Picture This

Q&A with Gabrielle Noël of GC Photography

Meet Gabrielle Noël, a local lifestyle photographer who brings extensive experience, an artistic eye and a passion for preserving memories to every one of her full-service photography sessions. Here, Gabrielle shares her insights on creating timeless family portraits that tell your unique story and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

Q: Why do you believe it is important to document family life through photography?
A: As a photographer and a parent, I know how fast time flies and how quickly children change. Every year brings something new and different. Capturing their history is important for them to look back on and have memories together. But it's more than that, too. It's about giving kids a visual narrative of their lives.

Q: What advice do you have for families preparing for a photo session?
A: Find a photographer that makes you feel comfortable so that you’ll remember those moments in a fun and happy light. I spend time getting to know my clients and tailor sessions specifically to each family. I often remind my clients to let go of expectations. Kids will be kids, and sometimes those unplanned moments make for the most genuine and heartwarming photos. The key is to relax and be yourself

Q: How do your photo shoots differ from everyday phone pictures?
A: When I'm snapping photos of my kids throughout the day, I'm getting a lot of core memories of home life and our fast-paced daily routine. But I'm not always capturing the details and intricacies about them as they grow. Professional sessions create more purposeful, clean images of who they are. My photography sessions are also about creating memories. They are about having fun together and doing something special that really slows you down for a second—just to be present with each other, which doesn't happen much these days. The images will last for generations. They are not intended to be kept digitally. They should be printed, shared and displayed.

Q: Do you have any wardrobe or styling tips? 
A: Local boutiques like Hey Little Diddle or Lunch Money offer personal styling and can help select children’s outfits that will look great in photos while reflecting their personalities. The most important thing is not to be overwhelmed by style—it's about capturing genuine family moments. I believe there is something to be said about wearing clean and classic pieces that allow each individual to shine, which is why I offer a neutral wardrobe to choose from. Still, many moms arrive anxious, which can affect the whole family. To help, I offer hair and makeup services for moms, giving them a moment to relax and feel prepared.

Q: How do you approach locations for family shoots?
A: For locations, I tend to choose places that speak to the family. Maybe that’s at home or at Holliday Park, so we're capturing those fun memories that are actually true to their daily life. But sometimes it's nice to do a studio session, taking away the distractions and making it really clean and just about the family and the connection they have.

Q: What's your philosophy on preserving these memories?
A:These photos are not meant to be kept digitally. They should be printed and shared. With my clients, I go through the images and choose the ones that speak most to their story. I do gallery wall designs or heirloom framing with them, so they actually walk away from their sessions with something that is printed and framed in an archival way that will last generations to come. I also make annual albums with their images so they have something later that they can take with them, that really tells their story year by year. It's about creating those lasting, tangible memories that your family can enjoy for years to come.

Ready to capture your family's story? Connect with Gaby to book your session. Visit gcphotography.com to learn more, follow @g_cphotography on Instagram for inspiration and updates, and sign up for her newsletter to stay current on special sessions and booking opportunities.