Get the Photos You Really Want…. Albany, NY High School Senior Photographer

Get the Photos You Really Want…. Albany, NY High School Senior Photographer


Spring of High School Seniors and Juniors is an exciting time. The Seniors are wrapping up their last year, and preparing to head off to college in the fall. Juniors are looking forward to be in that “Senior” class! Most people can probably look back with great memories from this point in their lives. So much is happening, many transitions – and really discovering who you are. Custom Senior portraits are
a fabulous way to memorialize this stage! A handful of students from high schools in and around the Albany, NY area have participated in my Photo Rep Program for Senior Portraits. The biggest goal of these sessions is to show students and families what senior portraits really can be! Multiple locations, clothing changes, incorporation of interests, sports, hobbies – all elements that create a collection of images showcasing students at this very point in their lives. You just can not get that with 10 minutes in a studio, wearing the same thing all of your other classmates have worn!! Celebrate this time in your life, or your child’s life. You’ll be glad you did….
Inquire today about scheduling a Custom Senior Portrait Session.

“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

This Is The Time - Albany, NY Family Photographer

Do you have a current family portrait? Most people’s answer to that is probably NO — life is busy right? Unfortunately, we often let things like documenting
our families slip by - month after month or year after year. Always with the intention of doing it - but never quite making it enough of a priority to schedule and
coordinate it.

A few weeks ago, I was honored to photograph this family. We had talked a few times about getting something scheduled - but it just never happened.
The original intention was to capture grandparents with their grandchildren and children. And if you take a look at these - you see 2 of those three categories
covered. About a month earlier the grandfather passed away suddenly. Now I know this family personally - and one of the things that crossed my mind
shortly after was….”we never did those pictures”. In talking with his daughter, the same thought had run through her mind as well. It’s so hard to loose
members of our family. And people often tell you - your memories will help you through - they’ll provide some comfort in the time to come. Granted our brains
are wonderful tools for that - but they can’t produce a physical image that you can hold in your hands. There’s something very powerful about holding a portrait in
your own two hands - or staring into it with your eyes as you remember the person who is no longer with you. Portraits have a wonderful magic
to them - they freeze those moments in time - and are often capable of bringing you right back to the scene you are looking at. Sometimes to the
point that we can really feel the emotion that was occurring or hear the voices and conversation exactly at that point. That is invaluable.

So back to the question…. Do you have a current family portrait? What are you waiting for? This is the time - you will love your images forever - and they
will immortalize your family — don’t wait…. you’ll be grateful you have them.

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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

Custom Photography – 411

Custom Photography – 411

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.

Greenhouse Spring Event 2010 - Albany, NY Photographer

Greenhouse Spring Event 2010 - Albany, NY Photographer

Hard to believe that we're mid way through March already! The snow is melting away; Robins are begin spotted; Warmer temps --- Spring is here!
Felthousen's Florist and Greenhouse in Niskayuna, NY is ready! Their shop and greenhouse have been stocked with beautiful flowers and plants.
Last year we connected for their Spring Event - and I'm glad to say that we are teaming up again this year! The Greenhouse is a perfect location to
shoot Spring images - lots of light, beautiful flowering plants - and baby chicks!!!! Not much better than a child's portrait surrounded by flowers, and
fluffy downy chicks. Be sure to check out all the details on facebook. Contact me to book your Spring Event Session today! Sessions are limited, and
need to be scheduled prior to the event. Times willbe booked on a first come, first serve basis. Don't miss this great opportunity!

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

Let It Be All About You..

Let It Be All About You... - Albany, NY High School Senior Portrait Photographer

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

The Rep. Program is a wonderful opportunity for students as well as parents.

Without boring you with too many details - here's a quick outline of what it entails....

What do Rep's get?

*complimentary 1.5-2 hr. portrait session - multiple clothing changes & locations

*unique Video using all session proofs - perfect for posting on the web!

*50 Rep. Cards

*Brag Book

*$50 referral credit per student you send my way - use credits towards your own portrait collection or CASH

What do Rep's have to do?

*Give me 1.5-2 hrs. of their time to shoot their session

*Distribute 50 Rep. Cards to friends/family

*use 1 of their proofs as buddy icon on facebook for 1 month

*talk about your pics and experience!

....that's really it!!!! I spoke with one parent last week - and at one point she said..."This sounds great...I keep waiting to hear what the catch is, but there doesn't seem to be one!?"

NO CATCH! :) Her daughter is a 2010 Rep!

I value working with these teens - and appreciate them marketing me to their friends and family - it's a great partnership!

There are 2 slots still available for this year - and 1 may be filled in the next few days. If you are interested, or know someone who may be - send them my way!

I'll be updating regularly with photos from the sessions - so be sure to check back! To get you started - take a look at this video for one of the Rep's this year!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fanimoto.com%252Fplay%252F1NCz0RyHakl050d8TbuHTA%253Fshare%253Futm_source%253Dfacebook%2526utm_medium%253Dshare%2526utm_campaign%253Done_click_share&h=e5ecc85c72ba7a285d2f8adf97bfbb6e&ref=mf

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GENINE GULLICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.geninegullickson.net 518.248.0834

3rd Friday, Schenectady - Albany, NY Photographer

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

3rd Friday All Female Art Showing!!!

I am so excited to have a showing at 3rd Friday!
Come out and enjoy work done exclusively by Female Artist in the C.D.
Find 3rd Friday info on Facebook!

Body Lines - Albany, NY Boudoir Photographer

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

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!!

Play Me a Tune

Play Me a Tune - Albany, NY Family Photographer

The holiday season and family gatherings go hand in hand. Although the Fall and early December are packed with sessions for holiday gift giving; the last few weeks of the month for most photographers generally lends itself to some availability. It was great being able to schedule this family’s session towards the end of the month. They were getting together just before Christmas, for an early celebration - and really wanted to have some professional portraits done. We shot in various rooms in the house, and really came away with a wonderful collection of images! Their daughter is a Senior at Emma Willard in Albany, NY. She’s quite involved with music, so her mom requested that we incorporate some instruments. I didn’t realize the family as a whole is quite artsy - and musical. It was adorable to hear them rave about their daughter’s talents, and to see Dad and Daughter giggling and holding some of their favorite instruments for a photo.

It’s very normal for people to feel a bit uneasy in front of a camera. Generally when I review the images from a session - the first are a bit stiff, and then the natural expressions begin to come out as we progress. Given that I enjoy a more “life style” approach to portraits - I usually ask the family about themselves and get them talking/reminiscing. In addition to the parents and daughter - an Aunt and Grandfather were in town. The “girls” now women, laughed as they listened to their father talk about what the two of them were like as little girls. That really is a part of my job that I love. I definitely am a people person - and truly do enjoy getting to meet families and watching them interact. Quick reviews in camera allow me to get a feel for what I’ve captured during the session - but it really is pronounced once I review the images on my computer.

I love when I can hear the conversations - and laughter come right out of the image. And the frosting on the cake…when they share that same feeling as we discuss the gallery during the ordering consultation. This last client did break into some tears at one point - and she’s not the first. Again, I can not say enough how much that warms my heart. I love that I can capture true emotions and interactions that speak so clearly to my clients.

So… something to tuck away - think about hiring a professional photographer to come to your next family gathering. It’s a wonderful time to get some family portraits!

Get Your Game Face On

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

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