Blog Post #3: The photo shoot

Capturing Family Bonds: A Magical Multi-Generational Photo Experience

Transforming Backyards into Enchanted Moments

To be clear, family portraits are not something that I usually seek out. Typically, I’m more into DIY Walgreens holiday cards versus any type of staged shot. However, this year really continues to be one filled with constant newness and golden adventures! In that respect, here I am actually writing a blog about my first ever family photo shoot. 

This journey begins with me having the privilege of collaborating with a local photographer, Nicole Seguin. We met through “The Elles Collective”, a French women’s networking group in San Francisco, where various French speaking entrepreneurs get together to network, share advice, problem solve, and build community. Picture loads of berets, baguettes, Beaujolais and striped long sleeve T-shirts. 

Just kidding but it was over a glass of wine in one of the women’s SOMA workspaces, that I realized I’d met Nicole nearly fifteen years before, in what seemed to be another lifetime. Read: no kids, different partners and careers. And in that one special reconnecting conversation, I immediately remembered how I loved her general vibe! And, then was completely fascinated by her story about transitioning from classroom teacher to photographer. 

Flash forward to later that night when I was up past bedtime scrolling her feed and discovering her amazing skills. With her photographs hot on my mind, the following day I promptly hired her to take pictures for my website. You see, she does family portraits as well as help with brand consulting with photographs for your socials or website. The pics you see on this site were taken by her during a kids yoga class I taught in Golden Gate park. Looking at these makes my heart sing. I am so impressed with her ability to capture special moments, and see people’s personalities shine. 

So it was with glee that I jumped on the opportunity to lean into a family photo session and have her shoot my mom, daughters and I in my backyard. Though we were a bit nervous to start, this proved to be quite the memory making morning; one that I highly recommend to others. 

The Multi-Generational Angle

Nicole was so great making us all feel at ease. She knows how to connect with kids, moms and grand-mas, which is not something to take for granted. We laughed, engaged in silly antics, and listened to her directions to embody certain characters. She moved us around to try out different positions and even did some cool things where three of us would be moving, and one would hold still, resulting in three slightly blurry people with one sharp one. And, this entire experience took about 40 minutes! She was so good with time, light and engaging and connecting with us, in French and in English. 

I can’t stress enough how she transformed the energy during our photo shoot. It went from one with nervous feelings to really relaxed and having fun/letting loose. The resulting photographs exceeded expectations, portraying multi-generational unity in a way words cannot convey. In particular, I loved how we agreed on an unconventional approach, with some absurd and hilarious moments.

Our experience with Nicole was truly transformative and fun. Her commitment to capturing family magic was evident at every step, from the initial conversation to the final work of art. She's not just a photographer; she's a storyteller, weaving family connections into visual artistry. 

If you're seeking to immortalize your family's story (or just get some great shots), consider a family portrait session with a skilled photographer like her. These captured memories are so worth it.