If you have ever stepped foot in Cambridge’s Mt. Auburn Cemetery, you no doubt know it is a masterpiece of a park and that it holds historical significance. For parents Jamie and Greg, it was a no-brainer to have their daughter Emma photographed in this environment that they enjoy visiting.

We met at the front gate and started to explore the plethora of roads and paths on a sun-dappled evening.  I quickly learned that wide-eyed Emma really enjoys to run (as does mom who has been training for a half-marathon!).  I certainly got my work out running along side her as she weaved down the roads and played catch-me-if-you-can with her parents.  She also loves her books and stuffed bunny, Pierre.  When I found a pretty vista (which there are so many!), we would settle down for a few group shots, and broke out Em’s favorite books.  I think this animated little girl had some fun, and she certainly lit up the photos with her (slightly mischievous) energy.

ps.  Note the wardrobe of this family… really cute mix of bright colors and patterns, right??  Might be going up on my Pinterest Board ; )

Regardless, Sebastian is one happy baby.  I met up with the family at their home.  We started off with some shots in the nursery and back patio, before heading for a stroll down to Fresh Pond.  Fresh Pond is a place near and dear to me – I often take my dogs there for walks off-leash and enjoy jogging around the 2+ mile loop.  It is an amazing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and has many pretty vistas and woodsy areas.  It’s also a popular spot for families, and Sebastian is no stranger to it. We set up a little area in the Kingsley Park area to let him enjoy the fresh air and soft grass and play with his parents.

Enjoy this fresh dose of cute baby and Spring

Since M and M have been living in Boston since they attended colleges in the city, they wanted their shoot to celebrate this place they call home (especially after all that occurred last month with the bombings).  I met up with them at the State House on what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  We strolled down through the Boston Commons to Beacon Hill and Charles Street, and then through the blooming Public Gardens.  Meg has an amazing pair of turquoise eyes which pop in so many of these photos – sometimes I just get so lucky with beautiful clients like these!  Mike was stylish, in a slightly humorous way with his bright orange Ray Bans and red converse.  After the Gardens we headed to 29 Newbury for a few drinks and french fries, where I was able to get to know these two better, including some of their interests and goals for the journey that lies ahead as a married couple.

I could definitely feel the love between these two, which I think you’ll be able to see through the images (some real smiles here).  I can’t wait to photograph what I imagine will be a creative and fun wedding celebration next April at the Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton. Stay tuned..

I am so thrilled to have worked with each and every one of you. Today I am excited to share the happy news that I am about to join the mommy club!!! Baby is due November 3rd, and I can’t wait. I feel very fortunate, like I’m ahead of the game from all I have learned from you.

I look forward to documenting this journey of pregnancy and motherhood with my camera, starting with the photo below. This image is one that took hoping to portray the beauty of pregnancy – and that it is sorta sexy! If there are any pregnant ladies out there who want something special/unexpected to give their hubbies for Father’s Day, you know who to call

With much gratitude and respect, Elizabeth

Self-Portrait at 15 weeks pregnant

Anyway, enjoy this feast for your eyes – and if you feel like splurging on a truly special heirloom piece to showcase your photos, this is it.

I photographed this blue-eyed stud back when he was a newborn (which resulted in one of my all-time favorite photos of baby and mom gazing over the Boston skyline at dusk – head down memory lane here).  When his mom contacted me to see if I would do his 6-month session in my new studio in Cambridge, I was hesitant to say yes.  You see, my studio is very tiny and I rent it more as an office and client greeting/previewing space. Also, I have never been a studio photographer (meaning, I don’t own a fancy light kit or backdrop or props) – I primarily shoot on location.  Still, I’ve invested quite a bit in my new space, and wasn’t ruling out the potential to photograph here when I chose my richly stained hardwood floors and a pretty pale grey paint.  So why not take advantage?  My clients helped me move my couch and chairs to clear a 5 foot area of blank floor and wall space.  The window light is just gorgeous midday – bright but not too strong.  We just sat Henry on the floor with a few of his favorite toys, sang songs and [Dad] made funny noises.  Henry certainly enjoyed himself – as did I!

Needless to say, I am pretty pumped with how these turned out.  Doesn’t hurt that my model looks like he stepped out of a Gerber commercial

Thankfully they were all safe and sound, save for the one runner who was aching from finishing at a VERY fast time.  Since they had all traveled from afar, they agreed that they didn’t want to lose the opportunity for a family photo session due to the cruel interruption of terrorist activity.  I couldn’t agree with the sentiment more.  Come Tuesday, I experienced some anxiety driving down Storrow approaching my beloved city.  But as I parked and walked down Charles Street to the park, I was comforted and impressed by all the people outdoors enjoying the beautiful, spring day.  I realized that we couldn’t let those that instill fear win, and instead have to appreciate those we love and the beauty of life and culture around us.  At that point I was super pumped to take some family photos!

And this was a fun shoot!  The idea to photograph at the Boston Public Garden was due to an old photograph of the mom and children taken 20ish years ago by the dad.  So we recreated the photo on the bridge, and then added a new spouse (the runner) and dad.  This family was eager to get some natural shots along with more posed ones, so I made an effort to capture them just “chilling”, enjoying the park and each others company.  We also broke up for some smaller group and couples shots.  The family was outgoing, talking about some time they spent living in Boston a long while back, and how excited they were to get the chance to return to city all together.  I’m really happy with the way the photos turned out – capturing this fun family, beautiful day in the park, beloved city, and this super cool family breathing it all in.

The star of the day was Spencer, the most recent addition to the family (he has an older brother named Quinn).  Spencer has Down Syndrome, and is sadly about to undergo heart surgery.  But you wouldn’t know it – take a look at those eyes and that smile!  He is a super happy baby boy, smiling and cooing as his parents held and tickled him.  Spencer is one of the most calm and content babies I have ever photographed, relaxing on his own with just me and my camera (as evidenced in all the photographs of him in the bassinet).  After some alone time with Spencer, I followed Quinn as he diligently parked his assortment of toy automobiles in couch and chair “lots”.  Quinn was a little camera shy, but he warmed up when Mom and Dad broke out his favorite books.  It was so sweet to witness the family sitting together and enjoying reading time.  After reading, we took some fun photos of Spencer on a bright yellow bedspread as he did a little dance on his belly, posing for the camera. The family session came to close with a stroll outside as the sun broke through the earlier clouds.

Spencer will go to the hospital later this week, but I am confident his sweet soul will fight hard.  My thoughts will be with him and his lovely, loving family.

Introducing a local family who lives in one of those gorgeous, historic homes along “Tory Row” here in Cambridge.  Before their annual Easter brunch, they convened at the home for a large, extended group portrait in what I called the “blue room” (although I believe it was the parlor/music room, fit with a harp and piano).  The group consisted of proud Grandma and Grandpa (who are about to celebrate their 60th anniversary!), along with their three children, husbands and wives and many grandchildren.  For the large group, I did a sketch of placing people in all different places and ways, on the floor, in chairs, and standing.  I wanted the image to reflect historic family portraiture of the likes that I have seen in both paintings and photographs – with a touch of influence from Tina Barney and Vanity Fair.  After the large group shot we broke up into smaller family units before the group took off to eat and be merry at the Harvard Faculty Club (and, later, play some egg breaking games that sounded quite fun).

What an amazing way to start off my journey as a business owner in the heart of Huron Village For the families that didn’t make it out this time, there will be always next year – hope you can join us!

The Egg Toss!

Broken Eggs Everywhere.. “Stroller Parking” The Easter BunnyA former client’s family came out to enjoy the festivities! and, my raffle jar (and 3 winners)