If you had asked me six months ago how Personality Portraits got me a job with Gerber, I’d be very confused. Now that it’s happened, I can’t wait to share this story!
On the second-to-last day of my family’s beach vacation in Maine, I was sitting on the beach, watching my kids jump waves, when I got a text from one of my former photography assistants. She now works for a production company in Boston and wanted to know if I’d be interested in photographing a paid production shoot. In Boston. On Monday. With Gerber. Like, Gerber Gerber.
Um, WHAT?! Inner Sharon squealed with excitement at the exact same moment Impostor Syndrome struck hard: were they sure they wanted ME?
Being Honest About My Experience
I told her to put my name in the ring, but honestly I wanted to be selected on skill, not just on connections. That night she texted back: I was in the top three, and Gerber wanted to know what brand experience I had.
Um, none? I’m a family photographer in a town with fewer than 10,000 people.
I took a breath, admitted I didn’t have any brand experience… but could I tell them about Personality Portraits?
That became my experience distinction. Gerber needed me to photograph 12 child models in 12 hours. My Personality Portrait events? I’m often photographing 50 groups of children in 4 hours. Twelve in twelve honestly sounded easy.
I got the job. Not because of brand experience or a fancy portfolio, but because Personality Portraits had given me a skill no other photographer in the running could claim: I can photograph 50 groups of kids in 4 hours — efficiently, joyfully, and effectively.
Preparing for Production Day
I found out I was selected to be the still shadow photographer on Thursday night. The shoot was Monday. That left me very little prep time, which honestly was probably a blessing. The call time on Monday was 7:30am in Boston, and this country girl was not about to navigate those roads before a 12-hour day, so I booked a hotel.
On Sunday night, I packed my gear, drove up, checked in, and met my former assistant (the one who got me the job!) for dinner at Bar Taco. She got to catch up, and she walked me through what to expect. We said an early goodnight, both hoping for a decent amount of sleep before the big day.
The Morning of The Gerber Production Shoot
I woke up once an hour to check if it was time to wake up yet (don’t you hate that?!) and finally gave up at 5am. Quick breakfast, quick shower, and I headed to the “house” where the production shoot was going to take place. I put “house” in quotes because this was the biggest house I’ve ever set foot in: 7 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 5,000 square feet. Like, what?!
I dropped my gear and jumped straight into helping to haul things in from the cars and vans — food, clothes, clothing steamers, all of it. I met the producers, the Gerber creative team, the videographer and gaffer I’d be working closely with. There were probably fifteen to twenty staff, all there to make the day run smoothly.
Clarifying My Role As A Still Shadow Photographer
I still wasn’t 100% sure what my role was. Priority number one was the commercial video, so the videographer led. Once I talked it through with the team, my job became clear: stick as close to him as possible and capture stills of what he was filming.
At a family session, I’m responsible for everything — location, lighting, props, outfits, posing, camera settings, all of it. Here? Almost comically, none of that was on me. Two women built and styled the “worlds” (aka sets) and handed me whatever prop I needed. I would literally say “I wish I had an aesthetic hamper!” and they’d have one in my hands within minutes. Magic. The producer directed the models. The gaffer handled the light. Honestly, I adjusted a few camera settings, stepped in, hit the shutter, and felt like I wasn’t doing enough 😂 A few times the models were still ready before the next “world” was set up, so I’d hang back and grab bonus shots — but for the most part, my job was refreshingly simple.
A Long (But Fun!) Production Day
The kid models cycled in with their parents all day. We started outside and moved in once the heat got to be too much — which was wild, because this shoot was happening in the middle of July for a fall/winter campaign. The models were in sweaters and long pants while the rest of us sweated through the summer heat.
We broke for lunch around 2pm, then got right back to it. Between kids, while sets were being rearranged, I’d sneak in product shots of the Gerber Childrenswear clothing around the house for them to utilize on social media.
At 6:40pm, we wrapped. I couldn’t believe how much got done in a single day — I haven’t worked a day like that in a long time (I genuinely don’t know how wedding photographers do this every weekend). I staggered to my car, somehow drove home, and slept for ten hours straight.
From Personality Portraits to the Gerber Experience
This was an incredible experience, and I’d say yes again in a heartbeat. I learned so much about what happens behind the scenes on a production shoot, and it also validated everything I already do for my own families to make their sessions feel this seamless.
Seeing my work live on Gerber Children’s Wear’s Instagram has been wild, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
I’m sharing all of this because you’re never going to “feel ready” when Gerber calls. I knew their creative team was reviewing my website while I sat on that beach, and all I could do was cross my fingers that they liked what they saw. The confidence Personality Portrait events gave me is exactly what let me say yes — and I’m putting out into the universe that I’m ready to take on another experience like this again!
Choosing Sharon as Your Canton CT Family Photographer
Why do you want Sharon Leger Photography as your Canton CT family photographer? First, you will be fully prepared for your session. This preparation includes detailed emails and videos before your session, in addition to a prep guide and questionnaire. Second, your session is thoughtfully strategized so that you get way more images than you ever thought possible. And finally, as a former elementary school teacher, Sharon is skilled at engaging and connecting with clients of all ages. Shy toddler? No problem! Cranky husband? I got you, mama!
To learn more about Sharon Leger Photography, explore the website or follow Sharon on Instagram or Facebook. Please send inquiries through the website only. Please note that the website includes all relevant pricing and booking information.
If you are interested in booking Sharon Leger Photography as your Canton CT family photographer, please know that most spots book about six months out. Reach out today for current availability!
