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.

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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).

3 Head Shot Tips for Killer Images

3 Tips for Killer Head Shots

First is your catch light. This is when the light from your main (key) light hits your subject’s eyes. This brings dept and life to your image.

Second is your key light. This is your main light and you will get a different feeling in your image depending where you place your light. I like to place my strobe at 45 degrees (10 or 2 o’clock) and a few feet over the subject’s head with my softbox angled down.

 Last is the back light. Also know as rim, shoulder, or hair light; it lights the back of your subject. This illuminates the back edge of your subject and separates them from the background.

With this lighting and enough practicing with posing and you should be able to go after those corporate head shot gigs in no time.

Fun Fact: 99% of people getting head shots are not models. They won’t be comfortable in front of a camera. Hell, I”M not comfortable in front of a camera. Be relaxed, be charismatic, and make it fun. The picture will show what they feel. Laughing and relaxed will show. Nervous and uncofortable will also show.

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INVEST IN YOURSELF

What to look for when hiring a maternity &/or newborn photographer.

Experience

You will be pregnant with this child only once.  You might be spending a lot of money on one or both of these sessions.  Make sure your photographer can consistently produce what they are showing on their site or social media.  An experienced photographer should be answering most of your questions before you even ask them.  

Vibe

You should be vibing with your photographer.  If you aren’t comfortable with your photographer, there is a good chance that will come through in your photos. Photographers who know what they are doing are comfortable with their sessions and their confidence 9/10 will be passed onto you. 

Can They Bundle?

Maternity photographers might not be newborn photographers but newborn photographers are almost always maternity photographers as well.  See if they have bundle packaging.  My “The Glow” package is a maternity session and newborn session and images from both sessions end up in your album and, at times, the birth announcement cards. 

Ps: you should be printing this beautiful journey out.  Don’t just post it on your social media, print it out and hang images in your nursery. Make an album and put it on your coffee table for all to see.  

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.

3 tips for a smooth family session

Calm the beast and slay your session.

I only say beast because that’s my daughter. Here are three tips to help your family session go smoothly.

• PATIENCE- patience is paramount when photographing children. Those under 4 won’t always cooperate. If you book multiple sessions in a day, have down time in between session so your session doesn’t spill into your next booking.
  

• BRIBERY- Photoshoots are a big deal for little children. Reward them handsomely! “Do a good job and we get ice cream!” has worked wonders. If the child needs immediate gratification, stay away from messy treats. If worse come to worse, strap a phone to your head while playing Cocomelon.
  

• KINDNESS IS KING- Parenting styles vary from parent to parent. Inform them they will not be yelling at their child during there session. Nothing is worse than a sad, scared child in all of your pictures.
  

Let me know if any of these tips worked for you. What did I miss that works for you?
Smile!

P.S. She calmed down.

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:

First Day of Fall!

It’s the most colorful time of the year again. Lets book your fall session soon. A google search states that the leaves are due to change Oct 19-29th. That should be enough time to get your fall outfits together for an amazing photo session.

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Recent Google Reviews

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Gift Certificates

You might feel like you don’t need a session but know someone who does, gift certificates are a great gift for the upcoming Autumn and Christmas seasons.

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

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My two most frequently ask sessions are maternity and headshots. I hope these links calm your worries.

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.

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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?

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Easter Sessions

New seasons call for new themes. The next available theme is Easter. I’m pretty sure the photo of the set up tells you everything you need to know.