Posted on by Krista Guenin · 4 Comments

Rhetta, Bill & Hannah – a blast from the past!

When I first moved out to Boston a couple of years ago, I worked for the wonderful and talented Matt & Enna Grazier. I remember clearly my first day, sitting down at the computer and browsing their website. I clicked on Portraits and stumbled across some beautiful photos of a beautiful pregnant women. But, not just any pregnant woman, this was Rhetta! Rhetta was one of my brides back in 2004 when I was an Associate for Real Life Weddings in Chicago. What a small world, huh?!
Two years later, come to find out, Rhetta is pregnant again, and looking to have some more photos taken, by me! I was totally thrilled to see her and Bill again, and to meet their darling daughter Hannah! We met up at the Arnold Arboretum and took a stroll among the changing leaves…

Hannah




What kid doesn’t love this?!


There are those leaves I was talking about…


I just love the look on Hannah’s face! And apparently rubbing her earlobe is Hannah’s thing. I love it when I can catch a kid being completely themselves – doing that thing that makes them, them.


Rhetta & Bill are so cute – just as in love as the last time I saw them!


The happy family :)


A few photos of Rhetta and her belly… Isn’t she gorgeous!


I love this one of Rhetta & Bill because as I was taking their picture Hannah said or did something cute and they both turned to look. I love their smiles as they watch their little girl.


Are you kidding me with that adorable grin?!


Hannah wanted me to smell the pretty flower :)


And Daddy too, of course!


There she goes with that ear again :)


A few fun shots of Hannah and her Dad


And Hannah with her Mom


She really is too cute!


And now, just for fun, a few photos from Bill & Rhetta’s wedding! It’s still one of my favorites from the Real Life Weddings days. And yes, this wedding was shot almost entirely in black & white film!!

Photos © 2004 Krista Guenin/Real Life Weddings

Rhetta & Bill, it was SO great to see you again! Hannah is a doll and I can’t wait to meet little Sophie Grace!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 3 Comments

Britt & Mike – mini eSession

I got an email from Britt earlier this summer. She was looking for a photographer for her wedding next May on the Cape, and she wanted to see if she could set up a time to meet with me and do their engagement session while they were in town. How can you not love a bride who’s ready to book her eSession before she’s even met you in person!?!

Britt & Mike live in D.C. but were coming to town for some wedding planning, and a visit with Britt’s family. They’re big baseball fans, and Britt loves those Red Sox, so we met up at Boston Beer Works by Fenway to talk wedding plans, look at albums, and get to know each other a bit before their eSession. We had a great time chatting and laughing (or gagging) over Britt’s fried pickles ;) It turns out we have a lot in common and it was more like hanging out with old friends than having a meeting with new clients. So, after we’d hung out for a while we decided to head outside to shoot for while before we got caught in the rain…

Mike loves the Orioles, Britt loves the Red Sox – somehow they’ve worked through it and still love each other :)




I love how much they make each other laugh


and how he’s all whole head taller than her!

and I love the views around Fenway!


We had to include a few shots with thier “baby,” Tessa :)



At this point we’d only been shooting for about 15 or 20 minutes and the drizzle was really dampening our spirits, and my camera equipment. So, we decided to hold off and finish our engagement session the next time they’re in town. It may not be until the holidays, but I’m looking forward to some snowy engagement photos of Mike & Britt later this year :)

Thanks again you guys for a fun, albeit short afternoon! I’m really excited to work with you and get to know over the next few months!! And I’m praying that you both passed the bar :)

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 2 Comments

Portraits for Mimi


That’s my Mom – or Mimi as her grandkids call her. She’s pretty great. She owns her own business and has worked her butt off for as long as I can remember (except those 2 years when I was a kid and we lived in the Bahamas – when she played Bridge and sat by the pool with me all day, but whatever ;). The older I get, the more I realize that I am so much like her – or is it that I’m just becoming more like her? Either way, it’s both a little scary and comforting at the same time :)

My Mom needed some new photos of herself and her employees for work – and hopefully for a website someday… Mom works in the glamorous world of nursing home consulting, and that market hasn’t really gotten too techy just yet ;) Since she’s the most wonderful Mom, she hired her daughter to take the photos. And since she’s the most wonderful boss, she offered all of her employees the opportunity to get some family portraits done as well! So, when I was in Indianapolis earlier this summer, we headed down to Greenwood (the town I was born in) to spend some time with the women of Herrin Associates, and their families…

First up, my Mom, Shelia. She doesn’t really like having her picture taken (kinda like me), but has started getting used to it over the past 6 or 7 years. Do you think I look like her?



Next up was Beth :)


and Beth’s husband and 4 grandchildren


The kids weren’t too excited about the whole thing, but they put up with me, and we managed to get some great shots of them!



I love these…





And then there’s Kathy! Kathy’s family wasn’t able to come for photos, so we just stuck to business…

…at least mostly. I got her laughing quite a bit when I was asking her about whether or not my Mom’s a good boss :)

And last but not least was Nancy. Nancy has worked for my Mom for like 20 years, and is such a great lady!


She brought a bunch of her family with her and we got a ton of portraits of them – starting with her son and his adorable daughter…




Then we shot Nancy and her husband with their grandson, Garrett.


Then it was just Nancy & Ernie. They’re pretty cute!


While we waited for Nancy’s daughter to get off work, my Mom & I took Garrett across the street for some ice cream from this little walk-up place, called Mrs. Curl. It’s so small-town Indiana, I love it! (I loved the ice cream too!)



Last up was Brittany and Garrett.


He’s a cutie!


I swear I’m good with kids! Really! I think Garrett was just squinting, not snarling!


Brittany arrived just as the sun dropped down to the perfect spot, so we got some beautiful, warm light to play with…


And I’m fairly certain that this was Garrett’s favorite part (next to the ice cream, of course).


It was such a fun afternoon! Thanks Mom for letting me take your picture :) And for being such a great role model for this business-owning daughter of yours. I’m amazed by all that you’ve done, and all that you’re doing – and I’m super proud of you! I love you so much!!! S.W.A.K. ;)

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 2 Comments

Gretchen & Justin’s eSession

I’m back! Back from a great vacation, and back to work! I’ll post vacation photos eventually, but my wonderful clients are coming first – starting with Gretchen & Justin!

I met Gretchen & Justin at their place in Medford a few weeks ago. We hopped in the car and headed to a local pond to spend some time getting to know each other and taking some photos. Just like many of my clients, Gretchen & Justin felt a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera, and worried about being “unphotogenic.” Well, looking at these photos – you can’t tell at all! What did I tell you guys, huh? It’s your job to be YOU, and it’s my job to make beautiful photographs of YOU! I think it worked pretty well – what do the rest of you think???





See! You’re beautiful!!!





and adorable :)



and romantic



and hilarious!


Gretchen & Justin – it was great hanging out with you guys! I’m really looking forward to your wedding in October :) By then, I bet you’ll feel completely relaxed and confident in front of my camera from the start – that’s what these eSessions are for, after all!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 8 Comments

Tamara & Jason eSession

Ok, first of all, let me warn you that this is gonna be a LONG post! I had SUCH a great engagement session with Tamara & Jason and I just couldn’t narrow down my favorites anymore!!! Some shoots are just like that :)

I drove out to Western Mass for Tamara & Jason’s eSession because they really wanted their dogs to be part of their photos, since they won’t be able to make the trip to Buzzard’s Bay in September for the wedding. Like lots of couples without kids, these dogs are their babies. So, we took the babies over to their favorite park for some photos.

Here’s a family portrait :)


And since their dogs are just so cute and I couldn’t pick just one or two – I thought I’d give you a little montage of all my favs. That streak of black in the top right corner is a dog ;) He was so excited to hit the woods that he ran straight into a creek and ruined his fresh bath. Oh well, he was still cute! But, I must admit that it’s the little brown one that was my favorite! Cajun was abandoned after Hurricane Katrina and Tamara just had to rescue him. He’s such a little sweetie!


Now, on to the couple shots! This is my FAVORITE from the day, I think! And it was one of the first ones we shot. I couldn’t even put my logo on it – it would just ruin the gorgeousness :)


And a few more in the woods… We stirred up some serious mosquitoes, but it was totally worth it!



Eventually, we decided that the bugs were a bit too much for us, so we spent most of our time in the field next to the woods. The sunlight was perfectly yummy – I couldn’t get enough of it!



Are they cute, or what?





I love how dramatic this one looks!


Did I mention the sunlight???




What I loved best about this shoot was how great Tamara & Jason were in front of the camera! They were a little self-conscious before we started, telling me that they didn’t know what to do and needed direction, etc. I just told them to be themselves and to enjoy one another’s company and never mind me. Well, they were naturals! They seemed so at ease and even though we had a great time chatting the whole evening – they were still able to seem as if they were completely alone. It was really great and made my job so easy!




We did get a few where they were aware of the camera though :)


After a fun time at the park, we gathered up the pups and headed back to their house. They have a great backyard with this awesome hammock. I couldn’t resist…




Tamara & Jason – thank you guys for such a wonderful shoot, and such a fun time, not to mention a delicious dinner! It was great getting to know you both a bit better, and I absolutely can’t wait for the wedding!!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 3 Comments

Evan & Kelly’s Engagement Session

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to hang out with Evan & Kelly and take some engagement portraits. Evan & Kelly live in Cambridge and spend a lot of time around Harvard, just like Jessica & Albert. It was a fun challenge to do their eSession just a week later, and in basically the same location. It pushed me to think creatively and come up with images that were different. It is made easier when you’re dealing with different people though – as every couple has a unique way of interacting with one another and therefore ends up with different images.

We started at their lovely apartment and walked towards Harvard Memorial Church, where they’ll be getting married this weekend!

They have a cute little park right by their house. There’s a bunch of construction, and some frisbee playing going on in the background, but we made it work :)


As we continued on our way, we passed by Cambridge Rindge & Latin School – which has these awesome red doors. I couldn’t walk by without taking some photos! What a great spot for portraits!!


And then there was a playground with this amazing wrought iron fence. I’m obsessed with taking pictures of wrought iron fences…


And then on to Harvard Yard where we shot on the steps of Widener Library.




And then we walked over to the Charles River where we got some of my favorite shots of the day. The light was just perfect!





By that point, Kelly was sufficiently worn out


So we headed back to their apartment


When we got back home, they showed me some beautiful old family photographs. Kelly’s great-grandmother was actually a photographer back in the day. It’s so cool that Kelly has these wonderful old photographs that have become priceless family heirlooms. It got us talking a bit about the timeless quality of black & white prints. And I’m so excited because they decided to have me shoot some black & white film at their wedding this weekend!! I got my start in film, and I still love it! Don’t get me wrong, digital has come a long way and you can’t beat its flexibility. But there is just nothing quite like a black & white fiber-base print made in the darkroom. hmmmm…

Anyway, this is my take on one of those old photos.


Evan & Kelly, it was so great hanging out with you guys! I can’t wait for the wedding this weekend!!

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 4 Comments

Jessica & Albert’s Engagement Session

I had a great engagement session the other day with Jessica & Albert. Jessica is one of those brides who loves photography. A bride who stalks wedding & photography blogs all day long, and who even has her own blog. You know, the dreamy type of bride who photographers just LOVE! So, I knew this would be a fun shoot :)

Jessica is a Harvard grad, and they’re getting married at Harvard Memorial Church – so we decided to start on campus. These two are serious characters, and have a tendency to make crazy faces – so a lot of the photos turned out really fun and very relaxed.

Albert throwing the peace sign


I’m not sure if she’s roaring at him, or just trying to bite his face – but he looks pretty intimidated


And it turns Albert has some serious ups – so we had to catch some action shots


We also caught a few (slightly) more serious shots



Oh, this one was a killer. They started cracking up about 2 seconds later, but I got it! ;)



After we played around campus for a while, we took a walk towards the Charles. And we found this awesome little deck…




On the bridge, watching the boats go by


We made Albert show off some more :)


Had to stop at Berry Line for some frozen yogurt!


And then, we hit the grand opening of the new Apple Store on Boylston! We were pretty excited to check it out, but were rather disappointed (though not surprised) to find a line around the corner and a 2-hour wait to get in! Boo hoo! At least we got to see it. We even brought our own apples to celebrate :)



On our way back to the T we walked by the Boston Marathon Finish Line. So we finished the shoot marathon-style.


Jessica & Albert, it was awesome hanging out with you guys – I had a blast! I can’t wait for your wedding in a couple weeks. Woah! A couple weeks – that’s coming up soon! ;)

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 4 Comments

Liana & James Engagement Session

A couple weekends ago, I photographed an engagement session for Liana & James. We were looking at the forecast all week long, and it kept saying RAIN. We were getting a little nervous, but the rain held off and we ended up having a great, though chilly, shoot!

Liana & James live in South Boston and we decided to just do the shoot within walking distance of their house. I love to shoot e-sessions in the places that they go all the time, doing the things they like to do – so I can capture what really makes them unique as a couple. These two are great together, and it was so fun getting to know them!

First stop, the beach



Then we happened upon a little plot of tulips


and then some blossoming trees




and then a great park


then we walked back towards their house


On the way back, we found a house with a Mickey Mouse Doorbell! I mean, have you ever seen THAT before? It was kinda funny…


Then we found ourselves locked out of the park across the street from their house…


So we shot in front of their place instead!


This one is my tribute to Anne Ruthman, who always seems to have her couples lay down in the grass :)


Liana & James – thanks for an awesome afternoon! It was so great hanging out with you guys. I can’t wait for the wedding – we are going to have a BLAST! :)

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 5 Comments

Spread The Love

So, while I was in Chicago, I attended the Spread The Love workshop put on by Justin & Mary Marantz, and Sarah Barlow. It was a great time of meeting new friends, talking through every aspect of our businesses, and of course, shooting some photos!

Our first shoot was an engagement session with the amazing Beth & Nick. They’re getting married in just a matter of days! They were totally great to work with, and it helped that they’re just gorgeous :) It was so fun shooting a couple again (it’s been a long winter!) and I took like a million photos. I edited it down a bit for you though :) Check them out…
















It was interesting shooting with 15 other photographers, but Justin & Mary and Sarah did a great job of balancing demonstrating their own techniques and giving each of us an opportunity to take control of the shoot. This was definitely one of the highlights of the workshop! (more to come…)

Posted on by Krista Guenin · 1 Comment

Abigail’s Dedication

This weekend, I photographed the dedication of my friends, Jonathan & Diana’s baby Abigail. In our church, we don’t have christenings for babies, but we have a ceremony where they are dedicated to God. It’s not a big fancy thing, but it is definitely special. It was even more special because it was Diana’s first Mother’s Day!

Abigail was a bit freaked out by all of the lights and the strangers looking at her, at first…


But soon she was able to relax and just rest in her mother’s arms


The gown Abigail is wearing was once Diana’s Grandmother’s wedding dress. It was later turned into a christening gown for Diana’s mother, and then Diana wore it for her christening. Abigail is the fourth generation to wear it!


That’s my brother-in-law (our pastor) praying for Abigail and her parents


Congratulations little Abigail! What a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day!