How to Create the Perfect Shot List for your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

It’s finally time to start planning the details of your personal brand shoot, so get excited! Creating a shot list is an individual experience, as no two brands are the same, especially in a city like Boston. The digital world is getting crazier by the day, so If you don’t know where to even begin when drawing inspiration for your branding photoshoot, let me offer some guidance…

1. Give your photographer as much insight as possible to your brand! In addition to having all my clients fill out a thorough questionnaire, I also schedule a phone call. Talking about your brand, your expectations, your ideal client, always gives me little golden nuggets of info to use when creating the perfect shot list.

2. Create an inspiration board. Pinterest is ideal, but any visual representation of your brand goals, the vibe you are going for, posing you love, etc, is essential in communicating what you want your brand photos to look like to your photographer

3. Know what you need ahead of time. If you’ve hired a pro photographer, you’re going to get great photos. But to get the BEST set of photos to launch your brand to the next level, you need to dig deep and figure out your photo priorities. Do you need a banner image for your website that shows your team hard at work? Do you need a series of verticals for an Instagram reel? A unique horizontal of each team member for a blurb about what they do?

Building the perfect shot list is as much about the vibes and the visual inspiration as it is about the nitty-gritty details. Having a clear vision for your brand ensures that we can capture exactly what you need from your shoot… and also allows us space to get creative on location and potentially create something we might have never dreamed up in planning. You give us your brand story, we translate it into next-level visuals that attract your ideal customers.

Brand Spotlight: Creative Personal Branding with Coastal Artist Nikki Storer | Boston Brand Photographer

We love working with fellow creatives!!! When Massachusetts coastal (and featured Serena and Lily) artist Nikki Storer came to us looking for brand photos, of course we were excited to work with her. But it only got better from there.

Arriving at her home studio in Cohasset we were welcomed into her beautiful space, decked out from wall to wall with her incredible art pieces. A true creative, Nikki shared with us that she had designed her home herself, and after the shoot, it was evident that her personality and style really shone through in her efforts.

Now if Nikki was anything, she was prepared. A creative at heart, but an organized, goal-oriented businesswoman by choice, her studio had been temporarily turned into a gallery-style backdrop. Her workspace was ready for us to get in there and construct artsy flat lays, and her wardrobe options were almost too good to choose from. Because of her fun and colorful brand vibe, we got to be really creative with her shot list and test different things outside the realm of the typical headshot.

Now you might think throwing your paint brushes in the air would be easy, but capturing the perfect shot takes the perfect toss and Nikki NAILED it. Bringing her shot list to life was so much fun, from her beautiful and sometimes candid portraits to watching her work and teaching us about her process.

To capture some of the true day-to-day behind-the-scenes we even brought in her dog for a few shots. Her sweet fur baby was a great sport and even put up with us getting him in on the painting process (no pups were harmed in the creative brainstorm). Including little glimpses into your life is such a cool part of a personal branding photoshoot, especially when it involves our four-legged friends.

It’s always an awesome experience to shoot with someone so passionate about what they’re doing, it shines through the camera and makes it easy to shoot the most beautiful and genuine images.

How to Attract Your Ideal Client from Your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

Being a Boston-based small business owner myself, if you’re a New England brand looking to take your business to the next level, you've landed in the right spot. As a branding photographer, I am super passionate about helping small businesses and female entrepreneurs create stunning visuals that can help you reach your audience and attract your ideal client with your brand photos.

The Importance of Strong Visuals

First things first, strong visuals are essential. In the world of social media and digital marketing, high-quality photos are a non-negotiable part of your professional brand strategy. It’s not just about them looking amazing, but also conveying your brand’s personality and values.

This is where brand photography and lifestyle shots come into play, your photos should reflect your unique style and story, and make your brand instantly recognizable. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and in the crowded online space we want to be remembered.

Knowing Your Audience

No one understands your audience better than you, and we want to create content that speaks to them. Who are they? What do they value? What problems are they looking to solve? This helps me as your photographer to tailor your photoshoot to reflect what you want to say. This is why we start with a call and questionnaire so that I can build the perfect shot list for our shoot.

Telling Your Brand Story

Your brand story is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Behind-the-scenes shots are a fantastic way to give potential clients a glimpse into what it’s like to work with you. This not only builds trust but also adds a personal touch to your professional brand strategy. 

I personally always love to showcase your workspace, process, and team, this makes your brand relatable and engaging. Storytelling through visuals is a trend that’s here to stay, so let’s connect with your clients by showing them the human side (the YOU) of your business.

Attracting your ideal client is really all about showing off who you are and what you do, and really what better way is there than with your brand photos. I’m here to help you navigate the journey and create content that truly speaks to your brand. Remember, great photos aren’t just about looking good—they’re about making a lasting impression. Let’s create something amazing!

Overcoming Camera Shyness: Why You Need to Be in Your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

Maybe you hate the way you look in photos. This is a common theme I hear from business owners, especially female business owners… which is an issue when you are the face of your business. People want to see you! They want to get to know YOU (spoiler, they don’t care if you have a double chin or wrinkles when you smile), but I get it. We all want to look our best in front of the camera.

1. Let’s make you actually look like yourself. Stop judging your appearance based on camera snapshots with terrible lighting and unflattering angles. We’ll set up the good light, with the good angles, and make you look like you

2. Wipe the fake smile off your face. It’s not your fault, but for some of us, a “smile for the camera” is nothing like our actual genuinely happy-to-see-you smile. We’ll help you get the real smiles and leave the “cheese” at the door.

3. Take a deep breath, channel your inner T Swift, and just get over it :) I know it’s easier said than done, but being overly critical of yourself in front of the camera is often a mental block we just need to knock down.

Have you seen our Ebook: 8 Tips to Look Your Best in Every Photo? This is the best resource I send my clients when we book a brand photoshoot.

Camera shyness plagues our everyday life now as it feels like everyones taking pictures all the time, but this is your moment to shine and let the professional photog take care of all the things that make you nervous. A personal brand session is all about letting your audience get a peek behind the business, and give them a reason to get invested in the person, not just the product.

Reintroduction: Get to Know Your Future Photographer | Boston Brand Photographer

I’m Emily, brand photographer, and creative director of your shoot. I help you plan and execute an amazing (and fun!) photoshoot that is customized to your brand. I’m based in Boston’s South End and especially love to work with the small businesses right in my own community.

This is Mikayla, photo assistant, incredible content creator, and all-around extra set of hands on the day of the shoot.

Who do we work with? Brand photoshoots can scale from 1 individual to a large company. But we LOVE working with small teams. Teams of 1-5 people in any sort of creative field is kind of our sweet spot, as that’s usually where we get to let the inspiration and small team personality shine.

How can we help your business grow? This is where our genius comes in. (see our blog post about how to create amazing mood boards) A pro photog should be able to create great images, but a brand photographer should be able to create compelling images that attract your ideal client. When we work together, we try to gain as much insight into your brand as possible, so that every image we make is intentional, unique, and speaks to your brand. Our goal is to show your customers what is so awesome about working with you. (Oh, and we also like to make it fun, because if you’re not having fun, what’s the point)

Using my small business to uplift others is the ultimate win, and I love to see all the ways clients continue to use their images after the shoot. Let’s uplevel your branding together, we can’t wait to work with you! 

Creating Curiosity: How to Reach the Small Business Owner with Revby | Boston Brand Photographer

This month I get to spotlight a shoot where I had the pleasure of working with the team of awesome individuals at Revby. Revby is a small business technical assistance provider, and business, marketing, and market research consultancy based in Boston, Massachusetts, and makes it their mission to create a real, human connection with each and every client they work with. As a small business owner myself, I was excited to help them level up their content and give their personal branding the look they were striving for. 

They came to us during a rebrand, looking for original content to highlight their team and how they work together to create a personal experience from one small biz to another. Revby being a smaller team allowed us to focus on the size of their agency, and how amazing it is for clients to get a personalized experience that works for their unique business.

Going into the shoot I also knew one of their main goals to connect with their audience was not just curiosity, but also inspiration. They want the people they work with to have confidence and to be able to approach their small business with energy and motivation for success. We were able to showcase the fun but hard-working dynamic of their group, the images make you feel like you’re sitting right down in the office with them.

We wanted to focus on their team as a whole, and how they collaborate for each client, with their Back Bay, Boston office as a backdrop. I was so excited they wanted “personality” headshots, those are always a blast to do, especially with a team that has so much personality to show. (They had really fun inspiration photos) It’s images like these that really show off the people behind the brand, and the warm, friendly faces you’ll get to know by working with them

I love working with teams and capturing the unique dynamics amongst every group of people, and I can’t wait to work with them again in their branding journey.

Capturing the Magic: Top 5 Tips to Photograph Kids Products WITH Kids | Boston Brand Photographer

Kids are an important part of the process when it comes to branding for what kids like and want to see, so why wouldn’t they be a part of the process? This blog includes our tips and tricks for how we roll with the incredible chaos of a kid’s brand shoot, and how we photograph kids’ products that appeal to parents AND interest their kids.

Be flexible!

We may have a grand plan for (our model) the child, to sit on a stool, surrounded by flowers, with the perfect sunlight falling over them. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, sometimes, reality has different plans. If the kid decides that our plan is not the same as theirs, it's essential to roll with it. Flexibility is a superpower, we are always prepared to embrace the unexpected, pivot when needed, and sometimes, let them think it was all their brilliant idea. After all, magic often happens when we let go of rigid expectations and go with the flow; kids know what’s cool and fun to their own brains and they usually surprise us with what they come up with by just playing.

Connecting with Them

Years of working with kids has taught me that above all, connection is key. Every child is unique, with a distinct personality that dictates how they respond to the world around them. Some are all about silliness, others thrive on compliments, and then there are those who really just want a quiet, safe space. It is so important to pause and make time to understand and connect with each child individually. Building that relationship of trust and making them feel heard is going to open the door to genuine expressions and authentic moments that truly shine in the final photos.

Become an Observer

On a photoshoot, it can be easy to get caught up in the director's role, after all, we love having a good shot list! (IYKYK) But sometimes, the best moments unfold when we step back and just watch what they do naturally. Kids are genuinely curious and creative little geniuses. Given the space to explore on their own terms, we often find ourselves capturing pure, unscripted magic. My extreme type A personality can have a tendency to over-direct, but it's a delicate balance between guiding the shoot and allowing their playful spirits to take the lead.

So, there it is – a sneak peek into the world of kids' brand photography and how we approach it. Our guidelines are: Stay flexible, focus on connections, and step back and observe. The spontaneous shots that we end up with are often my long-time favorite photos.

Moodboarding: How to Inspire Your Brand Photos with Stunning Digital Visuals | Boston Brand Photographer

Picture this: You have booked your brand photoshoot, and you’re ready to make a statement with gorgeous, on-brand images for your website, but you arrive, and the vibe is “bright and casual”, not the “upscale and elegant” vibe you were going for. Didn’t you talk with your photographer about this beforehand?

Moodboarding (or modern-day Pinning on Pinterest) is THE best way to communicate what you want your branding photoshoot to look like to your photographer. In our initial conversation, I ask a lot of questions about your brand, your ideal client, and especially about what you want your photos to look like. As much as we chat about this, there is no replacement for visual representation. As I tell my clients, “modern farmhouse magic” can translate totally differently to two people. It’s always best to have visual inspiration to communicate your “dark, sophisticated, moody” or “bright, cheerful, casual” vibe.

Where to Start:

Create a Pinterest board you can share with your team. This part may feel like homework but it’s so fun, this is where your brand personality can really shine! Pinning images that reflect your brand's values, mission, and personality helps you define and communicate your identity visually. It's like giving your brand a voice without saying a word.

To Create your own Pinterest Inspiration Board:

1. Create a new board: "your business name brand photoshoot" and check the box to keep it secret

2. Search relevant terms. Use words to describe your brand, "bright, modern, minimal", and words relevant to your industry. This might look like "bright modern interior design brand photoshoot ideas" or another iteration of that. The goal is not to find exact images we will replicate, but to use your board to come up with the overall brand aesthetic that you are going for.

3. You'll want about 10-15 images on your board. You want to have enough variety, but too many could start to lose focus on the main concept.

4. Share your board with your team.

That’s it! Now you and your team of marketers, web designers, hair and makeup artist, and photographer will all be on the same page to help you create stunning visuals that are on brand for your business.

Where do I start? Tips for planning your best personal brand session | Boston Photographer

As a small business owner, you know that branding is everything. And one of the best ways to showcase your brand is through professional photoshoots. But where do you start? Don't worry – planning a successful brand photoshoot doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these four easy steps, you can plan and execute a photoshoot that perfectly captures your brand's personality and message:

Step 1: Communication is key to successful planning, and that's why I always start with a conversation before commencing any project. This gives me the opportunity to understand your brand, goals, and vision for the photos. If you already have a Pinterest board with ideas in mind, please share it with me so that we can work together to bring your vision to life. Even if you don't have a Pinterest board yet, don't worry; we'll work together to create one that aligns with your goals and vision. Based on our conversation, I will provide suggestions and recommendations that are tailored to your brand and objectives. With clear communication and collaboration, we can create stunning visuals that effectively communicate your message and resonate with your target audience.

Step 2: Fill out your questionnaire. This is like an ultimate brainstorm session for your brand. It is an opportunity to reflect on your brand and think deeply about its strategy. If you have a clear brand strategy in place, filling out the questionnaire may be a breeze, but if not, it could require some more thought and reflection. The questionnaire will help you to define your brand's unique selling proposition (USP), target audience, mission statement, and messaging. This information is essential for creating a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers.

Step 3: Decide on a location. This is one of the most important elements, and should not be overlooked. The location we shoot should be authentic to your brand, versatile, and (of course) available to rent or use. See more about choosing a location here.

Step 4: Create your inspo board on Pinterest. Sometime between our initial call and two weeks leading up to our shoot date, you’ll want to create a Pinterest board for inspiration. This is where I can actually SEE what your vision might look like. Words are great, but “modern chic” might mean one thing to you and another to someone else. A mood board is the best way for us to get on the same page visually. When planning your branding photoshoot, it's important to also consider props! They can add depth and interest to your photos, as well as tie in with your branding. Gather any props you may need in advance and make sure they align with the overall aesthetic of your shoot.

Planning a brand photoshoot requires thoughtful consideration and strategizing. Start by defining your brand's target audience, mission statement, and messaging through a questionnaire. Next, choose a location that aligns with your brand's authenticity and versatility. Create a Pinterest board for inspiration and gather props that tie in with your branding. By following these steps, you can create a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers through stunning visuals.

Don't worry, you’re in good hands. I’ll use all of this info to create an absolute killer shot list for us. Next stop is wardrobe… :)

What does a typical day look like at a brand shoot? | Boston Photographer

As a personal branding photographer in Boston, I can help elevate your business by highlighting your values, personality, and style. As a small business owner, it's essential to have high-quality photos that showcase your brand and products. Having on-brand photos spread across your website and social media has the ability to draw in prospective clients and customers. A branding session can be anywhere from one hour to a full day. That's where a personal brand photographer comes in. We plan, we prepare, we find the perfect location, we book hair and makeup, we choose amazing on-brand outfits, but what does the day of our brand shoot actually look like?

In this blog post, we'll give you a sneak peek into the process. From scouting locations to setting up equipment and directing poses, you'll get an inside look at the steps involved in creating stunning images that capture your brand's essence. So if you're considering hiring a personal brand photographer or simply curious about what goes into a photoshoot, keep reading! Here is exactly what to expect, broken down into 6 steps:

1. If you’ve booked hair and makeup, they will arrive first, about two hours before our scheduled start time. Now is the time to communicate and show them any inspiration images, and your outfits for the photo shoot.

2. We’re here! Emily and her assistant will arrive at the time we’ve scheduled for arrival. We’ll spend about 20 minutes scouting the location and setting up lighting if necessary. Once you’re ready, we’ll go over your wardrobe and come up with a plan for which outfit to shoot in front of which backdrop. In addition, we’ll chat about the feel you want to capture in each image and how to best direct you during the shoot.

3. We’ll start shooting. During the shoot, Emily will give direction on how to pose, where to look, and what kind of energy to bring. We may try several different positions and angles until we get just the right shot. And don’t worry if you feel a little awkward at first – it’s completely normal! The important thing is to relax. You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera, Emily will direct you, and no matter how “unphotogenic” you are, you will start to loosen up and even have fun in front of the camera… and it will show in the photos!

4. There’s no rush. Emily will have her shot list and timeline, which we’ve outlined ahead of time, with plenty of wiggle room for breaks, wardrobe mishaps, hair and makeup touchups, etc.

5. We’ll shoot a lot. A lot. Of images. We’ll stick to the shot list, but also leave a lot of room for spontaneity and creativity (after all, isn’t that why you hired us in the first place?). Headshots, lifestyle, process... We’ll also usually try to capture as much behind the scenes photo and video content as possible, we know you’ll want to post all about the day (the glam and… not-so-glam moments).

6. We may finish early. We may finish a little late. There are so many variables that contribute to our timeline - weather, lighting, comfort level, did a squirrel eat our perfectly styled prop bowl of nuts? We try to stick to our schedule, but being flexible is always a good idea.

That’s it! Of course, each shoot is different, with varying elements, but that’s the gist of the day of our photoshoot. As your Boston personal brand photographer, I will work with you to capture the feel you want in each image, directing you on how to pose and bringing an energetic vibe to your photo shoot. There's no need to worry if you feel a little awkward at first - I'll guide you through it! We'll follow our shot list and timeline, but also leave room for creativity and spontaneity. And don't forget, we'll capture behind-the-scenes moments too! Let's have some fun and create next level images for your website, social media, and promotional materials. Bottom line, if we are prepared (and we will be) it’s low pressure, and lots of fun.

Photo Shoots in Amazing Locations: Martha’s Vineyard Spotlight with Jill | Boston photographer

The first time I chatted with Jill, she opened up to me about her passions, her business, her life. She wanted to plan her personal brand shoot where she lived, in Martha’s Vineyard, and she had already put more thought and planning into this session than any other client I’ve had. She was working on her brand with Jordan Duvall from Ignite Your Soul Brand and her art direction guide was 20 pages long. 20 pages. Now this could have made me run in the other direction, but it was perfect. Strategic, intentional, and very very well thought out. She had a vision for her images, and I couldn’t wait to help her bring the vision to life.

We had an amazing location and A LOT on our shot list the day of the shoot, so we set up a strict timeline to help us stay organized. It certainly takes a village sometimes and I was so grateful to our team of amazing women - My assistant Gwen, Paula with hair and makeup, as well as styling, and Jill’s two best friends for being an extra set of hands wherever they could (and the perfect hype women as needed).

It was important for us to show Jill’s spiritual side. She offers intuitive healing and guidance to help women become their authentic selves. Her clients choose her because of her open, nurturing, and compassionate nature, so that was an element that we had to make sure we captured throughout the day. She also does akashic record readings (which I had to google it after our first conversation!)

We ended at the beach at sunset - our grand finale after a long day of shooting. It was the perfect magic to wrap a full day. Beautiful sunset, wind in our hair, waves crashing. All said and done, it was a 14 hour day (which I don’t do many of anymore with two toddlers at home), but so worth it.

How Working with an experienced Brand Strategist Can Elevate Your Photo Session (Part 2) | Boston Photographer

If you started on Part 1 of this post, let me pick up where I left off… Enter my dream client, interior design entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ms Rachel Reider of Reider and Co. She is doing a complete rebrand with Kris, and they need next level content to show off what this team is all about. Oh, have I mentioned her amazing, powerhouse (all female) team of 6?

Example of a client shot list

Again, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it was to have Kris on the brand strategy/art direction side of this. After diving deep into the Reider and Co brand and the direction they were going, Kris and I came up with a shot list together. Here is an example of a shot list I would create for every brand photoshoot. It includes inspiration photos, locations, and specific shots we know are a priority.

For this particular shoot, we wanted a heavy focus on the team dynamic. Day 1 included two versatile locations - one in a Back Bay, Boston condo, and the other in a suburban Wellesley home. Our main focus was really powerful team photos, headshots, as well as a peek into all of the many things that happen behind the scenes as they are working with their clients. This was one of my favorites, shot “tableau style” to highlight the all inclusive experience the team provides from start to finish.

Day 2 was on location at Rachel’s studio in the South End of Boston (two blocks away from my condo, perfect!) Our main focus was to show the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes team in action: the start of the process, the sample selection, the team meetings. All of the things we don’t think about when we see the finished product.

All in all, it was a successful brand shoot, and I am THRILLED to see these images on Rachel’s gorgeous new website. Kris did an amazing job. This is what happens when women are in charge.

Check out the Reider and Co brand new website here

Check out the very talented Kris Kennedy of Loudhouse Branding website here

Of course what would a great photoshoot be without gorgeous hair and makeup, by Paula Roderick-Voisembert

7 Tips for What to wear to your Brand Photoshoot

When scheduling a Personal Brand Session, clients always ask, “What should I wear?” I’d like to share my top 7 tips for what to wear to your brand photoshoot! Before we get to the details, my best advice is to work with a wardrobe stylist, especially if you are doing an Essential or All Inclusive Personal Brand Session.

A good stylist will take into consideration what will be most flattering on you and relevant to the overall vibe we are going for in our session. If you love styling yourself and you know you got this, GO FOR IT! You know yourself and your brand best! Whether or not you decide to work with a stylist, here are some items to consider when choosing outfits for your Brand Photoshoot.

1. What do you Want to Convey?

Is your brand upscale luxury? Or, down to earth and casual? Your wardrobe should 100% reflect the messaging you want to put out there.

2. Variety

We all need some variety in our lives, and our photos are no different! You don’t want to have 20 photos of you in the same outfit scattered across your social media. Instead, consider all the different hats you wear.

You dress one way when you’re working at home (although maybe we can go a step up from the sweats and unwashed hair here). I'm going to bet you dress another way when you’re meeting with clients, doing a speaking engagement, or shipping out products. Your looks can be multi-dimensional and still cohesive.

3. Survey your Wardrobe

Go through your wardrobe with a fresh set of eyes before our shoot in order to determine what you already have and what you need.

• What are your absolute favorite go-to pieces?

• What do you love about them?

• Do any of them fit into your brand?

If yes, great! Use these items as a starting point. Now, think about what you need to complete each outfit - a statement necklace or earrings, a floral skirt for twirling, a ripped pair of jeans, or a cute hat, there are a million ways to refresh a wardrobe staple for our shoot.

4. Give Yourself Time

Choose your outfits and accessories ahead of time. You want to give yourself PLENTY of time to order, try on, and return if necessary.

5. Choose Colors Wisely

Keep your brand aesthetic at the forefront of your mind. Now, I’m not saying that if your brand colors are navy and gold, you should come to your brand session dressed head-to-toe in navy and gold. (please don't do that!) But the colors you choose should complement your brand aesthetic. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways like throwing on some gold bangles to complete your look, or draping a navy blazer on the back of your desk chair.

Bottom line:

If your website and insta feed are all neutral, soft tones, we should not be focusing on a rainbow palette for your wardrobe. That being said, don’t be afraid to strategically throw in a pop of color to grab attention when appropriate.

6. Ask for Feedback

Try outfits on, take photos, & send them to your photographer. This is a collaboration, so if you’re on the fence about what is appropriate for your brand photos, ask for feedback!

I LOVE helping clients curate their wardrobe for a brand photo shoot.

7. Fit + Comfort is Priority

Above all, we want you in well-fitting clothes. If something is uncomfortable, too big, or too tight, it will likely translate in the photos. When you feel and look your best, you radiate confidence!

I’ll say this one last time for those in the back:

Try it on BEFORE your shoot

Bonus Tip

While I highly recommend working with professional hair and makeup for your session, keep in mind that whichever option you choose, it is most important to remember that we are almost always going for an everyday look. If you’re done up with smokey eyes everyday when meeting with clients, then girl, Rock it! But we want your clients to see YOU in your photos, not a done-up, unrecognizable version of you. You’ll be at your best in front of the camera when you look and feel like yourself.

I hope you found these 7 Tips for What to Wear to Your Brand Photoshoot helpful! If you are interested in learning more about Emily O’Brien Personal Brand Photography, or want to schedule your Personal Brand session, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Emily O’Brien Photography is a Boston based Photography Studio specializing in Personal Brand and Family Photography.

The year of the supermom. Moms You need to hear this now

It’s been a year unlike any other. Can we just take a moment to CLAP.FOR.THE.MOMS. The working moms, the stay at home moms, the special needs moms, the home educator moms, the moms that TURNED IT UP this year because we had no choice. I won’t go into the glaring societal pressures of working moms that really presented themselves this year (but read: lots of eye rolls for corporate America totally displaying all the ways we leave working moms in the dust).

You were expected to work full time hours, while also providing your own full time childcare and education for your children. And to my SAHMs, we see you, and the 168 hours a week you’re working.

I’ve done both this year. Neither is easy, both test your relationships, and both can feel like the weight of your entire world is all on you.

But you did it. You’re doing it. Your kids are going to be just fine, and you’ve learned you have freaking superpowers for getting everyone through this year alive. 

To my new moms - it has been incredibly isolating for you. Your village was never allowed to exist. And you did it. You. The sleepless nights, not being able to put baby down and have a minute to yourself, second guessing everything...and all the baby snuggles in the world.

To my toddler moms - I feel you. I’m there. Power struggles, no breaks, life without playdates is HARD. But this bond we formed with our kids? Unbreakable forever.

To my young school aged moms - How? How can you be expected to help your kids learn and give them what they need? You’re not a trained educator, but you taught them about real life. They see you. They admire you everyday.

To my teenage moms - Your fragile teens had everything taken away from them this year. Sports, structure, necessary peer interactions, important milestones. And you still made them feel special and loved.

Everyone has had their own struggles and obstacles. No matter where you think your failures from this year lie, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. You carried the weight of your world. Cue Beyonce’s “Who Run The World? GIRLS” in the background please. Way to go Moms.

Five Must-Have Photos From Your Brand Session

The Headshot

This is the baseline for the face of the company. It’s a must have, and it doesn’t have to be boring! Modern headshots are full of life, personality, and do not have to be stiff or boring.

Working photos

Where and how do you work? At a home office? Spread out on your living room floor? In a coworking space? These are your essential newsletter and social media photos… especially perfect for social media stories. People can’t get enough good BTS shots.

Deliverables

Are you product or service based? Either way, you have deliverables. If you’re a products based biz, that’s easy. We need some GORG product shots. If you are service based, it may seem harder to think of what to shoot, but there’s lots of options (here’s where I come in with our brainstorm questionnaire once we book). If you’re a stylist, what will your clients look and feel like when you’re done with them? A luxury concierge service can show what your clients gain from hiring you - more time with their family? Being able to relax and put their feet up while letting someone else do the work? Motivational speaker? How about some audience reaction shots, how do you make them FEEL when you speak?

Process

What is working with you like? Do you work side by side with clients? Do you work with them virtually? Do you have a shop where you create things? Let your client imagine what it’s like to work with you through photos.

YOU

Home life, hobbies, personality, etc. This is your “know, like, and trust” shot. People want to see you, in your natural setting. What are you like outside of work? Are you a dog lover? Do you have kids? Show your client how they can relate to you

These shots are the perfect starting point for your brand session, but what I love about working with all types of businesses is that every biz is different, which is why we start with our “Brand Brainstorm Sesh” questionnaire and then customize our shoot to your brand specifically.

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Personal Brand Sessions, What The Heck Are They?

What IS a Personal Brand session? Personal brand sessions start with a consultation to get to know your brand story. Sessions usually include headshots, lifestyle images to capture you in action, as well as details that cater to your specific business. Because the session is so customized to suit your brand, the types of images we create will vary from one business to another... which is totally the fun part!! We are telling YOUR unique story

Who is it for? Short answer - anyone who is representing their brand. Small business owners, solo and entrepreneurs, creative professionals, public figures, coaches, teachers, the list could go on and on...
 

Why do I need it? 🤔Strong images give your brand a personality, they show people who you are as a business and what it’s like to work with you. We live in a visual world, and if people can’t see you, they don’t know if they can trust you. I know it’s not easy being in front of the camera, but if you are the face of your brand, YOU need to be involved in the story!
 
What can I expect? You can expect a personalized, customized experience, that clearly communicates your brand story. We start with a questionnaire and consultation to get to know your brand, this is your chance to throw out any ideas, requests, must haves, or definitely-nots. I love the brainstorming process and once we know where we are going, we can start looking at location and wardrobe options. Hair and makeup is always recommended and helps you look and feel your best in front of the camera. It’s always my goal to make you feel comfortable throughout the shoot so we can capture your true personality and of course THIS WILL BE FUN!!

What can I do with my images? This list could be 10 pages long but let’s stick with the basics for now. 

1. Social media in all its glorious forms! Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In. Social media posts that include an image receive 120-180% more visibility and engagement.

2. Your website - Blogs, home page, about me, landing pages, sales pages, contact, etc.⠀

3. Marketing pieces - Business cards, brochures, mailers, or other printed marketing materials.⠀

4. Press releases, speaking engagements, email signature, anywhere you have the opportunity to show people what it would be like to work with you⠀

I bet you can think of at least 10 more that apply to your specific business. I’d love to know what you can come up with for your business!

What types of images do we create? I know you don’t want 30 versions of a formal headshot... BORING! Of course this varies with every brand, but I love to mix in some lifestyle and “working” photos so that people can truly visualize what it’s like to work with, and just be around you. If you offer products, we’ll get some really great product shots. If you have your own workspace, I love to shoot there and incorporate the vibe of your space

Once I’ve experienced and loved everything about our photoshoot, when can we do it again? YES I hope that’s what everyone says, but honestly, our need for content these days can be overwhelming and it can be so hard to keep up with. Again, everyone has different needs, but we can come up with a plan to shoot weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly to keep your content fresh and consistent!

Personal_Brand_Photography from Emily O'Brien on Vimeo.

What Is The Best Thing You Can Hand Down To Your Kids?

FAMILY ALBUMS! It’s no secret I LOVE albums. I love all forms of printed photos, but I really really love albums. Admittedly, I am a book person. I was resistant to my (now beloved) Kindle, it’s just so convenient, but I still can’t wait to get my hands on a good book I can turn the pages of.

Do you remember those big, sticky page photo albums our parents had? Yes they are clunky as heck, but there is something special about flipping through the curated pages and seeing the story of Christmas, or someone’s birthday. Much more special than flipping through a hard drive.

Today, more than ever before, it’s so easy to take snapshot…after snapshot…after snapshot, until you end up with a million photos on your phone (that is hopefully also backed up to a hard drive). Having our photos digitally is super important, but having the special ones curated and printed in a beautiful, (archival) leatherbound album that you can hand down to your kids, and their grandkids, is an incredible gift.

Images boxes (shown below) are another fun “album style” way to print, display, and archive your photos too!

Boston Portrait Photographer | Special Beach Session on Plum Island

It is really special when the younger sibling of a previous client comes to us for their senior portrait. This was the case for Vanessa! We got to shoot with her older sister Alicia two years ago. Now it is Vanessa’s turn to graduate high school and we were so excited to continue this tradition. We photographed Alicia in our historic Lawrence mill buildings, so for Vanessa we decided to mix it up and have her portraits taken at the Plum Island/Newburyport marshes and beaches.

After a short hunt for flowers, we found some purple and yellow ones that matched perfectly with the cool blues in her outfits and her amazingly long blonde hair. Vanessa has some serious hair goals! She worked her tresses perfectly in the wind.

Halfway through the photoshoot, the sun popped out from behind some clouds and made a dazzling sunset. The soft, peach hues reflected beautifully on the pools of water in the marsh, so it was only fitting in such a dreamy landscape for Vanessa to give her dress a twirl.

Finally, we made it to the beach, and we have to say, Vanessa chose the perfect outfit for the setting. All the colors in the background were incorporated in her romper. Vanessa was not afraid of getting a little sandy for her “finale photo” , and as you can see it was totally worth it!

Boston Portrait Photographer | Taylor's Editorial Shoot

Class of 2018 Senior Rep Victoria C introduced us to Taylor. Both of their moms are co-owners of Cupcake City, which by the way are some of the best cupcakes I’ve ever tasted, Twix and Sm’ores are among my favorites, though I’m not opposed to trying every single flavor.... Ok back to Taylor- what a riot this girl is!

She brought so much fun and laughter on set. She was not afraid to call it how it is when a pose felt awkward, and we love that! It brings out natural smiles and really represents a subject’s true personality in the photos. Taylor wanted her senior shoot to have an editorial aesthetic, and also to highlight her favorite shoes: Christian Louboutin heels.

Naturally, we headed over to the mill buildings for a grunge meets high fashion feel. We played around and laughed so hard as we were trying to capture some movement to show the bottom of her heels, We called this one her “fashion editorial spread” Having started out in a black slouchy sweater, we noticed as the photoshoot progressed her sweater seemed to be growing! Certain fabrics can stretch like crazy throughout a shoot, and Taylor’s sweater seemed intent on growing into a sweater dress.

Taylor dealt with it with grace, laughter, and eventually an outfit change. Outfit number two matched perfectly with a rusty basin that we found on the floor (maybe meant to catch drips from the leaky ceiling?). After propping it up, Taylor sat down and worked her unique background.

For our final shots, we noticed how beautifully the light was coming into the room, so we moved fast and captured some fun dramatic images. The results are some of our favorite shots of the day!

Boston Portrait Photographer | Rene's Edgy Mill Session

Having heard about our client’s Jayna’s experience with her senior shoot, Rene contacted us for her senior portraits. Rene was looking for a unique and edgy location for her senior portraits and we had just the spot: the mill buildings. When Rene walked into the studio, the first thing we noticed was how expertly done her makeup was.

One of Rene’s many passions is hair and makeup. She’s part of her school’s drama department and does the makeup for the whole cast. So naturally, Rene did her own makeup for her senior portraits. We could have sworn that she had gone to a salon to get it done, the girl has got skills!

Throughout the shoot, we couldn’t help but ask for her makeup tips and tricks. Rene’s mom came along for the shoot, and we could see her beaming over her daughter. We convinced to the two of them to get in for a mother/daughter photo and they snuggled close for a very special moment.

After getting shot after shot of Rene absolutely working the camera, we wrapped up the shoot with a fun laughing shot of Rene in front of the vintage windows of the mill. Her bubbly personality truly shined in front of that red door, which makes it one of our favorite shots from our session.