Great Canadian Photographer #3 ~ Christine Melenhorst

I'm so happy to present to you my March Great Canadian Photographer: Christine Melenhorst, the founder and owner of Love Bunny Photography right here in Ottawa! Not only is Christine an accomplished photographer of weddings, maternity, babies and families, she is an amazing knitter of the cutest baby hats you have ever seen, check out her store here! Now, I proudly introduce to you, Christine!

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? Where do you live?

I am originally from Ottawa, but I lived in Victoria, B.C for a couple of years during high school. Currently I live in Metcalfe - south of Ottawa.

How long have you owned an operated Love Bunny Photography? And how did it all begin?

I am going into my fourth year of business. I started LOVE BUNNY Photography while I was still working full-time for a local home builder. I have an eclectic education background which includes interior design, and I have found that both photography and design have many elements in common, so it was an easy transition. Also, after I had my first son, I wanted to capture every moment, so my love for photography became more dominant!

Who has been your biggest influence in your photography?

My biggest influence in photography has been my grandfather. He passed away when I was 18, but left us with so many wonderful photographs. He was an avid amateur photographer and took some of the best photographs. I love sitting and looking through the albums of photographs and the moments he took the time to capture.

How do you describe your style?

My style is just that - my style! I feel like there are so many overused words to describe peoples photographic styles. I donʼt feel my work is so unique compared to others, but I think itʼs me and my personality that makes the difference. I just love what I do, and I hope that comes across in my work.

Do you have a studio? Do you every work with strobes?

I donʼt have a studio and choose not to work with strobes or studio lighting. All of my sessions are done on location using the available light. I do own an SB600 flash that I use for wedding work when the interior locations are dark.

What has been the best workshop, book, course you have ever taken, that you can say vastly improved you and got you where you are today?

I have taken few workshops, but I do own numerous photography books. Last summer I had the opportunity to attend the Red Leaf Workshop and it was wonderful. It can be re-energizing to sit with contemporaryʼs and hear their thoughts on photography. It helped me to see that there is no big “secret” to photography, itʼs about how we see situations and to capture them creatively.

When did you start kitting those beautiful and cute little baby hats?

The hats!! I actually started knitting to save myself a bit of money on props and to keep my hands busy at night so I wouldnʼt snack! Itʼs turned into a bit of a side business, but I really enjoy it.

Do you blog stalk? If so who is your favourite to read?

I am a blog stalker - I can admit it! I have tried to be selective about who I stalk, or else I could be on the computer all day. My current favorites are:

Carrie Sandoval - http://capturedbycarrie.com/blog/
Elizabeth Messinaʼs Kiss the Groom - http://www.kissthegroom.com/
Simply Bloom Photography - http://simplybloomphotography.com/blog/
Lori Dorman Photography - http://loridorman.com/blog/

What is in your camera bag? Nikon or Canon or other? Of what is in that bad, what is your favourite item?

I shoot with a Nikon D3 and love my prime lenses. I have the 50mm f1.4, 35mm f2, 105mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, and 70-200 f2.8. Of all of them, I use the 50mm the most especially with the newborns, but I definitely love the 35mm when I am working with couples.

What is the most popular item you sell to your clients? What is your favourite item for yourself?

The most popular products I sell to my clients are prints and coffee table albums. The albums are a great way to showcase photos from both a, maternity session and newborn session, or to showcase a variety of photos from a family session. My favorite products are canvasʼs that I had done of my boys - the one indulgence Iʼve made for myself!

Are you married? Kids? Pets?

I am married to a wonderful man, that has supported my change in career, and also takes care of all of my business accounting! We have been married for 9 years and we have two boys, aged 4 and 6. Currently, we have 3 fish!

What is your ideal “date night”?

Date night - whatʼs that again?!! An ideal date night for me would be going to a great restaurant and being able to talk without being interrupted every two minutes!

If you had a free day to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?

If I had a free day to do whatever I wanted, I would probably snuggle up with a good book and some good movies and just relax.

Are you working on a personal photography project right now? If so, what is it?

My personal photography project is just remembering to capture my own family! For the last two years, Iʼve been trying to have a family session of my own, but it just never happens! So hopefully this year weʼll be able to get it done!

What is your favourite drink? Food? Restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Flying Piggyʼs on Bank St. I enjoy all food really - Iʼm not too picky! And and good glass of white wine is always nice.


And in closing, here are some of Christine's favourite images she wanted to share:

Thanks so much for the interview Christine! Happy knitting :)

For more on Love Bunny Photography visit:

Facebook Page
Love Bunny Blog
Love Bunny Photography Website