Reasons you need prints in your life
Reasons you need prints in your life.
While I love and respect the posting and sharing of my clients’ images after one of my photoshoots, I feel like clients should go the extra mile and get those images printed. It doesn’t even have to be through me. I’m in the process of getting photo release cards so clients don’t run the risk of other places not printing my photography. If you take the time and spend the money on a shoot, some sort of physical product should be purchased as well. If you just take the digital prints and never do anything with them you run the risk of losing the USB and your computer crashing. Yes this is worse case scenario it won’t happen right away. I only archive my clients’ images for a year or so.
Showing off the digital images can be a nuisance also. You need to be near a computer. You need to find the USB if it’s not saved on your computer. Physical products are usually on a coffee table, on your wall, or make your mornings bright when you hold your coffee mug with my images on them. You see these products every day.
You have choices as well. You’re free to take your images to Walmart or Costco. I don’t recommend it. I won’t stop you. I will warn you that the quality and colors will most likely be subpar. The quality of those products won’t compare with manufactures that strictly deal with professional photographers. Screens are calibrated and images are color corrected so you receive the best image possible.
Yes it will cost more. There is nothing wrong with going the less expensive route. Quality will make your images stand out though. Just what ever you do, don’t let your image collect dust hidden in a drawer.
Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of photography. Memories for life.
Huge Changes for 2019
If you follow me on social media you probably know by now that the mrs and I are expecting! We are extremely excited. With a little one on the way, I have to make some changes to the photography business.
January - Mid May
Decor
Cake Smashes
Headshots
Maternity
Newborn
Indoor/ Outdoor Portraits
Everything will still be on the table. Business as usual.
Mid May - Mid June
Decor
Outdoor Portraits
Outdoor Headshots
Outdoor Maternity
Mid June - October
Paternity Leave
November - December
Christmas Sessions
Also, starting mid June I will no longer be traveling more that 20 mins away from Lodi.
Thank you for your understanding. Now go off and spread the word!
IM HAVING A BABY!!
How I got "The Shot"
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. This blog will be for my photographer friends and those that are just curious to know what goes into the shot.
Whether you photography the most well behaved children or the most hyperactive children on the planet, these simple steps will help you get the shot parents love.
GET A TRIPOD! Set your camera up on the tripod and make your subject laugh, be goofy, tell them daddy farted. Do what ever gets the child to engage and shoot it. Rinse and repeat.
Layer your best images in Photoshop. I also have an image of my backdrop with nothing on it to extend the background. The rest is Photoshop magic. I will be daunting if you don’t know Photoshop. Watch some videos on LAYERS and MASKS. Pick a base image and work your layers on top. Everything will be in its rightful spot because you shot these images on a tripod. Cut layer 2 and 3 out with a mask and refine as needed. Add, match color, and cut out the backdrop.
Finalize your image and deliver something phenomenal to your clients.
Final days of Christmas sessions
I both happy (I get to rest) and sad (Christmas is almost over) to say Tuesday is the last day for Christmas sessions. Any last second families trying to squeeze in a Christmas session Sunday 1-3 are the only time slots left.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone. It has been a GREAT year.
Christmas Sessions are under way!
I’m excited to say my Christmas sessions are going great. I would LOVE to show you some images but for obvious reason, I have to wait until my clients’ families receive them 1st.
Although my weekends are fully booked, weekday sessions are still available.
Family photo sessions make a great gift this holiday season. Who wants to fight their way through the mall anyway???
As 2018 Fades Away
2018 was another amazing year. My portrait clients were wonderful. I introduced headshots and decor photography which was tremendous as well. This blog is not to brag. I’m writing today to remind you 2018 is coming to an end. With a new year comes new pricing.
I’m giving you a chance to cheat the system. Book your 2019 session before the New Year and you will get the 2018 pricing.
Family Portraits
Materny Portraits
Head Shots
Cake Smashes
Decor Photography
Just a reminder, Christmas sessions are still available.
30 minute session
5 digital images
25 Christmas cards
The cut off date to book a Christmas session is Dec 15th. I need editing, design ,and turnaround time.
Gift Certificates still available.
Jingle All the Way
Christmas time is right around the corner. It’s actually 12 weeks away but I don’t think you want to wait until the last minute. Once Halloween hits, time flies. Book your Christmas Session with me nice and early to secure your spot. This year’s session includes:
30 Minute Photo Session
5 Digital Images
25 Christmas Cards
I provide the props and you provide the smiles.
Here is the link to book your Christmas Session today: Click to book
Yes... It is about that time of year again.
It’s that time of year again. No more lifeguards on duty at the beach, your kids are back in school, and Starbucks is selling everything pumpkin. This is, by far, my favorite time of the year. With the change of the seasons comes the beautiful colors of fall. This is a great time to book a fall session. Slots are filling up.
Business Cards, part of your first impression.
This should go without saying but your first impression might make or break you. Have a firm handshake and speak clearly and confidently. Leave them with a way to contact you afterwards. No brainer right? I recently redesigned my business card and since I'm in the business of photography, I use my card as a bit of a portfolio as well. I have some of my best images for all the types of photography I do on the front and my contact info on the back.
It's enough to entice your potential client to look at the rest of your website.
I recently tried a new website basicinvite.com which is great if you're not very design savvy. They have about 180 colors to chose from and plenty of templates to help get the feel of your business onto your business card.
Design your business card today:
If larger cards is what you're looking for Basic Invite also has announcement cards, thank you cards, and wedding invitations. They have foil designs and type with over 40 different colors of envelopes to chose from.
Design your card today:
Focus!
Having trouble staying focus my photography friends? Instead of listening to some of this trash music ( yes I'm in my 30s and my music was way better than anything out now) give these podcasts a try.
I've written a similar blog like this and you might have noticed some podcasts have fell off. They either stopped posting new episodes or kept saying the same things over and over.
- New on this list is the Portrait Session Podcast. They are pretty awesome. Half of their podcast is information on a certain topic. The second half is a one on one session with a photographer in need of guidance. I actually signed up to this and am expecting a call today.
- Still on this list is The Business of Photography Podcast. Pure, unadulterated photography information. They are very detailed in the topics they discuss. The also reach out to their audience to contact them. They go live on IG to critique images you send to them. I reached out to them as well to critique my site. IF IT'S THERE AND IT'S FREE... USE IT.
- The MFCEO. If you're half%ssing it through your day and put this on... you won't be half%ssing it anymore. Listen to Andy Frisella and you'll straighten in a heartbeat. Everyone might cut corners every once in a while but he keeps you motivated to do it right.
I'm constantly getting great information from these podcasts. If you've never put a podcast on I also have some honorable mentions for you to catch up on. I don't listen to them much anymore because there isn't much new content but you can get lots from them as well.
Gary Vee will get you to reach out and grab what you need for business and Photospark is has some great portrait info in it.
Now if you're more of a reader than a listener, here are some books that are near and dear to my heart. Not only because a family member is the author but because it shows you it doesn't matter where you're from. Stop doing certain things that keep you down and you'll do great things. Click on the link below to purchase the books.
What I bring to my Newborn Shoots
This blog will be informative for clients and educational for photographers. I'll go into detail on what hardware I bring on my newborn shoots and why. If you like what you read or have anymore questions, comment below.
- One goes without saying: a camera. I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III. If you can afford it, you should always have a backup camera. Accidents happen.
- Lenses: When shooting a newborn, safety should always be a priority. For now I shoot newborns with a 24-70 Canon L Series lens. This allows me to stay as close a possible to the baby incase he or she moves. The goal is also to get a macro lens and a 35mm lens as well.
- Strobes: Alien Bees are a solid brand as far as strobes go. A better idea is static lighting. The pop of the strobe, at times, bothers the baby and you definitely don't want to do that. The deeper sleep the baby is in, the better poses you can get.
- Light modifiers: I love my octobox. I take it on all my shoots. Light modifiers soften the light and keep the light traveling in one direction for better shadows.
- Transceivers: This is was sets off the strobes. Most times you only need a set of two. Alien Bees have a built in slave that sets off second or third strobes.
- Wireless speakers: I'M GIVING AWAY A HUGE SECRET HERE! Go on Youtube and find a long video of Sounds from Inside the Womb. It's great white noise for the baby. They just spent nine months listening to this.
- Extra Memory: You might not have dumped other shoots from your chip and don't have space. Or (I've done this more times than I'd like to admit) you left your chip plugged in at home. You should have at least 3.
- Card Reader: If you want to show images on location.
- Laptop: If you're brave enough to show your work straight out the camera you might want to bring this with you. I have birth announcements as part of my newborn package and sometimes I have clients pick their favorites on location.
- External Hard Drive: I like to back my files up IMMEDIATELY. Not once but twice. First the external hard drive and Dropbox. You can never be too safe.
- Extra AA Batteries: You should be switching out batteries before every shoot. Just incase you don't, extra batteries.
- Extra Camera Batteries: Once again, you should always have fully charged batteries in your camera but just incase, extra batteries.
Remember, referral $$$ for sending a mother to be my way.
Thank you for your time. I hope this was informative to both potential clients and to other photographers.
I must be doing something right
When photography leads start picking up, it's a beautiful thing. When popular businesses are emailing me for reciprocal linking, it's a whole other level. Photographer friends:
"How to Edit Wedding Photos – ShootDotEdit's Expert Tips" which I think your visitors would truly appreciate and add value to your already-awesome article.
You can check it out here: http://shootdotedit.com/2018/04/how-to-edit-wedding-photos/
Mix that info with the post that got me noticed: http://www.grdesignphoto.com/blog/2017/6/5/a-huge-congratulations-to-a-great-friend-and-few-tips-for-outdoor-wedding-photography to become a photography genius.
2018's The Year of the Professionals
2018 has been a great year. I showed you the Maternity success for this year in my last blog last week. This blog is for the grown ups.
The professionals came out of the woodwork this year for headshots. I was honored to photograph these amazing people to show the best version of theirselves. Another venture I dipped into was Decor Photography. Many party planners and bakers set up BEAUTIFUL dessert tables. A cell phone picture just doesn't do it justice.
If you or anyone you know need:
- Headshots
- Decor Photography
- Engagement Photography
- Maternity Photography***
- Newborn Photography***
- Family Photography
send them my way! ***referral bonuses.
2018 is a good year so far
It has been a great 2018 so far. It has been the year of Maternity Shoots and Headshots. Many have been my Guess What package. I've done the Announcements and Maternity Sessions. I'm just wanting on the little bundles of joy to come.
These are just a fraction of the beautiful images taken this year. There are many more to come. Maybe someone you know and love can end up here.
Give the perfect gift for any occasion, a GR Design & Photography Gift Certificate. Perfect for Maternity, Newborn, Engagements, Weddings, and Family photography.
The Guess What, The Glow, and The Binkie
Being blessed with a pregnancy could very well be some of the most beautiful months of your life. What better way to cherish your memories than a photo session to mark these beautiful moments.
Lets make the announcement of your bundle of joy something memorable with the GUESS WHAT.
Show everyone your how beautiful your belly bump is with THE GLOW
When the amazing moment comes and you give birth to the most beautiful baby you've ever seen cherish it with THE BINKIE.
A little more clarification: The Guess What includes The Glow and The Binkie. The Glow includes The Binkie.
Know someone who is expecting? $$$. Referral Bonus $$$$ available. Is someone very close to you expecting? Gift Certificates available.
New Year, New Ideas
I found a new, creative way to show your wall art. After a photo session most people want to show off their images. Here is a peek under the hood to see the latest:
Why should I do this much work? I could send it out but that would waste time and money. Lots of money. Shipping to the shops in New England and the labor they charge would be well over $120 added. I you know anything about me then you know I don't mind working" hands on" and I like finding ways to save you money.
Here are a few of the layouts I have available.
Thank you for a successful Christmas season!
Hi guys,
I must start by saying THANK YOU for everyone who made this Christmas season such a success! Whether it was posting and raving about the job I did, calling me directly telling me how everyone loved their cards, or simply liking and comment on some of the images it is much appreciated.
There are a lot of new things planned for 2018!!! Though I might not blog about what's going on, the other social media outlets are updated constantly. Follow to stay informed.
Time is almost up
The time for Christmas Sessions are coming to a close. While unavailable this weekend, week nights are still available. Last day for bookings will be December 16th.
Click here to book your GR Design & Photography Christmas Session
30 Minute Session, 5 Digital Images, 25 Christmas Cards
It's about that time of year again.
Yes you guessed it, Christmas session time! Book your GR Design & Photography Christmas Session today. Starting pricing includes 30 minute blocks of photography, 5 digital images, and 25 Christmas cards. Fill out a contact form for more information.
The beautiful Fall Mini Session window is closing fast. Book your family session today.
DIY Newborn Photography Backdrop Frame
Who doesn't like saving money?
You can always save money if you do something yourself. Just make sure you do it right. Here are step by step instructions how to (and how not to) make your own Newborn photography frame for your backdrops.
P.S. I'm way more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. There were many takes... many takes.