The year was 2019, it was a busy fall season and I had just invested a lot of my hard earned cash into marketing myself as strictly an in home documentary photographer. You should see the stacks of beautiful postcards and flyers I ordered! The problem is, no one ever saw them. 2020 happened. We all know what that means. The irony of it! 

You see, 2018 and 2019 were incredibly rainy autumns. It even rained once during an outside family session when it wasn't even on the radar! My camera and lens got wet. On top of that, the sweet family who had just dressed up, come from a hair blow out and made it on time for their session then had to come back the next day to do it all over again.

This also meant rescheduling other clients constantly due to the inclement weather. It was a disaster and I was so over it! I thought, wouldn't it be amazing to have control over my climate, shoot in client's cozy homes and have more control over my schedule? Plus, families are always so much less stressed in their own homes. They don't have to rush to be on time somewhere, toddlers have all of their favorite toys and snacks with them and the temperature is right where it should be. I was going to work hard at marketing clients who wanted the same style!

2020 happened. Pandemic, loss of employment or pay cuts for many; not knowing our futures. Fall 2020 was my slowest season ever. Many people couldn't justify the cost of family photos as a necessity. The entire year was incredibly slow, my worst year since opening in 2016!

​​You may be saying at this time - GET TO THE POINT SARAH. Okay, I am getting there, promise. 
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I am finally back to doing in home sessions, I am vaccinated, boostered, wear my KN95. I trust in my clients that they are also being as safe as they can be leading up to their sessions. My social circle is SMALL. I homeschool our 10 year old (we have since kindergarten, this wasn't a Covid choice) and we get our groceries delivered. We are still not traveling, man I miss traveling. If I know I've had any exposure to any illness, I let my clients know immediately and they are so kind to do the same for me. 

As 2021 was wrapping up I had SIX in home newborn sessions, all felt incredibly safe. I'm looking forward to booking more 2022 babies this year for those who feel comfortable with sessions in their homes. I would love to book for in home family sessions again as well.  If you feel safe, are expecting or know someone who is and would be a great fit for a low-stress, beautiful in home newborn photography session then please send them my way. I would be truly honored to capture their sweet moments. I also REALLY miss in home family sessions, winter is a fantastic time of year to snuggle up or bake something yummy. So if you're ready to book and curious click below! 

We are deep into the slow of winter here! You know - that post-holidays-it's-dreary-out-when-is-it-Spring time of year! I've been trying to embrace the cold this year. I have made a real effort to be more active, get out and socialize, hike (even winter camp) and do winter pictures for clients! I have to admit it has helped the time go by a little quicker this year.

Our eight year old daughter is also active outside year round - she even works at a farm in their homeschool program rain or shine! I love these mornings! We get there early, I drop her off and watch the goats and sheep have their breakfast. I can see my breath and know I'm starting my day off with fresh air. The farm has a rolling green pasture with a stream running through; it reminds me of Ireland! 

I've always loved time spent on farms! Growing up in Ashland, MA my closest friend always had horses. I spent so many afternoons with her caring for them and mucking out stalls. I admired her ribbons from dressage and her precious portraits with them. She now owns her very own horse ranch in North Carolina and gives lessons to children with anxiety (you can find her here: https://www.facebook.com/steppingstoneslessonprogram/) Definitely check her out if you're in the Charlotte, NC area! 

Now, my closest friend in Massachusetts also has a beautiful horse, Likely! See how beautiful he is?! ---->>>
She was so gracious and trusting with me to do my first equine session with them. 

​I would really love to do more equine sessions and I'm offering a major deal to help build my portfolio (contact me for more info). I have so much experience with newborns, families - even dogs and cats - I would love to add more horses to my portfolio!

Sessions would lean more lifestyle documentary - the kind of session where you can see the love and passion between owner and pet! Do you know anyone who would love a session like this? Reach out!

On Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet family in  a quaint town just north-west of Boston. Their home was a beautiful antique so perfectly preserved to work for the modern family but show off the charm and character of an older New England home. I was quickly greeted by new big-brother Ben who was so excited to tell me about his new baby brother, Everett!

Ben quickly warmed up and wanted to show off his trumpet playing skills and showed me all of his favorite stuffed animals. My favorite was a little life-sized hamster (so cute). 

I always make sure the new older sibling feels totally included in family newborn sessions. This is such a fresh transition time for them! 

I love capturing little detail shots of how tiny newborn hands and fingers are with their parent's hands! Someday it is sweet to look back at how much they have grown. 

I absolutely love the composition of this image with their Massachusetts pillow, I loved how cute their home was decorated! Quintessential Massachusetts home and family! 

It wouldn't be a newborn session without some time spent in the nursery. Everett's nursery is the cutest whale theme while big-brother Ben has an adorable elephant room! 

Ben totally warmed up, started posing and jumping on the bed! I embrace monkeys jumping on the bed because it means adorable, natural smiles all around. 

This was also the perfect time to grab a quick sibling shot while Ben was (sort of) sitting still! (Notice mom holding those wild feet down :) ) 

To wrap it, up I always make sure to get beautiful images of both parents on their own with new baby! I especially love to get a few extra of momma and baby - as a mom I know how frequently I'm behind the camera rather than in the front! 

If you got this far, thank you so much for reading about this precious family session! Newborn Lifestyle Sessions are my absolute favorites. - Sarah