Ottawa-Gatineau Outdoor Family & Child Portraits
For adventurous, sensitive, and neurodivergent families who love to move, explore, and collect rocks along the way.
What happens when a retired outdoor educator becomes your photographer?
You get a session where it’s okay to be quiet, okay to be wild, and it’s okay to be you. I’ve been capturing light, movement, and connection of family life across Wakefield, Chelsea, Cantley, Val-des-Monts, and Ottawa since 2012.
You are looking for a different photography experience.
Posed photos aren’t for you - you are worried the photos will miss your children’s natural expressions, the way they move and your family’s unique connections.
You have a meaningful location in mind in the Outaouais region like your favourite hiking spot or at your home.
Photography sessions feel too rushed and you are worried your free-spirited or sensitive kids won’t behave like they usually do when it’s just your family.
“Elle has the skills to capture light and movement in her photography, transforming un-staged life moments into treasured pieces of art for our walls!”
-Claudia
No one HAS to look at the camera around here! Don’t let that stop you from getting family photos you will treasure for years to come! Come on out and don’t look at the camera- k? I’ve got you!
How ‘bout a photo session designed especially for your adventurous family?
Images that capture what makes each of you who you are, your family’s habits, the way your child is always in their bare feet, how they explore the woods (or your backyard), and their insatiable curiosity.
A photo session that gives you lots of time to settle in and get comfortable so your photos reflect your real family dynamics?
A little coaching so your photographer can take full advantage of the light and outdoor setting - AND your kids are free to be themselves?
Photo of our family by Van Veit Creative
It’s okay to be quiet here. It’s okay to be wild here. It’s okay to be you here.
You’ve got yourself a professional photographer who understands your family’s need to run, pick stuff up and wonder, be a little mischievous, explore, and express themselves just as they are!
Whether creating a calm environment for sensory-sensitive children, embracing the unique energy of neurodivergent family dynamics, or simply meeting your family exactly where you are, I will capture photos that celebrate YOUR awesome family.
Prepare yourself for me to pull out a few old games and silly voices to get everyone’s attention if the vibe calls for it. And I’ll know when to just allow things to unfold.
Let’s feature your family and this beautiful area we get to live in, and create some photos you can look back on and tell your kids all kinds of stories about years from now!
~Elle Odyn
For over twenty years at camp, my focus was working with children of all strengths and experiences. I was known as the staff member who could connect with any child and meet them where they were. I have a huge place in my soul, determined to create environments where every child belongs. This photo was captured by a fellow family camper in 2014.
“Elle is one of the best photographers we have ever worked with. She can see and capture beauty in simple moments and evoke true feelings. You do not realize how much you will treasure what she captures until you see the images.
She has worked with our family on several occasions and never disappoints. Elle is wonderful to work with - easy-going, kind, gentle, and makes you feel totally at ease.”
Laurie Cox - Cantley, Quebec
“Working with Elle was amazing. My daughter is notorious for shutting down when a camera appears in the room, so much so that we’ve had to pay for extra time with photographers in the past because it often takes an hour to get her to stop hiding and crying.
Elle’s gentle approach really helped make our session great. My daughter responded to Elle’s calm presence, and we ended up with many beautiful family photos to choose from.”
Lisa - Ottawa, Ontario
Your photos will be a collection of little details, moments & wide-angle views to capture the setting
I’ll be sure to get all of you in the frame sometimes too
I have photographed people (campers, staff, families, friends, dogs) in the outdoors since the 90’s - so I know how to move around, tuck into nooks and move behind trees all without tripping (most of the time).
Your family can move, explore and most importantly be themselves!
Your photos will be a beautiful collection of images that capture what makes your fun family yours.
Book your outdoor family photography session in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
“Elle was absolutely fantastic! She was like an old friend. She made us feel at ease and comfortable while she took some amazing photos of our family. I could not have been happier with her or our photos.
The photos are now all around our home and they are something I will cherish forever!”
-C.Bradley
“We love the gift of how you see us! Now to just get them up on the wall!!”
-M.I.
Simple Pricing & Packages
Relaxed Sessions, Real Movement & Guidance.
1-2 Hours of Photography
You will reserve a weekend in 2026 that will be exclusive to your family. We will choose the exact date and time closer to the weekend to accommodate the weather and health.
Approximately 2 Hours of Photography for families. 1 hr for a one-child portrait session.
Choose your favourite location within 30 minutes of Wakefield, Quebec, or meet me on-site.
30 edited digital images
Child Portraits begin at CAD 350.
Family Sessions start at CAD 550.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No.
My favourite photos are often of children exploring, collecting things from the ground, climbing, or having a quiet moment.
With years of photographing campers and families behind me, I will capture your children as they are.
I am honoured to meet them as they are - always.
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This is exactly who I photograph most.
I spent years working with children in outdoor education, and I was known as the person who could connect with any child. (not all, but most) :)
Being neurodivergent myself means I get it (as much as I can).
Sessions are unhurried, low-pressure, and completely led by your family's pace.
If we need to sit under a tree for twenty minutes before anything happens, I’m here for it.
This is why we have lots of time.
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Sessions take place outdoors at a location meaningful to your family, within about 30 minutes of Wakefield, Quebec.
Popular spots include Gatineau Park, the Ottawa River, family properties in Ottawa, Chelsea, Cantley, Val-des-Monts, and Low, or simply your own backyard.
If you have a favourite hiking trail or special spot in the Outaouais, that is always welcome.
I also offer sessions at my “outdoor studio” in Val des Monts.
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Family sessions are approximately two hours.
Child portrait sessions are approximately one hour.
The extra time is intentional. It gives your family space to settle in, warm up, and stop thinking about the camera before we even get to the good stuff.
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You will receive a minimum of 30 edited digital images, delivered in an online gallery you can download and share.
You will receive print files (for albums and wall art) and web files for online or digital sharing.
If there are many extra images, I will offer them to you at a starting price of $100 for the rest of the gallery.
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Sessions are offered on select weekends throughout the year, especially in spring and fall.
I recommend reaching out as soon as you know you'd like photos, even if your ideal date is months away.
Once you reserve your weekend, we will choose the exact date and time closer to the session to account for the weather and your family's health.
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Yes!
Winter sessions in Ottawa-Gatineau have their own magic: snow, soft light, big coats, and rosy cheeks. If your family is up for it, I'm there.
Elle is an extraordinarily talented photographer; working with her was a pleasure. She ensured that our babywearing session was fun and had great suggestions on getting the most out of the setting. We couldn’t be happier with the photos!”
~Jordan Leichnitz