The Promise of Your Presence

by | Jan 8, 2021 | children, family, latest sessions, maternity, newborn

Father and Son Kisses at family photo session

I love this image of a Father and Son blowing kisses so much. I’m SO happy to kiss 2020 goodbye, aren’t you?

Maybe it’s the new year or maybe it’s the realities facing us in 2021, but I see – and feel – a lot more than usual when I reflect on the moment I captured this image in this Dad’s home office.

I see Presence.

Boston Family and Newborn Photographer

Family showering love on their new baby at a Boston family photo session

The last ten months have given us a LOT of togetherness. Surely everyone has had multiple moments of wanting (or needing) space, fresh air, and time away from all-family all-the-time.

But every week when I pack my bag and head off to a family, newborn or maternity photo session in the Boston area, I am overtaken by a strong sense of peace when I arrive at a client’s home, backyard, or our chosen destination.

What is influencing the joyful and emotionally peaceful experiences? I’m convinced it’s the Power of Presence.

Family hugs and kisses at a Jamaica Plain family photo session

Father cuddling his children in a Boston backyard family photo session

Sibling love in the leaves during a photo session in Boston

Fun play with Dad during a family photo session in Brookline

Nowhere else to be. No massively overflowing long lists of to-do’s, meetings, errands, commutes, distractions and more.

Oh, sure, people are still busy. But, I’m finding there’s simply more time – or more time being made – to be present in each day, with each other, as parents and more.

I literally see the less frenetic mindset happening in front of me. Dads are getting even more engaged in family photo sessions than ever (see above)! I see jumping, smiles, squeals. I hear authentic laughs, jokes and more.

The experience is acceptance of life-as-it-is-right-now. And it’s so freeing.

Reading books during a family photo session at home in Needham

Looking out the window during a family photo session in Boston

Kisses are the best at a family photo session in Boston

Free from the confines of the “old way” or need to “keep up”, my photo sessions have become so much more creative. Beautiful locations spotted in small local parks, backyards, snow-filled fields and more. Families bring books, balls, pets and more. We capture life how it’s happening right now.

Girl in holiday lights near Boston

This is my daughter, Lillian, a few weeks ago when we visited a local holiday lights display. Yes, it is a fantastic image. I’m thrilled that I captured it, but not simply because it’s beautiful and striking, but because of the sheer fact that I was there and present to do so. I’m confident we’ll look back on this image years from now – after the pandemic finally ends and perhaps we’re back to busier lives – and remember that night.

So, as 2021 begins, here’s my promise to myself, my family and my clients: I Promise to be Present.

While we all want this pandemic to be over, it remains part of our lives for many more months. Rather than let it stifle my actions, relationships and growth, I choose to be present in the lives of those around me. As a Boston Family and Newborn Photographer, I strive to capture images of authentic people and their lives as they happen. Let’s work together to create a year of presence.

Contact me to schedule time for your snowy-filled winter session, your backyard joy, or any location you’d like to visit in the weeks ahead.


Cara Soulia is a Boston family and newborn photographer who captures the authentic, beautiful and meaningful lives of her clients. See more of Cara’s work on her blog or get in touch for more details.