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!
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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net  518.248.0834

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Body Lines - Albany, NY Boudoir Photographer

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…

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.

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!

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. 

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.

This has got to be one of my favorite times of the year to schedule sessions!  Maybe it’s the new color of the leaves now that the flowers are fading, but I love it!  I also have many clients that I’ve worked with year, after year  — and this is often a time that we get to reconnect as they prepare for their holiday seasons. 

Most people do schedule early, but I always like to send a reminder that if you are planning on a session - DO NOT WAIT TO CALL AND BOOK!  Right now October is completely filled - and I only have a handful of availability in November.  Although most clients are looking for photos for gifts around the Christmas Season - I need them to be shot by the end of November.  Otherwise, there just isn’t enough time to get them back in your hands.  

Again, being outdoors this time of the year is amazing for portraits.  The sun goes down earlier, making the lighting perfect at an earlier time.  And between the warm tones of a setting sun, and the changing leaves —- it’s just breathtaking!! 

Clients are booking sessions in a variety of locations in and around Albany, NY.  Most think of fields, and trees or parks - which are so lovely!  But don’t bypass the urban feel of the cities!  The architecture mixed with autumn foliage — perfect formula for great portraits!!

Sessions begin this week - and I’ll be sure to post as much as I can!  Again, get intouch if you want a Fall Photo Session!!!

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!