Families at Reflections: The Goodales
So many Mamas just like you come to my studio to capture their family's story.
I'm so excited to be sharing some of their stories on my blog in new family features!
Meet: the Goodales
I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer and her family when they came to Reflections for a newborn session. This was the first session in her First Year Collective package, for new baby girl, Amelia.
Read more to hear from Jennifer on her family’s experience at the Reflections studio.
How would you describe your family?
Jennifer: “Honestly, we are a crazy little bunch and we are super busy all the time! We're into sports with my boys, managing homeschooling, and I just finished up school myself so we have a lot going on.”
Why is investing in professional family photography important to you?
Jennifer: “I never — and this is gonna sound awful — I never did professional newborn photos with my boys at a studio that catered to families. We would do a little small family one, and do the Walmart photography kind of thing. But this time, I said to my husband that when we have our last baby, we are going to go all out.”
“Finding a photographer that handled everything, that was a huge stress relief. I did not have to worry about outfits or anything, which makes a big difference when as a Mom I'm so busy.
Our newborn photos with Amelia were the first time we actually splurged and went all out with a photographer. I literally booked it and I went to my husband and said "you may or may not kill me later, but this is what I have done." I was very excited!”
What were some of the important factors for you when you were choosing a family photographer?
Jennifer: “I loved that your photos were very clean, neutral, and timeless. They can go in any space and last a long time. I was so impressed by the fact that you took care of everything. Hair, makeup, clothing, I basically just had to shower and show up.
And honestly, we really became friends. You go that extra little mile, like sending a Christmas card or a birthday gift for when Amelia turned 1. The details are just incredible. Even down to your packaging, it's all those small little things that make you just go - Wow!“
“At my newborn session, I had Amelia wearing a headband made by a local boutique. I had them connect with you so now their headbands are in the client wardrobe. I wanted to support someone local who supported other small, local businesses, and I was so happy to see that in action.”
What was the story or vibe you wanted to convey through your newborn and baby sessions?
Jennifer: “I really wanted Amelia's newborn photos to show how the final puzzle piece of our family was coming into place. I wanted to show our two boys and to show them with their little sister, and my husband with his little girl too. The story was showing how she's made our family complete.”
What did you hope to get out of the experience?
Jennifer: “I think because it was really our first like professional photos, I didn't really have any expectations. But I was hopeful that it would be easier and more natural.
Since I hadn't done something so professional before, I didn't really know what to expect. We received a session that was so full-service and luxurious that we were ecstatic!”
“I was so impressed with the client wardrobe that is size-inclusive, that it has all those options, it's incredible. With all the communication, the online closet, and seeing pictures of what I'd chosen in advance, I was in awe before I even got there. As a third-time mom, I worried about the sizes because your body changes so much. But everything is just so flattering and beyond beautiful. You feel amazing when you've just had a baby only a few weeks ago!”
The Reflections Experience
How did you feel on the day of your sessions?
Jennifer: “As a Mom, bringing all your kids to a photo studio, you're worried about them behaving, smiling, and posing. So I was excited but nervous. When we started on the session day, it just blew me out of the water to see how many details had been taken care of for us.
There were really cute wooden toys there for the boys to play with. You were so calm with the kids, and we felt so taken care of.”
Were there any photos in particular that are your favourites from your sessions? Why are these your favourites?
Jennifer: “There's a moment where my sons were laying beside my daughter, and they're looking at each other while Amelia is sleeping.
And you just wonder what they were thinking about in that moment, like "we're going to protect her. We got this." That little moment in time is now framed on my wall.”
“You captured those moments where they were being themselves, and playing around. I wondered "well, how is that going to turn out?" But those candid shots turn out beautifully. And that's what life is about. It's not about always being perfect. It's about those little things, like watching them play, and getting to preserve that moment is amazing.”
So what was your favorite part of the experience before, during or after the session?
Jennifer: “I LOVED the Image Reveal because you go through your session, you get a couple sneak peeks on Instagram, and then you have your big image reveal. It's so beautifully set up, set to music, on a comfy couch with tissues at the ready just in case.
And honestly, I've done this for three sessions, and I cry every single time. They're happy tears, because it's an exciting day in the moment, and you don't know what you're going to see at the end. Then when it's revealed it just takes your breath away, you have no words.”
“But you kind of sit there as a Mom and go, wow. This is my life. These are my kids. This is our story being played.” — Jennifer Goodale
How would you describe your newborn session in 2-3 sentences?
Jennifer: “It was a stress-free, overall amazing experience that I will pretty much never forget. Like it's up there in the top 10 best memories. As a new Mom just having given birth a few weeks ago, it was incredible to have every detail taken care of for me. I didn't have to do anything!”
How would you describe your baby sessions in 2-3 sentences?
Jennifer: “It was so much fun, with the little details of having the cake and a bubble bath for Amelia's first birthday. Watching her play with cake and in a little bath, it's just the most adorable thing ever. We got to relax and have fun with her.”
Do you have any advice for other busy moms who are considering investing in a family photographer?
Jennifer: “Honestly, do it! From someone who has not gone to a full-service, all-inclusive family photographer, and didn't spend that extra money on photos with my two oldest kids, it is well worth it. 100% worth it.
You get photos that are beautiful, candid, classic, and timeless. they will always look stunning no matter how you change the décor in your house. And during the session, since everything is taken care of, you don't have to think about anything. It really lets you be in the moment through the whole process.”
Thank you, Jennifer, for your kind words! I’m honoured to help families tell their stories, one photoshoot at a time.
With a photography session at Reflections, I take care of the details so you can be in the moment.
Booking your photography session allows you to capture important milestones and moments with your family, especially during your baby's first year.
Those photos become a part of telling your family's story, and give you space to live in the present moment knowing you can reflect back on those memories at any time.
