Grandparent kissing baby during a tender at-home family photography session

Childhood & Family Documentary Photography


Ottawa & Outaouais

 


About me

I’m Giselle, the heart behind La Toile de Giselle.


I’m drawn to the honesty of childhood and the quiet, fleeting moments that unfold when no one is performing; the laughter, the movement, the in-between. I specialize in documenting early childhood, roughly ages one to eight, when personality, curiosity, and connection are most visibly alive.


My photography approah creates space for children and families to feel comfortable, playful, and fully themselves.




Giselle, Ottawa family photographer behind La Toile de Giselle


What to expect?


We play. We move. We follow light.


There are gentle prompts, but no stiff poses. I don’t ask children to smile on command, I let moments unfold naturally.


The magic usually happens in between.


Families who come here are not looking for perfect images.

They’re looking for something real.



 

Who is this for?


 

If you appreciate sincere, authentic moments, you’ll feel right at home here.


If you’re camera shy, that’s okay. I am too and I'll take care of you.


This approach isn’t about polished poses or forced smiles. It’s about connection, movement, and being present together, whether at home or outdoors.


 


Working with arts & activity spaces



I collaborate with arts centers, creative programs, and early childhood spaces to document children in their natural environments, learning, playing, interacting.

The approach is calm and unobtrusive. Children are never pressured to pose, and their comfort always comes first.


Black and white portrait of a child with wide curious eyes

 

Why choose Documentary Photography?

 

 

At its core, this work is about holding onto a real, raw, and honest way of being that is so present in childhood and so easy to lose with time.

 

Black and white picture of mother and daughter eating together with similar frizzy hair during a chilled photo session at home  in Ottawa

 

How does at home photography work?

 

At its core, this work is about holding onto a real, raw, and honest way of being that is so present in childhood and so easy to

lose with time.

"What an amazing experience this has been.


Giselle captured the moment with such 

authenticity When I look at my pictures, its really much as if I was there again.


We felt very awkward but she made us feel comfortable. She fostered that connection between photographers and subject.


I would absolutely recommend Giselle if you are looking to keep alive all the complexities of the emotions of your special moments. 100/100"


Véronique

"Wonderful experience!


Giselle immediately put us at ease and captured amazing candid shots, she was incredibly patient with my energetic kids. We had such a great time during our family photo session. The final images were stunning, and we will cherish them forever.


I highly recommend her to anyone!"


Analie O.

It was a great experience doing a photo shoot with Giselle! She was good with the kids, and found great ways to create natural joyful moments to capture!



Cherry M.