I currently can't walk. What awful timing, lol. Family photographer hustle season, and I have to use a knee scooter to get around. With a torn Lisfranc ligament, and multiple little fractures in my left foot, I headed to one of my last photo sessions before surgery. My Sony a7III strapped on, my trusty Zeiss 55mm lens wiped clean, and a list of carefully thought out poses and prompts, I was ready to go.
What a sweet setting it was- golden hour at a beautiful park on the edge of town with one of the sweetest families. Chris Carlson here had been a volunteer soccer coach for my oldest son 2 seasons in a row. By chance we had met this family in a sea of other Turlock families doing recreational soccer, and Jamie and I became instant friends as we chatted during soccer practices. Much has happened since then, and I am so grateful that our paths crossed and for the friendship that has grown there.
But back to the session. My handicapped situation could not stop this family from SHINING in their photos! They brought so much joy and energy that evening, you can feel it in the pictures! Instead of me telling you though, I asked Jamie a few questions about the session, and her answers were too good not to share- check them out below!
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1.What made you decide to have family photos taken?
A few years ago, maybe 7-8, we got photos done, and really didn’t have the best experience, I wasn’t extremely happy with the photos, and felt so awkward the whole time. so for years after we didn’t have photos done. After being offered a few photos from you, Rachel, last fall, I realized that the kids are growing up so fast, and that it’s really one of maybe a few times a year we get everyone in one photo. And certainly the only time of year they turn out professional. So now we have had photos done two years in a row and will continue to capture our families growth.
2.How did the session feel once we got started?
Sometimes taking photos can feel so awkward and come out looking staged so it was nice to have someone who gave clear creative direction, knowing how her inspiration could reflect on a photo. So, it was easy, it was fun, anything but stressful or awkward.
3.What was your favorite part or memory from the day?
In my last photo shoot, it was fun to have props with us to switch up the look or style. We brought some flowers and a hat and it really was the cherry on top.
4.How did you feel when you first saw your photos?
These were my all time favorite family photos. The colors turned out so pretty, the quality of the photo looks so good. This is the first time we have used the photos to blow up and frame for our walls.
5.Which image (or moment) means the most to you, and why?
There’s a picture of my husband and I sharing a sweet kiss moment and I'm holding flowers in the forefront of the photo. It’s almost like the flowers were unintentionally placed there, and everything about the photo makes me smile. My husband brings me
fresh flowers every week for our home, so having flowers in the photos is significant for us, and they matched our attire so there’s a subtle nod to something special in our life.
6.How would you describe your experience working with me?
Again, so easy, so fun. It’s nice to show up and not have to worry how to stand or how to pose or what to do to make the picture look good, you really took control over that stressful part.
7.If you could give one tip to other families getting ready for their photos, what would it be?
Communicate with the photographer before hand about color schemes, and pose ideas. Give them ideas and inspiration on what you think you would like and then let them work their expertise magic on the rest. I was able to get exactly what I visioned for my family photos. I never once felt silly for showing her my recommendations or judged if I wanted to try something.
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Ugh, wasn't that detail about the fresh flowers SO sweet?! I live to capture details about what makes you YOU and paints the picture of who your family is. Another thing Jamie said that's so right- the kids are growing so fast. Cliche, but true. Get the photos, be in the photos. Your kids will grow up and look back on how you held them and won't think "I wish mom or dad looked such and such a way." NO! They don't care, they just want to be with you! So snuggle those babies, and capture those memories. Print them, hang them, save them. (P.S. It's normal to not love how you look in photos. Just know that you are wrong, and the rest of us just see your beauty.)
Want to learn more about my Turlock, CA photography business, go to www.rachelchamberlainphotography.com
Thanks for reading, friends. Until next time!
Rachel
