Photography Blog

Boston wedding photographer passionate about documenting exquisite celebrations rooted in family and one of a kind experiences. Based on Boston's North Shore.

Featured: Savvy Scoop

I am so excited to share with you that Emily and Jay's wedding has been featured yet AGAIN, this time on Savvy Scoop, OneWed's bridal blog. Please head on over, take a look and make sure to leave some love:)

The Last Four Years

After yesterday's big announcement, I decided I would share some of my favorite images from the past four and a half years. Over the past years working for a newspaper, I learned, a lot. I've covered a lot. I've experienced a lot. Here are some of my favorite images from those past years. It's weird to look back. I've come a long way from the shy, inexperienced college intern I was when I first started. Growth is such a great thing and I feel so lucky to be able to have a record of where I've been and, better yet, where I am gong. Enjoy!

An Ending, A Beginning and A Thank You

I've been waiting two weeks to share this with you. Two LONG weeks of keeping this to myself, which, if you know me, is pretty impressive. So, today, it is with great excitement, that I can share that with you: I am officially a full-time business owner. As many of you know for the past four and half years I have been working as a news photographer on the North Shore. I have worked for four different papers, all owned within one company, as well as freelanced for various people and companies. It has been one of the best, and at times worst, experiences of my life. I can say with great confidence that without this job I would not be the photographer that I am today. The deadlines, learning to anticipate, working with horrible lighting, posing, storytelling. You learn all that AND more.

So you may be wondering then what brought me to wedding photography, what made me want to pursue my own business instead of pushing ahead with the career path I was on. It's simple. I fell in love. I fell in love with my clients and their stories. It's cliche and it's cheesy, but it's true. I find joy in meeting new couples and becoming part of their love story. I find joy in documenting their big day, knowing that the images I take, will be passed down for generations. I find joy in telling their story.

I've decided to share how I got to this point. How I made this decision and why I've decided to become a full time wedding photographer. Stick around and read if you are interested, and if you're not, that is o.k. too:) But be forewarned, this will be a long and text heavy post, and for those of you that read to the bottom, please know you have my appreciation and a big BIG internet *hug*.

I remember when I was in college, my first photography job was for a local wedding photographer. Every Saturday we would meet at his studio's parking lot and load his two seater car up with equipment (this was also the days of film and he had LOTS of equipment). He'd wear a ratted old tuxedo, (yes a full on tuxedo with cummerbund and bow tie) and I would nervously sit in the passenger seat trying to think of things to talk about. I never shot a single image with him, but instead carried all of his lighting equipment, handed him lenses and moved people to and fro. I did all of the non-glamorous things an assistant gets to do. But even as I ran back and forth to the bags, I watched and I learned and I soaked it all in.

Once, as we were eating our vendor meal with the videographer, I was asked this question: "So, you are going to be a wedding photographer when you get out of school?" I vehemently denied that I would EVER, be a wedding photographer. I was, first and foremost a photojournalist. You see, I thought wedding photography was stuffy, posed pictures; set up shots that never told the real story. I wanted to tell stories with my camera.

So, I continued to study photojournalism, graduated college and immediately went to work at a news paper. I worked hard, won numerous awards and learned all I could about what it took to become a successful news photographer. Wedding photography was the last thing on my mind. That was until I stumbled upon Jasmine Star's blog. I've said it before and I'll say it again, as cliche as it may sound, seeing Jasmine's work and following her as she photographed weddings the way SHE interpreted them, I was inspired. A desire to document weddings began to percolate. Maybe I could combine my love of photojournalism and, well, love. Just maybe.

This past spring, I attended WPPI, hoping and praying that I would find connection with wedding photography, that some how this trip would help lead me in different direction than that which I was headed in. I sat with photographers, Katelyn James, Zach and Jody, Alicia Candelora and Peter Bang, at a PhotogUnite meeting and like a fool, cried big, fat, tears. Tears of yearning and wanting. I wanted so desperately to be a part of the community I witnessed. A community of small business owners, that loved their job, loved their clients and loved what they did.

Last year I launched Deborah Zoe Photo as an experiment of sorts. Would I like shooting weddings? Would I find clients? How would they trust me? Somewhere along the way, despite my lack of confidence and the many questions I was bombarded with, I found clients and clients found me. They trusted me, they encouraged me, they supported me, they helped me to fall in love with wedding photography. Their stories and their love inspired me. And the rest, well it's not quite history, but it's a beginning.

Today, I start my journey. I'm scared but I'm happy.

And I'm so thankful for all of you, my clients, my family, my friends, and my colleagues who have supported me this past year and continue to support me as I branch out on my own. Your blog comments, messages, emails, texts, words and prayers have been such a source of encouragement to me, I can't even describe what it means.

So thank you for all your love, especially my husband, for encouraging me to follow my dreams, even if it is hard, and scary and new. I am so excited to take that step. Something is ending, but something else is beginning.

Product Highlight | Signature Album

Stephanie and Erik's album arrived just in time for Christmas (thanks to the wonderful folks at KISS) and I was more than excited to send it off! But before I did, I made sure to take a few images of the album in all it's green glory. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas:)

Merry Christmas all! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I'll be taking a mini vacation away from the blog, internet, and *sigh* Facebook, over this weekend to spend time with my friends and family, with hopes of returning rejuvenated and refreshed! Merry Christmas everyone, and I'll see you next week:)!

Wedding Love: Bumblebee and Sophie

VENDOR HIGHLIGHT: CINDY AND SARAH of BUMBLEBEE AND SOPHIE

The second vendor in the featured vendor series is Bumblebee and Sophie, a boutique clothing and accessory line, just for little ones. While these guys are not specifically wedding related, they sure are talented and I am really excited to share them with you here! And, to all you photographers out there, they offer unique business card holders for when you are out and about networking. You can read more about that here.

So let's get to know Sarah and Cindy!

Names: Sarah Canney and Cindy Bressoud Website: bumblebee-and-sophie.blogspot.com Contact Info: bumblebeeandsophie@gmail.com Favorite Color: Cindy- I think my favorite color has always been blue, but my living room is now tan and red... getting away from blue; Sarah- I feel like I'm in an aesthetic transition period: it used to be blue but now it is plumb and antique white…that may change next week. DZP - Hi lovely ladies of Bumblebee and Sophie! Could you share with us little bit about your selves?

B&S - I (Sarah) love my husband, we've been married almost seven years and he's super supportive. I love to run too, it keeps me sane. I used to be a high school English teacher, the truth is that I don’t really like English, I just like working with high school students. Becoming a mom last year made life so sweet. Motherhood is a real joy, I didn't really expect it to be this good. Staying at home for the most part is also a great thing, never thought I'd like that either. And for something unique: when I was 9 we were in the middle of reading "Little House on the Prairie" aloud and I wanted my mom to make me a prairie dress. She did. It was mint green with little peach roses all over it and peach piping along the seams of the bodice. It had these puffy Victorian sleeves and the skirt was so full I could twirl and twirl for hours. I loved that dress. I (Cindy) love my hubs, he is a wonderful life partner (going on 32 years!). I love fabric and without a little self-control could spend loads of money on fabric, just because I like to look at it and touch it... I have been sewing since I was 9 or 10, took Home Economics all through Jr and Senior High School and once had aspirations to be a home ec teacher. I like to run too, thanks to Sarah. I have run numerous 5K’s and 3 half marathons, and hope to be healthy enough to run for a long time, maybe not fast, but moving.

DZP - In a few words, can you describe Bumblebee and Sophie?

B&S - Bumblebee and Sophie is handmade baby clothing and accessories. It is stylish, playful, bold and unique. Many of the designs are original, created by Cindy. Together we choose the fabrics with a specific aesthetic in mind: unique, eye catching, a little retro, a little vintage, yet timeless--the kind of piece that makes people go "Where did you get THAT? I love IT!" It is so easy to dress your baby in clothing purchased off the rack from those big box stores (of course everyone needs essentials) but our pieces are those one of a kind, standouts that add a little flavor to your baby's wardrobe.

DZP - What inspires you and your collections?

B&S - The original inspiration is Sophia, my (Sarah) daughter. When she was born my mom (Cindy) started sewing. I started making requests: one of them for unique bedding. We had so much fun together picking out the fabrics and designing the bedding ensemble that it got my wheels turning: "We should do this!" I figured there had to be other women, new moms out there, who wanted something different, who thought that the whole baby blue for boy and pastel pink and purple for girl was a little "old."

DZP - Where do you get your materials?

B&S - We love the designs of Amy Butler, Anna Marie Horner, Art Gallery Fabrics, Michael Miller and so many more. There are some amazingly talented fabric designers out there. We try to purchase materials that make you go "WOW" that is so cool, so unique. If it does it for us then we figure the customer will think the same thing.

DZP - How do you go about picking fabric and choosing your designs?

B&S - This year we've done two collections so far: Summer and Fall/Winter. Our summer collection was a lot of blues, greens, white and coral. For fall we wanted to pick some warmer tones: browns, oranges, dark pinks, plumbs, creams, the kind of hues that make you feel cozy. As far as the designs, we've done several sun dresses for the summer collection and a loose peasant dress and tunic for the fall. Its fun to follow the fashion trends in adult clothing and see if they translate well to baby clothing.

DZP - What are some of your favorite products that you have created?

B&S - I (Sarah) think the tunic is my favorite--super cute with leggings! My (Cindy) favorite was Sophia’s bedding set, I just like to put different fabrics together.

DZP - How would you like to see Bumblebee and Sophie continue to grow?

B&S - I (Sarah) would love to see more baby boutiques carrying our pieces and a greater online presence. That would be great. And of course you always dream of a feature that would put you in the lime light. I (Cindy) would love to see us grow to the point where we see our creations all over the place. It is a tall order, but dreaming is fun!

DZP - What has been the best thing about beginning this business?

B&S - I (Sarah) love the creative aspect of it: designing the logo, website etc. Also the act of sewing and producing a product is so gratifying. And it is great to network with other artisans and crafters, it opens up a whole new world. I (Cindy) get to be in business with my daughter, what could be more fun!? I also love to sew and create with fabric!

Sarah and Cindy, thank you so much for sharing your creations and giving us a little peak into the world of Bumblebee and Sophie!

Featured: The Budget Savvy Bride

I am so excited to share with you that Emily and Jay's wedding has been featured yet again, this time with the The Budget Savvy Bride as their wedding of the week! What an honor! Thanks so much Jessica! Make sure to stop by and take a look!

Ask Anything: Formspring and Facebook Discussions

I often get Facebook messages, emails and tweets with questions from blog readers about, well, everything! So in order to stay on top of it all, I've created a Formspring account and a discussion page where people can ask questions and I can answer them. Ingenious, right? These questions can range from photography to life related topics, but my biggest hope is that this creates an open conversation about photography. A place where we can grow and learn together. So, please feel free to ask away. And if you're feeling shy, don't worry, you can ask anonymously.

So what are some thoughts you've had brewing in your mind lately? Are there any unanswered questions you've been dying to have answered? (I also use these questions as ideas for FAQ posts) So ask away my friends and I look forward to starting a discussion with you:)

Christmas Party Booth

Over this past week, Casa de Parker, had a little Christmas shindig:) It was a fun time filled with friends, family and of course FOOD. Since this was our fifth Christmas together as a married couple and since it was the fifth annual Parker Christmas party, we decided to add a little something special into the mix: a party booth:) In our spare bedroom we set up a make shift back drop, camera, light and light stand. Set and forget it pretty much. Well, it was a major hit and our guests had some fun! So I thought that I would share with you all here the craziness that was our Christmas Party Booth. And I'd love to get some feedback too. Would this be something that you would be interested in at a wedding? Enjoy!

The Best of Weddings | 2010

The Best of 2010 Engagements

The Best of 2010 Engagements!

The Best of 2010 Lifestyle Portraits

The Best of 2010 Lifestyle Portraits!

The Best of 2010 Behind the Scenes

Thanks to Dave and Spring, my amazing second shooters this season, I have plenty of behind the scenes images from this year. And since I am always up for a good laugh, I thought I would share these images with you, in hopes that you too, can laugh. At me...err...with me.

Sometimes shoes just are not necessary.

My lovely sunlight blockers. At least they are having fun!

My good looking clients make my job so easy.

I was concentrating so hard, my hair sprouted a tree branch.

Let me show you how holding a bouquet is done. It's serious business.

"You want us to do what?" ....

Portrait time is fun!

Can you spot the creeper?

Chimping, it's what I do best.

Photo ninja.

Look at the big dork over here and smile!

Up in your business...

That was SO funny. Ok, maybe not so funny.

"Hey guys, I mean I know I am the photographer and all, but can I join your dance party too?"

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound....

"Ah, we've just met and your hand is on my thigh..."

So maybe I was smiling because I was dancing AND taking photos at the same time. Go multi-tasking!

Oh, if only my hubby would come and help me instead of taking photos of me...

He takes pictures and holds lights, all while looking hot. Man is he talented.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave and Spring for all your help, encouragement and support over this last year. You have helped me in more ways than one and I am so grateful for all you guys have done! Being on your feet for eight hours or more, shooting until your fingers go numb, driving to far away places, eating candy when there was no food, getting water, holding lights, carrying bags, handing out business cards and loving on the bride and groom. You guys did it all and helped to make the each day fly by. Thank you to the best shooters a girl could ask for! And thanks, I think, for documenting me as I worked. I am forever grateful? :-P

Wedding Love: Tara Peterson of Stupendous Design

VENDOR HIGHLIGHT: TARA PETERSON of STUPENDOUS DESIGN

Hi friends! I am so excited to share with you the very first post in a new series highlighting some of my very favorite vendors that you should know about! These are jewelry makers, graphic designers, bakers, crafters and more. I hope to be able to share with you variety of amazing and talented people, giving you a small glimpse into their own world.**

To kick off this series, my own designer, Tara Peterson, has agreed to share with us a little bit about herself. (To say I am in love with my website is definitely an understatement) I couldn't be happier! A woman of many talents, Tara's portfolio is definitely broad in it's scope! Web design, marketing materials, invitations, and more, Tara can design it all:)

So without further delay, let's meet Tara:

Website: http://stupendousdesign.com Blog: http://stupendousdesign.blogspot.com/ Email: pettar2462@hotmail.com Favorite Color: Green of course. :)

DZP: Hi Tara! Would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?

Tara: I'm a born and raised farm kid from central Minnesota-free range (meaning I was free to run a muck everywhere and anywhere I wanted), which allowed much mischief and imagination to run wild, there was never a dull moment. I always wanted to be some kind of an artist, as long as I can remember. I used my mom's make up many times to draw art on the walls, but never on myself, and created a farm newspaper with my cousin, amongst other things, haha. I have one sibling, a younger brother by three years, who is a foot taller than me, and plays trumpet professionally. (We sometimes wonder how our parents feel about raising two artists, but love that they support everything we do). My brother and I get mistaken as twins quite a lot, and he means the world to me. I've lived in many places, Milwaukee, Orlando, Minneapolis, and Boston...not sure if Boston is the last stop, but for right now it serves me well, but there are days I miss home and the farm horribly.

DZP: How did you get into graphic design?

Tara: Funny story actually. I was a media communications major and art minor at Bethel University, I always wanted to major in art, but the art students scared the crap out of me, they were all so cool and chill and unorganized. I wasn't that at all, so I figured I wasn't supposed to be an artist, hence I minored in art..along the way I took a few design classes, and when I look at the work I did then, it was HORRENDOUS!! But I keep it to remind myself of how far I've come and developed in this trade. (I'm also slightly blaming it on the fact that was during light tables still and photoshop version one was the new trend...I've just dated myself haven't I? haha) I worked for a few years after graduating, and got a job at Tribune Media Services editing and proofing magazines, which is also funny cause I told them before they hired me that I was awful at spelling! Along the way they gave me a few small design projects, and thus began my unhealthy obsession with font and type. So I decided to move back to Minnesota and go back to design school. I worked 40 hours a week, and went to school full time, and for the first time in my life I was getting straight A's and no sleep...but I didn't care. I LOVED it!! And from than on, I hate to say this, but design has become a lifestyle for me. I'm constantly looking and studying EVERYTHING to how it's done, how I can do it better, what kind of paper was used, or code...that sounds so egotistical, but I feel that's how a person learns, well that's how I learn anyways, studying it and implementing. It's my life, some days I hate that I can't shut it off, but I'm wired to be this way. I mean, I knew how to program the VCR when I was five because I wanted to know, and I also wanted to record the California Raisons.

DZP: What inspires you and your designs?

Tara: Everything around me inspires me. Everything is designed by someone, even down to a blade of grass to an ant, to all road signs using Helvetica. Bad design even inspires me. When I went to France a month ago, just going to all the museums and seeing all the amazing art and buildings was inspiring. I used to be obsessed with Victorian design, carnival and circus design and their excessive use of type. I like vintage, modern and contemporary. I'm a huge fan of it all. I'm currently obsessed with letterpress, and am dying to take a class at a near by art school. When I need some kind of inspiration I usually go to Creative Review or Smashing Magazine, or the closest book store, or even grab Vanity Fair. I think it's important to keep on top of what's going on in the design world. But I think what inspires me the most when I take on a new gig, is getting to know the client and what makes them tick, researching whatever I can find about them and what they do. People are very fascinating to me and being able to figure them out and design something that makes them sing makes me happy.

DZP: What are some of your favorite things to design?

Tara: Being that I am kind of a newbie in web design that is probably my favorite thing right now. It becomes incredibly frustrating at times, but the challenge is good for me, and I learn so much every time I take on a new project. Honestly though, I love designing everything!! I haven't had the opportunity to do any package design yet, except for in school, but I love designing logos, branding, business cards, letterheads, websites, marketing emails...I love it when people respond "Oooh, that is AWESOME!!!"

DZP: What do you think are the most important things to remember when designing?

Tara: Always....ALWAYS go with your gut!! I don't how many times I've designed something and my gut was like YEAH!! and than I second guess myself and don't send it to the client. But, I eventually will throw that gut piece at them on a whim, and they end up loving it! BREATHE is probably the second one. Take breaks, go for a walk, find something creative to do that isn't designing, so you don't burn yourself out. And my number one thing I've learned in the past few years is: you can't force out an awesome idea. I don't know how many times I've been banging my head against the wall, in the wee hours of the morning, trying to design something, and nothing comes...it's like designers block. I take my mom's advice on this. Put it away, and go to bed. And sure enough my brain figures it out while I'm sleeping. I now keep a notebook near by. One more thing, it's okay to say no. :) but also don't be afraid to say yes, when something new and scary comes along. Getting out of our comfort zones help us to learn and become better at what we do, plus it's just a healthy thing to do.

DZP: Outside of graphic design what are some things that you enjoy or enjoy to create?

Tara: I enjoy music...BIG time. I have a very eclectic variety of music, and I like to thank my parents for that. I need to listen to it everyday, and get depressed if I don't. I LOVE to travel when I can afford it. But, I also love being at home. I'm very much a home-body. Which usually consists of reading, watching movies, or playing Wii. If I had a piano I would play that. I enjoy taking photos or painting. Sometimes I design something just for me. My next project for myself is revamping my website. I can't stop creating!

DZP: Would you mind sharing some of your favorite pieces of work?

This was for my branding, and it took me a long time to get to this stage for myself. I think it's really hard being your own client. But I was really pleased with how it turned out. And I LOVE my business cards SO much.

My mom was my very first client! She owns an alterations shop, and she is ALWAYS VERY busy. She works more than I do!

Lisa Slotsve Photography was my first REAL freelance gig in Minneapolis. And I had a blast working with her and branding her senior photography site. Because it was punk, grungy and trendy all at once.

I did this site for my cousin Anthony and his business of painting bikes and frames. Anthony is an awesome person and quite the character, so I really wanted to capture him in the website. Plus bikers kind of have that kick ass mentality, so I wanted that feel as well. I did his logo and business cards as well. http://ap-paints.com/

Tara, thanks so much for sharing your love of design and zest for life! You are an amazing artist!

A Preview of Chris & Lindsey's Wedding at All Saints Church & Chelmsford Elks Club

Here's just a quick sneak peek of Chris and Lindsey's beautiful winter themed wedding and their adorable first look. Enjoy!

Chris & Lindsey's Wedding at All Saints Church & Chelmsford Elks Club

Chris bubbled over with excitement as he waited for his bride to be in a small stone archway before their first look. He couldn't wait to see Lindsey and despite the FRIGID temperatures he was comfortable in his suit and vest. What a trooper. As for Lindsey, well she was just as excited to see her groom as she floated down the stone walkway to see Chris. A smiled graced her face from ear to ear. Chris and Lindsey's day was filled with family and friends, laughter and joy. It was a wonderful way to round out the end of my wedding season; A happy couple so in love and ready to start forever.

Stuck In My Head

I've been singing the Florence and the Machine's Dog Days Are Over for like daayyys now. And I only really sing the chorus. Dave half wants to quiet me and half wants to belly laugh at my childish skipping through the house singing just two lines. Over. and Over. But what can I say? This song makes me happy, very, very happy. So I thought I'd share and hopefully, this song will have you skipping around the house, big smile on your face, singing along too. Enjoy!

Ask Anything: Friendship and Being Blogged

I.have.been.blogged. Seriously?! Yup, yes, si, I have. I still can't believe it really. On a fall-ish day this past September, I met Shyla and spent an early evening skipping through the streets of Marblehead while being photographed. It was an anxiety inducing, belly laughing, confidence building kind of time. All of these emotions, fears and feelings came bubbling up as I tried to play it cool for Shyla. Clients, I can truly say that I know how uncomfortable and, at the same time, freeing it can be to be behind the camera.

I feel like this post could be two split into two parts. Part One: Being behind the camera is haaarddd. Part Two: Building relationships is pretty awesome.

You see, I met Shyla over coffee this past winter (almost one year ago!), and thus began a budding friendship built on coffee, cameras and life. Shyla has been a source of inspiration, encouragement and information for me over this past year and I have greatly appreciated all of her time and investment in me:) (thanks Shy!) Investing in a relationship with other photographers has truly helped me and business to grow over this past year.

So earlier this fall, when I needed images for my new blog and website I knew exactly who I would call. Having a prior relationship with Shyla and also knowing her style of photography, I knew that was the perfect person for the job. She would help to make me feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera and create some stellar images. Since, I was nervous, she was patience and kind and helped to make me giggle, a lot. I love the images she created and I am excited to start using them!

Having a relationship with your photographer is so, SO, important. Since I felt comfortable with my photographer, I was more willing to take risks and to trust her when she posed me a certain way. In the end my images were that much better because of the relationship we had. There really is nothing better than being able to trust your photographer 100%.

So photogs, I highly recommend that you get behind the camera. Grab your photographer friends and start shooting away. Learn what it is like to have someone direct you, how it feels to stare down a camera and what it's like to pose your body in certain ways. It will be invaluable to you as you work with your clients in the future. Plus, you'll have some fantastic images of yourself to boot!

And don't forget to build relationships with other photographers in your area. People help people grow. All it takes is an email, a cup of coffee, and some bonding over nail polish and Anthropologie to start...

A Special Surprise For 2010 Clients

Now, don't be thinking that I am actually going to tell you what's inside this little package.... but if you are a 2010 client, be expecting a special surprise from Deborah Zoe Photo in the mail soon! I had so much fun putting these little presents together. In fact, I decided that I had to listen to Christmas music while I worked, even if Dave wanted to throw my computer out in protest. What can I say but: 'Tis The Season!

Jenn & Angelo's Wedding at the Andover Country Club

Recently I had the pleasure of joining Erica Ferrone to shoot the wedding of Jenn and Angelo at the Andover Country Club. Here are some of my favorite images from their day. Enjoy!