Spring Portrait Session in Ottawa

Spring, Quirks, and Quiet Corners: Emily & John in Ottawa

A couple stands together on a park path, smiling at the camera, with trees and lampposts in the background.

I think that’s one of the hardest things to do – combine words and photographs. But I would certainly try it.
― Robert Frank

Ottawa is slowly becoming my city.

I love how it changes so dramatically from winter to summer. There is an eccentric personality hidden beneath the surface here; it’s almost like a Tim Burton movie. On standard days, the city appears quiet, predictable, and mundane. But if you look closer, it is surprisingly beautiful, delightfully laid-back, and laced with just a salt-shaker sprinkle of quirkiness.

Medium format film portrait by Sara Atteby using Bronica Zenza in central Ottawa park
NOTE the second and final images in this blog post are medium format film photos taken using a Zenza Bronica 6×6 film camera using Fujifilm Pro 400H
Black and white portrait of couple walking along the Canal in Ottawa

Which brings me to Emily and John.

Their upcoming wedding this August is going to be an easy-going, backyard-style party—the kind of celebration that prioritizes laughs and good company over rigid tradition.

We’ve only spent a few hours together so far, but one of the things I enjoy most is discovering people in chapters. First, I get to know them through their own lens during a quiet session like this one. Later, at the wedding, I get a completely different insight from the stories shared by the people surrounding them. It is endlessly fascinating to see these two sides of a couple: to start with the comfortable picture they share initially, and then receive a whole new canvas painted by those who know them best.

Here is a glimpse into chapter one of their story. A little bit of words, a lot of photographs, and a genuine celebration of a couple who is delightfully anything but ordinary.

Portrait session by Ottawa wedding photographer sara
Spring Portrait Session in Ottawa along the canal at sunset
Couple embracing and smiling at each other by a lake along a park path with lampposts in the background at dusk.
Couple walking by the canal in ottawa
Smiling couple stands close together on a grassy park path under a large tree near a railing by the water. Film Photography Bronica Zenza

If you’re planning a wedding and would like a mix of film and digital photography, contact me for a consultation. I’d love to make photos of you and your loved ones using the warm and inviting, celebratory atmosphere you plan to create. If that’s at your family home in the country, in a lively city event space, or somewhere entirely different, wherever your adventure takes you, I’d be honoured to be there to witness it.

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Equipment used: Digital – Panasonic Lumix S5IIX and S5II with a Panasonic 20-200 f/2.8, Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 & Sigma 35mm f/2. Film – Bronica Zensa 6×6 film camera with an 80 mm f/2.8 using Fujifilm Fujicolor Pro 400H film.

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Sara Photographer
Sara Atteby has 20+ years of professional experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, and has lived and breathed Photography since childhood. Her style is a mix of documentary and art – she is your Ottawa Wedding Photographer. Learn more about Sara here >>

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