What is your name?
Jessica McDaniel
What is your title?
Baby & Family Photographer
What is your business name?
Boston Baby Photos
What is your website URL?
👉 www.bostonbabyphotos.com
What is your Instagram handle?
@bostonbabyphotos
What is your LinkedIn URL?
👉 linkedin.com/in/jessicahaynesmcdaniel
How long have you been a Boston Business Women member?
More than 3 years
Where are you based? How did you end up there?
Milton, Massachusetts – I grew up here and moved back once I had my own family. Both my parents live within a mile of my house, which I love.
Tell us more about your company! What do you do and what pushed you to start?
I started Boston Baby Photos 20 years ago to tell family stories through photography. I love capturing newborn snuggles at home, giggling kids at mini-shoots in the Public Garden, high school seniors ready for the world, or entire families during lifestyle sessions. I adore kids and babies. This year, I made a video business card all about me—check it out on my website, click “MEET JESS.”
How have you grown within your personal and professional life due to the success of your business?
I’ve grown immensely both personally and professionally. Twenty years ago, I was a single, childless MBA student at BU, and now I love what I do every day. May 15, 2023 marked my 20th anniversary in business—starting with my first business checking account.
What is your definition of success? How do you know when you’ve reached it?
Success is loving what I do every day. Being absolutely thrilled to work with families daily—that’s success, and I feel it fully.
Tell us about your most transformational moment as an entrepreneur.
During COVID, photographers had to completely rethink their work. I pivoted to social distancing shoots—taking photos of babies outdoors in July heat or through windows in February. This taught me what I love most about my business: being with families and documenting their time together.
What was one of your biggest challenges in business?
The biggest challenge was navigating 2020–2021, adapting to COVID restrictions, and figuring out how to safely photograph babies and families. It was stressful and hard, but it made me appreciate the joy of being back indoors with families.
How has being a BBW Inner Circle member influenced your life + business?
It’s been wonderful. I’ve connected with extraordinary female entrepreneurs, and I’m inspired daily by their wisdom. Being part of this group means so much to me.
Tell us about your most proud moment in your career.
For my 20th business anniversary, I hosted a special session where nearly 100 families applied to model. Selecting 11 families for the shoot, coordinating everything, and capturing these magical moments with babies and families—it was extraordinary. By the end, I was filled with tears of gratitude. It felt like the culmination of 20 years of love for what I do.
Who is the woman behind your business? What does she like? How does she spend her free time? What does she value?
I’m an extroverted introvert (or introverted extrovert), loving organization and controlled chaos. I adore my two daughters, my husband, and my nieces and nephews. Free time is spent sketching on a hammock in Martha’s Vineyard, reading, or enjoying family. I value my people fiercely, and I channel my ADHD into laser focus for my business.
What makes you stand out from others in your field? What do you do differently?
I’ve built a lifestyle business, not just a money-making venture. I want families to photograph milestones with me repeatedly without financial stress. My Baby’s First Year and Annual Plan programs help families document their growth while I proactively schedule sessions to capture their stories.
Where can we keep up with you? What social media platforms do you use the most?
Instagram is my favorite: @bostonbabyphotos. I also run a Facebook group for expecting parents and families with babies under one year.