Families That Book Every Year, With the DuBuc Family | Boston Family Photographer

What makes families keep choosing me, your trusted Boston family photographer, to capture those precious moments year after year? I think it has a lot to do with the pictures, but it’s also about the relationships. You want someone who knows your family, who knows how to talk to your kids and deal with your grumpy husband (just kidding dads, we love you!) It’s like a mini reunion every year and I love already knowing the kids going into a session.

If there is one thing I love about family photography, it’s watching families grow and evolve year after year. It's like having a backstage pass to the most heartwarming show on Earth. Seeing your little ones go from crawling to conquering the world, capturing the subtle changes in your dynamics, and freezing those moments that make your family uniquely yours - I live for it.

I also love seeing moms and dads go from rookies with newborn babies to experienced veteran parents of confident, well loved kiddos.

As a mom of a 2 and 4 year old, I feel like they are different people everyday. This time while they are little is fleeting, and I want to capture everything (which is maybe why we all have 1,587,000 videos of them on our phones), but having these yearly sessions to put in an album and look back on, is one tradition I look forward to and will always prioritize.

So, cheers to our yearly tradition of freezing time and creating a visual diary of your family's incredible journey. Whether it’s for spring blooms, summer on the beach, fall foliage, or braving a snowy winter session, I hope to see you again this year.

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.

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 prepare for your session: The ultimate guide | Boston Photographer

Wondering how to get the most out of our time together? Do you have any specific shots in mind already? Have some questions about the shoot? Here is a comprehensive session guide to best prepare you for your Family Photos!

Step 1: Check the style guide for wardrobe.

Step 2: Feel free to send inspiration photos if you have them. If you have a pinterest board-share it!

Step 3: Answer the questionnaire I sent. It makes all the difference when I know a little about your kids and how to approach them. This is also a great opportunity to let me know if there are any specific shots you really want going into our session.

Step 4: Let the kids be kids and don’t stress if they aren’t “behaving”. Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun.

3 of my must have shots:

Hugs and kisses

Tickles (or something similar that gets them giggling)

Active playing. Chasing our kids gets sweaty and dirty, and it’s not always glamorous. This is where the real stuff is. The stuff your kids enjoy and more importantly, open up to. All kids are different and if you know what kind of play brings out the best in yours, it is a huge help in capturing their genuine happiness.

Step 5: Go through this checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

1. Make sure everyone is fed and hydrated ahead of time (adults too). Everyone is just more happy when they’re not hangry. Tip: stay away from foods that stain clothes or faces

2. Bring easy snacks and water with you. Snack ideas: cheerios, white cheese, raisins…

3. Have outfits ready ahead of time - like wayyy ahead of time. Pack an extra if you have a young baby, messy blowouts and spit up are definite possibilities.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time. When you need to be somewhere on time, someone will have a meltdown or poop at the very moment you need to leave. Keep your sanity and leave yourself extra time, you don’t want to cut into your session time because your toddler hid his shoes.

5. Bring something your kids love. This is totally optional, but if your kid has a toy or lovey that brings them more happiness than anything else in this world, it would be a great idea to have it with you, and even get it in a few photos - it can make a really sweet memory to look back on. One of my favorite photos of my son is him holding onto his “Lovey” at the end of our family session.

Now you’re ready for your session! Just show up and have fun with your kiddos.

What to do when your kids won’t “behave” for their session | Boston Photographer

One of parents’ biggest concerns is that their family won’t cooperate for their session. You want photos of your loving, giggly, happy kid, and your sweet child won’t smile on command like an angel for family photos. Of course not! Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun, and the giggles will follow.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting the best out of your kids:

1. Get your kids excited for the session and let them know how much fun it will be, but no need to over prepare them or add too much pressure for "best behavior”

2. Kids pick up on your stress, so stay cool, even when they don’t. Meltdowns come and go, we have plenty of time to take a break and reset, no biggie!

3. Bribes work. For older toddlers and school age kids, rewards can be our best friends. Having their favorite (non messy) snack on hand can be a lifesaver. But try not to break it out too early, or they’ll be fixated on it!

4. Go with the flow. I’ll always have an idea of how I want a shot to go, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that young kids are unpredictable, and the better shot usually comes from allowing them some wiggle room.

5. Above all, if you are having fun with them, they will have fun with you. Be prepared to pull out all the stops with hugs, kisses, tickles, chasing, and their favorite ways to interact with you. You know what brings out the best in your kids, so come prepared to be silly if that’s what does it.

Gina’s Family Photos in Arnold Arboretum | Boston Photographer

As an early mother’s day gift, Gina spent a windy afternoon at the Arnold Arboretum with her husband Jay and two daughters. Years ago, I had the opportunity to shoot both Gina’s maternity and newborn photos for her second child. It’s always special to work with clients over the years and see their child(ren) grow, as her daughters now are in elementary school and very much their own person. 

That morning we were debating whether or not to reschedule the shoot due to the wind advisory, (which if you have long hair, you KNOW the wind can be a friend and an enemy) but ended up going with it. Thank goodness for that as we captured some great moments!

Emma and Isla had such fun energy and even as the temperature dropped, kept the fun and laughter going. The true sister spirit came through as they made each other giggle, and had reminders to be gentle with each other. My approach to this shoot, and all of my shoots, is lifestyle based, so I love capturing them in their element, letting their personalities shine through.

We ended the shoot in the rose garden, carrying that energy with us, as our last shots were of the family jumping and running around.

Fun Ways to Photograph your kids This Summer | Boston Photographer

Summer is here (and so is the heat)! Hand-in-hand with this warmer weather comes longer time spent outside, especially for kids. To capture your kids having fun in the sun, I’ve created a list of some summer photo ideas that will bring a smile not just to your kids face but to your face as well. 

Capture your kid:

1. Eating watermelon or summer fruit. Be prepared for sticky hands and chins! You can even make a day of this by transforming it into a picnic.

2. Splashing in the water. Pool, ocean, lake, it doesn’t matter. Yes, your kid(s) will love this one, and yes, you may get wet. Trust me if you miss the shot of the cannon ball splash, they will be happy to do it again.

3. Doing classic “summer things”. Fourth of July fun, lemonade stands, playing with bubbles, running through the sprinkler, bbq nights- capture a family moment you love!

Have fun trying out different summer activities with your kid and capturing the moment as is. Pro tip: remember to bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Here's (and cheers) to the Dads | Boston Family Photographer

Ok let’s be real - I often overlook the amazing dads. We are (finally) hyperfocused on mom, as we should be, let’s give moms ALL the support. But what about the dads trying to “do it all”. The dads that have to miss the moments we’ll never get back, or make the hard decisions to go back to work after a mere two weeks with their newborn because that’s what everyone does. The good ones are our support systems and they don’t often complain (until they come down with the dreaded man cold lol, can I get an amen?)

I didn’t fully appreciate what it takes for a good man to become an incredible dad until I saw Nick become just that. And I’m not talking the “Wow what a hands on father!” BS comments that we get when people witness dad taking the kids for a walk or having any general interaction with their kids (moms you feel me?) I’m talking about the dads that are IN IT. Whether it’s staying at home full time, rushing home from work to jump right into bath-time, or taking one for the team in the middle of the night.

Above image by Melissa Rabbitt Photography

Dads get a bad rap for the “are we done yet” attitude at their photoshoot. I get it; it’s not easy and sometimes even uncomfortable to create special memories on command. They aren’t flashy about their relationships, but when I get to actually capture a few moments of their genuine connection, those are the photos that make us all melt. 

Baby Portraits: six months old, cheeks, and smiles-oh my! | Boston Photographer

The first year of baby’s life goes by so fast! Each month brings a new milestone, whether it’s sitting up, holding objects or crawling. While I absolutely love newborn shoots, it’s always exciting to work with babies within their first year. Just like each month brings a new milestone in development, a 3 month old and a 9 month old react differently in front of the camera. This past spring I had the lovely opportunity to work with Theo, a six month old, at their stunning condo in downtown Boston, and oh man, did he have the best expressions. Wait till you see those cheeks!

Theo was a natural, like ready to be on the cover of magazine-worthy. As a six month old he was sitting up by himself, and loved grabbing his feet or was completely fascinated by the drawstrings on his pants. While he went through the range of emotions like most babies, Theo was quick to offer back up a smile, thanks to his cheerleaders and support team, his mom, dad, and aunt! All of whom were running around behind me chanting, singing, playing peek-a-boo, and redirecting his attention with Sophie the giraffe. 

As you can see from the photos, Theo had multiple outfits which are especially helpful to have on hand on any infant shoot, (because babies can be messy). He went through his changes like a champ, and his wardrobe went great with the overall vibe of the space. Enjoy some of Theo’s moments below!

6 months is a big milestone! But no matter the age, if you interrupt nap time, there will be some tears.

A Tribute to the Mamas | Boston Family Photographer

Moms. I see you. Organizing family photos, juggling schedules, getting outfits together, bringing supplies, making sure the kids (and partners) look happy... all you want is a few good photos since you have none.
Then I get to witness and document these amazing sweet, silly, lovey moments and it's the best.

I hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day.

My Five Favorite Unique Boston Locations For Your Family Photos | Boston Photographer

Boston Public Garden, Arnold Arboretum, Seaport–all prime photo locations and quintessential Boston gems. And it’s always a different experience, no matter how many times I shoot there (thanks to you!) All great options, but if you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path, unique locations for your family photo session, they are not as far as you might think. While they might not look like much as a whole on the outside, there is always a spot to create great images. (BONUS: one of these locations has been teen approved- meaning they are more invested in the shoot!) 

Destination 1: Underground Ink Block. This urban graffiti park located between Boston’s South End and South Boston is fun for any age. Bright, bold colors and fun art-what more could you ask for!

Destination 2: Mill Buildings near my Lawrence Studio. Remember me mentioning the teen approved site? Well this is it. Actually, I recommend this location only for older kids due to the raw industrial nature of the space. (of course it’s safe to shoot at, but not for little wandering hands). It creates some cool (yes, this word was used by a teen), industrial looking images.

Destination 3: Unkempt Field or Hill. Those tall grass photos that capture the light–need I say more? You know what I am talking about. For this type of location, I always suggest bug spray and a blanket.

Destination 4: Your home. This location is the most overlooked option. Share your love for the space you live in. Indoor, backyard, there are more great little nooks than you’ve ever realized.

Destination 5: An interesting wall. Have you ever driven by a side of white brick wall, or brightly painted side of a building, and thought, “isn’t that interesting?” No? Just me? A simple wall can add a lot of different looks. Bright, bold, rustic, edgy, playful. Add a simple texture background to keep the focus on you and your family, while giving your photos a bit of a flare.

Looking for more ideas? Reach out, so we can find a location that’s perfect for your family photos.

How to Do Winter Photos the Right Way | Boston Photographer

I absolutely love the seasons. Each season brings you something to look forward to and enjoy. Apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, blooming flowers in the spring, sunshine in the summer, and hot cocoa and snow in the winter! Living in Boston we get the full force of the seasons, and winter can bring us a beautiful snowy wonderland but also some frigid temperatures. Don’t let those temperatures discourage you from creating some cozy, magical photos with your fam!!

Don’t underestimate home photoshoots. Home is where the heart is, creating some wonderfully fun and cuddly images in a space that means something to you. Before every session I take some time to scout the best spots around your house with the best lighting. (Spoiler, I can ALWAYS find at least a few spots). Indoor sessions are perfect for young kids and babies.

In the mood for some outdoor shots as well? Maybe it snowed the night before or the lighting is stunning. Combo sessions are a perfect way to get both outdoor and (warm) indoor photos! Just remember to bring plenty of layers. Older kids can have fun layering up, and young kids will get excited to run outside-though their mood can change pretty quickly (hello cold hands and runny nose) All we need is a few minutes outside, before running back home to warm up! Pro tip: A change in environment is also great for resetting not-so-great moods.