Documenting Maternity Leave: A Family Film

I remember how difficult maternity leave could feel and how long some days were but mostly I remember feeling how lucky I was to have the chance to be with my girls. I didn't want it to end. Returning to work and placing them in daycare was tough and emotional and I missed the routine of being with them. The freedom of doing whatever we felt like. The joy of seeing them learn new things, make new sounds and explore new places. The little things, the milestones and everything in between. Our days often looked the same and they blended into each other. Before I knew it, a year had passed. I took tons of photos of my babies. It was my way to be creative but also to document how they were changing. Because it was just me and them at home, I have very few of me WITH them. And so, I had the idea of capturing this time for other mothers.

Earlier this month I met up with a past client for a special documentary session to create a keepsake film of some of the everyday, routine moments. A big thanks to this mama and her adorable girls for letting me share the morning with them. I hope that this film will take them back to their time together.

Family Film - Melanie Mathieu Photography

My New Love

I've been working hard behind the scenes to figure out a way to incorporate video into my photography business. Video can really complement still photos by adding depth to a story. The power of a photograph is how it allows us to savour tiny moments frozen in time, appreciating the details of that moment. I love staring at a photo and seeing details I didn't notice during the moment or taking photos to show clients the beauty of a simple interaction. Video brings the preservation of moments to another level by using movement and sound - little voices, the sound of laughter, mannerisms. It's like stepping back into a memory and reliving it. 

I documented a few everyday routines over the holidays with my kids and I'm slowly finding my voice and a new workflow using both photos and video....and I'm loving it!! My goal this year is to use video more and more - both professionally and personally. I don't want to forget how their voices sound at these ages, their favourite games, how my youngest always pools copious amounts of maple syrup over her crêpes and has to start each meal by announcing "bon appetito". These are moments that videos brings to life. 

One thing that struck me while watching the mini films I put together of our holidays, I'm not in any of them. I'm still working on how to incorporate myself into the story more. This is why I love shooting families. So often, it's the moms who document (not always of course, but often), and so I like being able to give something to families where everyone is in the picture. I hope to do the same with video soon!

For now, click on the link below to see a little taste of what we've been up to - our real, everyday life in all its beautiful imperfectness. 

Ottawa photographer and filmmaker | Melanie Mathieu Photography + Films

Father's Day

I came across these two favourite photos of me with my dad. I don't have that many with him when I was younger - maybe because he often had the camera or maybe it's the third child syndrome where photos become more and more scarce as you move down the line in rank. It was also the time of film as opposed to having a camera at your fingertips. I love these photos because they feature two of his iconic outfits. That winter jacket was still in the rotation as of 6 years ago maybe (that photo on the Rideau Canal circa 1984). That tuque can still be found tucked away in my parents' front hall closet. Saving his clothes is something we all kid him about. That plaid shirt didn't last quite as long but it had a really good run and who knows maybe he's hidden it at the back of the closet where I can't find it. When I think of my dad and my childhood moments with him, he is wearing that shirt. These photos bring me back to these two days and without these photos, I likely would have forgotten the stories behind them. 

If you are searching for ideas for Father's Day that are meaningful, look no further than those photos that tell your stories - print them, frame them, get them off those devices and create something more tangible. 

Personalize your Space with Photos - Guest Blog Post by Melanie Neault

Several months ago I started following the very talented Ottawa Interior Designer Melanie Neault on Instagram (Launch Your Space). I just love her style and when I sat down and started to think about writing a post about photo display ideas, the light bulb when off - why not ask Melanie to give her insight on how to use all those moments captured in photos to personalize your home. Luckily she accepted the challenge and provides some inspiring ideas below. As I mentioned to Melanie, I'm so indecisive when it comes to hanging things on my own walls and her post helped me to finally get to those neglected walls and spaces in my home.

Thanks Melanie for the wonderful ideas and photos below!

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Photographs are a moment in time captured in a still frame. These moments are beautiful, raw, and frozen while the world continues to spin, while you continue to grow, and while life moves forward. How you display these memories help to create the story of telling that particular time that you can now look back on forever.




Here is list of different ways you can display these framed photographs in your home:


Gallery walls 
Gallery walls are like a commissioned art piece that was made just for you. They hold a sentimental value, and represent many memories for others to see. They are best located above a seating area in a living room, or over the dining table, where people gather to eat, converse, and share stories along with bites of delicious food.


When creating a gallery wall, there needs to be a fluid theme amongst the frames. Having all one colour works, but if you want to make it a little more eclectic, having a collaboration of different frames works best if you use 3-4 colour tones only. For examples, off white, grey, and blues look great together. Or perhaps wooden frames mixed with some yellow and grey ones. Doing mixed frames this way allows the eye to focus on the photos rather than just the frames themselves.


The photos in the frames can be anything. A more modern monolithic look would be to use all black or white frames with black and white photos only. This look is timeless and looks great paired with any décor or style. Going to the more organic and rustic side, you can use coloured photos in the coloured frames, creating a dynamic gallery wall.


A tip for the wall layout is to lay the frames with the photos in them on the ground first. Position them in the shape and formation you wish. This way you see which photos and frames look best beside each other. It’s important to balance out the colours of the frames and photos within the gallery wall. Then, once you’ve gotten the layout on the ground to your desired look, cut out paper to match the sizes of the frames and lay them up on the wall, mimicking the floor layout. Once you’re happy with the look, put your nail in and pull the paper off. Hang your photos one by one, and voila! Your photo gallery is complete.

 (gallery wall)

Single Frames 
If you don’t have the wall space for a gallery wall, or simply have a few framed photographs to display, hanging them on the wall alone is beautiful and makes the focus more specific on that particular photograph. Hanging the frame at eye level is more aesthetically pleasing and having the frame surrounded by other pieces in the room creates a separate environment for the photograph. For example, if you have plants or a floor lamp near that wall, putting a framed photograph between the two creates a nice niche for the frame to look part of the overall design of the room.

(Single frames)

Shelves and Bookshelves 

One of my favourite ways to display photographs is on shelves. It’s non-permanent because no nails are required, and you can add objects and other small details around the frames. It can be on an open shelf, or in an enclosed glass cabinet. Regardless of where, you are able to add other memories with the frame. Shells from a trip down south paired with a photograph of you on the beach, your wedding veil draped around your favourite wedding photo, books of the places you visited beside photos of that place…the possibilities are endless. This creates almost like a shadow box for the photograph and items you wish to display.


Wedding Album 
You can treat a wedding album the same way as the shelved photography. Pair it with a vase of dried flowers from your bouquet, or even with candles beside it. Another fun part of a wedding album is to keep it on the coffee table. It’s a great book to flip through, and it’s also adorable catching your significant other glancing through it down the road. :)

(Open shelves)

(Glass cabinet and album above)

Blog post and photos by Melanie Neault of Launch your Space

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchyourspace/

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Why Small Businesses Should Invest in Photography (Part 2)

I wanted to shift the focus a bit from where my last post left off and share a few tips on how to prepare for your business photo session. These photo sessions are all about putting your best foot forward but also being real and true to your brand.

3 tips to keep in mind before your business photo session:

1) What to wear
Choose something that is comfortable and appropriate for the type of work you do. Depending on the idea for the photoshoot, think about what you wear when you are working or if you were meeting a client.

2) Have a plan but be flexible
Having a general idea of the types of shots you need will help to guide the session. Discuss these beforehand with your photographer so that they come prepared with the right equipment. Some shots or angles might not work as you envision - they may not be flattering to you or your work, or maybe the space you are working in has limitations. Trust the photographer to find the best solution for your particular photoshoot.

3) Tidy up your work area before the session
Of course the idea is to showcase your work in a real setting but photos will show everything. Take the time before the session to look at your space, remove any items that don't belong or to place elements in a way that is less distracting to the focus of the shoot. Have on hand all the tools or elements you would like included.

To give you an idea of how each photo session is different. Have a look at two businesses I worked with recently. Each session was tailored to what they needed and to the nature of their businesses.

Maman Chic Boutique 

Maman Chic Boutique is a local shop in Aylmer QC filled with the most thoughtfully selected items for expecting moms, new moms and even beyond the bump. I love this shop and all that it offers from the personalized one on one attention to the convenience of online shopping.

Dulce Couture Cakes

Gabriela is the face behind Dulce Couture Cakes. Having seen many of her creations before we met, I was so excited to meet her and see her at work. Her attention to detail and passion for her work shines through.

Welcome Baby J

With baby J's early arrival, this family grew from 3 to 4. When I visited, big brother seems to be taking to his role quite nicely and I'm sure as they grow up together, they will be best buds.

FAQ for documentary family photo sessions / FAQ pour les séances photo documentaire de famille

1)      What is a documentary family photo session? / C’est quoi exactement une séance photo documentaire de famille?

This type of session is all about capturing, real every day moments in and around your home. You don’t have to pose or smile at the camera. You spend time with your family as you normally would doing an activity or two while I take photos.

Le but de ce type de séance est de capturer les moments naturelles de la vie quotidienne chez vous. Pas de poses, pas juste des photos avec tout le monde qui regarde le caméra et sourit. Vous passez le temps ensemble en faisant une activité (ou plusieurs) et je prends des photos. 

2)      How long do sessions last? / Combien de temps les séances photos durent-t-elles?

My typical in home session lasts 90 minutes. This sounds like a lot to some people but I can assure you that time flies by.  I’ve never had a session where the client was looking at the clock as if to say, ok, when is this going to be over. I don’t shoot the entire time. Sometimes I ask questions. Sometimes kids want to show me their favourite things or check out my camera. This helps to establish trust and a connection that gives me those opportunities to get real shots and emotion. I could come in, take a bunch of photos and leave but this would not allow time to get past the surface and to see glimpses of the soul. 

Mes séances durent 90 minutes. Parfois cela semble peut être un peu long mais je peux vous assurer que ça se passe très vite. Je n’ai jamais eu une séance ou les clients ont demandé quand est-ce que la session sera finit. Je ne prends pas des photos tout le temps. Parfois je demande des questions. Parfois les enfants veulent me montrer leur objets favoris ou ils sont curieux et veulent inspecter mon caméra. Cela m’aide à établir la confiance et une connexion pour pouvoir capturer les moments réelles, avec émotions. Je pourrais rentrer, prendre beaucoup de photos et partir mais cela ne laisse pas le temps d'établir les liens qui me permettent de capturer la vraie vie.

3)      How many photos do you take? / Vous prenez combien de photos?

I take a lot of photos during a 90 minute session. I try different angles, different compositions and exposure. Once I sort, remove any test shots, or ones that don’t work for one reason or another, I’m usually left with between 80 and 100. It sounds like a lot but many photos are there to support the story – detail shots of hands, toys, rooms, or wide shots to set the context. 

Je prends beaucoup de photos durant les 90 minutes. J’essaye des compositions, angles et expositions différents. Lorsque je trie, enlève les photos qui sont presque pareils ou qui ne marche pas pour une raison ou une autre, ça laisse environ 80 à 100 photos. Plusieurs photos aident à raconter l’histoire – les détails des mains, les jouets, les salles ou les photos qui aide à mettre en contexte. 

4)      Can you do a photo session in a pretty location outdoors? / Pourquoi pas des photos dans les endroits dehors?

I have nothing against photo shoots in the park. If you and your family often go to a park and play a certain activity or spend the day there, it makes sense to have a photo session take place there. For my work, the only thing I ask is that the setting have meaning because it is such a big part of the story. Not sure you can find activities in your home to do for your shoot? Check out my Ideas for In-Home Documentary Sessions for some inspiration!

Je n’ait rien contre les photos dans un parc. Si votre famille visite souvent le même parc pour jouer ou passer votre journée là, ça fait du sense de capturer les moments dans cet endroit. Pour mes photos, je veux seulement que l’endroit signifie quelque chose parce que ça fait partie de l’histoire. Si vous avez besoin d’idées pour les activités à faire pour votre séance, svp voir ma liste d'idées pour votre séance guide! 

5)      How do we prepare for a session? / Comment preparer pour une séance?

Once we have agreed on a date for the session, I send clients a customized questionnaire to learn a bit more about you and your family. The answers help to guide the ideas for the session and help me to recognize what moments are important to you and your family. I ask clients to select an activity or activities that they would like to have documented – activities that are meaningful and part of everyday life. We select a time of day that would be appropriate. For example, if breakfast is a really important part of your Sunday morning, we would build the session around that time of day.  

Prior to a session, I usually ask clients to open up any curtains or drapes to maximize the natural light. I remind clients that the idea is to really be yourselves and to try to forget there is a camera around - to treat me like an old friend coming to visit. If you have little ones who aren’t in the mood for a certain activity, there is no pressure, we move on to something else. If the family needs a break from being in front of the camera, no problem, I use that time to take a few detail shots of the environment.

Lorsqu’on a choisit une date, j’envoie aux clients un questionnaire pour que je puisse mieux connaître leur famille. Les réponses aident à sortir des idées pour la séance et m’aident à reconnaître les moments qui sont importants pour vous. Je demande aux clients de choisir une ou plusieurs activités qu’ils aimeraient documenter – des activités qui sont significatives et qui font partie de la vie quotidienne. On choisit une heure de la journée selon l’activité. Par exemple, si le déjeuner est très important les dimanche matins, on construit la séance autour de cette activité.

Avant la séance, je demande aux clients d’ouvrir les rideaux pour s’assurer qu’il y a beaucoup de lumière naturelle. Je rappelle aux clients que l’idée c’est d’être eux-mêmes et d’essayer d’oublier le caméra – de me traiter comme une amie qui est en visite. Si les enfants ne sont pas intéressé à participer à un certain activité, pas de problèmes, on continue et on fait autre chose. Si toute la famille a besoin de prendre une pause, j’utilise ce temps pour prendre des photos des petits détails de l’environnement. 

6)      What to wear during an in home photo session? / Quoi porter pour la séance photo?

Wear what is comfortable and what is appropriate for the activity you will be doing with your family. It’s that simple!

Portez ce que est confortable et approprié pour l’activité, c’est simple!

Do you have more questions? Send me a message! https://www.mathieu-photo.com/contact Ottawa Photographer | Melanie Mathieu Photography

Vous avez d'autres questions? Envoyez moi un message! Photographe Ottawa Gatineau | Melanie Mathieu Photography

Christmas Traditions: Baking at our house

A few weeks ago I blogged about documenting some of your favourite holiday traditions. I had the opportunity over the weekend to do just that with my own children. It's not always easy to have the camera ready and to take the time to do it but it's well worth it. As a photographer, with my own family I sometimes struggle with wanting to just be in the moment over trying to capture the moment. It's all about balance. I wanted to be part of the activity with them and not just the observer. I think I managed both this year. I took the camera out only when they were focused on the task at hand and I put it down to take part in the fun. In the end, I know that it will help me to remember what the holidays were like for us - or at least a small part of it.

A little heart showed up in the form of a water droplet amongst all the sprinkles - funny how that happens.