Themed Portraits

Do Good, Look Good | Business Portraits for Charity 2026

Are you ready to look great while helping support your community? count me in! Pure Natural Portraits, owned & operated by Stephanie de Montigny, is an inclusive business & safe space for everyone. All individuals are welcome to participate in fundraising efforts and everyday service offering, including but not limited to the Neurodivergent, BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities. While the studio building itself may not be fully accessible, the business is and I strive to accommodate whenever possible for those with

Keep Reading »

Meet the Hearts of Lanark County

the artist Hi, I’m Stephanie. I am a neutral-loving work-from-home parent raising babies & businesses at the same time. I enjoy relaxing with a frozen margarita or snuggling up on the couch for a romcom.  I believe thrifting could be considered a sport, going on adventures with my family is all the exercise I need, and collecting hobbies & new skills IS my favourite pastime. The story I moved to Almonte a few months before my second child was born,

Keep Reading »

The Matthews Siblings | Ottawa Photographer

As much as I love photographing newborns, helping capture the unique personalities of young children holds an even bigger piece of my heart. Creating pieces of art for the walls for them to see themselves on a daily basis and know that they are loved and celebrated for exactly who they are. They’ve even conducted studies that show seeing oneself on the wall offers a boost in confidence and self-worth. I wholeheartedly believe that every child deserves every step up

Keep Reading »

The Boland Family | Blakeney Photographer

Did you know that I very much enjoy giving the big kids the same attention as I would any other child? Capturing them as they are and celebrating their unique personality, no matter how grown they are, offers the same confidence boost and reassurance of love. And THAT is why I do what I do: the joy the art brings to my clients.   World, meet the Boland family   Here are a few favourites from the sessions.  Reach out

Keep Reading »

The Gift of Saying ‘Not Yet’ to Visitors After Birth | Ottawa Newborn Photographer

In those final weeks of pregnancy, it can feel like the rest of the world is impatiently waiting to rush in and meet your baby as soon as they arrive. But what if that’s not what you want? What if, instead, you’re yearning for some quiet, private time with your newborn? It’s okay to want that, and it’s okay to say ‘no’ to visitors. You don’t owe anyone access to your baby, and it’s not selfish to keep your postpartum

Keep Reading »

The Laughlin Family | Carp Photographer

I have my favourite locations across Ottawa, Lanark County and the Valley, but it is even more exciting when I get the honour of photographing a family on their own land. Whether it be a lakeside property, a forested area, or a full-fledged farm like this one, it presents a beautiful opportunity to create even more meaningful portraits.  World, meet the Laughlin family Here are a few favourites from the sessions.  Reach out online or call 613-371-4594 to schedule your

Keep Reading »

5 Key Elements of Safe Newborn Posing

Behind the Lens: What Safe Newborn Photography Really Looks Like Did you know that safety knowledge is just as important as artistic talent in your newborn photographer? As a nationally accredited newborn photographer, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of combining the art of photography with the utmost care for our littlest subjects. I have been honoured with the privilege of photographing preemies, NICU graduates, twins, and many other tiny humans who rely on me to keep them safe during their

Keep Reading »

Excuse The Mess, We Live Here

Somewhere along the way, society made us feel like we need to have magazine-cover-worthy decor and pinterest-perfect houses to have the luxury of enjoying wall artwork. I don’t know about you, but I have two children, so my house is cluttered, messy, and lived in. And I still get to enjoy the artwork hanging in my home. I may not post about it on social media for all to see because I am still working on the mindset part of

Keep Reading »

The Neilly Family | Ottawa Photographer

I have my favourite locations across Ottawa, Lanark County and the Valley, but it is even more exciting when I get the honour of photographing a family on their own land. Whether it be a lakeside property, a forested area like this one, or a full-fledged farm, it presents a beautiful opportunity to create even more meaningful portraits.    Speaking of meaningful, it’s an even bigger honour when I am graced with the honour of photographing a family before their

Keep Reading »

Statement Piece vs. Gallery Wall

Choosing the Right Display for Your Family Portraits The Gallery Wall A gallery wall is a curated collection of portraits displayed together, typically featuring different frame styles and print mediums, different sizes, orientations, & sizes, and sometimes even incorporating other artistic renditions (paintings, drawings, etc.). This artistic route offers several distinct advantages: Gallery walls excel at telling a story, like an album for your walls. You can showcase different moments from the same session—close-ups of individual children, candid interactions between

Keep Reading »

Telling Your Family’s Story, One Portrait At A Time

The most beautiful family galleries don’t happen overnight. They grow naturally, just like your family does — one precious moment, one meaningful memory, one portrait at a time. When I visit homes to install new wall portraits, I often hear parents say, “I wish we had done this sooner” or “I wish we had more photos with the kids when they were younger.” But here’s the thing: your family is constantly changing, and your wall portraits should grow along with

Keep Reading »

Daddy Daughter Hairstyle Workshop at the Carleton Place Library

The moment I saw the library post about this daddy-daughter event, I knew I need to be there. The results were either going to be hilarious or completely adorable. I am happy to announce that the dads did amazing with their hairstyle skills and the girlies were BOTH adorable and hilarious with their reactions. These portraits would make an amazing gift for Mother’s Day as framed art prints, or find a forever home on dad’s desk. Check them out for

Keep Reading »

What’s The Difference Of A Full-Service Studio?

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE OF A FULL-SERVICE STUDIO? A NATIONALLY ACCREDITED BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER? When reading “full-service” you probably immediately thought of a gas station—and that is exactly right! You pull up to the pump, tell the attendant what type of gasoline you want and the quantity, and then sit back and relax while the entire thing is done for you. That same concept applies when working with a Boutique Photographer. A full-service portrait experience is all about you and your family

Keep Reading »

Business Portrait Series: Selfie vs Professional Portrait for your Profile Picture

Welcome to the Business Portrait Series – Episode 2 <– Missed episode 1? Go Read Headshots vs Business Portraits vs Branding Photography Do You Need A Professional Business Portrait? Absolutely! In today’s world, people research businesses online before they become a client and can unfairly judge your abilities based on your portrait. An outdated or unprofessional business portrait can disqualify you from getting business you deserve. Even for product-based businesses, you are still selling yourself to your audience and potential

Keep Reading »

Do Good, Look Good | Business Portraits for Charity (Dress for Success)

Are you ready to feel empowered & help support your local community? count me in! Pure Natural Portraits, owned & operated by Stephanie de Montigny, is an inclusive business & safe space for everyone, and all individuals are welcome to participate in fundraising efforts & everyday service offering, including but not limited to the Neurodivergent, BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities. While the studio building itself may not be fully accessible, the business is and I strive to accommodate whenever possible for

Keep Reading »