In previous posts I’ve discussed the difference between a mall/studio photography experience, and a custom one.  Just as a reminder – let me recap on how much time really goes into a session!  The actual photo shoot is the smallest part.

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

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These sessions have been going so well!!!  We’ll continue to be shooting at the Morgan State House in Albany, NY for these incredible Boudoir photography sessions.  One thing I’ve loved with the past few – has been the showcasing of using everyday clothing in your session – so take a look at the closet with a new set of eyes!  You have plenty to work with – lingerie is optional — and no reason to run out and stock your wardrobe full of it!!!!   Sessions fill VERY FAST!  So inquire today to discuss availability and details

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INCREDIBLE!!!!!!    Had to start it that way – as that’s exactly how this whole process has gone!  From the casting call – to the filming – and now the sneak peeks that are coming out in anticipation of the full length video!  

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!!

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Boudoir – it’s that simple!!!  Whether you book your session and give it as a gift – or purchase a session for her as your gift…. No doubt that the person received it will be  thrilled.  These sessions are incredible – fun, sexy, playful – and result in nothing less than a gallery of images that are stunning!  I’ve written about this before – and just want to remind all of you that I speak from experience, not just behind the camera, but in front of it!!!!   Last year, I had my own Boudoir Session shot.  My only regret was not doing it sooner!!  I saw myself, my body as I haven’t before.  I felt beautiful, and sexy – and was on a high from the confidence boost for weeks.  I love working with women, and helping them have that same experience…   My cleints are always thrilled with the results even if they had nerves going into it.   It’s not uncommon for me to have them cry – happy cry – when they see their images —– or to say  “I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN!!!!! “  

So – as we approach Valentine’s Day – consider Boudoir j…. I promise – you’ll LOVE it

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http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=1670164676418&comments

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!!!

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It’s not as trivial as you may think!!!  Some cute, sexy lingerie, a beautiful hotel room, black material, 1 to 2 hours of time, hair/makeup artist and a photographer that LOVES MAKING WOMEN FEEL INCREDIBLE!!!!    Pretty easy checklist don’t you think!?   I can not even being to say enough amazing things about the October Boudoir Suite Event!  The women I was able to work with were wonderful – and the staff I had assisting and providing hair/makeup …well just fabulous and added to the overall success of the day!  Immediately after I began posting the images, the inquiries poured in… and they should have!  To see women looking beautiful, sexy, and most importantly confident – that’s what we all want isn’t it?  If you’ve never considered a session – I really encourage to look through my gallery and blog.  And ask yourself   ”What could a session do for me?”   If you’ve thought about it – think about it again!  I’d love to set up a phone consult and chat about your thoughts, questions and even concerns.  Believe me – in either case, once you do it you’ll only be asking yourself one thing… “WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS SOONER!!!!! “  

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Very quickly a buzz was started over the launch of my Boudoir Suite Event at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY.   So many inquires, and many requests for a second date for this incredible photography event!  In response another date has been scheduled!!!!  

Thrilled to announce that the next Boudoir Suite Event will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010.  We’ll be using the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY again for the portraits.  Hours will be similar 9-6 pm.   Clients will have the same options available: either a 1 hour or 2 hour session, hair and makeup artist option, and 2 collection choices.

Please visit me on FACEBOOK

As all the details are spelled out in the below Event Post!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141305775911719&ref=mf

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It really is hard to believe that August is about over, and Labor Day is just around the corner!  We’ve had a wonderful summer in Albany, NY — one that is worthy of great fairwell!

Now – September 30th – I’m offering portrait clients a “Basics” Collection choice.  Check it out on FACEBOOK   This Fairwell collection is available for maternity, newborn, children, families, High School seniors, and boudoir sessions.  Slots are filling fast – get intouch today to inquire

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139372676104573&ref=mf

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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!

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Get the Photos You Really Want…. Albany, NY High School Senior Photographer
 
 
Spring of High School Seniors  and Juniors is an exciting time.  The Seniors are wrapping up their last year, and preparing to head off to college in the fall.  Juniors are looking forward to be in that “Senior” class!  Most people can probably look back with great memories from this point in their lives.  So much is happening, many transitions – and really discovering who you are. Custom Senior portraits are
a fabulous way to memorialize this stage!  A handful of students from high schools in and around the Albany, NY area have participated in my Photo Rep Program for Senior Portraits.  The biggest goal of these sessions is to show students and families what senior portraits really can be!  Multiple locations, clothing changes, incorporation of interests, sports, hobbies – all elements that create a collection of images showcasing students at this very point in their lives.  You just can not get that with 10 minutes in a studio, wearing the same thing all of your other classmates have worn!!  Celebrate this time in your life, or your child’s life.  You’ll be glad you did…. 
Inquire today about scheduling a Custom Senior Portrait Session.

 
“LET YOUR YEARBOOK PICTURE BE A YEARBOOK PICTURE —– LET YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS BE YOU”
–
GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net  518.248.0834

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