Hey, I'm val!

Hello and welcome to my blog! I'm a plant-collecting and puppy cuddling photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Thanks for stopping by!

Woman with curly red hair and glasses smiling at desk in bright home office with plants.

“But the most beautiful things in life are just not things. They’re people and places, memories and pictures. They’re feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”

Showing all in "tips and tricks"

Pregnant couple holding hands splashing through shallow beach water in jeans.
  • maternity sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • lifestyle photography

September 10, 2026

How to Plan a Maternity Photo Session That Feels Like You

  • maternity sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • lifestyle photography
Romantic couple embracing on a bridge near a historic stone building by water.
  • anniversary sessions ·
  • branding sessions ·
  • dogs ·
  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • elopements ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions ·
  • tips and tricks

September 17, 2020

Best Portrait Locations in Ottawa - Ottawa Photographer

  • anniversary sessions ·
  • branding sessions ·
  • dogs ·
  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • elopements ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions ·
  • tips and tricks
Couple walking two brown dogs along a scenic autumn park pathway.
  • anniversary sessions ·
  • branding sessions ·
  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • dogs

June 9, 2020

How to Prepare for your Photo Session - Ottawa portrait photographer

  • anniversary sessions ·
  • branding sessions ·
  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • dogs
Four small potted succulents and a cactus lined up on a sunny windowsill.
  • tips and tricks ·
  • personal posts

April 3, 2020

Tips to Work from Home and Not Go (too) Crazy - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

  • tips and tricks ·
  • personal posts
German Shepherd dog sits in snow while couple embraces in background during winter engagement shoot.
  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • dogs ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions

February 1, 2020

5 Tips for Including Your Dog at Your Next Portrait Session

  • engagement sessions ·
  • family sessions ·
  • tips and tricks ·
  • dogs ·
  • maternity sessions ·
  • newborn sessions
Bride in lace gown smiling as she taps groom on shoulder during first look.
  • tips and tricks ·
  • weddings ·
  • first look

January 17, 2020

5 reasons to do a first look | Ottawa wedding photographer

  • tips and tricks ·
  • weddings ·
  • first look
Bride and four bridesmaids in champagne gowns holding bouquets outdoors at golden hour.
  • tips and tricks ·
  • weddings ·
  • first look

January 1, 2020

Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline Template - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

  • tips and tricks ·
  • weddings ·
  • first look