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Boston Family Photographer | Mountain Leaf Photography

@mountainleafphotography

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Iris and Susan
LSPA: Top 3 Global Lifestyle Photographers
Feeling over perfection
Capturing the flow of love

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When @oneyounglim reached out to me, he shared that his brother is dying of terminal cancer. His family had never had professional photos taken before, and with his parents coming to visit, they wanted to capture this time together—to preserve their love, their bond, and especially, the memory of his brother. They don’t know how much time they have left.

My heart felt heavy as I listened to their story. It stirred up so many emotions. Having experienced loss and grief myself, I often find comfort in looking back at photos of my son, Elon. Those small, often unnoticed details in the images—his expressions, the way the light touched his skin—bring back the emotions, memories, and love that will always remain.

We tend to think we have more time. If not today, then tomorrow. But the truth is, time is never promised. What matters is now—who we love, how we show up, what we choose to remember. Sometimes I wonder… if we could see a countdown clock above each person’s head, showing how much time they had left, would we treat them differently? Speak differently? Prioritize differently?

During our session, I witnessed so much love flowing between Y’s family. They cried, laughed, held each other close. One moment especially stays with me: I asked Y’s brother to lay his head in his mother’s lap, and I watched as she gently ran her fingers through his hair, looking at him with such tenderness. It was quiet, full of grace, full of love. He looked so at peace in her care.

I believe all emotions deserve to be documented—grief, joy, love, and everything in between. Photographs are sacred; they carry pieces of our soul and remind us who we were in fleeting moments.

Thank you for trusting me to tell your story with my lens in a raw and honest way. May these photos serve as a timeless reminder of the love you share, now and always. taken in Boston, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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a year ago

Grateful and deeply honored to be ranked Top 3 in the world this year by the @lifestyle.photographers , among so many inspiring photographers globally.

This recognition belongs just as much to my clients. Thank you for trusting me, inviting me into your lives, and co-creating these honest, intimate storytelling images with me. Every session is one of a kind—shaped by your love, your connection, and the moments that matter most to you.

My work has always been about more than a beautiful image. It’s about being a quiet observer, a storyteller, and a voice for your love—so these fleeting moments can live on.

Thank you for allowing me to do what I love. 🤍
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#bostonfamilyphotographer
#bostonfamilyphotography
#bostonphotographer
#photographyawards taken in Brookline, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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10 months ago

Happy Friday friends! This is Iris and Susan, the photographers behind the lens at @mountainleafphotography
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As photographers, most of the time we are behind the camera bringing our visions into images. It's rare that we get to be in front of the camera and have photos taken together. These photos were taken by a dear friend when we traveled together to Nova Scotia. So we thought to pop up here and say hi!

We are best friends in real life and have the same passion towards photography. We love to use light and shadow, the surrounding environment and emotions to bring storytelling into photography in an artistic way.

We've been so fortunate to be in this journey of learning, exploring and building a photography business together while having each other's back.

Through photography, we got to meet so many loving families and amazing people we wouldn't have met otherwise. And we are so thankful for that! ✨🙏
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#novascotia #bostonchildrenphotographer #portraitphotography #shamoftheperfect #novascotiaphotographer #storyteller #bostonphotographer #travelsessions #tokyophotographer #bostonfamilyphotography #mountainleafphotography #novascotiaphotography #lifestylephotography #lookslikefilmkids #travelıngphotography taken in Nova Scotia by @mountainleafphotography

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4 years ago

Obsessed with the beautiful fall colors in New England 🌿🍂🍁
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#bostonfamilyphotographer
#bostonmaternityphotographer
#bostonnewbornphotographer
#bostonphotographer
#bostonlifestylephotographer
newenglandphotographer
newenglandfamilyphotographer
mafamilyphotographer
massachusettsphotographer
massachusettsfamilyphotographer
bostonmamas
bostonmoms
brooklinemoms
brooklinephotographer
bostonmaternity
bostonnewbornphotographer taken in Boston, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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10 days ago

Rainy day vibes ☔
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#bostonpersonalbrandingphotographer #bostonfamilyphotographer #bostonphotographer #bostonportraitphotographer #bostonportraits taken in MIT by @mountainleafphotography

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19 days ago

"Go for a slow and mindful walk.

Show them every little thing that catches your eye.

Notice every little thing that catches theirs.
Don't look for lessons or seek to teach great things.

Just notice.

The lesson will teach itself." taken in Vins Nature Center by @mountainleafphotography

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25 days ago

The flow of love ✨

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Welcome to the FilmlikePhotolabLoop.
We are alumni bound by a passion for storytelling, who believe that human connection is the most beautiful cinema. Our images are not just portraits; they are preserved moments of intimacy, the quiet conversations, the bursts of joy—the authentic scenes that become cherished visual heirlooms.
While our lenses may see differently, we share a single mission: to craft photographs that speak directly to the heart, no matter the story being told.
I’m so excited to witness the chapter you share.
Next up is: @ann_zhang_photography
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#bostonfamilyphotographer
#bostonmaternityphotographer
#bostonnewbornphotographer
#bostonphotographer
#bostonlifestylephotographer
newenglandphotographer
newenglandfamilyphotographer
mafamilyphotographer
massachusettsphotographer
massachusettsfamilyphotographer
bostonmamas
bostonmoms
brooklinemoms
brooklinephotographer
bostonmaternity
bostonnewbornphotographer taken in Boston, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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a month ago

A session for her mom.
Something we so rarely do as adults.

In the middle of it, she quietly said,
“Please also capture the space between us. It’s okay.”

So I did.

"I arranged a photo session with Iris for me and my mom, who raised me as a single parent. My mom has lived alone in China ever since I left for college in the US more than 10 years ago. She's lived a very secluded life, doesn't usually go out, and has never been comfortable facing a camera--so I was anxious about how she'd react.

From the very beginning, Iris showed incredible patience and warmth. Instead of diving straight into shooting, she spent time getting to know my mom, asking about her interests, and building rapport. To my surprise, my mom really enjoyed the conversation and opened up. Iris didn't rush me as I prepared, and her calm presence put both of us at ease.

During the shoot, Iris was both efficient and thoughtful. Most importantly, she made the experience feel natural and fun. She gently encouraged interactions between us, but when she noticed my mom's hesitance, she pivoted--asking about her hobbies and discovering her love for music and dance. That's when Iris did something magical: she played music and invited us to dance. My mom lit up, relaxed, and became her true self. Iris captured it beautifully.

The entire session felt effortless--filled with laughter, warmth, and genuine connection. By the end, my mom was comfortable, I was thrilled, and the photos perfectly reflected our bond.

Iris is:
Personal - She takes time to understand you.
Warm - She makes you feel comfortable and cared for.
Skilled - She has an eye for lighting, scenery, and natural moments.
Professional - Organized and efficient, but never pushy.

Working with Iris feels less like posing for a photographer and more like being with a friend who happens to be holding a camera. You don't feel self-conscious around her.

The results speak for themselves--the photos are stunning and heartfelt. I'm deeply grateful to Iris for helping me document this chapter of life with my mom, and I'd recommend her to anyone who wants more than just pictures--they want memories captured with soul."

-Sukai

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Welcome taken in Boston Common by @mountainleafphotography

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a month ago

Dreamy place with a dreamy girl 🌿
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#bostonpersonalbrandingphotographer #personalbranding #bostonphotographer #bostonportraitphotographer #bostonportraits taken in Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum by @mountainleafphotography

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2 months ago

“Sometimes while I’m holding you, I miss you even then, already longing for this moment I’m already living in. It’s a strange and tender heartache, to know that while you are still near, it’s these days I’ll miss most dearly—the ones unfolding, just right here.”

Words by @pickuplimes — I couldn’t agree more. I feel this all the time—the ache of wanting to hold onto a moment even while I’m still living it.

I wish I could keep these days in a little time capsule and come back to them whenever I want. Maybe, in a way, photography is my answer to that—to help families hold onto these little moments, and come back to them someday. 🤍

Video by my talented assistant @amanda051213
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#bostonfamilyphotographer
#bostonmaternityphotographer
#bostonnewbornphotographer
#bostonphotographer
#bostonlifestylephotographer
newenglandphotographer
newenglandfamilyphotographer
mafamilyphotographer
massachusettsphotographer
massachusettsfamilyphotographer
bostonmamas
bostonmoms
brooklinemoms
brooklinephotographer
bostonmaternity
bostonnewbornphotographer taken in Brookline, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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2 months ago

It's all the little moments that turn to memories ✨

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Welcome to the FilmlikePhotolabLoop.
We are alumni bound by a passion for storytelling, who believe that human connection is the most beautiful cinema. Our images are not just portraits; they are preserved moments of intimacy, the quiet conversations, the bursts of joy—the authentic scenes that become cherished visual heirlooms.
While our lenses may see differently, we share a single mission: to craft photographs that speak directly to the heart, no matter the story being told.
I’m so excited to witness the chapter you share.
Next up is: @storiesbygracechen
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#bostonfamilyphotographer
#bostonmaternityphotographer
#bostonnewbornphotographer
#bostonphotographer
#bostonlifestylephotographer
newenglandphotographer
newenglandfamilyphotographer
mafamilyphotographer
massachusettsphotographer
massachusettsfamilyphotographer
bostonmamas
bostonmoms
brooklinemoms
brooklinephotographer
bostonmaternity
bostonnewbornphotographer taken in Brookline, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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2 months ago

The flow of love.

Thank you for these awards @lifestyle.photographers 🫶 taken in Boston, Massachusetts by @mountainleafphotography

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2 months ago