How to prepare for your family photos - A HILARIOUS take on it!

We photographed this fun loving group last fall.  Mom wrote a hilarious post on her facebook feed.  She gave me permission to share it on my blog.  So here it is!  How to prepare for your annual family photos:

I wanted to write blog post on how to prepare for family pictures. You know that annual or bi annual event in which you rush around in attempts to make sure you get that one perfect family picture. It can be stressful- so maybe following these tips will help someone out!

The easy thing to do is give the manual- the perfect written directions to get that perfect picture- but I thought it would be more fun to give you this information using our last family pictures to illustrate the how not to prepare for family pictures- you guessed it, we broke just about every rule in the book.

1. Pick a good date-

- we did not really do that bad on this rule. You need to make sure that you have time before pictures to get ready as well as no pressing obligations after- you don't want to rush the pictures or the photographer. Sometimes that awesome shot comes at the 59th minute. We chose a later date in October which in Saskatchewan was risky- so book early with your favorite photographer. They book up fast so don't drag your toes on selecting a date.

2. Events leading up to your pictures-
- now I am not advocating for wrapping your kids in bubble wrap the week before pictures to prevent the inevitable black eye or scraped knees- but perhaps do better than me and do not take them to an event the night before family pictures that leads to face painting. Like Spider-Man- black eyebrows and beautiful pink butterflies full face paint night. The kids had a blast, but the look of horror on my face realizing I somehow had to scrub my son's now black eyebrows back to his naturally white eyebrows was daunting. Luckily I had a wonderful exfoliating soap in which both of my kids proclaimed I was scrubbing their faces off in protest. And I was.......

2. Outfits-
Every photographer will tell you to pick out outfits that go together- not necessarily matchy matchy, but they go together. They also want you to stay away from patterns as they can be distracting in a picture.

Easy enough right?
Have you tried to find a nice solid sweater or shirt for kids these days? And when you do- and if your kids are like mine- you can never find it for picture day. So be better than me- set those clothes out weeks before and don't be running around a mall the day of your pictures frantically trying to find a non-patterned or logoed shirt to only to have to re-buy something for your other kid because the only shirt you could find completely clashed with what you had planned. Sigh.

Still on this note- yes there is more- make sure your kids have normal shoes. Wondering why I say this? Well, we are slow learners. Three years ago for our family pictures both of our kids were rocking the rubber boot look. This year- our daughter sported cowboy boots, but our son- still rocking the black rubber boots. Who knew we did not have "normal" shoes for him at home.

Still on the shoes- can you believe there is more? Me- I thought I should wear these cut black high heels- not too high, but enough to be a little fancy. About 30 mins into the pictures I was carrying those suckers are the blisters that had formed in my feet are disgusting. I will save the details, so you can keep your lunch down.

Wear nice shoes, because yes they show, but make sure they are comfortable and practical.

3. Hair Cuts

There are many sayings in life that pertaining to doing something or not doing something in a certain time table. These should be followed- such as- No swimming until 30 mins after you eat; Don't fall in love or out of love around school exam time etc etc. The most important rule for family pictures is DO NOT CUT YOUR HAIR THE DAY OF PICTURES.

Yes- sadly, this too was a learning point for us this year. Per usual we were unable to get a hair cut leading up to our pictures so we thought, no big deal- there are lots of places we can go to in the city. We even called and booked an appointment. Ok fine, we called on our way to the city to book the appointment, but it still counts!

When my husband and son were done with getting their hair done my phone rang. It was my husband and he prepared me for the fact that his hair was not good. In fact it was really, really bad. To give some context, he had been teasing me the whole drive to the city he was going to get something funky done. Being that he is a bit of a prankster, I thought well- he is either saying this to tick me off or he actually went for it and it did not go well.

As I turned the corner and saw him, my jaw dropped- not in a good way. He had done neither- he did not lie- it was bad, and it was not something he had asked for. To be fair, the hair cut is not horrible. It just does not fit a 37 year old small town guy that wears coveralls to work every day. The cut belonged more in a trendy bar in New York City on a complete metrosexual. **Side note** I actually like the cut now. It grew on me:). 

But the lesson is still valid. Don't be us people; get your hair cut a week in advance. At least there is time for damage control.

OH and don't let the hair dresser give your child a bright red sucker after his haircut just hours before the session.  Red suckers will stain your entire mouth red! 

4. Book an experienced photographer that you like.

This is the golden rule. Do not break this rule. This is the one rule that we did not break. See- each of the other rules even if we did not break them may not have led to a great picture without someone knowledgeable on the other end of the camera forming the picture and taking it.

We booked with Mandy because she has an amazing talent for pictures and puts everyone so at ease that we know we are going to get great pictures.

Although we did not follow the "rules" and some of the points are actually important- the real truth is that these pictures are very much us. We are not perfect; we are a crazy young family making it work. So read the rules- follow if you like but most of all have fun. These are the pictures you will look back on some day

Mom & Me Promotion - Saskatoon Photographers

Our mom and me promo is back!!!  We are so excited!!! Last year was such a hit, we can't wait for this year's promotion!  Our mom & me promotion includes:

-A 30 minute photo shoot of mom and her kiddo's, in studio. 

-A free framed 11x14 print from your session.

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-A beautiful locket with an image from your session. 

-A $50 gift card to Just for you Day Spa (no expiry).

-A $100 gift certificate to Tidy Time Saver cleaning company (expires Nov 14, 2017)

-Plus a swag bag!  (swag bag includes a relaxation package courtesy of Just for You day spa and Memories by Mandy Photography, and $50 off at Eliminare tattoo removal.)

-Only 8 available!!!  All of this for only $269!!!

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The fine print:

-Sessions must be photographed by September 1, 2017.  If session must be extended past September 1, 2017, additional fee's may apply. 

-Sessions may be upgraded to a full hour session and include dad for an additional $49.  We will still get plenty of shots of just mom and her children.  Dad will be able to join in on the fun! 

-Session includes a free framed 11x14 print.  Files are NOT included, however they may be purchased afterwards if you wish.

-A week or two following the session, we will have you back to the studio to view all your images and choose the image for your print and locket.  If you wish, additional prints, products and files may be purchased at this time, however there is no obligation to do so. 

-Beware:  Your wife or mom may cry happy tears when opening this on Mother's Day. 

-Offer ends on Mothers Day 2017 (May 14, 2017), or until they are sold out! 

Anniversary Shoot!!!

A year and a half ago, this gorgeous lady was at the studio for her family session and she mentioned that her 5 year wedding anniversary was coming up and she had a vision of a session she wanted to do to celebrate.  She said she wanted to do a session of them, doing things they do in their everyday life, but in their wedding attire.  A session that reflected where they are in their lives now.  Their wedding was in spring and it was a cold, windy, rainy day so they didn't get as many images as they had hoped to on their actual wedding day.  Fast forward 5 years later and here they are in one of the most beautiful homes in Saskatoon, with a gorgeous little girl who they welcomed into the family more than a year earlier.

Our session started off how most of their mornings do.  Just hanging out in bed as a family and enjoying each others company.  They then changed into their wedding attire (yes this handsome husband and dad rented a tux for the occasion), but not before we got some beautiful images of their little girl playing in her mothers veil. 

During our consultation, I found out that they love to bake cookies (she does it so much she doesn't even look at a recipe!!!), dance in the living room, play outside and have lunch at their favorite neighborhood cafe.  So we did just that!

I then stole the husband and wife to get some beautiful wedding formals down by the river, then we headed back to the house for bedtime.  This, by far, was my favorite part of the session.  To see these parents and the love they share for not only each other, but for their little girl gave me goosebumps.  Their patience and respect for one another was so inspiring to witness.  The way he still looks at her even after 5 years of marriage and the love you can feel she has for him after all these years, its apparent that these two were meant to be.

Thank you so much for trusting me to bring your vision to life.  I have been meaning to post this for a while (A year actually, since it's your 6th wedding anniversary next month), but today was finally the right moment for me.  It has been so amazing to be a part of such a special experience.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Mentorship Family #2

Our mentorship program here at our Saskatoon Photography Studio was so fun last month!  We brought in two families, one with older children, and one with younger children.  It was so great to show our 'students' the difference between the two families and to show them that the younger the kids are, the harder they make you work for the great shot.  All of their movement and running around does make for some really great, unique images.  Here are just a few of my favorite images from family #2!  Huge thank you to both families for helping us out!  I know it's not easy being in front of the camera, let along 4 cameras! 

Mentorship program

Our mentorship program is over half way finished and I am thrilled with how well it's going.  We have 4 very different photographers with 4 very different styles, all who bring a unique flair to our meetings.  I did handpick these ladies to be a part of the group and I'm so proud of how far they have come in such a short while.  At our last meeting, I showed all of the ladies how we photograph a family and taught them all about posing a family. We had two families come and model for us.  Here are just a few favorites of the first family.  (I'm sure you recognize them as they have been coming to see us over the last few years and they are plastered all over my website and social media pages!).

Saskatoon headshot photographer

This is my beautiful friend and fellow Saskatoon photographer, Terri.  We did a little headshot swap, and here are just a few favorite images of her.  I feel so lucky that our paths have crossed.  Her positivity and smile are contagious.  She is also doing great things on her side business with Rodan & Feilds.  After finding out her age, I'm thinking I might need to look into this skincare line:).  While we don't do a ton of headshots, it's something that we absolutely love to shoot.  We plan to have our new studio up and running at the end of the month!  I'm so excited to reveal it to you all!!!

We're moving!!!

That's right, we are moving, but not to worry, we are staying right here in Saskatoon.  We are just moving to our very own photography studio space. 

It has been an incredible year sharing a Saskatoon photography studio with Joi Photo, but to see the growth we plan for our company, we decided to get our own space! I will certainly miss the beautiful building we are in right now, but I am so excited to move into a brand spankin' new studio space! If you wanted to get in on one of our last sessions in the beautiful 100 year old building, our last booking in our current studio will be January 13. Our new studio will be up and running by the end of February. Thank you so much to Crystal at for opening your doors to us one year ago, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Joi Photo in your beautiful studio.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support! I'm so excited for what's to come!!!

A wedding in Waskesiu - Waskesiu weddings

We were so fortunate to capture this amazing wedding day in Waskesiu this summer!  There were so many great things about the day, and one little mishap, which was a bit stressful at the time, but everything turned out beautifully in the end! 

The highlights for me were: 

The Dress.  The brides dress was not your typical bridal gown.  It was pretty, flowy, simple, but elegant.  Really the perfect gown for the location! 

The Venues:  It was my first time shooting in the cozy church at Elk Ridge resort as well as in the log cabin Hall in Waskesiu.  Both venues were stunning!

The locations for photos:  The couple chose some pretty special places to do their photos.  The first was where he proposed!  It doesn't get much more special than that!  The second was the golf course where they spend so much of their time over the summer months.  And the third was traditional Waskesiu.  The forest right next to water is pretty much any photographers dream.

The best man speech:  Hands down the best 'toast to the groom' I've heard to date!  It was a perfect mix of being hilarious to being super sentimental.  A ton of thought was put into it and it had everyone in tears!!!  

Lastly, the first dance as husband and wife:  This part of the day gave me goosebumps.  Something was definitely in the air!!! 

Oh and the little mishap:  One of the bridesmaids dress' zipper broke before she even had a chance to do it up!  So they had to sew her right into her dress just moments before leaving to the ceremony!  Talk about stressful!!! Luckily they had some crafty bridesmaids who saved the day!

Beginner DSLR course in Saskatoon

As the new year approaches, we are getting a ton of inquires about our beginner DLSR courses!  We are hosting another one in the new year. This is a great idea for those on your Christmas list who are hard to buy for or those that are receiving a brand spankin' new camera for Christmas!  Details for the course:

When:  Sunday, January 8, 9:30am-11:30am. 

Where:  Our studio, downtown Saskatoon.  158 2nd Ave North. 

What is covered:  ISO, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and manual modes.

Cost:  $110 plus taxes. 

What is DSLR camera?  A DLSR is a camera where you can change the lenses and has the ability to shoot in manual modes.  

We keep our class sizes small (up to 5 people) to ensure each participant gets one on one attention and a lot of practice time.  We find the smaller class size makes asking questions much less intimidating and allows for us to give each person individual attention. 

Here is what Becky said about a recent course we held:

"I would highly recommend the DSLR course offered by Memories by Mandy Photography! I went into the course not knowing how to use any of the features on my camera, but I left with a really good understanding of how to use a number of basic features to improve the pictures I take and in which situations I would use which camera settings. What I really liked is that the course wasn't just theory, but it also included hands on learning and practicing. I'm excited to go out and use the things I learned in this course! I can already see an improvement in the pictures I'm taking."

Interested?  Please email us to secure your spot!  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca.