How to prepare for your session: The ultimate guide | Boston 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.

What to do when your kids won’t “behave” for their session | Boston Photographer

One of parents’ biggest concerns is that their family won’t cooperate for their session. You want photos of your loving, giggly, happy kid, and your sweet child won’t smile on command like an angel for family photos. Of course not! Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun, and the giggles will follow.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting the best out of your kids:

1. Get your kids excited for the session and let them know how much fun it will be, but no need to over prepare them or add too much pressure for "best behavior”

2. Kids pick up on your stress, so stay cool, even when they don’t. Meltdowns come and go, we have plenty of time to take a break and reset, no biggie!

3. Bribes work. For older toddlers and school age kids, rewards can be our best friends. Having their favorite (non messy) snack on hand can be a lifesaver. But try not to break it out too early, or they’ll be fixated on it!

4. Go with the flow. I’ll always have an idea of how I want a shot to go, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that young kids are unpredictable, and the better shot usually comes from allowing them some wiggle room.

5. Above all, if you are having fun with them, they will have fun with you. Be prepared to pull out all the stops with hugs, kisses, tickles, chasing, and their favorite ways to interact with you. You know what brings out the best in your kids, so come prepared to be silly if that’s what does it.

Fun Ways to Photograph your kids This Summer | Boston Photographer

Summer is here (and so is the heat)! Hand-in-hand with this warmer weather comes longer time spent outside, especially for kids. To capture your kids having fun in the sun, I’ve created a list of some summer photo ideas that will bring a smile not just to your kids face but to your face as well. 

Capture your kid:

1. Eating watermelon or summer fruit. Be prepared for sticky hands and chins! You can even make a day of this by transforming it into a picnic.

2. Splashing in the water. Pool, ocean, lake, it doesn’t matter. Yes, your kid(s) will love this one, and yes, you may get wet. Trust me if you miss the shot of the cannon ball splash, they will be happy to do it again.

3. Doing classic “summer things”. Fourth of July fun, lemonade stands, playing with bubbles, running through the sprinkler, bbq nights- capture a family moment you love!

Have fun trying out different summer activities with your kid and capturing the moment as is. Pro tip: remember to bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Boston Event Photographer | Summer Color Run!

I know we are (kind of) into the swing of fall, but I have to look back on this Color Run that kicked off summer for these Pike School students. Monx Design always impresses me with their events, and what better way to celebrate the 5th grade class, than hosting a Color Fun Run?! These kids were a joy to photograph, as they were not afraid to get into the action! They ran, skipped, and leapt their way throughout the different obstacles. And boy were they fast!

Of course, these sassy kids never gave up an opportunity to strike a pose! In my book, the sillier the pose the better, and often leads to a fit of giggles and amazing photos.

But the best part of the Fun Run is getting MESSY, and wow did they go for it. When they were not running through the obstacles, they were throwing pigments on both their friends and themselves.

I will never forget seeing Norbert pull out the leaf blower, turning it on, and a cloud of color come billowing off the kids. The fun did not stop there. The DJs soon brought the whole house down with wacky games, limbo, and plenty of dancing! Finally, a special shoutout must be made for Monique and Norbert for putting on such a memorable event!

More info about Monique and her Monx Design House team