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.
The 5 best ways to put your brand photos to use | Boston Brand Photographer
Having your personal brand photos taken is a big leap for any professional. Some reading this may be thinking, “Yeah, that is a big leap - a big, scary leap!” Think of it this way, though: it’s also a leap that announces to anyone and everyone you know - and lots of people you don’t know yet but will soon enough - that you are someone who takes your career seriously enough to start forming your own brand through imagery. You have a message to tell the business world, and you’re going to do it through actions, words, professional business photos - you name it - to reach your ultimate goals.
Getting personal brand photos takes time, investment, and confidence to say to the world, “This is me. Take a look. I’m a professional who’d like to know more about you, so I’m taking the first step and putting myself out there. Let’s collaborate!”
So taking the photos is one thing. You go the session. It’s a beautiful setting. The vibe with the photographer is great. You really feel like your brand and personality were captured during the time, and you feel great after leaving.
And then you receive the photos. What do you do next?
Using your brand photos effectively
Social Media:
Not that these are necessarily in order, but social is an obvious choice for having professional business photos. Clients, employers, and others in your field not only interact and see the content you post on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other platforms; remember, before they knew you, their first impression of you was likely your profile picture. So you want a picture that reflects who you are and how you do business, not only to those who follow and interact with you on social to make the conversations more authentic, but also to people visiting you and may end up becoming followers, friends or colleagues in the future.
Personal Website:
A clear need for personal brand photos is to offer readers a couple different glimpses of you on your personal website. While not everyone has or needs one, for many - for example, freelancers - letting your audience get a peek behind the curtain and see more of you personally is a great way to grow trust before even communicating. In addition, the quality of the photos represents a very obvious investment in your work (think, the old: “Here’s someone who isn’t messing around.”), giving potential clients another reason to consider you for the gig.
Print collateral:
It’s science: we remember things we touch better than things we hear or see. So to real estate agents, attorneys, insurance reps, financial advisors, yoga instructors - to anyone looking for regular clients: Take a good look at your print collateral...does it illustrate your brand as fully as it possibly could? Details matter - in any industry - so some finer points in pictures that more closely define you, and not just a random face in a mailbox, could help set you apart.
Hold onto them:
Obviously you want to use your pictures. But don’t go using all of them! At least not yet. Rotate your profile pictures out with fresh ones. Change up the mailer or brochure looks, or your photos on your site or social platforms. What’s important is that you have some you can turn to periodically to keep your audience giving you a second look. And another reason to hold some pictures in the back pocket: press! If you are ever featured in an article, having a handy folder full of a variety of shots makes you look like a pro.
Repeat:
Eventually, you’re going to run out of photos to cycle through. Your styles may evolve and more importantly, the styles around us change as well. Stay ahead of your competitors’ three-year-old photos. Be that person on your followers’ social feeds who not only has fresh things to say, but has a fresh look as well. So periodically getting brand photos taken - at least once a year - is key to that process.
While getting brand photos taken is a huge first step in establishing yourself as a force-to-be-reckoned-with professional, it’s what you do with them that matters most. Make sure to take full advantage.
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.
The Top 3 Things Holding You Back from Your Brand Photos and How to Fix Them | Boston Photographer
Feeling hesitant on planning your own personal brand photo session? You are not alone! But rest assured, as I walk you through three of the most common things holding people back from taking brand photos, and how to fix them.
1. I don’t like the way I look.
Leave that to us!
First I will provide you with a posing and style guide. If you want to take your style to the next level, I can recommend one of the wardrobe stylists I love. Working with professional hair and makeup is also a key factor in amping up your look. It’s important to work with someone who can give you an everyday look - if you don’t wear an updo and smokey eye as part of your everyday look, let’s keep it real. Great HMU artists know how to give you the gorge look that’s still YOU.
We created a PDF guide with the absolute best wardrobe advice everyone needs before going into a photo shoot: Download it here
2. I don’t know how I would use these images.
Social media, blogs, website landing pages, about pages, process pages, email campaigns, printed marketing materials, press releases, etc, etc, etc.
Did you know that images on social media posts receive 120-180% more engagement and visibility? Powerful images provide a quick and clear message to your clients (esp for those who scroll right on past text). With the images from your brand shoot, you can create a visual library for fresh social media and marketing content.
3. I’m not ready.
When is anyone 100% ready?
Anything new can be intimidating, but you gotta start somewhere. We will start off with a brainstorm session, which will allow me to get to know you and your brand better. From our discussion, I can create the perfect shot list for your business. This is a great opportunity for you too to discover what you value in your business and want to highlight. I guarantee once we start, you won’t be able to wait to do it again!
Captivating images are what make you stand out to your potential clients. They give your audience the chance to see what it’s like to work with you. All personal brand sessions are 100% customized to you, and conveying your brand story.
“Working with Emily was incredible! Not only did she know how to work with my brand board, but also went out of her way to create her studio with my brand colors & specific plants to extenuate the look and feel of my brand. She was professional, extremely accommodating, friendly and more importantly.. AMAZING at what she does! I have the most gorgeous photos for my web site…”
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:
Start with one outfit you love, and base everyone else's around that
Don't be too matchy! Layer with simple patterns and color blocking
Texture. Incorporating different textures is a great way to avoid feeling "over-patterned"
Keep it timeless. Avoid words, graphics, and logos on clothing
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.
Five Must-Have Photos From Your Brand Session
The Headshot
This is the baseline for the face of the company. It’s a must have, and it doesn’t have to be boring! Modern headshots are full of life, personality, and do not have to be stiff or boring.
Working photos
Where and how do you work? At a home office? Spread out on your living room floor? In a coworking space? These are your essential newsletter and social media photos… especially perfect for social media stories. People can’t get enough good BTS shots.
Deliverables
Are you product or service based? Either way, you have deliverables. If you’re a products based biz, that’s easy. We need some GORG product shots. If you are service based, it may seem harder to think of what to shoot, but there’s lots of options (here’s where I come in with our brainstorm questionnaire once we book). If you’re a stylist, what will your clients look and feel like when you’re done with them? A luxury concierge service can show what your clients gain from hiring you - more time with their family? Being able to relax and put their feet up while letting someone else do the work? Motivational speaker? How about some audience reaction shots, how do you make them FEEL when you speak?
Process
What is working with you like? Do you work side by side with clients? Do you work with them virtually? Do you have a shop where you create things? Let your client imagine what it’s like to work with you through photos.
YOU
Home life, hobbies, personality, etc. This is your “know, like, and trust” shot. People want to see you, in your natural setting. What are you like outside of work? Are you a dog lover? Do you have kids? Show your client how they can relate to you
These shots are the perfect starting point for your brand session, but what I love about working with all types of businesses is that every biz is different, which is why we start with our “Brand Brainstorm Sesh” questionnaire and then customize our shoot to your brand specifically.
Personal Brand Sessions, What The Heck Are They?
What IS a Personal Brand session? Personal brand sessions start with a consultation to get to know your brand story. Sessions usually include headshots, lifestyle images to capture you in action, as well as details that cater to your specific business. Because the session is so customized to suit your brand, the types of images we create will vary from one business to another... which is totally the fun part!! We are telling YOUR unique story
Who is it for? Short answer - anyone who is representing their brand. Small business owners, solo and entrepreneurs, creative professionals, public figures, coaches, teachers, the list could go on and on...
Why do I need it? 🤔Strong images give your brand a personality, they show people who you are as a business and what it’s like to work with you. We live in a visual world, and if people can’t see you, they don’t know if they can trust you. I know it’s not easy being in front of the camera, but if you are the face of your brand, YOU need to be involved in the story!
What can I expect? You can expect a personalized, customized experience, that clearly communicates your brand story. We start with a questionnaire and consultation to get to know your brand, this is your chance to throw out any ideas, requests, must haves, or definitely-nots. I love the brainstorming process and once we know where we are going, we can start looking at location and wardrobe options. Hair and makeup is always recommended and helps you look and feel your best in front of the camera. It’s always my goal to make you feel comfortable throughout the shoot so we can capture your true personality and of course THIS WILL BE FUN!!
What can I do with my images? This list could be 10 pages long but let’s stick with the basics for now.
Social media in all its glorious forms! Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In. Social media posts that include an image receive 120-180% more visibility and engagement.
Your website - Blogs, home page, about me, landing pages, sales pages, contact, etc.⠀
Marketing pieces - Business cards, brochures, mailers, or other printed marketing materials.⠀
Press releases, speaking engagements, email signature, anywhere you have the opportunity to show people what it would be like to work with you⠀
I bet you can think of at least 10 more that apply to your specific business. I’d love to know what you can come up with for your business!
What types of images do we create? I know you don’t want 30 versions of a formal headshot... BORING! Of course this varies with every brand, but I love to mix in some lifestyle and “working” photos so that people can truly visualize what it’s like to work with, and just be around you. If you offer products, we’ll get some really great product shots. If you have your own workspace, I love to shoot there and incorporate the vibe of your space
Once I’ve experienced and loved everything about our photoshoot, when can we do it again? YES I hope that’s what everyone says, but honestly, our need for content these days can be overwhelming and it can be so hard to keep up with. Again, everyone has different needs, but we can come up with a plan to shoot weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly to keep your content fresh and consistent!
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 | Special Beach Session on Plum Island
It is really special when the younger sibling of a previous client comes to us for their senior portrait. This was the case for Vanessa! We got to shoot with her older sister Alicia two years ago. Now it is Vanessa’s turn to graduate high school and we were so excited to continue this tradition. We photographed Alicia in our historic Lawrence mill buildings, so for Vanessa we decided to mix it up and have her portraits taken at the Plum Island/Newburyport marshes and beaches.
After a short hunt for flowers, we found some purple and yellow ones that matched perfectly with the cool blues in her outfits and her amazingly long blonde hair. Vanessa has some serious hair goals! She worked her tresses perfectly in the wind.
Halfway through the photoshoot, the sun popped out from behind some clouds and made a dazzling sunset. The soft, peach hues reflected beautifully on the pools of water in the marsh, so it was only fitting in such a dreamy landscape for Vanessa to give her dress a twirl.
Finally, we made it to the beach, and we have to say, Vanessa chose the perfect outfit for the setting. All the colors in the background were incorporated in her romper. Vanessa was not afraid of getting a little sandy for her “finale photo” , and as you can see it was totally worth it!
Boston Portrait Photographer | Taylor's Editorial Shoot
Class of 2018 Senior Rep Victoria C introduced us to Taylor. Both of their moms are co-owners of Cupcake City, which by the way are some of the best cupcakes I’ve ever tasted, Twix and Sm’ores are among my favorites, though I’m not opposed to trying every single flavor.... Ok back to Taylor- what a riot this girl is!
She brought so much fun and laughter on set. She was not afraid to call it how it is when a pose felt awkward, and we love that! It brings out natural smiles and really represents a subject’s true personality in the photos. Taylor wanted her senior shoot to have an editorial aesthetic, and also to highlight her favorite shoes: Christian Louboutin heels.
Naturally, we headed over to the mill buildings for a grunge meets high fashion feel. We played around and laughed so hard as we were trying to capture some movement to show the bottom of her heels, We called this one her “fashion editorial spread” Having started out in a black slouchy sweater, we noticed as the photoshoot progressed her sweater seemed to be growing! Certain fabrics can stretch like crazy throughout a shoot, and Taylor’s sweater seemed intent on growing into a sweater dress.
Taylor dealt with it with grace, laughter, and eventually an outfit change. Outfit number two matched perfectly with a rusty basin that we found on the floor (maybe meant to catch drips from the leaky ceiling?). After propping it up, Taylor sat down and worked her unique background.
For our final shots, we noticed how beautifully the light was coming into the room, so we moved fast and captured some fun dramatic images. The results are some of our favorite shots of the day!
Boston Portrait Photographer | Rene's Edgy Mill Session
Having heard about our client’s Jayna’s experience with her senior shoot, Rene contacted us for her senior portraits. Rene was looking for a unique and edgy location for her senior portraits and we had just the spot: the mill buildings. When Rene walked into the studio, the first thing we noticed was how expertly done her makeup was.
One of Rene’s many passions is hair and makeup. She’s part of her school’s drama department and does the makeup for the whole cast. So naturally, Rene did her own makeup for her senior portraits. We could have sworn that she had gone to a salon to get it done, the girl has got skills!
Throughout the shoot, we couldn’t help but ask for her makeup tips and tricks. Rene’s mom came along for the shoot, and we could see her beaming over her daughter. We convinced to the two of them to get in for a mother/daughter photo and they snuggled close for a very special moment.
After getting shot after shot of Rene absolutely working the camera, we wrapped up the shoot with a fun laughing shot of Rene in front of the vintage windows of the mill. Her bubbly personality truly shined in front of that red door, which makes it one of our favorite shots from our session.
Boston Portrait Photographer | 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 | Brianna's Day Off (Bueller....?)
Who wouldn’t want to skip school for a photoshoot? That’s what senior Brianna got to do for her senior portraits! Brianna is friends and soccer teammates with one of our Senior Reps, Alena. At the crack of 8:30am, we met at the studio for Brianna’s mill building inspired shoot.
Right off the bat, Brianna worked it. She has the natural smize down. For those of you who don’t know the Tyra Banks coined term, smize = “smile with your eyes”. And look at all of that hair! It was a bit of a wind storm when we made it outside, but she wrangled all of her long locks effortlessly.
I even have to say, that the more windblown her hair got, the better it looked, does this girl ever have a bad hair day?? After a quick outfit change, she pulled out one of our favorite winter accessories: the blanket scarf.
Not only is it perfect for a brisk December morning, you can’t help but have some fun with it. Soon Brianna was laughing at having to sway continuously, which brought out her fun, happy personality in the photos.
We ended the shoot across the street in the mill buildings. I am beginning to love this early morning winter light in the mills. Showcasing a bright red off the shoulder shirt with the gritty, monochromatic backdrop resulted in Brianna absolutely shining.
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.
