wordpress com stats
Albany NY photographer slideshow by Genine Gullickson.
 

Posts Tagged ‘family pictures’


Get Their Attention

Get Their Attention – Albany, NY Professional Headshots Photographs

In one day, and out the next!   So many trends seem to follow that path.  Traditionally a Headshot, was a very formal, posed image often using a solid blue or gray background.  Some corporations may still require that.   Many however, especially private business owners, are opening their eyes to the more current trend.  Non-traditional Headshots.   Onlocation sessions, and Custom Photography are making their mark in this area.  And people in business are showing just as much interest in this style as clients looking for family portraits.   So what is a non-traditional Headshot?   Well, it’s still a headshot – which means it’s generally a portraits of your face, down to about your waist.  One of the biggest differences is the background.   These sessions are often shot outdoors, or using an area of the actual business -  ie., office/sitting area/library.   A second main difference is the posing.   What do you want your image to say about you?  Confidence?  Trust?  Down to earth?  Posing can be as formal or informal as you’d like.   Depending on your career, your pose can say a lot about you and your business!  The one piece that should probably remain true to the traditional headshot is your clothing choice.  Business attire or business casual is recommended.  You don’t want your images to look like a family picture.


As you or your company consider updating professional Headshots – consider going the non-traditional route!    Your image will surely make an impression, and grab people’s attention!

0 Comments

 

This Is The Time – Albany, NY Family Photographer

Do you have a current family portrait?  Most people’s answer to that is probably NO — life is busy right?  Unfortunately, we often let things like documenting
our families slip by – month after month or year after year.  Always with the intention of doing it – but never quite making it enough of a priority to schedule and
coordinate it.

hitls20-copyhitls9-copy
A few weeks ago, I was honored to photograph this family.  We had talked a few times about getting something scheduled – but it just never happened.
The original intention was to capture grandparents with their grandchildren and children.  And if you take a look at these – you see 2 of those three categories
covered.  About a month earlier the grandfather passed away suddenly.  Now I know this family personally – and one of the things that crossed my mind
shortly after was….”we never did those pictures”.   In talking with his daughter, the same thought had run through her mind as well.  It’s so hard to loose
members of our family.  And people often tell you – your memories will help you through – they’ll provide some comfort in the time to come.  Granted our brains
are wonderful tools for that – but they can’t produce a physical image that you can hold in your hands.  There’s something very powerful about holding a portrait in
your own two hands – or staring into it with your eyes as you remember the person who is no longer with you.  Portraits have a wonderful magic
to them – they freeze those moments in time – and are often capable of bringing you right back to the scene you are looking at.  Sometimes to the
point that we can really feel the emotion that was occurring or hear the voices and conversation exactly at that point.   That is invaluable.
hitls4-copy1hitls13-copy1

So back to the question…. Do you have a current family portrait?  What are you waiting for?  This is the time – you will love your images forever – and they
will immortalize your family — don’t wait….  you’ll be grateful you have them.

hitls7-copy


GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net  518.248.0834

0 Comments

 

A DUSTING OF SNOW : ENGAGEMENT PORTRAIT SESSION

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

sr3-copy

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!!!sr1-copy1sr2-copy


0 Comments

 

Play Me a Tune

Play Me a Tune – Albany, NY Family Photographer

The holiday season and family gatherings go hand in hand.  Although the Fall and early December are packed with sessions for holiday gift giving; the last few weeks of the month for most photographers generally lends itself to some availability.  It was great being able to schedule this family’s session towards the end of the month.  They were getting together just before Christmas, for an early celebration – and really wanted to have some professional portraits done.   We shot in various rooms in the house, and really came away with a wonderful collection of images!   Their daughter is a Senior at Emma Willard in Albany, NY.  She’s quite involved with music, so her mom requested that we incorporate some instruments.  I didn’t realize the family as a whole is quite artsy – and musical.   It was adorable to hear them rave about their daughter’s talents, and to see Dad and Daughter giggling and holding some of their favorite instruments for a photo.

It’s very normal for people to feel a bit uneasy in front of a camera.  Generally when I review the images from a session – the first are a bit stiff, and then the natural expressions begin to come out as we progress.  Given that I enjoy a more “life style” approach to portraits – I usually ask the family about themselves and get them talking/reminiscing.   In addition to the parents and daughter – an Aunt and Grandfather were in town.  The “girls” now women, laughed as they listened to their father talk about what the two of them were like as little girls.  That really is a part of my job that I love.  I definitely am a people person – and truly do enjoy getting to meet families and watching them interact.  Quick reviews in camera allow me to get a feel for what I’ve captured during the session – but it really is pronounced once I review the images on my computer.
I love when I can hear the conversations - and laughter come  right out of the image.  And the frosting on the cake…when they share that same feeling as we discuss the gallery during the ordering consultation.  This last client did break into some tears at one point – and she’s not the first.  Again, I can not say enough how much that warms my heart.  I love that I can capture true emotions and interactions that speak so clearly to my clients.

So… something to tuck away – think about hiring a professional photographer to come to your next family gathering.  It’s a wonderful time to get some family portraits!
New York Family Photographer

0 Comments

 

Get Your Game Face On

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!!! dm3-copy

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!dm2-copy

 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.dm1-copy

0 Comments

 

“Holiday Photo Tips”

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!

0 Comments

 

Collections, say Hello to Session Proofs… – Albany, NY Family Photographer

Over the last few years, I think I’ve really learned that you can’t be set in stone with anything – in life, or in buisness. I always welcome feedback from clients, and try to tweak things to meet their needs. I’d been playing with the idea of including some prints with my digital collections – but just couldn’t seem to settle on anything that felt like the right compliment. After talking to a few people, and one recent client in particular (thanks A!) I’ve decided to give proof sets a go! Basically with any collection – Mini or Standard – digital or prints I will be including a complimentary set of proof images from the session. It does seem like a perfect way to say thank you, and for families to really remember their session. Clients will be given the choice of selecting a set of 4×6 Proofs – or a disc with websized Proofs for their personal use. Would love to hear your thoughts — feel free to leave a comment!

0 Comments

 

Family Photography Event: Christmas in July

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!

0 Comments

 

About

I'm a natural light, onlocation portait photographer - who goes for the "something different vibe"! Please look at my site - and email or call me today to discuss a ...
Read More » »