Nantucket Senior Session

hEY dEB, DO YOU TRAVEL FOR PICTURES?

I had a wonderful session out on Nantucket this summer, and I want to tell you all about it.

I have been photographing G and her family every year since G was maybe 4 years old. As you know watching your children grow is one of the greatest joys of my job! Well G is a senior this year. But here was the dilemma mom was facing. She knew they really wanted to take her senior pictures on Nantucket. It is a special place for their family. But I am in Western Massachusetts. So does mom risk it with a Nantucket photographer, that she does not know and does not know her family and hope for the best or does she ask me if I am willing to come out to Nantucket?

Well I think you know the answer. Mom asked if I would be willing to come to Nantucket at least a year in advance so we both had time to plan. Add to this I have NEVER been to Nantucket before and was very excited. The deal is mom has to cover travel expenses, housing, parking, ferry fees etc, in addition to the usual session fees. I asked for her to book 2 nights at a hotel and I would pay for the second night. This way if the weather was bad we had some flexibility and I could stay an extra day and explore the island on my own. It was a wonderful few days!

I arrived in the afternoon. They picked me up at my hotel, which was right in the center of town, and we headed out to Sankaty lighthouse. A very well known Nantucket location!

After exploring the Lighthouse area we decided to walk down the road a bit- best decision ever! There were multiple lovely little locations along the way. We passed a lovely house with this beautiful arched gateway. The family was pulling out and I quickly said to G- if they say it is ok, are you good with taking pics in their yard (sometimes teens can be particular and I wanted her buy in). The family was lovely and readily agreed.

Now mom is no fool! If I was coming all the way out there we were taking family pictures too- and you know I would never say no to that! I always agree to adding in family pictures or sibling pictures into senior picture sessions. I understand you don’t hire a professional photographer every week. (But wait, if you do I would love to chat- ha ha). Having known this family for YEARS it is really just a lovely hang for me. We laugh and joke and catch up- do I need to say it again? I just love my job.

Since the weather was fabulous and I was excited to explore some more G, Mom and I headed out early the next morning- we were kind enough to let the guys sleep in. We headed to the beach. Beach pictures can be challenging. The light is very strong, so you have to go EARLY or right before sunset- and in the summer so many people are hanging out on the beach! We timed this perfectly for a few beach pictures before we headed in to town. She was even asked if she was an Instagram model!

Early morning was also key for our foray into town. If you are familiar with Nantucket this whole area is filled with people pretty quickly. But look at the Hydrangeas! Her dress plus the flowers = perfection! G understood the assignment. Seriously I am sure I jumped up and down with glee while taking these pics!

We shared a quick breakfast and then parted ways. I went on to do a bus and walking tour of Nantucket. I hit a brewery in the afternoon. Wandered and window shopped and indulged in great food. Truly it was a win win for everyone.

Do you have a special place you would love to do pictures? Do you just assume there is no way I would travel? Ask me! Let’s talk and make a plan- I already have a special Cape Cod shoot in the books for next summer. It is never too early to plan ahead, especially if you are looking for something special.