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Portrait Planning Guide

Your step-by-step guide to your Massachusetts portrait session

A cheerful portrait captures a group of six, two adults and four children, sitting on the steps of a porch in front of a wooden door and beige house in Massachusetts. Smiling warmly at the camera, they exude a sense of unity and togetherness.

YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO A PERFECT PORTRAIT SESSION

I want to make this experience helpful and stress-free so I have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.

Select a location
Pick your style
Getting ready tips
Personalize your session
Submit your session plan

Step One

Select a Location

Family photo shoots take place at various locations across Massachusetts, chosen for their significance to your family, including parks, beaches, or even your backyard. Listed below are preferred spots for each season in Boston and nearby regions, though I'm always open to your suggestions or can offer ideas myself.

Boston Newborn and Family Photographer Helena Goessens Photography_0020

In-home

In-home sessions serve as an ideal setting for both newborn and family photography. Capturing moments within the comfort of your own home results in photos that are not only unique but also deeply personal, radiating the heart and warmth of your family.

Spring

Arnold Arboretum (Peter’s Hill)

Boston Public Garden

Back Bay

Fan Pier Park

A family of four, including a man, woman, girl, and their dog, stand on a beach path with dune grass in Massachusetts. Smiling at the camera under a pink sky with the ocean behind them, they capture a perfect portrait moment thanks to our professional portrait service.

Summer

Rexhame Beach

Crane Beach

Autumn

Lars Anderson Park

Bradley Estate

The Old Manse

Acorn St. (Beacon Hill)

Wellesley College

Step Two

Pick outfit & Style

What style resonates with you? Let these color tones, palettes, and styles guide the aesthetic you aim to achieve in your images. Unsure how to select a color palette? No worries, I am here to assist you with color coordination and pattern pairing to create the ideal look for your Massachusetts portrait sessions.

Modern & Classic

A timeless and contemporary color scheme featuring creams, grays, navy blues, and blacks offers a versatile, neutral palette that pairs well with any session or season – from newborn photography to autumnal portraits. These colors work exceptionally well when you want to highlight the vibrant hues of a sunset or the natural splendor of a landscape, ensuring that the outfits enhance rather than detract from the stunning backdrop.

Boston Newborn and Family Photographer Helena Goessens Photography_0023

A family of four in a bright room. A man holds a newborn wrapped in a white blanket, while a woman holds a young boy who gently touches the babys head. The adults face each other, and the scene is calm and tender.

Bold & Rich

A bold and rich color palette is ideal for fall photography sessions. Deep hues like blue, teal, burgundy, and rust orange beautifully complement the autumnal landscape and the warm, golden glow of sunset. These colors enhance the richness of fall backdrops, making them perfect for capturing the season's essence.

Cool Coastal

A "cool coastal" color palette boasts an array of cool tones, including shades of blue, teal, and baby blue, often found in various floral designs and timeless coastal stripes. This color scheme is exceptionally suited for beach photoshoots and springtime sessions.

A group of children sits on a sandy beach with grass in the background. They are dressed in light blue and white clothing. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the scene.

A couple walks hand in hand along a beach, with the man carrying a child on his shoulders. They are barefoot, enjoying the waves and the scenic, calm seaside under a soft, purple tinted sky.

Light & Soft

For newborn sessions, springtime shoots, and portraits with a feminine touch, a soft and light color palette is recommended. Opt for white and cream woven fabrics, light khaki pants, and fabrics adorned with delicate, light floral patterns.

Boston Newborn and Family Photographer Helena Goessens Photography_0017

Step Three

Getting ready tips

Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.

A woman in a white lace dress stands outdoors near a blossoming tree, smiling softly. The background is lush and green, creating a serene and natural setting. She gently touches her neck, adding a contemplative feel to the scene.

Getting Ready for Her:

Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your attitude will reflect greater than your actual outfit. When you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin, the other style details will all fall into place.

So don't get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel like you! Here are some general tips for getting ready:

Best places to shop for gals:

A man in a gray suit holds a young child with a small ponytail, dressed in a beige outfit. They are outdoors, with blurry green trees and water in the background, both smiling and looking content.

Getting Ready for Him:

If you're like most guys, then you dread taking photos. I challenge you to throw out all your doubts, insecurities, and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. If you promise to have an open mind I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session.

Best places to shop for guys:

Two young girls sitting back to back on a sandy beach path surrounded by grass. One wears a blue dress with a white bow, and the other wears a striped dress with a blue bow. They smile with a cloudy sky in the background.

A young girl with curly hair and a pink flower headband smiles softly. She wears a white ruffled blouse. The background is a warm, blurred outdoor setting with sunlight filtering through, creating a bokeh effect.

Getting Kids Ready:

When picking outfits for little ones, consider stylish and comfortable brands. Here are some popular options:

Preparing children for their portrait sessions can be a delightful experience with the right approach. Besides choosing outfits from popular and stylish brands, here are some additional tips and insights to ensure your little ones look and feel their best during their photo session:

Offer Choices: Give children a sense of control by letting them choose between two outfit options. This makes them feel involved without overwhelming them with decisions.
Incorporate Personal Elements: Allow your child to pick an accessory or item of clothing that reflects their personality. Whether it's a favorite hat, a colorful belt, or a cherished piece of jewelry, this can help them feel more comfortable and excited about the session.
Choose Practical Colors: For younger children, especially those prone to spills or who might be playing around during outdoor sessions, opt for darker or patterned fabrics that can hide stains more effectively.
Bring Backup Outfits: Accidents happen, especially with kids. Having a backup set of clothes ensures you’re prepared for any unforeseen spills or messes, keeping the session on track without stress.

A sleeping newborn in a white onesie grasps an adult's finger. The adult's other hand gently cradles the baby's head, all on a plain white background—a perfect moment captured by Boston Newborn Photography.

Getting Babies REady:

Preparing newborns and babies for their portrait sessions requires a gentle touch and attention to detail. When selecting outfits, comfort and softness are key. Here are some beloved brands known for their cozy and adorable clothes suitable for the littlest ones:

Ensuring newborns and babies are ready and comfortable for their photo session can lead to beautiful, serene images. Here are tailored tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Opt for Soft, Comfortable Fabrics: Choose outfits made from soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate baby's sensitive skin. Natural fibers like cotton are often a good choice.
Keep It Simple: Simplicity often works best for newborn photos. Plain onesies or bodysuits with minimal patterns prioritize the baby's natural cuteness and can help in creating timeless photographs.
Consider Easy Change Outfits: Look for outfits that are easy to put on and take off without causing discomfort to the baby. This is especially important for ensuring quick changes during the session.
Bring Comfort Items: Have a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or a soft toy on hand. These items can be comforting to your baby during the session and can also add a personalized touch to the photos.
Incorporate Personal Keepsakes: Including sentimental items like a family heirloom blanket or a knitted cap from a grandparent can add a layer of meaning and nostalgia to the portraits.

By focusing on comfort and incorporating these thoughtful considerations, you can create a photo session that's enjoyable for both you and your baby, resulting in beautiful portraits that capture this precious, fleeting time.

Step four

Personalize your session

Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you. I welcome and encourage you to bring items and props that feel like you. If you're not sure what to bring just ask, I can provide some ideas.

Two children sitting on a tree stump in a park, smiling, with a brown fluffy dog beside them. The background features a pond and autumn trees with golden leaves, creating a warm, sunny atmosphere.

Pets & furry friends

Do you have a furry pet that feels like family? Feel free to bring your pets along to your portrait session.

Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify me that you will bring your animal so we can pick an appropriate session location.

A family of four playing in a sunlit field. Two adults hold up a white sheet while two children, a boy and a girl, run underneath. Trees and the setting sun are in the background, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Blankets & comfort items

Are you the snuggle up and get cozy type? Bring your favorite blankets and comfort items with you. Cuddling up next to each other with your favorite items will put everyone at ease and make for some amazing photos.

A baby wearing a pink tutu and headband sits on the floor with a cake. The baby has a finger in the mouth, surrounded by balloons, flowers, and star decorations. A large gold ONE sign is next to the baby.

Props

Consider bringing fun props to your portrait session. Sparklers, bubbles, ice cream, instruments...whatever your ideas are we welcome them!

Let us know what your prop ideas are so that I can prepare a plan to photograph them.

Step Five

Submit Your session Preferences

Please take a moment to tell us about your portrait session plan. Within 24 hours of submitting your session plan, I will reach out via email to confirm your session plan and location details. I am so excited to connect with you very soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonus Resources

Get More Tips & Inspiration

Helena Goessens is a Dedham, MA. Photographer. Serving Norfolk County, Newton, Needham, Dover, Wellesley, Canton, Boston, and surrounding communities.

info@helenagoessens.com

+1(617)584-9891

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