Are You Making These Mistakes For Your Family Pictures?

 

Here are some common mistakes I have seen over the 10 years I have been taking family photos:
1. Mistake #1-  NOT MAKING TIME for the session.
Are you trying to schedule your pictures before supper, before you have to be at soccer, hockey, gymnastics and dance? When booking your family photo session DO not have any obligations before or after your session. Take the time to get ready, nap the kids and feed everyone. There is nothing more stressful than feeling rushed for your session before or after. I keep my Sunday evenings open for shoots simply because of this… most people are not in a rush and do not have anywhere to be two hours before sunset on a Sunday.

2. Mistake #2 – Your husband is NOT prepared.

Is your husband acting as though he is going for a root canal ? Is he putting up more of a fuss than than your two year old that has not napped in 3 days? Yeah I know that husband….I have met him many times. Ladies you know your husband best you need to act like you paid nothing for the new outfits you forced everyone into before coming… they were all on sale. Or wait I allow my clients to borrow clothes from my studio wardrobe so tell him they are all borrowed!! As well, tell him the session is going to last 2 hours ( it never will, but just so he can prepare for the worst) we will wrap up your session in 30-50 minutes so he will think I am super quick!!! Maybe even go to extremes  like let him drink a beer and then YOU  drive to the session. One of my most memorable shoots was when hubby was straight off the golf course with his buddies after the perfect amount of beer we couldn’t wipe that smile off of his face!!!

3. Mistake #3 – Planning to Eat AFTER your session.

Feed your kids, feed your husband, feed everyone as though there has been a shortage of food in the country prior to your session. Hungry children and hangry husbands simply do not cooperate and do not enjoy themselves PERIOD!!!

4. Mistake #4 –  Making your kids SAY CHEESE!

It is my job to get your kiddos to look at me and smile… for some pictures. I will make this happen, I promise you do not have to tell your kids  ” look at the lady and say cheese” Like please just don’t!!! If you will notice from most of my work the most memorable images are those when your looking at your child or your spouse….not straight at the camera. There is a light in your eyes that sparkles when you look at a loved one…I swear so just love on your kids and eat them up for the session. Once your gone from this world they will cherish the images of you smiling, laughing, hugging and kissing them.

5.Mistake #5- Bringing a pile of STUFF to your session.

I don’t know why but some people arrive with three suitcases, 2 purses and 10 jackets and then just carry them along for the session. Just bring a small bag of essentials…. water, bug spray and maybe a few bribes that is it. We walk around and move for the entire session and having to pick up your 3 suitcases, 2 purses and 10 jackets just doesn’t work well. During a session with me I like to walk around and explore a little bit and capture your kids enjoying the outdoors. Oh and leave your purse at home you don’t need to buy anything in the random field or beach we are shooting at.

I hope your enjoyed my simple tips and I hope that you realize my message is to keep it simple, smile and have fun….. that is what you want to remember the most!

If your thinking of a summer session with me here is my current availability:

Welcome!

My name is Janna and I currently live in Saskatoon, Sask. I have an in home studio space that I use for shooting newborns, milestones and motherhood sessions.

All in all, I am surviving on coffee and very little sleep but I am happy. I have the privilege to work with absolutely wonderful families who trust me to hold their little bitty babies and honour me with the creation of their memories.  I do feel truly blessed. I would love to meet you and maybe learn a little bit about you and your family!

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Janna Gobeil Photography

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