Boston Senior Portrait Photographer | Sweet and Sassy

Emily Mills is one of my Class of 2016 Senior Reps (we have 3 Emilys total, including me, making up 50% of our group, ha!). She goes to Central Catholic, and can pull off girly, sporty, or sassy. When it was time for her senior session in August, we decided to do a combo of mill building and grassy field for our locations. She brought her best friend, which was so great for getting natural laughs out of her! Emily is one of those girls that just naturally has a positive energy coming from her all the time, so capturing her personality was huge.

… though I can’t lie, GIRL HAS SOME SERIOUS SASS. She pulled off the sweet and sassy quite well, and owned those pearls, if I might add.

The red dress she chose for the grassy field was perfect. The late afternoon sun with the contrast of red against the colorful field made for some pretty painterly images. We had some good laughs at her session and I’m so glad we captured a few moments of her silliness in her video below.

Boston Fashion Photography | Valentine's Day "Red" Photo Shooting

January. Slow season. Time to update my website, create the yearly marketing plan… and most importantly, tap back into my creativity by planning beautiful, conceptual photo shoots with other creative people. The incredibly talented team for this one:

Fashion designer: Jack Robichaud, Jack Attackk Clothing

Hair and Makeup: Heather LoFaro

Model: Clara Duff

I’ve shot many of Jacki’s beautiful designs in the past, you can see some of them here. We came up with a “RED” concept for this shoot, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Not just red, but that beautiful wintery, deep wine color. Of course Jacki’s dress color was the exact match for the background that I had been dying to use since I got it a year ago, and it just moves and photographs so beautiful.

For hair and makeup, we wanted to create a lot of contrast and volume. We wanted the lips to match, and go for very dark accents with the rest of the makeup look. I was so torn for the hair, we knew we wanted volume, but up or down?! After going back and forth with Heather, she obviously nailed it.

I wanted to add even more depth and overall volume to the look by adding a headpiece. I stopped at AC Moore on my way to the studio, and created this deep red foral headpiece while Heather worked her magic, and she was able to incorporate it into the hair seamlessly.

It was our first time working with Clara, and her ability to go from sweet and silly to pro model in a snap was impressive. Those eyes! She was an absolute doll to work with, and I think (I hope) we will all be working together again soon.

Jacki is always great at doing the behind the scenes shots. There's us in action below!! We're so glamorous aren't we? :P

Of course, we had to play a little at the end, so we took the hair down, switched up the dress and lighting, and just played for the last few shots. We thought about smearing all her makeup just to get weird, but she was going out to dinner, so we left her face alone :)

Want this, or a similar look? Contact me to plan your own concept shoot.

Jack Attackk Clothing

Hair and Makeup by Heather

Clara Duff Model

Boston Photographer | Fashion Editoral Senior Portraits

What a great senior season! For those of you who don’t know, this is just my second year of launching my high school senior portrait sessions. This is not your traditional senior portrait, no, this is a full on modeling experience. They are fashion magazine inspired, styled to fit each individual, and as much about the experience as it is about the end result.

My senior ladies totally ROCKED it this year, and I couldn’t have asked for better models. They stepped it up with fashion, style, and PERSONALITY. Thanks to Robert Jason Salon for their commitment to creating some of these beautiful, natural looks. I’ll let the video below speak for itself, but a huge THANK YOU to you beauties for making my job so much fun. So much love to you all Class of 2016

Thanks for watching! If you like the video, please share with family and friends through email or social media.

Click here for more information on this style of senior portrait sessions

Click here to see the full senior gallery

Click here to send me a question or just to say hello!!

I'm really looking forward to meeting the Class of 2017, make sure you stay connected to receive all the updates and information!

Boston Photographer | Happy 2016!!!

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions per se, but I do love the New Year because it's a fresh start. Clean slate. A chance to brainstorm and plan for the year. And it's also the calm AFTER the storm for me. This fall was the busiest I have EVER been, and while I couldn't have been more excited to embrace it, I have to say I am happy for the down time. 2015 was the best year yet, and not just because I was busy, but because I was busy with YOU. I was busy with clients and businesses that I truly adore, and I have so much gratitude for each and every one of you.

I started this list as my top 10 favorite images from the year, but you beautiful people made it damn near impossible to narrow it down. So here it is, my top 20 favorite images from 2015.

View fullsize

I can't wait to see what 2016 brings. Lots of love and gratitude my beautiful models!

If your photo made the top 20, please make sure to forward and share with all your friends!

Boston Portrait Photographer Promo Video by Daniel Byers

Many of you have seen my fashion editorial style senior portraits. This market is so new to me, but the feedback from seniors so far has been so incredible, I knew I needed to get the word out about these sessions quickly. That led me to starting my first Senior Rep program for the Class of 2016. Aside from that, I needed to step it up and really show the EXPERIENCE these girls have when they shoot with me. I need a promo video, a legit, professional, bad-a$$ promo video, done by a professional video artist. Enter Daniel Byers, video artist extraordinaire. When you are done watching our video, go to his website immediately, www.skyshipfilms.com and be amazed by some of the work that he’s done. I actually almost couldn’t believe that he agreed to work on my video, after seeing the rest of his work.

We met, and talked about my process, and how to convey what shooting with me was like from a client perspective. I told him how hair and makeup was a big factor to not only the end result, but also to the whole experience. I also needed to express how important styling and accessorizing is to planning a session, showing how everything comes together is huge! Finally, creating a relationship and interacting with my subject is going to make or break the whole experience. Communication and allowing my subject to be vulnerable with me is the only way we’re going to get what we need from our session.

I knew I wanted Hayley to be our model for this video. She is easy to work with, has the sweetest personality, and takes direction very well. 

We were all lucky to work with Heather Lofaro, hair and makeup artist with incredible talent

Watch the video below for yourself!

When it came to shooting, Daniel was a pro. He had a clear vision of what we were going for and planned out the shots he wanted. I’m always intrigued by the creative process, so I enjoyed every minute of it. Hayley was also a champ… it was one of those icy April days that still feels like winter.

All in all, I am beyond happy that we made this video… now I can’t wait to do another!!!

See some of the final shots made while creating the video below.

See more images from past shoots with Hayley here

See more of Daniel's work here

Contact Daniel about creating your own promo video

Hair and makeup by Heather Lofaro

Boston Portrait Photographer | Merrimack Valley Senior Rep Team, Class of 2016

Introducing the Class of 2016 Senior Rep Team, Emily O’Brien Photography’s first ever high school senior model program. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter group of girls. They are A BLAST to have in front of my camera, and they pull off “fashion editorial” quite well. These girls will be representing my studio in each of their high schools.

Watch the video below to see how much fun we had on our glamorous group photo shoot:

Hannah of Andover High, Marissa of North Andover High, Kaila of Beverly High, Emily B of Lynn Classical,  and Emily M and Francesca from Central Catholic in Lawrence

What is a senior rep program? It’s extremely important for me to have a voice and a presence in local high schools, and the best way to do that is through the students themselves! So in exchange for spreading the good word around their school, these wonderful ladies receive the VIP red carpet treatment. Our major perk is the group photo shoot. This shoot is styled, and hair and makeup is provided by Robert Jason Salon. I have a fabulous partnership with Robert, and his talented team provides hair and makeup for most of my senior girl portrait sessions. Other bonuses of being a senior rep include digital images, contests, bonuses, EOP tanks, and lots of fun little events and shoots throughout the year.

The Robert Jason Salon team did an amazing job with hair and makeup, and making the girls feel comfortable in their own skin.

We warmed up by photographing each girl individually in the studio.

Then we moved outside for fun group photos and more individuals. It was WINDY. My assistant was holding one light as the other blew over, so we quickly squashed the whole idea of a lighting setup. The girls were such good sports trekking around in their heels, and looking relaxed while practically being blown away.

All in all it was a great day and I can't wait for our next shoot together. Look out for photos from our South End/Bay Bay, Boston shoot.

Fore more info about senior portrait sessions click here

Contact me to book your senior session

Robert Jason Salon in Andover for your hair and makeup experience

Boston Photographer | Two Sisters and their New Brother at Prescott Park

I LOVE photographing a family the second time around. It’s always a great experience for me because I know them. I know their taste, I know what they already chose for albums or wall art, and I know their personalities. Karen and Dick Fitzpatrick have 5 grown kids and 8 beautiful grandkids. I had a blast photographing them at their house on the beach in Rye, NH.

Fitzpatrick extended family portrait from summer 2014 on Rye Beach

Erin's two little girls at last year's family portrait on Rye Beach

Karen and Dick's five kids being silly together for our last photo of the day

When one of their daughters, Erin, asked me to photograph her family this year (with their new brand new addition, Bode), I was ecstatic. I can’t even describe in words how cute her family is. Erin chose Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH as their spot. When I arrived, there were these gorgeous white flowered draping trees (which I later found out were Japanese flowering crab apple trees). Gorgeous location, happy kids, beautiful family. Yes please.

Their oldest, Liv, is an old soul with a shy smile and a serious gaze. She listened to every word and direction I gave her, as long as I photographed her doing a cartwheel at the end.

Lia, the middle child, is far from the typical “middle child”. Her eyes light up when you talk to her and her cute laugh will make anyone’s heart smile. She found a flower when we got there and didn’t put it down once during the whole session. She also expressed her sincere regret that she didn’t pick me any lilacs from their garden… <3

Their baby boy, Bode was Mr. Smiley and at 8 months old, I couldn’t believe how easily Grandma was able to make him laugh. He was responsive and candid… and I could have brought him home with me.

Seriously, this family couldn’t be any better to have a portrait session with...

What I didn’t tell Erin at the time, was that this was the perfect opportunity to launch and announce my new product – the Video Slideshow. The slideshow is a combination of video from your session, and your finished still images. Watch the full video below:

If you are interested in video with your portrait session, contact me here

Boston Photographer | Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert

Haley is a personal trainer, beach body coach, mom to two beautiful little girls, and co-owner (with her husband) of PACE Fitness in Plainville, MA. And soon she will be a nurse on top of all that! To say she knows a thing or two about living a healthy life is quite the understatement. This girl lives THE healthy lifestyle. What I love about Haley is that her philosophy for achieving a healthy body doesn’t involve two-a-days or hours everyday at the gym. She believes in the 30 minute a day workout that everyone can make time for… and CLEAN EATING. She is actually living proof that this works.

For Haley, this photo shoot has to encompass a lot of things – she is well rounded in health and fitness and that’s important for her loyal clients and fans to know. Beauty, strength, versatility, and FUN are a few key words we were going for.

Haley doing yoga with her oldest daughter

We started warming up with some yoga, and incorporated her daughter, Lilly into a few shots. Haley is a strong believer that just because you have the kids and can’t get to the gym, doesn’t mean you can’t get a good workout… include your kids!

You’d think someone with a body like this would walk around in their bikini all day everyday (I would anyway), but Haley’s humility and modesty is so sweet. She was a little shy, and I was lucky enough to capture some genuine giggles between shots.

We had to get some shots in PACE fitness, the gym where her and her husband do personal and small group training. I LOVED the purple wall, and Haley looked pretty bad a$$ posing against it. Time kind of got away from me on this photo shoot, but Haley was so fun to work with, and I really wanted to make sure we captured her many fitness personalities. (scroll to the bottom for video)

I love Haley’s fitness philosophies, she makes it sound so simple. Clean eating 80% of the time, and 30 minutes a day. She truly believes that this tone and muscle definition is possible for any average person.

Haley on healthy eating:

“If your diet consists mostly of unhealthy, processed foods, you won’t see results. The 80/20 rule applies here again. At least 80% of your diet must consist of healthy, whole foods if you want to see your abs.”

Haley on our photo shoot:

"I wanted my photos to be more than photos. I wanted someone who could capture my personality and the idiosyncrasies of my expressions and body language. My goal was to come across as approachable and non intimidating and she did just that. The moment she walked in I felt at ease, I felt comfortable and able to be myself."

fitness beauty shot

Check out Haley's video short below. If you like it, please subscribe to my You Tube channel and share!

For more info about Haley:

 Fortier Fit Nurse Website

Visit Haley’s FB page

Visit her BeachBody website

PACE Fitness

For more info about having a shoot like this:

Contact me

On to more photo galleries!!!

Boston Portrait Photographer | Fashion Inspired Senior Session with Jackie

Jackie contacted me for her senior portraits because she saw her friend Hayley's photos, and wanted a similar experience. She wanted the fashion inspired model shoot that I had recently started offering to high school seniors. What 17 year old girl doesn’t want to be a model for a day? She didn’t necessarily want these photos for the yearbook (I think the deadline had already passed), she wanted this experience to have it and keep it forever, she wanted to feel beautiful.

She brought in really great outfits for her consultation, she loves fashion and shoes, so she did a wonderful putting together a complete outfit for each look. She brought bright colors, pink, and turquoise, mixed with simple whites and blacks. She brought mini skirts and oversized sweaters with leggings. She also loved the idea of shooting in the old mill buildings (am I sensing a signature location style since opening in Lawrence or what?)

We were expecting a snowstorm the day of the shoot, which is no big surprise looking back at the winter we've had, but it was the first snowfall of the season. We changed our timing a bit, but I said “maybe we could get some snowy portraits, if you’re up for it!” She loved that and mom was a good sport... especially when we were actually in the trenches and we were getting hit with the heavy, wet, miserable snow.

I couldn't wait to show Jackie and her mom the photos at our Viewing appointment. Dad was joining us as well and I can't lie, I always get a little more nervous when dad comes too (I think it's often harder for them to see their little girl as an almost-grown, beautiful woman), but he loved them and encouraged Jackie throughout the ordering process. They went with a 10x10 album, which was perfect for Jackie's session, since we were able to incorporate so many different looks.

I love Jackie's look so much, I had to order a big print of her for the studio sample wall as well.

Read more about these fashion editorial inspired senior sessions here

Update: Jackie just graduated from Brooks School in North Andover and will be entering the Miss Teen USA pageant this year. I am thrilled to be one of her sponsors!

Jackie's program ad for the Miss Teen pageant

Boston Photographer | Modeling Portfolio for Hayley

Hello! After a long winter hibernation, blogging is back :) and I'm starting with one of my favorite girls from the fall....

Hayley came to me because she was interested in modeling. She contacted me, asked all the right questions, and booked an appointment for a consultation. For a 15 year old, I couldn’t have been more impressed with her professionalism right off the bat. (I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if she grows up to be an incredibly successful business woman). When I met Hayley and her mom, I saw how excited and serious Hayley was to dive into this new adventure and see if she had what it takes to model. We went through styling and location options (more on styling here), and planned everything out for her first shoot. She loved the idea of shooting in the mill buildings around my studio, so that’s where our main focus was going to be.

The day of the shoot, Haley and her mom showed up at the studio, after stopping at Robert Jason Salon for hair and makeup, well prepared and with positive energy. We started shooting and Haley was a dream to work with. She had never modeled professionally before, but she took my direction with such ease and confidence, I would have guessed she had been doing it for years.

The shoot went so well, we lost track of time, and were really racing against the light to fit our last few shots in. For the end of the shoot, we really wanted to get a few sunset shots on a pretty farm road in Andover, 15 minutes from the studio. It was already dark out, but Haley and her mom were up for giving it a try, so we headed over there as the darkness was dropping in quickly, and got our last shots in.

When Haley and her mom came back to the studio for our viewing session, they were blown away with the results. I was so happy to show her how truly BEAUTIFUL she is.