Farrah Sanjari shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Farrah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is that wedding photography is just about showing up with a camera and taking pretty pictures. In reality, it’s so much more than that. As an Ottawa wedding photographer, my job is to tell a couple’s story in a way that feels honest, emotional, and true to them.
People often don’t realize how much time and care goes into every wedding day. From helping couples plan their timelines to making sure they feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera, I’m involved in every step of the process. It’s not just about documenting moments, it’s about anticipating them, creating comfort, and capturing emotions that will still matter 20 years from now.
Another thing that’s misunderstood is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into creating those final images. Every wedding gallery represents weeks of careful editing, storytelling, and attention to detail. My goal is to create photographs that feel timeless, filled with life, and deeply personal to each couple I work with.
At the end of the day, wedding photography isn’t just about images. It’s about trust, connection, and preserving the kind of love stories that deserve to be remembered forever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Farrah Sanjari, an Ottawa wedding photographer with a love for vibrant, storytelling imagery and genuine human connection. I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade, and what started as a creative passion in high school has grown into a business built around celebrating love in all its forms.
My approach is rooted in authenticity and emotion. I want my couples to look back on their photos and feel their day again—the laughter, the quiet moments, and everything in between. What makes my brand unique is how personal each experience is. From the first consultation to the final gallery, I take time to understand who my couples are so their photos truly reflect them.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work at some of Ottawa’s most beautiful venues, from Le Belvédère and Stonefields Estate to intimate backyard celebrations. Every wedding is a new story, and I love being trusted to tell it through timeless, heartfelt imagery.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
What has shaped how I see the world more than anything is witnessing couples so madly in love with each other and surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. Every wedding reminds me how powerful human connection can be. There’s laughter, happy tears, and moments that feel so genuine you can almost feel time slow down.
Being invited into those moments is an immense privilege. As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I get to see people at their most open and joyful, sharing a day that’s entirely their own. It’s taught me to look for emotion in everything, not just grand gestures but the quiet in-between moments too; the hand squeezes, the glances, the unspoken comfort between two people who truly know each other.
Those experiences have changed how I see the world. They remind me that love, in all its forms, is what makes life feel full and worth remembering.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments where I questioned if I could keep going. Running a business can be demanding, and there were times I felt completely drained. Late nights editing, long wedding days, and the never-ending to-do lists can take a toll, especially when you care deeply about every detail.
What always brings me back is remembering why I started. Photography has never been just a job for me; it’s something that fills me with purpose. Every time I thought about slowing down, I’d photograph a wedding that reminded me why this work matters. The laughter, the tears, the quiet glances between people who love each other; those moments are everything.
As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve learned that success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it with heart. The moments when I almost gave up taught me the value of rest, resilience, and staying connected to what inspires me most: people and their stories.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the wedding photography industry is that every wedding has to look perfect. There’s so much focus on trends, picture-perfect details, and social media aesthetics that sometimes the real emotion gets lost. I think couples can start to believe their day needs to look like a styled shoot, when in reality, the most beautiful moments are usually the unplanned ones.
As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve learned that real moments are far more powerful than anything posed or curated. The laughter during a windy ceremony, the tears during speeches, the quiet pause before walking down the aisle; those are the things people remember.
Another common misconception is that more is always better: more editing, more gear, more grandeur. In my experience, simplicity and connection always win. My goal has always been to create photos that feel genuine and timeless, so when couples look back years later, they see their love story; not someone else’s idea of perfection. It’s about creating images that reflect who they are, not what’s trending that year.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely. Every time I pick up my camera before a wedding, I still feel that spark. There’s something about arriving at a venue, seeing the details come together, and watching the anticipation build that makes me feel lucky to do what I do. That feeling hasn’t faded with time. It’s grown stronger with every story I’ve had the honour of capturing.
Being an Ottawa wedding photographer means I get to witness some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. Even after years of photographing weddings, I still find myself smiling behind the camera, tearing up during vows, and celebrating right alongside my couples.
Those moments remind me that this isn’t just a job. It’s a way of connecting with people and preserving their stories so they can relive them years from now. That’s what keeps me tap dancing to work; and it always will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.farrahsanjari.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farrahsanjari/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarrahSanjariPhotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhotosWithFarrah
Image Credits
Farrah Sanjari Photography
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