Telling a Story with Photography
Photography for most is just taking out a cell phone, capturing a cute image, and leaving it on your phone until you get a new phone and never see that image ever again. I’m guessing you’re clicking on my page because you want something more. I can definitely help you with that.
Lets start with the easiest, most beautiful journey you will ever take, CHILDBIRTH. This is my favorite story to tell. I know how beautiful this story is because the next group of photos are of my family. Freezing these moments and mounting them on a wall will take you back to the way you felt when you were taking that journey. Lets do it the right way.
For my corporate followers, you can tell a story too. Professionalism! It’s a simple story to tell, but it is also a very important one. Headshots are your clients’ first impression of you. Professional, uniform, and charismatic makes for a great first impression.
Whether you would like more information or you are ready to book, click on the button below.
Who needs a headshot?
WHO NEEDS A HEADSHOT?
First I’ll explain and then I’ll ask. Headshot- n. a photograph of someone's face, especially a promotional photograph of a model, actor, or author. This definition is somewhat dated. With the importance of social media, everyone putting themselves out there needs one.
Entrepreneurs - You’re starting from scratch and people want to know who you are. People respond to visuals much more than just some bio. Putting your best foot forward is key when networking and doing the leg work to promote your business.
Professionals- Doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents are constantly promoting or being printed in some amazing newsletter, magazine, or newspaper for the amazing work they do.
Social Media Influencers- Content is king when it comes to social media and when it comes to visuals, Instagram is the kingdom. Headshots, glamour shots, and behind the scene shots are currency. LinkedIn is becoming a close 2nd, if not more important, for headshots.
Now I ask again… Who needs a headshot?
Full day rates, half day rates, and individual headshots are available.
Questions about headshot sessions email me at gonzalo@grdesignphoto.com (link below).
Cherry Blossoms
2022’s Cherry Blossoms will be in full bloom April 2-10th. If you would like to have an amazing session like the ones below, book now! Click on the booking info button to schedule a session or ask questions. This year’s locations are Branchbrook Park in Newark or Verona Park in Verona.
2022 Seasonal Schedule
The 2022 Photography Schedule by season.
If you know you want a photo session but are not sure when to book a session, here are the types of sessions to look out for by season:
Christmas 2021
A quick rundown…
There are two new setup for the 2021 Christmas season. I have a Hot Cocoa session and a Christmas PJs session. Hot Cocoa comes with a 20 min session, 5 digitals, and 25 Christmas cards. Christmas PJs is a 15 min session, 2 digitals, and 25 Christmas cards. You also have the option of doing both.
I’ve had a few people say they would like an outdoor setting but their kids were a little old for the Hot Cocoa session. I still have my props from 2020s setup.
Autumn Session Season
Sorry to say the summer is nearly over. On the plus side, that means it’s almost autumn. Let make memories with an autumn photo session.
30 minute session
5 digitals picked from a gallery of the entire session
Images edited to perfection
Photography & Editing
How well can your photographer edit?
If your photographer shoots, dumps the images on a card, and makes you download your images from a rinky dink google email, you got robbed. There are so many reasons your photographer needs to be able to edit images. I wont bore you with all of them. I will just stick with my top 3 reasons.
Control what you can’t control
You can’t control the weather or how busy your location will be in real life. You can in Photoshop though. The right photographer can remove people and make it a bright, beautiful day.
Head swaps and out with the ugly
Let’s keep it real. Kids are goofballs and when you want a family picture they never want to cooperate. Photoshop and a tripod are your photographer’s best friend in this situation. Also, no one wants garbage cans, people, or ugly looking trees in their background.
Safety!
If your newborn photographer lets your baby sit in a froggy position and doesn’t piece together this shot, scream at them. Don’t let your baby be put in danger.
Beautiful things happen at the beach
Beach Portrait Sessions
When was the last time you had a family portrait session? I am pleased to inform you that JUNE 13th I will be setting up shop down the shore in Asbury Park Beach. It’s a regular 20 minute session just with a beautiful beach backdrop.
I will have 5 time slots available on June 13th:
9:00am - 9:20am
9:30am - 9:50am
10:00am - 10:20am
10:30am - 10:50am
11:00am -11:20am
Click on the make memories button to book your session or to ask any questions.
Headshot Happy Hour! Cheers!
I am happy to announce that I will be hosting a headshot happy hour on Friday April 9th. Lets put 2020 behind us and show potential clients the best version of yourself. Below are examples of the session and the location in Saddle Brook.
The session is 15 minutes with black, white, and grey textured backgrounds. You will receive 2 images that will be formatted for high resolution, low resolution, and black & white. There is an option for hair and makeup. If you are interested or have any questions, click the button below or leave a comment in the comment section.
2021 Seasonal Schedule
The 2021 Photography Schedule by season.
If you know you want a photo session but are not sure when to book a session, here are the types of sessions to look out for by season:
Fall sessions
What should you know before you go.
Know what you want: There’s nothing wrong with taking a peek at Pintrest and having an idea of what you want. Every photographer has their style and letting them know what ideas you have in your head assures that everyone is on the same page.
Know what to wear. I recommend solid colors for most of my sessions but for fall sessions, it’s ok to go plaid as long as the family matches. Try not to camouflage with the background by wearing a very saturated orange or red top.
Trust your photographer. If they are experienced, they should know how to prep you for your session. They should let you know what to expect, what to wear, how much time is needed, and exactly where you are meeting for your session. This is how I run my sessions.
What to expect in a photo session.
Yes i know a lot of you reading this already had an amazing session with me. This blog is for that new client you’ve sent my way. I love word of mouth referrals btw. Photoshoots can be extremely daunting. What do you wear? Should you shoot indoor vs outdoor? Do you even know what you don’t know? This is where a good photographer (like me) comes in.
First off… RELAX. Even if our session is a total disaster in your eyes, I usually get a few salvageable images. There was pregnancy announcement session where the big brother wouldn’t stop crying. I had him hold a sign and made it seem he was upset about possibly getting a sister. Even if it is a total disaster, there’s always a reshoot.
What do I wear? Dress up! Look your best. If it’s a group, wear matching colors. For example the whole family wears a white top and blue jeans. Make sure it’s neat. My goal is you love the images so much you buy a huge print and hang it in your living room to enjoy forever.
Bottom line is if you arrive knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a photo session, you will be comfortable not to worry out the things you can’t control. Be in the moment. Have fun. It’ll show in your images
My two most frequently ask sessions are maternity and headshots. I hope these links calm your worries.
I HATE HEADSHOTS!
Why you should be on BOTH sides of the camera.
Don’t get me wrong. I love shooting headshots. I hate taking them. It’s a necessary evil especially since I am constantly stating that all professionals NEED them.
Here’s what I’ve learned on the other side of the lens.
It’s awkward as hell!
Unless you’re a model, it’s really hard to pose yourself.
I’m not it control, the photographer is.
Comment below if I’m wrong but these are pretty universal feelings for anyone who isn’t a model. This is why it’s important to hire a photographer that knows what they are doing (me). Someone who knows how to pose despite your weight, height, or skin tone (ME). Most importantly, someone who is charismatic to loosen you up (MEEE!!).
Telling a Story
Photography for most is just taking out a cell phone, capturing a cute image, and leaving it on your phone until you get a new phone and never see that image ever again. I’m guessing you’re clicking on my page because you want something more. I can definitely help you with that.
Lets start with the easiest, most beautiful journey you will ever take, CHILDBIRTH. This is my favorite story to tell. I know how beautiful this story is because the next group of photos are of my family. Freezing these moments and mounting them on a wall will take you back to the way you felt when you were taking that journey. Lets do it the right way.
For my corporate followers, you can tell a story too. Professionalism! It’s a simple story to tell, but it is also a very important one. Headshots are your clients’ first impression of you. Professional, uniform, and charismatic makes for a great first impression.
Whether you would like more information or you are ready to book, click on the button below.
Who needs a headshot?
WHO NEEDS A HEADSHOT?
First I’ll explain and then I’ll ask. Headshot- n. a photograph of someone's face, especially a promotional photograph of a model, actor, or author. This definition is somewhat dated. With the importance of social media, everyone putting themselves out there needs one.
Entrepreneurs - You’re starting from scratch and people want to know who you are. People respond to visuals much more than just some bio. Putting your best foot forward is key when networking and doing the leg work to promote your business.
Professionals- Doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents are constantly promoting or being printed in some amazing newsletter, magazine, or newspaper for the amazing work they do.
Social Media Influencers- Content is king when it comes to social media and when it comes to visuals, Instagram is the kingdom. Headshots, glamour shots, and behind the scene shots are currency. LinkedIn is becoming a close 2nd, if not more important, for headshots.
Now i ask again… Who needs a headshot?
Full day rates, half day rates, and individual headshots are available.
Questions about headshot sessions email me at gonzalo@grdesignphoto.com (link below).
Lets get out there!
It is with great pride (and the need to get out of the house) that I am announcing that I AM BACK. Of course there will be a new normal when it comes to our sessions. Outdoor only for a while for obvious reasons. I will have a mask and hand sanitizer. I will also maintain my distance while shooting.
Families: The current portrait theme, as you can see, is the beach. Sessions are 30 minutes and come with 5 digital images. I am also offering prints with my sessions.
Realtors: Headshots on a beautiful day in front of property for sale would be a great look for the summer.
See past blogs.
Cherry Blossoms
So I know you’ve felt this winter, or lack there of, and seen how mild it has been. Because of this the Cherry Blossoms Festival in Newark states it will be held April 4th and 5th. I’m assuming that’s when the blossoms will be out in full bloom.
Lets book you a session ASAP. Can you imagine have your own images like the ones below?
