Boston Newborn and Children's Photographer – Paula Swift Photography, Inc. Photographer Blog

I  just loved photographing this Boston area high school senior this past fall. She was so relaxed during her session and the clothing she wore was perfect for the field we photographed her session in. I swear she could be the sister of Taylor Swift she reminded me so much of her.  Here are some favorites from her outdoor senior session in Framingham.

I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Thank you to everyone who came to be photographed in 2010 by Paula Swift Photography. It was an amazing year with lots of new babies, new brothers, new sisters and new families. I just loved seeing so many of you who came back to have your children’s 3 month , 6 month, one year portraits and outdoor children sessions. It so nice meeting all the new families this year and to create memories that will last a lifetime through my photography. I look forward to seeing see you in 2011!

I will be closed December 24th through January 1st so I can spend much needed time with my sons and family. I will still be communicating by email and will return calls when I can. If you are one of my newborn clients please don’t hesitate to email or call when you new baby has arrived to confirm your date and time.

Here is a recent shoot of my three ( not so) little inspirations. With a little luck and bribery I was able to create some beautiful images for our virtual holiday card.

Happy Holidays!

All the best,
Paula

If you are looking winter outdoor portraits of your children or family please contact Paula Swift Photography through her website here www.paulaswift.com or by calling 508-405-1816. Paula Swift offers outdoor photography sessions in the winter snow in Framingham, Boston, Metrowest, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Hollison, Needham, Dedham, Westborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Wayland, Cambridge, Stow, Concord, Brookline and surrouding Boston area towns.

What a fun session this was with this adorable family with four children which includes a set of boy twins. Mom and Dad were so relaxed during the session as their children smiled, laughed, sneaked hugs and kisses while being a bit shy in between. I just love outdoor sessions like this were I am able to capture families and their children naturally at their homes in the Boston area. Mom booked me way back in August for their early fall holiday session as she knows I book up very quickly in the fall. It was a perfect morning sunny morning for their session. Here are some favorites from their Children and Family Outdoor Session Metrowest Boston…

If you are looking for a family and children’s photographer in Wellesley MA or Boston Metrowest contact Paula Swift Photography at her website www.paulaswift.com or by calling 508-405-1816. Keep in mind fall and holiday sessions book 6-8 weeks in advance. Paula offers outdoor session in Boston, Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Dedham, Needham, Framingham, Lincoln, Waltham, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, Brookline, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Jamaica Plain, Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, The Arnold Arboretum and the Boston Public Gardens.

Look who’s One years old! I watched little miracle boy grow over the past year into the cutest little man. He has over come so many obstacles in his little life and is the happiest boy.
He was so much fun to photograph in my Framingham studio loft as you can see. Here are some favorites from his One Year Old Studio Portrait Session.

Here is Baby James a year ago during his 3 month session..ahhhh so sweet: Baby James 3 months session

Again way behind in blogging since this little guy turned one back in August ( gasp / blush). I just finished my busiest fall photography season ever, so I plan to do lots of catching up in the next few weeks. Stay tuned…

PS don’t forget about our 20% off all full sessions special in January and February. There is more info on the website HERE

If you are looking for a photographer for your one year old please contact Paula Swift Photography through her website www.paulaswift.com or by calling 508-405-1816. Paula offers fun and unique One Year Old Photography Portraits in her Framingham studio or she will come to you in Boston, Sudbury, Brookline, Wellesley, Natick, Cambridge, Watertown, Belmont, Arlington , Lexington, Bedford, Sherborn, Dover, Westborough, Northborough, Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Wayland, Weston, Dedham, Needham and other Central Massachusetts, Metrowest Boston towns. Paula Swift Photography owns most of the baby props and hats you see in her photography. Please inquire about them when booking.

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I always hate when people say, ” well I’ve got good news and bad news…which do you want to hear first?”  I know personally I rather hear the bad first, so I am hopefully pleasantly surprised by the good at the end. So here it goes…

The Bad News… All Photography Sessions at Paula Swift Photography are booked for 2010. I just can’t fit anymore in our busy shooting schedule, I’m sorry.  November is booked solid with  children and family photography sessions with December already chock full with  studio portraits and in home newborn photography sessions that are on their way. I smell another baby boom in the midst.

but hold on…

The Good News …  I know some of you may not need sessions for the holidays while others are expecting in December.  So you might want to take advantage of the special we are offering: 20% off all Full Photography Sessions in January and February 2011. Yes, this includes our Maternity , Newborn, Children and Family full studio portrait sessions in our Framingham studio,  on location throughout Massachusetts, and in home photography sessions. We can’t offer this great discount on our popular 30 minute mini sessions or commercial work we offer.

Don’t forget to join/ “Like” our Facebook Business where you can get up to date news on what is going on at Paula Swift Photography that the blog sometimes is delayed on posting about. Our Facebook business page has become a quicker way to let our clients know about specials, view current session images ,  last minute session appointment openings and even when we are looking for models for upcoming projects. CLICK HERE to” LIKE “our page. Those of you who are already Fans … thank you!

Stay Tuned more sessions to be blogged soon …

Here are two recent favorites from a family and children’s portrait session at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline

and two sneak peeks from a family and children’s photography session at historic Public Gardens in Boston

Paula Swift Photography books at least 2 months in advance in the fall and holiday time. If you are looking to have holiday portraits captured in the Boston Metrowest area please contact Paula 6-8 weeks in advance at her website www.paulaswift.com or by calling 508-405-1816 . Paula Swift offers beautiful outdoor portraits and in studio photography sessions in Framingham and surrounding areas such as; Natick, Wayland, Weston, Sudbury, Wellesley, Dedham, Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Lexington, Winchester, Arlington, Bedford, Needham, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Northborough, Stow, Concord and towns nearby.

Now that Halloween is over, the holidays will be here before we know it. (yes I know ducking my head, they are really coming and quickly)

That means its time to start thinking about your photos for the holiday cards you’ll be sending this season. Hopefully you’ve already booked your holiday photography session with a professional photographer in your area.

If not, perhaps you’ll attempt to capture your children yourselves this year for your annual holiday card?

I thought it might be helpful to share a few tips that will help you get the most out of your holiday photography shoot with the least amount of stress.

Plan ahead: This is key to capturing your children naturally with the least amount of stress. Avoid nap time or that time of the day when your children might not be at their best – better know in my house as the “bewitching ” hour. If your children are sick the day you planned your shoot – POSTPONE IT. Trust me, if your children don’t feel well and are cranky it will show in the final portraits – it’s just not worth the stress. That’s a key in my photography sessions: NO STRESS! 

Dress for Success: Plan the clothing out ahead of time.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be wearing your holiday best or a more casual timeless look – you need to plan it out!
Stay away from loud large logos or clothing that clashes. The “rainbow look” for families went out with the 1980s, so always consider timeless apparel. Dress your children in clothing that’s comfortable and that fits them properly. It’s always best to try on the clothing before the shoot…not the day of the shoot. Nothing is worse than ripping off the price tags as you arrive at the studio and learn that the clothing doesn’t fit your child properly.  If your photography shoot is planned for outdoors dress appropriately for the weather. If its cold outside dress them in layers or in coats that compliment their outfits. If its hot make sure they won’t get over heated. Another key thing in my photography is comfort. If you’re children are comfortable in their clothes they’ll be happy and content which makes my job easier.
Remember not everyone has to match but its best that everyone has coordinating colors in their outfits.  Remember, you want your portraits to be about your children, not their clothing. Unless you’re going with a fun idea that features the outfit – then go for it.

Have Fun: Stress is normal but don’t let it dominate the day. Once you’ve stressed about your clothing before the big day – Let the stress go & enjoy your session. If your children feel your stress for getting the perfect photo, they will be stressed too. I can assure you that if you bring stress to the session the shoot won’t go as planned. Let your children be themselves. Let them laugh, crying or run around – this is what tells the story of your child so don’t try to control the environment. If things aren’t going well in the studio (or your home), take them outdoors where they can be themselves. Local parks, playing in the leaves, at the beach (if you’re in a warmer climate) and at play always help children feel more comfortable.

Minor props are acceptable but don’t let them take over the photo. I prefer simple things like a holiday book to flip through or a favorite toy to play with. These can help young children to feel comfortable during the photo shoot as well.

For those of you attempting to capture your children yourselves turn off the flash. Use natural light indoors and out.

Be sure to get down to your children’s level. I like to lay on my belly and look up at them or have them lay down. Use creative high & low angles and get up close capture their faces and expressions.

Never shoot in full sunlight because it causes squinting and raccoon eyes.  The best time of day to shoot during the holidays is before 9:30am and after 3pm.

Just because its the holidays doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a holiday themed shoot. Again think timeless…you want the recipient of your holiday cards and photos to keep the photos and not throw them out or in their holiday card drawer when the holidays are over.

I love to capture my three children all year long at the beach, in the leaves and in the snow. Usually my holiday photo card doesn’t even say “holidays” but I can slip the image into a holiday card or choose a card template that says holidays.  I love showing friends and family what my children look like without having to worry about it screaming holiday photo. Holding hands and walking, playing ring-around-the-rosey, or even just sitting singing their favorite song takes the edge off and offers those natural smiles and contagious giggles that I love.

Finally, don’t force your children to get their pictures taken. Any parent knows that the more you try to get them to do something the more they’ll resist. Try to make it fun and of course a little bribery reward goes a long way. I know first hand with my three busy boys a special treat for those adorable smiles work very well

Enjoy your holiday shoot and remember to have fun.

I hope you find these tips helpful for your holiday photo shoot. Please feel free to leave anything ideas that have work for you in the comment area.

Here are some children photography session  examples that I feel would work on any holiday card …

I just loved this fun shoot with this beautiful 1.5 year little girl and her parents. We started in the studio late this summer and then headed outdoors to continue to capture her cute personality and smiles.  She was on the go go go..but that is what makes outdoor photography sessions fun for me. The unexpected is what I love and even more so when I come back with family and children photography portraits like these. Here are some favorites from their Framingham Studio and Outdoor Family Portrait session …

If you are looking to you have one year old portraits done of your adorable child please contact Paula Swift Photography through her award-winning photography website www.paulaswift.com or by calling 508-405-1816 . Paula loves to capture one year olds in her Framingham professional photography studio and outdoors on location throughout Metrowest Boston. Paula travels through out Massachusetts for outdoor photography sessions like: Boston, Arlingon, Concord, Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Hopkinton, Weston, Dedham, Needham, Brookline, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Wellesey , Concord, Belmont, Lexington, Bedford and Natick.

I can’t believe how back logged I am on blogging. Very very busy fall with so many fun and unique fall outdoor sessions to blog. But first I need to catch up on some sessions from this past summer.  This beautiful baby boy came into the studio this past summer.  He was so adorable and even though he didn’t sleep much he was still perfect to photograph and you would never know he was awake during most of the shoot.   Here are some favorites from their Framingham Studio Newborn Photography Session …

stay tuned many more Boston area photography sessions coming up soon 

If you are looking to you have your newborn captured, its best to contact Paula Swift Photography before your baby is born to get you on the schedule as a loose date . Please visit our website www.paulaswift.com or call us at 508-405-1816 to book your newborn photography session in our Framingham studio or in your Metrowest Boston home. Paula offers beautiful newborn portraits in the comfort of your home or she will come to you in Natick, Brookline, Cambridge, Boston, Charlestown, Arlington, Belmont, Needham, Dedham, Weston, Sudbury, Wayland, Stow, Concord, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Hopkinton, Newton, Wellesley, Chestnut Hill and Worcester.

Meet beautiful breast cancer survivor Tara and her very adorable daughter Ava…they were the cover models for baystateparent Magazine’s annual Think Pink issue. It was an amazing photo shoot in my Framingham studio loft with this incredible mom and her fun 2 year-old daughter. From the moment they walked into the studio, I just knew this was going to be fun and energetic studio photo shoot. As a former photojournalist at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, these are the type of shoots I just fall in love with. Their fun-loving personalities were key in capturing these story-telling images for baystateparent’s issue on breast cancer and their survivors. The Think Pink annual issue is one of my favorites they publish every year. Paula Ethier, the creative director at baystateparent is always a pleasure to work with and I love her ideas. Check out this October’s issue and the stories written by Lynn Jolicoeur and other local journalists about Tara along with other local women who are conquering breast cancer with their strength and incredible positive attitudes!

Here is the cover, many favorites from the shoot and the ad I created to showcase what was captured.

A gorgeous day, beautiful senior, warm afternoon lighting and a musical instrument was a perfect combination for this outdoor high school senior photography session. She was great to work with and her mom was great help with my lighting. So many favorites from this session, I think I overwhelmed them with images to choose from, but I guess having too many is much better than not enough images. She plays the french horn and wants to major in music in college. I love when seniors bring something special to their sessions that shows who they are. Here is a taste of favorites from her senior photography session here in Metrowest Boston …

Paula Swift Photography offers beautiful and unique senior portrait photography in Framingham Metrowest Boston. If you are looking to have your Senior Portraits captured please contact us at least 6 weeks before your yearbook deadline to book your High School Senior Photography session. www.paulaswift.com or call 508-405-1816. Paula with photographs seniors in MA in her fun Framingham studio loft or on location in Natick, Hopkinton, Ashland, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Needham, Woburn, Boston, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough and surrounding Metrowest towns.