Several times a year I have the joy of connecting with other photograhers and helping to them to walk through goals, solve probelms and answer questions through one on one mentor sessions. This past week I met the beautiful and lovely Dina of Dina Godzik Photography who is a talented New England portrait and wedding photographer!
Read MoreAward Winning Boston Wedding Photographer
Award Winning Boston Wedding Photographer serving Boston, Cape Cod, Newport and New England. Celebrated for her empathetic understanding, meticulous organization and impeccable time management, Deborah brings a distinctive collaborative approach to her craft.
Holiday Cheer with Les Fleurs
Holiday Cheer with Les Fleurs
It has been a pleasure getting to know the the Fleurettes, the team behind the beautiful floral creations at Les Fleurs. I have had the privilege of photographing their beautiful designs for several portrait sessions this past year (don't miss this floral inspired newborn session or Christine's stunner of a bouquet or the glorious cream pastels for Meredith's barn wedding!!). Most recently we collaborated together for our epic Mini Portrait Session Event which the Fleurett's helped to style!!
Last week I was invited to come photograph the gorgeous store front (they have the BEST gifts for the Holidays friends!!) in Andover which we turned into a mini styled shoot incorporating some of their BEAUTIFUL winter florals...I mean these wreaths, gah!! Check out all the pretty below and be sure to stop by Les Fleurs for a gorgeous floral arrangement..or be like me and just tell the Hubby ;) :).
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Family Session
I first met Kristin oh so many years ago when I was starting my photography business. A total newbie to the world of weddings and small business, everything seemed so intimidating to me. Kristin was one of my first photography friends and together we shared info and grew our businesses. I'll never forget the friendship she graciously extended to me making me feel less alone, making those first few years a lot more enjoyable!!
Flash forward and my how life has changed!! Marriage, kiddos, a big move. Kristin now calls New Jersey home with her wife Maarit and their beautiful kiddos. This past weekend while Dave and I were visiting New York, we had the opportunity to reconnect with this sweet family. We met at the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden and spent the afternoon photographing the kids picking flowers, collecting acorns and snuggling their Moms. The gardens are a spectacular area right in the heart of Brooklyn, bursting with foliage, even this late in fall!
Kristin, thank you for asking me to capture your sweet family and thank you for extending your friendship all those years ago!! We had such a wonderful time reconnecting with you and your family, throwing leaves for the kiddos and generally doing whatever it took to get those cute smiles!! I hope you enjoy the images!!
Family Portraits in the Heart of Austin
It is with a VERY full heart that I get to share with you today one of my best and dearest friends with her brand new addition. It's been quite the journey for Amy & Jon as they have embarked on this adventure of parenthood. Which makes sweet baby girl's arrival even more joyful. At the end of October I had the pleasure of traveling to Austin to photograph this sweet addition along with her glowing and proud parents. As a photographer, having the opportunity to capture a family as it grows is an absolute joy. When it's one of your best friends, well nothing really compares.
We utilized the comforts of home for the first half of this family session and ventured to the Austin Botanic Gardens for the second half. The late fall Austin weather did not disappoint and provided us with beautiful sunny skys and warm weather.
Amy & Jon, I am so proud of you!! It fills my heart to watch you become parents, to see you love your baby girl and to know how proud you are of this little life who has joined your family. Thank you for asking me to document something so special for your family. I hope that these images remind you of the love you share together and how much that sweet baby girl means to you!!
Mark Your Calendars!!
Introducing Winter Mini Sessions
Time to Mark Your Calendars!! I'm delighted to share with you that DZP will be offering Winter Mini Sessions for the first time EVER this month, only a few short weeks away!! Perfect for your Holiday cards, updated family portraits or just because, mini sessions are an excellent way to capture your family & loved ones in a relaxed and fun setting!! For the very first DZP Mini Session event I have partnered with the amazing team at Les Fleurs & the beautiful Peirce Farm to bring you a styled session in a beautiful wintry setting!! I'm delighted to be partnering with two of my favorite wedding industry professionals and beyond excited to be sharing the stunningly beautiful Peirce Farm with you!!
Want more deatils?! Check them out below!!
Where : Peirce Farm at Witch Hill, Topsfield, Massachusetts
When : Sunday November 22, 2015
What : A 20 minute portrait session
Investment : $150 session fee with $50 gallery credit
Don't miss out on this rare opporunity to be photographed with the people you love in a beautiful setting!! Mini sessions have been and will continue to be a rare offering with DZP, so don't miss out!! If you'd like to sign up and secure your time slot, please email deborah[at]deborahzoephoto.com. 1o slots will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Currently Available Sessions :
1:00pm-1:20pm
To book your session email me today at deborah[at]deborahzoephoto.com!!
Fall Home Family Session
Remember these two and their beautiful Boston wedding from a few summer's back?! Or how about their gorgeous maternity session this past spring?! One of the beautiful things about being a wedding photographer is having the opportunity to help my couple's celebrate the important milestones of life. Engagement, marriage, growing family, anniversary. Celebrating life's big (and small) moments with photography is something I am incredibly passionate about and LOVE when a couple feels the same way!!
For the Shaw's family session we decided to use their beautiful home as the backdrop for their family portraits. On an unseasonably warm fall afternoon we gathered outside and breathed in the beautiful air, with blue skies and warm sun to keep us comfortable. It was a joy to photograph this sweet family of three and celebrate all the blessings they have experienced together this year. What a joy to help welcome their sweet baby boy and capture their family in photographs, enjoy!!
Downtown Boston Family Session
After taking a History of Journalism class my freshman year at Northeastern University I made the decision to pursue a Journalism degree in addition to my degree in Art. I still remember one of my very first classes where I met my vivacious friend, Vanessa. She radiated joy, kindness and always had a smile on her face. Over the course of college we shared many classes together and always managed to sit next to each other where we'd catch up on our work load and college life. In fact Vanessa was one of the first people who learned I was engaged after I showed up to classes with a sparkler on my hand :)!
After graduation, thanks to the power of social media, we've stayed in touch over the years. During that time Vanessa met and married a wonderful man, received a second degree and welcomed her son Adrian into the world. When she contacted me about a portrait session for her growing family I jumped at the chance to catch up and photograph this sweet family!!
We meet in downtown Boston on a beautiful fall morning and spent our time together catching up and documenting this sweet family of three!! I loved connecting with you Vanessa, thank you for asking me to photograph these precious moments :)!!
The Gardens at Elm Bank Maternity Session
Aubrey is a fellow wedding photographer who I met several years ago (was it at a workshop?), and while I can't exactly remember where we met I have been ever so grateful for her friendship over the years. She has been a constant souce of wisdom and someone who I look too for encouragement and knowledge as I navigate what it looks like to run a business while growing a family. The experience can at times feel like a roller coaster but friends like Aubrey help to keep me grounded and push me to continue to grow.
It's been a joy getting to know her adorable son and sweet husband. Each year Max grows just a little bit bigger, gets a little bit older and it is a delight to photograph their family; my hope being that their images will become like family treasures, stopping time and capturing life just as it is right now.
What made this session even more exciting is that Aubrey is due with their second child later this fall!! Maxwell can't wait to be a big brother and it was just the sweetest thing to watch him kiss his Mama's tummy or cling tightly to Dad while I photographed Aubrey.
These are the moments of life for me, the moments you just want to capture in a bottle to be saved and enjoyed again and again. To me photography is like that proverbial bottle, perserving time, momemnt by moment and it is an honor to be asked by Aubrey and her family to do just that.
We chose beautiful Gardens at Elm Bank as the location for their session and even though it was early October the gardens were in full bloom. Maxwell happily picked dandilions while photographed his Mom and it was a morning filled with sweet moments just like that. Aubrey, thank you for continuing to trust me with these important moments in your family's life, it has been an honor to photograph your family and a joy to call you friend.
The Greenlee Family
At Home Family Portraits
Being a photographer gives me wonderful opportunities, specifically the opportunity to meet new people and create new connections all while being given the invitation into people's lives. It is a such a privilege to be asked to photograph the important (and everyday) milestones of life : as a couple becomes a family, celebrates an anniversary or joyously cheers on their little one. I love being able to document these moments, extraordinary or everyday and hope these images become treasures to a family to be enjoyed for years to come.
Last week I spent a delightful afternoon with these three. Zoe is a rambunctious, spirited and all around adorable little lady, a star of the show!! Her proud parents were filled with adoration for their baby girl and it was so fun to photograph this family in their beautiful home. I hope that these images will be a reminder of the beautiful legacy they are creating together, and especially how sweet and joyous it was to witness as their little girl experiences the world for the first time.
Family Portraits in the Heart of the Berkshires
Family Portraits in the Heart of the Berkshires
Gosh I couldn't love these three more!! Over the weekend Dave and I had the joy of hanging out with some of our dearest friends in a cabin in the Berkshires. It was entirely relaxing (well as relaxing as vacationing with a toddler can be) and we spent some great moments laughing too much, exploring nature trails that led to no where and exploring downtown Barrington. At the end of the weekend I snuck our friends away for a mini portrait session.
It's hard to believe that Miss Emmeline is over six months old. You may remember this trio from their maternity session in Brooklyn last fall and their amazingly beautiful floral inspired newborn session this winter. Seeing Miss Emmeline this past weekend made it much more real that she is growing up!! I'm so proud of Courtney & Dave, how they have embraced parenthood and love on this sweet baby girl. Watching your friends become parents and sharing that journey with them is such a joy!!
Grab an ice cold glass of lemonade (do these pictures make anyone else want lemonade?!) and enjoy scrolling through this beautiful family portrait session on the heart of the Berkshires!!
Gah, I couldn't love this more!!
The Cole Family
Celebrating A Legacy
This past weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to New Hampshire to visit with dear friends, Dave & Anna, who were ending their month long vacation in the States. Living aborad means that they have little opportunity to see their family and friends who live in the States, so when they have the chance to make it happen, it's a big deal. To make it even more interesting, Anna is one of 9 siblings with 26 immediate family members. Getting everyone together in the same state at the same time? A VERY BIG DEAL.
I was honored to be asked to photograph this amazing family and celebrate the legacy that Anna's parents have created together. It can be easy to overlook the impact just one couple can have in the world, but not with this family. Anna's parents started with just two and have multiplied to 26. Their roots have crossed cultures, barriers and challenges. Their love has multipied in the most beautiful of ways.
Bev & Auke are one of the sweet couples who are a part of this family's legacy. Newly engaged, (Auke is from the Netherlands and was visiting during this epic family portrait get together!) we snuck them away for a mini engagement session. Nothing says New Hampshire more than some beautiful golden light dappled through the forest trees. Oh, you know I was in photographer heaven!! And c'mon, how adorable are these two?!
Thank you to this amazing family for inviting us in and allowing us to be witness to this incredible legacy. Here's to you!!
A Crane Beach Maternity Session
A Crane Beach Maternity Session
It's hard to believe that Stephanie and Nick are welcoming their baby into the world in just a few short weeks. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating in Cambridge as these two became Mr. & Mrs. They've grown together over these last few years, acheived sucesses in their educational endeavors, careers and personal life. Now they are getting ready to embark on a new adventure together and I couldn't be more excited for them!!
Stephanie loves coming up to the North Shore to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and the quaint New England summer charm. We picked Crane Beach in Ipswich for their maternity session, which offers all the character and beauty of a New England beach setting that Nick & Stephanie love.
Steph and Nick, I'm over the moon excited for you as you expand your family!! I can't wait to hear news of whether Baby is a boy or a girl!! Until then I hope you soak up every moment together as you await baby's arrival. It truly is a precious time in life, enjoy your images!!
The seagrass and dunes at Crane Beach were the perfect backdrop for this glowing Mama-To-Be.
I just love sweet these two are together!
After a quick outfit change we wandered in to the grassy dunes for more portraits.
Nothing says love like a stroll at the beach!!
Stephanie, you are radiant!!
Work it girl, work it.
C'mon Baby...Mama & Papa can't wait to meet you!!
Spring Anniversary Session At Glen Magna Farms
It's been on my heart to celebrate marriage with anniversary sessions for quite sometime (our own session by Katelyn James will forever be an incredible memory for us!), and last Thursday that dream came true. Many local creatives came together and rallied around this vision to bring together a STUNNING spring inspired anniversary session at Glen Magna Farms. It was one of the most perfect days of the year, a beautiful gift for this amazing couple.
Who are the beautiful duo you may ask? Kate & James better known as the Feds, well known wedding photographers in the New England area. Kate & James have been married for 11 years and are Mom and Dad to four beautiful girls and one handsome boy. As wedding photographers, over the past 11 years, they have rarely been in front of the camera. Last Thursday they dropped everything, escaped for the afternoon together. As a fellow photographer, it was an HONOR to celebrate their commitment and all that they have experienced together with an anniversary session.
You might be wondering why I am so passionate about anniversary sessions. I mean what's the point right? I truly believe that marriage is something that should be celebrated long after the wedding day. Day after day, through commitment, sacrifice, and pouring into one another, a marriage truly becomes more and more beautiful as the years go on. And yet we only celebrate marriage at the very beginning. Whether you have been married for 1 year, 4 years, 10 years or more, your commitment is one to be cherished. Anniversary sessions are a way of celebrating marriage and all that encompasses long after the wedding day has ended.
Throughout our time together Kate kept saying she felt like royalty. Or if you're from Massachusetts "A Kennedy!" She let out a little giggle whenever James would pull her in tight. James couldn't help but embrace his beautiful wife and whisper in her each just how much he loved her. To watch as these two slowly let the world melt away, reconnect and fall more in love made my heart soar. Because that right there is why I love these sessions mean so much!
Here's to you James & Kate, I hope these images remind you of all you have achieved together!!
Kate and James were pampered the day of by some amazing creatives who grabbed hold of our vision and helped make it come to life!! Many thanks to Glen Magna Farms for providing the beautiful backdrop, the gardens and estate were divine. Flair Boston dressed Kate in a stunning tulle gown, fit for royalty. Les Fleurs created the most romantic pink and cream bouquet that matched Kate's elegant look flawlessly. Amanda McCarthy Beauty and Kris Pavao Just Hair perfected Kate's look with a timeless and soft feel. It was a dream to photograph the contributions of the talented team behind the shoot!
Oceanside Maternity Session in York, Maine
Sarah and Mark were one of my first clients in the early years of my business. Sarah has been one of my strongest cheerleaders since the very beginning and I have been ever so grateful for her love and support over the years. Sarah is an avid runner, coach, business owner and Mom of two (soon to be three!) kiddos. (You might remember her from her recent Mommy Interview here on the blog a few months ago.) She's about to welcome her third baby any day now!
Sarah and Mark have a family home on the coast of Maine. Literally, the waves crash up over their seawall! It is such a beautiful location and holds such a special place in their heart that it was the perfect backdrop for their maternity session!! Despite the fact that it was terribly cold, it was an amazing evening spent with dear friends celebrating this new chapter in their life.
Mark and Sarah, we are over the moon excited for you -- enjoy your images!!
A Plum Island Maternity Portrait Session
A Plum Island Maternity Portrait Session
When I first started my business, I had no desire to photograph maternity portraits. But as the years went on my couples started to begin growing their families and I realized that I actually LOVED having the opportunity to photograph past DZP couples on their journey to parenthood! And then wouldn't you know I had a baby of my own! I suddenly knew what it felt like to anxiously await the arrival of your baby. I knew the feeling of your baby kicking and wiggling and moving about. I understood the joy a baby brought and I found myself hooked. As a photographer, I'm allowed a unique opportunity to celebrate these wonderful seasons of life with my couples. What a privledge it is to document their engagement, their wedding and the start of their family. (Plus, anniversary celebrations along the way!!) It's one of things that I love MOST about photography and I'm so grateful to be a part of that journey!
Which brings me to Katie and Kevin, who were married in 2013 and are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first baby, a BOY! I still remember their wedding like it was yesterday... I can remember Katie's parents BEAMING with pride and can only imagine just how excited both Katie & Kevin's families are at the coming arrival of Baby Shaw!!
I met the lovely couple at Sandy Point, a remote beach at the end of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport. We practically had the beach to ourselves and spent the afternoon wandering the ruggesd shoreline. Being the lover of all things ocean, I was in photographer heaven. Katie radiated with beauty (yes she GLOWED!) and Kevin was just SO proud and protective. Ah, it's adorable!!
Katie & Kevin, thank you so much for inviting to me to document such a momentous time in your family's history!! I cannot wait to see pictures of baby boy, but for now bask in the glow of pregnancy!! Enjoy your images!!
North Shore Newborn Photography | Jes, Dave & Fitz
A North Shore Family Portrait Session
Fitz decided to make his entrance into the world just a little earlier than expected. As I talked with Jes and Dave about their experience into the world of parenthood, they couldn't help but smile. When I asked if they were anxious that Fitz was a little early, they just shrugged it off, embracing their new role as Mom and Dad. Jes & Dave are naturals, caring, nurturing, loving. They fit effortlessly into this new reality of late nights, dirty diapers, baby cries and more. And despite the challenges that the first few weeks of newborn-ness can bring, Jes & Dave take it all in stride, learning at they go, together as a team.
It is pure delight as photographer to have the opportunity to watch as new parents interact with their new babies. With Jes and Dave the word I kept repeating in my mind over and over again was : Head over heels. Ok, I guess that's three words. I watched at how Jes looked at her newborn baby boy, with such tenderness and unhindered love. Or how Dave scooped Fitz up into his arms, with such protection and care. Or when Dave tenderly wrapped his arms around Jes as she held their baby boy, pouring out all the love and affection he felt for her at that moment. For me, that is what makes newborn sessions so special. There is nothing quite like the love of a parent and the way a couple grows together as they grow their family.
Jes & Dave, thank you for welcoming me into your home to document such a special time your family's journey! You are wonderful parents, it was beautiful to watch as you cared for and loved your little guy! Enjoy the images!
Woodland Inspired Maternity Session on Boston's North Shore
You might remember Ben and Liz from their wintry engagement session & their spring wedding several years ago! They've been on a long journey towards parenthood. It has not been an easy one but along the way they have remained strong and faithful, hopeful to start a family of their own one day. I'm so proud of how much Ben and Liz have grown and how they are an unshakeable team together. They have been an inspiration to me and many others in what it looks like to walk in hope and steadfast faith.
Ben and Liz are the outdoorsy lovin' type of couple and they wanted something that reflected their love of nature. If you know anything about the Boston area, you know that we've been SLAMMED with snow this season (in fact we broke the record for snow this week!). Regardless, Ben and Liz were determined to get outside and I'm SO glad we did! The snow and woods were the perfect combination and a beautiful backdrop.
Many, many, many, thanks to Dogwood Floral for providing the AMAZING florals for Ben & Liz's portraits. They were the perfect compliment! Now let's get on to all the pretty!
Karla & Cassidy Expecting
The day started with Cassidy chatting with Squirmy. At first I thought this might be a cute nickname for his wife Karla, but I quickly came to learn that Squirmy is the nickname they have affectionatly given to their baby who loves to do summersaults in Mommy's belly. As Karla nears the end of her first pregnancy, Squirmy's movements have become incredibly pronounced, giving Squirmy full rights to their nickname!
As they await the arrival of their baby, I was struck by how calm and relaxed they both were. Cassidy is an incredibly comforting presence, always caring and looking out for Karla. Karla is the epitomy of relaxed and has taken her pregnancy in graceful strides. Karla and Cassidy will be celebrating nine years of marriage this May and I believe that their strong relationship has laid a firm foundation on which to build their family. Man, I'm just so excited for these three!!
Karla and Cassidy were troopers and woke up at the break of dawn for their session in downtown Boston. Since it was frigid we decided to stay inside their hotel, the Liberty, and use the beautiful archicture in the lobby to set the backdrop for the session. Karla's dress was also the perfect fit for the once former jail;)! I hope you enjoy this beautiful couple and feel the anticipation and love that radiate from these two!!
North Shore At Home Newborn Session
Remember these two and their amazing NYC maternity session?! Over the weekend I had the immense joy of documenting their newborn session at our home. I've known Courtney for over 16 years (WHAT?!) and was honored when she asked me to photograph her precious family of three. It's always a joy to photograph dear friends, especially on their journey to parenthood!
Watching Courtney and Dave with their new daughter was a delight. They are such incredible parents : patient, gentle, loving. Dave is such a proud Papa and Courtney is such a nurturing presence around Emmeline. It brought me right back to those first few weeks with our son Jonathan and the joy it was to discover who he was. Being a Mom (or Dad) is all sorts of awesome and I'm so excited our dear friends get to experience that journey too!
This is the second portrait session we've hosted at our house and it was so fun playing with the ample natural light we have. It was brutally cold outside, but warm and toasty inside, the perfect setting for a newborn session. Add in the gorgeous florals from Les Fleurs in Andover and I was in photography heaven. Wait till you see what they created for sweet Emmeline! Courtney loves Rifle Paper Co. and these florals were the perfect nod to all things Rifle, pastel and feminine! (Brides to Be take note, if you're looking for an amazing florist, look no further than Les Fleurs, they are incredible!)
Courtney and Dave, what an exciting year you have in store! I truly hope that these images capture the love and joy you have your baby girl, may they always remind you of the immense love & bond you felt the first time you held her in your arms! Welcome to the world Miss Emmeline!
The School Sessions
At the end of 2014 I wrote a short note in my journal, "How can my business exist to bless others?" I felt a tug on my heart to be more generous with my time, finances and talents but wasn't exactly sure where to start. When fellow photographer Jamie Delaine reached out to see if I would like to be invovled in something she and her husband Randy were starting called the School Sessions, I couldn't help but jump on board. It was the perfect fit!
If you're a DZP newsletter subsciber then you were given a sneak peek into the School Sessions and what they are all about last night! The School Sessions, is an incredible one day portrait event happening across the globe on Sunday, April 12, 2015, aimed at raising $200,000 to build a school in Haiti. Jamie and Randy's hope is is for photographers all over the world is to sign up and photograph a session on this day, donating 100% of the proceeds to the School Sessions. The goal is to raise $200,000, which will be used to buy land and also build a ten classroom school for 220 students. The previous building was destroyed by the 2010 earthquake and these children (ages 3 to 16) are in need of an earthquake and hurricane-proof school to learn and grow.
I don't know about you, but the idea of a global wide initiative of photographers across the world coming together to help serve and care for others sets my heart on fire! Wondering how you can get involved? Check out these ways below!
1. If you're a photographer, contact the School Sessions and get signed up!
2. Share this post and the School Sessions website to help spread the word and encourage participation!
3. You can donate directly to the School Sessions, visit their website to get set up!
AND FOR THE MOST EXCITING PART!
4. On April 12, 2015 I am offering one portrait session at a special rate with 100% of the proceeds going to the School Sessions. If you're interested and would like the opportunity to have your pictures taken while contributing to a beautiful cause, contact me today!! Please email deborah@deborahzoephoto.com, subject : The School Sessions.
The School Sessions from The School Sessions on Vimeo.
Thank you to Jamie and Randy for leading the way!! I hope that you've been inspired to jump on board and participate! Let's use our talents and gifts to help better the world, create opportunity and build a community of giving!! If you'd like to grab your spot for the Apil 12 portrait session email me toda, there is only one spot available!