Boston Family Photo Session Spotlight: Fun Fall Photos with a New Baby | Boston Family Photographer

back bay boston family portraits

There’s something so special about capturing a family in their own space, where they feel most comfortable and at home. This fall, I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family in their gorgeous home in the heart of Back Bay, and as a Boston photographer, this has always been one of my favorite neighborhoods. As a South End local myself, I love getting to step into my clients’ lives for a day and document the little moments that show off the love between each and every family.

boston six month baby photos

This smiley 6-month-old was already in such a good mood when we arrived, and mom and dad shared all about her favorite 6-month-old things, like tummy time and looking out the windows. We started in the kitchen, capturing some adorable candids of baby giggling on the counter, soaking up all the attention from her parents (and the camera!). From there, we moved to the bedroom for some cozy, family shots—my favorite kind. Baby girl loved playing for us and an intense game of peekaboo was possibly more fun for us than it was for her.

boston indoor family photo sessions
emily obrien boston family photographer

After getting all warmed up, we headed out to their deck to take advantage of the stunning city views and lingering November sunshine. The view in the background made for the perfect backdrop, adding a personal touch of their neighborhood to their family photos. To wrap things up, we took to the sidewalks and strolled down their pretty Back Bay street, capturing some natural, joy-filled candids as they walked together as a family.

back bay fall family portrait session

Every family photoshoot is special, but there’s something extra magical about documenting life in the city, especially with a family’s first baby. If you’re looking for a Boston photographer to capture your family’s story, I’d love to help!

emily obrien photography family photo sessions
boston outdoor fall family portraits
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How to Pose Your Hands in Photos, No More Awkwardness! | Boston Brand Photographer

emily obrien photography portrait posing

What do I do with my hands?! Is prob the most common question when anyone steps in front of the camera. When we FEEL comfortable, we LOOK comfortable. There are a million things you could do with your hands, but what to do and how to make small adjustments makes all the difference between a rigid pose, and a relaxed, natural one. Here are my tried and true, most used things to do with your hands during headshots, lifestyle, or a full brand shoot:

emily obrien boston professional portrait advice
boston creative headshots posing tips
  1. Hold something.

Hold anything that would make sense for you to be holding. It is a misconception that incorporating props into your brand photoshoot will look staged. Subtle prop placement can show off our brand colors, hint at personality traits, or just make you look more relaxed, as if you’re not just standing there posing. We don’t have to hold up a prop in front of the camera for it to be effective or send a message. (photos of subtle props - pen, notebook, coffee, etc)

2. Show your hands.

Did you know that body language experts say that showing our hands makes us more trustworthy? It’s not always easy to use our hands and make it look natural, but often if we talk with our hands, that is the best place to start (photo of someone talking with hands). Even just a hand on your hair or under your chin can be very effective in showing a little vulnerability.

professional lifestyle portrait photographer boston
emily obrien photography hand posing tips

3. Lean on something

You can lean using your hands or your body. Leaning allows our body to look at ease, and if we look at ease, we will often feel that way too. Clients will often hear me say “lean forward”, which comes off as engaged and present, “I’m ready to listen to you”.

boston creative headshot pose ideas

4. Hands in pockets.

Tried and true, a very simple, yet effective solution to making our whole body look and feel more relaxed.

boston photographer headshot advice

Ultimately, the key to natural, effortless photos is to feel comfortable—and your hands play a big role in that! Try out these tips and notice how much more relaxed and confident you feel. With a little guidance, your hands will enhance your photos rather than feel like a challenge!

emily obrien photography creative headshot inspiration
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