Baby Portraits: six months old, cheeks, and smiles-oh my! | Boston Photographer

The first year of baby’s life goes by so fast! Each month brings a new milestone, whether it’s sitting up, holding objects or crawling. While I absolutely love newborn shoots, it’s always exciting to work with babies within their first year. Just like each month brings a new milestone in development, a 3 month old and a 9 month old react differently in front of the camera. This past spring I had the lovely opportunity to work with Theo, a six month old, at their stunning condo in downtown Boston, and oh man, did he have the best expressions. Wait till you see those cheeks!

Theo was a natural, like ready to be on the cover of magazine-worthy. As a six month old he was sitting up by himself, and loved grabbing his feet or was completely fascinated by the drawstrings on his pants. While he went through the range of emotions like most babies, Theo was quick to offer back up a smile, thanks to his cheerleaders and support team, his mom, dad, and aunt! All of whom were running around behind me chanting, singing, playing peek-a-boo, and redirecting his attention with Sophie the giraffe. 

As you can see from the photos, Theo had multiple outfits which are especially helpful to have on hand on any infant shoot, (because babies can be messy). He went through his changes like a champ, and his wardrobe went great with the overall vibe of the space. Enjoy some of Theo’s moments below!

6 months is a big milestone! But no matter the age, if you interrupt nap time, there will be some tears.

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.

My Five Favorite Unique Boston Locations For Your Family Photos | Boston Photographer

Boston Public Garden, Arnold Arboretum, Seaport–all prime photo locations and quintessential Boston gems. And it’s always a different experience, no matter how many times I shoot there (thanks to you!) All great options, but if you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path, unique locations for your family photo session, they are not as far as you might think. While they might not look like much as a whole on the outside, there is always a spot to create great images. (BONUS: one of these locations has been teen approved- meaning they are more invested in the shoot!) 

Destination 1: Underground Ink Block. This urban graffiti park located between Boston’s South End and South Boston is fun for any age. Bright, bold colors and fun art-what more could you ask for!

Destination 2: Mill Buildings near my Lawrence Studio. Remember me mentioning the teen approved site? Well this is it. Actually, I recommend this location only for older kids due to the raw industrial nature of the space. (of course it’s safe to shoot at, but not for little wandering hands). It creates some cool (yes, this word was used by a teen), industrial looking images.

Destination 3: Unkempt Field or Hill. Those tall grass photos that capture the light–need I say more? You know what I am talking about. For this type of location, I always suggest bug spray and a blanket.

Destination 4: Your home. This location is the most overlooked option. Share your love for the space you live in. Indoor, backyard, there are more great little nooks than you’ve ever realized.

Destination 5: An interesting wall. Have you ever driven by a side of white brick wall, or brightly painted side of a building, and thought, “isn’t that interesting?” No? Just me? A simple wall can add a lot of different looks. Bright, bold, rustic, edgy, playful. Add a simple texture background to keep the focus on you and your family, while giving your photos a bit of a flare.

Looking for more ideas? Reach out, so we can find a location that’s perfect for your family photos.

How to get natural expressions from kids | Boston Photographer

Nothing compares to a genuine, heartfelt smile from your kids. Throughout the years I have discovered some of the best ways to get authentic emotions out of kids, and I’ll let you in on my secrets. It’s not as difficult as you think, just get ready to be a little goofy!

I absolutely love working with kids. They typically don’t fake how they feel, especially the younger ones, and kids tend to wear their expressions very honestly; creating a light-hearted atmosphere can give you the genuine look you want. When I’m on a shoot, I am always ready for those candid shots to capture them in their natural setting. 

Try kissing them. Babies and toddlers can be the most unpredictable, as one moment they may be laughing then the next it's like a little rain cloud is over them. But one of my favorite ways to bring joy to their faces is having mom, dad, brother, sister, you fill in the blank here, kiss different body parts. Their eyes, nose, fingers-try it all! 

Another safe option to melt those serious expressions is Peek-a-boo. You’ve got to love a classic. This one works best on kids under the age of 2.

Here comes the tickle monster! If you know your child is ticklish this can be a great secret weapon to turn any frowns or discomfort into a toothy grin. 

Toss your child up in the air! (safely)

Who doesn’t love a good dance party and sing along? Dancing can help a child relax and get out any jitters. Young ones love songs, so bonus if you sing in a silly voice. For upset babies, try putting on their favorite song to see if that can crack a smile or at least change the mood.

Make everything a game. See who can jump the highest, or if they can pop out from behind a nearby prop on the count of 3. Play Simon Says-but add an accent! Or tell them to hold a serious face and keep it as long as they can.

Break out the jokes! (Yes, even dad jokes) This one can work on both younger and older children. Maybe it’s a knock-knock joke, or a family inside joke. Perhaps you might even use some bathroom humor for the younger ones-whatever gets them cheesing!

Connection is key for older kids. Teenagers will whip out their phones if they have the chance. Ask them if they have any photo requests so they feel more invested. Find out their interests by taking some time to chat.

Make a funny sound. I tend to use this one for babies and younger children to grab their attention, but you can also make an older kid laugh this way as well.

Take. Breaks. Period. An hour can be a long time for any kid (and parents too if we’re being real here). If anyone needs a break, we take it. Taking 5 quiet mins in exchange for a happy 10 mins is always ok with me. .

Next time try one of these tactics to get a real smile, sometimes it just takes a little trial and error.

How to Do Winter Photos the Right Way | Boston Photographer

I absolutely love the seasons. Each season brings you something to look forward to and enjoy. Apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, blooming flowers in the spring, sunshine in the summer, and hot cocoa and snow in the winter! Living in Boston we get the full force of the seasons, and winter can bring us a beautiful snowy wonderland but also some frigid temperatures. Don’t let those temperatures discourage you from creating some cozy, magical photos with your fam!!

Don’t underestimate home photoshoots. Home is where the heart is, creating some wonderfully fun and cuddly images in a space that means something to you. Before every session I take some time to scout the best spots around your house with the best lighting. (Spoiler, I can ALWAYS find at least a few spots). Indoor sessions are perfect for young kids and babies.

In the mood for some outdoor shots as well? Maybe it snowed the night before or the lighting is stunning. Combo sessions are a perfect way to get both outdoor and (warm) indoor photos! Just remember to bring plenty of layers. Older kids can have fun layering up, and young kids will get excited to run outside-though their mood can change pretty quickly (hello cold hands and runny nose) All we need is a few minutes outside, before running back home to warm up! Pro tip: A change in environment is also great for resetting not-so-great moods.

My Approach to Candid, Natural Family Photos - Goodbye Fake Smiles | Boston Family Photographer

Can you even imagine that trying to get a few good photos of your kids could be stress free? Or that capturing natural, candid photos of the whole family could even be fun and enjoyable? I know it seems like a pipe dream but it’s really all in the approach. Keep reading for my favorite ways to capture your unique family dynamic, naturally.

You know when you ask your kids to do a task and they completely ignore you? But if you ask the same thing of them, play it cool, make it fun, like it’s their decision, they are all over it. Family photos are no different. Instead of “stand there and smile”, we take more of a “I bet you love your mom so much, how do you show mom how much you love her?!” approach. This allows the kids to be spontaneous and candid, and avoids the fake smiles.

Our sessions are for the families that genuinely love being around each other and playing with their kids. Before our session, we start with a questionnaire to get to know your family better. This gives you the opportunity to think about those silly, playful moments you have at home with your kids, and share them with me so we can recreate them at our session. 

Worried about what everyone’s wearing? I know this can be one of the most stressful things about scheduling your family photo session before you even think about walking out the door. That’s why I’ve put together this guide (click here) that makes planning outfits super easy. I also love being a part of this process, so I always encourage families to send me options if you want my input. The best thing you can do is make sure everything fits everyone ahead of time, and lay out your outfits the night before your session, right down to socks and shoes.

Our ultimate goal is to document your family so you have these memories of how you actually were, how you played, how you laughed, and how you loved each other. So if your kid buries her head in your shoulder for every photo, or will only wear his favorite sweatpants, it is what it is, and I promise you’ll want to remember this phase either way.

The year of the supermom. Moms You need to hear this now

It’s been a year unlike any other. Can we just take a moment to CLAP.FOR.THE.MOMS. The working moms, the stay at home moms, the special needs moms, the home educator moms, the moms that TURNED IT UP this year because we had no choice. I won’t go into the glaring societal pressures of working moms that really presented themselves this year (but read: lots of eye rolls for corporate America totally displaying all the ways we leave working moms in the dust).

You were expected to work full time hours, while also providing your own full time childcare and education for your children. And to my SAHMs, we see you, and the 168 hours a week you’re working.

I’ve done both this year. Neither is easy, both test your relationships, and both can feel like the weight of your entire world is all on you.

But you did it. You’re doing it. Your kids are going to be just fine, and you’ve learned you have freaking superpowers for getting everyone through this year alive. 

To my new moms - it has been incredibly isolating for you. Your village was never allowed to exist. And you did it. You. The sleepless nights, not being able to put baby down and have a minute to yourself, second guessing everything...and all the baby snuggles in the world.

To my toddler moms - I feel you. I’m there. Power struggles, no breaks, life without playdates is HARD. But this bond we formed with our kids? Unbreakable forever.

To my young school aged moms - How? How can you be expected to help your kids learn and give them what they need? You’re not a trained educator, but you taught them about real life. They see you. They admire you everyday.

To my teenage moms - Your fragile teens had everything taken away from them this year. Sports, structure, necessary peer interactions, important milestones. And you still made them feel special and loved.

Everyone has had their own struggles and obstacles. No matter where you think your failures from this year lie, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. You carried the weight of your world. Cue Beyonce’s “Who Run The World? GIRLS” in the background please. Way to go Moms.

What To Wear For Your Spring Photos | Boston Family Photographer

Spring clothes are soooo cute!!! And such a much needed break from our winter jackets. I love a good spring wardrobe, but keep in mind we are in New England, and summer in April is usually just a dream. So before we break out the tanks and summer dresses, think about spring layers.. let me say this again. Spring layers. Just like fall layers, but lighter and more springy :)

Here are a few of my favorite spring looks and steps on how to nail them:

How to nail the layered spring look:

1. Start with one outfit you love, and base everyone else's around that

2. Don't be too matchy! Layer with simple patterns and color blocking

3. Texture. Incorporating different textures is a great way to avoid feeling "over-patterned"

4. Keep it timeless. Avoid words, graphics, and logos on clothing

5. Accessorize. We love layering for the simple reason it's a great way to incorporate a fun hat, pair of tights, jacket, scarf (not too bulky), or little peekaboo of color.

What Is The Best Thing You Can Hand Down To Your Kids?

FAMILY ALBUMS! It’s no secret I LOVE albums. I love all forms of printed photos, but I really really love albums. Admittedly, I am a book person. I was resistant to my (now beloved) Kindle, it’s just so convenient, but I still can’t wait to get my hands on a good book I can turn the pages of.

Do you remember those big, sticky page photo albums our parents had? Yes they are clunky as heck, but there is something special about flipping through the curated pages and seeing the story of Christmas, or someone’s birthday. Much more special than flipping through a hard drive.

Today, more than ever before, it’s so easy to take snapshot…after snapshot…after snapshot, until you end up with a million photos on your phone (that is hopefully also backed up to a hard drive). Having our photos digitally is super important, but having the special ones curated and printed in a beautiful, (archival) leatherbound album that you can hand down to your kids, and their grandkids, is an incredible gift.

Images boxes (shown below) are another fun “album style” way to print, display, and archive your photos too!

Boston Portrait Photographer | My Favorite Place for Family Photos in May

SPRING. IS. FINALLY. HERE. There are so many beautiful rural places to get great family photos in the springtime, but I think my answer will surprise you. Boston. More specifically, the South End of Boston. Maybe I am biased because this has been my neighborhood for almost 10 years but I just love the way the whole neighborhood transforms when the magnolia and cherry blossom trees blossom.

The other thing about the South End is that it has so many options. You can find old, new, colorful, muted, and don’t even get me started on the incredible doorways. I often use people’s stoops, and of course, as soon as I sit a family down on someone’s stoop, the resident comes walking in or out. Luckily they are usually super friendly about it.

I find myself photographing the South End/Back Bay neighborhoods in the fall because of the rich browns and cobblestone, but those backdrops really make the blossoms and spring colors pop. Don’t get me wrong, I love Boston in the fall for that reason in particular, but if it’s foliage you are looking for, you won’t find much in the South End. No, the blooms in this neighborhood are totally meant for spring.

Almost equally as important a perk as the gorgeous scenery? The outdoor patios. I love when my clients plan on heading to dinner at one of the outdoor patios after our session. Luckily we have a lot of awesome families in the South End, so it usually isn’t a problem finding one that is kid friendly – my favorite is Picco. Best pizza in Boston AND they make their own ice cream. Done.

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 | Victoria and family in the city

Victoria is another one of our Class of 2018 Senior Reps! We were so excited to shoot with her and her family, mostly because we already knew how much fun they were. We photographed her older brother Chris last year in the same location. We always encourage our high school seniors to bring siblings, friends, or Mom on their sessions. Victoria’s senior session was a little different because we also were having a family session with her family at the beginning!

She got to have Mom, Dad, and Chris cracking jokes and making her smile while she posed for her solo shots later on in the shoot. We met the Cataldo family at Boston Common and started with some group shots on the benches to get everyone relaxed. There were lots of laughter and inside jokes being thrown around between the two siblings, which of course made Mom and Dad laugh too.

As we made our way out of the park, and into Back Bay, we stopped to use some of the city's’ unique architecture as our backdrop; the mall, the brownstones, the wrought-iron fences.

As the shoot turned into Victoria’s senior shoot, we started to focus more on Victoria’s passion - dance. We are convinced that one day we will see her as the prima ballerina in one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies.

Boy does she have skill and drive! We don’t normally show our clients photos during the shoot, but for Victoria, it was important to see her form and how it photographed. And the results are stunning!

We ended the shoot on the Charles right as the sun was about to touch the water. People passing by were convinced we were shooting a movie or advertisement, and that Victoria was a celebrity. We can see how they thought so!

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 | Emily's Windy Session!

A lot of our clients are dancers, including Emily. But not every client of ours gets her photoshoot wardrobe from her dance teacher! After the outfits she ordered didn’t work out and it was the night before the shoot, Emily raided her dancer teacher’s closet and found some awesome outfits. Shout out to her teacher for saving the day and having an amazing wardrobe, and to Emily for putting everything together so well. Of course with so many interesting outfit options, we couldn’t leave anything outl. We started the shoot in the studio and soon realized how great Emily’s hair blew in the wind.

With our long list of outfits and locations, we knew one of our stops had to be the Duck Bridge. Getting your hair to cooperate while on a windy bridge is not easy, and some people can find it very frustrating. But not Emily. She had a positive attitude the whole way through and did not let a sudden gust of wind catch her off guard. As you can see, her patience paid off!

After a short walk, we had our finale outfit over by the pink door that matched perfectly with her dress. Similar to Emily’s hair, this dress was meant to be carried by the wind. We had her spinning and dancing in the wind, which turned into a lot of laughs, and a LOT of great photo opps.

I think Emily’s mom Melissa, who was there snapping some behind-the-scenes photos, had just as much fun as her daughter. Emily is such a positive ball of energy, and up for anything to get the shot, we had so much fun shooting with her!
 

Boston Family Portrait Photographer | All the way from Japan

There is something magical for a little girl about a big tulle skirt. Mom and Dad surprised their two daughters with fluffy cream colored dresses at our shoot at the Lyman Estate in Waltham. Hana was so excited by her puffball of a dress that before we even started the photoshoot she was twirling and laughing with delight in the parking lot.

And of course, Hana outfit's was not complete without a flower crown! Kana is a bit too little for a flower crown, but one day soon, she'll rock one like her big sister. This was a special photoshoot for Mom, Dad, and their little ones, as they will be wrapping up their time in the United States and will soon be going back to Japan.

And we had the perfect day to celebrate their time here with crisp blue skies and bright fall leaves to play in. One of my favorite shots is of the whole family sitting together on the porch. Hana was being silly and was swinging around the columns, until she'd run towards Mom and Dad and give them a big bear hug. Kana was cozy with Mom watching all of this ensue until she turned to the camera right at the perfect moment!

We are so glad we could capture these fall memories for them to look back on their time in Boston. I wouldn't be opposed to heading out to Japan for their next shoot though!

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 Family Portrait Photographer | Rogers Family at Smolak Farms

Here's a big welcome to the Rogers Family! Lisa had won a gift certificate that we had donated to Temple Emmanuel's annual fundraiser. Her extended family came together at Smolak Farms in North Andover to have a photoshoot with 3 generations of family members. We settled down in the antique apple orchard.

Lisa's family went first and her three boys and husband all snuggled in together. To get a good laugh out of the boys, we started making noises which no child under the age of 8 can resist. 

It was then their cousin's Emmett's turn with his Dad. He loves giving bear hugs especially to Dad. We soon rounded up all four boys for a cousin's picture. Brody, Lisa's youngest, is very serious for such a young age, but one thing that enthralls us all, including Brody, is our iPhones.

We got quite a few variations of Lisa's husband jumping out from behind an apple tree to grab the phone out of the shot so Brody would give us a smile, and the results were hilarious. The boys were excited at the prospect of picking apples and each found their favorite. (Notice the adult male legs sticking out from behind one of the apple trees.

Each chose a different one, finding big, small, green, and red apples. They showed us their finds for some pictures with their grandparents. However, it was too tempting to just hold their apples, and one by one each took a big bite out of their find.

By the end of the session, we always like to let the kids run around a burn off some steam. Giggles ensued as we chased them (or I should say they chased us!). 

Boston Family Photographer | Chicago Family Visits the East Coast to Create Lasting Memories

One of our favorite places to photograph is the Boston Public Library courtyard. It is a hidden gem in Back Bay, and we had a blast photographing the Tashima Family there. They were all visiting from Chicago and Ohio, and we are so happy they picked Boston for their family photos. They were on a New England vacation together, and Boston was a stop on their way to Bar Harbor, Maine.

No one was safe from these cuties tickles and laughter!

We like to play a game called, “What’s your favorite animal?” which always entails silly animal noises. The kids’ favorite animals were zebras and penguins, leading to neighs, squawking, and chirping. The jury is still out on what a penguin sounds like.

We took a short walk down the street to some of our favorite brownstones and the fun did not stop. From Copley Square to Beacon Street the kids were giggling and smiling the whole way.

Mom and Dad got cozy under a tree and the kids snuggled in. We love capturing these special moments a family has together!

Boston Family Portrait Photographer | The Brooks Family

Did you know some of the best portrait sessions happen on rainy days? The Brooks Family did not let the soggy weather dampen their mood. If anything, it was the perfect excuse to act a little silly and puddle jump! When we asked them if they would be up for playing in the rain, without hesitation they said yes

If anyone has any questions about Sonic the Hedgehog, these cuties are the experts. The boys are avid Sonic fans, and their faces absolutely lit up as they taught us about all their favorite characters. They could not resist running around their home as fast as Sonic can, which of course ended on the couch in a pile of giggles.

Mom and Dad got in on the fun too. Mom stood up and sat on the table, and soon the whole family piled on. We love spontaneous shots like this, because they are often they bring the most genuine smiles.

Pets are always welcome on our photoshoots, as a pet is a family member after all! We loved that Sneakers the Dog got in on a few shots too.

Also, nothing makes me happier than when mom and dad are able to get in a little of their own snuggle time. Usually when we ask the question "When was the last photo you had together?" the response is "our wedding day!" So yes, we like to give mom and dad a few snuggly moments on their own, afterall, this is where it all started. It was particularly sweet to see the way these two make each other laugh without even directing them, so much love.

Boston Family Portrait Photographer | Baby Henry

Welcome Henry! This little guy was a over a week old when we met him at his family home in Danvers. The life of a newborn is tough; lots of sleeping, eating, and posing for the camera. But thankfully, he has two big brothers to help him out.

These cuties are full of energy. Getting three little ones to look at the camera and smile can take some trial and error, but I loved capturing the spontaneous and loving moments this family has together.

From running around playing make believe to dancing along with their favorite toys, they always had time to give a gentle kiss on Henry’s forehead. I absolutely melted when Sully kept on telling me how much he loved his new brother. Mom and Dad are going to have their hands full with these lively boys, but this little family has grown bigger in both numbers and love!