Now that her adoption is official and her parents have shared her arrival, I can do the same!
What a happy little girl Miss Clementine is! And Sophie is such a sweet big sis. Welcome to the family, little one!
In this exceptional group shot, I am number 54 and Alison, Miss Super Tall 'n' Sassy, is sporting number 5.
Alison and I played basketball together for Wakefield Junior High (go Warriors!). She may never hire me again for sharing this photo, but I think we may have a similar sense of humor, so it should be fine (she types with her fingers crossed).
Far more interestingly and current, Alison is now a mom! Woot! I was flattered that she got in touch with me to photograph her little bug Raymond.
It was so nice to see her again, and meet and work with her family, and Raymond was as cute as can be and such a chill little dude.
(click to enlarge images below)
Cassandra, an American living and working with her fiance in London, got in touch with me before coming home for the holidays. She, her fiance, and her brother and his fiance, would be all together with their parents and they wanted to book a session.
I loved this! As a person who comes from a family of grown-ups and no grandkids myself, I know first hand how we can forget to update our family shots as the years go by, whether or not little ones are in the picture (pun intended).
Cassandra and Co were fun to work with, game to try anything, and so patient as we traversed the landscape of Menotomy Park in Arlington. Here's a small sampling.
OK, I'll admit it; I'm putting on my lazy hat right now. Well, no, not really, but I am putting a collection of my favorite shots together from my sessions this season and sharing them with you all together, rather than doing multiple blog entries.
I attempted my annual fall session day before I left on vacation in October, but both the actually event day and it's rain date got cancelled due to stormy skies (shakes fifts at the heavens!). When I returned, I managed to schedule a second attempt, and my clients were excited to try again. Until it began to rain after I got only one session out of the way.
So, off to the second rain date we went (or does that make it the third? I don't know, I've lost track at this point). Some got their shots done on that sunday rain date, others went out of their way to meet me in the middle to get their sessions completed. I hope everyone loved their results!
Thanksgiving is coming, and I'm feeling thankful indeed.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of having my first cake smash session!
As the purpose of such a session is to commemorate a baby's first birthday, it was Lily's first cake smash too!
I brought along some garland I'd made for a party of my own last spring, and we cleared out Lily's bedroom to accommodate the event. Her brother Alexander got in on the action too.
It was great fun to see Lily - it's been a year and she's grown so much! - and also a great time shooting something new!
Now that Brayden is two, his parents Kristin and Benjamin touched base for a quick session. Such beautiful weather to capture a beautiful family in.
These little snuggle bunnies have grown a lot in the past year. I was excited when their mom got in touch for a one year session. Photographing them (as is always the case with any human between the age of one and four), is like trying to keep cats in a wheel barrow.
I've actually never tried to put cats in a wheel barrow, but I imagine it's an interesting challenge, as is photographing humans between the ages of one and four. They were fun and squirrely and curious and busy in all the best ways.
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.
Babies babies! They're the best, and little Miss Lily is no different. What a sweet little peanut. Her session was made even more fun by her two big brothers; one with a curly top and one with curly fur everything!
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!
I love hearing from Ryan. She, her husband and three little ones are fun and kind and whenever I hear from her it means her family is growing. This time, Theo's arrived!
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 a great time this past sunny Saturday morning with Evey, her wonderful mom Zoe, and her beautiful daughter (also named!) Zoe.
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