Worcester Family Photographer • Natural, Relaxed Portraits | Tom Godfrey
What can you say about family? Whether it’s the one that you were born into or the one that you created, there are very few relationships that come close to what you have with your family. We often think about our family as something that never changes but we know that isn’t true. Our families are dynamic and in a constant state of change. Family portraits are about capturing who you are as a family and that goes beyond wrestling your child onto a stool at Sears for a rigid portrait session. I want your family portrait session to capture your energy. I photograph families in comfortable places - backyards, parks, living rooms and more- all over Worcester County (check out this blog on my five most popular photo spots). My approach to family sessions is a solid blend of candid and light posing. I provide family photography in Worcester, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, Holden… basically where in Central MA.
Natural, Relaxed Family Photography in Worcester, MA
As a Worcester family photographer, I specialize in capturing the genuine smiles, candid laughter, and heartfelt connections that make your family unique. Whether we’re exploring Elm Park, enjoying a sunset at Green Hill Park, or simply spending time together in your favorite local spot, my goal is to create timeless images that feel natural and relaxed — portraits you’ll treasure for years to come. When I first started doing this thing almost a decade ago, I went for a lot of standard “stand there and smile” poses. Over time, I realized that this wasn’t the sort of photographer that I wanted to be. I want you to have nice group shots to hang on the wall but I also want you to have the “between portrait” moments saved onto your phone for those get-you-through-the-day pick-me-ups.
Why choose me?
Sessions are as collaborative as you want. Want to take photos in a pretty place so you have something to hang on the wall? Sure! Want to have your session in a place that means something to you and really captures your family vibe? I am all for it!
Relaxed. Seriously. I am not a heavy poser. I rely on light posing, prompts, and interaction to get the photos that I want. This brings the stress level way down and the authenticity way up. The most consistent feedback that I get from these are that they feel just like a walk in the park.
I know Worcester and the surrounding communities. Whether you are looking for rustic foliage during the fall or an urban pop, I probably know a place.
Most of my family clients hire me again - for events, graduations, weddings, or more family portraits.
Popular family photography spots in and around Worcester
Elm Park — Having the Elm Park bridges in the background is a quintessential Worcester photo.
Green Hill Park — Wide open with a lot of different landscape backgrounds.
Bancroft Tower area — Great for a quick session with a castle.
Downtown Worcester / City Hall — Awesome if you are looking to add a bit of urban style to your family session.
The Old Stone Church, Boylston MA — Everybody knows this place. Can you really call yourself a photographer if you aren’t here for a session once or twice a month?
Moore State Park, Paxton MA — In my opinion this is the single best location for rustic New England vibes. Only available during weekdays, unfortunately.
Your home — in-home lifestyle sessions are great for those who have not-so-newborn babies and deliver photos worthy of a magazine spread from the comfort of your own home. Don’t worry about lighting - I got it.
Check out this blog post for more information on family portrait locations in Worcester.
Family Photography Investment
Family portrait sessions are all-inclusive and usually start and end at $450. This includes:
Your session for your immediate family - around an hour at a location within 30 minutes of Worcester. I am happy to go further and include extended family for an additional cost.
A curated gallery of professionally edited digital images - all of which are downloadable and shareable.
Access to an expansive and high-quality print shop from within your gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far ahead do you book?
A: Weekdays have good availability. Weekends are usually booked a few weeks in advance. Autumn foliage season, particularly around sunset, is very popular. Book these ASAP if that look is important to you. Use the contact form below to get things started.
Q: How long does a session last?
A: Most sessions are somewhere between 45 - 90 minutes long. This depends on how fast we are moving, where we are, if kids or dads need breaks, etc.. There is never a rush, though.
Q: What should we wear?
A: Unless it’s fundamentally against your personality I suggest avoiding loud patterns. Mild to moderate color coordinating or neutral colors always look nice in natural settings.
Q: When will we get our photos?
A: Generally, your gallery link is sent out within two weeks of our session.
Q: What does my session come with?
A: Your session comes with a shareable curated gallery full of edited images with unlimited downloads and a print release. You will also have access to an expansive and high-quality print shop within your gallery.
Q: Do you do mini sessions?
A: I do mini sessions once or twice a year. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to learn about mini sessions when they happen. They book fast.
Q: What is a lifestyle session?
A: Lifestyle is a buzzy word for family portrait sessions that take place at your house. These are super popular for those with new babies. I will guide you through a few poses and prompts in various rooms around your house (think: lounging on the livingroom couch, reading a book in bed, holding your baby in their nursery). You will come away with a gallery full of images that look organic while also putting you in positions that look good. These sessions deliver photos that look at home in a lifestyle magazine - thus the name.
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
“Tom did our engagement photos, wedding photos, and then we even went on to have him do our huge 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
“We had a quick fun family session with Tom. He was very easy to work with and prompt with getting back to any questions we had before the session. We got our pictures way sooner than we expected them. We were so happy with the pictures and overall service so would definitely recommend him.” - Sara
“We had a great experience with Tom! He put my children at ease and all three of them had fun. The pictures were beautiful!! We will definitely be back!” - Meta
“Tom Godfrey is a wonderful photographer!! I have worked with him twice now. Most recently, he met us at our location to photograph my immediate family and my large extended family (ages 6 months to 76). He did an amazing job with our group -- we were 14 people altogether. Tom was very easygoing, so the photo session felt very comfortable. Tom was great with the kids -- we had 4 young children with us and they all stood nicely and smiled. Tom carefully chose a nice level spot for us with a lovely background and the most perfect lighting. The photos came out absolutely beautiful -- I can't wait to give them to my parents for Christmas!!! Tom was also very responsive, and his prices were fair. He also has a great selection of albums, digitals, holiday cards, etc. I look forward to working with Tom again, and I highly recommend him!” - Katy
If you would like to book a family session just shoot me an email at tomgodfreyphoto@gmail.com or a text / call to 508.215.8808. You can also use the contact form below.
