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As a fine art photographer based in Ottawa, I specialize in capturing the kind of beauty that feels fleeting—gentle moments, soft light, and expressions of pure wonder. Over the years, I’ve worked with many subjects, but there’s something uniquely magical about photographing children and their animals together. It’s where my heart truly lives.

Children and animals share a language that’s unspoken yet deeply understood. It’s a kind of trust, curiosity, and authenticity that can’t be posed or faked. In a world that moves so fast, these quiet, soulful connections remind me of what really matters—innocence, joy, and being fully present.

More info: soniagourliefineartphotography.com | Instagram | Facebook

I love working with children because they are naturally imaginative and unfiltered. They don’t try to “perform” for the camera—they just are. Their expressions are real, their emotions honest, and their sense of wonder contagious. When a child reaches out to touch a bunny or whispers to a horse, there’s a softness that fills the space around them. That’s the magic I try to preserve.

Animals, too, bring their own kind of energy into a session. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a curious duck, or even a majestic horse in one of my fantasy sessions, they ground the child and create real, unscripted moments of interaction. They calm anxious little ones, spark laughter, and open the door to beautiful storytelling.

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    This collection features 15 of my favorite portraits from recent sessions—each one a moment of connection between a child and their animal friend. Some are whimsical and fantastical, others are quiet and heartfelt. Every image is carefully styled and lit, but the emotions captured are always genuine.

    Creating these portraits isn’t just about making beautiful pictures—it’s about celebrating the tender relationship between the wild and the innocent. It’s about giving families art that feels personal and timeless, and giving children an experience they’ll never forget.

    #4

    Child in red winter clothing gently interacting with a duck, capturing the magical bond between children and animals in snow.

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    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a pet white duck. He was called Cresty for his topknot. He was a hipster in the 1950's!

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    #5

    Child lying on a black horse in a serene forest, capturing the magical bond between children and animals in a whimsical portrait.

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    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'Black Beauty' Anna Sewell. Made me cry buckets as a child. Think I'd still cry if I read it now aged 73.

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    For me, photography isn’t just about capturing how people look. It’s about preserving how they feel. These portraits are more than pictures—they're memories, emotions, and timeless stories waiting to be shared.

    I invite you to step into this dreamlike world, where animals are companions, unspoken secrets between animals and children, and the best friend bond between child and their favourite companion is something truly magical.

    #8

    Sleeping child in a bear costume on a high chair with playful kittens and whimsical floral decorations, capturing magical bond.

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    Panda Cat
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This needs to be higher. It has cute kittens and a presumably hand knit baby onesie,

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    #9

    Young girl in a red dress holding an apple, standing in a field with a small brown pony, capturing the magical bond between children and animals.

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    #10

    Young girl in a whimsical turquoise dress with a small black dog, capturing the magical bond between children and animals outdoors.

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    #11

    Young boy in vintage clothes gently interacting with a chicken, capturing the magical bond between children and animals in nature.

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    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My pet hen was called Shenzi - Swahili for scruffy. When we left Uganda my duck (Cresty), hen and white rabbit (Miranda) went to live with the white fathers. They had to solemnly promise not to eat them! Just remembered the fathers had a large circular pond with Koi carp. The Koi were pretty tame and would take food from your fingers.

    #12

    Young girl in a vintage dress holding ducklings, sitting on wooden floor with books and globe, capturing magical bond with animals.

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    #14

    Boy in a yellow plaid shirt kneeling with a dog on grass at sunset, capturing the magical bond between children and animals.

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    #15

    Young girl offering an apple to a white dog in a wicker basket, capturing the magical bond between children and animals.

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