Part of what I love most about this job I have as a photographer is the opportunity to follow along with families throughout the years. Being able to have the opportunity to reconnect with couples and families year after year brings so much joy to my heart. So when Diana contacted me to help celebrate her daugther's second birthday with a portrait session, I was thrilled. This little cute, Olivia, has grown up before my camera - from her adorable six month portrait session to her first birthday and now as a full blown toddler who loves to run and jump and play, it has been so fun to watch them grow together!!

On a beautiful summer evening we met at one of my favorite portrait locations, Crane Beach, for a relaxed session together. Olivia got to play in the sand, run with Daddy, snuggle up with Mom and just enjoy being together. Here are some of my faves!! 

Welcome to 2018!! One of my favorite ways to start the new year is to reflect on the year past and gather together my favorite images from the last 12 months. I'm reminded again of how much I love this "job", being invited into my clients' lives and documenting the precious milestones of life. (You can view the Best of 2016 here.) Pulling together my favorite images of the year is no easy task -- how can I choose? Each image feels so dear to me. I remember exactly where I was and what was happening in that moment. Joyful, quiet, intimate, happy, reflective, emotive, connected moments. Every time I clicked the shutter I have the opportunity to capture these moments in time for my clients. It feels so dear indeed. 

To kick of the Best of Series I'm sharing some of my favorite portrait images of 2017!! I was happy this year to include film into nearly all my portrait sessions which was a creative add for me. My clients seemed to love that and I thoroughly enjoyed stretching my skill in film. I've got a long way to go, but I'm proud of how it tied together, nearly seamlessly, with my digital work!! 

So let's get to the images shall we?! I was pleased to be invited back into the lives of my dear past wedding clients as they expanded their families this year... how lovely to see these lovely families growing!! Here's to 2017 and celebrating the big and small moments of life!! 

The past few years has seen a boom in past DZP couples growing their families -- and I LOVE it!! It's such a privilege to be invited into such a special time in a couple's life and help them celebrate the milestone of a new baby with photography!! 

I was delighted when Molly emailed me earlier this year letting me know they were expecting (and due around the same time as me!) and that she wanted to celebrate the occasion with a portrait session. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Molly & Andrew's wedding day and here we were anticipating the arrival of their baby girl!! Congratulations you two, enjoy a few of my favorite images!!

Hybrid Session | 5dMarkIII & EOS-1V | Fuji 400h | Processed by The Find Lab

It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since Jayme and Cory tied the knot at the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn. It was such an amazing celebration and remains one of my favorite wedding days to date!! I was thrilled when they contacted me earlier this year to let me know they were expecting a baby girl - I couldn't wait to capture them together as a family of three.

Earlier this fall I met Jayme and Cory at their beautiful home to photograph their newest addition. It was so nice to catch up and have this sweet couple in front of my camera again!! I'm so thankful for clients who trust me to capture their lives long after the wedding day!! What a joy to celebrate life's milestones with photography!! Here are a few of my favorite images from our time together. Congratulations Jayme & Cory!!

Hybrid Session | 5dMarkIII & EOS-1V | Kodak Portra 800 | Processed by The Find Lab

What can I say about this beautiful family?! I have had the joy of knowing Aubrey for many years now (how is that even possible?) and documenting her growing family year after year. After our session together this year, I went back and looked through the images we've taken together. It has been amazing to watch as her darling baby boy has grown into a sweet kiddo and as they welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world. For this year's session we met at the idyllic Wright Locke Farm on a beautiful fall morning. We wandered the property as the kids explored to their hearts content. It was a joy to help them celebrate another year together with photography. I'm so grateful for the clients and families who value the importance photography and ask me to help them document the meaningful moments of life together!! Enjoy some of my faves!!

I'm so delighted to share this sweet family of THREE today!! It's hard to believe that almost just one year ago we were celebrating their Fourth of July wedding and now today they are celebrating the arrival of their beautiful son!!

Earlier this spring we met at their home on a rainy morning for their maternity session and just a few weeks ago we gathered together again, this time with this darling baby boy in their arms. It has been a joy to watch this family come together and grow. I'm so grateful to be invited into their lives to capture these wonderful milestones of life!!

Enjoy some of my favorites!!

It seems just like yesterday we were celebrating with Rick and Stephanie for their Fourth of July wedding (you can see all the pretty here). And in just a few short weeks they'll be welcoming their first baby into the world, starting a new adventure together as a family of three.

This past March we spent a rainy spring morning at Rick and Stephanie's home (in the same place where I photographed Steph as she got ready for her wedding day!) to photograph this special time in their life.

I never take for granted that couple's continue to invite me into their lives long after the wedding day. It's a joy to celebrate with them as their lives grow and change. Rick and Stephanie thank you for asking me to capture this time as you wait for your little one to arrive!!

Hybrid Portrait Session | 5dMarkIII & EOS-1V | Fujifilm Pro 400h | Processed by The Find Lab

Today is a classic New England snow day!! With the snow coming in we're hunkered down with cookies baked, the fireplace roaring and hot cocoa ready to go. It's also the perfect day to share Pat & Liz's cozy and cuddly family session from earlier this January. You may remember these two from their beautiful summer wedding at Curtis farm almost five years ago!! It hard to believe that!! I still remember their incredible day and I feel so lucky to have been invited to photograph the next phase of their lives together!!

If you haven't guessed, New England is cold during the winter months so when it came time for locations for a newborn session, home seemed like the best choice. Liz and Pat's home is beautifully decorated with thoughtful touches throughout, especially the nursery. It was the perfect backdrop!! We spent a lovely morning together, reminiscing and admiring their sweet, adorable baby boy. 

Pat and Liz are the perfect clients -- they trusted me with whatever suggestions I had to make this session meaningful. I was able to stretch my creative muscles shooting part of the session on film. That combination of freedom of creativity and a trusting relationship with my clients sets my artistic soul ablaze. Thank you Pat & Liz, enjoy some of my favorite images!!

Hybrid Session | Canon 5d Mark III | Canon EOS 1V

Fuji 400, rated 200 | Processed by The Find Lab

On a COLD wintry evening, the brave Kristen & Kyle agreed to trudge through freshly fallen snow -- Kristen wanted a winter wonderland type feel and I knew just the spot!! Located on Boston's North Shore but what felt like the middle of no where, my not so secret location was perfect. With hardly anyone in sight the snow was magical, the light was beautiful. I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to celebrate our dear friends and the new life they are eagerly awaiting to meet. Though it was frigid, Kyle & Kristen were troopers and we were able to create some beautiful images to share with their little one someday!!

Hybrid Session | Canon 5d Mark III | Canon EOS 1V | Portra 400, rated 200

I relish any opportunity to visit Texas so when my dear friend Amy asked if I'd travel west to photograph their darling family I jumped at the chance!! On a very foggy afternoon we headed into Austin to visit beautiful Laguna Gloria. It's an eclectic mix of Texas charm and Mediterranean flair -- I had to keep reminding myself we weren't on the Italian coast!! I could have stayed in their lovely gardens all day, filled with Spanish moss, ferns and palm trees. We roamed the property and spent a glorious time together. What's more romantic than a floral crown, a flowy pink dress and Spanish moss?! Extra exciting bonus? I did a hybrid of film & digital for their session!!

Hybrid Session : Canon 5d Mark III | Canon EOS-1V | Portra 400 & Fuji 400 | Processed & Scanned by The Find Lab 

Dress : Anthropolgie | Floral Crown : The Flower Studio | Venue : Laguna Gloria

Yesterday I kicked off the Best of 2016 series with my favorite floral designs of the year. Today I'm continuing the series with my favorite portrait images of 2016!! My portrait work has slowly evolved over the years as past clients have begun to grow their families and celebrate anniversaries. What started as something I did on the side of weddings, has developed into an integral part of my business. 

Having the opportunity to be invited into the homes and lives of my clients to capture the big and small moments of life is an incredible honor and I deeply value the relationships that have been cultivated as a result. My portrait work has become something incredibly meaningful to me and I hope it has brought great joy to the clients who have trusted me to capture their lives. 

Enjoy some of my favorite portrait images of 2016!!

Today kicks of my favorite series of the year, The Best Of!! Each year I share the best of engagements, portraits & weddings through a series of blog posts highlighting the amazing celebrations, couples and families I've had the honor of working with over the past year. 

Florals always seem to be an integral part of my work. I love the romance, softness and delicate nature of flowers. It's no secret that I love floral design. I've even had the opportunity to take several floral workshops over this past year (fun = designing your very own floral crown!). I especially love when clients share my love of blooms -- nothing makes my heart pitter patter more than a glorious oversized wedding bouquet ;)!! 

To celebrate my love of all things beautiful and flowery, today I will be kicking of the 2016 Best of series with the Best of Florals & Bouquets. I'll be sharing links below of the amazing creatives I've had the opportunity to work with as well, in case you're in search of a talented floral designer!! Now on to all the pretty!! 

Diana and Ankur welcomed their darling baby girl Olivia into the world earlier this year. Being the Holidays and the start of a new year just around the corner, they wanted to celebrate their family of three with a portrait session in their home. 

On a chilly December afternoon we snuggled up in Olivia's nursery, a beautiful ode to all things pink, grey and cream. Olivia bounced in her crib, snuggled in her father's arms and giggled at the silly sounds Mom would make to get her to smile. It was lovely time and I feel so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and photograph this beautiful family. 

At home sessions are some of my favorite to photograph. Clean, bring space where my clients can feel comfortable and relaxed. They are a mix of lifestyle and posed portraiture. But most important they focus on the deep connection my clients have to each other. And when I can capture that on my camera -- well that's the good stuff. 

Thank you Diana & Ankur for welcoming me to your home!! Gosh those baby cheeks, they are the best!! Enjoy some of my favorite images!!

Paul & Emma are expecting their first child this Christmas and I was delighted to photograph their maternity session amongst the beautiful foliage earlier this fall. Paul and Emma are past DZP clients (view their wedding & engagement session), so being able to help them celebrate this incredible time of life is a huge honor. This down to earth couple are taking this new adventure in stride and cannot wait to welcome a soccer playing baby boy into this world ;)!! Until then, they are soaking up this time together, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their son. On a unseasonably warm fall day we met at Minute Man National Historical Park and explored the open fields that encompass this beautiful place. 

Emma and Paul, I am beyond thrilled for you both and this new adventure you are embarking on together!! Enjoy my favorites from your beautiful maternity session!!

I'm delighted to announce that we'll be returning to New York City in November for the third fall in a row!! 

As we do each year (my husband helps assist!), we will be opening up two specially priced couple sessions (either engagement or anniversary) while we are in the New York area!! See the details below. 

WHEN : Friday November 11, 2016 12pm or 2pm

WHERE : New York City or Brooklyn

WHAT : 1 hour couple portrait session (anniversary or engagement)

$400

If interested in booking a session, please email deborah@deborahzoephoto.com, I'd love to see you in NYC!! Want to see past sessions from New York City? You can see them here, here, here & here. 

Emily & Dan chose to celebrate their belated first anniversary with an anniversary session at Willowdale Estate on Boston's North Shore. I loved having the opportunity to re-connect with this sweet couple who tied the knot last summer. We roamed the beautiful grounds, enjoyed the glorious fall weather and reminisced about their beautiful wedding day on the South Shore (how was that over a year ago?!)

Emily & Dan have such great style -- a cozy outfit to cuddle up in and a tailored dressed up look to celebrate in style!

I'm always thrilled to be asked to photograph past clients. Being able to be a part of their lives, to celebrate the milestones of marriage through the art of photography, is something I am incredibly grateful for. 

Thank you Emily & Dan for asking me to help you celebrate your first anniversary!! Enjoy some of my favorite images!!

If you haven't heard, the second annual Mini Session Event has been announced for October 23rd in Topsfield!! If you're interested in booking a session, you can check out all the details here. 

One of most stressful part of a scheduling a portrait session can be figuring out what to wear!! Below, I've shared some outfit ideas and offered up a few of my favorite styling tips to perfectly plan for your session!

• Cozy layers, cable knit textures
• Winter colors, hues of blue, cream and silver
• Layer with jackets, sweaters, vests
• Avoid loud colors, graphic prints, details that would be distracting in your images
• If dressing for a group, be sure that your color palette, textures and outfit styles are complimentary to one another
• Schedule an appointment to have your hair & makeup done

Last week I announced the date for the second annual Mini Session Event!! You can find all the details and sign up here. If you've been considering a Mini Session, read on to learn more about why Mini Sessions may be a great opportunity for you!!

Less Time

Mini Sessions are 20 minutes, perfect for families with little ones or those who may not have time in their busy schedules for a longer session. No need to plan your day around a Mini Session - a 20 minute commitment is all you need!

Up To Date

Mini Sessions are a great way to have up to date portraits of your family or loved ones in a relaxed setting. As Mini Sessions are held yearly, you can easily and affordably stay up to date with your family as they change and grow over the years. 

Affordable

A Mini Session includes your session fee along with the high resolution digital images with personal rights, making it an affordable option to regularly update your family's portraits with a new collection of images each year!

I'm delighted to announce the date for the second annual 2016 Winter Mini Session Event!! Perfect for your Holiday cards, updated family portraits or just because, Mini Sessions are an excellent way to capture your family & loved ones in a relaxed and fun setting!! Hurry, time slots fill up quickly and are booked on a first come, first serve basis!! 

As their family has grown, I've been honored to photograph the Policano Family from first baby to now their second. It's been a joy to watch as they've become parents to two darling baby girls. Courtney is one of my oldest and dearest friends -- being able to document this time in life for their family has given me immense joy!!

Courtney is a dream client who trusts my vision (even when it involves overly large floral crowns for babies ;)). I love the creative freedom that brings - I am so appreciative as their photographer to be trusted in that way to document such an important time in their life. 

Earlier this month, we transformed our home into a natural light studio (our house has amazing light!) to photograph their newest addition, Seneca!! Her big sister Emmeline did such a great job sitting for the camera and Seneca stayed asleep just long enough for us to place her in a bed of florals!! Enjoy some of my favorite images from their at home newborn session on Boston's North Shore!! 

Veronica and James traveled to Boston to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary last week. Hailing from the West Coast they had never visited Boston before and both were so excited to experience this charming and historic city for themselves (kid free :)). Having just celebrated my own 10 year anniversary with an epic trip abroad, I knew just how special this vacation was and what it meant to this sweet couple. 

10 years. A decade of memories and experiences, a foundation and history of life shared together. I was delighted when Veronica shared that they wished to celebrate these past 10 years with an anniversary during their trip to Boston. Time intentionally spent honoring the life that they have built together and celebrating all that is to come. This was time just for them and I was honored to be there to photograph it. 

 Veronica and James wanted their session to feel romantic but also to capture some of the Boston charm that they fell in love with during their trip. We picked the Boston Public Garden and Beacon Hill, the perfect combination of city charm and historic character. I hope you'll enjoy some of my favorite images of this darling 10 year anniversary session!!

This past weekend the Hubs and I jumped in the car and headed down to Brooklyn to visit with our dear friends who are expecting their second baby later this summer. It was a bright and beautiful weekend and Brooklyn felt alive with people out and about enjoying the parks and gorgeous weather. Dave and I revel in any opportunity to visit Courtney & Dave in New York and I was honored to be asked to photograph such a special time in their lives. 

Courtney chose Cobble Hill, a charming area of Brooklyn filled with leafy green trees, brownstones and families milling about. We managed to sneak away from the crowds and found the perfect side street for their session. Every time we have the opportunity to visit Brooklyn I'm always struck but how small this big borough feels. Filled with neighborhood charm, families, coffee shops, people sitting on this stoops, kids riding bikes, it's know wonder why these two just love it so!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Kate & James at Duxbury Beach, a place where they spend lots of time together as a family. They are lucky to live close by enough for impromtu trips after work or weekend days spent with toes in the sand. Not only did it make for a beautiful setting but it was a place they feel deeply connected too. 

With the sun beginning to rise on a June morning I met with Kate, James their their five little ones for a casual and relaxed family session on the beach. I wanted their session to feel comfortable, approachable and reflect how much love this family shares together. If there was one word I walked away with from this session, it would be love. An abundance of love.

I've known Jessie and Will since high school, high school sweet hearts -- the couple everyone loved to love. Jessie was fiery and extroverted, Will, a quiet and calming force. Together they were the perfect pair and it was beautiful to watch as their love grew and matured through high school and college, engagement and marriage.

Soon their love multiplied -- First came Audrey, then Oliver then Ellis and now sweet Evelyn. What an honor it has been to bare witness to Will and Jessie's love story, from high school sweethearts to wonderful and joy filled parents. 

Thank you Jessie and Will for asking me to document such a special time in your life as you welcomed your newest addition to the family. I hope these images bring you much joy and serve as a reminder of the beautiful love you share together as a family! 

It has been a dream of mine to visit Nantucket Island. I've lived in Massachusetts my whole life and yet had never visited this coastal oasis. When our good friends shared they would visit the East Coast in May we decided now would be the perfect time to make the trek to Nantucket!

I wasn't prepared for just how perfect Nantucket would be. Grey shuttered houses, creeping rose vines, white picket fences. It was almost more than my nautical New England loving heart could handle. If you are a fan of history, timeless style and that welcoming charm New England is famous for, then Nantucket needs to be at the top of your travel list.