I usually photograph sessions at sunset, but we did this one at sunrise to capture Daisy’s happy mood in the morning (sooo many props to her parents for making the drive from New Hampshire at that early hour!) It felt like we had the Boston Public Garden all to ourselves – absolutely magical! It’s a treat to have Christina on the blog tonight to tell you a little bit more about their first family photos! 🙂

(first names used with permission!)

Please tell us about your family!

My husband and I have been together for over 12 years, and having our baby girl has been our most wonderful adventure yet. Daisy is a little ray of sunshine, and I never could have imagined how much joy she brings us! She is a perfect mix of sweet and sassy, and her belly laugh is truly the best thing I’ve ever heard.

We live for kitchen dance parties, singing silly songs and all the tickles! More than anything, I want her to be able to look back at her childhood and remember all the love and all the FUN! 🙂

How did you decide that this was the right time to hire a professional photographer?

We did the shoot right before Daisy’s first birthday. We had yet to do a professional family shoot since she was born, so we figured her first birthday was the perfect occasion. We all survived the first year, happy, healthy and full of love 🙂

(scroll down for more thoughts from Christina!)

How did you plan your family’s clothing?

I wanted our photos to be bright and cheerful, so when I saw the mustard yellow maxi dress I knew it would be perfect! Once I picked out my dress, it was easy to pick out outfits for Daisy and Jay. I didn’t want anything too matchy-matchy, but I wanted us to be somewhat coordinated and most importantly, comfortable.

What location did you choose for your session?

Our session was at the Boston Public Garden. We wanted a setting that would be nature-y and offer lots of bright colors. The Public Garden was perfect with all the beautiful greenery and flowers.

Kate’s note: Usually I photograph sessions at sunset, but we did this session at sunrise since that was a better time of day for Daisy! In the early morning, it also feels like we have the garden all to ourselves! 🙂

What was your favorite part of the session?

We honestly had SO much fun throughout the whole experience. It felt like such a magical moment, being all dressed up and running around the Public Garden my sweet little family. Our first baby, her first birthday, capturing all that love… it gives me all the feels!

Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before hiring a photographer?

I was definitely a little nervous going into the shoot and I think we can all relate to feeling a little awkward having our photo taken. I wanted the photos to feel natural and really capture how we are as a family, and I didn’t want them to come off as too “staged.” Kate made us all feel totally at ease! As soon as I met her in person I knew it was going to be a great experience. It was clear she is a pro – she could not have a more perfect personality for family photography!

Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session?

Not specifically — we did have to reschedule the session a couple times due to rain and fog, all we wanted was the SUN! We finally got to a rain-free day, and though it was cloudy, it was still perfect. And wouldn’t you know, the sun started peaking out as we were wrapping 🙂

Of all the photos we took, which is your #1 favorite and why?

Okay, honestly – I LOVE them ALL!! I cried the first time I saw them, and I will truly treasure them forever.

If I had to pick one, it would be one of Daisy and I (sorry, Dada!). This was one of the photos we took while twirling around in circles, one of our favorite dance moves! We’re both just genuinely laughing, and look so HAPPY. Having a baby has taught me a whole new kind of love, and has brought me a whole new world of joy. These feelings are so hard to describe in words, but to me, this photo represents it perfectly.

(It’s this next one:)

Do you have any advice to other families before their photo session?

Just have fun with it! As much as possible, try to be yourself. Make your funny faces, do your crazy dance moves, and don’t worry about what anyone around you thinks!

How have you used your new images?

We used the photos for our holiday cards and are going to be adding them to a gallery wall we’ve been slowly building. Our family has been just as obsessed with the photos as we are, and it’s been so fun sharing them!

Why did you choose Kate L Photography?

After Google-ing “Boston family photographers,” I found Kate. A couple clicks through her blog and I knew she was the one for us. Her photos are gorgeous – so bright and happy, and they really seem to capture the essence of each family. They all look so REAL, in the best way possible!