How to Have the Best Brand Photos with Emily O'Brien Photography | Boston Brand Photographer

It’s almost the end of January and as we welcome 2025, we wanted to introduce ourselves and answer some of our most asked questions.

I’m a Boston brand photographer who loves to work with local businesses to create images that are unique to YOUR brand. Your total experience is important to me, start to finish, not only do I want you to walk away feeling confident and armed with a gallery of images you love, but I want you to leave your shoot thinking “when can we do that again?!” I’m a long-time native of the South End, and have spent years shooting professional pictures in Boston, and love every opportunity to work with a new client.

As a small business owner myself who cares deeply about brand messaging, I will always bring the same care and attention to your brand as I would my own.

This is my assistant Mikayla, she will be with me as an extra set of hands in whatever your photos require, from lighting and props, providing a perfect photoshoot playlist, to capturing THE BEST behind-the-scenes moments...(seriously, want awesome BTS from our shoot? Invite Mikayla).

Here are some of our most asked questions:

What is personal brand photography?

A personal brand session with me goes wayyy beyond the usual LinkedIn headshot. Your customers want to get to know you beyond the brand, SHOW your clients what it would be like to work together. The goal is to create images together that will let someone imagine how cool an experience working with you would be.

What kind of photos can I expect?

1. Creative Headshot - I know I said this is more than a headshot but they are the backbone of most brands that have a face! We don’t want your first impression to be “typical”, and I can help you with bringing your personality to the images in a totally non-boring-headshot way.

2. Lifestyle Photos - This is where we really get to personalize it to each brand. This could include you working with a client, your team prepping an order to send out for delivery, or your life outside of work!

3. Behind the Scenes - A peak behind the curtain of your business to let potential customers see what they get when they’re working with you.

If you’re curious about how to put your brand photos to use in your business check out my blog for tips!

Where do we start?

Diving in can be overwhelming but it’s all in the planning and I’m here to make the day of your shoot as fun and efficient as possible. The first step will always be a conversation to help me better understand your brand goals, vision board, and inspirations.

Let’s make some magic together, book a consultation with me to get started :)

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.

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session | Boston Family Photographer

Wondering how to get the most out of our time together? Do you have any specific shots in mind already? Have some questions about the shoot? Here is a comprehensive session guide to best prepare you for your Family Photos!

Step 1: Check the style guide for wardrobe.

Step 2: Feel free to send inspiration photos if you have them. If you have a Pinterest board-share it!

Step 3: Answer the questionnaire I sent. It makes all the difference when I know a little about your kids and how to approach them. This is also a great opportunity to let me know if there are any specific shots you really want going into our session.

Step 4: Let the kids be kids and don’t stress if they aren’t “behaving”. 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.

3 of my must have shots:

Hugs and kisses

Tickles (or something similar that gets them giggling)

Active playing. Chasing our kids gets sweaty and dirty, and it’s not always glamorous. This is where the real stuff is. The stuff your kids enjoy and more importantly, open up to. All kids are different and if you know what kind of play brings out the best in yours, it is a huge help in capturing their genuine happiness.

Step 5: Go through this checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

1. Make sure everyone is fed and hydrated ahead of time (adults too). Everyone is just more happy when they’re not hangry. Tip: stay away from foods that stain clothes or faces

2. Bring easy snacks and water with you. Snack ideas: cheerios, white cheese, raisins…

3. Have outfits ready ahead of time - like wayyy ahead of time. Pack an extra if you have a young baby, messy blowouts and spit up are definite possibilities.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time. When you need to be somewhere on time, someone will have a meltdown or poop at the very moment you need to leave. Keep your sanity and leave yourself extra time, you don’t want to cut into your session time because your toddler hid his shoes.

5. Bring something your kids love. This is totally optional, but if your kid has a toy or lovey that brings them more happiness than anything else in this world, it would be a great idea to have it with you, and even get it in a few photos - it can make a really sweet memory to look back on. One of my favorite photos of my son is him holding onto his “Lovey” at the end of our family session.

   Now you’re ready for your session! Just show up and have fun with your kiddos.

Families That Book Every Year, With The Melahouris Family | Boston Family Photographer

Another family that I am so lucky to see for portraits year after year is the Melahouris family. I’ve been with this trio since 2017, all the way from mom’s maternity shoot and the newborn phase to this year with a kid who’s grown up right before my eyes. Looking back on their outdoor sessions each fall is always a fun reminder of how quickly it goes, and how worth it it is to capture family memories at each new stage.

Their silly and cheerful son has always been a great sport about dressing up for an early morning photoshoot (especially if it means a treat before school with mom and dad, and this year was no different. The family tried a new location for them this year, and we made our way to Great Brook Farm on a chilly fall morning that turned into a gorgeous day.

Between (and during) the shoot we worked in some running around, tickles, and maybe even a visit to the animals on the farm. Having a big outdoor space is so great for shoots with kids because we can switch up locations and keep them engaged without pulling focus from the task at hand, capturing those precious candids with your kid!!

As fall approaches and lots of families start thinking about taking their yearly photos, I always get excited thinking about what new faces I’m going to meet this season that might become old friends within time.

Taking your family photos is such a special time, and should be something you can cherish for a long time. I am once again so thankful for the amazing families I get to visit each year and the memories I get to leave them with to look back on for the years to come.

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.

Utilizing the Location You Have for An Amazing Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

I want to get real about a game-changing aspect of brand photography – the art of making your chosen location fit you and your photo shoot. I’ve spent years photographing personal brand projects not just in Boston but throughout New England, and I know it can be hard to decide on a location that does everything you want it to and more. So, where do you start?

Location is extremely important as we plan our branding shoot, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be as fancy or overtop as you may believe. Whether you're vibing in your cozy living room or soaking in the cityscape outside, it is possible to make one space the center of your visual storytelling. Trust me, it's all about getting creative in order to create a photoshoot that's as versatile as your brand lifestyle.

My first suggestion to people is always to consider where you’re comfortable working, whether that be your workspace, your office, or even your home. Not every space will be a winner, but often my clients completely overlook the potential of a versatile spot just because they are there every day. Making that space come to life is exactly what’s going to make your brand photos stand out. Don’t feel discouraged because you’re shooting in the spots of your everyday life, get excited! Being familiar in a space not only reflects on you in the photos but also reflects where the guiding force behind your brand comes from.

Bringing the versatility out of the spot we choose is all about maximizing the space. This is done by switching up the looks, poses, and angles, Simple changes in perspective can turn a familiar spot into a whole new visual experience. Remember, it's not just about the location; it's about how you frame your story within it.

If you still don’t believe in the dynamics of your spot, I’ve covered tips on making your workspace look and feel more photogenic, prepping your space with a few small details can make all the difference in the look and feel. My goal is to debunk the myth that you need a glamorous setting for a killer photoshoot. Your living room, your favorite cafe, or that cozy corner in your workspace – they're all potential gems for your photographer. Embrace the simplicity and let your brand personality take center stage.

Families That Book Every Year, With the Laliberte Family | Boston Family Photographer

As someone who has been photographing families in Boston for a long time, it’s always a good feeling to see a familiar name pop up in my calendar year after year. When parents trust me to capture special memories and milestones of their kids growing up, it is a huge part of what makes my job so worth it. Watching only children turn into big brothers and sisters, or tiny newborns becoming crazy toddlers, it’s all so special! Every year our shoot gets to be a completely one-of-a-kind experience, and getting to know them through the years helps us document their true personalities.

When it comes to photographing siblings, the Laliberte family has it on point. With three young boys who are FULL of energy, the shoot is never boring, never shy, and always a blast. I feel like every session I get to see them fall more into their roles as big, middle and little brothers who love to taunt and annoy each other, but also play together and cheer each other on.

Every kid has such a unique personality when it comes to family photo sessions, and it blows my mind every time a kid who was once slow to warm up turns into my bestie for the day. With the Laliberte fam I never know what direction the boys will take us for photos, and when I let the kids lead the charge, the photos are always some of the best. Will we be hanging ornaments off the christmas tree, roasting marshmallows, or throwing the football around?? Would it be crazy to do all 3 in one session? Nope! The candid magic starts where the posing ends, and those Laliberte brothers know how it’s done.

Family photos should be an experience we both get to look forward to every year. I get to check in with my awesome client families and see how they’ve grown, and you get to go home with memories to cherish for a lifetime at every age.

Visual Content Calendar: How to Plan a Year’s Worth of Social Media from One Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

It feels like in the last few years we have really entered the era of the small business, so many more people are looking to shop locally and establish relationships with companies and people that they want to use over and over again. As a personal brand photographer, I’ve worked with many brands in and around my South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and I can’t emphasize enough the value of taking personal brand photos. Investing time and resources in a brand photoshoot to capture the essence of your personal brand to share with the world is crucial to growing and having your name passed down the line by your clients. But once you’ve done so you might be thinking what do I do with these images now?

 With a gallery of professional images that beautifully represent your business in your hands, how can you use them to get the most out of every photo? In this guide, we'll explore the importance of these brand photos and dive into strategies for maximizing their potential through a long-term social media plan. We want you to have the power to elevate your online presence and uplevel your business!

The Importance of Brand Photos

Your brand photos are so much more than just product photos or a headshot; they are a huge part of your online identity. In a digital age where first impressions matter, professional brand photography sets the stage to convey your personality, values, and the unique story behind your business. Once you have your gallery in hand, the key is to not wait! Let’s start planning so these images can become an innate part of the way clients recognize you and your brand.

Using Your Professional Photos Wisely

While it's tempting to use your brand photos across all your social media channels all at once, you want to make sure you’re using them in the best places possible. Use your favorite or most impactful images for key social media posts or announcements, or on your website. By focusing on quality over quantity, you maintain a consistent brand image, without overusing the photos to the point where you have nothing left to post in just a few weeks. Remember, these images were a labor of love, so use them wisely to maintain engagement and interest without getting repetitive

Tips for Yearlong Content Planning

To ensure a steady stream of captivating content throughout the year, consider creating a yearlong content plan. This may sound overwhelming, because who really knows what they want to post in December when we’re just barely moving into February? Start by outlining your goals or themes for each month, and aligning them with your business objectives and promotional activities. This allows you to strategically incorporate your brand photos into campaigns, product launches, or seasonal content. If you post a lot of content, this may mean planning a photoshoot each quarter, or twice yearly. If you don’t need daily or weekly content, that could mean just one brand photoshoot per year. By planning in advance, you'll be able to budget accordingly, plan your entire content calendar, and save yourself the time and stress of what to use and when. Remember, plans can always change.

A brand photoshoot is a powerful investment that is a huge part of establishing your brand in the online world. Use this as a guide to show off the full potential of your brand photoshoot, laying the groundwork for a successful social media presence to connect with your audience and uplevel your business!

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Unexpected Moments: Embracing Imperfection in Family Photography | Boston Family Photographer

If there is one thing I love about photographing young kids, it’s capturing their genuine, candid personalities, with all of their sweet little expressions. Who doesn’t want to freeze a moment of their kids’ real laughter, and happiest smiling face? But we all know that is not them 100% of the time. Our kids have emotions (LOTS of them). They have focus, energy, passion, deep thought, needs, desires, and opinions. And a lot of those feelings aren’t displayed with a smile on their face, and that’s okay!

I am the biggest cheerleader for letting kids be kids, just because they are unpredictable does NOT mean your family session will be a bust. I promise you’re going to want ALL the genuine silly, quirky expressions to compliment the laughing, smiling ones.

When we ARE going for the smiley photos, don’t say cheese. I know, I know, “cheese” has been a go to since before we can remember. But usually saying cheese is a temporary fix that gets old quickly, and only really results in stiff smiles instead of those natural grins you were hoping for. Family photos are the best time to let go and get silly, and no one knows how to make your child laugh better than you do!

After years of working with families and having kids of my own, I’ve learned the best way to photograph children is to be flexible and observe. Sometimes what you plan for isn’t what you’re going to get, but your kids are awesome! Whatever comes to them naturally during our session is often infinitely better than anything we could’ve posed, especially with littles. Giving them the space to do their own thing works wonders.

Embrace their true expressions. The silly face, the mad face, the curious face, the shy-burys-her-head-in-your-shoulder face. There are so many faces that create picture perfect moments, and they’re even better because they’re authentic. If we set our goal to capturing your kid in their true authentic self, you’re going to walk away with a beautiful collection of fun, candid, lifestyle photos that you will love and cherish forever.

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Top Visual Branding Trends of 2024 for Women-Owned Small Businesses | Boston Brand Photographer

In the ever-evolving landscape of visual branding, small business owners are increasingly utilizing the power of a personalized experience. As a Boston-based small business owner and photographer, I know how important it is to stay on top of visual trends to effectively speak to the audience of women-owned enterprises. In 2024, brands are gravitating toward minimalism, candid realness, bright colors, and authenticity. Embracing these trends will uplevel your brand photography and resonate with your target audience.

Embracing Minimalism

The "less is more" philosophy has never been more relevant in visual branding. Minimalism conveys a sense of sophistication but also ensures that your message is clear and impactful. When photographing I like to focus on creating images that are clean, uncluttered, and utilize simplicity to highlight the most important parts of your brand. Whether it's a product, a service, or the entrepreneurs themselves, minimalistic visuals allow the audience to focus on what truly matters.

Bright Colors

Vibrant colors within your brand photos can add that extra pop to your content without being overpowering. Bright colors are stealing the spotlight this year from fashion to home decor to photography, don’t be afraid to embrace them for that little shot of energy you may be lacking in your visuals. They’re not just a trend but a statement, let your images help you incorporate modern vibes within your existing brand landscape.

Getting Real

The trend in 2024 leans heavily towards capturing natural expressions and candid moments. Gone are the days of stiff, posed photographs, your audience wants to work with REAL people. As a photographer, I strongly encourage my clients to be themselves during the shoot. Documenting genuine smiles, laughter, and authentic interactions adds a human touch to the brand. This element of realness is tangible through a screen and creates a more relatable brand aesthetic for your audience to connect with. 

In a world inundated with curated content, authenticity stands out as a breath of fresh air. Let the heart and soul you bring to the brand shine through, showcase the genuine faces behind the business, the passion that drives it, and the unique stories that make it memorable. By weaving authenticity into your visual storytelling, you not only become a recognizable part of your client's brand but also build personal trust.

Incorporating Trends into Your Brand Aesthetic

Staying relevant while also appealing to your target audience can be difficult in today’s ever-changing social media landscape. It’s important to keep up with trends and determine what already flows your existing brand aesthetic. No one understands your brand’s audience better than you, so start adapting your content and brand photography to not only reach your current following but to reach newcomers as well.  Maintaining consistency in theme across all platforms will ensure a cohesive and recognizable brand identity that aligns with the evolving visual preferences of 2024.

In the realm of brand photography for women-owned small businesses, the emphasis on authenticity, minimalism, and natural expressions is shaping a new era. By staying attuned to these trends and seamlessly incorporating them into your photography, you not only uplift your business but also contribute to the success and visual identity of the inspiring female entrepreneurs you work with. In 2024, let your lens capture the authenticity, simplicity, and genuine connection, helping small businesses thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

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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

Working with a Great Brand Strategist and Why You Need One (Part 1) | Boston Brand Photographer

If you come to me and you’re already working with a brand strategist, I immediately love you as a client. Why? You’ve already taken a major step to uplevel your business. You are most likely an entrepreneur with defined goals and a clear brand story. Planning your photo shoot is already less stressful for you.

If you ARE the brand strategist, now I am doing a happy dance. When Kris contacted me because she wanted to book a photoshoot for one of her clients, the first thing we did was to schedule a call to make sure we “vibed”. I don’t know about anyone else, but entering into a relationship with someone you are not compatible with, is DANGEROUS ground. Luckily, within 5 mins we were giggling and chatting about patriarchy and lifting up women business owners in the home design industry (perfect, I love her already).

Two weeks later she came to me with her first client she wanted to book a photoshoot for… which happened to be my dream interior design client, boutique hotel design goddess, the legend herself, Ms. Rachel Reider or Reider and Co. IYKYK.

(Rachel’s team shoot blog coming on part 2 tomorrow!).

Kris had been working (heavily) with Rachel on her rebrand already, so it was easy for Kris to take the reins on direction and planning for the shoot. This was a HUGE benefit to Rachel and her team - it totally took the weight off of her shoulders, goodbye stress and overwhelm!

Kris and I chose three incredible locations (always helpful when your client has designed two luxury homes that we can use as a backdrop, and has a chic design studio in Boston’s South End), and came up with a shot list that included specific needs for Rachel’s website and social media.

On the first day of the (two day) shoot, Kris took the role as art director, and we worked as a team to produce and execute the shot list. It was a long two days for everyone, but having Kris as the art director, truly made this shoot as successful as it was.

Check out her (also newly-rebranded-coming-soon) site where you can see more details about how awesome she is.
In the meantime, her new Instagram is getting very interesting! @loudhousebranding

And you are going to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the new Reider and Co site. You want to know how to effectively use your brand photos? This is it… We’ll be posting Reider and Co’s final images and link to their brand new website next week! I know it’s so hard to wait!

You can find Kris on her newly rebranded Instagram @loudhousebranding and her website coming soon: Loudhouse Branding

What to Wear for Winter Photos | Boston Photographer

Wait…it was just 50 degrees yesterday now it’s 20 degrees out? Yup, winter in Boston is as unpredictable as it comes, but luckily the weather app is usually reliable for forecasting the upcoming days' conditions. 

When it comes to dressing for winter photos, here is my best advice.

1. Wear or bring extra layers. Nothing is worse than freezing! While you don’t want to look bulky like the Michelin tire logo, bring an oversized slouchy sweater or wear that thermal shirt underneath. Layering is a great way to complete a look.

2. Bring an extra coat. You can wear a more stylish coat for photos, but having an extra puffy coat to put on in between shots, or as we move from one place to the next, can be just the break you need. 

3. Gloves and cold weather accessories. Add a seasonal flare to your photos by adding those winter accessories like scarves, gloves, boots, and beanies. There are so many cute options for these items out there, have fun with it.

4. Color: Winter tends to bring some more muted colors so if you want to stand out add some splashes of color to your outfits. Layering is a great way to add color.

Most importantly choose to wear clothes you feel comfortable and confident in, no matter the season.

Behind the Scenes of A BOSTON Summer Family Session | Boston Photographer

For those who have done a family portrait session with me, you know I only shoot early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid harsh lighting from the sun. In the middle of the summer in particular, we are not only at the mercy of the sun’s unforgiving light, but also the brutal heat! And long summer days mean EARLY mornings and LATE evenings for kiddos. For this mid-July shoot, these two were champs, getting up and out the door early, with the promise of doughnuts waiting for them on the other side of the shoot… I mean I would get up at sunrise for doughnuts, wouldn’t you?

Siblings often feed off of each other’s energy and spirit which was 100% the case for Saj and Ani. For 7am, all I can say is I wish I had Saj’s energy! Sitting still can be tough at any age, but especially for 5 year olds. This shoot had lots of interaction such as running, tickling, secret telling, hiding, and hugging…which ended up as tackling in some (most) instances. We try to follow along with whatever makes our toddlers happiest, and if that means lots of sweating and running around, we are totally cool with it.

Overall the lighting worked in our favor and we got some awesome action and family shots!

What to Wear for Fall Photos | Boston Photographer

Fall is the most popular season for family photos, and with the scenery in New England, it’s no wonder why! The weather isn’t as hot and muggy as it is in summer, nor does it feel like you need to break out a parka. The trees are putting on a beautiful color show, and overall there is a warmer tone. Here is some of my advice for wardrobe for family photos during fall: 

Decide on a color palette. Choose a few colors, a bit more earth toned, with one color that pops more. Popular color choices include sage, grey, navy, blue-grey, burnt orange, dusty rose, mustard, burgundy…to name a few, but I won’t put a limit on the MANY colors that look and photograph great in fall.

Coordinate outfits. No need to match each other. It can be easier to start with one person’s outfit, then pull from those colors or patterns to use for other members' outfits. This leaves room for individual personality to come on through.

Dress for the weather. Take note of the weather that week, and find a coat or sweater that you love and could easily throw on over your outfit. Pro tip: babies will get colder faster so bring a little blanket to wrap them up in! I ALWAYS suggest layering outfits for babies and young children.

Choosing wardrobe (especially for the whole fam) is HARD! But it doesn’t need to be stressful. Lay things out ahead of time, and I am always available to give feedback and suggestions on wardrobe options.