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!
–
GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net  518.248.0834

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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!

We got back from the Cape yesterday - and I just got some time to load up the images —- I do often take pictures of my kids, but usually just a quick shot here and there. This family vacation gave me a chance to sneak some while they didn’t know I was doing it. My favorite photographs are always candid ones. I just melt when I catch the innocence in their childhood in pictures. Many people want a smiling at the camera shot going into their session. I love, love, love - when they fall head over heals in love with the candid ones too, and especially swoon when they say….”you captured us perfectly…” I heart my job! As I posted earlier, summer session availability is decreasing by the day. Give me a call, or drop a line and we can start chatting!

Summer always goes by too quickly doesn’t it? Already I’m watching my calendar fill up with both Photography Sessions and personal family functions! I’ve been trying to find a way to post a calendar showing open dates, but as of now I do not have this capability on my site. So, I just wanted to share that availability for summer sessions is beginning to become more sparse. In the past two weeks, I’ve had many inquires, and a good handfull of bookings. If you’re considering a Portrait Session - please call to discuss the details and find out about availability. If we’ve already chatted and you do want to book, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Sessions are booked on a first come first serve basis.

I hope you’re all enjoying the summer & scooting around the rain!
~genine

*PS - Watch for “Good Pictue Taking Tips” — plan on posting it soon to help you get some nice shots to remember your 2009 Summer!

Often I hear clients asking - “How would you group these? - Which would you hang? How Many?” So, I’ve been trying to mock up a quick view with an option or two that I like when sending a client their gallery. Depending on the look you like - symetrical or not; you can easily cluster images from a session to create a stunning wall display! When selecting images, I look for ones with similar coloring or tones - when an image is processed different - say very vibrant or vintage and the others aren’t - it pulls attention not necessarily the way you want it to. So, start by selecting a favorite or a few favorites. Then, see what other images you could group with it as compliments. Generally, I like to have one image be the main focus and therefore largest. Try to alter the sizes - but becareful not to go really big, and then really small. Buying the same style frame keeps the lines the same, and again won’t distract away from the images! Another great idea is to play with the layout on the floor after you’ve placed the images in the frames. Nice not to have holes all over your walls! Last tip - have someone else around when you hang them. It’s always helpful to have a set of eyes viewing the wall straight on and from a bit of a distance.

Just a reminder about this wonderful event!
This event is open to you, and anyone you’d like to share it with.

Here are the details!

Where: Central Park -  Schenectady (in the Albany, NY area)
When: Saturday, July 11th
Times: 4-7 (30 minute increments/on the hr. and 1/2 hr.)
What: *Approximately a 20 minute outdoor session * Online viewing /ordering appointment
Cost: Your choice of either…
A) $200 - Session, plus any 2 digital files!
B.) 220 - Session, plus (1) 11×14; (1) 8×10; (1) 5×7

RSVP by June 20th Session times are first come first serve.

PLEASE NOTE: A $100 deposit will be due upon booking

*** If you have a group of friends that you’d like to do this with..contact me and we’ll work it out ! Of course you get a discount!