For the past two and a half years we’ve been searching for a new studio space for Sara McConnell Photography.

When we started searching, the goal was to find a space that would allow me to expand the types of studio sessions I could offer. Since March of 2020 our search has been motivated by the need for a larger studio space that is outside of our home, allowing me to continue offering a variety of studio sessions while still adhering to public health guidelines.

We looked at commercial spaces, homes with separate buildings I could use for my studio, as well as homes with larger properties where we could build a separate studio space.

Our search centred on the east end of Ottawa and the outskirts of Orleans because it’s where we’ve lived for the past 20 years and where my kids have grown up.

On the day we found the studio space, we’d driven through Navan on our way to the Prescott-Russell Trail and I had happened to see a ‘for lease’ sign on the red building on the way into town. After doing our best to tire out the kids (and dog) we stopped on our way home so we could take a peek and write down the phone number.

Eight days later we signed a lease for the space on Trim Road.

The new studio is 6 minutes from my home and old studio space. It’s also in the town where I grew up.

I lived in Navan from the age of 4 to the age of 18. My dad built our family home on Forest Leave Drive. I attended Meadowview Public School (now Heritage Public School). I spent my Winters sledding at Syd and Verna Cotton Park and my Summers counting down the days until the Navan Fair.

My parents volunteered for the Lions Club and Navan Women’s Institute. I worked at the Navan Vet Clinic (now the Colonial Veterinary Hospital) for 8 years and boarded my horse at Queenswood Stables.

I took piano lessons down the street from my home. I was a Brownie and a Girl Guide with the Navan troop. I spent my free time playing in the forest and creek beside Smith Road.

I have been in business for 11 years and in searching for a new studio, one of the biggest challenges we faced was how to turn a sterile and isolated commercial space into a home for my photography business. As a family, maternity, newborn, and small business photographer I have developed amazing friendships and connections within our community, and I wanted my studio space to reflect those values.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to open the doors to my studio in Navan. I am looking forward to reconnecting with the community where I grew up and creating a beautiful “home” for my beloved business and clients.

For studio updates, details about the virtual grand opening, and to take advantage of the grand opening promotional offers, make sure to add your name to the VIP LIST

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