Gilbert Family Photographer | Gorgeous East Valley Family Pictures

Gilbert Family Photographer

As a Gilbert family photographer, I’ve chosen to be low volume so that I can really focus on each family, each client, and get to know them. When that happens, these “clients” become more like friends, which is definitely the case with Kim and her family. Kim was a referral from another client and originally she wanted to schedule an engagement session. Let’s just say that was one of my favorite sessions ever!! Knowing that I specialize in teens and seniors, Kim asked anyway. She stressed the importance of this since she is a self-proclaimed picture person and has put it off for long enough. Too long unfortunately, and in that time her mother-in-law had passed away. I don’t want to guilt anyone into doing this, but think about how many good pictures you have of your family. I mean really beautiful pictures. Of your family. Together. Enjoying each other. It doesn’t happen much so I wanted to be sure we get it right and make the process as easy as possible.

In Person Consultation

When I first started out as a professional photographer, I made some mistakes. Don’t we all? Part of the problem was just taking as many sessions as possible, doing the photo shoot, and handing over the images. That meant that I often talked with people only via phone or email, and met them for the first time right before their family pictures. People are already uncomfortable in front of the camera, so I want to do everything possible to ease your stress. By meeting in person, we get to know each other. In fact, I don’t ever book a session without meeting in person. I want you to be 100% comfortable with me, the process, the ideas, and the investment.

So the goal for the session was to get all the extended family and grandparents together for a photo shoot. While I do get all of the basic “perfect” poses, I also use various lenses and mix in candid shots to be sure to tell the complete story.

Family Pictures with Grandparents

Please, please, please…if the grandparents live close by, bring them to your family portrait session! If they’re visiting, try to squeeze in a photo shoot while they’re here. These are the images that will be passed down through generations, cherished by the whole family. Do it now, while everyone is alive and healthy. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so schedule it. Figure it out, find the money, bribe dad. It will be worth it, I promise!

“It’s OK, I have plenty of pictures of the parents and grandparents.”

No One Ever

A Quick Reminder

Yes mom, the pictures are your dream so please enjoy this time. Your children don’t care what you look like, if you’ve gained a few pounds or a few wrinkles. They love you and will be so glad to have these pictures as the years go by. It’s important for them to see the love and be reminded of it with beautiful family pictures in your home.

Bring The Dog

Meet Bindy. She’s the important one and she knows it. Much like parents and grandparents, our dogs do not live nearly long enough. So bring them along! Everyone always warns me about their dog not listening. Seriously? Got this shot in less than 5 seconds. I have my ways…and she’s even smiling!

The Perfect Family Portrait

It may not be what you think. When clients come to me, many think they want that “perfect” picture of everyone smiling at the camera. But is that really your family? We have fun together when we’re out shooting, so you can bet there will be some goofiness, perhaps including dad trying to hind behind a branch. Nice try, Mark! This was about 5 minutes into their session and he was already giving me a hard time! From then on, I knew these were my type of people! I don’t want a whole bunch of “sit and stare at me with a fake smile” pictures. I want the real smiles, authentic emotion, and the kind of laughs you can hear in the picture! The expressions that mom looks at and says “yep, those are my girls!”

Sisters

This is Kaylynne and Ally, two of the sweetest young ladies you’ll ever meet. A sister is worth a thousand friends, and that is certainly true with them! They played along with all my goofy requests and probably thought I was a little crazy. And for my Big Bang Theory fans out there, I’m not crazy. My mother had me tested!

Do You Take Family Portraits?

If you’ve read this blog post, you’ll know the answer is yes! While the majority of my sessions are teens, high school seniors, and graduates, I absolutely do offer family portrait sessions! If you love these images, then we should talk! If you love these images and you love the idea of beautiful wall art, albums, and keepsakes for your home, then we should definitely talk! Just let me know when you’re ready!