family stories
ARE EVERYTHING
Because Tomorrow They'll Be Just a Little Bit Bigger.
Since 2003, I’ve been turning everyday moments into lasting memories — because the smallest details matter.
They won’t remember this — but you will. The way their tiny fingers curl around yours, the all-family belly laughs, the splashy bath-time squish. These fleeting moments shape their childhood, but without photos, they fade.
I'm Jess McDaniel, and I started Boston Baby Photos more than 20 years ago because I know how fast time moves — and how much we, as parents, want to hold onto it. If you're in the Boston area, I would be honored to document your family. Learn more, find pricing here and book your session here.
And now, no matter where you live, I can help you improve the photos you take — with just your phone and a little intention. My Iconic Set by Boston Baby Photos® online programs teach you how to capture the moments that matter — so you can put your phone down, knowing you've captured the moments that count.
Because it's not just about the photos you take; it's also about the ones you don't.
Scroll down to learn more.
Learn
Online
In Person
Photoshoots
Learn Online
20 years of professional photography (and being a mom of two) has shown me one thing — time moves too fast.
Chubby fingers become steady hands, bedtime stories turn into text messages, and in the blur of it all, parents are left with too many bad phone photos that don’t capture the magic.
But we all carry cameras in our pockets, and every parent deserves to tell their child’s story beautifully. In my online trainings, I'm passionate about helping you turn everyday snapshots into frame-worthy photos that feel as good as the moment itself.
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ONE SMART SOLUTION, NO SCROLLING NEEDED
Photo Gift Lab
The blog that shows you how to turn everyday phone photos into meaningful gifts and keepsakes.
Want to do something special with your favorite snapshots — but not sure where to start? The Photo Gift Lab is your go-to guide for meaningful photo gift ideas, custom keepsakes, and DIY projects you can actually finish. Curated by me — your favorite family photographer with 20+ years of experience, it’s packed with simple, heartfelt ways to use your photos — for grandparents, holidays, or just because.
Family Iconic:
Holiday Card Photo Edition
A joyful DIY system that changes how you take your holiday card photo — less stress, more fun, and a new tradition your family will actually look forward to.
This isn’t just about the final photo — it’s about making the process feel good, too. You’ll capture something beautiful and actually enjoy getting it.
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ONE SIMPLE LIST, NO GUESSWORK
Fall Leaf Day Shot List
The free printable that helps you take meaningful fall photos without overthinking it.
Take a few meaningful photos that tell the story of your family's fall day. This free printable gives you a clear, easy list of fall photo ideas so you can capture the moment and then enjoy it. Perfect for families with babies, toddlers, or big kids.
THE FREE GUIDE YOU NEED:
Halloween Costume Photo Playbook
I've taken thousands of costume photos. Let me help you get yours.
This is the guide I wish every parent had — 20+ years of Halloween photo know-how, packed into one free step-by-step playbook. Grab it now, follow the simple steps, and get the one costume photo you’ll actually want to frame.
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THREE SHORT VIDEO LESSONS, NO APPS, NO OVERWHELM
Iconic Editing Kit
The $27 class that teaches you to edit photos on your phone with confidence.
Dedicate 45 minutes. Finally learn how to use the editing tools already on your phone, with guidance from a 20+ year pro who’s edited over 600,000 photos. No tech confusion. No guesswork. Just the skills you need to make your favorite photos shine.
Hold Onto Halloween:
Costume Photo Garland
Got a costume cutie this year?
Start a tradition your future self will love. Grab my newest printable, inspired by the one I hang in my own home of my kids!
ONE PHOTO PROMPT A MONTH + TEXT TIPS TO YOUR PHONE
Iconic Photo Monthly
The $9/mo program for 1-2 year old toddler parents.
Stop endlessly taking so-so photos of your toddler, and instead get one incredible photo each month and then put the phone down so you can be present for those core memories.
NEXT SUMMER...
Summer Iconic: Memory Maker Challenge
Join the challenge. Dig deeper. Watch the videos. Learn all the tricks for $37.
Take these 3 photos of your one to two year old this summer and then put your phone down.
PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES
My Amazon Storefront
The curated list of photo gear, gifts, and everyday favorites from me - a family photographer who’s been doing this for 20+ years.
If you’ve ever wondered what I actually use and love — this is it. From trusted photo gear and favorite frames to tried-and-true gift ideas, plant tools, and snack staples, it’s all here.
TESTIMONIALS
What people are saying
"Highly recommend!"
"The Iconic Photo Monthly program is so fun, user-friendly, and simple. Jess gives really easy to follow instructions on how to take awesome pics of your little one. It really has taught us so many tricks that have actually made a big difference in how our photos come out."
- Karin Roseman
"I'm loving this!"
"It's great how simple this program is. It’s definitely made my photography skills so much better!"
- Julia Karol
"Absolutely love this program!"
"It is SO much fun to do with both my kids (even though one is a little older) I always have so much trouble picking photos to print and frame because I get overwhelmed by how many I have and then end up not doing it at all. But these photos I have of my toddler are seriously so cute and taken with such intention that it’s super easy to pick them to print to show her personality off. Also love the texts because 1. ADHD. And 2. I can always search for it super easily to review tips/tricks."
- Rebecca Garland
"Such a fun subscription!"
"Got is as a gift from a friend and the photos we are getting with Jess’ tips are literally the only gifts we need for family this year!! Thank you #iconicphotomonthly!!!"
- Amanda Strawhacker
VIDEOS ABOUT JESS & BOSTON BABY PHOTOS
My Video Business Card
About Working with Jess
Newborn Sessions with Jess
Public Garden Minis with Jess
FAQs
Can I ask you a question about the Iconic Set program?
Of course, If you've ordered a course or are considering ordering something that I offer as part of The Iconic Set by Boston Baby Photos (TM) relating to photographing your child with your phone, email [email protected] and my team and I will figure out how to help you out.
I'd like to hire you to do photos of my family, where do I get information about that?
All the details about my in person photoshoots can be found at www.bostonbabyphotos.com
Can I buy a gift card for someone else?
Absolutely! If you'd like to buy someone else a year's subscription to the Iconic Photo Monthly, visit this page. If you'd like to buy a gift certificate for an in-person photoshoot with me, visit my shopify store here. If you don't see what you're looking for, contact me directly and I'm happy to make you a custom gift card.
