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.
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.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Graffiti Session
Whenever I’m photographing an older child, 12-17, I offer different locations for different moods. Clients usually chose something woodsy or something on the Hudson River. I’ve always mentioned urban or graffiti but clients usually had shorter sessions and opted with the “prettier” settings. I finally found a client who chose an extended session and wanted one of the settings be a graffiti backdrop.
Anyone who knew me during college knows my thesis was a book on graffiti so I obviously had a ball. Do you want to be my next subject to photograph underneath the Holand Tunnel entry bridge?
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.
Your Ideal Client
I want someone who knows my worth, appreciates my work, and won’t make an issue out of. … insert photographer problem here.
You do realize you found that already right?? Past clients. You have their info… email them
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.
Winter Wonderland
Tips for your next winter session
If you are brave enough to take pictures in the dead of winter, here are some tips you should know.
Wear Layers
The session below was 17 degrees when we started photographing. The best thing to do is wear layers. Thermals for your legs, thick socks or 2 pair, snow boots, and long sleeves with a thick sweater looks great and you might not even need a coat.
Extras
Bring extras. Extra hats and extra gloves will give your session different looks. It will also keep you warm if you take pictures playing with the snow. Sneak some hand warmers in there too.
Move
Shivering is your body’s way of keeping you warm. The more you move , the warmer you will be. This can serve two purposes: keep you warm and make your images more fun. Running, jumping, and dancing puts a smile on anyone’s face.
