2024: What I’m most excited about this year | Boston Family Photographer

Everyone has different ideas of what a new year will bring, but this year I decided not to make any resolutions. No health binge, no dry January, no big goal setting (not yet anyway). I am choosing one word for 2024: PLAYFUL. With my kids, and in business, to be more intentionally playful. I’m incredibly task oriented, so my type A personality may not forgive me for this, but I’m sure my kids will love it. Instead of goals, I made a list of the 5 things I am looking forward to most in 2024:

1. Expanding the way I photograph families

   Capturing families in an authentic way is always a question on my mind. How can we photograph the good stuff? Not just the looking at the camera smiling, but the moments that are personal to your family. I’m constantly looking for new ways to recreate and capture the magical dynamic you have with your kids, and this year is no different. I LOVE my slower season for this reason. It’s time to reset, reflect, learn, and be inspired.

2. Reflecting on 2023

   I finally get to look back and reflect on the end of 2023 family portrait season! This is also a reason why I love January so much - I get to go through all 2023 photos and curate my website and blogs with all new content.

3. Connecting with colleagues and fellow business owners

   Each year I try to collab with at least two other businesses on a creative project. Getting to know other local businesses and be creative together is always a fun and inspiring opportunity. 

4. Finding new locations

   Location scouting is a HUGE part of the service I offer to my family portrait clients! I don’t ever expect families to know what location is best for their session, and on top of that, to know what time of year, day of the week, and time of day is best for each location. Having the knowledge and experience to choose locations and times based on season, crowds, and sunlight, is a big part of how I serve my clients.

5. Non-negotiable, designated time with my family

   I am really proud of how I executed on this in 2023 and am excited to do the same in 2024. In the past, I’ve always based my schedule around my business, I let client need run my calendar (because I really do love my clients and want to serve them)! Since becoming a mom 4 years ago, I have slowly been regaining control, setting boundaries that I actually stick to, and even taking a full month off each year (see that blog on how I do it here)

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In home sessions and why I love them | Boston family photographer

Your home is special to you. This is number one. It’s where you create a great majority of your family memories, and it’s where you all feel comfortable. I didn’t actually realize how true this was until we did our own family photos in our home last winter. There’s something about the photos in our bed that just hits 

1. It’s easy. This sounds like a simple answer, but if you have young kids, and you take away the whole element of getting them out the door and into the car or stroller once they’re ready, it’s a game changer. Just getting them dressed and letting them be make all the difference between a stressful session, and a peaceful session.

2. Weather is not an issue. No checking the weather app every hour leading up to our session.

3. We have more flexibility in scheduling a time. This is a big one. We schedule outdoor sessions 2 hours before sunset or just after sunrise. The longer the days are, the harder it can be for families to schedule an outdoor session. An outdoor session at 6PM may have beautiful light, but also may be harder on your kids’ dinner and bedtime routine. Indoor sessions are usually scheduled around 10AM, so no sunrise wake-and-go, and no witching hour meltdowns.

4. Go with a casual wardrobe. Socks and shoes off, get comfy. I usually recommend lighter, solid colors, and very low pressure coordination. And the best part? If someone gets a stain, just change because you’re at home!

3 Mistakes to Watch Out For on Your Brand Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

Hey there, small business owners and entrepreneurs in Boston! If you're gearing up for an awesome brand photoshoot, we've got some essential advice to share with you. Today, we're going to uncover the top three mistakes you need to avoid to ensure your brand photoshoot is a resounding success. So, grab your notebook and let's dive into this blog post that's all about what to avoid to create stunning brand visuals.

1. “Winging It”: The Importance of Preparation

Picture this: You show up for your brand photoshoot, all excited and ready to strike a pose. But hold on, have you actually prepared for it? "Winging it" might sound thrilling, but when it comes to creating a strong visual identity for your brand, preparation is absolutely crucial. In the initial steps of the planning process we’ll get into the importance of communication, prop selection, and outfit coordination to match the vibe and location. Trust us, skipping the preparation phase is a big no-no that can lead to lackluster results. So, let's ensure your photoshoot is set up for success right from the start.

2. Location, Location, Location: Don’t Settle for a Location that Doesn’t Fit Your Brand

So, before you brush off your own workspace as not being "luxury" or "on-brand" enough, think again! (Check out the blog for prepping your workspace!) Embrace its unique qualities and consider how they align with your brand's story. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust and connecting with your audience, and using your own workspace can amplify that in your brand photos.

If your workspace doesn't fit right for what you’re going for, tap into the resources around you! Do you have a friend with a kitchen that perfectly complements your lifestyle brand? Or perhaps you can strike a sweet trade deal with a past client who has an "on-brand" blue living room? And hey, have you ever considered checking out some Airbnb options? Renting a location may come with an extra expense, but trust us, it's always worth it. We've never had a client say they regretted investing in the perfect space that truly embodied their brand.

For more tips on choosing the perfect location, head over to our blog post on "How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Brand Photoshoot". It's a game-changer!

3. Don't Let Those Photos Collect Digital Dust

Now that you've embraced the idea of using your own location for your brand photoshoot, let's talk about the importance of actually using those photos. We understand that the overwhelming feeling of "How do I use them?" can sometimes creep in. But remember, the key is to take action and be strategic. “Done is better than perfect.”

Here's the truth: using your photos strategically is crucial for showcasing your brand and engaging your audience. We'll share valuable insights and practical tips on how to leverage your photos across your social media platforms, website, and other marketing channels. Let's ensure your brand photos shine brightly and contribute to your business's success. Check out “Tips for How to Make Your Brand Stand Out Online”

Start by creating a content calendar and planning out how you'll incorporate your photos into your social media posts, website, and other marketing materials. Highlight different aspects of your workspace and how they tie into your brand's story. By using your own space, you're not only showcasing your products or services but also inviting your audience into your world.

Now that you're aware of the top three mistakes to avoid on your brand photoshoot, you're equipped to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Remember the significance of preparation, the importance of choosing the right location, and the necessity of maximizing your photos' potential. By sidestepping these mistakes, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning visuals that truly represent your brand. So, get ready to showcase your brand's essence through captivating imagery and watch your business thrive.

Baby's first year: The 4 milestones you want to have photographed | Boston family photographer

New parents ask me all the time - when is the best time for baby photos? Short answer: whenever you decide to take them. Baby’s first year is all around incredible and ever-changing, so don’t stress over photographing them at the “perfect” stage. As a guideline, here are my milestone recommendations within baby’s first year:

Newborn: 5-14 days old. This is the best for those sleepy, curled up, fresh brand-new-baby photos. These are most often done in your home.

3 months: When they start to smile and respond to us is a great next milestone to capture. They may be propping themselves up in tummy time, giggling at us, making eye contact, all those fun, responsive things they couldn’t do as a newborn. I absolutely adore those little toothless gummy grins.

7-9 months: If you’ve followed me for a while you may know that this is my absolute favorite age to photograph. When babies are sitting up on their own, but not quite crawling away yet, and entertained by absolutely everything. I love it. (I also considered this one of the most fun ages with both of my kids). It’s fleeting - they’re going to be on the move in a blink - and it’s really fun to photograph.

One year: The one year milestone is an obvious one. I don’t love it because we get the cutest, most smiley expressions from them, I love it because there’s so much going on with them physically and developmentally, I think it’s essential to freeze time at this age. Whether your baby is taking their first steps or not, they are exploring how to walk and all the possibilities that come with it. They are usually very into mom and/or dad, but also starting to gain their first taste of independence. 

Where do I start? Tips for planning your best personal brand session | Boston Photographer

As a small business owner, you know that branding is everything. And one of the best ways to showcase your brand is through professional photoshoots. But where do you start? Don't worry – planning a successful brand photoshoot doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these four easy steps, you can plan and execute a photoshoot that perfectly captures your brand's personality and message:

Step 1: Communication is key to successful planning, and that's why I always start with a conversation before commencing any project. This gives me the opportunity to understand your brand, goals, and vision for the photos. If you already have a Pinterest board with ideas in mind, please share it with me so that we can work together to bring your vision to life. Even if you don't have a Pinterest board yet, don't worry; we'll work together to create one that aligns with your goals and vision. Based on our conversation, I will provide suggestions and recommendations that are tailored to your brand and objectives. With clear communication and collaboration, we can create stunning visuals that effectively communicate your message and resonate with your target audience.

Step 2: Fill out your questionnaire. This is like an ultimate brainstorm session for your brand. It is an opportunity to reflect on your brand and think deeply about its strategy. If you have a clear brand strategy in place, filling out the questionnaire may be a breeze, but if not, it could require some more thought and reflection. The questionnaire will help you to define your brand's unique selling proposition (USP), target audience, mission statement, and messaging. This information is essential for creating a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers.

Step 3: Decide on a location. This is one of the most important elements, and should not be overlooked. The location we shoot should be authentic to your brand, versatile, and (of course) available to rent or use. See more about choosing a location here.

Step 4: Create your inspo board on Pinterest. Sometime between our initial call and two weeks leading up to our shoot date, you’ll want to create a Pinterest board for inspiration. This is where I can actually SEE what your vision might look like. Words are great, but “modern chic” might mean one thing to you and another to someone else. A mood board is the best way for us to get on the same page visually. When planning your branding photoshoot, it's important to also consider props! They can add depth and interest to your photos, as well as tie in with your branding. Gather any props you may need in advance and make sure they align with the overall aesthetic of your shoot.

Planning a brand photoshoot requires thoughtful consideration and strategizing. Start by defining your brand's target audience, mission statement, and messaging through a questionnaire. Next, choose a location that aligns with your brand's authenticity and versatility. Create a Pinterest board for inspiration and gather props that tie in with your branding. By following these steps, you can create a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers through stunning visuals.

Don't worry, you’re in good hands. I’ll use all of this info to create an absolute killer shot list for us. Next stop is wardrobe… :)

What does a typical day look like at a brand shoot? | Boston Photographer

As a personal branding photographer in Boston, I can help elevate your business by highlighting your values, personality, and style. As a small business owner, it's essential to have high-quality photos that showcase your brand and products. Having on-brand photos spread across your website and social media has the ability to draw in prospective clients and customers. A branding session can be anywhere from one hour to a full day. That's where a personal brand photographer comes in. We plan, we prepare, we find the perfect location, we book hair and makeup, we choose amazing on-brand outfits, but what does the day of our brand shoot actually look like?

In this blog post, we'll give you a sneak peek into the process. From scouting locations to setting up equipment and directing poses, you'll get an inside look at the steps involved in creating stunning images that capture your brand's essence. So if you're considering hiring a personal brand photographer or simply curious about what goes into a photoshoot, keep reading! Here is exactly what to expect, broken down into 6 steps:

1. If you’ve booked hair and makeup, they will arrive first, about two hours before our scheduled start time. Now is the time to communicate and show them any inspiration images, and your outfits for the photo shoot.

2. We’re here! Emily and her assistant will arrive at the time we’ve scheduled for arrival. We’ll spend about 20 minutes scouting the location and setting up lighting if necessary. Once you’re ready, we’ll go over your wardrobe and come up with a plan for which outfit to shoot in front of which backdrop. In addition, we’ll chat about the feel you want to capture in each image and how to best direct you during the shoot.

3. We’ll start shooting. During the shoot, Emily will give direction on how to pose, where to look, and what kind of energy to bring. We may try several different positions and angles until we get just the right shot. And don’t worry if you feel a little awkward at first – it’s completely normal! The important thing is to relax. You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera, Emily will direct you, and no matter how “unphotogenic” you are, you will start to loosen up and even have fun in front of the camera… and it will show in the photos!

4. There’s no rush. Emily will have her shot list and timeline, which we’ve outlined ahead of time, with plenty of wiggle room for breaks, wardrobe mishaps, hair and makeup touchups, etc.

5. We’ll shoot a lot. A lot. Of images. We’ll stick to the shot list, but also leave a lot of room for spontaneity and creativity (after all, isn’t that why you hired us in the first place?). Headshots, lifestyle, process... We’ll also usually try to capture as much behind the scenes photo and video content as possible, we know you’ll want to post all about the day (the glam and… not-so-glam moments).

6. We may finish early. We may finish a little late. There are so many variables that contribute to our timeline - weather, lighting, comfort level, did a squirrel eat our perfectly styled prop bowl of nuts? We try to stick to our schedule, but being flexible is always a good idea.

That’s it! Of course, each shoot is different, with varying elements, but that’s the gist of the day of our photoshoot. As your Boston personal brand photographer, I will work with you to capture the feel you want in each image, directing you on how to pose and bringing an energetic vibe to your photo shoot. There's no need to worry if you feel a little awkward at first - I'll guide you through it! We'll follow our shot list and timeline, but also leave room for creativity and spontaneity. And don't forget, we'll capture behind-the-scenes moments too! Let's have some fun and create next level images for your website, social media, and promotional materials. Bottom line, if we are prepared (and we will be) it’s low pressure, and lots of fun.

Photo Shoots in Amazing Locations: Martha’s Vineyard Spotlight with Jill | Boston photographer

The first time I chatted with Jill, she opened up to me about her passions, her business, her life. She wanted to plan her personal brand shoot where she lived, in Martha’s Vineyard, and she had already put more thought and planning into this session than any other client I’ve had. She was working on her brand with Jordan Duvall from Ignite Your Soul Brand and her art direction guide was 20 pages long. 20 pages. Now this could have made me run in the other direction, but it was perfect. Strategic, intentional, and very very well thought out. She had a vision for her images, and I couldn’t wait to help her bring the vision to life.

We had an amazing location and A LOT on our shot list the day of the shoot, so we set up a strict timeline to help us stay organized. It certainly takes a village sometimes and I was so grateful to our team of amazing women - My assistant Gwen, Paula with hair and makeup, as well as styling, and Jill’s two best friends for being an extra set of hands wherever they could (and the perfect hype women as needed).

It was important for us to show Jill’s spiritual side. She offers intuitive healing and guidance to help women become their authentic selves. Her clients choose her because of her open, nurturing, and compassionate nature, so that was an element that we had to make sure we captured throughout the day. She also does akashic record readings (which I had to google it after our first conversation!)

We ended at the beach at sunset - our grand finale after a long day of shooting. It was the perfect magic to wrap a full day. Beautiful sunset, wind in our hair, waves crashing. All said and done, it was a 14 hour day (which I don’t do many of anymore with two toddlers at home), but so worth it.

5 Great Tips To Make Your Lifestyle Brand Stand Out Online | Boston Photographer

In today's digital world, building an online presence for your lifestyle brand is not only essential, but also challenging. Everyone is seeking a way to stand out and make a unique impression on your audience. One way to achieve this is through personalized brand photography. Customized visuals help businesses showcase their brand’s personality in a more creative and engaging way. This blog post will show you the role personalized brand photography can have in increasing your online presence and how you can create lifestyle branding photos that resonate with your target audience. From identifying your brand aesthetics to working with professional photographers and incorporating your team and products, we have listed five tips that will make your lifestyle brand stand out online.

Adding customized lifestyle branding photos is a huge step towards really establishing your brand's unique identity and standing out online. First thing’s first, is to identify your brand's aesthetic and use it as the foundation for planning your shot list, this will help us connect with your target audience on all levels. A Pinterest board is my favorite way to communicate your vision to me!

Once you have a clear vision, we can start diving into choosing locations, props, and wardrobe! You want to use props and settings that reflect your brand’s personality. Investing in a brand strategist in addition to a professional photographer is the best way to meet your goals with the photo shoot. We can help to ensure your images have a visual consistency across your platforms. Social media platforms have become the best way to showcase your personalized brand photography, and really kickstart engagement and relationships with your customers.

Identify Your Brand Aesthetic

Creating customized lifestyle branding photos that stand out online requires a deep understanding of your brand's aesthetic. The right color palette, patterns, textures, and locations can all contribute to building a strong visual identity for your brand. By identifying what best represents your messaging, you can create visuals that will set your brand apart from competitors. Consistency is key in developing a recognizable brand aesthetic, so be sure to use the same filters, editing styles, and overall vibe throughout all of your branding photos.

Choose the Right Setting and Props

In order to create customized lifestyle branding photos that stand out online, it's very important to choose the right location and props. This means considering what you want to evoke in your audience and selecting a setting that aligns with those emotions. Additionally, it is good to remember that when it comes to props, less is more. We want to strike a balance between adding visual interest and keeping that cohesive look that reflects your brand. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try out different settings and props until you find what works best for your brand.

Work with a Professional Photographer

Collaborating with a professional photographer can help elevate your brand's visual storytelling to a whole new level. I’m here to use lighting, composition, and editing, to visually tell your story and bring your brand to life. I work together with my clients to really reflect their vision, so we come out with photos that align with their brand identity.

Incorporate Your Team and Products

Adding your team and products into your lifestyle branding photos can be a great way to add a personal touch  to your brand and create a connection with your audience. Including your team members in photos and marketing communicates the values of your company and builds trust with your customers. Remember to keep the photos visually appealing and aligned with your brand goals to effectively showcase your personalized brand photography on social media platforms.

Using Social Media to Showcase Your Personalized Brand Photography

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook provide an opportunity to engage with your followers and build a community around your brand. By using consistent branding elements such as color schemes and fonts in your social media posts, you can create a cohesive and recognizable image.

Get creative with different types of content! Experiment with behind-the-scenes shots, lifestyle images, and product photographs. Show the faces behind the brand that make it successful. Collaborating with influencers or other brands can expand your reach even further, and you want to have photos you're proud of to share with them. Use social media to showcase your personalized brand photography and show the world why your business is unique.

In conclusion, it is so important to create a solid presence for your lifestyle brand in today's digital world. Personalized brand photography can help you stand out from the crowd, connect with your target audience, and become a recognizable entity. It’s a great tool to reach more customers, show off your brand’s personality, and create an unforgettable online presence. Need more tips on how to make your lifestyle brand stand out online? Check out our blog for more insights and inspiration!

The 5 Best Ways to Put Your Brand Photos to Use

5 Must-Have Photos from Your Personal Brand Session

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Brand Shoot

How I Take a Month Off Every Summer and Why Its Great for Me and My Business | Boston Family Photographer

As cliche as it sounds, (like many other parents) I’ve realized my kids are only little once. They are little, needy, interesting, and fun, and I’ll never get this time back. My core values in my family portrait business are based around spending, documenting, and ENJOYING time with your family. My first maternity leave went from July-Sept and I was FREAKING OUT about the thought of taking a September (IYKYK) off from the photography business. But then I did, and my clients understood, and everything was ok. Once I knew it was possible, it wasn’t scary.

In fact, the timing of taking a month off to reset and spend with family before jumping into my busy season of weekend sessions and post-bedtime editing was the best thing that I could have done for my family and for business. Not having to grind right into the busy season without a break had me feeling refreshed, energized, and excited about photoshoots. And I didn’t have to go in with the guilt of less time with my kids because I just spent a whole month with them.

Here’s How I Did It:

1. Made sure I had an OOO with a clear message - I would be checking in on email once a week (say every Thursday for example), and therefore slower to respond.

2. Made sure my booking calendar was set up, automated, and easy for clients to book and receive confirmation emails without my help.

3. Planned content ahead of time. Blogs, social media, and Newsletters were scheduled not just for the month I was away, but through the busy season so I could focus on sessions when I returned.

4. Had a team member I could rely on. My assistant does not typically respond to emails for me, but I made sure I was able to loop her in on anything that needed attention while I was gone.

5. Didn’t stress about it. Did I miss out on scheduling a few photoshoots that were time sensitive? Yes. That would have majorly stressed me out in the past. I am more on the “I can’t serve everyone” train these days. And that’s ok with me.

Confession: Since the pandemic, I’ve been taking a winter month off too. Winter is the slow season for me, so I spend about 2-3 weeks on back-end things like updating my website, content planning, and general maintenance. Then I take one month where I work one day a week. Me from 5 years ago would have died over this.

How Working with an experienced Brand Strategist Can Elevate Your Photo Session (Part 2) | Boston Photographer

If you started on Part 1 of this post, let me pick up where I left off… Enter my dream client, interior design entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ms Rachel Reider of Reider and Co. She is doing a complete rebrand with Kris, and they need next level content to show off what this team is all about. Oh, have I mentioned her amazing, powerhouse (all female) team of 6?

Example of a client shot list

Again, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it was to have Kris on the brand strategy/art direction side of this. After diving deep into the Reider and Co brand and the direction they were going, Kris and I came up with a shot list together. Here is an example of a shot list I would create for every brand photoshoot. It includes inspiration photos, locations, and specific shots we know are a priority.

For this particular shoot, we wanted a heavy focus on the team dynamic. Day 1 included two versatile locations - one in a Back Bay, Boston condo, and the other in a suburban Wellesley home. Our main focus was really powerful team photos, headshots, as well as a peek into all of the many things that happen behind the scenes as they are working with their clients. This was one of my favorites, shot “tableau style” to highlight the all inclusive experience the team provides from start to finish.

Day 2 was on location at Rachel’s studio in the South End of Boston (two blocks away from my condo, perfect!) Our main focus was to show the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes team in action: the start of the process, the sample selection, the team meetings. All of the things we don’t think about when we see the finished product.

All in all, it was a successful brand shoot, and I am THRILLED to see these images on Rachel’s gorgeous new website. Kris did an amazing job. This is what happens when women are in charge.

Check out the Reider and Co brand new website here

Check out the very talented Kris Kennedy of Loudhouse Branding website here

Of course what would a great photoshoot be without gorgeous hair and makeup, by Paula Roderick-Voisembert

Working with a Great Brand Strategist and Why You Need One (Part 1) | Boston Brand Photographer

If you come to me and you’re already working with a brand strategist, I immediately love you as a client. Why? You’ve already taken a major step to uplevel your business. You are most likely an entrepreneur with defined goals and a clear brand story. Planning your photo shoot is already less stressful for you.

If you ARE the brand strategist, now I am doing a happy dance. When Kris contacted me because she wanted to book a photoshoot for one of her clients, the first thing we did was to schedule a call to make sure we “vibed”. I don’t know about anyone else, but entering into a relationship with someone you are not compatible with, is DANGEROUS ground. Luckily, within 5 mins we were giggling and chatting about patriarchy and lifting up women business owners in the home design industry (perfect, I love her already).

Two weeks later she came to me with her first client she wanted to book a photoshoot for… which happened to be my dream interior design client, boutique hotel design goddess, the legend herself, Ms. Rachel Reider or Reider and Co. IYKYK.

(Rachel’s team shoot blog coming on part 2 tomorrow!).

Kris had been working (heavily) with Rachel on her rebrand already, so it was easy for Kris to take the reins on direction and planning for the shoot. This was a HUGE benefit to Rachel and her team - it totally took the weight off of her shoulders, goodbye stress and overwhelm!

Kris and I chose three incredible locations (always helpful when your client has designed two luxury homes that we can use as a backdrop, and has a chic design studio in Boston’s South End), and came up with a shot list that included specific needs for Rachel’s website and social media.

On the first day of the (two day) shoot, Kris took the role as art director, and we worked as a team to produce and execute the shot list. It was a long two days for everyone, but having Kris as the art director, truly made this shoot as successful as it was.

Check out her (also newly-rebranded-coming-soon) site where you can see more details about how awesome she is.
In the meantime, her new Instagram is getting very interesting! @loudhousebranding

And you are going to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the new Reider and Co site. You want to know how to effectively use your brand photos? This is it… We’ll be posting Reider and Co’s final images and link to their brand new website next week! I know it’s so hard to wait!

You can find Kris on her newly rebranded Instagram @loudhousebranding and her website coming soon: Loudhouse Branding

Taking on Toddlers During Your Newborn Shoot | Boston Photographer

Just days into embarking on their journey with three kids, the Gillespies were ready to capture some precious moments with their brand new baby and his older siblings. With mom and dad having two toddlers in tow, I was more than happy to be welcomed into their South Boston home for a cozy indoor session. Having two young kids of my own has made newborn shoots even more special to me, give me all the baby snuggles!  Also, Charlie was a total natural, and went along with whatever we wanted.

Annie and Jack were so excited to show us all around their home to help scope out their favorite spots to play. As I received the formal stuffed animal introduction, I had dad giving the performance of a lifetime just behind my head while I snapped some playful, candid photos. Between the giggling and jumping on the bed we lost count of how many times we lost Annie’s bow in the silliness, but somehow she had it on for every photo.

The bow itself was the cherry on top of the family’s coordinating wardrobe. The Gillespies pulled a page right from our style guide and accented their neutral-toned outfits with pops of blue. All of which looked great against the backdrop of their home. It's easy to overlook your own bedroom as a photo location, but I find they tend to make a great spot to get comfortable in front of the camera.

After exhausting the photo opportunities in the bedrooms we relocated to the kitchen to break out everyone’s favorite: snacks. When discussing prep for the session I always recommend bringing along your kid’s favorite (non-messy) treat to break out when their patience starts running low. Once we had Goldfish coupled with the rare opportunity to sit on the counter, the kids got the second wind.

The shoot ended with the whole family (including the dog) piled onto the couch to snuggle and love on baby Charlie. What made this such a successful family session was everyone’s attitude. Mom and dad were easygoing, we gave the toddlers some freedom so they had fun the whole time, and this allowed us to capture these genuine, authentic family moments.

How to Have the Best Mother's Day Ever | Boston Family Photographer

This Mother’s Day we are doing a giveaway! We are giving away two mini sessions. One will be nomination based (I’m sure you or someone you know is very deserving of beautiful photos of themselves with their kids), and the other will be chosen at random.Here’s how to enter:

1. 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.

2. To nominate yourself, a friend, sister, or any other mama who deserves this, DM me with a sentence or two on who you are nominating and why she deserves it.

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 14, 2023, and posted on my story at 10AM.

***Important! Mini sessions will take place next Saturday, May 20 at 5:30 and 6PM in the Boston’s South End. If you are chosen as a winner, you must be available for this time slot.

Mother’s Day video | Boston Family Photographer

Inside an Interior Designer Personal Brand Shoot: Sarah Cole Spotlight | Boston Photographer

On an interior shoot, so much prep goes into making a room photo ready. On a brand shoot with an interior designer… in a home that she designed, take that prep work and make it a double, hah! When working with interior designers, I usually recommend that we keep the photoshoot for the home they designed and their brand photoshoot separate, but limitations in using someone else’s home doesn’t always allow that kind of freedom. Sarah had two days to prep, style AND shoot the home and her brand photos… I’m sweating and stressed just saying that. Prep work and communication, while time consuming, truly makes or breaks the outcome of a shoot like this.

Sarah Cole has made the art of prepping a space for a shoot down to a T. Being a visual person herself, she had the perfect vision for her “red dress” room, and using the built-ins as a main backdrop. And hello yellow shoes to perfectly compliment the yellow/blue sitting room? Showing part of her process and not JUST the pretty, finished product, was important, so we made sure to take elements from the planning stages - the measuring to get the perfect custom fit, the dozens of meetings and conversations with clients, reviewing the floor plans, down to the final touches.

How to make your brand shoot more personal with Kylie Wright | Boston Photographer

One of the many parts I love about personal brand shoots is the opportunity it creates for you, the client, to reflect on your brand and how you want to be seen. Kylie, CEO of a tech company, has had many “corporate” headshot sessions to show the serious professional side of her job, this time opted to go for a more personal approach with her session.

I loved this approach, as it allowed us to highlight Kylie’s life outside her Back Bay office, creating a very genuine “total package” image of her. She lives near her work, and if you haven’t been to Back Bay, it has so many photo opportunities with the brownstone buildings, Newbury street, restaurants, and green spaces. Pretty much quintessential old town Boston. In capturing her less corporate side, we focused on what she appreciates outside of the office such as her favorite walks in the neighborhood, or her favorite restaurants in the area (which I don’t know how you can pick), rides her Blue Bike to the office, and one of my favorite moments, spending some time engaging with her family and pups. 

For a more casual professional vibe, we concentrated on what she would post to a blog or LinkedIn about, such as how she can take work calls walking down Commonwealth Ave. As a leader, she loves working with her team and considers that one of her happy places.

Behind the Scenes of a Personal Brand Session in Marblehead with Kelly Duggan | Boston Photographer

This past fall, I was up in Marblehead (which is so beautiful!) every few weeks working with some incredible interior designers and architects. One of the shoots that really brought Marbleadhead to life though, was Kelly’s personal brand session. This all-inclusive, all-day lifestyle session for Kelly was really meant to show off HER. The perfect combo of her biz and life… because honestly is there really that much of a line between the two anymore?

Walking in the door at our first location Kelly chose - a beautiful home overlooking the bay in Marblehead- I gawked at the stunning clothing laid out for this session, which pretty much turned the downstairs entrance into a walk-in closet. Our mutual friend Paula was her hair and makeup artist, and really went above and beyond, taking the role of wardrobe stylist as well, adding accessories to compliment and finalize outfits. (Thank you Paula!) Kelly and Paula absolutely NAILED wardrobe, and Kelly wore her clothes with such confidence. Side-note: even if you are coming to the studio for a quick headshot, I recommend getting your hair and make-up done by Paula. She’s my HMU spirit animal and always creates the perfect camera-ready-but-still-yourself look.

Kelly had a clear vision for her shoot, bringing fun props along with her to clearly define her brand and add some personality (pro move Kelly). How fun is it to have a bunch of balloons and pop some bubbly?! There was even fake snow, which required us to get creative with our cleaning in our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible. We had an action packed shot list for the day (I may have broken a sweat on multiple occasions), but we ended up with a TON of variety that will fill her content library for months.

And, as always, we had to be flexible in true photoshoot fashion, as one of our locations in town was closed. That just led us to a lovely flower shop right down the street, with great steps for posing, and pristine lighting. Everything worked out beautifully in the end! We ended the day in Lynn, right along the water in time to catch the sunset over Boston; casting a golden glow to the end of our session. Of course, there was a toast to celebrate!

What to Wear for Winter Photos | Boston Photographer

Wait…it was just 50 degrees yesterday now it’s 20 degrees out? Yup, winter in Boston is as unpredictable as it comes, but luckily the weather app is usually reliable for forecasting the upcoming days' conditions. 

When it comes to dressing for winter photos, here is my best advice.

1. Wear or bring extra layers. Nothing is worse than freezing! While you don’t want to look bulky like the Michelin tire logo, bring an oversized slouchy sweater or wear that thermal shirt underneath. Layering is a great way to complete a look.

2. Bring an extra coat. You can wear a more stylish coat for photos, but having an extra puffy coat to put on in between shots, or as we move from one place to the next, can be just the break you need. 

3. Gloves and cold weather accessories. Add a seasonal flare to your photos by adding those winter accessories like scarves, gloves, boots, and beanies. There are so many cute options for these items out there, have fun with it.

4. Color: Winter tends to bring some more muted colors so if you want to stand out add some splashes of color to your outfits. Layering is a great way to add color.

Most importantly choose to wear clothes you feel comfortable and confident in, no matter the season.

How Gwen made the most of her brand shoot | Boston Brand Photographer

Gwen, Homeopath, came to me when planning her website with her website designer Lulu, and her photos from this brand shoot fit her website. During our consultation, she described how she wanted an organic and neutral look to her images. We decided to do the shoot at my studio in Lawrence, starting with a complete blank slate background and adding in details and items reflective of her brand such as earth toned art and plants. A minimalist approach with beautifully simple results. One of our goals was to recreate the warmth and openness of her office environment and the general vibe of zoom calls with patients, and we were able to do just that using a few key items and colors.

And while we had the whole brand session in our studio space, we were not limited! Gwen worked with a virtual wardrobe stylist before our session, and they put together A LOT of looks. In fact we had 7 outfits which we fit into a half-day shoot! Talk about really creating versatile content. Once again, here is where planning and prep are everything. We were able to be intentional about shooting 7 looks in one half day session, and successfully giving Gwen the variety in her content that she needed. Of course I have to give a shout out to Paula, my friend and makeup artist, who was with us for the entire session to transition between looks, she makes everything look so effortless. 

I can’t say enough good things about working with the right team. With Lulu’s direction, Gwen’s clear visual inspiration, Kate’s magical wardrobe, and Paula’s always natural HMU, we were able to produce exactly what Gwen wanted.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Brand Shoot | Boston Photographer

1. Re-evaluate what your brand means to you and how you want that visualized. What are some of your business’s grounding principles or your own personal mantra? What do you want to be known for- approachability? Family oriented? Think about what locations are good visual representations of your brand. 

2. Image research and prep. Time to head on over to Pinterest and other social media (or scroll through my instagram) to find poses and images that give me some direction for what you want. I will guide you through posing the day of our shoot, but this is a good place for you to figure out what you like and (maybe more importantly), don’t like aesthetically. Additionally, if you already know where you want these images to end up, that’s super helpful in creating a shot list customized to your needs.

3. Keep me updated! Communication, communication, and did I mention communication? We will start with a consultation call to go over how to best showcase you and your brand during our time together. This is a great time for me to really listen to your needs, pain points, and ideas, so that I can start putting those all together into a custom shot list before our session. If any changes do happen along the way - you decide you want to change location, add a specific shot, prop, bring your dog, fill in the blank, let me know ahead of time so we can plan for it.

4. Picking your outfits. A perfect excuse to look through your wardrobe with a fresh set of eyes. It’s so important to choose clothes you feel confident in AND that are representative of you and your brand. If that means shopping to add in some key pieces, or borrowing some accessories from a friend, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time for searching and ordering what you need. I always suggest having a few extra options.

5. Day of shoot. Leave yourself plenty of time to prepare, and arrive at our first location punctually so we can make the most of our time together. I highly recommend bringing a few snacks and water bottle. Trust me, the time will go by fast, so take a deep breath, and relax so you can enjoy it and be your authentic self. Once we get going these sessions are so much fun!

Cooking up a successful brand image with Tyler Kinnett | Boston Photographer

A young (super) successful chef with passion, kindness and humility needs some great photos to up the ante with his brand image.

Tyler was clear in the direction he wanted to go - away from wholesome and typical, and more toward gritty, edgy, Anthony Bourdaine. He wanted to show that he was more than a restaurant chef, he encompassed the total package and had big plans to expand his career.

After learning that sourcing his food is one of his top priorities, I knew we had to make that a highlight of our shoot. Tyler focuses on using ingredients that are not only unexpected, (like pine in sauces and desserts… see above photo), but locally sourced and seasonal as often as possible.

He has a great relationship with one of his suppliers, Allendale Farms, which was clear from the way they greeted each other when we arrived to shoot there. Tyler takes the time to chat with lead farmer, Kate, and she goes through their current and upcoming seasonal crops with him.

It’s always great going into a shoot with someone who is so passionate about what they do, it makes it easy to create beautiful, genuine images for them.