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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

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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!

This beautiful Mom and I were roommates in College!    We met our Freshman year - during preseason for Field Hockey at Oneonta State!  During our Junior year,  a few of us decided to move off campus and lived together on Main Street.  She was from this area originally, and after being out of state for a while, has moved back and has a beautiful family.  We’ve been meaning to get together - for way too long… so it was so wonderful that she asked me to take their portraits this fall.  Funny how time, even a lot of time can go by, and when you’ve been close to someone in the past, it all comes flooding back.  We’ve spent some time reminiscing - and are even now planning a get together with some of our old friends. 

She’s exactly the kind of Mom I thought she would be - Amazing :) 

So glad we’ve reconnected…

This was the first time I’d been to 5 Rivers in Albany, NY.  I had heard about it when I was at St. Rose for grad. school - but had never been there!  I know there’s more to it than what I saw, but the walk we took was beautiful!  Great for kids of all ages.   These photos were a present for “Mom’s” Birthday!  I was honored to photograph them, and can not wait to load their gallery later this week!

Balloons just always result in great smiles.  I think everyone can say they’ve let quite a few go themselves, and for a child - watching it float up into the sky is truely magical!  The wonder of how high it will go, where it will end up, what adventures it will have, how long it’ll be before you can’t see it any longer… oh the fun!  

These balloons were sent off in honor of something, so the excitement was ellivated!  A wonderful session, and adorable family. 

Another playful family!  I’ve been photographing them since before the pregnancy of the little girl!  I love, love, love when i get to watch a family grow.  Recently they did some work to the front of their home, and really wanted to have an “Our House” photo this year for the holiday card.  Last year we shot their session just after Thanks Giving, with Christmas decorations.  The fall foliage was a fresh look for them! 

A flip upside down always generates a great laugh 

enjoy…

There’s something about that combination isn’t there???  I can’t say enough good things about this family!  I loved working with them, and capturing some true Lifestyle Portraits.  When clients give me free reign — the possibilities are endless.  Sometimes it’s hard for people to hear,  just play, or interact and try to pretend I’m not here.  Often I hear, “Where do I look? - Am I standing/sitting ok? “  That’s the beauty of Lifestyle portraits, you go with the flow.  You look where it feels natural to look and let me worry about the rest!  I tweak and provide some direction when needed, but generally it’s your family relaxing, and me running around like a nut!  LOL  We took these outside of their home in Albany, NY and in the beautiful yard of a nearby church.  It really was a wonderful fall afternoon…enjoy.

Although they still knew they were having their picture taken - I was so happy to see them start to play, laugh and even giggle!  Generally, you can catch giggle faces pretty easy with little ones - they may be aware you have a camera, but generally don’t get nervous in front of it!  As kids get older, the cooperation is so much better, but sometimes it’s hard to get a genuine smile!  We moved to the ground for a more casual look - and with two little ones riding horsey :)  the laughs began!  This is my favorite group shot of them…hopefully the families will like it too!  And of course don’t forget Grandma and Grandpa…after all it’s their gift!