Last month I got around to doing something that's been on my photography to-do list for a long time... hold Mommy and Me mini sessions in honor of Mother's Day! In one day, I got to shoot eight different moms and their kids. I had three former clients and five new ones whom I couldn't wait to meet. You'd think there'd be some hiccups with 8 back-to-back sessions, but the day was smooth like butter and the rain even held off! To be honest, I used to get pretty nervous before sessions, especially if I didn't know the family coming and had no idea what to expect from the kids.
Instead of worrying about the right posing and perfect smiles and perfect camera settings, my number one priority is making sure my clients feel comfortable and relaxed. As a mom, I know that's NOT easy to feel chill right before pics with your own kids. I know that I don't!
I assure that we are in no rush and we don't have to hold them down. We can let the kids run, frolic, find rocks, WHATEVER they need to do to get the wiggles out. I'll let them warm up to the idea of photos and to me and that's when the magic happens. (Oh, and it didn't hurt to have a basket of treats for the kids to pick through at the end of the session. #notmyfirstrodeo)
BY THE WAY... how gorgeous is Kimber with her little fellas? She makes being a boy mom look so dang good. This mama and her family ought to be in a magazine someday... and maybe someday Kimber can take me shopping and style me up??? I'd be ok with that! This was my second time working with Kimber and her boys and they are all so incredibly sweet. I definitely lucked out in the client department with these guys!
I truly could have photographed Kristina and her daughter Addie for hours! Instead we got a whole lot of beautiful shots in less than 20 minutes! I've been so lucky to have Kristina not just consistently as my client (as we are a well-oiled machine now when it comes to taking photos), but to have her as one of my most cherished friends for 13 years!
This was my first time meeting Emily and her three kiddos. This group was a total blast. Also being a mama of two girls and one boy myself we vibed right away. I'm like "Girl, I SEE YOU!" as soon as we met. I wasted no time, turned my shutter speed UP because you gotta act fast when you've got three cuties to capture. I'm so glad these guys got in on the action this morning!
This was also the first time I met Sara and her family. What I loved so much about her mini session was that I could tell her kiddos just adored her and I think it really came through in the photos. They were a delight and I would love a chance to work with all of them again!
Sessahly and her daughter Pearl honestly just made my day. They were both so sweet and every shot I took of them was basically a keeper. I'm so thrilled I got to meet that awesome duo.
Leah and her kids were my first session of the morning and they were the perfectly family to get warmed up with. I love photographing big kids as well as toddlers and they were the perfect blend of sweet, smiley, and spirited.
Nicole and her bunch came to the session with a whole lot of energy and I was A-OK with that! I just want to frame that last photo of them and put it on my fireplace. I kind of love it!
I ended the day with Katy-Jo and her three little ones. I've shot about half a dozen photos for Katy-Jo and her family (the first one was when Annabelle was turning one!). Watching and documenting their family grow has been such a special experience. They were the perfect note to end the day on.
Well, there you have it! Mommy and Mes 2018 was a total success! I love how unique each session turned out even with using the same location. These kids are going to be thrilled someday to have such special photos with their beautiful moms.
If you missed these, FEAR NOT. I will be holding summer mini sessions (date/times TBA, but I promise they are coming).
Also, if you're into more of a fall or winter session, I will be holding those as well this year!
If you made it to the end of this post, thank you so much for reading and viewing!
I’m Rachel Gaetz
I’m Rachel Gaetz and I am a creative portrait photographer in the Twin Cities. I am also a busy mom of four and can often be spotted with a coffee in hand, a big messy bun on my head, and a baby on my hip. My goal is to create images that YOU will be obsessed with -- pictures you will be eager to post today as well as cherish decades from now. My business BelleAmiss Photography strives to take the stress out of photo sessions while capturing life's beautiful imperfections. You will leave feeling great about YOU and your photo experience.
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