What to Wear for a Headshot Session / Coastal summer teen actress portraits

If you’ve booked a headshot session, or are thinking of booking one, oftentimes the most stressful part of the experience can be deciding what to wear! I get you, you want to look your best! I have several tips and tricks that I pass along to my clients when they book a headshot session.

1. Avoid tops that have busy or distracting patterns.

   As a general rule, solid color tops are best. Shirts or blouses that have a texture to them will work well, but patterns will distract from your face, and your face is the star of the show!

2. Also, avoid shirts that have logos or graphic tees.

   For all the reasons listed in #1. Let’s move this along.

3. For those with long hair, choose a color that contrasts with your hair color.

   Wearing dark colors if you also have dark hair can make you look one-dimensional—same if you have light hair and wear a light color. Establishing a contrast between your hair color and shirt can be more striking than you realize.

4. Bring a couple of different tops

   There is usually time to have at least one outfit change in order to have variety in your finished gallery. But I’m also happy to offer feedback, either prior to or at your session, on the very best top for you.

5. Bottom choices are important, but not that important

   Headshot sessions primarily focus on your….well your head, but let’s call it your stunning face. Depending on the use of your image, you’ll likely only need a tight crop of your face—meaning that it’s not super important what you wear on the bottom. If you’re curious whether you should

BONUS TIP: Make the most of your headshot session by booking yourself an appointment to have your hair and makeup done. For those local to me in Cape Ann, I have plenty of suggestions for the best stylists in the area!

Rocky Neck Maternity Session in Gloucester, Massachusetts

I had such an amazing time capturing maternity photos for this beautiful mama-to-be, her husband, and their adorable pup in Gloucester, MA. For this maternity session , we stayed on Rocky Neck, walking from their property to a small hidden gem of a beach that made me feel like I was transported to someplace tropical! We ended the evening with a short walk to the old paint factory where the sunset did its thing and gave us the most gorgeous glowy photos.

I'm so grateful to have been able to capture these moments for this wonderful couple, and their pup too! These photos will always be a cherished reminder of the beauty and love of pregnancy.

Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester MA Senior Portraits / Westwood High Senior

Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts provided the perfect backdrop for this senior portrait session featuring a high school senior from Westwood High School, class of 2023. With the sun casting a warm, glowy light and the sound of waves crashing in the background, the setting was nothing short of magical. Hannah was able to relax and have fun during the session, which allowed for natural, candid (and only a little bit cheesy) shots that truly captured her unique personality and spirit.

The session also took advantage of a nearby grassy field filled with early spring blossoms and soft green grass, which added a beautiful pop of color and texture to the photos.

Scroll on through to see some of my favorite images from Hannah’s session and be sure to leave a comment below, telling me whether you’re Team Flowers & Field or Team Beach Waves!

Andover MA in-home newborn lifestyle portrait session

There's nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a newborn into the world. As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing those precious first moments and memories for families. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely couple in Andover, MA, who had just welcomed their baby girl into the world. As I had previously photographed their maternity session on Plum Cove Beach in Gloucester, this session was all the more special, seeing the transformation from a family of two to a family of three!

Perhaps the true star of the day, however, was their sweet golden doodle dog, who was clearly enamored with his new little sister. From the way the new parents doted on their little one, to the way the pup snuggled up next to her, it was clear that this family was filled with warmth and love. It was an honor to be able to capture these memories for them, and I know they'll treasure these photos for years to come.

Briar Barn Inn / Rowley MA Winter Wedding Photography

Winter weddings can be truly magical, especially when they take place in venues like Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, Massachusetts. As a wedding photographer, I had the pleasure of capturing the beauty and romance of a winter wedding at Briar Barn Inn, and I'm excited to share my experience with you.

One of the things I love about Briar Barn Inn is its rustic charm. The venue's architecture and decor have a timeless quality that makes them a perfect backdrop for wedding photography. The ceremony area was adorned with lush greenery, which gave the space a natural and organic feel. The tall candle pillars added a touch of romance and sophistication, creating a warm and cozy ambiance that was perfect for a winter wedding.

As the bride and groom shared their first dance, I captured every moment, from the twinkle in their eyes to the way they moved together as if they were one. The soft light from the candles added a romantic feel to the photos, making them truly special and memorable.

Capturing a winter wedding at Briar Barn Inn was a magical experience. The rustic charm of the venue combined with the delicate greenery and tall candle pillars created a warm and inviting atmosphere that was perfect for a winter wedding. As a photographer, it was a joy to capture the beauty and romance of the day, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it. If you're looking for a winter wedding venue in Massachusetts, I highly recommend Briar Barn Inn - it's truly a magical place.

Venue and Catering: Briar Barn Inn, Rowley MA

DJ/Entertainment: Tom Bruhl

Florist: Flou(-e)r @flouer_specialtyevents

Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Lord @makeupbysarah.lord

Hair: Chelsey Macklin @styles.by.chelsey

Signage: Brit Barry Design @britbarrydesign

Essex River Cruises and Charters Tidal Island Wedding in Essex, Massachusetts- Wedding Photographer

A summer wedding on a tidal island in Essex, MA is a dreamy affair that offers a unique experience for the couple and their guests. The island, surrounded by the picturesque waters of Essex, provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable wedding day.

The wedding celebration began with the guests boarding the Essex River Charters and Cruises, ready for a scenic ride to the island. The boat ride offered stunning views of the coastline, making for perfect photo opportunities. The guests were excited to arrive at the island and experience the unique setting for the wedding.

The bride and groom were radiant in the sunlight, their love for each other shining through in every photo. The couple's golden retriever, the "best boy" of the night, was a star of the show, posing happily for photos with his proud owners.

The wedding ceremony took place on the island, with the sea breeze adding to the romantic atmosphere. The couple exchanged vows, surrounded by their closest friends and family, with the sound of the waves providing the perfect background music.

After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a delicious lobster bake, a quintessential New England experience. The food was served on long tables set up on the beach, offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for the guests to enjoy.

As the sun began to set, the guests danced under the starry sky, celebrating the couple's love and commitment. The final boat ride back to the dock offered a stunning view of the island at night, providing a perfect end to a magical day.

As a wedding photographer, I am honored to capture the special moments of a couple's big day. This summer wedding on a tidal island in Essex, MA was a particularly unique and memorable experience, filled with love, laughter, and lots of lobster!

Bright and Colorful Summer Wedding aboard Schooner Lannon in Gloucester, MA

Max and Liz exchanged their vows aboard the Schooner Lannon in the historic and picturesque harbor of Gloucester, MA. The ceremony took place on a beautiful summer day, with a light breeze carrying the scent of salt and sea through the air. The couple, their family and friends were all on board the stunning vessel, which made the day feel all the more special.

The bride looked absolutely stunning in a poofy white gown with lace detailing. She carried a colorful bouquet, which was a work of art created by the bride's mother. The bouquet was a riot of colors, featuring yellow and red roses, soft pink peonies, hot pink anemones, and a few sprigs of greenery. It perfectly complemented the seaside backdrop, and Liz beamed with joy as she held it.

As the sun began to set over the harbor, the ceremony came to a close and the couple made their way to their reception venue. They chose the historic 1640 Hart House in Ipswich, MA, which provided the perfect setting for a celebration of their love. The venue has been beautifully restored and is a stunning example of Colonial architecture, with original wide plank floors, exposed beams, and fireplaces in every room.

The couple and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal, and the wedding cake was a work of art in itself. The reception was decorated with a stunning portrait of the bride and groom aboard the Schooner Lannon, painted by Liz’s mother.

The party was in full swing, with guests dancing and celebrating the newlyweds. The love and joy of the day was palpable, and everyone in attendance felt lucky to be part of such a beautiful celebration. The day was a true testament to the power of love, and the couple's commitment to each other was evident throughout the entire celebration.

If you're looking for a unique and stunning venue for your wedding ceremony or reception, the Schooner Lannon and the 1640 Hart House are both excellent choices. With breathtaking scenery, historic charm, and a personal touch, these venues will create an unforgettable wedding day. Congratulations to Max and Liz, and may they have a lifetime of happiness together!

Ceremony Location: Schooner Lannon

Reception Location: 1640 Hart House

Small intimate Gloucester, MA Wedding Aboard Schooner Lannon

When it comes to planning a wedding, couples are always on the lookout for unique and memorable venues that will make their big day truly unforgettable. If you're someone who loves the ocean and enjoys a touch of adventure, a wedding ceremony aboard the Thomas E. Lannon Schooner in Gloucester, MA might just be the perfect choice for you.

The Schooner Lannon is a historic vessel that has been a fixture of Gloucester's bustling harbor for many years. Its towering masts and traditional rigging make it the perfect location for a wedding that is both classic and unique.

As the sun began to set over the harbor, the bride and groom exchanged their vows on the deck of the Lannon, as their guests looked along with joy and excitement.

The ceremony itself was simple yet elegant, with the vows reflecting the couple's deep love for each other and their family. As the couple exchanged rings, the Schooner's captain rang the ship's bell in celebration.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their family and friends took a leisurely sail around the harbor, enjoying the cool ocean breeze and the stunning scenery. The Lannon’s crew provided drinks and hors d'oeuvres, making the experience even more memorable.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Schooner returned to the harbor, and the newlyweds stepped onto the dock, surrounded by their loved ones.

The wedding on the Thomas E. Lannon Schooner was a beautiful and unique experience that perfectly captured the couple's love for each other and their family. It was a celebration of their journey together so far, and the promise of the adventures to come.

If you're looking for a wedding venue that is both classic and unique, the Thomas E. Lannon Schooner in Gloucester MA is the perfect choice.

Venue: Schooner Lannon

Riversbend, Essex MA Wedding / Timeless and Romantic

Paige and Max tied the knot at the beautiful Riversbend Restaurant in Essex, Massachusetts last summer. Their guests travelled from afar to witness them exchange their vows and celebrate into the night!

The ceremony took place in a private wooded area, with a view of the Essex River, so close you could nearly touch it. The gentle flow of the water served as a tranquil soundtrack to their vows. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the sprawling lawn of Riversbend, where they sipped refreshing beverages and snacked on hors d’oeuvres as they mingled in front of the fire pit.

The reception was held inside the main dining room of the restaurant, which featured vaulted ceilings and breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. The reception space and dining tables were beautifully decorated with soft romantic florals and uniquely charming stemware.

The wedding portrait artist put the final touches on her painting as the night wore on, and as guests danced the night away on the wooden dance floor. The patio served as the perfect spot for guests to step outside to get a breath of fresh air and stargaze, while trying to distinguish twinkle lights from fireflies.

Paige and Max’s summer wedding at Riversbend, Essex was a magical and memorable event!

Venue: Riversbend, Essex Massachusetts

Florals: Sage Floral Studio

Wedding Painter: Carol Lake Studios

Dan & Amanda's Gloucester Bass Rocks Wedding

Photographing Dan and Amanda’s wedding at the Elks at Bass Rocks was definitely a vibe for me. I also got married to my husband there, so it has a soft space in my heart. Watching as two best friends with big huge smiles plastered on their faces get married…it just took me back. That feeling of walking down to the rocks in a giant poof of a dress, all to get the most amazing bridal portraits. Or that crazy dancing on the dance floor, surrounded by friends.

Amanda and Dan’s wedding day was filled with smiles and laughter…and some tears during the toasts. As you scroll through the images from their wedding, check how sunflowers kept popping up throughout the whole day—down to the song that Amanda walked down the aisle to, “Sunflower” by Post Malone.

If you love Dan and Amanda’s wedding photos as much as I do, tell them in the comments below!

Venue: Elks at Bass Rocks

Hair: Colzie C. Crump

Makeup: Sophy Yang

DJ: Meritage Entertainment

Caterer: Vinwood

Cake: Cassis Bakery

Noah & Paige's Groveland Fairways Wedding / Groveland, MA

Imagine meeting someone, someone special, who makes you have that crinkly eye smile and butterflies in your stomach… when the world is on the brink of a global shutdown? That’s Paige and Noah. A true pandemic love story. They met in February 2020, right before the world would be thrown into chaos, at a party that neither of them were supposed to attend. They dated all throughout 2020, without actually going out on a date. But it all led to June 2021, when they had a true pandemic wedding—Zoom guests and all.

Paige and Noah’s day was filled with bright smiles, blue skies, and lots of love. Scroll through to see the story of their wedding day and please leave them some love in the comment section below!

Venue: Groveland Fairways

Florist: Nunans Florist

Catering: Vinwood Caterers

Cake: Cupcake Responsibly

Violin Accompaniment during ceremony: Yolanda Becker Music

Topsfield MA family portraits / Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Could this possibly be the first time I’ve blogged a fall portrait session? I feel like it might be, and while it’s certainly shameful, the fall season is generally bananas for photographers so I’m going to cut myself some slack for this. As in, the only reason I can blog right now is because I am waiting for my computer monitor to calibrate.

Personally, summer sessions on the beach will always have my heart. So what’s to love about fall portrait sessions?

-Well the obvious answer is the fall foliage. That’s a no-brainer, so let’s move on.

-Sun sets earlier in the fall, so most sessions start around 5 pm. This works for most littles because it doesn’t interfere with bedtime the way summer sessions do.

-Fall fashion, and I likely need not say more, but I will. Plaid shirts, chunky cardigans, cute boots, blanket shawls, and scarves.

-Cooler temps and low humidity so you won’t be shiny and frizzy in your family pictures.

There is no shortage of locations on Cape Ann and around the north shore of Massachusetts that are perfect for their fall settings. Scroll through to see some of my favorites from a session I had with a dear friend and her family, taken at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to leave some love in the comment section and tell me your favorite thing about fall!

Vacation Family Portrait Session / Manchester-by-the-Sea

It’s no surprise that coastal Massachusetts is a summer vacation destination for many families- hundreds of miles of gorgeous beaches, small towns with nautical charm, incredible dining, and history around every corner you turn.

Each summer, my calendar fills with families who are visiting from out of state who want me to help capture their vacation memories. I love being able to show visitors exactly why Cape Ann is so special, choosing the perfect location for their family portrait session.

Scroll through to see some of my favorite images from a family portrait session at Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea, MA, and let me know your favorite vacation spot in the comments!

xo

Cassie

Rockport High School Senior Portrait Session / Andraya

I am in the thick of senior portrait season over here, and I’m really loving it! Most of my seniors through mid-September have kept their sessions on the beach or the nearby coast, which works perfectly because beaches on Cape Ann have cleared out once the summer ends so we have plenty of space to get creative.

Surprisingly, portrait sessions during COVID-19 haven’t been terribly different. The biggest difference is that I’m wearing a mask the entire time. But other than that, I am sure to use my long lens so we can socially distance. It feels totally safe being out in the open air.

Today I’m so happy to share Andraya’s senior portrait session. I have loved reviewing all of her images again because you can just feel her joy! We split her portrait session between the rocks on the backshore of Gloucester and Good Harbor beach. Scroll through to see some of my favorites from her session and be sure to leave her some love in the comment section below!

xo

Cassie

Rockport, MA family portraits on the beach / Esther and Dan

Posed or unposed? Every person has their own style when it comes to family portraits. When I photograph my clients, I will always start with the posed shot, but then continue to capture images while everyone is looking at each other or snap that candid image in between poses. They always end up being my most favorite images from the session—those moments in between where the only thing on display is emotion.

I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to share this gorgeous family portrait session because it’s honestly one of my all-time favorites. It features one of my good friends Esther from Esther Mathieu Photography. We were pregnant at the same time (our due dates were days apart!) back in 2016, and we’ve bonded over photography, gardening, north shore living, and topics I’ll label as “other” haha.

It was hard to choose just a few favorites from her family session on the beach in Rockport, so scroll through if you have several minutes and leave some love in the comment section :)

xo

Family Portrait Session in Manchester-by-the-Sea

Usually I will be the one recommending locations for my clients’ portrait session, but this is an example of the opposite! Willa asked to use this off-the-beaten-path location in Manchester by the Sea for her family portrait session, and I think it’s the perfect mix of beachy and nautical, with all the boats docked in the background.

It was such a pleasure to photograph this sweet family, and it has been sort of a surreal experience checking in with them on Instagram lately to see how much the kids have grown since then! These moments fly by, you guys! Capture these memories as you can *points finger at herself* haha

Check out some of my favorite images from this sweet seaside family portrait session and leave some love in the comment section below!

Beach and Rocky Coast Maternity Session in Gloucester, MA

Kathryn and Brian are clients that have taken me with them to document each new milestone in their family’s history, and it all began with this maternity session! We worked together to choose the perfect setting along the rocky coastal seaside for some dramatic and stunning images. When the sun dipped lower in the sky, we switched locations to catch the pastel hues of a sunset on the beach. In some of the images you can even spy the full moon making an appearance over the ocean. It’s not every session that gets such incredible purple and pink hues, but we definitely scored for their maternity session!

Scroll below to see some of my favorites from Kathryn and Brian’s maternity portrait session. Don’t forget to leave them some love in the comment section!

xo

Cassie

Senior Portrait Session on Northshore MA / Olivia

I’ve talked on the blog before about bringing close friends and family to your senior portrait session to join in a few shots. But there are other ways to personalize your senior portrait session as well, like including items that reflect your hobbies and interests. This used to be something cheesy that people did in the 80s, but I promise, it can be done well! During Olivia’s senior pictures, she chose to wear her pointe shoes for several images to reflect her passion for ballet.

Here are some other ideas for including items to reflect your personality:

Sports:

• Hockey skates, softball jersey, running shoes

Hobbies:

• Music lover-headphones, Animal lover- bring your pet, avid reader- favorite book, Photographer- camera, Fashion lover- bring your best outfits!

Personality:

• Homebody- cozy sweatshirt and leggings, Extrovert- best friend

And there are so many more possibilities! I’ve included some of my very favorite images from Olivia’s senior session. Scroll through and tell me how you will personalize your senior session in the comment section below!

Cousins Make the Best Friends / Portrait Session at Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield MA

It’s taken me some time, but I am so excited to finally share Allie, Delanie, and Taylor’s portrait session. A while back, their mom’s decided to schedule a portrait session for the three girls to surprise their parents (the girls’ grandparents) with pictures. There are so many reasons why Taylor, Delanie, and Allie’s portrait session is one of my absolute favorites!

• That cousin/sibling/best friend bond

  Cousins make the best friends, am i right? That was certainly true when I was a kid, and now as a thirty-something, my cousins are still near and dear to my heart! It’s something incredibly special that deserves documenting and celebrating!

• Capture a moment in time

  Nothing earth shattering over here in my telling you that photographs capture a moment in time, but it bears repeating. Just think about it. Your child’s age, that they’ll never be again. Their precious relationship with their cousins and best friends. You’ll never tire of going back and looking at these images and I promise you, they will only get sweeter with time.

• Grandparent gifts

  Prints from this session were given to grandparents as their anniversary gift. Isn’t that incredibly sweet? Grandparents can never get enough of their grandchildren and love to show off pictures of them to all of their friends.

Take a stroll through some of my very favorites from their portrait session at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, MA. This area can tend to be overcrowded, but we found all the right spots to capture that glowy sunset, those spring flowers, and that post sunset hue.

Be sure to leave some love for the girls in the comment section below!

xo

Cassie

Sunset Maternity and Family Beach Portraits / Jenna & Rob

So we’re about two weeks into the coronavirus shutdown, and I’ve been trying to take the kids out for a nature walk each day. It’s still a little chilly, so we haven’t yet ventured out onto the beach, but looking back over Jenna and Rob’s maternity/family session has made me eager for those warm nights with glow-y sunsets. It’s still a bit weird not knowing what the next few months will bring, but at the very least we will hopefully be able to socially distance ourselves on the beach!

Jenna is one of the real MVPs during this pandemic because she is an amazingly fearless BA nurse AND a mom to two boys. And also, obviously, a stunner too because she absolutely slayed this maternity session! Take a scroll through to see some of my favorite images from her and Rob’s beach session and be sure to leave her some love and appreciation in the comment section!