How to Guarantee Unique Portraits (including some of my favorite, underrated portrait spots)

If you're like me, you don't mind a lovely portrait at golden hour in a field - BUT you're getting a little tired of them, and want to create art that's fresh and more chic for you and your loved ones.

The few steps it takes to create portraits with that lovely, set-apart texture you can't quite put your finger on are actually relatively easy! It's just that few people are aware of them when they begin planning their portraits out, so they miss opportunities to create something a bit different.

SO I'm taking a minute to spill my secrets and share with you how I keep portraits feeling fresh!

Want unique portraits in stunning New England locations? Here’s what you need to do…

1. Reconsider what "great" means for light and location.

Lovely portrait locations require two things - a unique, sentimental, OR beautiful setting (notice I said OR) and great light.

Usually, photographers are referring to golden hour when they talk about "great light." That light is AMAZING, don't get me wrong.

However....

Harsh light and shadows, overcast days, blue hour, flash, and more lighting situations can yield quietly stunning portraits too. In fact, I find more and more often I like them a bit more than the usual golden hour photo.

Usually, photographer are referring to aesthetic locations when they talk about a "great portrait spot." And those are amazing.

HOWEVER...

Those locations usually don't hold ANY sentimental value for the people taking portraits in them. They can be stressful to travel to, they can feel stale and trite because of how often they're used, when your home holds a BOUNTY of memories and beauty, or when you would secretly love to do portraits at the coffee shop where you had your first date, but don't feel like it's the right kind of pretty.

Don't underestimate the power of a strong photographer, unique lighting, and locations that actually MEAN something to you. Those factors often come together to create something magical.

If you want amazing images, start with your planning, and consider a location or time that looks a bit different than the "aesthetic" location at golden hour. 

2. Embrace "inconvenience."

We steadily avoid inconvenience. Which is heartbreaking, because inconvenience often proves to truly be OPPORTUNITY.

If you want to feel on top of the world with no-one else around, and just the two of you in a romantic embrace in a dramatic location up in Acadia, you'll probably need to get up for sunrise.

If you want TRUE candids with your kiddos on Mackworth Island, be prepared for them to get a little muddy.

If you want devastatingly romantic portraits unlike any your friends have, be prepared to go under the waterfall together and get SOAKED.

Walking a little farther, getting your clothes a little stained, ___ - these are risks that, with the right photographer, create more than just beautiful art, but dearly held MEMORIES.

I’ll caveat this one by saying that if it comes to the point where you're consumed by stress over a decision like this, protect your peace first and foremost! I can't photoshop stress out of your portraits<3 Know your boundaries!

That said, if you want amazing images, be prepared to let go, have an adventure, and do things a bit differently. 

3. Have a general direction in mind.

You don’t need the entire vibe of your portrait session down (that’s what good photographers are for), but you should have an idea of how you want your portraits to FEEL.

Do you want your portraits to be full of nostalgia? Do you want to capture specific dynamics between siblings? Do you want to recreate your favorite romance movie? 

Have a general direction in mind, don’t sweat the details. Which leads me PERFECTLY to my next point...

4. Prepare for weather changes.

We New Englanders know weather changes on a dime here - if your session is outdoors, be prepared for weather in your portrait session to look different and ask yourself AHEAD of time, “do I mind a bit of rain?” "Are clouds or fog a deal-breaker?"

I ALWAYS ask my clients to consider going for it when it looks like we're goin to have a rainy day session or alternative weather. For family sessions, it brings an element of fun, for couples sessions you could literally cut through the romance in the air with a KNIFE! (*swoon*)

Be OPEN to untraditional portrait weather. See where it takes you. 

5. Choose a photographer whose vision you love, then TRUST THEM. 

There are really TWO different types of portraits photographers out there. There are photographers who essentially turn up with a camera, take your portraits, and then send them to you without a story in mind.

The second kind of photographer is a creative director. They help you select your wardrobe, they help pin down a FEEL for your session, and are able to pivot when that feel changes while creating a narrative. Sometimes they bring props, sometimes they simply adjust light. These photographers guide you and your loved ones into a gallery that feels artful and storied.

There's NOTHING. WRONG. with the first kind of photographer - but if you're looking for unique work, find a photographer who's capable of creating something that feels layered and storied and INTENTIONAL, instead of just pictures in a field.

Once you find photographers with unique work, choose someone with a style you ALREADY love.

If you're looking at a photographer and find yourself wishing, "MAN, they'd be perfect for me if they just edited their portraits brighter," or "dang, I just wish they shot film," THAT IS NOT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER! If you're not excited to work with them in the beginning, you'll only be disappointed later<3

If you HAVE found a photographer you're excited to work with (YAY!!!), but find yourself stumped for ideas, ask them what kind of session they've had on the back burner and would LOVE to create!

Most photographers have a backup list of locations and vibes for portrait work that sit unused (personally, I have about 8 right now that I’ve been pitching and can’t WAIT to photograph). Ask them about it!

Find your trusted photographer, then ask what spots they’ve been exploring, and try one out with them! We’re certainly not lacking beautiful spots here<3 try out a new one!

Bonus!

Here are some of my favorite, under-rated locations throughout New England that I WISH more people would consider for portraits that set themselves apart from the crowd...

1. Cascade Falls, Saco, ME

2. Wickham park, Manchester, CT

3. Countryside Park, Avon, CT

4. The Knob, Falmouth, MA

5. Your home! (LOVE this for maternity and family sessions)