a disposable film camera to school and capturing memories on class trips. In high school, my obsession grew as I joined the yearbook committee, documenting life and sharing it online. Back then, it was all about MySpace, YouTube, and Piczo—if you know, you know! Capturing everyday moments has always been my passion.
After graduating from the photography program at Algonquin College in 2011, I launched my career focusing on weddings, portraits, and events. However, my journey took a transformative turn when I discovered the beauty of motherhood and birth photography. Photographing a friend’s home birth opened my eyes to the raw, powerful realities of this incredible experience—far removed from the portrayals we see in movies.
In 2023, I was hired as a Birth Centre Aide at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre and I find myself so lucky to be working every day doing both photography and birth work - what a privilege!
My goal in documenting your birth story is to empower you and create tangible memories that can be shared with family and future generations. Alongside birth stories, I also love capturing the essence of families and brands, weaving together the narratives that make us who we are.
“Val is definitely the best photographer I have ever worked with! Easy to talk to, creative, very positive, and has a GREAT eye.”