Emma WhiteNewborn photography was the perfect way to welcome the family’s tiniest VIP. Now it’s time to get everyone else into the frame (matching socks optional)!
Of course, coordinating babies, grandparents, and camera-shy relatives can feel like organizing a small parade. Thankfully, the right photographer knows how to turn the chaos into something wonderfully frame-worthy.
We searched for the best family photographers in Ottawa to find studios that keep sessions relaxed, natural, and fun. These pros make capturing the whole crew feel far less stressful than getting everyone out the door.
How much does family photography cost in Ottawa?
Mini sessions usually cost between $150 and $300+. They typically last 15 to 30 minutes.Full immediate family sessions range from $300 to $600+. Most sessions run for 45 to 60 minutes.
Extended family sessions usually cost between $365 and $700+. These are ideal for multi-generational groups.All prices are listed before HST.
1. Kayla Photography
Address: 22M Antares Drive
Contact: 613-558-9082 | [email protected]
Hours: Sun to Fri 10 AM – 6 PM (by appointment only)
Kayla Photography is a great pick when the guest list keeps growing, and nobody wants to start counting heads. There’s no limit on people or outfit changes, which takes a lot of pressure off bigger family shoots.
My sister booked them for a large family gathering last year and loved that the session never felt rushed.
You can spend up to three hours in their spacious private studio, with more than 30 styled sets to keep everyone from looking like they took the same photo 20 times.
The downside is the higher upfront session fee, and final image collections cost extra. They’re also closed on Saturdays, so weekend plans need to work around a Sunday booking.
Customer Reviews
Painless and Fun Family Portrait Experience
Working with Kayla was amazing! Kayla was fabulous working with five of us to get a family portrait. She made all of us look great! She made the whole process painless and fun! She made sure that we were all happy and kept lighthearted conversation the whole time. Kayla has an eye for small details when taking the photos and made sure they turned out amazingly! Would recommend Kayla 100%!
- Leah Sutherland | Google Review
Relaxed Family Photos with Beautiful Results
We recommend Kayla Photography! Kayla is so much fun; she puts you at ease, suggests poses that show you at your best, and as a result produces wonderful photos that you’ll be so pleased to show your family and friends. We did family photos today, and plan to go back for boudoir photos for our husbands. Excellent!
- Wendy Clark | Google Review
2. Gillian McColl Photography
Address: 58 Speers Crescent
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 4 PM, Sat 9 AM – 7 PM
Gillian McColl Photography is a lifesaver for new moms who’d rather not coordinate five outfits while running on two hours of sleep.
Her curated client closet includes flattering dresses for moms, neutral baby outfits, and styling guides for everyone else.
Sessions can take place at select private outdoor properties or in your own home for newborn photos. She mixes classic posing with playful prompts, so the final gallery feels polished without looking stiff or overly staged.
The main catch is availability, since she’s often booked two to three months ahead. Spontaneous family shoots aren’t really on the menu, so you’ll need to plan early.
Customer Reviews
Comfortable Family Shoots with Candid Moments
I cannot say enough good things about Gillian. We have had two shoots with her so far, one newborn and one family. She is incredible at capturing candid moments as well as getting the perfect posed shots. She made us feel incredibly comfortable throughout the entire process. There is no doubt that we will be calling Gillian again to photograph our family.
- Leandra Beaulieu | Google Review
Warm, Efficient, and Natural Family Photography
This was our second photo shoot with Gillian, and just like the last time, we were blown away with the quality of the experience. Gillian is such a warm person and sets you at ease immediately. She is efficient (which is a must when there is a baby involved!) but doesn’t ever make you feel rushed. She gives great direction but also lets you and your family just “be” for those amazing candid shots. We love every single photo and will be back for more 🙂
- Julia Anstee | Google Review
3. Melissa Gauthier Photography
Service area: Available for hire in the Ottawa and surrounding areas
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: By appointment
Melissa Gauthier Photography saves parents from the impossible task of choosing one child’s smile over another. Instead of charging per file, she includes all the best digital images from your session!
Her cozy, newly finished home studio in Orléans is set up for maternity, newborn, and family portraits.
With decades of experience, she knows how to keep sessions relaxed while still capturing polished, frame-worthy moments.
She also offers discounted seasonal mini sessions, which are handy for holiday cards and quick family updates.
The only catch is the wait, as full galleries usually take four to six weeks to arrive, so this isn’t the best choice for last-minute photos.
Customer Reviews
Relaxed Family Session with Beautiful Photos
Melissa was incredible to work with – she was relaxed, had great ideas, and I especially love the ‘hand’ photo, and the location was beautiful! I am so happy with all the pictures; we will definitely be repeat customers for family photos!
- w simmons | Google Review
Professional Family Photography Worth Cherishing
Melissa did an amazing job with our maternity and newborn photos! She was incredibly professional and accommodating. We were put at ease by the precautions she had in place during the pandemic. The photos are stunning, and we will cherish them for a lifetime. Glad to have such an amazing family photographer!
- Melissa Goncalves | Google Review
4. Sevil Topbas Photography
Address: 1010 Polytek St #35
Contact: (343) 297-9766 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 5 PM, Sat 9 AM – 2 PM
Sevil Topbas Photography is a great match for toddlers who’d rather explore than sit nicely on command. Their child-led approach lets kids play naturally, which means fewer forced smiles and more genuine personality.
I joined my best friend’s family session here, and the welcoming studio quickly put everyone at ease. Each shoot is tailored to the family, with plenty of room for grandparents, cousins, and the whole extended crew.
The online proof gallery also arrives within one to two business days, which feels impressively speedy in photography time. It’s especially handy when you’re excited to see whether everyone looked at the camera at least once.
The downside is that albums and prints aren’t available directly, so you’ll only receive digital files. Extra image edits also cost more if you go beyond your package.
Customer Reviews
Comfortable Family and Newborn Studio Experience
Sevil is very talented 👏 We loved our newborn and family photo shoot! The pictures are a piece of art! She’s amazing with newborns and kids. We were very comfortable at her studio. She also has toys for kids to play with. The props and outfits are absolutely gorgeous 😍 ❤️ definitely worth every penny!
- Lea G | Google Review
Patient Photographer for Stunning Family Photos
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sevil for three different photoshoots: my baby’s newborn photography, a family portrait session, and now a Christmas photoshoot. Each time, I’ve been absolutely amazed by her work! Sevil is incredibly patient, especially with my baby. The way she handled the newborn photoshoot was nothing short of magical. Her ability to capture such precious moments is a true gift, and the photos she delivers are breathtaking. She truly has magic in her hands! I highly recommend Sevil to anyone looking for stunning, high-quality photography.
- Suvidha Rao | Google Review
5. Little Wagon Photography
Service area: Photography in Ottawa, Kanata, or Stittsville
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Sat 9 AM – 5 PM
Little Wagon Photography has spent more than 15 years capturing families across Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville.
You can choose a cozy studio session or head outdoors somewhere that feels more like your crew.
They’re especially good at managing everyone from energetic toddlers to camera-shy grandparents without making the session feel like a military operation.
Each shoot is fully guided but still relaxed, blending polished portraits with plenty of real laughs, movement, and family chaos. That flexibility makes them a strong pick for both immediate and extended families.
Early sneak peeks also give you something to enjoy while the full gallery is being carefully edited.
The downside is that final galleries usually take two to three weeks to arrive. Canvases and framed prints are also produced through a partner lab rather than directly in-house.
Customer Reviews
Thoughtful Family Photographer Great with Children
We have had our family photos done multiple times by Mariana as our children have been growing up. She is an excellent photographer who is efficient, thoughtful and great with children. We would recommend her to anyone looking to have their family photos done regardless of the ages and stages of the children.
- Leanna Isserlin | Google Review
Patient and Talented Family Photographer
This is the second time we have worked with Mariana and Little Wagon Photography. We were so pleased with our newborn photos for our first daughter that we did not hesitate to work with her again for our second daughter. The photos are amazing. Mariana is so talented and patient. We would highly recommend her for any of your family photo needs.
- Lisa Welch | Google Review
