About Sara: Sara McConnell Photography
"You used to be a therapist? That's quite a career change!"
Although I am no longer a practicing therapist, it may surprise you to find out just how similar the two careers are. Just like I did when I worked as a therapist in private practice and in community mental health, I spend my time connecting with clients in ways that help them to feel confident and safe. When my clients are comfortable, relaxed, and able to share their emotions and stories with me, that experience translates into meaningful and beautiful photographs.
When I see a crying toddler, a scowling teen, or a nervous parent, I don't think "ugh", I think 'what do I need to do to connect with this person and have them walk away from our time together with a smile on their face'.
"Why photography?"
I first picked up a camera nearly 30 years ago when I was in high school. After making the transition from film to digital photography, and photographing humans instead of landscapes, I re-discovered my love of the art form in my mid-twenties.
When working as a grief and trauma therapist, I saw over and over again how one of first things people did immediately after a loss was to start looking through photographs. As they pored over the images, they would share favourite memories and it wasn't until I shared that experience with grieving families that I realized that photographs weren't just "pretty pictures".
"Watching the aftermath of traumatic grief gave me a profound appreciation of the moments we share with our families. Photographs are a part of our families story, history, and memories of the people we love the most."
"What do you love most about your work as a photographer?"
- The relationships I've developed with my clients over the last 13 years. Watching families grow and getting to be a part of milestones like births, birthdays, annual traditions, and graduations, is a gift. My first newborn clients are getting ready to start high school: how incredible that I've been a part of their lives for over a decade!
- The trust people place in me to photograph them: I know how vulnerable, nerve wracking, scary, and anxiety provoking it is to step in front of the camera and I take that responsibility seriously.
- Knowing that the photos I take bring families joy every single day when they see them hanging on the walls of their home.
- That I still get goose bumps when I'm photographing sessions: the photos I take are incredibly meaningful to me.
- Holding brand new babies, high fives & hugs from kids, adults who tell me "you're the only person I let take my photo", belly laughs, and JOY. As my kids are now all tweens and teens, I love that I still get to play on a daily basis.
"What else do you do?"
Photography is my passion, customer service is my priority, and my business has been my job for over 13 years.
When I'm not behind the camera, you can find with my family and friends. I am a mother to three boys, who are 11, 15, and 17. My husband I have been together for 25 years: he is my biggest supporter and the one responsible for all the amazing sets you see in my photos. You've never seen someone leave a room as quickly as he does when he hears the words "I have an idea...". It inevitably involves a lot of trips to Home Depot and some complicated design for a new set or my studio.
When my boys were little, I took them outside every day to tire them out and escape the echoing noise in our house. We've continued our "get outside" lifestyle into their teen years. We love to swim, hike, camp, and explore the Ottawa area with our two dogs and our kids.
I am happiest by the ocean, reading books, trying out different art mediums like painting, drawing, and other handicrafts. I love to laugh, hate scary movies, and am still working on not killing every plant I bring home. I love to write, personal organization is my jam, and I drink more tea than I probably should.
I look forward to telling your family's story with my photographs.
Why Choose Sara McConnell Photography?
Bilingual.
Oui, je parle français! Ma grammaire n'est pas parfaite, mais je suis confiant pour parler avec les clients et donner des instructions en français.
Experienced.
With over 13 years of experience, I have photographed over 5000 sessions and worked with over 3000 families. My sessions take less time than people expect because of my expertise and experience.
Professional.
Our top notch customer service means you will know every step of the way what to expect from your session. We walk you through the session preparation process step by step and are available to answer questions and support you as you prepare for your session.
Team Approach.
I am supported by a session coordinator who takes care of all the details for sessions as well as session assistants who are present for busy days of outdoor sessions and themed studio sessions.
Inclusive.
Our sessions are a welcoming, respectful, and compassionate space for all families, people, and bodies.
Transparent.
We proactively share our business policies and practices with clients, including costs, what they can expect from their session, and timelines.
Print Worthy Photos.
The sad reality is, the more photos we have, the less we enjoy them, because it's too overwhelming to decide which ones to print and how to display them. We provide you with a collection of hand edited digital images AND help you figure out how to display in your home, without any high pressure sales tactics or required sales appointments.
Collaborative and Creative.
We work with clients to ensure they get the photographs and poses that are most important to them while creating artistic memories they will treasure for years to come. You can read what clients say about their session experience on Google and Facebook.
Digital Images AND Prints.
Every session includes both edited, retouched, and artistically enhanced digital images AND a selection of prints. Your viewing gallery will be provided to you approximately 5 business days after your session and your final digital images in approximately 7-10 business days. Because we know how busy you are, your print products will be delivered directly to your home.
Online Support.
We recognize that time is something families never have enough of, which is why all of our session planning is done electronically with the support of our team. Image selection is also done via a private gallery, with our support. You do not need to schedule additional appointments for session planning, image selection, or picking up your digital images or print products.
Convenience and Choice.
Photography sessions are available outdoors or in my fully equipped professional photography studio. I offer a range of session types and lengths throughout the year to meet the needs of all families, including sessions on weekdays, weekday evenings, and weekends.
Fun and Joyful Sessions.
On the day of your session we look forward to spending time with you and your family. Get ready to laugh, have fun, and enjoy the experience of working with a professional whose #1 goal is connecting with you and your family in meaningful ways that allow me to capture authentic and beautiful photographs.
Award-winning Creativity.
2015: National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) Image Competition Winner. I competed against thousands of image entries and won a Recognition of Merit in the Siblings category, with my image entitled “Feathered Friends.”
2016: National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) Image Competition Winner. I competed against thousands of image entries and won a Recognition of Merit in the maternity category, with my image entitled "Twice the Blessing"
2019: Three/four images selected for inclusion in the Professional Photographers (PPOC) National Image Exhibition. One image awarded merit.
2020: Four/four images selected for inclusion in the Professional Photographers (PPOC) National Image Exhibition. One image awarded merit.
Sara McConnell Photography in Ottawa
Sara McConnell Photography has appeared in newspapers, blogs, local Ottawa TV and throughout Ottawa.
A professional photographer for more than 13 years experience.
Specializing in Baby, Family, Maternity, Newborn, and Branding and Headshot Photography Sessions. In addition to photography sessions I also offer beginner photography classes and intermediate workshops on how to use your camera to create your own beautiful memories.
Serving clients in Ottawa, Gatineau, Orleans, Navan, Cumberland, Stittsville, Rockland, Westboro, Glebe, Riverside South, Kanata, Manotick, Barrhaven, and Greely.
Nationally Accredited in the specialities of Child and Infant, Maternity, and Newborn Photography by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC).