Lisa and I had to reschedule their first family session when the weather decided to not cooperate (Thanks a lot New England!). Second time was a charm though and we had beautiful weather to romp through the Fells with Lisa, her husband and their cuties!
Kristin, her husband Will and their four legged Cocoa met me at the wonderful Wright's Pond for a session. Unfortunately, they brought their really difficult and ugly kids Hanley and Davis (insert sarcasm font here). At the risk of sounding like a sixteen year old, they were adorbs!
This year's fall mini sessions were again a big success! Cold air didn't stop my clients form bringing their A-game and Salem Willows made for another lovely backdrop.
I've been photographing Sandi, her husband Brian, and their kids for years and years and oh-my-gosh-look-how-little!, and I always enjoy seeing them. This year we met at Salem Willows Park (the site of this year's Fall Session Day).
One extra nice thing about Sandi is that she always reminds me and encourages me to shoot candid when I'm with her family. Sometimes I get so into portrait mode that I forget the strength that comes from being a fly on the wall, and the fact that I love shooting that way!
Hiring a professional photographer can be a bit daunting. You've committed to a date and time, find yourself at the mercy of New England weather, and crossing your fingers the kids won't get sick, and the grown-ups will feel camera-ready. Nor'easters and stomach bug outbreaks aside, here are some tips for looking your best and rocking your session. Keep in mind that these are suggestions, not hard and fast rules.
If you go with the same color, mix it up by choosing varying styles.
WHAT TO WEAR
For reasons no one understands, white seems to add ten pounds to everyone. Pastels and other muted toned like pale grays and beige makes most of us look pasty. Stick with colors you know you look good in. Don't be afraid of bold, unless it's really not your style. It will contribute to the personality and pop! of your photos. That said, 'got a new white dress you feel fabulous in? Then go for it!
If you're in a group, wear colors form the same end of the color spectrum, without being matchy-matchy. Everyone in identical chinos and white polos will leave you looking like you belong on a real estate billboard in Florida. WE DON'T WANT THAT! Select colors that compliment each other, but aren't identical. If you go with the same color, mix it up by choosing varying clothing styles to show each person's individuality.
Choose accessories which will show off your personality but not detract by being too wild or flashy (unless that's what you want!).
IF KIDS WILL BE IN YOUR SESSION
When dressing little ones, including babies, avoid shirts with charming phrases on them as they will be hard to read in your shots. Avoid fussy (think sailor suit). If they're not used to hats and headbands, skip them. You won't get natural shots of your child if they are uncomfortable with what they are wearing. Dressing your child (or letting them dress themselves!) to show their personality will only add to your photos.
Some of the best shots are when you're just enjoying each other!
Props. If your shoot is taking place in your home I will often use what I find there. Does you're little one have a ragged bunny she can't part with? Let Bunny join the session! It will add some sweet nostalgia to your collection. Bubbles are fun to have on hand too.
Don't forget to schedule around nap time and meals, and whatever you do, don't let your little one get hangry. Make sure they are fed and have had a potty-break beforehand.
BREATHE! If you are relaxed, your child will be relaxed. How would you feel if you had multiple people barking at you to "smile!". Not so great, right? Come to your session with an open mind and breathe deep. Not all wonderful photos are of subjects smiling right into the camera. If you're doing group shots, bring along a toy that I can hold to keep their attention during group shots. Don't be shy about singing a song or telling a knock knock joke. Make silly faces. Or, simply take a walk and leave it to me! I'll make fart noises until we get the shot!
HOW I WORK. Your session might include lots of moving around. I might plop your kids in the middle of your bed (provided you don't mind) and let them jump around for some fun action shots, or maybe on my way to your home I notice an interesting stone wall in your neighborhood. We may end up takin' a walk to hang out on that wall. If you have a place that's special to you, don't be shy about letting me know. This helps you get a variety of shots, and it keeps things fresh and helps prevent boredom for kids and grown-ups too. Alternatively, I may come into your home and find everything we need for the perfect session is right there in front of me. You just never know. Just remember to go with the flow and enjoy the experience!
I look forward to working with you!
I had the privilege of photographing Jessica and Brendan's wedding a few years ago and was so happy for them when I heard their little on had arrived. I was ever happier when they got in touch for me to photograph him. Here are some of my favorites!
These two fun-loving people gave me the honor of being their wedding photographer at one of my first big shoots after moving back home to MA from FL. Today is their 6th anniversary! Join me down memory lane, will you? CLICK HERE
I had a great time this past sunny Saturday morning with Evey, her wonderful mom Zoe, and her beautiful daughter (also named!) Zoe.
Read MoreI've been a bit neglectful of this here blog, so here is a little slideshow of some photos I shot for clients seeking holiday pics. Not wanting to share photos which clients might want to share themselves on their holiday cards, I decided to keep them to myself til after the new year. I think it's safe now. Also for your viewing pleasure is my own silly holiday card featuring my pup Harlow!
but you wouldn't know it to look at Jenny, Greg and Andy, because they dealt with our chilly session at the Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont like total troopers! This edit is a small one because I don't want to ruin the plot of their holiday cards. I especially like the first shot with Mr. Lion. I'm a fan of the inclusion of our stuffed friends.
I photographed little bitty Molly a few years ago and last weekend was time to hang at home with her new little brother Bradley!
With the cute kid factor off the charts, beautiful weather and perfect fall leaves, this year's fall sessions were a great success! My clients were rock stars, taking on the crazy Salem traffic and even a rain delay in the middle of the day. Salem Willows Park was a new location for CSP and it served my current and new clients well, I thought!
Read MoreA year ago, when little Lena was only three days old, I took the below image. This was of course in addition to a number of other stunning images we shot during our session that day (wink wink!).
Read MoreLook! I photographed an author! And now maybe my photo will be in one of her awesome books. Neat!
