Gardner Family Photo--2010

Whew! Another family picture day come and gone.

Every year we shoot a family photo for the upcoming catalog, and as some of the kids have moved farther away, it’s become more complicated—we have to set the date months in advance to make sure everyone can make it. This year we worked it around Jon’s spring break, so the Browns have been in town for the whole week.

And as our numbers have grown, it’s become quite a production as well. The photographers who shoot the cover of the Idea Book & Catalog also shoot the family photo, so we go to their studio in Salt Lake City. They’ve been working on the set for weeks, and we (mostly Shalae) have been working on our wardrobe. Everyone gets a new shirt or blouse, and they bring their own jeans, pants, or skirts. 

The women without children (just me and Shanna this year) head to the studio first for make-up, with everyone else scheduled at different times. Those with the youngest children arrive last, for obvious reasons. All the girls get make-up, and everyone (men and children too) get powdered.

Our focus is, of course, keeping the kids entertained and happy while we’re getting ready. Grandpa brings a supply of mints (small and white, so they don’t stain clothes), healthy snacks abound, handheld electronics are welcome, and a play-zone is stocked with all the kid-friendly props from the studio gathered in one place to keep little hands occupied.

Once make-up and powder is applied, the grown-ups and older grandchildren get in their places. Lights are adjusted, props are moved, and people are arranged. We absolutely couldn’t do it without the behind-the-scenes professionals—they’re incredible!

 At the last possible minute, we place the younger children. This year Phoebe (age 1) and Stella (age 2) were little stinkers (the rest of the kids were fabulous!), but we still managed to shoot plenty of photos in about 20 minutes. 

People sometimes ask me how we got everyone to look so great in one shot, and here’s our secret—we don’t! PhotoShop is our best friend! We pick the one shot that has the most number of people looking good, and then we steal head shots from other photos and PhotoShop them in. And you thought we just had kids who were darling all the time, huh?

After it’s all over, we head back to Grandma and Grandpa’s (we order lunch and pick it up on the way home), eat, and then everyone (sometimes even adults) go home for a well-deserved nap!

It takes a lot of effort, but as I look back at the family photos we’ve taken through the years, it’s worth every minute! I’m so grateful for the wonderful memories and tangible history we have of the Gardner family. I think Sidney captured my feelings best: “I love family picture days,” she said several times, “because we’re all together as a family!”

Comments

[Carol Seitz]

Are you sure that this family photo shoot isn't the real reason we went back to annual catalogs? :)

[Shawn]

Thank you for sharing the "behind the scenes" action. It truly is a major production, but so well worth it.I can't wait to see the family photo in the new catalog. (So exciting in many ways!)

[Staci Miserlian]

Aha! I'm so glad you let on about the Photoshop. Now I feel like you are much more "normal" - lol! I always look forward to the family photo and trying to match everyone up. Can't wait for this years'!

[Deb]

Sweet! Look forward to the photo, nice to know everyone isn't perfect.....how fun would that be?

[Jacki]

Thanks so much for sharing about your family photo ritual. I loved reading about what goes into it and love your honesty about the magic of Photo Shop! ;) I always look forward to seeing the picture when the new catalog arrives. You have a beautiful family - God Bless!

[Christine]

How fun! I'm sure it takes a lot of coordination and patience but what fun that must be. Being all together and creating a lasting memory are bonuses!

[Julie Davison]

What fun! I can't wait to see the final photo in the new catalog!

[Dawn Olchefske]

Aaah - I guessed Sidney summed it all up. Simply adorable what kids say! I look forward to your yearly picture too!

[Nicole Jordan]

We love looking at your family photo as much as you enjoying creating it!

[Donna]

It's a given that we all love the catalog when it comes out, but I have to admit I love comparing last years family photo with the new one. Really interesting to find out how you organised it all!! Thanks.

[Diana Gibbs]

I can hardly wait to see the picture, cause that will mean I have the new catalog in my hot little hands.

~Di

[LaMuir]

Well, tell Sidney, we all "love your Family Picture Days"! I love it especially because that means we are a little closer to seeing the Wonderful New Catty!

[Taylor Madge]

I love your family pictures, and in fact I recently went through all my old catalogues and compared the pics. Your family has grown so beautifully. :) It is awesome to see and know that we are working with real people, with real lives, and a real purpose.

[Debbie]

Shelli - You sure are lucky to have such a large and fun-filled family! Thank you so much to each and every one of you for sharing a glimpse of your lives with us. It makes us all feel like we a small part of the Gardner family. I love this company!

[Beth]

Your family picture is always the first thing I look at in the new catalog!

[Wendie Waldman]

can't wait to see the family photo in the new catalog!

[Cindy]

This post made me laugh and cry all at the same time. It is true that our family is so precious to us but sometimes we forget just how precious. I am sure cherish each and every picture as your family continues to grow. Thank you for sharing that special moment with us!

[Valerie]

I love seeing the new family photo! Thank you for sharing some of the behind the scenes with us! We should all take big family photos more often!

[Brenda Quintana]

Wow! It's great that you can keep this photo tradition going even as the family grows in size and distance. Us demonstrators look forward to seeing your family photo in the new catalog every year. Thanks for sharing some of the behind-the-scenes details.

[Bev]

Thanks for sharing Shelli! It is always fun seeing the new pictures of you and your family! I can't wait for the new catalog for more reasons than one!!!!!!

[SHH]

Please give a special thanks to all of your family from one of the many "fans." Your family picture and your note is the first thing I look @ in each catty. I realize that your entire family has been very blessed by your business, but I also realize that they sacrifice, as well. I appreciate that they let you put their lives out there and that they sacrifice time for the company.

[Shelly]

i TRIPLE LOVE your family photo. can you tell me more about how you (and your girls) pick the clothing so it all works so well? I understand you pick a color scheme and then is it a "no prints zone" I notice the shirts seem 'seasonless' they could be winter, spring summer or fall, how does that all work - have you ever NOT found a shirt for someone?

also from start to finish how long does it take?

[Amanda]

It is amazing not only that the entire family can still make it, but that they are all included every year as your family grows. I would love to have family pictures with the entire family (generations) unfortunately I come from a family who doesn't see the need. I am sure you are not only a dream demonstrator but also a dream mother-in-law. Coming from a mother of 3 boys, I hope that I can pass on the need for family the way you have. Can't wait for the picture this year, god bless :)

[Samantha]

The first thing I look at in the new cattie is the family photo. Everyone is getting so big! Love the Photoshop secret.

[Chris Schultz]

Love to hear the stories...and just LOVE those cute little faces!