Splashing Around in the Fountains of Saratoga Springs

Shortly after moving to Saratoga Springs, I was thrilled to get together with this lovely family for a sunset portrait session in Congress Park.  This was their first photo shoot as a family of four, and my goal was to make everyone as relaxed and comfortable as possible so that they could truly look forward to their photo shoot and love the natural images that we captured together.  

After spending some time exploring the duck pond at Congress Park (which, if you haven't heard about the ridiculously popular ducks in this town yet, definitely ask a resident about them -- they stay here all winter because of the heated sidewalks!!), we wandered over to the beautiful pavilion at Congress Spring for a few more photos.  We never intended to get wet, but when little Andrew spotted that fountain he ran directly to it and went up on his tiptoes to get a better look.  He LOVED splashing around in the water, and getting his sister Teresa all wet.  

They shared the best giggles at this classic Saratoga landmark, and I was so happy to hear their mom tell me a few weeks later that now every time she drives past the fountains, she thinks of our fun evening splashing in the mineral springs and the joy on her children's faces.  THAT is what this is all about -- creating memories and capturing them in the most beautiful way so that you can enjoy them forever.

Are you looking to create some amazing memories with your family?  Use the contact tab above and let's chat about planning a portrait session for your family!  Now booking in New York, Boston, and Cape Cod!

Saratoga Springs Family Photographer: A Springtime Studio Session

Kate was the winner of our Launch Day Giveaway with the #NSPrebrand party in January.   We planned her Petite Milestone session in the studio to coincide with her little one's first birthday.  Kate's family has come to me for their portrait sessions since her first pregnancy, and we've photographed her maternity session, Lizzie's newborn portraits, Lizzie's first birthday cake smash, Gavin's newborn session, and now a sweet & simple milestone session just in time for Gavin's birthday.  

I have just loved watching her family grow over the past few years, and seeing the artwork from our sessions up on the walls of their home makes me so happy.  Even though I'm moving to New York soon, I look forward to coming back to continue capturing these moments for them.

I love everything about the image above.  It's not perfectly posed, they're not both looking at the camera, and you can't even see half of the baby.  But you know what?  It's the perfect moment that shows just how much love this big sister has for her little brother.  It shows that adorable all-in attitude that she takes to giving hugs, and the protective nature that's inherently there for her baby brother.  To me, it's perfect.  

Thank you for such a wonderful session together!  I look forward to seeing your family again soon, Kate!  

Thinking of planning your portrait session?  Contact me and let's chat!  I'm accepting sessions in Saratoga Springs starting in mid-June, and I'll be back in Massachusetts (Boston and Cape Cod) for a few select dates in June, July & August.  I would love to plan a time to create these beautiful memories for your family!

A Rustic Family Photo Session with the Perfect Blue & White Wardrobe

Wondering what to wear for your family's portrait session?  Look no further than this family's stylish post!  

I was completely in awe of the beautiful styling that this mom pulled together to coordinate outfits for her family of five, and I love the shades of blue and complimentary patterns that really make her photos pop.  All families receive a what to wear guide before their session with helpful wardrobe tips, and they can also view this post for inspiration.  This mom pulled it off flawlessly, and I love how the colors look so amazing against our rustic scene, too!

This mom is always behind the camera capturing amazing photos of her children, and like many moms out there, she is rarely in those photographs with her kids.  I always encourage moms (and dads!) to get in the frame with their children and capture some special moments of all of them together.  Your children are going to look back on these photos in 20, 30, 40 years and they are going to love seeing how loved they were, how beautiful you are, and how happy everyone is together.  Plus, doesn't she look like a supermodel with the wind gently blowing her hair just so?  ;o)

Finally, I just love the personality that shines through from the big brother in this image!  Watching Jack & Lily with their baby sister was so beautiful, and seeing how they took care of her, watched out for her, and knew just what to do to get a smile out of her was absolutely amazing.  They truly are such a beautiful family, inside and out.

A Playful Outdoor Fall Photo Session at Larz Anderson Park

This is what happens when you bring two brothers outside for a photo session on a chilly November day: Giggles, laughter, wrestling, running across the park to warm up, and SO.MUCH.FUN.  Nathan & Noah were an absolute blast to capture on camera, and I am so happy that we fit in a last-minute photo session for these boys in time for their family's holiday cards.

These two arrived to Larz Anderson Park ready to play, and the beauty of our laid-back sessions is that playing is always an option.  It's even encouraged!  I always aim to capture the real you -- your real smiles, your real laugh, and the real way that you elbow your brother in the ribs when you think no one's looking.   ;o)  After all, these are the moments their mom will remember in 20 years, and these are the ones I want her to treasure right now.

I love the smirk in this photo below!

This next photo was captured after the boys were jumping off the wall, and I'm pretty sure they were trying to fly.  Any mom of boys knows that this is just how your photo sessions go.  So, like any mom of boys, this mom was worried about what we did or didn't capture during our session together.  Of course, I told her that it's not all of the crazy moments that we capture -- though we do get a few of those, too!  It's the millisecond in between, and knowing right when to click that shutter button to capture the photo of her boys that she will have on the wall for the next 20 years.

This one right here.  That's the one.

Are you a parent living in Newton, Brookline, Brighton, JP, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Chestnut Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods?  Check out Macaroni Kid -- Newton-Brookline!  The boys' mother, Ali, runs this weekly e-newsletter and website bringing you a list of local family-friendly events.  There is so much amazing information for families on their website, including DIY projects, recipes, local events & festivals, shopping guides, crafts for your kids, and coupons for some special savings for your family!

Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook, so be sure to follow their page for daily updates for family fun!

Macaroni Kid featured Nicole Starr Photography earlier this fall after hearing about our photo sessions for National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Check out the featured post here.

2015 Year in Review Video by Nicole Starr Photography

2015 has truly been an incredible year, and I want to thank all of you for sharing so many magical moments with me!  

Enjoy this beautiful little video of some of our favorite images from the year.  I look forward to another beautiful year of storytelling in 2016!

To every family that asked me to tell their story: thank you.
To every mom who let me cuddle her newborn baby: thank you.
To every dad that wanted to surprise his wife with a keepsake gift: thank you.
To every creative entrepreneur that connected, laughed, shared, asked, taught, and learned with me this year: thank you.

And to every single person that connected with the stories in my photographs, commented on my images, shared their own stories with me, and let these beautiful families into their hearts through the images that I shared with you: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

A Sunkissed Family Session at Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina

Pure inspiration. That's what the Creative at Heart conference was for me.  I spent 5 days in the quaint and colorful city of Charleston, SC this November.  I'll share a full post on this later, but it was an incredible experience connecting with, learning from, and sharing my heart with other creative entrepreneurs.

One of these amazing women that I met was Lauren Nievod, the owner of Lauren Nievod Photography in Baltimore, MD.  Lauren is a wedding and portrait photographer, and her style is light, airy & authentic.  She's also a little bit whimsical with a focus on the sparkly details, and as you know, whimsy is totally my thing!  ;o)

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Lauren is simply the sweetest, and she has the most adorable family.  When I reached out to our group of conference attendees about doing a family session in this gorgeous city that I adore, I was thrilled when Lauren told me she'd be coming to town with her husband and her two little ones for our Creative at Heart weekend.  With kids this adorable, it's impossible not to get over-the-moon excited about photo day!

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I adore this family photo taken at Rainbow Row.  This is actually their very first family photo with all four of them together in the frame, and I'm so honored to have captured this moment for their sweet family.

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Aubrey was such a little ham during our session, and she warmed right up to me after discovering that she could make the biggest echo in the entryway of one of the homes on Rainbow Row.  She has the most beautiful sparkling eyes, and an adorable little smile with those teeny-tiny baby teeth peeking through.  She's already a wonderful big sister, and did such a great job with her baby brother Parker.  And did you notice this outfit of hers?  Definitely the most stylish 2 1/2 year old I've ever met!

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family session in charleston rainbow row nicole starr photography_0004

family session in charleston rainbow row nicole starr photography_0003

family session in charleston rainbow row nicole starr photography_0006

family session in charleston rainbow row nicole starr photography_0007

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family session in charleston rainbow row nicole starr photography_0010

Lauren, a very special thank you to your incredible family.  I am so happy we were able to capture these moments for you while visiting such a gorgeous city.

This wasn't the only photo shoot I did while in Charleston!  Click here to see a cozy anniversary session photographed beneath the Southern live oaks at the College of Charleston.

*****Do you live far from Boston?  Would you love to do a destination photo session with Nicole Starr Photography?*****

I'm always up for a little adventure, and I adore traveling and exploring beautiful places.  I have a handful of faraway visits planned for 2016, and I would love to come to your city or town!  Let me know and we can create some beautiful memories for your family!

Chasing Chickens at a Rustic Photo Session

Sometimes, you just have to chase the chickens... Brinn's late-fall photo session at a local farm had a few unexpected visitors sharing the frame with her in her images -- chickens!  The chickens were wandering all over the farm the day we were there, and five-year old Brinn loved it!  She went chasing after them, calling out to them to "Come back this way, Chicken", trying to lead them towards seeds and worms to eat.  It was absolutely hilarious, and her mom and I couldn't stop giggling while watching this determined little girl try to herd the chickens during her photo shoot.

One of the things I love most about returning to a location for my sessions is finding new ways to photograph families there.  As a photographer, I know that there are a million different ways to look at any one place or thing.  I love it when, with a little bit of imagination, I can create completely new images at a much-loved location to complement a family's personality.

Brinn is a sweet little girl filled with so much personality, curiosity, and wonder.  I love these sweet images we captured here that showcase her cowgirl boots and her charming little expressions.

Ready for a little more sass?  Give the girl a dance floor in front of a barn door, and she will bring the party!

Finally, it's hard to believe it was late fall when these photos were taken.  The vibrant green grass seems to hint at summer or spring, as does the white fluffy dandelion puff!  I just love how sweet, innocent, and magical this next photo is, and the way those little puffs trail across the image as they float away across the farm.

I absolutely loved capturing this spunky girl's sparkling personality on camera, and I just know her mom is going to treasure her keepsake box of images for many years.

Sweater Weather at the Beach

Let's go to the beach... in November... in New England. It sounds crazy, right?

When I first talked with Melissa, we had a vision for classic neutral tones, a soft sea haze, chunky textures on nice warm sweaters, and an incredibly fun family session.  Our session date finally arrived, and here we were a week into November.  Normally we might have had a snow flurry by now, and certainly it  would be normal to expect frigid temperatures.

But we lucked out.  Big time.

We enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, a cloudy 60-degrees day that was absolutely perfect for getting our feet sandy and running along the beach in our boots.

Marseille was a wild spirit on the beach, and I just adore how the wind coming in off the ocean picked up her hair and blew it in the breeze.  These candids are a few of my favorites.

Morrison was such a little boy, digging in the sand & flinging it around.  Sandy fingers and sandy toes mean you did the beach just right.  ;o)

And then there's Madrid.  She's an amazing big sister, corralling her two little siblings together for adorable photos.  Her favorite part of the beach was running off by herself and drawing in the sand.  What a creative little spirit.  

I brought this colorful blanket with me for some cuddly photos, and I love how much fun the kids had with it!  It really brought so much laughter, life, and personality to the photos right at the end of our session.

Peek-a-boo!

The Arnold Arboretum for Rustic Family Photos

A first birthday is such an amazing time, especially the first birthday of your very first baby!  You're celebrating your first year of parenthood, your first year as a family of three, and 365 days of this amazing little one that has changed your lives for the better.

This family reached out to me to capture their daughter's first birthday photos, and as always we combined Melody's session with a beautiful family session to capture the love and the amazing bonds shared between this sweet little family of three (almost four -- baby #2 is on the way!).  We headed to the Arnold Arboretum to a nice secluded area near Peters Hill for the most gorgeous fall photos.

This baby girl is so, so loved!!

boston baby photographer fall family photos

boston baby photographer fall family photos, arnold arboretum

boston baby photographer fall family photos

boston baby photographer fall family photos, arnold arboretum

boston baby photographer fall family photos

We enjoyed gorgeous fall colors and sparkling sunlight at Peters Hill in the Arnold Arboretum.  I always try to find unique areas for my sessions, and when we revisit a location with a new family, my goal is to discover amazing little spots that we have not captured on camera before.  This little area of the woods was perfect for that with so many gorgeous areas bathed in the most amazing light.  I absolutely love this spot for amazing rustic photos nestled off in the woods.  Melody was quite intrigued by the pine needles carpeting the ground.

boston baby photographer fall family photos, arnold arboretum

boston baby photographer fall family photos maternity photos

boston baby photographer fall family photos

boston baby photographer fall family photos

boston baby photographer fall family photos

Afterwards, we headed back to the studio for the rest of Melody's session, including her first birthday cake smash!  Be sure to check out her musical cake smash here.  It was so much fun, and she really got into her cake!

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

A Colorful Family Photo Session at Powisset Farm

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."  

~L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

(Session was photographed in October, and published in November.  ;-)  )

When this family reached out to me for their yearly photo session, I immediately knew the perfect location with beautiful fall colors where their little girl would have room to run & explore.

Powisset Farm in Dover is becoming one of my new favorite locations.  After an incredibly fun & beautiful family session there this summer, I was eager to visit the community farm again with the change of seasons.  Driving along the road that leads to the farm was so breathtaking that I the moment the family jumped out of their car, we headed over to the quiet country road for a few quick photos to start our session together.  The vibrant colors, the falling leaves, the sparkling light -- backdrops don't come any more gorgeous than New England in the fall!

Chiara is three, and anyone that has a three year old knows that children this age have a lot of personality.  I love working with these little ones during our photo sessions and capturing their bright spirits on camera.  At this age, children need lots of space to run and play, so outdoor locations are always ideal.  While we always start with family photos, the moment I have the children by themselves they get excited, chatty, inquisitive, and playful.  Did you know that sometimes the best way to get amazing photos of your children is actually to give them a little room and let them warm up to the photographer by themselves?  It works every time!  Just look at that smile!  ;o)

And then it's right back to cuddles with mommy and daddy, which to a three year old are pretty much the best thing ever.  I just love it when moms and dads get in the picture with their little ones and show them some love.    

Thank you for such an amazing session together!  You're going to love a new gallery wall in your home with these portraits to enjoy every day!

Fall Portrait Session at Cushing Park in Framingham

Some of the best families to work with are the ones that just LOVE documenting their family's life. These are the families that see the value in capturing their love, their growth, and their memories every year.  They understand that childhood is fleeting, and that the curiosity, the magic, and the wonder is something that should be cherished.  They realize that you have to let the kids be little, because before long they'll be grown and may not smile for your camera.  They know that snuggles, laughter, and hugs are the best memories, and they enjoy reliving those moments by placing them prominently on their walls to bring a smile to their face every single day.

The S family has come to me for three sessions in two years, and I just love visiting them and seeing their walls filled with the memories that we created together during their sessions.  This latest session was pure magic, a beautiful fall family session at Cushing Park in Framingham, MA.  The light was sparkling, little Stephen's curiosity was at its peak, and we had such a playful afternoon together.

Enjoy your beautiful memories!

The little scientist is hard at work observing and classifying pinecones in the "enchanted forest" that we wandered into during our session.  When a cluster of pine trees becomes a forest, and when pinecones are the most fascinating thing you've encountered... that is when childhood is magical.I just love this playful photo of Stephen & his dad, a piggy back ride with a great loud monster's "ROAR" right as I clicked the shutter.  

Thank you for such a wonderful session!  I look forward to capturing many more memories with your beautiful family.

Looking for tips to rock your family's portrait session?  Check out our 6 tips for an amazing session with babies and young children here!

A Beacon Hill Family Session

Sometimes, I find myself so caught up in capturing the newborns, the sitters, the crawlers, toddlers, and pre-schoolers that I forget how amazing sessions are with older children.  I actually LOVE these sessions with teens and pre-teens.  I feel so lucky to be able to capture these amazing young adults on camera, learn a little about their lives, listen to their big dreams, and have such a fabulous time exploring and capturing beautiful photographs together!

Meet Chloe & Hannah.

We got together in Beacon Hill for a beautiful sunset session with these gorgeous girls and their mom.  The four of us wandered through the Public Garden and walked the streets of Beacon Hill while soaking in those last sparkling rays of summer sunshine.  I loved listening to their stories about traveling around the globe, adding Morocco to my list of must-see travel destinations.

I introduced them to the famous Acorn Street, the most photographed street in America nestled among the brick homes and cobblestones of Beacon Hill.  They loved how quaint it was, and this portrait became a framed 16x20 that is waiting to find a place in their home.

This blue store front was one of my favorite spots that we found to photograph by.  How absolutely gorgeous do Hannah & Chloe look against the blue, the sparkling glass, and the bright pops of color in the background?  I just love this section of the city, and I'm so happy we chose to do their session downtown!

Would you love to see another senior-style session?  Check out Simi's ballet-inspired session in the woods here!

What to Wear Tips for Family Photos

You asked your friends, you searched online, and now you've finally found the perfect photographer whose style matches your own.  You've set a date and you are eagerly looking forward to your family's photo session.  Now comes the hard part.... what to wear???? Sometimes, searching for the perfect outfits can feel just as challenging as it was when you were searching for the perfect photographer.  But it doesn't need be that way!  Follow these simple tips to rock your family's portrait session, feel confident, be comfortable, and look amazing in every shot!

10 Tips for What to Wear in Family Photos, Nicole Starr Photography

1. Coordinate your colors, but don't match them.

Long gone are the days of matchy-matchy outfits.  Why dress everyone in khakis and white shirts, when in real life your whole family never dresses that way?  Show some personality in your photos by picking a few colors that pair well together, and select everyone's outfits based on that color scheme.

2. Look to your home decor for color inspiration.

Not sure which colors to choose?  Look around your home and see if you tend to use bright and vivid colors, or more neutral tones to decorate.  These photos will become artwork that you will display proudly in your home, and you want them to complement your decor rather than compete with it.

3. Use patterns, but use them sparingly.

I personally love adding a little bit of pattern into the mix.  Plaid, stripes, floral -- you name it!  However, limit the number of patterns so that they do not distract and detract from the image.

4. Avoid logos, characters, and words.

It's that simple.  We want the focus to be on your family's beautiful faces, not on what's written on your daughter's shirt or the minion character on your son's t-shirt.

5. Accessorize!

Accessories bring your photos to life.  They add a pop of color, show your personality, and help to tie all of the outfits and colors together.  I love statement necklaces and scarves that are in coordinating colors.  Take a peek in your closet and see what you can add to make your outfit interesting and fun.

6. Plan ahead.

As soon as you book your session, start thinking about outfits.  Don't assume that a dress will fit your daughter, or that you'll just grab a clean shirt from your son's closet.  You don't want to find out that her dress is too small and there's a stain on his shirt the day before the session.  I also recommend having your little ones try on the clothes and spend a few (clean) hours in them a few days before the session.  Does that pretty dress have itchy tulle?  And his shoes too tight?  Find out ahead of time so that we're all smiles the day of the session.

7. Avoid all white or all black clothing.

It's easy for the colors to get blown out when you're wearing all white, and the same can happen with black.  So add some texture in the form of scarves, necklaces, cardigans, or a lace layer to liven up your outfit and preserve all of the detail in the final portraits.

8.  Pull it all together.

Take all of the outfits (shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, accessories) and lay them all out on the floor together as individual outfits.  Take a photo of them all together on your phone and see how them look next to each other.  Are your eyes automatically drawn to the shirt with neon stripes?  Does that sparkly skirt seem out of place?  Make substitutions so that the wardrobe choices complement each other rather than compete with each other. 

9. Ask for advice!

Send me your photos that you just snapped and ask me what I think!  I always have families texting me photos and emailing me their outfit choices for final opinions.  I am more than happy to help you with this so that you look and feel your best the day of the session.

10.  Finally, think classic.

These photos will be hanging on your walls for many years.  Avoid trendy and stick with the classics while still showing your family's fun personality.

Did you find this post helpful?

Check our our 6 Tips for a Successful Portrait Session with Babies & Young Children to really be ready to rock your family's upcoming session!

Still have questions?  Email me by clicking on the "CONTACT" tab above!

6 Tips to a Successful Portrait Session with Babies & Young Children {Boston Family Photographer}

baby girl doing tummy time with a floral backdrop

Vivian is quite possibly the smiliest baby girl that I have had the pleasure of photographing in the studio.  This little girl did not stop smiling for even a second of our session, and that gummy smile stretched from ear to ear with sparkling eyes and the sweetest little giggle.  Happy and curious, she loved the camera.  Just look at those sparkling eyes!

baby girl pink and flowers

However, not all babies come to their sessions ready to bust out a smile, and there are so many tips that I give families to help their little ones be comfortable here in the studio during our portrait sessions.  Our sessions are light, playful, and fast-moving to keep the little ones' attention and capture the most beautiful memories of your family.

On top of the games, songs, silly dances, and fun little toys that I like to pull out during our sessions, there are a few things that parents can do to help their child have a fantastic experience, too.  Read on for a few ideas before your session, and enjoy more of Vivian's sweet little smile.

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

It's hard looking cute for an hour!  Bring a bite-sized snack or a drink that won't stain their lips or tongue, and take a few moments between shots to cuddle with your little one.  Puffs, cheerios, and goldfish are perfect for a quick little pick-me-up between photos, and they even fit right into the baby's hard so we don't see them in the photo!

baby with stuffed animal lovies

Babies crave familiarity.  Bringing a lovie, a blanket, their favorite toy, or a cherished book can do just the trick.  Plus, it's a great way to incorporate their favorite things into the photographs!

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

For toddlers and other young children, tell your child that we are going to a special place where we will play lots of games and have fun together.   Nicole (that's me!) will be there and will play with us, too, and sometimes she will take pictures when we are having fun.  

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Throughout the week before your session, practice different expressions in the mirror with your child (ages 2+).  Have them show you their sad face, silly face, happy face, kitty cat face, excited face, puppy dog face, etc.  Kids are still learning how to create a natural expression on their faces, and sometimes they see a camera and go a little overboard with the smile.  We want their most natural expressions that show who they are inside, truly showcasing their personalities.  When they do a smile that is particularly adorable, praise them and point it out to them.  Then try saying, "I love your happy face!  Can you show me that one again?"  Repeat this throughout the week and they will be comfortable in front of the camera when we get together.

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Sometimes a child can have TOO many people tell her what to do, where to look, how to act.  Take a break and wander off for a few minutes, leaving me with your child.   A lot of the time they loosen right up and their true personalities really shine when left alone with just the photographer.  This little girl's mom went off to "check her phone", and right away her daughter was laughing, twirling, and making silly faces with me.  Then this little guy wanted to show me his favorite spot in his yard, and once we were behind these stunning yellow bushes he told me all about his secret fort and why he loves it there.  Sometimes kids just need a little space.  Let's give them that during the session for a few minutes to help them become more comfortable to open up to the camera.

boston rustic photography farms

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Most importantly, remember to HAVE FUN during our session.  I'm talking to you, mom and dad!  ;o)  Don't stress out if your little one isn't cooperating.  Trust me, we are still capturing beautiful moments on camera.  Besides, children can pick up on the stress in adults and will feel it themselves, causing their behavior to be even less than ideal.Simply follow my lead as we redirect the children, keep the session light and playful, and move on to the next set-up if this one is not working.  We can always come back to it later in the session.  By remembering to have fun, we will create memories that are truly stunning and you will love these photographs for many years.  Aren't these photos of moms and dads interacting with their children so much more lovely, dynamic, and emotional than the stiff poses of years past with everyone looking straight ahead at the camera?  YES!  There's connection, laughter, and excitement shining through in every single portrait.  Let's create some memories for your family.  What are you waiting for?  Click on the "CONTACT" tab above and let's chat.

Rustic Family Session at Powisset Farm {Boston Family Photographer}

Mission #1: Find the perfect rustic location.

We live in the city.  The families that we work with live in and around the city.  The extent of our local "rustic" locations for family sessions is fairly limited, but when Kristen told me she wanted me to find the perfect rustic location for her family's portrait session and that she was willing to travel,  I was on a mission!

I searched high and low, and finally came across this amazing little gem of a farm hidden in Dover, Massachusetts.  It's only 20 minutes away from the studio!  Powisset Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture farm situated on the most beautiful location.  We traveled down a narrow, winding road to find the farm.  Right after the split rail fences and low stone walls we rounded a bend, and there it was!

boston rustic photography farms

If this shot was the only shot I had taken that day, I would have been happy.  The fields, the gorgeous summer colors, the stunning sky.  Oh, and this family truly is such an incredible family and we had so much fun together!

But seeing as how I clearly took MANY photos that day, I went home and fell in love with every.single.photo.

Mission #2: Get the girls to giggle.

Noelle & Savannah have so much personality, so this wasn't very difficult to do.  Little girls with HUGE personalities are just about the cutest thing ever, so I loved every moment of our evening together.  We laughed, played, giggled, and when I saw the girls again for their ordering session and later for their product delivery they asked their mom when I could come back and take pictures of them... "Maybe tomorrow?" they suggested.  :o)  Simply adorable.

boston rustic photography farms

boston rustic photography farms

boston rustic photography farms

sisters on a farm rustic photo session

Mission #3: Get cuddly!

When working with kids this age, I always encourage families to cuddle up together, share a few hugs and kisses, and get as close as possible.  This is such a great way to capture the bond and love that families share.  In a few short years your kids will be grown and they won't run right into your arms, so scoop them up now, enjoy the cuddles, and snap a few photos to remember this moment.

boston family session on a farm

boston family photography session

rustic photographer in boston

boston family photography

She won't fit in your arms forever, but she'll always be your little girl.

boston rustic family photography

Love the pure joy & laughter in this one!

Mission #4: Find the wonder in childhood.  It's there.  You don't have to look far.

I believe in magic.  I believe in wonder.

I believe that childhood is such a magical time, and that children know more about this magic than we do as adults.  Everything around them shines with possibility, and there are no limits to where their imagination will carry them.  Foster it.  Encourage it.  Let them believe in magic a little while longer as they enjoy this all-too-fleeting stage of their lives.  My job is to capture that magic and wonder on camera.

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Got it.   :o)

Mission #5: Don't forget about the two people that fell in love and made it all happen.

Think about it for a moment... when was the last time you and your partner took a beautiful photo of just the two of you?  When you got dressed up, did your hair, threw on a pair of your favorite heels, and snuggled up together for a few snapshots?

Was it last year?  Was it 5 years ago?  Was it on your wedding day?

I make a point in every session to bring just the parents together for a moment and capture the two of them.  The kids go off to the side and play, or they stand behind me and "assist," giving their parents directions and bringing out their laughter and natural smiles.  And we take a few moments to capture the two people that created this family.  After all, in a location this gorgeous, how could you not?

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Are you looking forward to capturing beautiful photos of your family this fall?  We are now booking family sessions for September, October, and November!  Be sure to email me by clicking on the "Contact" tab above and let's chat.  As you know, it's my mission to find the perfect location and create the most memorable session for your family, so let's make it happen!

A Sunlit Family Session | Boston Family Photographer

Every time I go to Larz Anderson Park, I fall in love with a new hidden little area of their gorgeous, expansive park.  It truly is the perfect little place for photo shoots because no two sessions will ever be the same!  This time when I met the S family at the park, I was determined not to replicate any photos or locations I had used previously with another recent family session.  Looking at what we captured together with mom, dad, Mikey, and Anna, I'd say it was a success!

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I absolutely adore this photo of everyone cuddling together beneath a backlit tree.  When we do family sessions, the children are the priority and we keep it playful, fun, and light.  During our time together, Mikey and I talked about superheroes and ran through the trees where he found this perfect little spot for his family.  Tickles, laughter, and natural smiles.  What a fun session!

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During our ordering appointment, mom and dad both fell in love with this photo of their little loves on my vintage quilt!  This is one of my favorite props, a flea market score at the Brimfield Antique Fair last summer.  It comes with me to nearly every summertime session for that fun pop of color, cuddly, and vintage.

This 16x20 canvas is now bringing smiles and cheer to the entryway of their home.  Imagine down the stairs and seeing this every morning?  That's sure to start your day off right!

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Another thing that I love about regular family sessions is capturing your children's milestones!  Anna is just learning to take her first (assisted) steps, and now her family will forever be able to remember that when she is running around at full-speed in just a few short months.

Love their photos?  Check out the rest of their session with Anna's beautiful cake smash photos here in this post!

A Fun & Colorful Extended Family Session in Boston, MA {The H Family}

Do you want to know the secret to the perfect birthday gift?  Anniversary gift?  Holiday gift?  New baby gift? A photo session!

Wendy contacted me last winter about booking a family session to surprise her mother for her birthday.  She knew that her mother wanted nothing more than a gorgeous photo of all of her grandkids together.  A portrait of the whole family.  So we gave her just that... plus many more beautiful memories to treasure for a very long time!

We met at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline for one of our first outdoor sessions of the season, and although the overcast sky made us miss a gorgeous sunset, we had the most magical light for our session and it just twinkled in our photographs.

When the first two shots of your session look like these two, you know it's going to be an amazing hour together!

This family was, quite simply, FUN.  We explored, we laughed, we ran around with the little ones, we searched for fish in the pond, we blew dandelion puffs, we climbed trees, and we thoroughly enjoyed our hour together.  It was almost as if we forgot we were there taking photos.  Instead, we just captured the memories.

And the people of honor?  The amazing grandparents that were the reason all of these people came together to play and laugh and love?  

Thank you for SUCH a wonderful session!  I can't wait to see you all again!

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Wondering what else we can do at Larz Anderson Park?  Check out another unique and fun family session here!

The B Family {A fun and playful backyard family session}

We started planning this session back in the middle of a snowy, New England winter.  Dreaming of sunnier days while staring out the window at the 8-foot high snow banks, we knew that warmer days meant fun family time outside.  While planning our session, I usually recommend a number of locations to the families that I photograph, and I am always open to their suggestions, as well. The B family requested that we do their session in their backyard since it held so much meaning for them being the spot where they gathered, played, laughed, and celebrated together.  It turned out to be the PERFECT location with so many little areas that made for the best photo spots -- rustic sheds, a textured wooden wall, a little gate, winding paths, the perfect tree branches, and more!

Max told me he wanted to show me his favorite spot in the yard, so we climbed through the forsythia bushes to this quiet little space.  

Rebecca LOVED being in front of the camera, and she gave me so many natural smiles!  

Cape Cod Family Photo Session at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

For just a couple of minutes, let's pretend that the snowbanks aren't overtaking the windowsills, and that our heat isn't cranked up high.  Let's go back to the beach...  Who's with me? To escape the snowy roads of Boston, I'm going back through this fun family session from last summer.  We met up early in the morning in Chatham at Lighthouse Beach, and it felt like we had our own little stretch of the beach to ourselves.  Over by the water a group was gathering for a sunrise yoga session, so we went off behind the dunes and created our own little playspace.  It was perfect for these three brothers -- lots of room to run, play soccer, fly airplanes, and dig in the sand!

I love it when grandparents join us for the photo sessions!  They play such an important role in a family's life, and it's so special when we can capture that on camera.  These lucky boys get to see their grandmother every single day in their home.  She was thrilled to have a photo of her with her grandsons!

I mean, really, how much fun is this little guy having?!?!  I love laughter on camera.  :)

We had such a fun time together!  It makes me eager for more beach sessions this summer... or maybe it's just the snow out my window that makes me crave summer?  Either way, I can't wait for that warm weather and that gorgeous golden sunlight.  It just makes everyone ready to capture some gorgeous family memories on camera!