My Friend Has a Camera
Please let me save you from yourself!
There have quite a few times through the years that I had to hear those dreaded words no photographer likes to hear, “I have a friend with a camera.” I simultaneously want to laugh and scream. I understand saving a few dollars, I really do. Talk to a photographer. There are some that will work with you.
There are times where people don’t see the value in spending the money and go with the friend with the camera. 9 times out of 10, this is what I end up seeing: Awkward posing, extra chins, bad effects added, red eyes, and all around creepy photos that hurt your business.
Would you trust your 401K or investment portfolio with the people on the left or right (top or bottom if you’re on your phone)? Today’s website experience is over saturated and 1st impressions are everything. The average person doesn’t stay on a website for more than 5 seconds. The photos on your page represent your product or service.
Can you trust something that important to a friend with a camera?
Don’t go with the friend with the camera
They don’t know how to pose, light, or flatter you. Photographers know how to relax you for a genuine smile. We know feminine, masculine, and power poses. Did you know that the way you feel will come through in your photos?
I doubt your friend is proficient in Photoshop. Most photographers know how to edit. The wrinkles, pimples, and stains will be gone from you image.
A photographer is putting their client first. You are paying for great service and amazing images while your friend is doing you a favor. If your friend is doing you a favor, they will get to the pictures when they get to the pictures.
2023 Cherry Blossoms
2023 Cherry Blossoms
Did you know that cherry blossoms are edible or that in Washington DC it’s illegal to break off a blossom? More importantly cherry blossoms have a very short lifespan which is usually 1-2 weeks. MOST importantly cherry blossoms are not only in Japan or DC, there are 2 locations in Northern New Jersey and they photograph beautifully.
More cherry blossom facts: Cherry blossoms are a sign of friendship between Japan and the U.S. The cherry blossom capitol of the world isn’t Japan. It actually is in Georgia. U.S. locations where you can see cherry blossoms include Dallas, Portland, San Francisco, LA, Brooklyn, Washington DC, Philidelphia, Boston, and TWO LOCATIONS IN NORTH JERSEY… and they photograph beautifully.
Verona Park Cherry Blossoms
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms
Are You Social?
Are You Social?
I have a recommendation. Get social. You never know where your next client will be. If your photography or graphic design is on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, and LinkedIn you have a better chance of being seen. This might not be news but videos are being prioritized so I would post behind the scenes or a screen recording of how you edit. Talk to your audience about what to expect or why you’re different. Don’t forget to put a hyperlink to a linktree like webpage. Here is an example.
Work with a purpose. The goal of your post is to either book a client or collect an email. Add their info to your CRM and organize it under photographer or client. Save that info for your email so you can target the proper audience. For example if you have a photo session for Easter or fall target that to potential or past clients. If you made a course, target your photographer or graphic design followers.
Having a social media presence is great but it needs to be paired with a call to action on your website which is absolutely necessary. Social media doesn’t always work. There have been days where Instagram has been hacked. This is why it is good to be everywhere. I have business posts on LinkedIn, client posts on Instagram & Facebook, and photographer posts on Tiktok. Do this how ever you want, just make sure you do it.
Comment below if you want more info about targeting for emails.
CRMs and Why You Need One
CRMs and Why You Need One
CRM stands for Client Relation Manager. It is software that helps with day to day business. If you are a photographer then you are going to need a CRM that handles galleries, contracts, album design, and business expenses.
There are many photography based CRMs like Honeybook, 17 Hats, or Tave. I HIGHLY recommend Sprout Studio. While some CRMs has two or three of the business tools I listed, Sprout Studio has all of them. Sprout has easy to use and beautiful galleries, you are able to put as many contracts you need, clients can make corrections to your album design for their liking. You can send email and see if your client saw them or make email campaigns for all your contacts. My favorite feature is the business health feature that shows how much I made and spent on my business. You can add mileage, questionnaires, and all your pricing.
I believe a CRM allows you the freedom and justification to charge more. The client experience mixed with your professionalism will set you apart from other photographers. Try Sprout Studio for free. It is such a great product and they are so confident you will like it that they don’t even ask for a credit card for you to try their free trail.
Watch the video below to quickly see all the tools in sprout.
Valentine's Minis for Singles
Four Must Have Images
If you are single and surfing dating apps for a Valentine, Insider Magazine states these are 4 must have images for your profile.
The classic headshot. This image is from your chest up and you look directly into the camera. Smile and show that confidence. If someone likes what they see then they will swipe through your pictures to the next image which will be…
The full body shot. This is your time to flaunt your favorite parts of your body. Show off those long legs or toned arms. Don’t assume your body type isn’t desired. Show off that confidence.
A lifestyle image. Show off your hobby. What is your favorite thing to do? Books, brunches, or bungee jumping; show it.
Make magic. The article stated that 4 is just the magic number for the amount of images to have so have fun with it. Take another headshot but laughing or another full body in that sexy dress you love.
If you want to make a great first impression on any of those dating apps you are on lets book a session. 14% off for a Valentine’s Day mini (15min) or regular (30min) session.
How to work harder AND smarter
Work Harder & Smarter
I’m all about helping others since there is plenty of room at the top for everyone. I made a course on how to start your photography business and it’s free. A few topics are basics of photography, weddings, websites, and editing tips.
This course is everything you need to turn that hobby into a business. I’ll tell you what equipment, client management system, and photo editing tools you need for a successful business. Once you’re done with the course, let me know what you think about it or if you have additional questions.
I Want to Quit My Job!
Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching but photographing an entire office’s headshots was a dream come true. If I can photograph two businesses a week and one newborn a week, I would be in heaven. If you know a business in need of headshots, please send them my way.
These are just a few of the professionals I had the honor of photographing at Capital One. There are always a few camera shy people who decline having their images shared.
Teaching Moment to Photographer Friends
I like to be efficient. I’m always kind and professional. I give clear directions so there is no need to touch my subject. Most importantly, make them laugh. Lets start with why you should make them laugh. Not everyone is comfortable in front of a lens. I personally HATE it. Making them laugh relaxes them. Pair that with being kind and professional and you’ll leave a great mark. I treat it like an assembly line so the day is organized and everyone in the office has the same type of images. My process was a few variations standing, a few variations sitting on a tall stool, a few sitting in a regular chair, and one creative one. This session was in NYC so buildings in the background was a must. One extra thing I like to do is get everyone’s name in the order I shot them. Renaming your files will make you look amazing because you’re making distribution much easier. This is easy in Lightroom (for example: capital_one_ bob_1).
Click on the gallery below to see the images close up.
Always available
What is Branding?
What is Branding?
Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a business in the mind of your target audience and consumers. At the the most basic level, branding is made up of a company's logo, visual design, mission, and tone of voice. The end of the year is a perfect time to rebrand your busniess. Luckly with GR Design & Photography all the things I listed for rebranding can be done with me.
The Madelyn is a restaurant in NYC I worked with. They needed an identity. A logo fit for a high end fusion restaurant. This went on their website, menus, marketing, and vinyl lettering for their glass storefront. Photography for the website was also needed and they appreciated that they were able to get all these services from one vendor. How did I do?
J’adore Fashion is a clothing brand. I was asked to make the logo fun and classy. We used 3 models to photograph their inventory which also was fun and classy. What does this brand, as a whole, say to you?
Extended Sessions
Is an extended session right for you?
While a regular session “gets the job done” those who want to take a deep dive into an amazing photo session might want to look into extended sessions. Here’s why:
More time means no rushing. We can take our time without looking at the clock.
Different locations to photograph at. If you’re looking for variety in your final images, photographing in different locations is a great way to achieve that goal.
Different clothing to wear. This, in combination with different locations, will give you a session you will never forget.
2022 Christmas 2nd Location
New Date Added
Today is the last day to book your Christmas tree farm session. If you cannot make that but you really want Christmas pictures done, I’m adding another day: November 12 at Cooper’s Pond in Bergenfield, New Jersey.
20 minute session
5 digitals picked from a gallery of the entire session
25 Christmas cards
$300
Sessions start at 10 am until 2. When booking, please state desired time: 10, 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30, 1, or 1:30. Can’t wait to see you there.
COOPER’S POND
Cooper Pond Examples
Past Christmas sessions
click for past Christmas session examples
2022 Christmas
The 2022 Christmas season is here.
I am excited to announce that this year’s Christmas sessions will be held at Hidden Pond Tree Farm in Mendham Township. Trust me, it will be worth the drive. This is a ONE DAY EVENT and slots for my Christmas sessions have always filled quickly. November 6th starting at 9am- 2pm. Sessions blocks are every half hour.
Christmas sessions will include:
20 minute session
3 digital images with 3 5x7in prints
25 Christmas cards
$300
Click the image to see past Christmas sessions.
Hidden Pond Farm is dog friendly and sells food if you or the children get hungry.
It's Fall Y'all
Sweater weather has arrived! I’ve checked the peak time for fall foliage for North Jersey and it is estimated to be the last 2 weeks of October. That is the perfect time to get the family together for a fall session.
20 min session
5 digitals chosen from a gallery of the entire session.
$250
Sessions to End 2022
Here are some sessions to look out for in the final half of 2022:
Beach Sessions
There is still time for beach sessions. With summer winding down, the weather is perfect for capturing those beautiful moments at the shore.
Senior Sessions
Summer ending means the school year will begin. This is the perfect time to plan out a senior session for your graduating senior. This includes multiple sessions showing your senior’s personality and you keep those memories in a beautiful album.
Fall Sessions
Fall is my favorite time of year to photograph. The leaves are changing and the weather is perfect. Bring the family or your significant other and lets make memories.
PS:
Stay tuned to see what 2022’s Christmas setup will be…
Never Stop Learning
Never Stop Learning
audiobook picks
In this day and age information is everywhere. It can be daunting if you’re not sure where to look. I’ve been going through my share of audiobooks and found a few GEMS! If you like podcasts then invest in some sort of audiobook app. I use Scribd and I highly recommend these audiobooks:
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller is great for navigating a successful social media brand.
The E Myth Revisited by Michael E Gerber is going to be a tough read if you’re not ready to be honest with yourself but will open your eyes to running a better business.
I’m only a few chapters into Authentic Portraits by Chris Orwig and I already know this full of top notch info for getting emotion in your portraits.
Give it a read/ listen and implement their teachings before you go on to the next book. Let me know what you think.
August 7th Beach Day
The Jersey Shore has some great beaches to take portraits on. Sunset beach pictures are absolutely exquisite… unfortunately we live on the east coast and we get sunRISES on the beach which are just as beautiful, you’ll just have to wake up a bit early.
I already have a maternity session booked and I would like to make a morning out of it. Time slots are as follows:
7:30-8am
8:15-8:45am
9-9:30am
Come get your portraits taken and then make a day out of staying at the beach. Sessions will be discounted
$200 $175
30 minute time block.
5 digitals (take advantage, I won’t be including digitals much longer) chosen from a gallery of the entire session. I then edit them in Photoshop to perfection.
Location- Asbury Park Beach
Life's a Beach
Summer memories should be photographed
Beach Sessions
Summer 2022
Life’s a Beach
Let me capture it
The summer is here and now is the time to book yourself a beautiful beach session. These book quickly and come out amazing. Also, if we book in the morning, you can make a family beach day out of it. Best times to book are early in the morning to catch the east coast sunrise or in the evening during golden hour.
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).
Dos and Donts for your next portrait session
Dos and Don’ts for Your Portrait Sessions
First off, your photographer should be telling you this because you are hiring an experienced professional… right? Well if they don’t, here are a few things you need to know for your next portrait session:
Don’t get hammered the night before! We all like to party and theres nothing wrong with that. Just remember what you look like the morning after. Not all photographers can photoshop bags under your eyes.
Stay away from huge logos and overly busy patterns. Styles change and you don’t want a FUBU shirt in your mounted family portrait.
Don’t overdue the makeup. Less is more. Your best bet is to hire a makeup artist. They know how to style you for flash photography.
Iron and coordinate your with others that are in the shoot. I love matching fathers and sons wearing linen and a white button down on the beach or matching mothers and daughts wearing matching sweaters in the fall.
Last and most importaintly, PRINT IT OUT. Get it hung on your wall to look at and love every day. There’s no point in leaving it on you usb and losing that or keeping it on your computer and it crashing.
5 things you need in your photography website
5 things you need in your photography website.
What makes a great website? It’s debatable but some of the most important things are as follows:
Great eye catching photography. Less is more. You will be judged on your worst photo so only post your absolute best. (attention)
A call to action button. Make it clear where your potential clients can contact you so they can book you. (booking)
Have your location on your website. If a potential client has to chose between 2 photographers they’re going to pick (or contact) the one with the known location. (booking & SEO)
Blogs. Give tips on what to wear or what to expect in your blogs. It establishes you as an authority and helps your SEO. (SEO)
Most importaintly, get Google verified. This will make you searchable when people look for photographers in my area. (SEO)
I'm Back
Thanks for all the well wishes on social. The family is doing great. Monroe is just the cutest little bundle of joy but it’s time. Time to get back to work. So how can I help you make memories?
Family Portraits
Maternity & Newborn Portraits
Weddings
Head Shots
Branding
Sweet 16s
Events
Help me get these girls through college.
