Family Sessions
“Emily is the absolute BEST family photographer we’ve ever encountered. She photographed our young family both before and after the birth of our second child and every picture was a gift, a beautifully captured representation of our personalities, relationships, and love for each other. Emily has an incredible way of helping others to feel comfortable while on the opposite side of her lens (including our toddler and puppy!) and a true talent for capturing candid moments in just the right light and focus. Emily’s photos are ones that we will treasure forever, and we very much look forward to our next family photography session with her!”
Family Portrait Session Information
What can I expect?
A stress free (enjoyable even) experience from start to finish. Our family sessions are for the family who truly LOVES being around each other. Do you love to snuggle and play with your kids? If yes, then we’re going to have a lot of fun making these memories together.
How it works:
We’ll start with a questionnaire to get to know your family. This is where you can share any must have shots, and a few tidbits about your kids. I love reading about what makes your family story unique. The shoot itself will be an hour of FUN. Running, playing, laughing. Be prepared to pull out all the silly stops and love on your babies the way only you can Mama. Two weeks after our session you’ll receive a gallery of at least 50 (ok usually closer to 80) images. You’ll have the option to add on any of our professionally printed products including a signature album (my personal fav) or custom wall art for your home.
What should we wear?
We love helping families choose their wardrobe! Have you seen our style guide? This photo shoot is meant to capture your family, including individuality and style. This shouldn’t be stressful, but I know it can be when you’re choosing outfits for everyone, so fear not, with a few simple guidelines, it will be easy and stress-free.
I always welcome and encourage clients to send me photos of wardrobe options before our session!
What if my kids misbehave?
Show me a kid that does what you ask 100% of the time. Doesn’t happen. Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun, and the giggles will follow. Some tips:
Get your kids excited for the session and let them know how much fun it will be, but no need to over prepare them or add too much pressure for "best behavior"
Kids pick up on your stress, so stay cool, even when they don’t. Meltdowns come and go, no biggie!
Location?
Can I choose my location? Yes. Well, kind of. I have my favorite spots that have been carefully selected for light and versatility, but I am always open to new options, so if you have a preferred location, please let me know. There are some locations (like the Boston Public Garden) that are only available for morning sessions in the nicer weather months, due to crowding. Outdoor sessions are typically booked two hours after sunrise or two hours before sunset for best light.
After our Session
This is where it all comes together! You’ll receive a beautiful slideshow showcasing your images, as well as a gallery of images to look through in the comfort of your own home. As soon as you receive your gallery, you’ll be able to download all high res photos and a slideshow to music to go with them.
You’ll also have the option to add on any of our beautifully printed products (like my personal fav, our signature album)
“We have had 4 family photo shoots with Emily over the years and every one of them has been amazing! It is impossible NOT to get all the images because they are all amazing. Emily is an amazingly skilled photographer/artist. We have always been highly satisfied by her work. She is also incredibly patient and thoughtful navigating young children - we just love her and look forward to her photographing our family for years to come! Thank you Emily!”
Session fee
$1250
Includes pre-planning and style guide to ensure you look your best and have the perfect session
One hour family portrait session up to 5 people
A full gallery of 50+ images that are yours to download
Slideshow of all your images to download
Virtual appointment to choose printed products (optional)
New! Front Steps Minis
$375
15 mins on your front steps
Comes with 5 digital images
Currently available in the South End of Boston only
2024 Spring dates coming
I never know what to do with my photos after
You’re busy, and putting together an album, or the perfect wall arrangement takes time and energy that you don’t have. We LOVE doing this part. Like LOVE. We live for printed photos and are happy to offer these additional services:
Album design – Our gorgeous 10x10 signature albums are my favorite way to tell your family story (see below)
Custom wall art – You send us a photo of the wall, we’ll create something amazing to put on it (Link to wall art here)
OR if you prefer to print on your own, that’s cool too! Your cherished digitals are yours to keep. Just make sure to keep them stored safely on two or more hard drives.
SIGNATURE PRODUCTS
QUALITY IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. I TEST AND SELECT THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCTS BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO ENJOY YOUR ARTWORK FOR YEARS AND GENERATIONS TO COME...
Albums
WE LOOOOVE ALBUMS! We have families that add to their album collection every year and tell us how much the family loves looking through all the past years of family sessions! All albums are printed on archival photo paper, NOT press paper. The short term difference is thickness, richness, and color. The long-term difference is archival ability. Your album should be passed on to your grandchildren in beautiful condition. My albums feature leather cover options and my favorite, lay-flat pages to allow beautiful panoramic spreads across the entire album.
Image Box
Sort of like an album, but with loose leaf pages! It is a beautiful 5x7 wrap around image box with 10 mounted 5x7 prints inside. This can be bound either horizontally or vertically, depending on the images you chose for the cover. This is a great coffee table or entry table centerpiece
Wall Art
MY SPECIALTY! Choosing what to put on our walls can be the toughest interior design decision we face, so we'll create the perfect wall before ever making a nail hole. I specialize in creating custom arrangements to suit your room, your decor, and your personality.
*Note: If you know you are planning for a specific wall ahead of time, please let me know so we can discuss size and style options that are specific to your home
EMILY O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY IS BASED IN BOSTON, MA, WITH OUR STUDIO LOCATED IN LAWRENCE, MA