Lancaster Family Lifestyle Session: Christmas + a Newborn

Before the holidays, Karissa reached out to plan a relaxed, in-home family lifestyle session at her home in Lancaster, MA. While Christmas added a cozy backdrop (and their cats were happy to participate), the real focus was her newborn son.

At around two months old, he was right in that in-between stage—sleepy at times, but increasingly expressive and determined to do things his own way. This is one of my favorite ages to photograph at home. We’re able to capture a natural mix of quiet moments, subtle movement, and small details like hands gripping toys or parents’ fingers, without forcing anything.

The session itself was easygoing and unstructured. We talked, moved slowly, and let things unfold naturally as I worked around their space, usually from floor level, chasing the angles that felt right. Sessions like this don’t rely on perfection—they work because everyone is comfortable.

Below are some of my favorite images from this newborn family lifestyle session in Lancaster.

If you are interested in a family lifestyle session with your newborn, toddler, or your adult children who moved back home (and will certainly move out after one of these) shoot me an email at tomgodfreyphoto@gmail.com. Click here for session and pricing info.

Lifestyle Family Session in Grafton: First Birthday

Grafton in-home lifestyle session + birthday celebration + cake smash all in one! That’s a lot of keywords!

I sometimes think about what it must be like to be a photographer in Florida, Arizona, or California—because here in New England, once the last leaf falls, most people retreat into the warmth of their homes. For those of us who spend our springs, summers, and falls rushing between weddings, golden-hour family sessions, and senior portraits, the sudden silence of winter can lull us into a false sense of peace as we X out of Photoshop and collapse.

And then, of course, the bills keep coming. We remember that we still have a business to run—and that people still want to document their families, just in a different way.

Heya reached out to me a little while ago to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday. This session took place in Grafton, MA, and with freezing winter temperatures outside, an indoor lifestyle family session made the most sense. While I’m based in Worcester, MA, I photograph families throughout Central Massachusetts, and winter sessions like this are some of my favorites.

If you don’t see me going on and on about lifestyle sessions on social media (or you don’t follow me there 👀), you might not know why I love these sessions so much. Before diving into photography as a business, I worked as a photojournalist, and I got a lot of joy out of documenting real stories.

I love outdoor family sessions around Worcester and always incorporate documentary elements, but lifestyle photography is a different kind of experience altogether. At its core, it is documentary photography. This session relied almost entirely on prompts that encouraged genuine interaction. I gave light direction when I wanted something specific, but for the most part, I simply documented how this family spent time together—music, books, and a whole lot of happiness.

Like all lifestyle sessions, this one took place in the space where everyone felt most comfortable: home. Their newly one-year-old had her favorite toys and books close by, and music clearly plays a big role in their lives. Instruments were scattered around, ready to be picked up, played, and enjoyed.

The session was full of great conversation and great energy—and I really think that comes through in the photos. If you’re considering a winter family photography session in Worcester, Grafton, or the surrounding area, an in-home lifestyle session is a relaxed and meaningful way to document this season of life.

Here are a few of my favorites in photo-essay form.

Interested in a lifestyle family session in Grafton, Worcester, or anywhere in the Central MA area? Great! I would love to hear from you!

Top Wedding Spot: Boston Seaport / Boston Harbor Hotel / Boston Harbor Cruises

I might be biased, but I don’t think that there is a better place to get married than New England. Sure, four months out of the year we all sit by the heater, grow “New England male” beards, and get a little rough around the edges, but other than that you can’t lose. Fall has beautiful foliage showcased in places like the Berkshires and Vermont, Spring has lush greens and blooming flowers that make every golf-course venue pop, and summer brings us all down to Narragansett for vows near beaches and castles. Boston is a staple in every season

Boston Harbor and the Boston Seaport are perfect wedding locations. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

Planning a Boston wedding means embracing the charm of the city’s skyline, ocean breeze, and iconic venues. While downtown Boston can be busy, the energy and elegance of a Boston Seaport wedding make it one of the most sought-after locations for couples looking for a stunning urban backdrop. Take a walk around the Seaport on a weekend in the summer and there will be wedding parties galore - for good reason.

Getting Married at the Boston Harbor Hotel

As a Boston Seaport wedding photographer, I’ve captured some of my favorite weddings at the Boston Harbor Hotel. This venue is gorgeous inside and out, making it one of the best wedding venues in the Boston for couples who love a mix of classic and modern style. I don’t think anybody gets married within a mile of this place without getting their photos taken at the grand archway leading to Foster’s Pavilion and the water.

Bridal party in front of the Boston Harbor Hotel entrance. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

This place also has wedding planning down to a science. This is a big place with rooms for weddings of all sizes and during peak season they have multiple weddings going on every weekend and holiday. This sounds like a negative, but there is plenty of space for everyone and their staff makes everything flow like it should. With everything that is going on in a wedding it is nice to be at a venue that knows how to handle it.

Wedding guests dancing in the Boston Harbor Hotel. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

For more information about getting married at the Boston Harbor Hotel, visit their site.

Weddings in the Boston Seaport

You don’t need to get married at the Boston Harbor Hotel to take advantage of breathtaking Seaport wedding photography opportunities. Many couples, even those getting married in the suburbs, make a trip to the Boston Seaport for their portraits because of its stunning waterfront views and city skyline. The stretch from Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park to Rowes Wharf is most popular and makes a great walk for post-ceremony couples portraits.

A bride and groom under the arches of Boston’s Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

Another awesome venue, especially for small events is Davio’s North Italian Steakhouse. I shot a very small wedding here and while this was more of an elaborate dinner-party than a wedding, the harbor views from the floor to ceiling windows and closeness to the waterfront were incredible. I also enjoyed what had to have been the single best wedding meal I have ever had at Davio’s. Learn more about Davio’s by clicking here.

Two handsome grooms with the Boston skyline behind them. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

It is a bit further inland (by a block or two) but the North End’s Filippo Ristorante is also a place I have loved working. The two-toned checker interior, exposed bricks, and old wooden walls covered in photos of past visitors (stars and presidents alike) really remind you that you’re in the heart of Boston’s North End. The layout of the second floor puts the dance floor at one end of the space with the rest of the long room dedicated to dining. This means that there’s a spot for everyone - whether you want your hearing to go fuzzy after a few minutes near the DJ or you would rather catch up with family in a quiet(er) corner on the other side of the room. Bonus points for the North End views outside the windows. Click here to learn more about Filippo Ristorante.

Dancing at Filippo Ristorante in Boston’s North End. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

Getting Married on the Water: Boston Harbor Cruise Weddings: Always Beautiful but Remember Weather in New England

Whether you host your entire wedding aboard a Boston Harbor Cruise boat or just the reception, nothing captures the essence of a Boston waterfront wedding quite like watching the skyline fade into the distance as the festivities begin.

Wedding guests onboard Boston’s luxury yacht, the Valiant. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

I’ve spent a lot of time photographing weddings on the Odyssey (City Experiences), one of the most popular cruise venues. While it’s a spacious boat, any Boston Seaport wedding photographer will tell you that ship weddings come with trade-offs—especially when it comes to space and lighting. This applies to every Boston Harbor cruise option.

If the weather is nice, there’s no issue. Guests can enjoy fresh ocean air, scenic views, and even a little island sightseeing (nothing says romance like pointing out Shutter Island filming locations!). Once the dancing starts, nobody minds being below deck.

However, if it rains, plan B means moving the ceremony indoors. That’s why hiring a Boston Seaport wedding photographer who knows how to work with lighting in tight, dim spaces is essential (like me—hire me!).

A bride and groom’s first dance on Boston’s Valiant yacht. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

But if the weather cooperates, there’s truly nothing better than a cool summer breeze on deck as guests soak in the city skyline under the stars.

While a large ship like the Odyssey often has multiple events going on at once (think of these boats as the Boston Harbor Hotel in boat form), a more private option is the Valiant (Charles River Boat Company). This yacht can accommodate a lot of people but still feels like a more intimate experience with guests often spread out on various levels. It is small enough to know your way around by the end of the night but large enough to not feel cramped. I have never not had an awesome time as a photographer on the Valiant chiefly because couples and their guests tend to be happy on this vessel and that makes my job a lot easier.

Click here for more on the Odyssey.

Click here for more on the Valiant.

A wedding sunset onboard the Valiant in Boston Harbor. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.

Are you getting married in the Boston Seaport and looking for a documentary-style photographer who knows his way around? I would love to hear from you! Fill out the contact form below and I will send you my wedding photography guide with lots of photos and information (including pricing).

Cap and Gown Sessions in Worcester, MA

Cap and gown sessions are popular here in Worcester and the reason why is pretty obvious. In addition to high schools, Worcester is home to Clark University, WPI, Worcester State University, Assumption University, the College of the Holy Cross, Quinsigamond Community College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and several nearby colleges like Anna Maria. Boy, was that a keyword drop or what? Point is there are an above average number of people graduating in the Worcester area and cap and gown sessions are one way to celebrate and remember this event.

These sessions are pretty laid-back and are as simple or as collaborative as you want. Some people want to use props and be really involved in the process while others just want a few photos in their cap and gown. I can accomodate both. I also do a lot of cap and gown sessions with friend groups which are always a blast.

Another thing that the Worcester area has a lot of are beautiful parks and college campuses. From Elm Park and Institute Park to Moore State Park (I know, that’s technically Paxton) there are plenty of places to pick from no matter what vibe you are going for.

Check out some of my favorite cap and gown sessions below and reach out if you’re interested. Sessions start at $300. Email me at tomgodfreyphoto@gmail.com or use the form below. You can also find more info by visiting my dedicated cap and gown page.

Top Five Photo Spots in Worcester for Families and Seniors

Life as a Worcester family and senior photographer

Being a family and senior photographer in Worcester - or anywhere in New England, really - is interesting. From mid-April until the weekend after Thanksgiving it is always something “season." Flowers and trees bloom in April, beaches warm up for sessions in Hampton or the Cape in June, lavender season is in July and it all peaks in the mad dash for foliage-filled senior and family sessions in October. There is a brief surge when everyone is home for Thanksgiving and then crickets.

During the warm months of the year, the New England photographer enjoys what it feels like to be wanted and in demand. For many of us, it is the closest we have ever come to being cool. Then, after Christmas (earlier for those of us who don’t get into the Christmas tree farm minis or know a large man with a white beard) people wonder if we ever existed at all. “Tom… Tom? Tom who?” Photographers like me then go into hibernation, leave the country, make resolutions to be better bloggers, and look into Ubering when March rolls around and our inboxes are still empty. Then, on the first real day of spring in April, the cycle starts again.

I can’t imagine being a photographer in a place with nice weather all year round. The lack seasonal stress would… stress me out.

So, in months when photographers are at the top of the seasonal boutique business food chain here in Worcester, we get to know photo locations very well. We all have our favorites and the hot spots are crowded for good reason. Just look at Moore State Park in Paxton - all it took was one spectacular weekend at the end of peak season to amass such a crowd of family and senior photographers that not only are the park rangers now enforcing longstanding-but-always-ignored permit requirements, but professional photography is flat out banned during the weekends.

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Top Five Family and Senior Photography Spots in Worcester

Moore State Park, Paxton

This is my favorite place for family and senior photography in the Worcester area. It has several different photography spots that are great for families or seniors and they are varied enough that we always come away with a range of looks. I really, really like this place because it is basically a walk in the park with enough great scenery to not have to rely on pose after pose which means that photos come out more authentic with a lot of space for candids.

The only negatives to a photo session at Moore State Park is that there is a decent amount of walking and it can get crowded. Professional photo sessions can only happen during weekdays and make sure your photographer has a permit or your session might be happening in the parking lot.

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Old Stone Church, West Boylston

The Old Stone Church in West Boylston is where most of my clients who have a preference want to shoot. This make sense because when the conditions are right it is a beautiful spot with a heavy nostalgia factor for anybody who grew up in this part of Worcester County. Bob and his hot dogs might be gone but one can still have a salubrious day (and buy hot dogs from the new guy - who is extremely friendly).

The main draw to the Old Stone Church is, well, the Old Stone Church. There is nothing inside but a photo with it in the background is quintessential New England. I haven’t checked the town laws but I assume a senior portrait at the Old Stone Church that doesn’t include the senior sitting in the empty windows is probably illegal. There are some great opportunities for water-focused photos with Wachusett Reservoir in the background and it is all tied in by great foliage in the fall.

The downside to to this place is just that it can get quite crowded during foliage season. There are no permits needed here so a session in October guarantees your photographer is going to be editing people out of the background for a while. It is also more important to be aware of where the sun is going to be here than in other places. The church is on a peninsula that gets slammed by midday sun so opt for morning or golden hour photos here.

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Elm Park, Worcester

Elm Park is Worcester’s Central Park. If you are from Worcester then you probably already know that it was designed by the same firm that designed New York’s Central Park. Most people in and around Worcester have memories of feeding and chasing geese around the park and climbing on one of the two famously steep bridges. It is also a great spot for senior and family portrait sessions in Worcester. There is a variety of scenery - trees, fields, reeds, and the bridges that let us get different photos without a ton of walking. During senior and family sessions at Elm Park I tend to walk around the pond and stop at the spots that call to us.

The downside to this park is that it is always active. The playground is always full of kids and people are playing, running, picnicking and generally doing park stuff all over. For families and seniors this is fine, but if you happen to be a bride in a full wedding gown you will probably attract some well-intentioned attention.

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Dean Park, Shrewsbury

Dean Park is my home park. I grew up in Shrewsbury and while little parks are spread out here and there, Dean Park is where all the big stuff happens. I know every square inch of this park and while I am not going to be bringing families into the tunnels under the road that every Shrewsbury kid went into, I do know where to stop for family and senior photos. Dean Park is a great choice for senior and family portraits because it is a big park with everything from forest to baseball fields. My favorite thing to do when I am capturing a family or senior session is to walk around the pond - this way the shoot starts in the woods and ends on a field next to the water.

The only real downside to a senior or family portrait session at Dean Park are that the sun can be harsh on one side of the lake while the other is in shadow. It is also very popular - on a nice day in the spring and summer the entire town of Shrewsbury seems to be there.

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City Hall, Worcester

Worcester City Hall’s urban vibe plays a central role in family and senior sessions here. I like that. Sessions here hit different. It is a small space but again, there is more than enough to provide some variety. I usually start family and senior sessions at City Hall right up against the building. The architecture is fantastic. Just beyond that, if the weather is nice, we have the fountain and an army of umbrellas that photograph really well! While there is the greenery of the common behind City Hall, I absolutely love taking seniors into the surrounding buildings and alleys. Its a great way to incorporate a little bit of urban life into senior portraits. This spot is becoming more and more popular - especially with seniors. Photos with Turtle Boy are allowed but probably won’t make the yearbook.

The downside of senior and family sessions at Worcester’s City Hall is that the reality of city life is apparent. Very often, sections of City Hall are occupied by the homeless population. I have NEVER had an issue with anybody during a shoot at City Hall but there is often attention or areas that are too crowded to shoot in. That, along with an often-present cloud of marijuana smoke make City Hall a bit less comfortable for family sessions.

I shoot more often in the places above than anywhere else in Worcester County. That being said, there are almost an infinite number of public spaces that would make fantastic locations for a family or senior session in Worcester. If you would like to book a family session with me at one of the locations above - or at your own local park or secret spot - click the links or use the form below to reach out and receive more info about my family or senior sessions!

Click here to learn more about family sessions.

Click here to earn more about senior sessions.