Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Central Park



The family pictures in Central Park turned out beautifully. Candice Stringham, the photographer, was incredible. Lots of patience. Great style. Flexible. A delight to work with. If you're in New York — or anywhere near New York — book her right away. For reals.

I know preparing for a family portrait can be stressful. What will everyone wear? Will the kids behave? Will I look hot? : ) Leading up to our photo shoot, there were several times I was tempted to cancel — we're just so busy right now. But I am beyond happy that I have these photos now. What a treasure for our family! Worth every bit of time and effort.

And I can't even put into words how wonderful it was to spend an afternoon-with-perfect-weather in our beloved park before the big move. I'm going to get all weepy just thinking about it.

By the way, you should totally check out this photo series by Candice — so charming!

Edit: Thanks for all the great feedback! Per your requests, there is a post about how the shoot and the wardrobe came together here.







add to kirtsy

143 Comments:

Blogger LeLo said...

WOW ! How beautiful. Congratulation.

7:18 AM  
Blogger DeeRoo said...

Perfect weather...
Beautiful colors...
Priceless memory...

...and many more to come!:)
Regards

7:23 AM  
Blogger Kaila said...

Love, Love, LOVE the pictures!

By the way, how did you come up with what to wear for pictures? I'm so over the matching white T's.

7:35 AM  
Anonymous robin k said...

Lovely, Gabby!

7:44 AM  
Anonymous Ana said...

Love the pictures. The flowers on the girls outfit are so addorable. The outfits of all the family works well together, you could really see the thought that went into it. Now, I just got inspired to have five children :)

7:53 AM  
Blogger Jessica said...

What an extraordinary way to capture your beautiful family. You all look wonderful! The colors are stunning and your shoes are hot!

7:56 AM  
Blogger mymomshops said...

Gabi- these photos are phenomenal. What an amazing keepsake of NYC for your family. Love the kids' outfits, too. Best of luck with the move!

8:01 AM  
Blogger Kari said...

Wow. Those pics are stunning. So much for the subtle matching colors advice. This is so much more fun!

8:02 AM  
Blogger Kate@ Kids and Cocktails said...

Love the pictures! Did y'all take some of just the two of y'all? I also hope y'all did some with y'all and each kid individually. Goodness, now I want a big ol' family! It gives a whole new meaning to family photos. It looks like a Cookie magazine spread.

8:03 AM  
Anonymous wide open spaces said...

such a perfect goodbye gift to give your family.

I am over the moon about these photos and about your BEAUTIES. wowza.

8:06 AM  
Anonymous Jeanette Mc. said...

I can't stand how cute it is - it looks like a catalog shoot. Adorable, just too gosh darn adorable for words! I did notice everyone has something red on except your husband - was that on purpose?

8:15 AM  
Blogger Christy said...

What lovely photos! I'd also love to know how you decided what everyone should wear. Did the photographer help with that? Or was it all you?

8:21 AM  
Blogger That's Ms. Amy to You... said...

Those are fantastic shots & the outfits are spot on. I love that you got as far away as possible from the standard "twin dressing" of family pictures (denim, khaki, white shirt - or some variation therein).

8:23 AM  
Blogger Katie @ goodLife {eats} said...

How great!

I love the clothes everyone is weather. You all look great...and definitely achieved your desire for looking hot. Way to go on cool family pictures!

8:39 AM  
Blogger Kate Coveny Hood said...

Beautiful!

Question for you - where did you get Olive's sandals? I need something like that for my daughter. She can't wear sandals that expose her toes as she's not the most graceful of two year olds yet...and I don't want her to spend the summer with bloody toes!

8:40 AM  
Blogger Molly said...

These pictures look like they could be right out of a JCrew catalog - lovely:)

8:51 AM  
Blogger kelly lautenbach said...

What a treasure... and you're right about Candice she IS amazingly talented. :) Love that you took the time to get those memories in photographs. Good luck with your move!

8:52 AM  
Anonymous Karin S said...

What a wonderful memory of your time in NYC. I love the kids eating their cupcakes. Priceless!

8:54 AM  
Blogger elk said...

oh the details...the stress...the joy!!

9:01 AM  
Blogger Sylvia {+ Mark} said...

Such beautiful photos, beautiful day, beautiful family. Best of luck with the move. Sad {so sad} and exciting at the same time!

9:03 AM  
Blogger chloe's mom said...

Amazing! The color combinations are PERRfect! Loving Ralph's shoes! So great that you'll have these forever!

9:04 AM  
Blogger Deb said...

Beautiful photos that you will cherish forever!!

9:07 AM  
Blogger paula said...

beautiful!

9:16 AM  
Blogger Design Mom said...

Thank you, Lovelies, for the nice comments. I'm in the throes of boxing things up, but I'll get a follow-up post up to respond to some of the recurring queries.

9:28 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

These are so beautiful. I love the colors!

9:34 AM  
Blogger LobotoME said...

they are beautiful and the colors for the outfits are great! J :)

9:35 AM  
Blogger Haydee said...

WOW those are gorgeous. Looking at those makes me homesick for NY too. I hope you all love Colorado. I'm sure you'll make the best of it.

9:48 AM  
Blogger Tricia said...

these are amazing. i love how colorful they are. i would def be calling this photographer if we werent so far away!!

9:51 AM  
Anonymous Barchbo said...

Gorgeous! Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS!

I love these photos.

10:02 AM  
Blogger Lynnette said...

Candace Stringham?!? Boy I am jealous. These are absolutely wonderuful, and you all look AMAZING. Great job on all the outfits!

10:07 AM  
Blogger megan russell said...

re so wonderful. fabulous choice of wardrobe palette.

10:10 AM  
Blogger Pumpkin Petunia said...

Love everything about these shots! Perfect!!!

10:15 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

Those are adorable! I love the primary colors you chose to wear...it makes the photos really pop!
Good luck on your move!

10:16 AM  
Blogger emily said...

Gabrielle, those are AMAZING. Like, UHHHH-MAZING. How did you think to put all those outfits together? You look stunning and everybody looks so good together. I am now desperate for family photos half as great as yours.

10:24 AM  
Blogger m e l said...

Those are beautiful pictures!!

10:25 AM  
Blogger another amy said...

These pictures are fantastic! I love the bright colors in your clothes. So cute.

10:27 AM  
Anonymous kirsten said...

Such a lovely family, vivid colors, special places...what a treasure to have these photos.

10:30 AM  
Blogger e. rene said...

wow. what an inspiration for unique, fun photos.

10:34 AM  
Blogger Katie said...

You guys look like a jcrew/crewcuts ad! FANTASTIC!

10:43 AM  
Blogger Kate McNeil said...

Wow, just wow! Talk about a magazine spread! Your kids are ADORABLE. Great choices on the outfits.

10:44 AM  
Anonymous Kathy said...

Wow. They are perfectly lovely. Priceless.

10:47 AM  
Anonymous tracy said...

these are amazing! wow- i love the color, and you have such a lovely family! so sweet. definitely family pictures sure to be treasured!!! thank you for the smile and inspiration! all good cheer

10:54 AM  
Blogger dana said...

Oh these are beautiful and turned out perfect. Wonderful photographer, adorable subjects, and great location. Good luck with your new home and surroundings!

11:04 AM  
Blogger Jackie said...

These are so beautiful- the colors are great- the outfits work wonderfully together! What a gorgeous family!

11:07 AM  
Blogger liz stanley said...

oh my goodness. so cute and LOVE the outfits you picked out for everyone!

11:31 AM  
Blogger ScrappyTime.com said...

the colors in all of the outfits really make these pictures over the top amazing! I had to wear denim matching shirts with my siblings during a photoshoot when i was younger, how tragic! :) your family is beautiful in these photos!

11:32 AM  
Blogger Leslie said...

gorgeous!! love the colors in the outfits.

11:37 AM  
Anonymous Kelly said...

What a great idea! I love the photographs of your lovely family. Your color pallet is fantastic, your kids are adorable & you look hot! Best of luck on your move.

11:46 AM  
Blogger Kjersten said...

Gabby your family is beautiful and those pictures are amazing.

11:59 AM  
Anonymous Kathleen at Twig and Thistle said...

OMG! Seriously the most stunning family portraits I have ever seen!!! I ADORE the editorial look of these photos and your family looks fantastic! Congratulations and best of luck during your move!

12:03 PM  
Blogger Joslyn said...

these are perfection gabby! i love how you dressed everyone.

12:05 PM  
Blogger Kathy T. said...

I agree with everyone. I have to comment on the first picture, it looks like you and your younger son have angel wings (the arches behind you).

Amazing pics! Cute fam!

12:05 PM  
Blogger Allison aka HaselBride said...

Absolutely fabulous! I'd be thrilled to have such stylish family photos.

12:09 PM  
Blogger Anne said...

gorgeous, so special! they will look so beautiful in your new home. :)

12:18 PM  
Anonymous Gabby's sister said...

I just talked with Gab. The movers are at the house and she can't get to her computer right now.

She has plans to answer all your questions in a future post.

12:22 PM  
Blogger edith said...

Beautiful pictures! The colors are so vibrant, love it. And how you got 5 kids standing in one line, amazing! I have 2 and it's impossible. :)

12:39 PM  
Anonymous chelsea said...

um. adorable! you all look straight out of a jcrew/crewcuts catalog:)

12:43 PM  
Blogger joolee said...

I ADORE your kids' outfits! Beeeee-autiful pictures!

12:43 PM  
Blogger JENNIE! said...

great pictures, and perfect clothes!

12:55 PM  
Blogger eimrek said...

These are so amazing! What a beautiful, fun family you have. This seems like a tradition maker: Pick a favorite park from your city and take family pictures. You can see your family grow and remember favorites as you move!

1:20 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

These are gorgeous and checked out Candice's site, WOW! Who chose the outfits, love them!

1:21 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

Beautiful pictures - the colors are so vivid!

1:36 PM  
Blogger Bri said...

Like everyone else, I love the COLORS! I usually prefer black & white for family photos, but in this case, you've got to show off the great colors.

1:41 PM  
Blogger LoGunns said...

They are beutiful pictures!

1:44 PM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Gorgeous and amazing!! Thanks for sharing...

1:53 PM  
Blogger Scribbit said...

My favorite part is how you're all wearing different bright colors--I get so tired of the cliche "all wearing white" or "all wearing denim" family portraits--emphasize that individuality. Love it.

1:56 PM  
Blogger Aimee Friedrich said...

awww, such great pictures!

1:57 PM  
Blogger Autumn said...

Terrific family pics!!

2:07 PM  
Blogger Kiasa said...

those are absolutely fantastic! I am in love with Olive's huge red flower!

2:12 PM  
Blogger pam said...

priceless.

i've been a follower of your blog for a little bit. good luck on your move! my husband and i moved cross-country last year from atlanta to seattle. it's taken me a bit to settle in to the pacific northwest, but love it. pam

2:21 PM  
Blogger naomi megan. said...

adorable! candice is so fun to work with (i did the brooklyn bridge umbrella shoot with her).

and your kids outfits rock this world!!!

xo

2:27 PM  
Blogger Heidi said...

What gorgeous family photos! Really makes me wonder why my photographer always insists on neutral solids. And you look hot! Always my first concern too. :)

2:39 PM  
Blogger Heather B. said...

The colors in the clothing along with the sunshine (not to mention the gorgeous family) are what make these photos perfect.

Really great photos, Gabby.

2:40 PM  
Blogger Laurie said...

WOW! They turned out amazing. I'm loving how colorful everyone looks.

2:48 PM  
Anonymous Boston Mamas said...

Oh G, what a gift these photos are -- beautiful, reflective of the city... just lovely. Thinking of you as your date approaches! xoxo christine

3:16 PM  
Blogger lyndsey said...

could these BE any cuter?? love the colors. the kids look like something out of a louisa may alcott book or something. what a great way to commemorate your lives in ny!

3:17 PM  
Blogger Susan said...

Oh these are so lovely! Now I'm all inspired to do family photos here, too -- thank you for sharing!!!

3:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That first picture looks like you have angel wings Gabrielle.

Have a safe move!

3:52 PM  
Blogger Apryl said...

Did she use film? The colors look so beautiful & non-digital!

3:55 PM  
Anonymous Mixing Bowl Mama said...

Oh my gosh...the colours!! I can't get over how great the colours are in that first photo. I love all of your outfits (especially the one you are wearing) and I think it's the most wonderful idea to have family photos done that way.

3:59 PM  
Blogger .caroline armelle. said...

absolutely love your outfits!
these turned out beyond great!

4:08 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

Gabrielle, they turned out great! The color placement is fantastic. By the way, you do look hot. Your hair looks great! I know what a pain it can be because it belongs to me as well. Good luck with the move!

4:11 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

Those are great shots! You have such a lovely family.

4:13 PM  
Blogger ellen said...

I can't stand it. The pictures are AWESOME!!! New York's loss in Denver's gain. We'll miss you out here on the east coast.

4:14 PM  
Blogger nicole said...

The colors are truly inspiring...so happy and uplifting...before the teenage years of black and greys!

4:18 PM  
Blogger Kristi said...

I love that you're all wearing bright colors. Nobody does that in NYC - especially Manhattan area. Yay for you! The pictures are stunning and so fun!

4:46 PM  
Anonymous rockabyedad said...

absolutely love the photos. you've inspired me to share shots of my 3 week old! :)

4:55 PM  
Blogger se7en said...

These photo's are so divine! What a beautiful moment in time and unforgettable memories!

5:37 PM  
Blogger lbwDESIGN said...

i love love love your site and your photos!!!! I just started blogging...and i'm addicted.
wouldlove for you to check out my site:
www.designilicious.blogspot.com

5:44 PM  
Blogger RT said...

I love the bright colors and the various positions you stood in for the shoot! The shots are beautiful and your family is so cute.

6:18 PM  
Anonymous she said...

oh no, are they standing on books?! :(

by the way, i love your shoes!

6:32 PM  
Blogger Chris said...

oh my goodness-- I love the colors of your beautiful family.

6:33 PM  
Blogger Miranda said...

Lovely family you have there. And you look GORGEOUS. I adore all of the color! Congratulations on such a beautiful shoot.

6:35 PM  
Blogger fav.or.it said...

酒店 ,酒店小姐 ,酒店經紀 ,酒店兼職,酒店小姐, 酒店上班,酒店喝酒

sent from: fav.or.it

6:52 PM  
Blogger UK lass in US said...

They turned out great - I love the bench shot

7:42 PM  
Blogger Adventures In Babywearing said...

Gabrielle, these are perfect! I love the colors. Wow.

Steph

8:24 PM  
Blogger Marla Taviano said...

Oh my word. These are stunning.

8:26 PM  
Anonymous whoorl said...

Oh, the colors are fabulous. Beautiful photos and a BEAUTIFUL family!

8:28 PM  
Blogger Chelly said...

Happy moving! The pics look great. I can't wait to hear about you came to the style decisions. I love how the colors played out. Seriously I'm going to remember that when it's time for new family photos.

8:45 PM  
Anonymous Kim said...

Oh my stars, these are the most precious family photos I've ever seen! Wonderfully done!

8:59 PM  
Blogger michelle said...

So inspiring. I love the bright color palette, but that each child has their own style (btw, such great posers too! Ralph's pose on the top photo is pure awesome). And I love the use of cupcakes and books as props.

I'm totally, totally stealing so many ideas from this shoot. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the move.

11:02 PM  
Blogger abigail said...

what a darling family!

11:21 PM  
Blogger sara hicks malone of party perfect said...

i'm so in love with this whole shoot! very impressive- & what an amazing way to remember your NYC days.

11:49 PM  
Blogger Naomi said...

Those are unbelievably great. Lovely family. Your kids all have such singular personalities and it shows!!!

11:51 PM  
Blogger erin wilson said...

Fantastic! Such wonderful styling and of course your family is gorgeous!

12:17 AM  
Blogger gwen bell said...

AWWW!!!!!! SO FREAKING CUtEtASTIC!!! I love your fam & so glad you're coming to Gwendoland! Can't wait to have you here!!! xo, gwenbell

1:08 AM  
Blogger Robyn said...

These family photos turned out amazing!

1:22 AM  
Anonymous Cassi said...

Beautiful pictures! You look like a winged angel in the first one the way you're framed against the arches :)

1:35 AM  
Blogger Brenna said...

oh my word! I've never had more of a reason to comment on your blog before than this... these photos are amazing! Each one I'd think, this is my favorite, no this one! What a treasure for your family. I love the color combos and the expressions... it's all great. So happy you have these memories... and you look totally hot!! ;)

1:46 AM  
Blogger Courtney said...

These are absolutely adorable. What a grand keepsake and a wonderful way to memorialize your time in NYC!

3:30 AM  
Blogger Wendy @ The Shabby Nest said...

Gabrielle! I so love these photos...the books on the stairs are priceless. What a darling (and stylish) family you have!

8:41 AM  
Blogger beki said...

These are beautiful! And yes, you look HOT!!

9:28 AM  
Blogger patricia said...

Love them all! The colors are wonderful!

9:49 AM  
Blogger ~amy~ said...

These are great pictures of your beautiful family. I LOVE.... LOVE...LOVE the outfits and the floweres:)

10:06 AM  
Blogger rikshaw design said...

what an amazing series! you have really captured all your moments before you leave nyc..it must be bitter-sweet!
good luck with your move!

12:10 PM  
Blogger Stephanie Lyn said...

What a lovely family. It's VonTrap family meets J.Crew.

3:07 PM  
Blogger Jo's Corner said...

AWESOME Family photos! I LOVE the kids standing on the books! And, their wonderful, bright shoes! Good luck on the move! I'll be following your blog from MN.!
Hugs! Jo

5:25 PM  
Blogger Marci + Dan said...

These are beautiful.

6:53 PM  
Anonymous Mom101 said...

Holy cow these are amazing. The colors, the kids, the beauty, the photos.

Happy move, my love. NY will miss you.

7:07 PM  
Blogger megan and melissa said...

Question: Can you please tell me where you got your daughters yellow jacket and her big flower headband? I love, love, love these pictures. The styling is amazing. Thanks for sharing these...these are definitely going into my favorites.
xoxo-meg
fiddlesticksandfunnygirls.blogspot.com

8:10 PM  
Blogger andrea.d said...

These are family photos that will be cherished for generations. Wow!

For some reason, in all your pictures, I tend to notice sweet Miss Olive first. She always seems so demure and calm for such a young lady. Your entire family is beyond beautiful!

10:10 PM  
Blogger Chittypulga said...

Woooow!! Gorgeous pictures!! Yeees, you look hot, the kids adorable and Mr. Blair handsome ;)
Good luck with the big move!! I'll miss your posts from NYC, but looking forward to read the ones from Colorado.

8:44 AM  
Blogger Musings of a Housewife said...

Those are A-mazing. I love, LOVE the colors of the clothes. You are so brilliant.

And what a treasure those photos must be to you, especially with your move!

9:50 AM  
Blogger Jordan said...

Oh, my Gabby, these are heartstopping. With your move I feel like a part of me (vicariously) is leaving New York behind. We will miss it for you, but wish you and your beautiful family (and Sexy Ben, of course) the best in the Rockies--not a bad deal when all is said and done.

3:19 PM  
Blogger Kate The Great said...

They're beautiful. I love the colors. What a success, Gabrielle.

4:24 PM  
Anonymous julifry said...

Gabs...the best pictures ever...so you. xoxoj

9:16 PM  
Blogger fav.or.it said...

酒店 ,酒店經紀 ,酒店公關 ,酒店兼職,酒店小姐, 酒店上班,酒店喝酒,酒店工作

sent from: fav.or.it

10:56 PM  
Blogger Melanie said...

Those are some of the most amazing photos I have ever seen!

10:01 AM  
Blogger Free Range Baby... said...

simply amazing and beautiful, wonderful job styling your gorgeous children!

11:32 PM  
Blogger Lisa Jane said...

candice~ i love your work! i recently just recieved my bfa in photography from asu and i have to say: you are inspiring! i am now working towards a teaching certificate and told the high school photo students to look you up. they did. and they oh'ed and ah'ed :)

3:19 AM  
Blogger birthday girl said...

amazing. your family is just gorgeous. good luck on your cross country adventure.

9:40 PM  
Blogger Christian e Naomi Sampson said...

bellissimi!
love to see a colorful happy family (:
congratulations!

2:55 AM  
Blogger mrs boo radley said...

Amazing. So lovely, so amazing.

10:21 PM  
Blogger LORi said...

Beautiful Wonderful!!!

4:42 PM  
Anonymous Cable Car Couture said...

They're so real, so funky and fun. Gorgeous arch and the vibrant colors are so appealing! What a lovely family.

11:49 PM  
Anonymous Manon said...

awesome!! congratulations for all of you, the photographer, the stylish.... adorable

8:16 PM  
Anonymous Vicki Boutin said...

The colors you chose for the photos are perfection! Love Candice's work!

6:43 PM  
Anonymous Jon Gray said...

Hey Gabrielle -- these are GREAT! Thanks for sharing.

8:43 AM  
Blogger Abra said...

Hello, LOVE! You have a beautiful family and I love how you all 'go together' but not the exact same. BEAUTIFUL!

10:27 AM  
Blogger Abra said...

Hello, LOVE! You have a beautiful family and I love how you all 'go together' but not the exact same. BEAUTIFUL!

10:32 AM  
Blogger lizawiza said...

So cute! Almost like a Benetton catalog!

1:05 AM  
Blogger Linda said...

I agree. The photos are beautiful...Love the clothing choices. I'm also very amazed at how cooperative everyone looks. :-)

Linda for Polarn O. Pyret
www.polarnopyretusa.com

1:54 PM  
Blogger New York Nelsons said...

Could you tell me where those arches are in Central Park?

6:22 PM  

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