*Distribute 50 Rep. Cards to friends/family

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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

3rd Friday, Schenectady - Albany, NY Photographer

I can not say enough great things about this event!  I knew when I brought Tony my pieces, that the space looked like it would be great for a display.

Walking in Friday night, and seeing how beautifully he
arranged the pieces - beyond what I thought he could do in that space!  I took a quick glance around, smiled from ear to ear of course and found where my photographs were hanging…don’t think
it’s really possible to express how that felt. This was the first time I’d “shown” my work in a gallery event.  I loved the way they looked!!!  I truly enjoyed watching people walk through, and of course noticed when they stopped to look at my photos.  I had the opportunity to speak with so many people, heard wonderful compliments on my work, and met other very talented people!  My Body Lines series was so well received.  AGH!  Again, words can’t really express how that makes me feel.  Those specific images, were ones I really wanted to take - a vision I had, and really want to further develop- so to have people comment again and again about their originality, and beauty…nothing better!   Family, and many of my friends made the effort to come support me.   Thank you again to all of you.

At 9 pm - the event concluded - and I took my work down.  It will be tucked away for a very short time, as it’s next home will be Professor Java’s on Wolf Rd. in Albany.  I will be hanging them March 7th, and they will be on display for about a month.  There will be 3 additional pieces. If you missed 3rd Friday - stop in for a cup of coffee and take a peek!   I can’t wait to see them up again!
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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net  518.248.0834

Body Lines - Albany, NY Boudoir Photographer

Not many people think that the slightest curve on their body could be thought of as beautiful - let a lone make a good art piece for their home!   Over the past year - I’ve been drawn more
and more to the lines of women’s bodies.  I’d always noticed the amazing abdominal curve of a pregnant mother - and having worked with some Boudoir clients allowed me to really focus in on the lines
women have!  The main focus of this last Boudoir session was - to capture those curves.  The little details from an artistic perspective.  I’m thrilled with the way the session went - of course having a
client who fully took my direction made it easier for the ideas to flow!     I’m printing some of these to show at both 3rd Friday in Schenectady, NY  next month, as well as Professor Javas in Albany, NY; also in February.
Kind of amazing what you can see when you look closely.  Just another way to think about what a Boudoir session could be for you.
No need for clothing changes - just you, your body and some black fabric…

A DUSTING OF SNOW : ENGAGEMENT PORTRAIT SESSION
- Albany, NY Photographer

What an incredible session this was!  First of all this couple was adorable - fun, lighthearted - and so easy to work with.  They love Saratoga - so it was the perfect place to meet up for their Engagement Portrait Session.   We started in Congress Park located in Saratoga Springs, NY.   He actually popped the question there last month!    It’s really a beautiful park any time of year.  We took a stroll up Broadway - snapped a few more, and then headed over to Yaddo Gardens - which is also in Saratoga just off exit 14 of the Northway.  I’ve shot sessions in Congress Park before, and have taken photos in Yaddo - but never had a portrait session scheduled there.   Never imagined that it would be so incredible with the fresh covering of glistening snow!  Opened my eyes to the beauty of Winter portraits…   I’ve only just begun to edit these - but could not resist posting a few.  The striking contrast with the snow and blacks of the metal gate….so striking.   Enjoy your sneak peek S and R!!!

No surprise that I love photographing HS Juniors/Seniors - especially when they want to incorporate their hobbies or sport interests! She’s been playing lax for a long time - and from what I hear…. is quite good! It’s always impressive to me to see students in the many “looks” of them. Granted her hair isn’t pulled up, and she’ wearing makeup in her Lax shots - but I have a soft spot for athlete’s!!!

I personally started playing sports at the age of 7. Softball was the thing until I got into Junior High. I ended up sticking with Softball and quickly feel in love with Field Hockey. Although I found Softball easier - that’s not where my passion was. I played Field Hockey through 3 years of College. I always found myself cracking up when people would say… “You don’t look like a Field Hockey chick….” and honestly I think I looked quite different on the field than I did off! Game Face on - watch out!

 It was a bit chilly this day - so you can really appreciate her willingness to fully suit up and endure the cold to get the shots we wanted!!! If you can’t quite figure it out, the photo with her eye, is through the netting of her stick. She loved it, as well as her mom when I showed it to them in camera. I was thrilled that the edginess was appreciated. By incorporated sports, or other hobbies/interests - students really walk away with a great collection of images that really celebrate who they are in their last year of High School.

Just in time for this weekend, Holiday photo tips to save the day

PHOTO TIPS:

1.  Flash:  Not the easiest thing to work with - but sometimes just necessary!  If you’re at a gathering during the day…try to turn your flash off.  Set the ISO, which is basically the camera “film” speed, at least at 400.  Take a look around the room, and try to find natural light by the windows.  You’ll get beautiful soft filtered light, that makes for gorgeous photos!  At night, or in dark spaces, you will have to use a flash.  Keep in mind that your camera’s flash only really works up to about 6 ft. away.  So stay close!  Also, if you have an attached flash system - see if you have the capability to adjust the position.  On “shoe flashes” you should have a release button to adjust the angle and direction the flash is set up in.  If possible, extend the flash straight up, then slightly tip it to point behind you!  Ideal position would be if the flash is firing where the wall and ceiling meet directly behind you.  If you can’t tip it back, then position it straight up and down, bouncing off the ceiling!

2.  Composition:

A. The biggest mistake that people make taking photographs is being too far away!  Often I tell clients that the background isn’t all that important - especially when you’re in a house!   What you’re photographing are the people, not the bookshelf!  LOL   When you look through your viewfinder - take specific notice of how much background is in your frame.  Before you click your shutter - take a step, or a few steps closer to your subjects!  Don’t be worried about if the top of someone’s head is slightly cropped, you’ll be focusing on their faces and expressions!

B. Probably the second No-No people don’t realize is NOT TO CENTER THEIR PHOTOS!    Think of your viewfinder as a Tic-Tac-Toe grid.  You do not want the focal point of your photo to land in the center. It’s visually boring!  Where you do want to focus the attention is the corner points of that center square.  Those land 1/3 of the way into the frame.  So maybe start by centering the photo - then shift yourself so the person’s eyes are landing at either the top Left or top Right point of that center square.  Basically just shift a bit left, right, up or down…you’ll be much happier with the results!

3.  Candid Shots:

Looking for real smiles, and emotions?  Resist the urge to say “Say Cheese and Look at the Camera!”  When you see family or friends laughing and enjoying each others company - sneak over and fire off a few frames!  If they are looking at you, try to crack a joke, or remind them of a funny story that gets the giggles going again!

Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season - and Happy Photo taking!

2009 in Review…

It’s hard to believe that there is only 2 weeks + left in 2009!  It seems to always start to fly by once the Fall hits.   Many of you know that before photography - I taught elementary ed. in Niskayuna.   It’s a regular practice for a teacher to self-reflect.  Now I’m not talking about requirements, just day to day, or lesson to lesson reflections.  Although my teaching days are behind me - I still find that routine very much ingrained.   I love looking through proofs from a session - and discovering what I walked away with.   I mentally prepare before a session - and generally do have an idea of what my client is looking for, as well as ideas I have in mind.  However, the best photos are always a result of just letting the session unfold in front of me!

In preparation for 2010 - I’ve had the chance to go back through the sessions from the year.  I really was honored to meet and work with so many wonderful families!  Maternity and Newborn sessions begun 2009 - working with many expecting mothers, and some absolutely beautiful newborn babies!  As I reviewed these images, I really noticed how much I do stick to my style, or maybe better said - my vision of what should be documented during these sessions.  I LOVE the lines that my eye is drawn to.  The roundness of a belly - the delicate wrinkles of newborn fingers.  These details are so precious - that I  focus on them.   Two words to sum it up…. ”detailed simplicity” 

Boudoir was a new area that I worked with this year - and how much fun it is!!!  The nerves were always there - but quickly diminished and turned to laughing, joking and relaxed smiles!  The women I worked with were stunning. And I’m thrilled to know how beautiful they felt when they viewed their images.   Hoping to really work in this are more next year - keep the idea in your head … it’s the perfect gift - and although it sounds crazy…Valentine’s Day isn’t far off!!!

As we moved into the warmer months - the family and children sessions became more popular. I met the owners of Felthousen’s Greenhouse and Florist in Niskayuna, and joined them for their Spring Event.   Not much cuter than little kids and baby chicks!    Again, looking at the families I worked with this year - there’s a common thread to their images.  Playfulness!  Of course I’ll pose everyone and ask that everyone look at the camera - but that’s not my goal.   Natural interactions - squealing laughs and tickles….those are the elements that make amazing Family Portraits!

In addition to family sessions, the summer brought some High School Senior sessions as well!  One of my favorite thing to do, is to help Seniors really celebrate who they are!  I love hearing about their hobbies, seeing their clothing style, and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they talk about what the next fall will hold for them!!!

September, October and November were loaded with family sessions, generally with the “HOLIDAY PHOTO” the number one priority!   So many great families!!!

I honestly can not say enough about the wonderful people I’ve worked with this year.  I’m honored that so many of my clients have chosen to work with me year after year - and am appreciative of those who contacted me for their first sessions.

Best wishes for a delightful holiday season - full of laughs, good health, and of course wonderful photos!

Looking forward to seeing you in 2010!

Are you wondering why in the world I’m talking about Valentine’s Day in December? !   Well believe it or not…Valentine’s Day is only about 8 weeks away!  As with any holiday session, booking needs to planned so that there’ s time to shoot the session, process, order, and get everything into your hands!  So in actuality…all of you women in the Capital District need to start looking at your calendars and get ready to book your Valentine’s Day Boudoir Session now!  Boudoir photos are a wonderful, and very appreciate gifts for our husbands, boyfriend.  And feeling good about yourself and your body, is a pretty nice gift to yourself as well!

I’ve posted about Boudoir before - and just want to recap a bit.   Yes, Boudoir means “bedroom” and generally are considered sexy/beautiful pictures.   Most women that contact me are a bit nervous, and sometimes embarrassed!  All of those jitters quickly diminish as we chat about what you want your boudoir session to be, and I fill you in on the details of how one typically goes!  The biggest thing I want clients to know, is that I work very hard to make them feel comfortable, confident and beautiful!  We’ll talk about angles, whether or not you like your profile or straight on shots better.  Parts of your body you love, and even the ones you don’t care for!  These sessions are shot in the comfort of your own home.  And again, we make it what you want it to be.  We’ll use different rooms in the house/apartment - and a lot of window light for that soft glow.   I also like to focus on the lines of the body.  So in some shots,  I may be focusing on your legs, back, shoulders — and you get to relax as I work some magic behind the camera!   I will be getting some “testimonials” from women I’ve worked with, as hearing about someone’s experience is generally what people really want!

Here’s another shot from previous sessions, and a testimonial from a future client… 

TESTIMONIAL

“Thank you so much for taking so much time with me last night!  I know I had a ton of questions…I didn’t mean to keep you for so long. But your patience and understanding and wanting to make me feel so comfortable makes me know that you are the only person I could ever feel ok about doing something like this with!!  So please, take that as even a higher compliment than taking the most beautiful pictures of someone.  The pictures I am sure are wonderful, but to be able to make someone feel comfortable enough to show her “bedroom” side to someone other than the man she loves, is huge.  So thank you for this.”

Every year, I have a good handful of clients who choose to have me do their holiday photo cards.  I love pulling these together, and getting them the look and message they want to send out to their family and friends!  All cards are customized to the photo used - and are original creations.  Here’s a handful from this season!  Enjoy