September is a wonderful time in Ottawa for photos. Not only is the weather that perfect balance in between hot and cold it’s also a time for celebrating exciting new beginnings. This September I have THREE amazing session options available. For families I have Under the Apple Tree Sessions and September in the Arboretum Sessions and for children and teens I have Back to School Sessions!

Can grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles come to the session?
September Sessions are for immediate family members only (parents and their children).  At this time I do not offer Fall Sessions for extended family members.

How do I book my session?
Booking your session can all be done online in my boutique starting on August 26th. Sign up to The List and the booking links to all my sessions will be sent straight to your inbox.

Do I have to pay for my session fee in full?

No. A session deposit is required to secure your session. The balance for your session is paid the week your session is scheduled to take place.

What types of photos do you take during our session?
Posed, candid, both…it’s up to you!  My clients fill out a detailed questionnaire before our time together so I know what photos and poses are most important to you and your family.

Where will the sessions take place?
All sessions take place in the Arboretum.  Clients are provided with the specific meeting place the day before the session.

What happens if it’s raining on the day of our session?
I make the decision to postpone sessions based on satellite images and whether it will be actively raining at the time of our session.  This decision is made 1.5-2 hours before the session. Sessions are not rescheduled due to temperature, wet ground, overcast sky, etc.
If sessions are postponed due to rain your session will take place at the same time it was originally scheduled on the date listed in your session description. If there is inclement weather anticipated on your rain date / time you will be offered one alternate session date / time.  There are no exceptions to this policy. If you cannot be present at the listed rain date and someone cannot be found to take your place your session fee will not be refunded nor can it be applied to a future session.

What is your session illness and cancelation policy?

You can see our updated policies here.

Can you tell me more about Under the Apple Tree Sessions?

These sessions are a great option for families who:

  • would like a red and green backdrop for their session
  • prefer warmer temperatures for their session
  • would like a longer session (20 minute sessions are available)

Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, September 14th (back up date, September 15th) and there are two session options:

  • 15 minute Memories Session ($349+HST)– for families with 3 people or less. Includes 5 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and 3 complimentary gift prints. 

  • 20 minute More Memories Session ($399+HST)– for families with more than 3 family members. Includes 8 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and 3 complimentary gift prints. 

You can see examples of photos from previous sessions here and here.

Can you tell me more about September in the Arboretum Sessions?

These sessions are a great option for families who:

  • prefer a more neutral backdrop (mainly green grass and trees, with hints of Fall colour)
  • prefer warmer temperatures for their session
  • would like a longer session (20 minute sessions are available)
  • would like to include my antique desk prop for back to school photos as a part of their family session

Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, September 14th (back up date, September 15th) and there are two session options:

  • 15 minute Memories Session ($349+HST)– for families with 3 people or less. Includes 5 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and 3 complimentary gift prints. 

  • 20 minute More Memories Session ($399+HST)– for families with more than 3 family members. Includes 8 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and 3 complimentary gift prints. 

You can see examples of photos from previous sessions here and here.

Can you tell me more about Back to School Sessions?

Back to school photos are a tradition for many families.  Twenty to thirty years ago those photos were on display in your home (and likely your grandparents’ homes) but it’s rare today to see framed school photos on display, even if families have them taken every year.  I started offering Back to School sessions because not only do I want them to be a fun and relaxed experience for my clients but I want families to have photos they are proud to hang on the walls of their home.

Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, September 14th (back up date, Sept 15th). Sessions are $189+HST (for up to 2 siblings, entering junior kindergarten or older) and include 2 edited and retouched digital files of your choice and 1 gift print.

Sessions include up to 2 siblings, please email info@saramcconnell.ca if you have more than 2 children

Photos can include the use of my antique desk prop, it’s up to you!

Sessions will be a fun and relaxed event with a variety of ages in attendance so that younger first time students can gain confidence watching their older peers have their photos taken.

You can see examples of photos from pervious sessions here and here.