My name's Shamit!
I'm a documentary and lifestyle photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario.
In simplest terms - I capture people doing things they care about.
My love for photography started at Carleton University's School of Journalism, where I honed my skills at the student newspaper with photojournalism, sports photography, and concert coverage.
In that role, I turned my lifelong tendency to be a wallflower into an asset - I learned how to get real photographs that highlighted people in their element, without interfering with the moment.
If you’re worried that you’ll be awkward in front of the camera, you’re in good company - nearly every client you see in my portfolio felt the same way going in.
I take pride in creating an environment that feels equally comfortable and playful, allowing you to be your most honest self.
My skill set and portfolio of work are diverse, allowing me to adapt to many different photography goals. If I feel I can’t meet your needs, I’d be more than happy to refer you to someone else who can.
Take your time and look at some of my past work - when you're ready, let's get started.
What is documentary and lifestyle photography?
The two styles describe “candids” and “plandids” (you can stop reading here if you’re happy with that).
Documentary photography captures real, unscripted moments as they unfold. It emphasizes storytelling and authenticity without interference or posing. Instead of trying to craft a narrative, I challenge myself to document the one that emerges as accurately as possible. You’ll see me taking this approach for event coverage, branding sessions that call for a hands-off approach, and through the majority of a wedding day.
Lifestyle photography takes all of that and combines it with gentle direction for photos that still feel natural, but allow us to “manufacture” more of the story. This approach works best for branding photos, portraits, or engagement sessions where we’re looking for a more polished version of authenticity.
