There are so many great outdoors spots in Ottawa to do your branding photoshoot! When we book your shoot we’ll dive into some questions that will help us figure out where the best location for your shoot is, but if you’re curious on outdoor options here are a few of my faves!
Park at: City Hall ($)
Photo spots:
Park at: Byward Market (street or parking garage $)
Photo spots:
Outside Fairmont
Rainbow stairs
Major’s Hill park
Park at: Lansdowne underground parking ($)
Photo spots:
Fountain/Splash pad benches
Great Lawn
Garden boxes
Benches in South Court
Outside the Horticulture building and Aberdeen pavilion
Outdoor cafe seating
Inside Beandigan (ask permission before taking photos and always remember to purchase something!)
Park at: behind Bower Coffee (free!)
Photo Spots:
Walk down Richmond Road through the bike path
The red door of the Keg
Park at: Tropical Greenhouse (free)
Photo Spots:
Outside the Tropical Greenhouse (photos inside aren’t allowed)
Bench at the back of the greenhouse
Walk over to the Ornamental Gardens (road and sidewalk)
Ornamental Gardens
If you’re really ambitious you can walk or drive across the road to the Arboretum too
Park at: Parking lot beside the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Photo Spots:
Greenspace (the trees here turn pink in May!)
Path and rocky point
Beach (head to the far North side for some trees and privacy)
10 minute walk over to Beachconers Ice cream, Britannia Coffeehouse and Britannia Bakeshop (always ask before taking photos inside retail shops! And remember to purchase something if you're using them as a location)
Click here to find out what you need to know before your Ottawa branding photoshoot!
When photographers say your brand photos will “tell a story,” do you just smile and nod but secretly think: what on earth are they talking about?
Same.
I’ll admit it... I’ve used that phrase a lot too. It’s one of those buzzwords that sneaks into the biz world and suddenly everyone’s saying it. But every so often I stop and think… wait, what do people think that actually means?
Because if I put myself in your shoes, I can imagine the reactions:
What story?
I don’t want to share my entire life story—this is not therapy, it’s photos.
Or my personal favorite: I don’t care about “story,” I just want photos I actually like and will use. We don’t need to overcomplicate this, folks.
And you’re not wrong.
So here’s the real talk: when I (or any other brand photographers) say your photos will “tell a story,” I’m not talking about writing the autobiography of your life in pictures. What I mean is this:
You’ll get photos you actually love and are excited to use.
You’ll have more than just the classic “smiling at the camera” headshots.
You’ll have images of you in action—doing your thing, working with clients, using the tools and details that make your brand yours.
The “story” isn’t just “look at me having a great hair day!” and it doesn't have to be "here's everything there is to know about me ever"
It can be:
This is who I am.
This is how I can help you.
This is what it feels like to work with me.
That’s the kind of story my brand photography tells. The one that helps people connect with you, trust you, and ultimately say, “Yes, I want to work with you!”
Want to know what happens when you book your brand shoot with me? Check out this blog post!
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or a website and thought, “Wow, they look so confident and polished—I wish I could show up like that,” you’re not alone. Many Ottawa coaches, service providers, and wellness professionals feel nervous about booking a branding photoshoot.
The good news? You don’t need to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or even feel “photogenic.” My job as an Ottawa branding photographer is to guide you through every step so your photos look natural, relaxed, and so you.
Let’s take a peek behind the scenes of what a branding photography session in Ottawa is really like.
Every great photoshoot starts with a conversation. Before the camera comes out, I spend time getting to know your business, your brand personality, and how you want to be seen online. Coaches and wellness providers often tell me they want to look approachable and trustworthy. Designers and service providers often want photos that feel creative and knowledgable.
This step ensures that your photos don’t just look good—they feel like you.
Once we’ve talked about your goals (which I help you answer if you're stuck!), I create your personalized Shoot Plan. This includes:
The Shoot Plan takes away the guesswork so you feel prepared and excited before and during your shoot!
Here’s where the fun begins! Clients often arrive feeling a little nervous, but within minutes they’re laughing and feeling at ease. Why? Because I guide you through every step—where to stand, how to move, and even when to take a breath and just be yourself.
Some of the most common things I hear during sessions are:
“This feels so natural—I didn’t expect that.”
“I’m actually having fun!”
“You made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera.”
During your session, we’ll capture a mix of:
Headshots for LinkedIn and your website
Lifestyle photos that show your personality
Behind-the-scenes images of you doing your work
Storytelling shots perfect for Instagram captions, newsletters, and marketing
Within a week of your session, I go through your photos and send you a gorgeous gallery. This is where you get to choose your favorites which are the ones that I'll edit and deliver to you in a ready-to-post or use way!
The experience you have during your photoshoot directly impacts how your photos turn out. When you feel confident, relaxed, and supported, that energy shows up in your images!
That’s why so many of my clients say things like:
“You made me feel strong and beautiful through the experience.”
“Amy makes you feel so very at ease.”
“I felt confident—and I never thought I’d say that in front of a camera.”
At it's core, branding photography is about more than images—it’s about creating an experience that leaves you feeling empowered! And when you feel good, your audience feels it too.
If you’re a business owner in Ottawa, and you’ve been thinking about booking branding photos, I’d love to help! Together, we’ll create a photoshoot experience that feels natural, fun, and empowering—so you walk away with images that truly represent you and your business.