RI Family Portrait | Melissa LaCouture | Rhode Island Portrait & Family Photographer

2011 Rewind :: Family Portraits – RI Family Portrait Photography

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Melissa Lacouture

Although I’ve been doing wedding photography for coming up on 9 years this portrait “branch” of my business only started in October 2010. I will give you some background… In September of 2009 I sent out an email to my closest friends and family explaining that I wanted to do a family portrait day. I told them I would be in Roger Williams park for a certain amount of time and that they could pick a time to come for… say 20 minutes or so to get a nice portrait of the family. Did I mention that I was offering to do this for free? Photos are so important to me so I wanted to make sure that the people closest to me had some nice ones of their loved ones. Only one person did it (thanks, Marisa!). Then in September of last year I thought “I’m going to try to do a family portrait day again, but this time I will post it on Facebook and actually charge money.” My husband said when I came up with the idea he thought “It’s going to be so sad if no one does it again”. My family portrait day turned into three days, I booked 20 people, and 99% of those people have been repeat customers or referred future clients to me. I would say my business started there.

In the past year I’ve met so many great people and made new friends. I never would have dreamed year ago that I’d have a web site, a studio, and so many wonderful clients. 2012 is going to be a really exciting year for me. I can’t wait to start on the plans that I have. Before all that happens I thought we should take a stroll down memory lane and leave 2011 with a bang! Here are some of my favorite family portraits that I’ve taken over the past year, definitely not all of them but a nice mix. Enjoy the family love! Next up will be newborns…

Tristan and Addison’s Portrait Shoot in Pawtucket – RI Family Photography

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Melissa Lacouture

Sometimes after I do a portrait I get a little jealous. I see these great pictures of someone else’s family and I wish it was my family in them! You might also get a little jealous if you continue to look at this blog post. My studio is in an old mill building which means the outside is just as cool as the inside. When I saw Tristan’s sweater I knew Mom and Dad would be down for something a little cooler so we ventured out. Not cooler in temperature because it was like 60 degrees out. I mean cooler in attitude. We really lucked out with the weather, wardrobe choice and a really fun backdrop. Everything came together perfectly.

I’m crazy for this picture…

And this one…

When Mom first emailed me she told me that her husband was in Afghanistan! We couldn’t set a date until she knew exactly when he was coming home. This is a really sweet family and I’m so happy that everyone is safe here at home and able to spend the holidays together. I hope these pictures make the homecoming just that much sweeter.

Love it!

The expression kills me! Addison is only 2 months old. She is so adorable!

The whole family!!

Such a good big brother.

The beginning was all about Tristan so Addison needed some time in the spotlight inside where it is warm and cozy.

Aisha, Dave, and Hulk’s Family Maternity Shoot – RI Maternity Photographer

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Melissa Lacouture

There aren’t many people I would drive 2 hours to do photos for, but I had to do it for Aisha and Dave. I had the pleasure of assisting at their wedding with Trish from Snap! Photography. We really had a blast with them. I think they will go down in the books as one of the best couples to work with. That’s why there was no way I could pass up the opportunity to see these guys again. Aisha is due to have their first baby in January. I don’t know about you ladies, but I did not look this good when I was 34 weeks pregnant!

Obviously this is a good looking couple! I remember two things when I think about their wedding. I remember how much I laughed at all of Dave’s jokes and movie references. I also remember how crazy in love he was with Aisha.

Here is Hulk! This dog did not want to get his picture taken.

It wasn’t long before Hulk here was off his leash and literally running circles around the photo shoot.

Aisha said the little guy was kicking while we were doing photos. He must like getting his picture taken. I guess he is going to be excited to meet me in January!

And, yes, it is a boy!! Aisha told me that Dave high fived the ultrasound technician when they found out.

Here comes Hulk! I did mentally prepare to get plowed over while I was taking these photos, but he moved just in time. He is a good puppy so I don’t think he really planned on taking me down. He was just having fun.

Finally he is ready to sit… But only for a second

Completely tuckered out…

Ada’s Portrait at Roger Williams Park – RI Baby Photography

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Melissa Lacouture

The initial plan for Ada’s portrait was to take a ride up to Lincoln Woods. Ada has been going there with her mom since she was a peanut. She comes from an outdoorsy family that loves to be close to mother nature. When her mom spied this amazing hut during a walk through Roger Williams Park she had a whole new idea for Ada’s photos. Her mom, Mandy, is a super talented artist. Just look up at the top of my web site. See that banner? Mandy designed it. The hut inspired Mandy to add a little something to our photo shoot. She texted me “I’m bringing something for the photos. I went to RISD so bear with me”. I totally trust Mandy and knew whatever she had in mind would be (as she would say) rad. When she showed up with this cool bird mask for Ada that she made that morning I was very excited to start the shoot!

There she is!

Mandy jumped in for some pictures. Unfortunately Ada’s Daddy is camera shy. That’s right, Derrick. I’m calling you out.

Love this one!

What a beautiful day in November!? The weather has been so crazy! I’m not complaining though.

Ada is used to maneuvering through the woods. I think she is better at it than I am. It’s in her blood.

Wearing Mom’s necklace as a headband…

Tickling her face with the grass…

The many expressions and emotions of Ada…

Seriously! What a gorgeous day it was!

She was very excited to show me all the rocks she found.

Such a beautiful little girl.

Aubrey and Riley at Goddard Park – RI Family Portrait Photography

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Melissa Lacouture

I was very excited to meet this family in Goddard Park last week. From reading Helena’s emails I knew I would like her. It turns out she is not only funny but also beautiful with a gorgeous family to boot! Sort of makes my job easy. It was a little chilly out but the whole family were troopers. Aubrey wrapped herself in Riley’s blanket in between shots. Anything to keep warm and happy! She is 2 which means she is the boss!