Taking on Toddlers During Your Newborn Shoot | Boston Photographer
Just days into embarking on their journey with three kids, the Gillespies were ready to capture some precious moments with their brand new baby and his older siblings. With mom and dad having two toddlers in tow, I was more than happy to be welcomed into their South Boston home for a cozy indoor session. Having two young kids of my own has made newborn shoots even more special to me, give me all the baby snuggles! Also, Charlie was a total natural, and went along with whatever we wanted.
Annie and Jack were so excited to show us all around their home to help scope out their favorite spots to play. As I received the formal stuffed animal introduction, I had dad giving the performance of a lifetime just behind my head while I snapped some playful, candid photos. Between the giggling and jumping on the bed we lost count of how many times we lost Annie’s bow in the silliness, but somehow she had it on for every photo.
The bow itself was the cherry on top of the family’s coordinating wardrobe. The Gillespies pulled a page right from our style guide and accented their neutral-toned outfits with pops of blue. All of which looked great against the backdrop of their home. It's easy to overlook your own bedroom as a photo location, but I find they tend to make a great spot to get comfortable in front of the camera.
After exhausting the photo opportunities in the bedrooms we relocated to the kitchen to break out everyone’s favorite: snacks. When discussing prep for the session I always recommend bringing along your kid’s favorite (non-messy) treat to break out when their patience starts running low. Once we had Goldfish coupled with the rare opportunity to sit on the counter, the kids got the second wind.
The shoot ended with the whole family (including the dog) piled onto the couch to snuggle and love on baby Charlie. What made this such a successful family session was everyone’s attitude. Mom and dad were easygoing, we gave the toddlers some freedom so they had fun the whole time, and this allowed us to capture these genuine, authentic family moments.
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