Uncategorized – Susan Ogar Photography

In Front of the Lens: A Journey to the Other Side

As a photographer, I spend my days capturing moments, weaving stories, and immortalizing memories for others. But what happens when the tables turn, and the one who’s always behind the lens steps in front of it? In this blog, I explore the transformative experience of going to the other side of the camera, embracing vulnerability, and discovering the art of self-expression through professional portraits. …And celebrate my colleague, Trish Gilmore, and the launch of Inner Goddess Photography.

One of my main goals when creating portraits—whether it be high school seniors, families, or professional headshots—is to make my clients comfortable enough to openly reveal their true selves. If you’ve worked with me, you know I like to chat and create a warm, casual environment. I believe that when people are comfortable, I am able to capture their true essence. That being said, it can be difficult to feel completely comfortable and not self-conscious in front of the camera. I work hard to make my clients feel confident, but I know I can always do more.

So I did it. I moved to the other side of the camera to learn and grow! My beautiful and talented friend Trish Gilmore has just launched Inner Goddess Photography to empower and uplift women by creating a visual narrative that resonates with self-love and confidence. While I was worried that the lines between my eyes would look like they were etched too deep and my crooked smile would be off the mark, Trish welcomed me into her beautiful, Rhode Island studio and put me at ease right away.

This was an opportunity to challenge myself, break the routine, and gain a new perspective on the vulnerability that my clients may feel during a portrait session.

Trish is literally and figuratively a master. She holds her Master of Wedding Photography degree and is simply an amazingly talented artist. I learned from the experience on many levels.

Trish effortlessly guided me through poses making me feel natural and authentic.
Experiencing a portrait session as a subject deepened my empathy for my own clients. It’s a reminder of the nervous excitement, the vulnerability, and the desire to look and feel our best.
Authenticity is the center of great photography. Having Trish photograph me provided a chance to be raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically me—etched lines, crooked smile, and all. Authentic portraits capture the essence of who we are, serving as a powerful reminder to our clients that vulnerability is beautiful.
And certainly not to be ignored, the magic of post-processing and retouching is something with which photographers are intimately familiar. However, being the subject allowed me to appreciate the art of retouching on a personal level. It’s a reminder that every adjustment, every enhancement, is a step towards showcasing the best version of ourselves—the lines are still there, but they are softer…

Stepping in front of the camera with the love and care of Trish Gilmore was a little journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. I was surprised by the portraits that I loved most. Trish captured me in a way that no other photographer has. I’m not a glam-girl and Trish made me feel authentic, real and also beautiful.

Learn more about Inner Goddess Photography and Trish Gilmore.

Picturing the Past

I was drawn to photograph the Westborough State Hospital for several reasons before it was recently demolished. Its history, outer beauty, personal connections, and its deep well of stories were a strong lure. The rich history and my childhood imagination drew me to the subject.

Established in 1884, the Westborough State Hospital was originally known as “Westborough Insane Hospital.” Set on more than 600 acres, the hospital was closed in 2010, due to budgetary issues and in anticipation of a new Worcester State Hospital.

By 1895, Westborough boasted the highest recovery rate in the state, and the hospital was known to be the second homeopathic state hospital in the nation and the first in Massachusetts. Around 1910, farming operations were added as a therapeutic treatment. This addition, along with a stable, greenhouse, and fields of vegetables, create a more serene feel to the property.

African-American psychiatrist Solomon Carter Fuller, a pioneer in his field, spent most of his career practicing at the hospital in the early 1900s. Fuller was involved in ground-breaking research on the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. He himself was one of 5 who studied under German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer who identified the first case of what became known as Alzheimer’s disease. My father died last year in May 2022 of Alzheimer’s disease.

As a child, spending summers in Gloucester, MA, my older brothers and I would explore abandoned places in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Back then, it was typical for kids to spend extended time exploring nature and the world without the watchful eye of adults. These afternoons and evenings of adventures are the roots of my love for all things abandoned. Even as a little kid, I loved the look of the peeling paint and the texture of rusted metal and considered the potential lives that came before me.

Most of all, I loved the stories I could create about the various locations. One of these places was called Camp Stella Maris. Camp Stella Maris was a Catholic summer camp for youth located in West Gloucester. I was about 7 or 8 the first time we explored the property, and I was stunned to see that the cabins still had beds with linen and dishes in the cabinets. I vividly remember seeing a pile of silverware weighing down a sagging old mattress in one of the cabins. It was like one day, everyone who was attending and working at the camp just walked away. All I could think was, “What happened here? What are the stories? Who were the characters?” Years later, I used to dream about running away and living in one of the old camp buildings on the marsh. No one would ever look for me there.

Fast forward 40 years, I stumbled upon the Westborough State Hospital and became enamored with how nature was taking back the abandoned property. When I photographed the property, I wore an N95 mask (prior to Covid) due to the fact that a number of the buildings contained asbestos and lead paint. Several of the images in the exhibit are specifically of that peeling paint. Some of the structures had partially collapsed roofs and plants could be seen growing inside. I titled one of my Photographs “If These Walls Could Talk.” What stories would the hundreds of patients and healthcare workers tell?

The hospital was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Still, somehow despite that, in 2019, I watched sadly as bulldozers demolished the magnificent architecture of arched brick doorways, wide front porches, and classic cupolas. Once proud-looking buildings and later decaying shells. I saw the beauty in both. There was such allure in nature taking back the land. Plants and trees literally reclaim the property. My hope is the images of beautifully conflicted history in the exhibit make the viewer think and feel.

The Photographic Exhibit will be on display at the Northborough Free Library starting October 2, 2023.

The Photographic Exhibit was previously on display at the Westborough Library.

Shine Theory…

Last Summer I read a book that reminded me of an idea that I’d already held dear. It put into words the concept of surrounding yourself with the best people and alway celebrating each other’s accomplishments without envy or competition. Shine Theory. I’m lucky to have this in my personal life with wonderfully supportive friends and family and it’s with such gratitude that I see it in my professional life too. I’m a Sole Proprietor so I work alone a good deal of the time and some may view other photographers as competitors…but I’ve learned first hand, that that is far from the truth. I wouldn’t still be in business if it weren’t for the other photographers who have supported, push, and cheered me on along the way. From the small business friends locally to the amazing people in my professional groups — supporting each other brings everyone up.

What is Shine Theory?

“Shine Theory is an investment, over the long term, in helping someone be their best self—and relying on their help in return.”

“Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn’t make you look worse by comparison. It makes you better.”

https://www.shinetheory.com/

Class of 2023 Senior Portrait FAQ. Now Booking Sessions…

– One of my Greatest Joys is Telling Your Life Story… –

Easy Senior Portrait Steps:

Select Session Type (details below)
Book Session (email at info@susanogarphotography.com or call or text 508.277.6140)
Confirm Details (on wardrobe & location with me via in person consultation or via phone)
Prep for Session (I will email you a full list)
Enjoy your Beautiful Milestone Portraits.

I have yet to figure out how to stop the clock… Let me capture this incredible time for you and your family. I am currently booking Senior Portraits for early Summer and Fall.

We offer a variety of options for Seniors to suit different styles and preferences. See full details below. View a full gallery of our High School Seniors.

Here are some common questions that we get about Senior Portraits.

How long do senior sessions typically last?
The length of the session depends on which session you have booked. We offer super basic sessions called Minis for those seniors who really just want a short and sweet session all the way to half-day (3+ hours), on-location dream sessions. Something for everyone. Our most popular session is about 90 minutes long, but it varies from Senior to Senior.

Where do you photograph Senior portraits?
I photograph seniors in several local locations including my Garden Studio in Northborough, Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, Davidian Farm in Northborough and the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. I can travel to your home or a location of your choosing as well. For the Signature Session, we often travel to a unique location to suit your personality–whether that be an urban cityscape of a field of wildflowers.

How many wardrobe changes can we bring?
Your wardrobe changes are partially based on the session you have selected. I personally recommend that Seniors bring at least two outfit changes. Once you book your session, I will send you clothing suggestions and tips. I am also available for a pre-session clothing consultation at no charge.

What is the cost and session options?

Mini Garden Studio Session — Short & Sweet

Northborough Garden Studio
20 minutes of photography time
No wardrobe changes.

Basic Session

On location within 8 miles of Northborough or in our Garden Studio
45 to 60 minutes of photography time
In person selection and consultation meeting
2-3 wardrobe changes

Signature Session — Most Popular

1.5 to 2 hour location shoot (can include Garden Studio & Location)
In person selection and consultation meeting
Multiple wardrobe changes (up to 4)
Custom video slideshow for viewing
Choice of 20-Page Senior Book or 5 fully retouched digital files

Ultimate Session — Enjoy the Luxury

Half day location shoot
In person selection and consultation meeting
Unlimited wardrobe changes
A beautifully designed 20-page Senior book
Custom video slideshow to keep
$150 print credit and 7 fully retouched digital files

You will pay for the session at the time of booking, so you can focus on beautiful portraits on the day of. In person selection & consultation meetings take place between 1 and 3 weeks after your session. The image you select as your Senior Portrait will be delivered to your school for the yearbook

How many Seniors do you photograph each year and when do we book you?
I open Senior Session Booking on April 1. I photograph a maximum of 50 Senior a year. I start photographing senior sessions in late May through late October. If you would like a late senior year portrait for the current graduation year–2022 (outside of yearbook needs) I can accommodate that as well.
SCHOOL YEARBOOK DEADLINES ARE AS EARLY AS OCTOBER 1st!

How long to you keep portraits from the session?
A year! I keep the portraits that you have purchased on file for 1 year. I remove all images not ordered from my systems after our selection meeting to make space for other seniors. After that I am no longer responsible for holding onto your portraits.

Who sends your senior portrait to the school for the yearbook?
I do. My goal is to make your life easier. I will send a beautifully retouched portrait that you selected directly to your high school.

Can we book a family session and a senior portrait session at the same time?
Absolutely. Reach out and we’ll touch base on the timing of everything. Some families like to do combined sessions and I can explain how that works.

What if I have additional questions?
I’m here to help! Call, text, email or schedule a time to come to the studio and we can discuss any questions you might have. Senior year is an exciting time and a precious milestone. Let me capture this time for you and your family.

Authentic, Simple, Timeless

Your Graduating Senior Checklist Is Almost Complete…

I know you and your high school senior have spent a good part of the past year prepping for graduation in one way or another. These past few years have been like no other and if we can help make graduation time special for you and your senior, please let us know how we can help. Below are some ideas.

Graduation Announcements, Party Invitations & Thank You Notes
We create custom designed Graduation Announcements & Party Invitations. Here are just a few samples. You can choose from templates or custom made, so the sky is the limit. Just let us know what wording you want and we’ll do the rest.

Sample custom grad cards. Click to enlarge.

A small selection of our templates:

Senior Portrait Memory Book
Let us create a perfect memory book of your senior portrait session. These signature keepsake books are the perfect way to commemorate all of the hard work and fun of high school.

Digital Files

Great news. If you want to make your own grad cards, banners and thank you notes, we offer Digital Files. If you didn’t buy the files yet, Email or call us for details.

Banners, Yard Signs & Additional Items
We also create custom banners to show how proud you are of your senior. These vinyl banners come with grommets for easy hanging and in a variety of sizes. Clients display them over front doors and garages etc.

24″ x 36″ Banner

Price List

Other items such as slideshows, signature posters, and more are also available.

Class of 2022 Senior Portrait FAQ… Booking Sessions Now.

– One of my Greatest Joys is Telling Your Life Story… –

I love capturing moments for families to treasure for years to come. My business has reached this completely amazing stage where the toddlers that I photographed when I first opened my doors are now coming of age. If you know me well, you know that I’m a sucker for looking back and reminiscing. It’s in my bones. I’m also obsessed with the time we have with our children while they are still children. My own son is about to turn 17 and as we get closer to him becoming an adult, well, let’s just say my heart skips a beat each time I see him tower over me at 6 feet tall.

Since I have yet to figure out how to stop the clock… Let me capture “childhood” for you and your family. I am currently booking Senior Portraits for early Summer and Fall. To book a session email me at info@susanogarphotography.com or call or text me at 508.277.6140.

We offer a variety of options for Seniors to suit different styles and preferences, ranging from a 20 to 30 minute “mini session” for $150 in my Garden Studio in Northborough, to a $1550 premier session which includes a half day location shoot, multiple wardrobe changes, a beautifully designed 20-page Senior book, a custom video slideshow, $150 print credit and 5 fully retouched digital files. View a full gallery of our High School Seniors. .

Here are some common questions that we get about Senior Portraits.

How long do senior sessions typically last?

The length of the session depends on which session you have booked. We offer super basic sessions called minis for those seniors who really just want a short and sweet session all the way to half-day (3+ hours), on-location dream sessions. Something for everyone. Our most popular session is about 90 minutes long, but it varies from Senior to Senior.

Where do you shoot Senior portraits?

I photograph seniors in several local locations including my Garden Studio in Northborough, Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, Davidian Farm in Northborough and the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. I can travel to your home or a location of your choosing as well. For the Signature Session, we often travel to a unique location to suit your personality–whether that be an urban cityscape of a field of wildflowers.

How many wardrobe changes can we bring?

Your wardrobe changes are partially based on the session you have selected. I personally recommend that Seniors bring at least two outfit changes. Once you book your session, I will send you clothing suggestions and tips. I am also available for a pre-session clothing consultation at no charge.

What is the cost and session options?

Mini Garden Studio Session $150 — Short & Sweet

Basic Garden Studio or Location Session $295

Signature Session $899 — Most Popular

Ultimate Session $1559 — Enjoy the Luxury

How many Seniors do you photograph each year and when do we book you?

I open Senior Session Booking on March 1. I photograph a maximum of 35 Senior a year. I start photographing senior sessions in late May through late October. If you would like a late senior year portrait for the current graduation year–2021 (outside of yearbook needs) I can accommodate that as well.

SCHOOL DEADLINES ARE AS EARLY AS OCTOBER 3RD!

How long to you keep portraits from the session?

A year! I keep the portraits that you have purchased on file for 1 year. I remove all images not ordered from my systems after our selection meeting to make space for other seniors. After that I am no longer responsible for holding onto your portraits.

Who sends your senior portrait to the school for the yearbook?

I do. My goal is to make your life easier. I will send a beautifully retouched portrait that you selected to your high school.

Can we book a family session and a senior portrait session at the same time?

Absolutely. Reach out and we’ll touch base on the timing of everything. Some families like to do combined sessions and I can explain how that works.

What if I have additional questions?

I’m here to help. Call, text, email or schedule a time to come to the studio and we can discuss any questions you might have. Senior year is an exciting time and a precious milestone. Let me capture this time for you and your family.

Authentic, Simple, Timeless

What to Wear to Look Your Best at Your Professional Portrait Session

Being well prepared for you portrait session can make the difference between average and fabulous. Keep it simple and make sure you feel good in the clothes you select. Have your clothes and accessories ready the night before your session. Choose clothes that reflect your style and are appropriate for your ages. Make sure they are clean and free of wrinkles.

Colors

Simple, classic clothes and colors look best. We recommend that you avoid stripes and plaid (unless small and classic). Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns. A deep fall color palette will complement the nature around you and create a timeless portrait. Browns, maroons, plum, hunter green, and navy are excellent fall colors. Knit sweaters, leather jackets, jeans, khakis and riding boots are all nice choices. You can also add a pop of color like the berry in the sample color palettes below. You will want to avoid logos and large, busy patterns.

Hair

A little curl cream or pomade can help prevent frizz and fly-aways. Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session. It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your portraits will look their best. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy. Please don’t be concerned about minor (or major) breakouts. We can touch all that up. Make sure that your face make-up is blended into your neck so that when you look in the mirror your neck is not too white.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. The proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. Select items that don’t distract from your face.

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.

Weather

Sun and/or clouds are great (clouds even out the light and can make for ideal shooting conditions). If it’s actually raining or hurricane winds are blowing, we will have to reschedule.

Undergarments

Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordinate well with your outfits and don’t show through your clothing. Try on your clothing with the undergarments and make sure all is good.

Relax and Have Fun!

I strive to make the portrait sessions fun. If you are enjoying the session, it will show through and the result will be better images. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to call, text, or email.

Class of 2021 Senior Portrait FAQ… Booking Sessions Now.

– One of my Greatest Joys is Telling Your Life Story… –

Here are some common questions that we get about Senior Portraits.

How long do senior sessions typically last?

Where do you shoot Senior portraits?

How many wardrobe changes can we bring?

What is the cost and session options?

Mini Garden Studio Session $150 — Short & Sweet

Northborough Garden Studio
20 to 30 minutes of photography time
In person selection and consultation meeting
No wardrobe changes.

Classic Garden Studio or Location Session $295

On location within 8 miles of Northborough or in our Garden Studio
45 to 60 minutes of photography time
In person selection and consultation meeting
2-3 wardrobe changes

Signature Session $795 — Most Popular

1.5 to 2 hour location shoot (can include Garden Studio & Location)
In person selection and consultation meeting
Multiple wardrobe changes (up to 4)
Custom video slideshow for viewing
Choice of 20-Page Senior Book or 5 fully retouched digital files

Ultimate Session $1550 — Enjoy the Luxury

Half day location shoot
In person selection and consultation meeting
Unlimited wardrobe changes
A beautifully designed 20-page Senior book
Custom video slideshow to keep
$150 print credit and 7 fully retouched digital files

In person selection & consultation meetings take place between 1 and 3 weeks after your session. The image you select as your Senior Portrait will be delivered to your school for the yearbook

How many Seniors do you photograph each year and when do we book you?

I open Senior Session Booking on March 1. I photograph 30 Senior a year. I start photographing senior sessions in late May through late October. If you would like a late senior year portrait for the current graduation year–2020 (outside of yearbook needs) I can accommodate that as well.

SCHOOL DEADLINES ARE AS EARLY AS OCTOBER 3RD!

How long to you keep portraits from the session?

Who sends your senior portrait to the school for the yearbook?

I do. My goal is to make your life easier. I will send a beautifully retouched portrait that you selected to your high school.

Can we book a family session and a senior portrait session at the same time?

Absolutely. Reach out and we’ll touch base on the timing of everything. Some families like to do combined sessions and I can explain how that works.

What if I have additional questions?

Authentic, Simple, Timeless

Your Graduating High School Senior Check List Is Almost Complete…

You have already checked off SO many items on your Senior Year checklist, now it’s ALMOST time to party!

It’s not over, but it’s certainly getting close. Most likely you and your high school senior have spent a good part of the past 4 years prepping for graduation in one way or another. Visiting colleges and exploring other post-graduation pursuits, taking ACTs or SATs, senior nights for varsity sports, proms and balls, musical and dramatic performances, college applications & financial aide paperwork… The list is long! You have worked hard. You (and your Senior) deserve a party…

Graduation Invitations and Announcements
Let us create your custom-designed Graduation Party Invitations and Announcements. Just reach out and we’ll create one for you. Here are just a few samples:

Signature Senior Portrait Albums & Memory Books
We also create perfect memory books of your senior portrait session. These keepsake albums and books are the perfect way to commemorate all of the hard work and fun of high school.

Banners & Additional Items
We also create custom banners to create the ideal party vibe. These vinyl banners come with grommets for easy hanging and in a variety of sizes.

Other items such as thank you notes, slideshows, and more are also available.

Making Your Mark: Personal Branding & Headshots…

What is Personal Branding and Why is it Important?

I love working with other business owners, capturing images that bring extra impact and personality to entrepreneurial marketing projects. As a Board member of my own local business non-profit, I work with small and large businesses who want to stand out in the crowd.

You want a headshot or personal branding image that communicates with your audience. It should help tell the story of who you are and what feeling you want your business to evoke. Do you want to portray a confident, traditional vibe or a warm and friendly feeling? There is no wrong answer–it just depends on how YOU want your clients to feel when they engage with you and your business…and your brand.

Through our Image Concept Consultation, we will help you determine what poses, expressions, locations and backdrops are best suited to tell your story. We will also determine what the images will be used for and therefore, how the portraits should be created. For example, do you need square crops for social media such as Linked In? Do you have a format needed for publication or speaking engagements or a long vertical banner for the Web? We can accommodate business partner and teams as well.

What To Wear and How to Prep for A Personal Brand ing Professional Photoshoot

Clothing selection for your personal brand photography has a huge impact on the perception of you and your brand. Below are some tips and guidelines .

How would you dress if you had the chance to meet hundreds or thousands of potential clients, customers, or your online audience members?
That answer is different for every single one of you reading this. For example, a tattoo artist may want to convey a different look than a business coach who may want to convey a different look than a pastry chef who needs a different look than a banker. All of them are professionals.
There are a handful of guidelines that I give to every client that will ensure you make the best possible decisions when deciding what to wear.
Unlike a simple portrait shoot, a personal branding session needs to have a specific purpose or goal. Everything you do needs to be planned to advance that goal.
Some of the most common goals could be to update your website content, strengthen your visual online brand, engage with your clients.

When you are planning a personal brand session, don’t start with the clothes… start with the goal you want to achieve for your brand and then determine what clothing will advance that goal.

Think about casual vs. formal, choosing a color scheme that matches your brand, and the style of clothes that relate to the story you are telling.

Be Comfortable

Your personal comfort level is going to show in the photos. If you feel stiff and uncomfortable in whatever you’re wearing, then you’re going to look stiff and uncomfortable in your portraits.

There are a few things that factor into comfort…

First, you want the clothes to fit well. To tight and you’ll look stiff in the photos and be self-conscious about the fit. Too loose and you’ll just look sloppy. Neither of those looks is very flattering and neither inspire confidence or authority. The best clothes are relatively form fitting but with enough flexibility to move around.

Pay Attention To Colors

If you’re ready to invest in a personal branding photo session, then you’ve already spent some time planning your brand. That probably includes certain color palettes for your website or even a certain “look” for social media posts.

Plan Your Changes

A lot of personal brand shoots occur on location. So opportunities to change outfits may be limited. In these circumstances, you need to plan ahead for ways to easily change your look without having to get completely undressed.

A great way to accomplish this is by creating layers in your outfits. Camis are great for quick changes or you can add a jacket, a cardigan, a scarf, or other accessories to give you a completely different look without having to take anything off.

What To Avoid

Most of these are things that can distract the focus from you and decrease the effectiveness of the photo. Some are just things that look bad on camera.

Avoid Small Patterns And Prints–Small patterns and small prints are extremely distracting in photos. They will draw all the attention away from you and onto your clothing, and not in a good way. Larger patterns can work though.

Whenever possible, stick to solid colors. Use accessories for style rather than prints.

Avoid Branded Clothing–If you don’t work for Vineyard Vines, don’t sport the logo. Or…I can edit out small logos if needed.

Select Newer, Fresher Pieces–Things like worn out spots, rips, pilling, missing buttons, or other tiny imperfections tend to get really magnified when they are on camera.

Don’t worry at all about blemishes. I can edit those with no trouble.

Relax and just spend a little time prepping ahead and your images will shine. When in doubt, ask your photographer… I’m happy to help.