Client feature: Pure Life Fitness in Hollis, NH

This blog is part of a series of client features by Lynnae Day Photography. For the full series, see ‘Featured Clients'.

Pure Life Fitness logo on their wall in Hollis, NH. Painted by Caroline Gomez.

Every business has a story to tell. It's yours, it's unique, and it deserves a unique experience.

When I first announced my branding / small business photography services, Pure Life Fitness of Hollis, New Hampshire, was one of the first to reach out. They were kicking off a rebrand: they designed a new logo, built a new website, and needed a gallery of professional photos to go along with it.

I was thrilled to jump in. We chatted about their goals and created a must-have images list. Because they’re close by and I was brand new at this, I went and tested out the lighting a couple of times during classes to make sure I was set up to get the images they’d need. They had the new logo painted on their wall, and I came the next day for the official session, taking photos during and between two classes.

(For the photographers reading this post, let’s just say the lighting was not ideal! Flash is amazing, and there was a lot of color editing done here to make the whites pop and everyone look their best. The space is perfect for it’s function but not easy to photograph for a first-time flash user, that’s for sure! It was a really fun challenge, though, and I’m so glad PLF took a chance on me!)

Not only did we get great photos, but I got an insider’s perspective on the awesome community here. They take their fitness seriously and have a lot of fun together while they’re at it. I felt like I was with family!

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It's time to tell your unique story. 

Book a discovery call now!

Why professional photos matter for your business

Dr. Marie Ramas in Nashua, NH

I recently read an article - 6 Benefits of Professional Photography for your Small Business - and was inspired to write my own take on it.

In our increasingly digitally-connected world, professional photography is invaluable for businesses of all shapes and sizes, whether brand new or multi-national, local or global. At the same time, affordable digital cameras get better and better every year - even your mobile phone, for example, likely takes some pretty good images - and DIY resources abound for doing your own photos. How do you decide which route to take?

What you get when you take your own photos

If you prefer the DIY route, American Express has a great article on how to get great photos for your business. As I mentioned above, it’s definitely getting easier and easier technology-wise to get decent photos. Taking your own isn’t outside the realm of possibility, and certainly has its benefits!

When you take your own photos, you get images for your business on a budget, on your timeline, and a DIY feel to your brand. You’re 100% in control of the planning, photographing, culling, editing, and publishing. And while you’ll definitely have to invest in some equipment & software, you get to be in the driver’s seat about how much you’ll spend.

If you think DIY is for you, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A camera. At a bare minimum, you’ll need a camera and you’ll need to know how to use it - how to take photos, how to get them off your camera and into editing software, and then how to edit them so they are visually appealing.

• Good lighting. Unless you’re reading to invest in lighting equipment & the time required to learn how to use it, you’ll need to plan on taking photos when there’s good, even light available to you. Smartphones and most entry-level DSLRs only get good, clear images when there’s ample daylight, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

• Editing software. There are some free apps out there like Pixlr, paid apps like Adobe Lightroom (my fav!), and then, of course, Photoshop, all with their own learning curves, but using editing software is key to getting a consistent look & feel in your images.

• Time. You’ll need time to learn & practice how to use your equipment and how to compose & edit your photos, time to set up & take your photos, and time to cull & edit the best ones. And even if you decide to go the stock route and skip taking your own, you’re still investing time in searching for just the right images (not to mention losing out on the possibility of telling your unique story, instead of someone else’s!).

It’s certainly feasible to DIY your small business photography. If it’s something you’re interested in and enjoy and have time for, more power to you! But if it’s just a headache? Or you don’t have the time? Keep reading.

What you get when you hire a professional photographer

Hiring a professional photographer for your small business images has a number of benefits. When you work with the right photographer, you’ll get a library of consistent, professional images that tell your brand story clearly, simply, and in a compelling way. You get to redirect your precious time away from DIY-ing it and back into your business. You get to communicate to your customers that you care about quality - what could that say about how seriously you take the quality of your service or product?

Most importantly? You get to save money! Think for a moment about how much time you’re could spend learning how to take your own photos. Now multiply that by your hourly rate. I bet it’s WAY more than working with a professional photographer, AND you get all that time back. And if you’re new in business and not making money quite yet, think about how much time you’ll save if you don’t have to develop your own library of images.

The bottom line

At the end of the day, you’re the business owner and you get to decide what works best for your business (that’s the best part of owning your own, right?). Check out my portfolio here and, if you’re ready to elevate your brand and tell your story simply, clearly, and consistently, let’s chat!

How to prepare for your next headshot - Nashua, New Hampshire photographer

Getting headshots taken? Do these 5 things!

If you’re a business professional or small business owner in Southern New Hampshire, chances are you need a headshot! Here are some key things you can do to help prepare for your session and get the most out of your investment.

• Get rest

  The number one thing you can do to prepare for your headshot session is to get adequate rest the night before. You want to look your best, and getting enough sleep the night before is an excellent first step. Allow yourself extra time before the session to perfect your wardrobe, style yourself, and travel.

• Think about props

  If we're creating headshots that have more of a lifestyle or branding feel to them than formal headshots, think about whether there are any props/visual elements that help tell your story. Some examples include your own laptop, paper planner if you use one, a favorite mug or pen or plant, etc.

  I'll have a couple of very basic things with me in our minimalistic, white office, but if there are things you use on a daily basis or brand elements that help tell your story, bring them along! And feel free to send me ideas/ask questions about this one, too.

• Plan your outfit

  It's also important to think carefully about what you plan to wear for your headshots. My Number One rule is to wear something that fits well and flatters your face, but here are some additional questions to consider:

  If you’re a business owner, what are your brand colors? Can you work them into your outfits?

  What neutrals do you naturally rock? White? Gray? Khaki? Brown? Black? Pick at least one and work it in to help bring balance to your images.

  Do you need to hire a hair and/or makeup artist, or are you comfortable doing your own?

• Arrive early

  Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your headshots; I often have these sessions scheduled back-to-back, and any missed time unfortunately can't be rescheduled.

  Once you arrive, we'll chat for a few minutes, and then get to work. We'll start with your most important photos and then have some fun.

• Have fun

  Headshot photos turn out the best when you are yourself. It’s important to remember: just because there is a camera pointing at you, you don’t always have to look at it. Sometimes the most meaningful images are when you’re enjoying a moment instead of posing.

  If you find it easier to relax with a friend around, consider booking a double session! Or invite them along for yours and they'll just be out of the frame. Either way, I'll be prompting you throughout to talk about yourself, your work, your hobbies, anything to help you relax and get those natural expressions coming through.

Headshot sessions don’t have to be intimidating. Schedule yours today!

How to find the right photographer for your next family session

Family photographers are a dime-a-dozen these days; trying to find the right one for your family can be overwhelming! Here are some key questions to consider when you start looking, that will help make sure you get the most out of your family session.

Is there a particular look & feel or style you’re looking for?

Every photographer has their own style and approach to photography - and there are some big trends in family photography right now that some photographers build a business around and others don’t (e.g. boho dresses and very warm-toned editing - very popular right now but not my thing!) Whether you’re looking at photographers keeping up with the latest trends or not, we all have our own styles and approaches to photography. Do you see yourself in our photos? Does our style match yours? If it does, fantastic - we’re a good fit! If not, look for someone who better matches your style.

Take a look at the photographer’s published images, on their website or social media. What do you like about their images? What don’t you like?

Depending on your creative background, you may or may not see a huge difference in different photographers’ styles; if you don’t, that’s ok, but it’s important to look at their portfolio anyway. How do their images make you feel? How are the families posed (or not) in the images and is this what you’re looking for? My family work is available on my families page, blog, and Instagram.

Do you need wardrobe support?

Some photographers offer a client closet, some offer a styling service, and some will give feedback/direction on outfits but mostly leave it to you (that’s me!). There’s no right or wrong here, it’s all about what you need and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.

Do you connect easily with them? Are they warm and friendly?

Capturing real, authentic connection between you and your loved ones starts with how you relate to your photographer. If they can put you at ease, you’ll be more relaxed in your session and able to get those beautiful, storytelling images you’re looking for!

What’s your budget?

Family photography is an investment, whether you’re doing a quick mini session or a full family session. Think about what you’re looking for and how much you’d like to spend, and then start doing your research.

(Sidenote: another trend in family photography is to wait to share pricing until after a client reaches out & schedules a call. There are certainly pros to this for the photographer, but I prefer to be up front so you know what you’re getting into, whether you’re on a budget or not. Check out my family session packages and pricing here.)

Those are my top criteria when looking for my own family photographers; what about you?

2021 in Review

The end of one year and the beginning of the next always makes me reflective. And while I haven’t officially been in business for a full year yet (just 8 months!), I made it through my first busy season and into the second month of the New Year (!!), so it feels like a good time to pause and look back on 2021. (Yes, I know - I’m at least 5 weeks too late on this. But I don’t care. I’m doing things at my pace and this is when I’m getting around to it!)

One year ago, I still didn’t know I was going to start this business. I knew I wanted to, but I had a few personal hangups to sort through and some courage to find before I could take the plunge. What if turning my hobby into a business took all the joy away? What if starting a business was selfish? (I spent 10 years in non-profit international development organizations, so the global responsibility runs deep over here!) What if the market was too saturated and I invested more money in this hobby of mine and it didn’t pan out?

Turns out I have a super supportive husband, family, and friends, and a great therapist. And I love starting new things! Between all of that, a few excellent photography classes through Illuminate Classes, and some wonderful business coaching through the NH SBDC, I got started. I built a website. Designed a logo. Registered a business. Put the word out. And started doing sessions (including some headshots & a branding session!).

I have to say, I seriously have the BEST friends, both local & in the Boston area. You know you who are: over half of my sessions were with you and your families and I could not be more appreciative. More than all the classes, prep, and cheerleading, your willingness to pay to get your family photos taken with a very new photographer has made the difference between an ok start and an exceptional one. You’ve given me confidence, helped me work out the kinks, and established a solid foundation from which to grow in 2022. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your families’ time, moments, and connection this year. It’s been an honor and I am SO excited to see what (the rest of) 2022 has in store!

Client Feature: True Blue Wellness in Manchester, NH

Late last year, I had the pleasure of taking a few photos for Jazmine Jade of True Blue Wellness in Manchester, NH. Jazmine and I met over a year ago through the Women’s Business Circle of Southern NH - a small-but-mighty and supportive networking group we’re both part of. She’s been practicing CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and Reiki since 2019 and just added Massage Therapy to her list of offerings. I had the immense privilege of a few practice massages while she was going through her training and let me just say, they were the most relaxing massages I’ve ever had. I highly recommend her work!

We initially set out to do a custom headshot session, with traditional posed portraits along with some action shots. This was my first session like this, so I was game to try anything!

I spent about an hour with Jazmine, taking headshots throughout the art studio (located at the lovely Studio 550 Art Center in Manchester - what a cool, multi-purpose space!) and photos of her at work in her space. Both Jazmine and her space exude a quiet, welcoming calm, so I made to sure to capture that in the images I took.

What we ended up with was essentially a branding session - images that Jazmine can use on her website, social media, and promotional materials to communicate what it’s like to work with her. And a bonus for me: I learned that working with small business owners to create images they can use is fun, rewarding, and something I want to do more of in 2022!

So what about you? What story do you and your space (physical or virtual) tell your clients? What do you want them to understand? Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer; I can help you figure that out and then we’ll work together to create photos that help tell that story. Interested in learning more? Let’s chat!

At-home family session: Hollis, NH

I absolutely loved meeting this sweet, new family in Hollis, NH, last month for a Christmas-themed at-home session - their little one was just the sweetest and such an easy sleeper! Hardly a complaint and she snuggled off to sleep in Mom’s arms. 

Have you ever had photos taken in your own home? I love the relaxed, comfortable pace, all the natural light, and the very personal touch it adds to family photos. When you’re in your own space, it’s easier to let your guard down, be yourself, and capture some of the details of your beautiful home. And there’s no rushing to get somewhere, because you’re already there.

I’ve been taking my own family’s photos indoors for a couple of years now; I’m thrilled to now be offering the same experience for all of you. Do you have a home you love and a need to update your family photos? Want to capture some memories of your lives right now, in your favorite space? I’ve got a few spots available in January & February and would love to connect! Click the button below to get started.

What to do with your Digital Originals

You’ve downloaded your beautifully-edited Digital Originals (full-resolution JPGs always! Plus some smaller files for social media sharing) - now it’s time to think about prints!

I absolutely love creating wall art, albums, greeting cards and other photo gifts with my own family photos, to bring them out of the digital world and into our everyday lives. They’re tangible, my kids can pull books off the shelves or point to photos on the wall, and we can all reminisce together about the adventures we’ve had. There’s nothing like it!

Lucky for you, I’ve created a few ways to do the same thing with your images. Read on to learn more!

Order heirloom-quality prints & wall art through your gallery

Did you know that you can order prints of any of the images in your gallery, not just the ones you downloaded? Head to your gallery, add your favorites to your cart, and boom! you’ve got printed images.

And don’t forget to get them framed! I’m working on offering framing in 2022 but, for now, I love Frame Theory in Milford, NH (tell them I sent you!), or American Frames online.

Get a custom, keepsake photo book or album

There’s nothing quite as special as having your family story printed in book form. I’ve got two options: a layflat photo book that looks and feels just like the other books on your shelves, but with gorgeous photos of you! [Photos coming soon!] Option two is a stunning, linen-covered and embossed album - a beautiful family heirloom gift for all occasions. Pricing starts at $250; Contact me directly for more info.

Shop consumer-quality prints, wall art, and other photo gifts through mPix.

There is no denying the quality of prints you can order from your gallery - the colors, textures, and durability are the best of the best. That said, I want everyone to be able to get their images printed, and if custom, heirloom-quality printing just isn’t in your budget, mPix is for you! Their prints are the best consumer option out there in terms of color & print quality, and they have dozens of fun photo gifts. Upload your Digital Originals directly, or contact me to get your full gallery uploaded.

I get a small commission on purchases here, but it doesn't affect your price.

Shop eco-friendly greeting cards and other photo gifts through Paper Culture.

I love Paper Culture because they’re committed to creating photo cards & gifts sustainably, using recycled paper and responsibly-sourced wood for their products. And their gifts are gorgeous!

I get a small commission on purchases here, but it doesn’t affect your price.

Share your favorite images on social media.

Don’t forget to tag me when you do (@lynnaeday on Insta, @lynnaedayphotography on FB)! I can’t tell you how much it helps my new little business grow when friends see your beautiful images. If you loved them and you love sharing family images on social media, share away!

Not sharing personal images on social media, but want your friends and family to see them anyway? Share your gallery link! Simply forward it to them in an email and they’ll have instant access.

How will you use your family session photos? I can’t wait to see!

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P.S. If you choose to print/use your photos elsewhere, that's perfectly fine (you do you!), just know that I stand by the quality of these recommendations over all other printing services and I want you to have the best! If you still want to use your own favorite printing sources, just be sure to use your Digital Originals, *not* any social-media-sized images (although do feel free to share those on social media & tag me!), to get the best print quality.

Family session: Hollis, NH

Word to the wise: if you’re holding back on doing a family session because your kids are solidly in the cranky-baby or headstrong-toddler phase, don’t! They’ve got their own light & loveliness and we can still make magic 😚

These friends brought their two littles up from MA for a fall family session and both boys weren’t having it at least half the time. But you know what? We played some games, we went for walks, we threw leaves, and we snuggled (I only snuggled the baby, lol) and look at how things turned out!

“If you’re in New England and need a photographer who can meet babies and toddlers in literally ~whatever~ mood may strike them and capture both the joy and chaos of life with littles, you need Lynnae! She works magic!”

— ABK

Capturing this season in your lives is so precious, something you’ll look back on later and be so thankful that you did. I’ll be booking outdoor shoots through the winter for the adventurous, snow-loving families, or you can get on my calendar now for Spring 2022 before prices go up!

Fall Minis 2021: Part 3

It’s the final installment of my Fall Mini Session highlights series and I feel like I saved the best for last. 😍 (More hyperbole, yes, because I loved every single session, but hyperbole’s my favorite and you get the idea). The kiddos in these sessions all brought SO much energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to their sessions, and they even brought some ideas of their own to suggest as we went through the sessions (Keep reading to see some of those).

Sidenote: my favorite place to take photos is at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. My family loves hiking there, they have incredible educational programs for people of all ages, and I get to support their efforts through their Photographer Membership + donating 5% from the sessions I photograph there. This year, I did both mini session days at Beaver Brook - one at everyone’s favorite, Maple Hill Farm, and one around the Brown Lane Barn. I found a lovely little hidden trail head I’d never been down before at Brown Lane Barn, and Cow Lane did NOT disappoint. 😍

The best thing I learned from this year’s mini sessions is that I will definitely be offering them again! I learned a lot, connected with a number of old and new friends, and really loved creating the space to capture a little light and loveliness for so many families. Thank you to everyone who came out and took a chance on a newer photographer - I loved getting to know and see you all

Fall Minis 2021: Part 2

Welcome back for Part 2 of my Fall Mini Session highlights! These families win cutest kiddo awards (ok, that’s some hyperbole because all of the families had cute kids, but, you know. Sometimes I’m a sucker for the 3-and-under crowd!). Also, there was a lot of throwing leaves to get some smiles. My favorite part of fall - and theirs! See what I mean? 😍

Mini sessions are a great opportunity to get some quick photos of you and your loved ones - perfect for a holiday/New Year card (if you send them), gifts for grandparents, and a brief snapshot in time. Mine run around 15 minutes, so we move FAST. One thing I learned is that while fast can be helpful for young kids, with their short attention spans and preference for exploring over sitting still or being held, it also doesn’t give them a lot of time to warm up to me, the photographer. But I think we did ok, don’t you?

Another fun thing about mini sessions with young kids is how you just never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes the cuteness means great photos come easy, and sometimes independence wins out and you’re just hoping for the best. Either way, I loved meeting all of these cute kiddos and can’t wait to see how they grow!

Stay tuned for Part 3, coming next week!

Fall Minis 2021: Part 1

I offered Fall Minis this year for the first time ever and had so much fun! Meeting new people and connecting with friends is one of my favorite things and I got to do a lot of both in one short weekend. You know what else was a first for me? Photographing teenagers + young adults! I was honestly more than a little nervous about it, but I think they’re now my favorite “kids” to photograph (don’t tell the three year olds!). I especially had fun making them do things they would NEVER do, like hugging Mom, Dad, and their siblings - all of them were great sports, though. and we got some lovely photos as a result.

One of the best parts was getting a chance to really get my feet wet with mini sessions and better understand what’s involved (hint: it’s a lot, but did I mention lots of fun?). I also have a better sense now of what kinds of photos are possible in minis vs. full family sessions (another hint: minis are great for quick, mostly-posed snapshots; family sessions are great for extended families, more candids, and a more relaxed feel to the session).

And minis aren’t just for whole-family images - we had time to get a few of just the parents! Good to see the love alive and well, even with teenagers in the house :)

More highlights coming in Parts 2 and 3! I offer mini sessions 2-3 times / year; hop on over to the Mini Sessions page to be the first to know when I do them again!

Eastham, MA, family lifestyle session

Eastham is a special place for my family so I was thrilled when it worked out to meet up with Liz and her family while we were both on vacation!

We hung out at First Encounter Beach, playing in the sand & tide pools. It was the epitome of “light and loveliness” - what I’m all about capturing for your family around here! I can’t get enough of the light by the ocean late August through mid-October - it’s brilliantly clear, bright, and just makes colors SING. 

I also loved listening to Poppa sing to his great-granddaughter, watching big sister lose herself in play, and marveling at how chill little sister was!

It’s not too late to book a family session on the beach - Cape, North Shore, NH, or Maine! What are your favorite spots? Want to savor the last days of warm, beautiful weather with me and make some light & lovely memories?

Newburyport, MA, family lifestyle session

New England beaches are my absolute favorite! Nothing beats the sand, sun, blue skies, and smell of salt in the air.

I met Donna & her family at Plum Island Point - not exactly the prettiest of New England beaches (my pick, for easy parking purposes!) but you better believe we made the most of it. That pavilion, the sand, and hazy blue skies were stunning backdrops for this crew’s first extended family session, celebrating the first granddaughter! Speaking of granddaughter, we got some adorable happy photos of her, but also? She’s a baby and wasn’t happy for part of the time, and that’s ok! I’m big on capturing you and your family as you are, which means that sometimes babies are sad when we’re together. I work with you ahead of time to figure out the best possible time to make sure everyone’s happy and well rested, but life happens, you know? And now this family has some beautiful, REAL memories of this season in their lives.

What’s your family’s story? I’d love to get to know you and work together to capture your personal light and loveliness.

Family mini session: Hollis, NH

I kicked off the start of Lynnae Day Photography with a couple of mini sessions at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. This sweet family chose these sessions as their very first professional photos and I was so honored to spend time with them! We had fun climbing on rocks, goofing off with an “epic” family band photo (my album cover photography needs some work ;) ), and enjoying the few moments together.

Family mini session: Hollis, NH

I kicked off the start of Lynnae Day Photography with a couple of mini sessions at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. These dear friends drove all the way up from the Boston area for a quick session and I couldn’t be more grateful! We had loads of fun in a short time, and then kept the fun going with a family hike & picnic. Thank goodness for beautiful outdoor spaces for photos & connecting with friends after one heck of a long year!

Arlington, MA, family lifestyle session

My first official family lifestyle session went off without a hitch in Arlington, MA, last month! We hung out at Menotomy Rocks Park for about an hour, finding all the pretty spots & enjoying the playground. My favorite moments are when the “camera face” comes off and the kids (and adults!) lose themselves in the playing & connecting, and just have fun being together.

Light & loveliness everywhere you look!

Why "light and loveliness"?

Ever since I picked up a film camera waaaaay back in 2003, I've always been drawn to finding beauty. Photography has been a solace, a comfort, and even a spiritual discipline in hard times, helping me remember that no matter what is going on around me, there is light & loveliness all around me.

I don't dive into the hard a ton around here because it's too easy for me to get stuck in it, but always, always, always I am looking for the light, looking for the loveliness, searching for beauty in brokenness. Whether you feel like your family "has it all together" (who does??) or you're really, really struggling, or somewhere in between, I'd love to come alongside you and capture the light & loveliness in your story.

Why family photography?

Ever since my kids were born & I started taking more portrait photos, I knew I wanted to try a family photography business. These moments with our kids FLY BY - I'm only five years in and while most days still feel really long, I'm already super aware of how soon they'll be headed off to college. 😭

I knew if I started a family photography business, I could help local families preserve some of those fleeting moments, naturally, simply, and honestly. Also? I absolutely LOVE meeting new people and catching up with friends.

So, after a year+ of being home nearly all the time, plus a few photography classes to level up my editing, portrait, and business skills, I'm finally ready to take the plunge!

I work with families of all types in New Hampshire and Massachusetts who love to laugh and who want to remember the little things. I work with you to create simple, honest, and beautiful images that reflect you and your family as you are, in this moment; that bring joy to your hearts & a smile to your face; that help you remember these fleeting moments for a lifetime.