A Tribute to the Mamas | Boston Family Photographer
Moms. I see you. Organizing family photos, juggling schedules, getting outfits together, bringing supplies, making sure the kids (and partners) look happy... all you want is a few good photos since you have none.
Then I get to witness and document these amazing sweet, silly, lovey moments and it's the best.
I hope you have a beautiful Mother’s 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.
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.
Boston Photographer | Top 10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas, (and a big announcement at the end)
A few years ago, I started giving gifts based on experiences, and I have to say they are my favorite types of gifts to give. Something you can do together is the best! So here is the list, and most of them (not all) are experienced based. Make sure you read until the end of the post to see May's big announcement just for moms!
Like most of you, I am often stumped when it comes to birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, and most gift giving holidays. A few years ago, I started giving gifts based on experiences, and I have to say they are my favorite types of gifts to give. Something you can do together is the best! So here is the list, and most of them (not all) are experienced based. Make sure you read until the end of the post to see May's big announcement just for moms!
10. Tickets to something she’s into. This is the easy one - Red Sox game, comedy show, musical, ballet, concert. The list of events happening in and around Boston is endless, and let’s be honest, mom is usually the one who organizes anything like this, so take the reins and make it easy for her by surprising her with her favorite tickets (bonus if dinner is included).
9. Boston Olive Oil Company 253 Newbury Street, Boston, MA. This place is awesome because they have over 50 varieties of oil and vinegar, and you can taste them all. My favorites are the Fig balsamic, and wild mushroom and sage olive oil.
8. A museum visit. I’m sure you have a few on your list (no judgement if they have been collecting dust on your list for years), but a few of my favorites are the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, The Institute of Contemporary Art, and of course the Boston essential, Museum of Fine Arts. If you are looking to make a day of it, plan on stopping by the SOWA district after to stroll through the many galleries in Boston’s art district. Bonus if you go on a Sunday, the SOWA open market will be in full swing!
7. A class at the Essex Art Center. I teach photography here and it’s such a hidden treasure! They have an amazing array of fun classes, for all ages… and at SUPER reasonable costs. My favorites are their one day workshops in pottery or painting. Even if mom’s not into art, she will appreciate the zen time away.
6. Helen Thomas Simply Smashing gift card, or almost anything from the store. They have so many cute gifts that it’s nearly impossible to go in there without finding something you can gift to mom, (and yourself). Located at 90 Main Street, Andover, MA.
5. A workout. I know that sounds like a terrible idea at first thought, but there are so many new studios with really fun workouts, they are a blast, and it’s something you can do together. My favorites are Flywheel in the Prudential, Cyc Fitness in Park Plaza, and hot yoga at Baptiste Yoga in Brookline. And what’s a Sunday morning workout without a good brunch after?
4. Save her a grocery trip. Send her a service like Blue Apron or HelloFresh and make dinner super easy for her. Bonus if you cook it for her.
3. Boston Cupcake Crawl. Um, who doesn’t like cupcakes? It’s a 2.5 hour walking tour through Boston where you get to learn what goes into the perfect cupcake, and obviously cupcake tasting. Tickets here: http://www.cloud9living.com/boston/boston-cupcake-crawl
2. Revamp her style with a personal stylist! Susan Kanoff offers consultations, closet purges, and personal shopping. You’d be surprised how little time mom has to put into her wardrobe, this might be just what she needs. www.agreatnewlook.com
1. OF COURSE I am biased here, but I truly believe in what I do, and I can’t think of a better gift than a portrait session for mom. She is always the one asking (ok usually begging) for everyone to cooperate for family snapshots, the gift of a professional family portrait session, creating memories that will last forever, will definitely guarantee you a spot on the favorites list.
And now for the big announcement I promised: In honor of Mother’s Day, if you book a family portrait session anytime during the month of May, you’ll receive your $220 session fee in product credit… so basically your session is free. Woah. This is first come, first serve, once May sessions book up, they are gone!
I'm going to end with these photos of my Mom and Nana. Nana absolutely hates having her photo taken, but when they came for a visit two years ago, after some debate and much hesitation, she agreed to sit for me... She loves these photos.
I always love to hear from you. What is your favorite Mother's Day gift to give? I'd love to add to the list! If you are a mom, what is your favorite gift that you've ever received for Mother's Day? Please share in the comments below!
Please contact me for more information on booking your May session