This Splendid Chaos

12/30/2025

This beautiful Goddess is my soul sister. We met in 1999, and since then she’s been my ride or die. We’ve been through true love and heartbreak, birth and death, and all the beauty and misery in between.

She is the kind of friend who celebrates your victories, who tells you you’re loved, who gives more than she takes, who helps you pick up the pieces.

Karyn has been diagnosed with breast cancer & has an unknown road ahead of her.

If you’re looking to spread a bit of holiday kindness and hope, please consider donating to her GoFundMe to help her support herself and her 2 amazing boys as she faces treatment and time off work. Link in comments.

If that’s not possible, a share would mean the world.

Thank you for considering and please send her all the best vibes for the days to come.

Xo K

12/24/2025

This Christmas is the first without my brother. It's hard. Harder than I anticipated.

It's also the Christmas that my best friend, my soul sister, my person has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

She works harder, gives more and expects less than anyone I've ever met. She's the kind of person you want in your corner. She's the best friend you could ever hope to have. And she is facing this as a single mom of 2 incredible boys living far away from me.

If you haven't done some special kindness for a stranger this year and are able, I would be forever grateful if you considered helping support her through treatment. Any amount helps. Sharing this post is also an incredible gift. Thank you for considering.

I hope the magic of Christmas fills your homes and hearts this year. xo Kelly

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CRSd2V2gs/

Hi everyone, We’re reaching out with love for someone who… Meghan Storey needs your support for Help Karyn and her two boys as she receives cancer treament

11/05/2025

READ FULL POST
This SUNDAY November 9th, I'm looking to book some short sessions throughout the day.

Option 1 - 30 minutes - 10 images - $ 325 + hst (Regularly $350 + hst)
Option 2 - 15 minutes - 3 images - $ 150 + hst

AND for previous clients, I'll be offering the FULL GALLERY AT NO EXTRA COST. Yes, that's what I said. It's my way of thanking you for allowing me the opportunity to photograph you.

I've enjoyed being a full-time mom and artist for over a decade now. This Splendid Chaos began as Kokobaru and grew into The Bear and the Butterfly, eventually coming together into the splendid chaos that is how I see my life and existence on this little blue rock. Your support has allowed me the experience of being home with my kids for more time than most get, and I'm eternally grateful for that. Thank you.

The artistic services I provide are a luxury, not a necessity, and the shifts in our economy have led me to look for more traditional and consistent work.

I hadn't expected a new life chapter at this point, but, as said in one of my favourite movies "The dude abides"...in this case, I'm the dude.
I'm abiding.
Going with the flow
Finding solutions to problems I can solve.
In this case, that means I'll be heading back to the world of working for someone else and starting a new job in a few weeks.

I don't intend to shut This Splendid Chaos down, but things will change. It's the only constant.

SO, if you'd like a quick session this Sunday, capture a slice of the magic that is your family right now, please send me an email at [email protected] and we'll get you booked with a time.

Thanks and be kind to each other out there!
K

Edited to add - Please share and refer your friends to help this gal fill up her day. Thanks

10/06/2025

Hello folks!

The end of summer and Fall were hard for me. Grief is a powerful creature.

I had 2 gorgeous Fall sessions over the last few days and they've got me motivated. So if you're interested in a weeknight evening mini session over the coming weeks, get in touch!!!

The colours are still gorgeous at the Ornamental Gardens and I've got a sweet little quiet spot near by for some fall splendour.

30 minutes
$350 + hst
10 images of your choosing with the option to upgrade

Or

60 minutes
$575 + hst
20 images of your choosing from the option to upgrade

08/01/2025

I want to make photos that feel like memories.
I want more than smiles.
I want moments found in the in-between,
and honest unfiltered looks.

I want you to have photos that feel like memories.

07/31/2025

Welcoming the newest member of their family. Rosie

Discover a heartwarming in-home family session featuring the newest addition, Rosie. Ottawa family photographer captures precious moments with pets and loved ones.

07/21/2025

50” x 60” Art panel Memory quilt all made with clothing and blankets from a sweet little Lu. ❤️

Video by This Splendid Chaos

07/11/2025

This is for my momma friends and folks out there struggling with the overwhelming that comes when kids are loud and disregulated.

This is genius. I’ve been working on self-regulation myself. I think it is an important key to my mental health and a way to show my kids how they can regulate to. The power of music. ❤️

07/10/2025

New Blog Post

Expecting in Ottawa? From prenatal classes and local doulas to hospital policies and self-care, here are 10 must-knows to feel prepared, supported, and confident before your baby arrives.

07/03/2025

Hi! I'm in the running! If you've had a session and would like to help support me, head over and vote. Just scroll down to This Splendid Chaos. Easy Peasy. Thanks!

Official 2025 Community Voting Awards Platform for Ottawa, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

05/21/2025

Can you help me find these 2?

While visiting the Tulip Festival with my kiddos I offered to take a few photos for this mama. I'd love to get them to her.

If you recognize her please tag her below, or share so we can help her hold on to that time her and her baby girl did Yoga amongst the tulips.

Thanks

05/15/2025

Awe, time in the forest with a toddler. ❤️

Mother’s Day was made even better by sharing some of it with this mama and her family. Time with a toddler is always a treat.

Booking a session is easy peasy and the sessions themselves are relaxed. Whether we take photos at home, by the water, in the forest or with beautiful flowering bushes, you and your family are the centre piece.

These days are worth remembering.