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

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

More and more you hear people as well as families talking about Custom Photography.  And probably more often than not, they as well as others don’t really understand what that means!  What’s so different?  And why does it cost so much more? Both great questions, which have excellent answers!

Over the years I have been asked - “If a 5×7 only costs around $1.00 to print; Why do you charge $35?” My answer… “You’re not paying me for the piece of photo paper. You’re paying me for the image.”

This really is only the tip of the iceberg!   So let’s back up to what Custom Photography is.

Custom Photography – or a Custom Portrait Session is a unique experience tailored to you and your family.   Generally clients and I speak multiple times prior to a session.  We’ll discuss their families, what type of setting they are considering, the collections offered, as well as specialty products.  It’s during these very first contacts that the 1:1 experience begins, and the relationship is started.

Some photographers have studios; others shoot onlocation or a combination of the two.  I shoot solely on location which means I travel either to my clients’ homes, or a location – even locations where they would like to have their portraits done.  Obviously this isn’t a mall styled appointment!

Your wants ride in the front seat of the trip from start to finish.

During a Standard Session with me, I spend approximately 2 hours shooting.  Hundreds of images are taken to create a superb gallery.  Now here’s where the time really begins to tick.  All photographers cull down these images to cream of the crop.  Each image is given individual attention – adjusting colors, exposures, skin softening, blemish removing, under eye circles — and the list goes on! Easily 4-6 hours of time can be spent for this process!

Done?  Not yet!   Images still need to be…

• Backed up
• Resized and watermarked
• Sample layouts created
• Loaded into the gallery
• Preview images loaded to Blog along with a text post
• Preview images loaded to Facebook

Now we’re getting a bit closer. J

Depending on the Photographer or Studio, an in person or online ordering appointment needs to be scheduled.  I use the online style – but personally consult with my clients as they review their images.   Again, personalized is the key word.  It’s not uncommon for me to spend an hour or more on the phone with a client discussing images and the best collection for them.  Once the decisions have been made, the order then needs to be filled.  Another list of to-do’s for the photographer!

• Images need to be uploaded to the professional lab or labs being used
• Products ordered
• Invoices produced and sent
• Cross checking of all ordered products received
• Repackaging and shipping to client
• Follow up call/emails to clients

It’s time to switch gears.   What does your photographer need to make all of this possible?

The obvious answer – a camera to start.  Professional cameras, professional lenses (yes we need many) flash/lighting systems, a computer system, professional editing software etc.  Thousands upon thousands of dollars are invested.  A single lens can run around $2000!

Hypothetically, anyone could go out and purchase these items.  Having and Knowing – two totally different things!   Just because someone has the tools – doesn’t mean they have the skills.

Custom Photography is a unique experience.  One that requires clients as well as photographers to commit to the experience and process.

I truly love what I do – love the personalized experience, and connection I make with people.  And of course love that I get to showcase part of their lives in stunning portraits.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=358896805763&ref=mf
–
GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

The 2010 High School Senior Photo Rep. program is off and running!  I have a handful of students that are eager to participate this year.  These are some of my favorite sessions to shoot   The last few years of High School are such great times in a student’s life!  I really love working with them, and helping them capture their interests, hobbies, and personal style – agh!  I honestly can not wait to dive into this next month!   If you read my blog – you’ve heard me chat about this before.  Too many school in this area require students to sit for the cookie-cutter, black drape, shirt and tie boring pictures.  Some even will not list them alphabetically or at all if they submit a photo from an outside studio….WHY?   My opinion …convenience – it would be very easy for a yearbook staff to upload a disc from one studio – already alphabetized etc.  My favorite response….. “Let your Yearbook picture be your Yearbook picture – Let your Senior Portraits be YOU!” If the schools are going to be rigid, so be it.  There’s no reason you need to purchase anything from them, or give that image out to friends/family!  Play the game, sit for 5 minutes, pick a yearbook photo, and book a Unique Session with me to celebrate this great time in your life or your child’s life!  Enough said!  LOL

*Distribute 50 Rep. Cards to friends/family

NO CATCH!    Her daughter is a 2010 Rep!

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–
GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

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

Not many people think that the slightest curve on their body could be thought of as beautiful – let a lone make a good art piece for their home!   Over the past year – I’ve been drawn more
and more to the lines of women’s bodies.  I’d always noticed the amazing abdominal curve of a pregnant mother – and having worked with some Boudoir clients allowed me to really focus in on the lines
women have!  The main focus of this last Boudoir session was – to capture those curves.  The little details from an artistic perspective.  I’m thrilled with the way the session went – of course having a
client who fully took my direction made it easier for the ideas to flow!     I’m printing some of these to show at both 3rd Friday in Schenectady, NY  next month, as well as Professor Javas in Albany, NY; also in February.
Kind of amazing what you can see when you look closely.  Just another way to think about what a Boudoir session could be for you.
No need for clothing changes – just you, your body and some black fabric…

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!

Recently I posted about displaying images in a Wall Display – which can be a stunning way to collage cluster multiple prints. Another great approach to showcase a few images – particularly ones of the same scene, is a Story Board! Generally these prints are 20×10 in size (can be 30×10). Because they are layed out with a boarder, there is no need to matte the print in the frame! Above you’ll see 2 samples. It’s easy to see why these layouts work so well and are so popular. One actual print, and one frame – DONE! Another great way to use this type of layout, is to purchase a frame with the precut, muliple openings matte. It’s an easy way to place 4×6 images together. The only glitch with going that route, is that you do not have control over position of the image/opening. When you order a custom storyboard with me – I crop images, and am able to incorporate both horizontal and verticle images. Actually, having one image be the showcase image, by being larger or differntly shaped – makes the layout work even better!

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!