We were lucky to catch up with Farrah Sanjari recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Farrah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I really love this question because it highlights the unique perspective each person has on success. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s deeply personal and can vary greatly from one individual to another.

As a wedding photographer, success means more than just achieving goals—it’s about personal growth and fulfillment, finding happiness in both my career and life’s journey. It’s about waking up every morning excited to do what I love and feeling fulfilled by the impact I make through my work.

At different stages of my career, success has taken on various forms. At the beginning of it all, I vividly remember the thrill of booking my first wedding—it was the ultimate validation of my skills and passion. The sense of accomplishment and excitement I felt during those early days fuelled my determination to continue growing and improving. That feeling from booking my first wedding? I experienced the exact same joy this past year when I was fortunate enough to be voted as Ottawa’s Best Wedding Photographer.

As my business evolved, so did my benchmarks and definitions of success. Change is inevitable, and growth is essential for progress. The mistakes I made when I was first starting out were invaluable learning opportunities that helped shape my approach and refine my craft. Taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone became essential ingredients in my journey towards success. I embraced new challenges and experimented with different techniques, knowing that each experience, whether successful or not, would ultimately contribute to my growth and development as a photographer.

Ultimately, for me, success is all about loving what I do. It’s about the joy of capturing moments that are meaningful to my clients and making a positive difference in their lives. It’s about following my passion with boundless energy and being deeply grateful for the opportunities I have to do what I love every day. Success isn’t just about achieving milestones or reaching a certain level of recognition—it’s about finding fulfillment in the work I do and the impact I have on others.

Farrah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Farrah, an award-winning Ottawa wedding photographer who specializes in capturing natural, beautiful unscripted moments for you and your loved ones. My journey into photography started unexpectedly back in high school. It all kicked off when my uncle, a seasoned photographer visiting from Germany in 2010, handed me his Konica Minolta Dimage camera. From that moment on, I became hooked on photography. I remember the excitement of rushing home each day to upload my photos to Facebook albums and tag all my friends—those were the days!

After high school, I decided to pursue a double major in political science and law at Carleton University, and photography took a bit of a backseat. But after graduation, I found myself itching for a creative outlet. So, I started snapping pictures for friends and family, reigniting my passion for photography. Before I knew it, I was diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship—learning everything from website development to marketing strategies, and the rest is history.

Interestingly, I was initially hesitant about shooting weddings; feeling intimidated as a beginner photographer. I’ve always believed in giving things a try at least once before making up my mind. After shooting my first wedding, I fell head over heels in love with the Ottawa wedding industry. From the magic of getting ready, to the tearful vows, there’s just something about everyone looking their best and gathering with their loved ones. Now, weddings and engagements are the bread and butter of my work, and I can’t imagine it any other way. Capturing those candid shots of love and joy fills me with happiness, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of their special days.

Beyond weddings, I also adore capturing the growth of families through family sessions and mini sessions. There’s something incredibly rewarding about documenting those milestones and special moments. From newborns to branding sessions, I offer it all.

Outside of photography, you’ll usually find me cruising in my car with Taylor Swift playing on repeat, followed closely by tuning into a Nathan Chanski podcast. And when it comes to my happy place, nothing beats Disney’s Magic Kingdom—it’s like stepping into a world of pure magic and joy. I’m a total travel junkie, and I’ve got big dreams of exploring destination weddings in the future. Christmas? It’s hands down my favorite holiday, filled with cozy vibes and lots of cheer.

What sets my work apart from other Ottawa photographers is my unique editing style—a vibrant, colourful aesthetic that brings out the emotions of the moment. Each photo tells a story, radiating warmth and authenticity. But for me, it’s not just about the photos. I’m all about providing my clients with an exceptional experience, building genuine connections, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable process from start to finish. Developing relationships with my clients is incredibly rewarding—it’s one of the best parts of what I do.

I’m incredibly proud of my journey—from a hobbyist high schooler with a camera to a seasoned professional in the industry. And what I want people to know is that my work is more than just pictures; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the beauty that surrounds us. Through my lens, I aim to capture moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a wedding photographer, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of capturing those special moments that truly resonate with people. Whether it’s freezing a moment of pure joy, the beauty of nature, or the intimacy of a cherished occasion, being able to evoke emotions and create lasting memories through images is incredibly rewarding.

What’s more, photography offers an endless avenue for creative exploration and self-expression. It’s about seeing the world through your unique lens, experimenting with different techniques, perspectives, and styles, and continually pushing the boundaries of your artistic vision.

But beyond just being creative, photography also allows you to connect with diverse communities, cultures, and stories. It’s about documenting the world around you, sharing important events and narratives, and making a positive impact through visual storytelling.
One of the most magical aspects of photography is the ability to revisit cherished memories through images. Looking back at some of my favourite photos, like Jessica and her guests finding out the gender of her baby during her wedding reception to Sarah dancing her wedding day away with McDonald’s in her hand, brings me right back to those moments, filled with laughter, joy, and love.

In the end, it’s this blend of creativity, connection, and the ability to capture timeless moments that makes being a photographer such a fulfilling and rewarding journey.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media over the years has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and genuine connection. When I first started, I made a conscious effort to show up regularly on platforms like Instagram. I shared not only my photography work but also glimpses of my personal life through stories. By allowing my audience to see the person behind the camera, I aimed to foster a sense of familiarity and trust.

Consistency was key. I made sure to post regularly, whether it was showcasing my latest photo shoots, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or simply sharing snippets of my daily life. This regular presence helped me stay on my audience’s radar and maintain engagement.
Authenticity was equally important. I made it a point to be genuine and transparent in my interactions. I shared my successes and challenges, my passions and interests, and even my quirks and sense of humour. By being true to myself, I attracted an audience that resonated with my values and personality.

Through this consistent and authentic engagement, I was able to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I responded to comments and messages promptly, engaged with their content, and genuinely listened to their feedback and preferences. This two-way communication not only helped me build trust but also allowed me to tailor my content to better serve their needs and interests.

My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence? I highly recommend focusing on consistency, authenticity, and genuine connection. It’s essential to show up consistently, share your authentic story, and engage meaningfully with your audience. Remember, building a personal brand goes beyond showcasing your work; it’s about creating a connection that resonates deeply with your audience. By staying consistent, genuine, and engaged, you’ll attract your ideal clients and foster a loyal following over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farrahsanjariphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farrahsanjariphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarrahSanjariPhotography/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/farrah-sanjari-photography-ottawa
• Other: Wedding Wire: https://www.weddingwire.ca/wedding-photography/farrah-sanjari-photography–e58624

Image Credits
Farrah Sanjari Photography