Top 4 Dates and Settings for Spring and Summer Photos in Ottawa
The snow is (finally) melted. The days are longer. The sun is making more and more of an appearance every day. The temperatures are slowly rising. This is it! After our long, harsh winters, it’s time to come out to play! As an Ottawa family photographer, I’m gearing up for a beautiful and busy season - after Fall, this is usually our most requested session time.
I’m making a little bit easier on my clients and in addition to providing custom sessions at a location and date of your choice, I’m also offering some shorter Limited Edition sessions, with all of the scouting done for you. These are on dates and at locations hand-picked by me based the best lighting, Mother Nature’s best seasonal gifts and in the areas of Ottawa that best showcase them. Read on to learn more.
Top 4 Places in Ottawa for Spring & Summer Photos and When To Do It
Apple and Cherry Blossoms in May!
We are so lucky here in Ottawa to have such an abundance of these beautiful blossoming fruit trees all around the city! The best and most well-known spot is amongst the Dominion Arboretum but there are lots of smaller (and quieter) pockets around the area, too, which is where I usually like to meet clients. Having grown up in Halifax and living a few different cities over the years, I can assure you that this is something unique to us. A sure sign of Spring in Ottawa, these blossoms arrive sometime around mid-to-late May depending on the temperatures that year. They don’t last long, however! Once they arrive, they only stay for about one week maximum before blowing away and the trees begin their next cycle. As such, these sessions do take a lot of planning on my part to ensure we don’t miss out, as well as a bit of flexibility since we can’t always predict the precise dates of the bloom. I promise you, it’s worth it.
2. Garden sessions in June!
Ottawa s well-known for its plethora of parks and green spaces. You don’t have to go too far, even in the middle of downtown, to transport yourself and literally stop and smell the roses, as well as lilacs, peonies, etc. June is the best time as things are lush, green, and in bloom but the intense heat usually hasn’t been around long enough for things to start to get dry and wilt. My favourite spots are Commissioner’s Park on Dow’s Lake, Rideau Hall, home of Canada’s Governor General, and the Ornamental Gardens, which are maintained by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood Canada. Did you know that it was once used as a test area for conducting research on hardy flowering varieties to see how they would stand up to the extremes of our central Canadian climate? It’s now available for all to enjoy.
3. Sunflower sessions in July or August!
My mother always said, “sunflowers are happy flowers” and it’s true. There’s something about them that just makes you want to smile. And an entire field? Yes please! There are a few places around Ottawa to view and walk amongst the sunflowers. At some of these locations, you’re also able to pick them and bring home your own fresh, sunny bouquet. Sunny Fields of Gold is located about 40 minutes south-east of Ottawa in North Stormont and is normally open as early mid-July and offers a spectacular city escape to walk through huge yellow fields. They also offer wagon rides at certain times, as well. Located a bit closer to downtown Ottawa is Green Corners Farm (yes, the same farm that offers tulips!). This field is owned by a welcoming, friendly family with a variety of sunflower types to pick and admire. Finally, on the other side of town just outside Stittsville is Sultan Farm Sanctuary. This family-run working farm offers a home and care to unwanted farm animals. During the summer, entrance fees to view the sunflowers go towards supporting this mission.
4. Beach sessions in August!
Coming from the east coast myself, you may not think of Ottawa as much of a beach destination. However, the local river systems do provide us with several opportunities to put our toes in the sand and beat the heat! Although you can enjoy Ottawa’s beaches at any time, I personally prefer August. I find the beaches are less crowded and the sun has begun to set earlier, meaning it’s easier to get those glowy, gorgeous golden-hour sunsets! You can find lovely beaches from one side of the city to another with Petrie Island in east, Constance Bay in the West, and Mooney’s Bay Beach in the centre, as well as several others in between.
So there you have it! I hope I’ve helped you narrow down your spring and summer photo options in Ottawa! I have still have some spots left and would love to help you connect with your loved ones and capture the memories you make. Please see my booking calendar or contact me, both of which you can access using the button below.
Hey there, and before you go, my photographer friend Becky recently participated in a Seattle Mother’s Day Maternity Market. Check it out!
