Generally I correspond with clients both via email and phone prior to their session multiple times.  We chat about clothing, location, session choices, and the style they want their session to have.  A touch base always occurs a few days before, giving the clients the chance to ask last minute questions – or sometimes to simply calm the nerves! 

As I stated earlier – the session is the smallest part of this process.  But before the session even begins – additional time is spent looking through wardrobes, re-arranging furniture, finding the best shooting location and answering questions.  THEN – we shoot and have fun!  A post session discussion occurs as we wrap up.  Again, questions are answered, the when, how, and where do I see my photos is all covered!  Samples of wall pieces are also brought along, so a client can see the products, and sometimes even look at one in the space their considering for their own in their home.   A big help if you are a visual learner!

The computer time is next - uploading, backing up, and the first run through finding the cream of the crop images!  Personally, I also look at various exposure and processing options – to find the perfect fit for each image!   Once the gallery images have been selected further editing using Photo Shop is then done to polish them up!

Now it’s time to get the clients involved again!  An email usually arrives to my clients announcing that their gallery is ready – along with a preview image or two! Everyone enjoys the sneak peek!!!!  And I LOVE sharing them!  We coordinate a time/day to view the gallery together - and have a phone consult to discuss and place the order.

So you’d think that would wrap it up right?  NOPE!!!!!!   At a minimum – the order needs to be placed, an invoice prepared and sent, and emails with confirmation of payments received, as well as when to expect their beautiful portraits!!!!    With some orders, even more time is spent… here’s a sampling from a recent client’s session!

She knew she wanted to display many of the images, and decided on wall pieces, but needed help with the layout.  Most of us do better when we can SEE what is being talked about.  And this is exactly what mocking up wall displays does!  Sometimes it makes it very clear what we don’t want, and helps us arrive quickly to what we really do want!  This client and I spent quite a bit of time chatting on the phone about size options, and layouts.  I want to be sure and say that this process is NEVER rushed.  It can’t be!  And as I told her – I’d much rather take more time, and know she’s comfortable, and confident with her final choices, than rush an order and worry about second guessing the selections!  Today was our last meeting - I drove over to her home, re-looked at the space, and brought a scaled drawing of the final layout for her to look at.  I know she was very happy and relieved to have me there, and she’s so excited for her order to be placed!  THIS IS WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE!  This is what makes custom photography unique.  Excellent portraits is one piece, but clearly….. there’s much more to a session with me than just that

Inquires come in daily – mostly from women – and occasionally from men who are looking to gift the session to a girlfriend or wife.  In past posts here and on facebook I’ve put up questions – a Boudoir 411 if you will.   No question that quite a bit of thought goes into booking a session on a clients end – and understandably they generally have a lot of questions! 

Recently I’ve been asked a few time - “What aged women tend to book these sessions?”    

There’s a range – from their 20′s to -50′s .

The ladies in their 20′s are typically into the high fashion, model like portraits you see celebrities in.  They want a feeling of  Hollywood, or modeling.  I also have found some that call themselves late bloomers – and feel they’ve come into their own – and want to celebrate it!

Women in their 30′s and 40′s are often mom’s – who are looking to get their sexy back !   They’re often consumed by the role of parenthood – and need some TLC – and personal time to focus on only them.  Some have had to work hard at regaining their post pregnant body – and want to celebrate that achievement.

40 and 50 aged clients are sometimes women who have been divorced, or have lost their spouse.  Some are looking to re-enter the dating world – or are simply just looking to see and be reminded of what they have to offer this world.  I also find that some women have settled into the idea of getting older – and have decided to embraced it – and want to document their beauty at this point in their lives. 

Whatever your age – whatever your reason — a Boudoir Session is an unbelievable gift to give yourself.  Lingerie, or not (which is not a requirement by the way)  the focus is on capturing your essence, your beauty.  The confidence these images, and even just the experience of the session alone brings to women is impossible to truly describe or duplicate. 

Drop me a line today -and let’s chat about the style and session type that would be perfect for you.  

Surprise him this year with something that he’ll LOVE!!!!  Boudoir Photos of YOU!!!

Thrilled to announce an incredible, exclusive offer for the May 1st and 15th Boudoir Sessions!

Bottom line – you’ll look and feel great – and end up with a perfect gift, wrapped and ready to place in his hands!  He loves you – give him some love back with gorgeous photos

Inquire today for details and to reserve your session.  518.248.0834   genine@geninegullickson.net

You can also find details here:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205391382817678

CLICK THIS!!!!!  BOUDOIR: Behind the Scenes - video link

The perfect way to see what goes on behind the scenes of a Boudoir Event!!!! 

This video Sneak Peek was created by the incredible team at Best Bytes Media.  Our two casting call winners made their way down to the Morgan State House in Albany, NY – directly across from Washington Park – for the filming.  We used their premeir suite – which is insanely beautiful, and couldn’t have been more perfect for a Boudoir Sesssion!!!!  Our goal was to give you a look into Boudoir Sessions with Genine Gullickson Photography.  What is looks like, what it sounds like, and of course what the photo outcome is! The full length feature will be released soon – can only imagine how great it will be.

So first let me introduce you to the Boudoir Casting Call Winners!

First we have Alex!  Can you believe she use to hate having red hair?  That she wouldn’t leave the house without earings and lipstick because she was mistaken as a boy once and was determined not to have it happen again?  We all have our stories – for her she’s embraced her lovely red locks and freckles   Alex is natural in front of a camera, which is exactly why she was selected to be one of our models for the video. 

Our second model winner was Shannon!

Shannon is a mommy of 3 little boys – and has worked very hard to get back her body.  Any lady out there can tell you that the post pregnancy body is something they could avoid!  Hard work is given her, her body back.  And when you’re a mom, doing something for YOURSELF isn’t always on the top of the list!  It was wonderful working with her – and seeing how incredible the photos made her feel!!

It’s that time of year!   Announcing the official Casting Call for high school juniors who wish to be considered to model for Genine Gullickson’s Senior Portrait Representative program. 

Requirement are:

HS Junior – live in 518 area

Message today to submit your application  genine@geninegullickson.net

All of the rooms are pretty – and the one we used, featured in the video is their largest.  Words really can’t tell you how cool it is, and perfect for Boudoir Photography.   Check our their site    http://www.morganstatehouse.com/

So this connection, couldn’t have come at a better time as I was looking for a location to use to shoot my BOUDOIR: Behind the Scenes video with Best Bytes Media  http://www.bestbytesmedia.com/Media/Index.html

To catch you up to speed – we ran a casting call and selected 2 women to be gifted the experience, as well as be featured in the video.  Keep watching as their “stories” and sample pictures will be featured here soon!!! 

Here is a sneak peek of the video being produced – AMAZING!!!!!!  Can not wait for the full length feature!  Check it out to see what a Boudoir Photography session with me is really like!!!

BOUDOIR: Behind the Scenes

#1 – “Should I go tanning before my session?”
Well – a little touch of color and sunkissed skin never hurts! But honestly – it’s not necessary! If you do decide to go – BE CAREFUL! Pale skin outweighs burned and RED any day!!!!! Also, if you are thinking of getting a spray tan – do your research! Quality does vary place to place – you don’t wanted to be spotted or have stripes!

#2 – “I don’t want to feel bloated! Any suggestions?” YES!!!! WATER – WATER AND MORE WATER!!! Stay away from salty foods/high sodium for a few days, and drink plenty of water to flush out any water weight you may be holding. Lemon water tastes great – and is a natural diuretic!

#3 – “I have a few pieces of lingerie – but they really don’t fit my style. Do I have to wear lingerie?”
NOOOOO!!!!!! Think about it – sexy is sexy – it doesn’t matter what you wear! Advice: look in your closet – find things you feel great it – a fav. shirt with panties works! A dress unzipped etc. And as you see …in my portfolio – sheets are an EASY fix!

#4 – “I only want to do one look for hair/makeup for my session – do you think I should go natural/pretty or edgy?”
Personally, I say go edgy. It’s great to feel pretty and look like you – but it’s even more fun to really look high fashion/edgy! Plus it’s easier to get into character! And keep in mind – how edgy you want to be it totally up to you!

#5 – “What did you (Genine) do with you pictures after your session?” I ordered an album of my favorites, AND 2 large canvases which are hung in my bedroom. At first I wondered if I’d want them up – but decided this is MY ROOM!!! Love having 2 gorgeous photos on our walls (Billy likes it too)

#6 – “I have a tattoo I got when I was younger and don’t really like.  Is there any way you can get rid of it?”  Most likely… YES!  It does kind of depend on where it is, and how much it’s covering .  But I have edited a few sessions where I use some Photoshop magic, and POOF!  it’s gone!  Once I see you in person, I will really be able to tell if it is or isn’t do-able…. NO WORRIES!!!!  Even if I don’t think I can – that just means we get creative with props, sheets, and angles to hide it!!

#7 – “I was thinking of getting my eyebrows waxed before my session – do you think that’s ok?”  That total depends!!!!  Nice shapely eyebrows always look great, but if that means you’re going to get swollen skin, red and bumpy…. NO! NO! NO!  Biggest suggestion would be to ask yourself how you react to waxing – and if you’ve never done it – stick with tweezers!  Also, my wonderful stylist can easily tweak them with makeup for you!  Surprising what a bit of shadow can do to even our eyebrows!

#8- “Do you bring anything that I may be able to use in my session?” YES!!!!  I have a collection of vintage jewlery, lacey scarves, a red corsette, playful pillows, and a funky fur-like vest!  You are welcome to use anything!!!  It’s not uncommon for us to accent what you bring with what I have!

#9 – “Have you ever shot a Couples Boudoir session?”  YES   A few times actually!   One was a couples session, and the other was the woman’s session and her husband stepped in for a handful of frames!  Think Calvin Klein ads!!!!  They are so much fun, and the couples really loved the photos! 

#10 – “What do you recommend doing with the photos?”  Personally, I LOVE having an album!  They can be customized with text, and there’s honestly just something about holding a book that has incredible images of you, in your hands!  Not everyone wants them displayed on their walls – but for people thinking of doing it – go with Float Wraps!!!  Very cool, modern, and ready to hang!  Last thing I would recommend would be the watermarked digital files.  Although these aren’t for printing – it’s great to be able to have them on your computer, or phone too!  And it makes it super easy to share any of the pics you’d like with friends.

***More to come!!!!

Fabulous quick video from SeaSaw Studios shot at the October Boudoir Suite Event at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY  

The captured exactly what it’s like – take a look!!!