About the artist

I am an Ottawa Wedding & Portrait Photographer with a passion for all kinds of art. I paint, draw, sketch, dance and sing when no one is listening or looking (unless I'm in the car) and of course above all, enjoy the art of Photography.

Melanie Shields Photography was started in 2003 with the mission to provide Ottawa with customized portraits and packages for varied budgets. I graduated the Algonquin College Photography diploma program in 2005 and continue to learn new things each day from my clients, friends and family and the continuous education webinars, seminars and network groups I attend to ensure I never stop evolving.

In 2013, I celebrated 10 years of being a professional photographer with a trip to New York City and saw my name in lights.

In 2014, I joined forces with the incredible creative powerhouse known as Third Floor York in the Byward Market.

Recognition:
2022: Top wedding photographer, BestInOttawa.com
2022: Top 8 Ottawa event photographers Giggster.com
2017: Wedisson Award Winner

2016: Judge for the Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada, Spring Competition
2016: Wedaward Winner
2014-2020: Nominated for Best Wedding Photography, Ottawa Wedding Awards
2013: Voted Winner of Ottawa's best photography studio by The Wedding Experts Awards
2013: Placed 4th in Humour Category with Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada

Because I am a small studio I can give you that personalized attention you need. Of course everyone loves the referral bonuses, contests and surprise giveaways that make each client feel special and appreciated. (Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook to keep up with all our specials)

More about me?

I love photography, warm sunshine, coffee, candy, shoes, cats, music, craft beer and wonderful company, If this sounds like you, we may be a great fit to work together! I do find it's really important to click with the person taking your photos because it can be an awkward experience having your picture taken if you, like most people, aren't comfortable with a camera in your face. Contact me today so we can chat about your session!

Photos by PhotoVanBeek / MDRN Photobooth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?: You can reach us, outside of our already booked appointments, everyday 10:30am-8pm, except Tuesday. Tuesday I attempt to recover and work on passion projects and floral orders!
What equipment do you have?: Professional quality Nikon primary and backup cameras, lenses and flashes.

I currently shoot with 2x 24 MegaPixel Nikon D610s. For on location I have Godox flashes for external and fill lighting, reflectors and other tools. In studio I have several strobes, various backgrounds and props.
Where can I find more samples?: You can

1. Visit the Blog or Facebook link to view our most updated posts with session's images.

2. Book an appointment to see printed photos, portfolio, sample albums and slideshows.
What is the reservation process?: Let's chat about your event to get all the details; from there we'll draw up an agreement to solidify your booking.

$600 reservation retainers are collected for weddings and a $50 retainer to secure your portrait shoot date and time (in studio or out)!
Accepted methods of payment are cash, email money transfer and personal cheque. All payment must be received before shooting commences to avoid delays in processing the images.
Final balance for weddings are due 14 days prior and on shoot date for portraits and events.
What goes into photographing a wedding?: I get asked 'Are you available to meet for a consultation prior to the wedding?' and the answer is absolutely!

It's very important for the wedding couple to meet with the photographer prior to booking to ensure my style of photography and personality are exactly what you are looking for. This also gives you an option to tailor your package to exactly what types of prints or coverage you need. You can also share your ideas for photographs and discuss locations and timing.

Consultations can be in your home, on location or in my studio with no obligation.

What goes in to photographing a wedding?

1. First we start with either a phone or email consultation to go over availability, package options and details when you first inquire.

2. Then we book your sit down consultation which generally takes 45 minutes to flip through samples, package options, ask questions to start to build a bond that will make photographing you easier on the wedding day. During this consultation we customize your package and gather details to help us deliver the photos you want.

3. Engagement session. done somewhere meaningful or just pretty, we spend around an hour capturing fun and creative images. After the session, within 7 days I have posted the link to your images to view and discuss which images you loved and which angles you didn't, so we can perfect your photography for the wedding day.

4. Delivery of your engagement images.

5. Venue Visit. It's normally important for us, if we haven't been to your venues to visit, speak with the managers etc to get the best detailed information about photography locations and logistics.

6. Final Consultation 14 days prior to go over your wedding day photography needs.

7. Wedding day photography, Ranges from 3-12 hours on your date.

8. Preparation of your digital proofs for viewing 14 days after the wedding.

9. Hours of retouching to perfect your final print and album selection which will be dropped off when they're ready.

- More than just a button pusher
How long to see the proofs?: Digital proofs will be posted to the password protected gallery for portrait sessions 14-16 days after your shoot.
Wedding sneak peeks will be ready within 2.5 weeks while I work on the full set of images that take 7-9 weeks to edit and deliver.

About the artist

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach us, outside of our already booked appointments, everyday 10:30am-8pm, except Tuesday. Tuesday I attempt to recover and work on passion projects and floral orders!

Professional quality Nikon primary and backup cameras, lenses and flashes.

I currently shoot with 2x 24 MegaPixel Nikon D610s. For on location I have Godox flashes for external and fill lighting, reflectors and other tools. In studio I have several strobes, various backgrounds and props.

You can

1. Visit the Blog or Facebook link to view our most updated posts with session's images.

2. Book an appointment to see printed photos, portfolio, sample albums and slideshows.

I get asked 'Are you available to meet for a consultation prior to the wedding?' and the answer is absolutely!

Consultations can be in your home, on location or in my studio with no obligation.

What goes in to photographing a wedding?

1. First we start with either a phone or email consultation to go over availability, package options and details when you first inquire.

4. Delivery of your engagement images.

5. Venue Visit. It's normally important for us, if we haven't been to your venues to visit, speak with the managers etc to get the best detailed information about photography locations and logistics.

6. Final Consultation 14 days prior to go over your wedding day photography needs.

7. Wedding day photography, Ranges from 3-12 hours on your date.

8. Preparation of your digital proofs for viewing 14 days after the wedding.

9. Hours of retouching to perfect your final print and album selection which will be dropped off when they're ready.

- More than just a button pusher

Digital proofs will be posted to the password protected gallery for portrait sessions 14-16 days after your shoot.Wedding sneak peeks will be ready within 2.5 weeks while I work on the full set of images that take 7-9 weeks to edit and deliver.

Digital proofs will be posted to the password protected gallery for portrait sessions 14-16 days after your shoot.
Wedding sneak peeks will be ready within 2.5 weeks while I work on the full set of images that take 7-9 weeks to edit and deliver.