It's 2025, Your Family Photos Can Be Fun! (with Emily O'Brien Photography) | Boston Family Photographer
Hellooo 2025! Maybe we are friends, maybe we see each other once a year at your session, and maybe you have been waiting and waiting to hit that “book your session” button (could this be your year?). Whatever the case may be, I’m refreshed after some time off and so ready for this year, so let’s start with a re-intro:
I’m Emily, Boston family photographer, mom of two (and dog-mom to our OG baby). I love running my own small business in Emily O’Brien Photography, and I especially love helping families create and capture those special memories that they can look back on for years.
With two young kids of my own I am hyper-aware of how fast time flies and being able to look back on our own memories is everything (let’s be real moms, we don’t even remember who our kid was a year ago, it is so fleeting).
This is my assistant Mikayla, she is here to be my extra set of hands in whatever we need from lighting and props, to pulling out an arsenal of silly faces to get smiles out of even the most “spirited” little ones. As peekaboo professionals, we always leave each session with some awesome expressions from your kids.
We want to start off the new year by answering some of our most frequently asked questions when it comes to family portrait sessions.
1. What can we expect
To have fun! Our family sessions are for the family who LOVES being around each other. Do you love to snuggle and play with your kids? If yes, then we are going to have a great time together. Each session starts with a questionnaire to help me get to know you and your kids better, what makes them laugh, what do they respond to, etc...
2. What do we wear?
I love this question! There are so many ways to coordinate your family’s outfits for photos. I put together my favorite tips in my style guide to help my clients get inspired but still feel like themselves.
3. What if my kid doesn’t cooperate?
They won’t. Just kidding! BUT, big feelings and shyness happen, and that’s okay. Our job is to make it as fun for them as possible, and their job is to be a kid :) I’ve been a family photographer in Boston for a long time and even my kids don’t always (read never) readily smile for my camera.
I am so excited for 2025 and all the families I get to continue making memories with, and the ones we will get to meet!
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?
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.
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!
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!
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 :)
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.
Families That Book Every Year, With the DuBuc Family | Boston Family Photographer
What makes families keep choosing me, your trusted Boston family photographer, to capture those precious moments year after year? I think it has a lot to do with the pictures, but it’s also about the relationships. You want someone who knows your family, who knows how to talk to your kids and deal with your grumpy husband (just kidding dads, we love you!) It’s like a mini reunion every year and I love already knowing the kids going into a session.
If there is one thing I love about family photography, it’s watching families grow and evolve year after year. It's like having a backstage pass to the most heartwarming show on Earth. Seeing your little ones go from crawling to conquering the world, capturing the subtle changes in your dynamics, and freezing those moments that make your family uniquely yours - I live for it.
I also love seeing moms and dads go from rookies with newborn babies to experienced veteran parents of confident, well loved kiddos.
As a mom of a 2 and 4 year old, I feel like they are different people everyday. This time while they are little is fleeting, and I want to capture everything (which is maybe why we all have 1,587,000 videos of them on our phones), but having these yearly sessions to put in an album and look back on, is one tradition I look forward to and will always prioritize.
So, cheers to our yearly tradition of freezing time and creating a visual diary of your family's incredible journey. Whether it’s for spring blooms, summer on the beach, fall foliage, or braving a snowy winter session, I hope to see you again this year.
3 Mistakes to Watch Out For on Your Brand Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer
Hey there, small business owners and entrepreneurs in Boston! If you're gearing up for an awesome brand photoshoot, we've got some essential advice to share with you. Today, we're going to uncover the top three mistakes you need to avoid to ensure your brand photoshoot is a resounding success. So, grab your notebook and let's dive into this blog post that's all about what to avoid to create stunning brand visuals.
1. “Winging It”: The Importance of Preparation
Picture this: You show up for your brand photoshoot, all excited and ready to strike a pose. But hold on, have you actually prepared for it? "Winging it" might sound thrilling, but when it comes to creating a strong visual identity for your brand, preparation is absolutely crucial. In the initial steps of the planning process we’ll get into the importance of communication, prop selection, and outfit coordination to match the vibe and location. Trust us, skipping the preparation phase is a big no-no that can lead to lackluster results. So, let's ensure your photoshoot is set up for success right from the start.
2. Location, Location, Location: Don’t Settle for a Location that Doesn’t Fit Your Brand
So, before you brush off your own workspace as not being "luxury" or "on-brand" enough, think again! (Check out the blog for prepping your workspace!) Embrace its unique qualities and consider how they align with your brand's story. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust and connecting with your audience, and using your own workspace can amplify that in your brand photos.
If your workspace doesn't fit right for what you’re going for, tap into the resources around you! Do you have a friend with a kitchen that perfectly complements your lifestyle brand? Or perhaps you can strike a sweet trade deal with a past client who has an "on-brand" blue living room? And hey, have you ever considered checking out some Airbnb options? Renting a location may come with an extra expense, but trust us, it's always worth it. We've never had a client say they regretted investing in the perfect space that truly embodied their brand.
For more tips on choosing the perfect location, head over to our blog post on "How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Brand Photoshoot". It's a game-changer!
3. Don't Let Those Photos Collect Digital Dust
Now that you've embraced the idea of using your own location for your brand photoshoot, let's talk about the importance of actually using those photos. We understand that the overwhelming feeling of "How do I use them?" can sometimes creep in. But remember, the key is to take action and be strategic. “Done is better than perfect.”
Here's the truth: using your photos strategically is crucial for showcasing your brand and engaging your audience. We'll share valuable insights and practical tips on how to leverage your photos across your social media platforms, website, and other marketing channels. Let's ensure your brand photos shine brightly and contribute to your business's success. Check out “Tips for How to Make Your Brand Stand Out Online”
Start by creating a content calendar and planning out how you'll incorporate your photos into your social media posts, website, and other marketing materials. Highlight different aspects of your workspace and how they tie into your brand's story. By using your own space, you're not only showcasing your products or services but also inviting your audience into your world.
Now that you're aware of the top three mistakes to avoid on your brand photoshoot, you're equipped to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Remember the significance of preparation, the importance of choosing the right location, and the necessity of maximizing your photos' potential. By sidestepping these mistakes, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning visuals that truly represent your brand. So, get ready to showcase your brand's essence through captivating imagery and watch your business thrive.
Behind the Scenes of a Personal Brand Session in Marblehead with Kelly Duggan | Boston Photographer
This past fall, I was up in Marblehead (which is so beautiful!) every few weeks working with some incredible interior designers and architects. One of the shoots that really brought Marbleadhead to life though, was Kelly’s personal brand session. This all-inclusive, all-day lifestyle session for Kelly was really meant to show off HER. The perfect combo of her biz and life… because honestly is there really that much of a line between the two anymore?
Walking in the door at our first location Kelly chose - a beautiful home overlooking the bay in Marblehead- I gawked at the stunning clothing laid out for this session, which pretty much turned the downstairs entrance into a walk-in closet. Our mutual friend Paula was her hair and makeup artist, and really went above and beyond, taking the role of wardrobe stylist as well, adding accessories to compliment and finalize outfits. (Thank you Paula!) Kelly and Paula absolutely NAILED wardrobe, and Kelly wore her clothes with such confidence. Side-note: even if you are coming to the studio for a quick headshot, I recommend getting your hair and make-up done by Paula. She’s my HMU spirit animal and always creates the perfect camera-ready-but-still-yourself look.
Kelly had a clear vision for her shoot, bringing fun props along with her to clearly define her brand and add some personality (pro move Kelly). How fun is it to have a bunch of balloons and pop some bubbly?! There was even fake snow, which required us to get creative with our cleaning in our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible. We had an action packed shot list for the day (I may have broken a sweat on multiple occasions), but we ended up with a TON of variety that will fill her content library for months.
And, as always, we had to be flexible in true photoshoot fashion, as one of our locations in town was closed. That just led us to a lovely flower shop right down the street, with great steps for posing, and pristine lighting. Everything worked out beautifully in the end! We ended the day in Lynn, right along the water in time to catch the sunset over Boston; casting a golden glow to the end of our session. Of course, there was a toast to celebrate!
Boston Portrait Photographer | Brianna's Day Off (Bueller....?)
Who wouldn’t want to skip school for a photoshoot? That’s what senior Brianna got to do for her senior portraits! Brianna is friends and soccer teammates with one of our Senior Reps, Alena. At the crack of 8:30am, we met at the studio for Brianna’s mill building inspired shoot.
Right off the bat, Brianna worked it. She has the natural smize down. For those of you who don’t know the Tyra Banks coined term, smize = “smile with your eyes”. And look at all of that hair! It was a bit of a wind storm when we made it outside, but she wrangled all of her long locks effortlessly.
I even have to say, that the more windblown her hair got, the better it looked, does this girl ever have a bad hair day?? After a quick outfit change, she pulled out one of our favorite winter accessories: the blanket scarf.
Not only is it perfect for a brisk December morning, you can’t help but have some fun with it. Soon Brianna was laughing at having to sway continuously, which brought out her fun, happy personality in the photos.
We ended the shoot across the street in the mill buildings. I am beginning to love this early morning winter light in the mills. Showcasing a bright red off the shoulder shirt with the gritty, monochromatic backdrop resulted in Brianna absolutely shining.
Boston Portrait Photographer | Newborn Twins in Back Bay
In their cozy of Back Bay home, we met Shannon, her husband Daryl, and their newborn twins for a truly special photoshoot. The twins had come earlier than planned, and were just 5 lbs each. But as the saying goes, good things come in small packages. We started out the photoshoot in the twins’ nursery that was designed by Shannon.
With a palette of creams, gold, silver, and rose gold, as well as stars and furs scattered throughout the room, the nursery was the embodiment of Shannon’s vision for the photoshoot. The twins were just beginning to nod off as we swaddled the two of them in soft pink and blue wraps.
As we started the shoot, Oscar the cat slunk his way into the room. He sat patiently and watched us as we worked, keeping a watchful eye over his new roommates. Halfway though, Grandma popped in to see how her new grandchildren were doing, and found them fast asleep comfy in the fabric and fur that was their background.
After finishing in the nursery, Shannon, Daryl, the twins, and even Oscar joined us in Mom and Dad’s room. The family piled onto the bed and snuggled close, again surrounded in the pinks and creams that Shannon so thoughtfully decorated with.
The results reflect the warmth and love found in their home. Congratulations Shannon and Daryl on your growing family!
Boston Portrait Photographer | The Hodgmans 3 with 1 more on the way!
We’d normally say, “say hello” to little Naomi, but she prefers saying “bye”. One year is such a great age and we love hearing the random sayings they find to be special. In this case, Naomi loves saying bye to people, even when she’s just meeting you! With their home situated near Bulloughs Pond in Newton, we met Nicole, her husband Josh, and their daughter Naomi on a breezy yet sunny November day.
Originally from Chicago, Nicole and Josh lived in the South End of Boston until recently moving out to Newton. They knew they had to move to a home with more space as they are expecting baby number 2 in March! At the beginning of the shoot, Nicole and Josh claimed that they were not photogenic which could not be further from the truth.
Piled on to the bed, the family cuddled close for some very sweet photos. We soon made our way outside to test out Naomi’s new kicks: purple air jordans. Yes. purple. Air jordans. On a one year old. Incredible.
We soon broke out the bubbles and Naomi was so intent on catching them. She wanted to chase after them so badly, and we got some truly precious photos out of it. We sang the baby shark song, threw leaves in the air, and had an overall fantastic time enjoying the last bits of fall.
