Ottawa Family Photography Blossom Sessions. As an Ottawa family photographer, I get asked a lot about blossom sessions in May—and for good reason! The trees are stunning and the pink and white petals make the whole city feel like a fairy tale. But when it comes to family photos, blossoms might not be the magical option they appear to be. Let’s talk about why.
The Blossoms? Gorgeous. The Timing? Not So Much.
Blossoms in Ottawa bloom fast—and fade just as quickly. Most years, the window is less than a week. That’s right. Just a few days where the trees are at their best. This short bloom time doesn’t leave us much flexibility if your child is sick, someone has to work late, or the weather decides not to cooperate (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot in May).
The Weather Is All Over the Place
May in Ottawa is a mixed bag. One day it’s 28°C and sunny, the next it’s 9°C with sideways rain. I’ve photographed families shivering in spring dresses and sweating in sweaters, all within the same week. It’s hard to dress little ones comfortably when the weather can flip in an instant. And comfort matters—a lot—when it comes to getting happy, natural smiles.
Blossom Dates Are Never Set in Stone
Unlike summer or fall sessions, we can’t book blossom photos months in advance and expect them to land on the right day. Blossoms bloom early some years, late in others, and sometimes they’re here and gone before we even finish our morning coffee. If you’re juggling busy schedules, school, and activities, it can be stressful trying to rearrange everything last-minute.
The Bottom Line: Beautiful But Tricky
Blossom photos are undeniably beautiful and work best for families who have flexible schedules. If you’re looking for a stunning spring session with more flexibility, let’s talk about garden locations or tree-lined trails that bloom just a little later—and last a whole lot longer.
