Take this session for instance. This is Ryan. He wasn’t thrilled to be doing his photos, but he knew it meant a lot to his mom, so he agreed to get them done. We ended up doing these photos on some family property, and at the property there was a pickup truck that had belonged to his father and was very meaningful to him. We made sure to include that in his session. I also always encourage my clients to wear clothing they like and are comfortable in. While I do provide guidelines as to what will look timeless and photograph best – ultimately it’s most important that you feel good in what you are wearing. It took a few minutes to get Ryan to warm up, but by the end of the session he was comfortable – and dare I say it – even having a little fun?!

Thanks Ryan for hopping in front of my camera and making your mom happy – I hope you were happy with your photos as well!

The post Senior Guys Need Photos Too! | Lakes Region NH Senior Guy Photography appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

I did something that scared me to my core the other day – and I am so thankful I did it.

I offered to help out my local college summer league baseball team, the Winnipesaukee Muskrats, this season (kind of picture Summer Catch with Freddie Prinze Jr. for an idea – a Hollywood idea since real summer ball isn’t like that at all). And what I thought would be a couple months of volunteer work during my slow season turned into a really fun slow season and summer season volunteer job. It’s wrapping up now as the summer baseball season comes to a close, and the other night was a big promo night I had helped arrange, the Host Family Appreciation Night. Depending on what our promo night is, we try to get someone appropriate to throw the first pitch, and if possible, sing the National Anthem. I was asked which one I wanted to do, with neither not being an option. Since I’ve never really thrown a baseball, the choice was made for me. I’d be singing. In front of people. Real people. Not in the shower like normal, where people (including my family) don’t exist because I can’t see them. Petrified. I was petrified.

Just a quick background, growing up I sang (I wasn’t Kelly Clarkson but I had a bucket I could carry a tune in), and was in chorus and theater, and even went on to try to study musical theater in college. I say “try” because after a semester of study, and a truly terrible talent show rendition of “Carrickfergus” I decided to give it up. It’s all I had ever thought I’d do, but I had failed. Nope I was done. And now, more than 15 years later, I was asked to sing somewhere that wasn’t the comfy confines of my bathroom. In front of living, breathing people that could judge me and watch me fail.

I summoned up some courage (I’m still not sure how), and went out and sang. In front of a crowd of about 240 people. A lot were friends. Some were acquaintances. Most were strangers. And while I’m not winning a Grammy anytime soon, I was able to pull it off despite losing my note in the beginning.

The reason I’m sharing this story with you, is because it got me thinking of how often in life we hide away out of fear of judgement, fear of people witnessing our failure, or even fear of witnessing our success. It’s why I don’t blog nearly as much as I should. What if no one reads it? What if I don’t know what to write? What if they look at my portraits and hate them? What if I’m not good enough?

That stops today. Was I afraid of signing? Yeah totally. Did I die? No (I didn’t even throw up even though I was convinced I would). Did I do an okay job. Yes. Did I learn something about myself? Hell yes.

To anyone who is afraid to do something because they fear failure, judgement, success, or anything like that – stop. Just stop. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” A pretty kickass and tenacious British leader said that. (Churchill). And while you do learn a lot from failure, and it makes success that much sweeter – I think you learn a lot more from courage to persist in spite of fear and failure. “I know that sounds like a cat poster – but it’s true.” (a quote from someone almost as kickass as Churchill, though less real, Vitruvius).

And with all that said…I’m going to stop fearing and start posting pictures of a senior session I did a while back with an awesome guy named Bailey! Bailey is super talented and was awesome in front of the camera and just a blast to photograph! Thanks again Bailey!!!

The post I did something that scared me to my core the other day – and I am so thankful I did it. appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

It’s also time for Prom. You and your friends get to get all dolled up and just let loose and have fun dancing the night away while looking like Hollywood royalty. I am beyond jealous of some of the dress styles they have now. They are just gorgeous and sparkly and crazy fun.

You spend all this time, effort, and money to look like the superstar you are (and you are – even without the fancy clothes and makeup!), but a lot of times we forget to take pictures of the moment to remember it later, or even years from now. Or we do take pictures, but maybe whoever was taking them wasn’t great with their cropping, the light was bad and there are horrible shadows across you (this was my prom picture nightmare), you look super pasty like a ghost or green or blue. Or even worse – they sit on a memory card or computer or phone and when you go to look at them later they’ve corrupted and you can’t access them anymore. I’ve had and seen this happen – and it. just. sucks.

You want to remember this night and how crazy gorgeous you and your friends looked, and be reminded of the fun that you had that night. I can help with that – I’m currently booking prom sessions! So here’s the deal: session length depends on how many people we are photographing, but start at 15 minutes. You get a gallery of images to look through and choose three digital images to download (same in the couple or group setting – each person gets 3 of their choice). You also will get a free 5×7 of your favorite photo to make sure that you have a hard copy so you always have a way to look back on this time. I’ll also have special print packages available if you want more prints.

Inter-Lakes High School Prom is Saturday May 13th. Gilford High School Prom and Belmont High School Prom is Friday May 19th and Laconia High School Prom is Saturday May 20th. Sessions are going to be very limited so book now! It’s time to channel your inner Bella or Gigi or show your swag for the camera. You are putting so much time and effort into this night it’s going to be extraordinary – your photos should be anything but ordinary. Call or email me: carey@careyhoughphotography.com today to book!

The post Prom Sessions for Laconia, Gilford, Belmont, Alton and beyond! appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

My last class of 2016 senior is Asia. I felt an instant connection to her the second we met for coffee to discuss her session. Not only was she into coffee – which frankly is the quickest way to be my BFF in case you’re looking for tips – but she is very involved with her school’s theater productions. Top it off with her having a desire to get her pilots license and an outstanding sense of fashion – and this girl had me just dying to take her senior photos! Asia wanted a bit of a collective look. She wanted a very unique location and suggested Wayfarer Coffee to start, and then we went on to a bit of an industrial look, followed by a park location. We had such a blast taking her senior pictures and I can’t wait for you all to see them!

How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as somewhere between fun and easy-going and quiet and introspective. I love art and music, so I guess you could say I’m on the creative side.

What is special about Belmont High School?
My high school is tiny which, of course, has its downsides, but everyone knows each other’s names and cares, which is a fantastic way to grow up.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time riding horses, singing and drawing.

What’s been your favorite memory of high school?
My favorite memory from high school was doing the musicals. I did three, and every time I couldn’t help but feel pride in our hard work and the comradery within the cast.

What are your goals for the future?
I’m still deciding between zoology or writing. Or both. I’d love to get my doctorate someday and become a veterinarian for exotic wildlife.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was actually a quote from Jim Carrey, “I learned many, many lessons from my father, but not least of which is that you can fail at something you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance doing what you love.” That’s also my favorite quote.

What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as a kind, uplifting person. To me, making other people feel confident is the best.

Asia – I loved working with you and I love all the big dreams you have! I know you’re going to accomplish them, and I know one day I’m going to turn on the TV or be browsing a book store and I’m going to see your name. Best of luck with college next year – and keep dreaming big!

The post Asia | Belmont High School NH | NH Senior Pictures appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

I’m down in Florida for some family shoots this week and I just had to share these sisters who made me laugh and just absolutely took my breath away in this photo. I am seriously in love with the the different landscapes down here – the Spanish moss on the oak trees just makes my heart so happy!

I will be checking emails this week as internet access allows. I’ll be back in the studio starting on Monday May 2nd!

The post Lakes Region NH Family Photographer | Sneak Peek! appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

I’m happy to now be offering wedding photography in the Lakes Region of NH and beyond. I’m a big planner, and so when I first started with photography, I didn’t want to just jump into weddings without the proper amount of practice, skill, backup equipment, and experience. This isn’t something you can re-do, so it’s very important you pick a photographer whose style fits with what you envision for your day. You also want to make sure you have a professional – someone who has had experience, who listens to you, and who is prepared if something were to go wrong with their gear. Since 2010 I’ve been second shooting alongside other fantastic wedding photographers, and have learned so much. From details to group shots, from cocktail hour to formal portraits, I’ve photographed it all. I found during this time that I truly love helping couples who are planning those more intimate styled ceremonies filled with beautiful details.

I’ve photographed weddings in the Lakes Region of NH, as well as all over Massachusetts. And very recently I traveled to England to photograph my first solo wedding. It was a blast and I loved helping the couple capture their day in a way they can look back on for years to come. A backyard, a rustic farm, a sail cloth tent, and a beautiful country club are just a few of the types of venues I’ve captured weddings at. Each location has its own beautiful charm for a wedding and I really love different things about all of them.

If you are a couple planning a wedding in 2016 or 2017 – CONGRATULATIONS first and foremost! And if you haven’t booked your photographer yet, I would love to talk to you, see if we are a good fit for each other, and if my style would be a compliment to your day. We can meet up at Wayfarer in Laconia for coffee, at my studio, or even over a glass of wine. Send me an email carey@careyhoughphotography.com or call me 603-782-0304 and we can discuss preliminary details, I can send you a sample of my wedding work, and we can plan a time to meet up!

The post Lakes Region NH Wedding Photography Announcement | Carey Hough Photography appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

This workshop is 4 hours and will cover:
* Equipment/gear discussion
* Getting your camera off auto
* Lighting tips for better photos
* Basic composition to make your photos more visually interesting (including how to get that beautiful blurry “bokeh” background!)
* Q&A to answer specific questions you may have

All this, plus a take away workbook to help you out after class, giveaways, lunch, snacks, and more! You will most benefit from this workshop if you own a DSLR/fully adjustable digital camera, but many of the topics we cover will improve your photography even if you’re shooting with a point and shoot camera.

Workshop Dates (in my Gilmanton home studio):
Saturday April 16th – 10:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday May 28th – 10:00am to 2:00pm

Cost: $75 per attendee 

Each workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 attendees. I can also happily come to you if you want to host a Girl’s Night In with a group of friends! By the way husband’s – it’s also a great Mother’s Day Gift!

Email me or call the studio 603-782-0304 for more information or to sign up!

The post Announcing Basic Photography Workshops! appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

Ashley is a senior at Laconia High School and was seriously such a blast to photograph. Not only did she arrive with the best outfits (I LOVED the textures of everything she brought) but she had her cousin (who is studying at cosmetology school) do her makeup for her session and it was on point. Seriously, I cannot stress enough the awesomeness of professional makeup in your senior photos. It makes your beautiful features stand out just that bit more and really gives an overall polish to your pictures. Plus who doesn’t love to be pampered?!?

Ashley wanted that beautiful outdoor/park-like setting for her photos so we met up in Meredith, NH and explored and had a great time matching colors and textures and finding interesting little nooks to take pictures in. It was chilly that day (though nowhere near as cold as the deep freeze going on right now!) but she was a trooper and we ended up with some breath taking photos!

How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as outgoing, fun, caring, spontaneous, selfless, kind, and loving/loveable.

What has been your favorite high school memory so far?
My favorite school memory so far has been homecoming week, because almost every year we win and we won this year! (Photographer’s Note: I saw the students all dressed up for the big Homecoming game and it was seriously the coolest thing ever. We never celebrated Homecoming at my high school – so it was really fun to see it. Great job Laconia High!!!)

What is special about Laconia High School?
What’s so special about my high school is that we all get along pretty easily, we have over 100 clubs, and most of of sports are all state champions or have been before.

What are your plans for the future? Do you know where you’d like to go to college or what you’d like to study?
I plan to go to Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island and study baking. I love baking! I’d maybe like to go abroad to Paris or Italy too!

What is your FAVORITE item in your closet?
My favorite item in my closet would have to be my maroon dress.

Do you follow fashion? Do you have a favorite current trend that you love?
My favorite current fashion trend is fall all the colors and sweater season and boots.

Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
My favorite quote is if you obey all the rules you miss all the fun!

Thank you again Ashley! It was such an honor to be your photographer. I know there are many choices for senior photographer’s in the Lakes Region, NH but I hope that you had the experience of a lifetime and LOVED your photos – I know I did! Make sure you keep in touch as you perfect your baking – I’d love to take some photos of any macarons you make – and maybe taste test them too!

The post Laconia NH Senior Photos | Meet Ashley appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

I’m happy to announce that applications are now being accepted for our Class of 2017 Senior Models. I had such a blast with our senior models this past year. We found some awesome locations, took some seriously stunning photos, and I got to learn so much about these talented, smart and beautiful girls. I am so excited to find this year’s senior models, give them a once in a lifetime experience, and make them feel as beautiful as they are inside and out.

I’m looking for one or two fun, energetic, and positive high school juniors from the following New Hampshire high schools: Laconia High School, Gilford High School, Inter-Lakes High School, Belmont High School, Winnisquam Regional High School, Franklin High School, Kingswood High School, Merrimack Valley High School, and Concord High School. If you go to a New Hampshire high school not listed, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a senior model – please still fill out the application and we’ll see what we can do!

THE DETAILS

Wondering why you should be a senior model for Carey Hough Photography? Well in addition to great benefits like free photo shoots (yup – that’s plural!), a swanky tee shirt, digital images, and awesome rewards (can you say cash?!?!), you get to be the face of Carey Hough Photography’s Class of 2017 seniors. This means you’re beautiful images will appear on social media, in advertisements, and more! You also will have a platform to inspire other teens and tell your story. Pretty cool right?

So you might be wondering what you have to do. Other than be your fun and gorgeous self, I just ask that you share your images and tell everyone what an awesome time you had at your session. No need to worry about handing anything out. No need to talk specifics of booking. Just let everyone know about your experience! If accepted you will be provided with a model contract and model release – both of which must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Does this sound like your kind of thing? Are you ready to take center stage and be the face of Carey Hough Photography?

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION

and we’ll be in touch. Applications must be submitted by February 26th. I’ll be doing online interviews with potential senior models and announcing the team in the beginning of March! Don’t wait – apply now!

The post Applications for Class of 2017 Senior Models Now Being Accepted!!! appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.

Mariah – I absolutely LOVED working with you girl. Thank you for absolutely slaying your session, bringing the fun, and just making me love my job that much more!

How would you describe yourself?
I would desribe myself to be very outgoing and giggly! You never see me not smiling and having a good time!

What is special about your high school?
Winnisquam High is great because our class is really close and we are all really athletic!

How do you spend your free time?
Out with friends, usually exploring.

Do you know what college you plan to attend? Any ideas what you’d like to study?
I’d like to go to Plymouth State College and study Sports Management.

What is your favorite current fashion trend?
The boho look.

What band or musician could you listen to on repeat?
J.Cole

You have such great style. What is your favorite item in your closet?
My light ripped jeans!!!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Be brave and take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” – My Father

The post Northfield NH Senior Portraits | Meet Mariah! appeared first on New Hampshire Family and Senior Photographer Carey Hough.