The Session That Almost Got Rained Out
Rain threats all week. Overcast skies. A sunset that was more suggestion than spectacle. And somehow it produced some of my favorite photos I have ever taken.
Alexis and Nick joined me at Nicewicz Farm in Bolton, Massachusetts for a 30 minute couples portrait session in the peony fields and I have to say these two set the bar for what it means to be game for anything.
Why Overcast Days Are Actually a Photographer’s Dream
Photographers talk about golden hour constantly and for good reason. But here is a secret — an overcast sky close to sunset is just as beautiful and arguably easier to work with. The light is soft, diffused, and even. No harsh shadows. No squinting. Just this gorgeous natural filter over everything.
The peonies were in perfect bloom, the air was cool, and we managed to sneak in the entire session without a single drop of rain. Sometimes you get lucky.
The Art of the Pose Prompt
I love posing couples. I also know how uncomfortable it can feel to stand in front of a camera and be told to look natural. The hand on hip is a classic for a reason but it is not exactly going to give you the most organic and joyful photos of your life.
So I get creative. I give prompts that feel more like choreography than posing. Alexis and Nick spun into each other. They swayed. They dipped. They walked around holding hands being completely silly. And then — my personal highlight — they sang a full duet of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on command without a single hesitation. Ten out of ten for commitment.
Strike a Pose
I pull inspiration from online when I need it. But some of my favorite moments come from just going with whatever feels natural in the moment. Which is how we ended up sitting on the ground in front of the peonies for some of the best shots of the night.
One pose I tried did not quite land the way I intended. But the genuine laughter that followed it absolutely did. Those unplanned moments of real laughing are always the ones that end up being the favorites.
Alexis texted me the next day and said:
"We seriously had the best time!!!!! The whole drive home we were like that was so fun."
Alexis Chalmers
Book Your Couples Session at Nicewicz Farm
Peony season is brief and the fields are nothing short of magical when they are in bloom. If you want to be on my list for peony sessions next season send me a message now so you are first to know when booking opens.
Studio Joki serves couples throughout Worcester, Bolton, Millbury, Grafton, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, and all of Central Massachusetts.
