I’ll be honest with you, finding the perfect newborn or family photographer in Boston is a tough job. There are so many talented professional photographers in the area and such a variety of styles and personalities to choose from–selecting the right photographer for your family photos can be confusing and overwhelming. To help with your decision, I thought I’d let you know what you can expect if you decide to hire me for your family photo session.
1. I’m a mom.
It might seem strange that this at the top of my list, but I think being a mother truly makes me a better photographer. Anyone who has kids knows that nothing is ever the same once you become a parent. Your perspective on life changes and you find qualities and characteristics in yourself that make you a more compassionate human being. I have been through over a decade of phases ( good, bad, and ugly ) with my three kids and I understand the struggles and joys of being a parent first hand. For what it’s worth, I’ve also had have had a vaginal birth, a c-section and a VBAC! Did I mention I’ve see it all? I love chatting with parents and swapping stories about birth, nursing, toddlerhood, sleep, potty training etc. And I love nothing more than embracing the phases your children are in and photographing the fleeting early childhood years.
2. I am an experienced professional portrait photographer and I take my job seriously.
Being a newborn & family photographer is my full time job and you will be treated with professionalism every step of the way. I first learned my craft at New England School of Photography in Boston and I have been shooting professionally for the last six years. Before every session, I scout locations to ensure the best possible backdrops and I always arrive on time and prepared. I use professional grade equipment and also carry backup equipment for those just-in-case scenarios. After every session, I travel directly to my office to back up all images immediately both on an external hard drive and on a cloud drive. Your images are as safe as humanly possible with me. I am also fully licensed and insured!
3. I won’t make you say “cheeeeeeeese”.
In fact, I’ll probably ask you to refrain from asking your kids to say “cheese”, too! I will take some time at the beginning of the session to say hello to your kids and give them time to warm up to me before I ever take a single photo. I was super shy when I was younger and I remember how that feels.
Sometimes with younger children, I’ll let them “lead” the session. Kids have some of the best ideas when it comes to directing a photo shoot! I have a loose structure to my photo sessions but I’m very flexible and will adjust our time together as necessary to get the best results. I can also tell when a kid is “done” (usually after 45-60 minutes) and I will never go beyond that point or force a moment.
4. I can always make it work.
Over six years and hundreds of photo sessions, I’ve seen all kinds of situations, locations, lighting scenarios, grumpy children, cranky babies, etc! Nothing fazes me. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve for children who aren’t interested and I am very good at relating to all types of kids. I have tons of energy and will do whatever it takes to make magical and beautiful photos of your family.
5. I’ll guide you.
Don’t worry about posing or feeling weird in front of the camera. I know what works and what doesn’t work in terms of lighting and body positioning. I have lots of tips to offer to help you feel natural and look your best. Although I will take some posed shots throughout the session, I tend to focus mostly on candid moments. That’s where the good stuff is. But that doesn’t mean I just leave you to hope you are doing the right thing or standing in the right position. I’m there to guide you every step of the way.
6. You never have to clean up your house for me.
My favorite part about at home photo sessions is that the resulting images are so unique and personal to the family because they take place in your house! Even if it is just an apartment you are renting, it is the place you called home during that chapter of your life. I want you to look back on the images and remember exactly how it felt, how it looked, heck even how it smelled to be in that place! Never worry that your home is too dark or too small or too messy. I will make beautiful images no matter what the environment.
7. I will create artwork for you.
One of my personal goals for every session is not just to take nice photos of your kids and your family, but to also create original images that are perfect to display as artwork in your home. This is one of the best parts of our collaboration! Final galleries will include a variety of images, both traditional and more artistic. I offer an optional in person consultation after the session during which I can show you stunning product samples and help you make purchasing decisions. Many people find it very helpful to have a designated time (without the kids!) to discuss their images and to make choices about the best way to display their photos in their home.
8. You will have fun!
Before every session, I will send a brief questionnaire that will help me get to know you and your family members. We will also have a conversation via email or phone to discuss your desires and goals for your photo session. I take pride in customizing each and every photo session so the resulting images are unique and special to your family. Your kids will not have to sit for long periods and smile at the camera — they will be free to roam, ask questions, and just be themselves!! Many people tell me afterwards that they were pleasantly surprised at how fun their session was — a dedicated time to be with their kids hanging out, no iPhones, no distractions, just being with the ones they love the most. Who wouldn’t have fun doing that?
9. You will love your photos.
The most important thing to me is your satisfaction with the photo session experience and the resulting images and products. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied, we will work together to make it right!
Are you ready to book your family photo session? Call me 617-501-4008 or send me a message!
Cara Soulia is a newborn & family photographer in Boston who specializes in capturing candid and emotional moments in a beautiful and artistic way. See more of Cara’s work on the blog or get in touch to find out more about scheduling a photo session with Cara!