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My Best of 2024 Brand Photos: The Art of Storytelling | Boston Brand Photographer

What I love about brand photography is the power of the collection of images. Brand sessions are about telling the story of the brand, and all of those images together are what make a branding session successful. But often there are one or two hero images that stand out. An image that tells a powerful story by itself, or that sums up a brand in one image.

2024 was a really great year where I got to work with so many different brands, and while a few of them were bigger or corporate brands, most of them were Boston and Massachusetts local small businesses! Working with creators, makers, independent artists, and service providers, is really where our creative process shone in 2024. Here are our top 10 branding images in 2024:

Cohasset coastal artist branding shoot
Lawrence new balance shoe designer
Massachusetts interior design team branding photo
South End interior design personal branding
Boston architecture design team marketing
newburyport plum island singer branding inspiration
Concord interior design swatch flatlay
Cohasset artist dog painting session
Concord interior design office shoot inspiration

My Best of 2024 Family Session Photos: All the Memories We Made | Boston Family Photographer

What a year in family photos! My busiest season of the year is fall, and it’s usually a blur. I am always so grateful when I have the chance to look back through all the photos from the year. In a family portrait photographer’s world, January is the time of year we do all the back-end things that are neglected during the busy season, so I love going through photos and reliving these moments.

What am I looking for when I update my website? Usually not the hero photo of everyone smiling at the camera perfectly. I have a few of those, but you’ll see the photos displayed on my website are the moments of connection, love, intimacy, and energy.

Aside from amazing lighting and location, so much of the success in our session depends on a kid’s mood, the parents’ ability to let loose, and of course a little luck! It’s always so hard to choose favorites, but my top photos from 2024 are selected because of their candor, connection, spontaneity, expression, and in my opinion, they make you feel something. Here they are, my 24 favorite photos from 2024:

south end mini session newborn smiling
Charles river esplanade playful sisters jumping
New England father son hug portrait
Charles river esplanade dog daughter cuddle
Boston newborn dad mirror reflection kiss
Boston queer couple mothers toddler mini session
New england older brothers outdoor photoshoot
beacon hill christmas pajamas cuddle outdoors
Massachusetts siblings playing newborn portrait
Boston family hug outdoor bridge portrait
Massachusetts big family candid portrait
new england fall foliage family dog laughing
South end mom children laughing indoor photography
Lawrence newborn drooling studio session
arnold arboretum baby laughing with dad
Boston newborn sisters playing pacifiers sweet
Boston candid couple rain engagement photography
Cohasset newborn and sisters kitchen table
South end sisters whispering candid portrait
Massachusetts in home toddler newborn sisters session
candid kids laughing smiling expression
Arnold Arboretum family toddler running candid
Newburyport beach sisters parents hugs
South end in home toddler playing photography

How to Create the Perfect Shot List for your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

Boston interior design brand photos

It’s finally time to start planning the details of your personal brand shoot, so get excited! Creating a shot list is an individual experience, as no two brands are the same, especially in a city like Boston. The digital world is getting crazier by the day, so If you don’t know where to even begin when drawing inspiration for your branding photoshoot, let me offer some guidance…

Massachusetts smiling female business owner

1. Give your photographer as much insight as possible to your brand! In addition to having all my clients fill out a thorough questionnaire, I also schedule a phone call. Talking about your brand, your expectations, your ideal client, always gives me little golden nuggets of info to use when creating the perfect shot list.

Massachusetts personal brand team marketing photoshoot
Boston professional team branding inspiration

2. Create an inspiration board. Pinterest is ideal, but any visual representation of your brand goals, the vibe you are going for, posing you love, etc, is essential in communicating what you want your brand photos to look like to your photographer

pinterest shot-list inspiration board

3. Know what you need ahead of time. If you’ve hired a pro photographer, you’re going to get great photos. But to get the BEST set of photos to launch your brand to the next level, you need to dig deep and figure out your photo priorities. Do you need a banner image for your website that shows your team hard at work? Do you need a series of verticals for an Instagram reel? A unique horizontal of each team member for a blurb about what they do?

Back Bay personal branding website content ideas

Building the perfect shot list is as much about the vibes and the visual inspiration as it is about the nitty-gritty details. Having a clear vision for your brand ensures that we can capture exactly what you need from your shoot… and also allows us space to get creative on location and potentially create something we might have never dreamed up in planning. You give us your brand story, we translate it into next-level visuals that attract your ideal customers.

South End female entrepreneur donut company photoshoot

My Top 3 Ways to Display Your Favorite Family Photos | Boston Family Photographer

Print those photos! The task can be so daunting, but the theme here is not perfection, in my house, it’s always a work in progress. I love seeing how my clients display their favorite family photos, and while I can admit, sometimes I fall behind, seeing how much my kids love actual physical photos is the best motivation to keep it going (and of course I love them too!!)

1. My personal fave: Albums. I make an album every year of my family and it is my kids’ favorite book to look at. These become treasures to pull out as the years go on, for your kids to look back on and laugh at their littler selves.

2. Wall art. I love seeing client photos on their walls. Unfortunately, we don’t have a ton of wall space in our Boston condo, but my favorite two photos of my kids are hanging on the little wall space that we do have, as big as could possibly fit, 30x40 framed black and white portraits.

3. Small tabletop frames, on the fridge, wherever you have space to show printed photos. Honestly, my style of printing photos is in book form or BIG, but it always comes down to personal preference, and having them printed is the important theme here. I have lots of clients with amazing mantle or bookshelf displays of family photos that fill up their space perfectly.

An alternative idea for small prints is to hang them in a fun, easy way in your kids’ room, hallway, playroom; somewhere that has a casual vibe, and this allows you to rotate them out regularly without having to reframe. Gallery walls have also been huge lately, and another great method for easily adding or swapping in new images.

I love finding new ways to display photos, and always keep my eye out for inspiration. We are living in the day and age of digital frames and TV’s camouflaged as art pieces, but a part of me will always love the tangible images the most.

Haven’t done anything with your photos yet? Want me to design your album? Click here to send me a note to get started

Brand Spotlight: Creative Personal Branding with Coastal Artist Nikki Storer | Boston Brand Photographer

Cohasset coastal artist brand photos

We love working with fellow creatives!!! When Massachusetts coastal (and featured Serena and Lily) artist Nikki Storer came to us looking for brand photos, of course we were excited to work with her. But it only got better from there.

Massachusetts small business creative portrait
Cohasset artist with dog painting portrait

Arriving at her home studio in Cohasset we were welcomed into her beautiful space, decked out from wall to wall with her incredible art pieces. A true creative, Nikki shared with us that she had designed her home herself, and after the shoot, it was evident that her personality and style really shone through in her efforts.

New England paintbrush toss portrait inspiration

Now if Nikki was anything, she was prepared. A creative at heart, but an organized, goal-oriented businesswoman by choice, her studio had been temporarily turned into a gallery-style backdrop. Her workspace was ready for us to get in there and construct artsy flat lays, and her wardrobe options were almost too good to choose from. Because of her fun and colorful brand vibe, we got to be really creative with her shot list and test different things outside the realm of the typical headshot.

colorful creative artist branding content

Now you might think throwing your paint brushes in the air would be easy, but capturing the perfect shot takes the perfect toss and Nikki NAILED it. Bringing her shot list to life was so much fun, from her beautiful and sometimes candid portraits to watching her work and teaching us about her process.

Cohasset women owned art business.
painter personal brand- latlay inspiration

To capture some of the true day-to-day behind-the-scenes we even brought in her dog for a few shots. Her sweet fur baby was a great sport and even put up with us getting him in on the painting process (no pups were harmed in the creative brainstorm). Including little glimpses into your life is such a cool part of a personal branding photoshoot, especially when it involves our four-legged friends.

Massachusetts pet painting creative portrait

It’s always an awesome experience to shoot with someone so passionate about what they’re doing, it shines through the camera and makes it easy to shoot the most beautiful and genuine images.

New England smiling paint artist portrait

How to Attract Your Ideal Client from Your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

South End interior design team photo

Being a Boston-based small business owner myself, if you’re a New England brand looking to take your business to the next level, you've landed in the right spot. As a branding photographer, I am super passionate about helping small businesses and female entrepreneurs create stunning visuals that can help you reach your audience and attract your ideal client with your brand photos.

South end interior designer branding portraits
Boston designer working candid headshots

The Importance of Strong Visuals

First things first, strong visuals are essential. In the world of social media and digital marketing, high-quality photos are a non-negotiable part of your professional brand strategy. It’s not just about them looking amazing, but also conveying your brand’s personality and values.

This is where brand photography and lifestyle shots come into play, your photos should reflect your unique style and story, and make your brand instantly recognizable. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and in the crowded online space we want to be remembered.

Lawrence Massachusetts New balance brand portrait

Knowing Your Audience

No one understands your audience better than you, and we want to create content that speaks to them. Who are they? What do they value? What problems are they looking to solve? This helps me as your photographer to tailor your photoshoot to reflect what you want to say. This is why we start with a call and questionnaire so that I can build the perfect shot list for our shoot.

Boston author personal branding book flatlay
Massachusetts business author personal brand portrait

Telling Your Brand Story

Your brand story is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Behind-the-scenes shots are a fantastic way to give potential clients a glimpse into what it’s like to work with you. This not only builds trust but also adds a personal touch to your professional brand strategy. 

I personally always love to showcase your workspace, process, and team, this makes your brand relatable and engaging. Storytelling through visuals is a trend that’s here to stay, so let’s connect with your clients by showing them the human side (the YOU) of your business.

New England female entreprenuer author candid

Attracting your ideal client is really all about showing off who you are and what you do, and really what better way is there than with your brand photos. I’m here to help you navigate the journey and create content that truly speaks to your brand. Remember, great photos aren’t just about looking good—they’re about making a lasting impression. Let’s create something amazing!

South End donut shop female business owners

Overcoming Camera Shyness: Why You Need to Be in Your Brand Photos | Boston Brand Photographer

Massachusetts personal brand female life coach

Maybe you hate the way you look in photos. This is a common theme I hear from business owners, especially female business owners… which is an issue when you are the face of your business. People want to see you! They want to get to know YOU (spoiler, they don’t care if you have a double chin or wrinkles when you smile), but I get it. We all want to look our best in front of the camera.

Boston small business at home brand portraits

1. Let’s make you actually look like yourself. Stop judging your appearance based on camera snapshots with terrible lighting and unflattering angles. We’ll set up the good light, with the good angles, and make you look like you

Cohasset painter entrepreneur laughing portrait

2. Wipe the fake smile off your face. It’s not your fault, but for some of us, a “smile for the camera” is nothing like our actual genuinely happy-to-see-you smile. We’ll help you get the real smiles and leave the “cheese” at the door.

South End interior designer working candid

3. Take a deep breath, channel your inner T Swift, and just get over it :) I know it’s easier said than done, but being overly critical of yourself in front of the camera is often a mental block we just need to knock down.

Boston female small business meeting candid

Have you seen our Ebook: 8 Tips to Look Your Best in Every Photo? This is the best resource I send my clients when we book a brand photoshoot.

Marthas Vineyard female personal brand headshot
Marthas Vineyard spiritual small business branding

Camera shyness plagues our everyday life now as it feels like everyones taking pictures all the time, but this is your moment to shine and let the professional photog take care of all the things that make you nervous. A personal brand session is all about letting your audience get a peek behind the business, and give them a reason to get invested in the person, not just the product.

Boston lifestyle branding portrait fashion headshot

The Ultimate Guide to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session | Boston Family Photographer

south end family kids running portrait

Wondering how to get the most out of our time together? Do you have any specific shots in mind already? Have some questions about the shoot? Here is a comprehensive session guide to best prepare you for your Family Photos!

south end family kids running portrait
arnold arboretum fall family portraits

Step 1: Check the style guide for wardrobe.

charles river esplanade spring bloom photos

Step 2: Feel free to send inspiration photos if you have them. If you have a Pinterest board-share it!

boston newborn toddler cozy indoor session
boston spring mom dad son portrait

Step 3: Answer the questionnaire I sent. It makes all the difference when I know a little about your kids and how to approach them. This is also a great opportunity to let me know if there are any specific shots you really want going into our session.

Step 4: Let the kids be kids and don’t stress if they aren’t “behaving”. Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun.

3 of my must have shots:

new england sisters family candids

Hugs and kisses

charles river esplanade magnolia bloom family session

Tickles (or something similar that gets them giggling)

massachusetts kids outdoor playing football

Active playing. Chasing our kids gets sweaty and dirty, and it’s not always glamorous. This is where the real stuff is. The stuff your kids enjoy and more importantly, open up to. All kids are different and if you know what kind of play brings out the best in yours, it is a huge help in capturing their genuine happiness.

Step 5: Go through this checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

session prep checklist success
  1. Make sure everyone is fed and hydrated ahead of time (adults too). Everyone is just more happy when they’re not hangry. Tip: stay away from foods that stain clothes or faces

  2. Bring easy snacks and water with you. Snack ideas: cheerios, white cheese, raisins…

  3. Have outfits ready ahead of time - like wayyy ahead of time. Pack an extra if you have a young baby, messy blowouts and spit up are definite possibilities.

  4. Leave yourself plenty of time. When you need to be somewhere on time, someone will have a meltdown or poop at the very moment you need to leave. Keep your sanity and leave yourself extra time, you don’t want to cut into your session time because your toddler hid his shoes.

  5. Bring something your kids love. This is totally optional, but if your kid has a toy or lovey that brings them more happiness than anything else in this world, it would be a great idea to have it with you, and even get it in a few photos - it can make a really sweet memory to look back on. One of my favorite photos of my son is him holding onto his “Lovey” at the end of our family session.

    Now you’re ready for your session! Just show up and have fun with your kiddos.

south end spring magnolia tree candids

Reintroduction: Get to Know Your Future Photographer | Boston Brand Photographer

South End small business brand photographer

I’m Emily, brand photographer, and creative director of your shoot. I help you plan and execute an amazing (and fun!) photoshoot that is customized to your brand. I’m based in Boston’s South End and especially love to work with the small businesses right in my own community.

This is Mikayla, photo assistant, incredible content creator, and all-around extra set of hands on the day of the shoot.

Who do we work with? Brand photoshoots can scale from 1 individual to a large company. But we LOVE working with small teams. Teams of 1-5 people in any sort of creative field is kind of our sweet spot, as that’s usually where we get to let the inspiration and small team personality shine.

South End interior design team brand inspiration

How can we help your business grow? This is where our genius comes in. (see our blog post about how to create amazing mood boards) A pro photog should be able to create great images, but a brand photographer should be able to create compelling images that attract your ideal client. When we work together, we try to gain as much insight into your brand as possible, so that every image we make is intentional, unique, and speaks to your brand. Our goal is to show your customers what is so awesome about working with you. (Oh, and we also like to make it fun, because if you’re not having fun, what’s the point)

Massachusetts coastal painter small business

Using my small business to uplift others is the ultimate win, and I love to see all the ways clients continue to use their images after the shoot. Let’s uplevel your branding together, we can’t wait to work with you! 

New England interior designer with dog

Families That Book Every Year, With The Melahouris Family | Boston Family Photographer

Boston outdoor maternity photo shoot
Boston newborn baby boy candid portrait

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.

Massachusetts mom dad son holding hands
New England fall family plaid portrait

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!!

Outdoor New England fall flannel family photos

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.

Massachusetts parent child natural expressions

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.

Fall outdoor candid walking family session

Creating Curiosity: How to Reach the Small Business Owner with Revby | Boston Brand Photographer

Back Bay small business branding photoshoot

This month I get to spotlight a shoot where I had the pleasure of working with the team of awesome individuals at Revby. Revby is a small business technical assistance provider, and business, marketing, and market research consultancy based in Boston, Massachusetts, and makes it their mission to create a real, human connection with each and every client they work with. As a small business owner myself, I was excited to help them level up their content and give their personal branding the look they were striving for. 

Boston brand stategy team photos

They came to us during a rebrand, looking for original content to highlight their team and how they work together to create a personal experience from one small biz to another. Revby being a smaller team allowed us to focus on the size of their agency, and how amazing it is for clients to get a personalized experience that works for their unique business.

Boston branding strategy creative content
New England small business team marketing collaboration

Going into the shoot I also knew one of their main goals to connect with their audience was not just curiosity, but also inspiration. They want the people they work with to have confidence and to be able to approach their small business with energy and motivation for success. We were able to showcase the fun but hard-working dynamic of their group, the images make you feel like you’re sitting right down in the office with them.

Massachusetts brand photographer headshot ideas
Massachusetts small business branding portrait
Back Bay creative womens headshot inspiration

We wanted to focus on their team as a whole, and how they collaborate for each client, with their Back Bay, Boston office as a backdrop. I was so excited they wanted “personality” headshots, those are always a blast to do, especially with a team that has so much personality to show. (They had really fun inspiration photos) It’s images like these that really show off the people behind the brand, and the warm, friendly faces you’ll get to know by working with them

I love working with teams and capturing the unique dynamics amongst every group of people, and I can’t wait to work with them again in their branding journey.

Back Bay marketing team business photos

Furry Friends Welcome: Including Pets in Your Family Photo Session | Boston Family Photographer

South End city outdoor dog friendly photo session

Are you ready to capture some magic of family memories? Here’s something I’ve learned as a family portrait photographer (and dog mama) here in Boston... Bring. Your. Pets. I'm all about capturing the authentic love and fun you have with your family – and that includes your furry, four-legged members too! So, if you’re second-guessing why your dog should be a part of your next family photo session, let me tell you.

Arnold Arboretum bulldog outdoor family portraits
Massachusetts family dog newborn baby photography

You know those candid, natural expressions that make your heart melt? Well, your dog is practically a pro at delivering those on cue! Having their silliness for your photos brings an extra layer of joy and spontaneity to your family portraits, especially with your kids. Your fur babies can be a familiar distraction that keeps your kids from a mid-photoshoot tantrum and also provide the sweetest candids.

Including your dog is especially fun with an outdoor session. Picture this: your family, some classic New England fall vibes, and gorgeous weather. Sounds incredible, right? I have some tips to make it as smooth as possible.


1. Bring a dog wrangler! If you’re able to, have a friend or family member tag along and be there to hold leashes and keep your pet entertained when they’re not in front of the camera so your focus can be on enjoying the moment.

2. Check-in with me ahead of time. Is the location you want to go to dog-friendly? What are the busiest times of day? If your dog is very easily distracted, then an in-home session might be the perfect way to keep them included.

Charles River esplanade sister pet outdoor portrait daffodils

3. Is your dog good with other people and other dogs/wildlife? A great pet-friendly option means that your dog will likely not be the only pup around, or even the only animal around. If your dog is a hunter like mine, the geese along the Charles River might pull a lot of focus, but a chill dog (like Cooper here) wasn’t even phased.

4. Easy on the treats. Like kids, treats can be a great way to motivate your dog, but don’t break them out too early and risk the crazed-treat-obsessed-dog look. You know your dog best, and if they don’t stay calm with treats involved, we may want to hold off on showing them.

As a mom and a photographer, I get it – getting the perfect shot with kids and pets can sometimes feel like herding cats (or dogs!), but trust me, they’re so worth it. Including your dog isn't just about capturing adorable memories – it's about celebrating the bond that ties your family together. Your dog isn't just a pet (ours will always be our first baby!), they're a cherished member of the family, and they’re pretty darn cute.

Boston South End mom son family photo

So, whether your dog is a seasoned poser or a playful puppy with a mind of their own, it’s worth considering if it makes sense to bring them. Your dog is always welcome in our family photo sessions, and we can’t wait to meet them!

Boston Charles river sister puppy snuggle photo

Utilizing the Location You Have for An Amazing Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

Boston personal brand location strategy

I want to get real about a game-changing aspect of brand photography – the art of making your chosen location fit you and your photo shoot. I’ve spent years photographing personal brand projects not just in Boston but throughout New England, and I know it can be hard to decide on a location that does everything you want it to and more. So, where do you start?

South End female entrepreneur marketing content.
Personal brand close up location perspectives

Location is extremely important as we plan our branding shoot, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be as fancy or overtop as you may believe. Whether you're vibing in your cozy living room or soaking in the cityscape outside, it is possible to make one space the center of your visual storytelling. Trust me, it's all about getting creative in order to create a photoshoot that's as versatile as your brand lifestyle.

Boston women owned interior design team photos

My first suggestion to people is always to consider where you’re comfortable working, whether that be your workspace, your office, or even your home. Not every space will be a winner, but often my clients completely overlook the potential of a versatile spot just because they are there every day. Making that space come to life is exactly what’s going to make your brand photos stand out. Don’t feel discouraged because you’re shooting in the spots of your everyday life, get excited! Being familiar in a space not only reflects on you in the photos but also reflects where the guiding force behind your brand comes from.

Interior design branding headshot photo
Massachusetts branding photoshoot location inspiration

Bringing the versatility out of the spot we choose is all about maximizing the space. This is done by switching up the looks, poses, and angles, Simple changes in perspective can turn a familiar spot into a whole new visual experience. Remember, it's not just about the location; it's about how you frame your story within it.

New England social media branding photos

If you still don’t believe in the dynamics of your spot, I’ve covered tips on making your workspace look and feel more photogenic, prepping your space with a few small details can make all the difference in the look and feel. My goal is to debunk the myth that you need a glamorous setting for a killer photoshoot. Your living room, your favorite cafe, or that cozy corner in your workspace – they're all potential gems for your photographer. Embrace the simplicity and let your brand personality take center stage.

female team business branding strategy

Families That Book Every Year, With the Laliberte Family | Boston Family Photographer

boston back bay family spring family

As someone who has been photographing families in Boston for a long time, it’s always a good feeling to see a familiar name pop up in my calendar year after year. When parents trust me to capture special memories and milestones of their kids growing up, it is a huge part of what makes my job so worth it. Watching only children turn into big brothers and sisters, or tiny newborns becoming crazy toddlers, it’s all so special! Every year our shoot gets to be a completely one-of-a-kind experience, and getting to know them through the years helps us document their true personalities.

New England outdoor kids photo shoot
Massachusetts boy mom family photos

When it comes to photographing siblings, the Laliberte family has it on point. With three young boys who are FULL of energy, the shoot is never boring, never shy, and always a blast. I feel like every session I get to see them fall more into their roles as big, middle and little brothers who love to taunt and annoy each other, but also play together and cheer each other on.

Wellesley Massachusetts outdoor football lifestyle session

Every kid has such a unique personality when it comes to family photo sessions, and it blows my mind every time a kid who was once slow to warm up turns into my bestie for the day. With the Laliberte fam I never know what direction the boys will take us for photos, and when I let the kids lead the charge, the photos are always some of the best. Will we be hanging ornaments off the christmas tree, roasting marshmallows, or throwing the football around?? Would it be crazy to do all 3 in one session? Nope! The candid magic starts where the posing ends, and those Laliberte brothers know how it’s done.

family portrait photographer little brothers firepit photos

Family photos should be an experience we both get to look forward to every year. I get to check in with my awesome client families and see how they’ve grown, and you get to go home with memories to cherish for a lifetime at every age.

family portrait photographer holiday card session

How to Win at Mother's Day This Year | Boston Family Photographer

New England fall mother daughter portraits

This is my favorite post to write every year. Last year I did something I’ve never done before,  I gave away TWO mini sessions, and I was so amazed by the sweet nominations, I have to do it again this year! One will be nomination based, and the other will be chosen at random. Here’s how to enter:

  1. To nominate yourself, a friend, sister, or any other mama who deserves this, respond to this email with a sentence or two on who you are nominating and why she deserves it. 

  2. Click the “Contact page” link enter in your email address to be entered. That’s it! You will be entered to win a mini session, winner will be chosen at random.” You don’t need a reason (isn’t being a mother enough of a reason to deserve nice photos of you and your kids?)

Two winners will be chosen: one at random, and the other will be chosen by me from nominations. Both winners will be selected on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12, 2024, and posted on my Instagram story at 10AM.

Important! Mini sessions will take place next Saturday, May 18 at 8:15 and 8:30AM in the Boston’s South End. If you are chosen as a winner, you must be available for this time slot.
*Rain date is Sunday, May 19 8AM and 8:15AM.

As usual, here’s a sweet video of my fav mama photos from this year <3 

Enjoy, and this is your reminder to ask your partner or another family member to take a photo of YOU WITH YOUR KIDS.

New England fall mother daughter portraits
Boston newborn mama candid dog photo
Arnold Arboretum spring bloom photoshoot

Capturing the Magic: Top 5 Tips to Photograph Kids Products WITH Kids | Boston Brand Photographer

Boston kids brand photography inspiration

Kids are an important part of the process when it comes to branding for what kids like and want to see, so why wouldn’t they be a part of the process? This blog includes our tips and tricks for how we roll with the incredible chaos of a kid’s brand shoot, and how we photograph kids’ products that appeal to parents AND interest their kids.

New England kids glasses brand photographer

Be flexible!

We may have a grand plan for (our model) the child, to sit on a stool, surrounded by flowers, with the perfect sunlight falling over them. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, sometimes, reality has different plans. If the kid decides that our plan is not the same as theirs, it's essential to roll with it. Flexibility is a superpower, we are always prepared to embrace the unexpected, pivot when needed, and sometimes, let them think it was all their brilliant idea. After all, magic often happens when we let go of rigid expectations and go with the flow; kids know what’s cool and fun to their own brains and they usually surprise us with what they come up with by just playing.

South End smiling kids flower photoshoot
Boston creative kids professional brand photos

Connecting with Them

Massachusetts small business children's branding

Years of working with kids has taught me that above all, connection is key. Every child is unique, with a distinct personality that dictates how they respond to the world around them. Some are all about silliness, others thrive on compliments, and then there are those who really just want a quiet, safe space. It is so important to pause and make time to understand and connect with each child individually. Building that relationship of trust and making them feel heard is going to open the door to genuine expressions and authentic moments that truly shine in the final photos.

Become an Observer

On a photoshoot, it can be easy to get caught up in the director's role, after all, we love having a good shot list! (IYKYK) But sometimes, the best moments unfold when we step back and just watch what they do naturally. Kids are genuinely curious and creative little geniuses. Given the space to explore on their own terms, we often find ourselves capturing pure, unscripted magic. My extreme type A personality can have a tendency to over-direct, but it's a delicate balance between guiding the shoot and allowing their playful spirits to take the lead.

photography tips children's branding shoots

So, there it is – a sneak peek into the world of kids' brand photography and how we approach it. Our guidelines are: Stay flexible, focus on connections, and step back and observe. The spontaneous shots that we end up with are often my long-time favorite photos.

Families That Book Every Year, With the DuBuc Family | Boston Family Photographer

boston downtown family photoshoot indoor bulldog toddler

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.

Boston beacon hill family photos

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.

Massachusetts newborn baby sibling photography
Boston mom dad son family photos

I also love seeing moms and dads go from rookies with newborn babies to experienced veteran parents of confident, well loved kiddos.

New England outdoor fall family portraits

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.

Boston brothers photo playful candid
Candid kid portraits natural expressions

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.

Arnold arboretum dog family photography

Moodboarding: How to Inspire Your Brand Photos with Stunning Digital Visuals | Boston Brand Photographer

Boston small business interior designer branding shoot

Picture this: You have booked your brand photoshoot, and you’re ready to make a statement with gorgeous, on-brand images for your website, but you arrive, and the vibe is “bright and casual”, not the “upscale and elegant” vibe you were going for. Didn’t you talk with your photographer about this beforehand?

Personal brand marketing tips and Pinterest ideas

Moodboarding (or modern-day Pinning on Pinterest) is THE best way to communicate what you want your branding photoshoot to look like to your photographer. In our initial conversation, I ask a lot of questions about your brand, your ideal client, and especially about what you want your photos to look like. As much as we chat about this, there is no replacement for visual representation. As I tell my clients, “modern farmhouse magic” can translate totally differently to two people. It’s always best to have visual inspiration to communicate your “dark, sophisticated, moody” or “bright, cheerful, casual” vibe.

Boston Public Library business woman elegant headshot
Martha's Vineyard women owned business marketing photography

Where to Start:

Create a Pinterest board you can share with your team. This part may feel like homework but it’s so fun, this is where your brand personality can really shine! Pinning images that reflect your brand's values, mission, and personality helps you define and communicate your identity visually. It's like giving your brand a voice without saying a word.

Boston business professional photo inspiration

To Create your own Pinterest Inspiration Board:

Massachusetts personal brand lifestyle photos
  1. Create a new board: "your business name brand photoshoot" and check the box to keep it secret

  2. Search relevant terms. Use words to describe your brand, "bright, modern, minimal", and words relevant to your industry. This might look like "bright modern interior design brand photoshoot ideas" or another iteration of that. The goal is not to find exact images we will replicate, but to use your board to come up with the overall brand aesthetic that you are going for.

  3. You'll want about 10-15 images on your board. You want to have enough variety, but too many could start to lose focus on the main concept.

  4. Share your board with your team.

Pinterest personal brand minimalism inspiration

That’s it! Now you and your team of marketers, web designers, hair and makeup artist, and photographer will all be on the same page to help you create stunning visuals that are on brand for your business.

female music composer entrepreneur headshot inspiration

Visual Content Calendar: How to Plan a Year’s Worth of Social Media from One Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

It feels like in the last few years we have really entered the era of the small business, so many more people are looking to shop locally and establish relationships with companies and people that they want to use over and over again. As a personal brand photographer, I’ve worked with many brands in and around my South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and I can’t emphasize enough the value of taking personal brand photos. Investing time and resources in a brand photoshoot to capture the essence of your personal brand to share with the world is crucial to growing and having your name passed down the line by your clients. But once you’ve done so you might be thinking what do I do with these images now?

 With a gallery of professional images that beautifully represent your business in your hands, how can you use them to get the most out of every photo? In this guide, we'll explore the importance of these brand photos and dive into strategies for maximizing their potential through a long-term social media plan. We want you to have the power to elevate your online presence and uplevel your business!

The Importance of Brand Photos

Your brand photos are so much more than just product photos or a headshot; they are a huge part of your online identity. In a digital age where first impressions matter, professional brand photography sets the stage to convey your personality, values, and the unique story behind your business. Once you have your gallery in hand, the key is to not wait! Let’s start planning so these images can become an innate part of the way clients recognize you and your brand.

Using Your Professional Photos Wisely

While it's tempting to use your brand photos across all your social media channels all at once, you want to make sure you’re using them in the best places possible. Use your favorite or most impactful images for key social media posts or announcements, or on your website. By focusing on quality over quantity, you maintain a consistent brand image, without overusing the photos to the point where you have nothing left to post in just a few weeks. Remember, these images were a labor of love, so use them wisely to maintain engagement and interest without getting repetitive

Tips for Yearlong Content Planning

To ensure a steady stream of captivating content throughout the year, consider creating a yearlong content plan. This may sound overwhelming, because who really knows what they want to post in December when we’re just barely moving into February? Start by outlining your goals or themes for each month, and aligning them with your business objectives and promotional activities. This allows you to strategically incorporate your brand photos into campaigns, product launches, or seasonal content. If you post a lot of content, this may mean planning a photoshoot each quarter, or twice yearly. If you don’t need daily or weekly content, that could mean just one brand photoshoot per year. By planning in advance, you'll be able to budget accordingly, plan your entire content calendar, and save yourself the time and stress of what to use and when. Remember, plans can always change.

A brand photoshoot is a powerful investment that is a huge part of establishing your brand in the online world. Use this as a guide to show off the full potential of your brand photoshoot, laying the groundwork for a successful social media presence to connect with your audience and uplevel your business!