When one-year-old Cailin's grandmom Vicki got in touch for a session, I thought it would be a fun challenge to photograph the whole extended family during their Thanksgiving weekend visit. The session went well; the light was cooperative, little Cailin was in good spirits, and even the puppy was a good poser! A big group session like this one is great because you can get extended family shots, plus little nuclear family shots done all in one go!
This little slideshow has been a long time coming! I re-met Jenny, who I went to high school with, as a result of some community volunteering we both did. I was so excited to bump back into her and have been so grateful to have her as a new(ish) friend! I was truly honored when she asked me to document her big day.
I recently shot this for BU Today, Boston University's online news website.
I met Heather and Jeff on the Boston Common. I mean, I didn't literally meet them there...we planned it. Oh, you know what I mean! We wandered the common for a bit and when rain led us under a bridge (and a bunch of other people too, making it impossible to keep shooting) we chatted about this and that. Heather is a (saint!) second grade teacher. Jeff is a doctor. What kind of doctor?
A surgeon!
What kind of surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon.
Oh? Where?
At Mass General.
Oh, yeah?
Yup!
Do you know Dr. Smith?
Yes, I work with him!
Oh, cause he put this in me! (here's the part where I over-share and pull out my keychain which has on it a small strip of metal which Dr. Smith put in years ago and then took out nine months later).
Fortunately, Jeff doesn't seem phased about this, or my game of "Can You Guess Where It Came Out Of?". He thinks for a while, but because of it's odd bend at the end, he is stumped and I win the game "My collarbone!" I spill the answer.
He is appropriately impressed as is Heather.
The rain stops and so does my talking about myself and my ridiculous injury and we get back to taking pictures of this beautiful couple. And I do mean beautiful. I have the pics to prove it...
Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Abby and her mom, Alyssa. We had attempted to connect for our session the week before but we were rained out. So, last weekend, although a bit overcast, was a go! I met the two at Weir River Farm for the session and had a very nice time wandering the grounds, playing a bit of Simon Says and checkin' out the cows. Abby's outfit was too cute, and Alyssa informed me that Abby had chosen it herself, which of course made me like the two of them even more.
This is Summer. Her mom called me quite a while ago hoping I could photograph Summer's delivery at home, but unfortunately, my schedule is no longer free enough to be able to do that, (my one regret to having full-time work). Instead of having me with them the as Summer arrived, they had me come for a session in their home eleven days later. She was cute as a button.
The month of September was was very nice at BU! I'm pleased with the photos and also glad that photos I'd taken in the past but hadn't run anywhere have now been run. As a result, I can share them! This month, the students started back up in their classes, an alum donated $25M to the school, and the President of Chile came for a visit. Not too bad!
It was back to Endicott Park for a session with cutie-pie JD! His mom and I went to high school together and shared many band-related experiences. Now, she's a mom and I was psyched to take some good shots of her little one (actually, I photographed JD the day he was born. Kristen had hoped I would cover his birth, but a c-section brought that to a halt!).
The other evening, I had the pleasure of hanging out with little Miss Gracie and her mom, Amy. Amy had never had a pro take photos of her little girl and she decided it was high time. I met with them at their home and pretty much did as I always do, let the kid make the decisions! I followed Gracie around and did my thing in the dusk light. Amy also came up with the fun idea of photographing tubby time, which I thought was great! Capturing day-to-day moments like that is something I really love to do because I think those moments are fleeting - time flies so fast! - and it's rare when a parent might have their evening routine captured on "film". I was happy to do it for them.
August was a very busy week at BU, despite the students not being around. Much of the work I did hasn't been published and as such, I can't share it on here. But, here are the one's that did run. Many, as you can see, are of the students moving back in to the campus. Busy times!
I often get asked by my clients what they can expect from their session and how they should prepare. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to make a little entry about this very topic. Things to keep in mind when you're having a session with Cydney Scott Photography. 1. Wardrobe is important. Think layers, patterns and accessories. Don't overdue it by covering your two year old with bangles, but try to avoid too much plain, and try to avoid uncomfortable. 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 can really add to their photos.
When it comes to babies, be minimalist. Put them in something simple so the baby doesn't get overshadowed by a showy outfit. As for props and staging; I often just use what I find in your home. By doing this, it gives your photos a personal touch that's relevant to your family.
Noah sports some cool layers and sneaks with character.
With Liam's simple onesie, we are drawn to his eyes and not layers of clothes.
When it comes to family sessions, avoid being too matchy matchy. It doesn't let your family's fun-loving personality come-out if you're all wearing the same exact outfit. Wear colors that work together but are not exactly the same.
2. 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? So come to your sessions with an open mind and breathe deep. Not all wonderful photos are of kids smiling right into the camera. Sing a song or tell a knock knock joke that you know you're kid will find funny. Make silly faces. Or, simply take a walk and leave it to me!
3. Go into your session with an open mind. 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. This helps you get a variety of shots, and it keeps things fresh and helps prevent boredom. 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!
4. Have on hand a favorite toy or two. Their stuffed bunny might seem ratty, but they add to the photos a great deal if it's something your little one loves.
5. When the family's all together for a photo, don't worry too much about the camera. You don't always have to be looking right into the lens. Sit with your child and tickle them, chat with them, sing a little song with them, read them a book. Those moment shots are often the best kind of family pics!
Your children grow-up fast. I want you to enjoy your session as much as I love being able to help you preserve those fleeting moments for you!
