About Little Bear Photography
The Heart Behind The Lens
Hi, I'm Suzie -- lover of books, coffee, and anywhere I can see the stars at night. I'm a mama of three, married to my soulmate, and living my dream on our little country property in Orillia, Ontario. If I'm not with my babies or behind the camera, I'm most likely wrapped in a book on our porch.
I've always been an artistic soul, first drawn to sketching and painting, and later with a camera always in hand. From disposable cameras as a child, to learning film photography in middle school, capturing life has always felt natural to me. When I became a mother, everything changed. I found myself wanting to hold onto every fleeting moment-- the ordinary, beautiful pieces of life that pass far too quickly. That love for preserving memories grew into this business.
Now, I have the honour of documenting the real, heartfelt, joy-filled moments for families in my community, and creating images that feel like home.
My Focus
Bold, colourful, and moody -- with a heart for the moments in between. My photography is rooted in storytelling: the cozy snuggles, bare feet in the mud, and starstruck eyes. The shared glance between mom and dad, as tiny hands reach for one another and siblings run off laughing. While I offer gentle direction throughout each session, my approach is largely candid and connection-focused. I move often, observe closely, and create space for real emotion to unfold naturally.
Because life can so easily feel rushed and routine, photography offers us a chance to slow down -- to notice the beauty and magic in the everyday.
Session Details: Full Sessions are one hour and offered in a variety of categories to best suit the story you'd like documented.
Seasonal Mini Sessions are also available on select dates throughout the year. These limited-time offerings tend to book quickly, so be sure to join the list or inquire early.
Memories
Sessions / Booking
Tell Your Story
What Do You Want To Remember?
Lifestyle Session
These intimate sessions are all about capturing the everyday magic in your life. Whether they are taken at your home, property, cottage, farm, or another special place in your heart, these photos turn something simple into a treasured keepsake. Includes a gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Clothing Prep Guide ~ 1 hr
Family Session
They are only this little once; preserve these memories as they are right now. Come meet me at the lake... Or the field, forest, farm, beach, or wherever your family feels most at home. Come dressed to coordinate and let me take care of the rest! Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Clothing Prep Guide ~ 1 hr
Seasonal Mini Session
What better way to document your year than with mini sessions? These 20 minute sessions change seasonally, keeping in tune with the holidays and ever-changing landscape around us. These sessions have set dates and locations, with specific time slots, making them a limited-time booking for each one. Includes a digital gallery of 15 high-resolution images.
~ 20 min
The Prequel
Couples Session
Raw passion and tender emotions... with a pinch of playfulness! Let's capture all these moments, in a special place that means something to you. I want to give the feel of who you are together, down to every heartfelt hug and unbridled laugh. Surprise proposals are welcome! Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Clothing Prep Guide ~ 1 hr
Maternity Session
Motherhood starts long before baby comes into the world. Let me capture that sweet pregnancy glow, and all the intimacy that comes with it. Set in the outdoor location of your choice, or radiantly in your home, let's make your dream maternity session come true! Studio rental is an option add-on. Includes a gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Maternity Session Prep Guide ~ 1 hr
Newborn Session
Just about to start your next chapter? This session features all the wrinkles and tiny toes, and those precious first glimpses of your new family at home. My priority will be utilizing your nursery, and we may move into other well-lit spaces as well. For these, I'll also bring my selection of newborn wraps for some extra-cozy shots at the end. Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Newborn Session Prep Guide ~ 2 hrs
The Next Chapter
Engagement Session
Ready to start the next chapter in your lives together? As F. Scott Fitzgerald put it, "There are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice". Engagement sessions are a little peek at your perfect love story and what makes it yours. Let me capture who you are as a couple, and take special photos you can share with loved ones to announce this exciting news. Studio rental is an optional add-on. Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images. ~ 1 hr
Fresh 48 Session
Everyone has a birth story. Typically done at the hospital, these sessions capture the earliest moments of your new baby's life. Little umbilical belly buttons, and hospital blanket snuggles... These photos are the perfect way to document those first few hours while you're getting to know each other. With an intimate feel, we'll capture all the once-in-a-lifetime details that involve your baby adjusting to life outside the womb. Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images.
~ 1 hr
Milestone Mini Session
Cake smashes, back-to-school photos, religious milestones, and other meaningful "firsts"... These occasions come only once and are worth celebrating-- and remembering! This mini can be set at an outdoor location that matches your vision, or at a studio space for an additional fee. Have your photoshoot outfits ready, and I'll curate the session to your style. Includes a digital gallery of 20 high-resolution images.
~ 20 min
The Keepsake Edition
Home for the Holidays Session
There's something timeless about the way holidays bring us back home-- to the smell of cookies in the oven and the sound of laughter echoing through the halls. These sessions are about slowing down and capturing that holiday magic. Let's bake gingerbread, hang stockings, and decorate the tree together. It's not about perfection, it's about presence. Let's treasure all the warmth, chaos, and nostalgia in your home. Includes a digital gallery of 60 high-resolution images, as well as my Clo
~ 2 hrs
* Non-refundable retainer required to book
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of memories! Whether celebrating a new baby, motherhood, an anniversary, or simply this season of life, a photography gift certificate is a meaningful way to give them something they'll treasure forever ~ moments with the people they love most.