Worcester Family Photographer
Photos that feel like your family
Honest family photography for families who'd rather be together than say "cheese."
Relaxed and natural indoor and outdoor family sessions in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Holden and all of Massachusetts.
Hi. I’m Tom.
I've been a professional photographer for over twenty years, much of that time as a photojournalist. Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work, and it continues to shape the way I photograph families.
Family is beautiful and full of love, but it's also messy and sometimes doesn't listen to a thing you say.
That's exactly where the best photographs happen.
I'll gently guide you when needed, but I also leave room for genuine moments to unfold naturally. The result is a collection of photographs that includes both beautiful portraits and the authentic interactions that tell your family's story.
I might be the right choice if…
✓ Rigid, formal portraits aren’t your thing
✓ You never like photos of yourself
✓ Authenticity > perfection
✓ You want photos that show your family's personality
✓ You want a laidback experience ✓ Your kids would rather play than pose
What if we just aren’t a photo family?
Then you’re my kind of people! This is probably the number one worry for my families and I have never run across a family where ten minutes into the session we threw up our hands and said, “well, we tried!” If your kids are feeling shy then I can back off a bit and encourage them to focus on you while I capture that interaction. If your kids have some extra energy then we will put that to use and document it. If they aren’t feeling super cooperative then I can shift gears and make it so that they don’t have to work at all. Nobody has to perform. You just have to show up and be together. I have seen and dealt with it all: I was a kindergarten teacher.
A collection of families
The Process: Basics
Planning
After you decide to book with me we will choose a location and time. In many cases this means picking a pretty park at sunset. In other cases we might aim for a spot that means something to your family. Don't worry! I have plenty of suggestions!
The Session
Outdoor family sessions are usually as simple and relaxed as a walk in the park. We will ease into our session and stroll through while stopping at my favorite photo spots. There is ample room for candids! If you aren’t a “photo family,” then this is the thing for you.
Indoor lifestyle sessions happen in the comfort of your own home with a baby. We will move through two or three rooms and document what you do best: being a family.
The Gallery
Two weeks after our session you will receive an email link to your gallery. Typically, you can expect around 50 individually edited images that document you as a family and the time that we spent together. Your session comes with downloads and a print release for at least your 20 favorite photos. Testimonials
“Tom provided high quality photos of my daughter without them feeling "posed." He also was in great spirits despite the photo shoot being outdoors in less than ideal weather.” - Amanda, Shrewsbury
“Tom did our engagement photos, wedding photos, and then we even went on to have him do our family photos. He’s so relaxed and down to earth. He goes with the flow but will make sure you get what you were looking for out of your session and then some. So grateful to have met him years ago. Highly recommend him for pretty much any photo needs.” - Kayla, Worcester
“Tom is easy to work with, flexible, accommodating, and a really nice guy. The pictures he took for my family are unbelievable. He captured moments that we will now be able to look at and remember forever. “ - Frank, Shrewsbury
Where should we go?
Central MA has tons of great photo spots for every season. Not sure where to go? I'll help you choose a location that fits your family and the look you're hoping for. Below are some of the most popular, but check out some more at this blog post! There is no travel fee for anywhere in Worcester, Holden, Shrewsbury, Grafton or any other Central MA town within 30 miles of Worcester (holy keywords, Batman!).
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![Outdoor family portrait of young family and dog at Moore State Park in Paxton by Worcester photographer Tom Godfrey Photography.]()
Moore State Park, Paxton
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![Casual family portrait of family at Old Stone Church in West Boylston by Worcester photographer Tom Godfrey Photography.]()
Old Stone Church, West Boylston
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![Formal family portrait of family sitting on a log at Buffumville Dam by Worcester photographer Tom Godfrey Photography.]()
Buffumville Dam / Lake, Charlton
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![Mother kissing baby daughter on bridge at Worcester's Elm Pak by Worcester photographer Tom Godfrey Photography.]()
Elm Park, Worcester
Investment
Every session includes planning, your photography session, and a curated gallery of professionally edited images. All galleries have access to a print shop run by one of my favorite print houses in the country. Let me know if you are planning an extended family session - prices vary depending on the number of people.
$550
Downloads and print releases for your 20 favorite photos from our session.
$750
Downloads and print releases for all of the photos from our session.
Your questions, answered
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A lifestyle session is a session that happens in your house. This is super popular with those with babies. During these slice-of-life sessions I will document you and your family interacting while you do things like read a book, play with a favorite toy, or cuddle in a nursery.
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I will send you a session prep guide with more information, but in general solid colors (I am a sucker for earthy tones) or simple patterns photograph well. No need to do any hardcore color coordination.
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If it looks like there is a significant chance of rain during our session I will contact you to reschedule.
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This depends on a lot of things. Sessions at Moore State Park tend to be longer than sessions at the Old Stone Church. There is no rush but I am also respectful of your time - sessions usually last 45 - 90 minutes.
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Yep! I host mini sessions a few times a year in my studio or at local farms. Themes and pricing vary. The best way to stay up to date is to follow me on social media.
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Sure- as long as our park allows it. Pets add a lot of life to a photo session but we have to be realistic - it can be a challenge to get people to look at the camera and is even harder with a dog.
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Yes! My pricing is for one family. If you would like to add additional people or even multiple families let me know and I will give you accurate pricing.
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You will receive around 50 images. I want your gallery to be a photo essay of our time together. I want to give you enough variety to tell the story and get you options to print and share without being redundant or overwhelming you.
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Around two weeks.
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Your session comes with a print release. You can print anywhere you want. I also offer high-quality print products that can be purchased straight from your gallery.
I landed my first photography job immediately after college at a newspaper in Boston. Since then I have shot for newspapers, magazines, marketing, and social campaigns around the world. My background in storytelling means that I know how to keep an eye on the little things that tell the big picture.
I live in Worcester with my wife, SiEun, who I met when I was living and working in Seoul, and our daughter, Eejin, who is passionate about Cocomelon in both English and Korean.
About me
Real smiles. Real interaction. Real memories.
Childhood changes quickly. If my approach feels like the right fit for your family, I'd love to help you preserve this season of life. Tell me a little about your family, and I'll be in touch soon.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question or want to book, this is the place to start. Fill out the form and I will get in touch ASAP!
