Innocence
Curiosity
Exploration
Defining
Adventure
Devotion
Perfection
Commitment
Excitement
Anticipation
I’ve seen the light.
Posted on March 8, 2010
I’ve been reflecting on my recent lighting workshop. I love what adding a simple light source can do for a photograph. For the past few years I’ve been a hard core natural light only photographer. I still am for the most part, and I love the challenge of using what is available to create the mood and light the subject in the way I choose. But, I’m also learning to appreciate more tools now.
Painting has never been a media of choice for me. Light, on the other hand, is quickly becoming my new paint brush.
This lovely lady is fellow photographer Melissa Surprise of Surprise Photography in NY. She was my teammate for a little “light painting” fun. Thanks girl!
A sweet thing.
Posted on March 5, 2010
The 3 month age is always challenging. So many physical things are a challenge at this age. When they are chubby and rolly-polly, they are almost edible. I love this cherub-ish physic. This little man was so incredibly sweet.
With his mother wrapped around him, he shares an expressive face. I appreciate expression of all kinds in young children. Smiles are like jewels, but all the others feelings are worthy as well. You’ll find no one more honest than a baby.
Big sister was eager to get the attention, typical of her age. When they want to lay down, I let them. I don’t fight with children. Sometimes the best images emerge when you go with the flow. She laid down and I playfully spread her hair across the canvas below. Somewhere between her silliness and laughing appeared this soft, serious expression. It was my favorite. Traditionally, this would be a very improper pose. Why fight it? She gave me something beautiful! I wasn’t about to scold her and ask her to sit on a stool and hold her hand up to her chin. Lying like this, she was angelic.
I remember a phrase I heard once…”if you listen, people will tell you who they are.” I try to be in the moment when photographing people. They say a lot. Even when there are no words involved.
Gallery Updates.
Posted on March 3, 2010
Many of the Galleries here on the website have been recently updated! If you haven’t visited in a while, go see what is new!
Tip: If you are not able to view the galleries, try “clearing your cache” and then restart your computer. Google that phrase to learn how.
Our Journey.
Posted on March 1, 2010
One of the things I love most about photographing people is learning about their lives, and the journey they are on, and how they ended up in that moment with me. Newborn sessions (best in the first 10 days of life), are a great opportunity to learn about the parents.
This little man slept snugly in dad’s service helmet. A piece of protective equipment that has traveled quite a bit. Dad serves with the National Guard, and has been on active duty at times. This little man has a big hat to fill.
Men and women are still on active duty, all around the globe, serving our wonderful country. And remember that many of them leave behind a spouse and children. They too sacrifice for our freedoms. As a civilian, it is easy for me to go on with my life and not think about our uniformed friends over seas. This image has really stuck with me. It hits me in the heart. In this tiny new baby I see peace and calm. And the men and women wearing these helmets abroad helped to make this moment possible.
Hello color! I just had to try something new. He was so very cooperative.
And sleepy.
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March 3, 2010 at 10:55 pm -
This boy looks handsome just like his daddy
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Facebook Fan Page
Posted on February 28, 2010
Just in case you’ve missed it…there is a FAN page on Facebook! There’s a special just for the FANs right now too!
http://www.facebook.com/Vanessa.G.Photography
All wrapped up.
Posted on February 23, 2010
This sweetheart, with her gummy smile, is wrapped in a hand made quilt. The fabric patches are special. Each taken from the clothes of Grandma’s children, nieces, and nephews. I would call it a story quilt. Can you imagine the stories that go with each little piece? There’s a lot of love tangled up in there. Heirlooms are great items to include in your photography session, particularly with children.
She was already six weeks old before I met her for the first time, yet she already knew her place in the family. It was usually in mama or daddy’s arms.
She’s healthy, and happy, and she’s part of a special minority group. Less than 1% of babies in the United States are born at home with a midwife, and she is one of them. Just one more reason why this on-location home session was meaningful to the parents.
The NEW bag of tricks.
Posted on February 19, 2010
This has been an exciting week for me. The workshop I attended was awesome! And now, I have a few new tricks in my bag. I’ve been a hard core natural light shooter for the last few years, using a flash unit only when it couldn’t be avoided. Mostly because I didn’t want to be on old-school, traditional photographer. Using natural light will still remain my main approach. BUT, now I have a whole new skill set to explore: dramatic lighting! Using dramatic lighting, both in studio AND on location, will create new opportunities to capture some WOW images like these. Dramatic lighting requires a little cooperation on the part of the subject, so it’s ideal for Seniors, Couples, and Brides.
SPECIAL: My next high school Senior is going to have a portfolio to die for! I’m eager to get a few in front of my camera, so here’s a deal…BOOK a Senior session for March 2010 and receive an extra $100 print credit. Good only if your session is in March.
Model #1: College student in Atlanta, GA. Sweet as sugar. Up for anything.
I love to capture motion in a photograph. “E”motion too.
Model #2: Originally from Uganda, Africa. Currently a Hospice nurse in Atlanta, GA. Previous experience modeling in London & Paris. It showed.
While she looked stunningly beautiful like this. I was wearing a wool coat, heavy scarf, insulated boots, and you could see my breath coming out of my nose. She was totally professional. Even keeping on her barely there heels.
It wasn’t cold in the studio, but we still captured some smokin’ images.
The challenge becomes the masterpiece.
Posted on February 11, 2010
She was a sweet newborn. She came to the studio when she was just a few days old. Mom had done a very good job being pregnant. So good, in fact, that she carried this little one many, many days past her due date. Her tiny newborn started her session with eyes wide open. I don’t see this wide-eyed look very often with newborns. It’s always a surprise.
This is my new favorite girlie-girl chair. Her little red bloomers were perfect for it.
I consider this image one of my masterpieces! She was the 5th newborn with whom I’d attempted this complicated display. There are a LOT of variables to perfect to actually make it work. With the 5th attempt, I was still up for the challenge. And finally, for a few short minutes, I was able to capture something I’d envisioned for months. My special delivery to you…
This image was part of a wall gallery grouping I had chosen for Open House a few weeks ago. The lab that printed it has since called and asked to use it, along with two others previous shown here on the blog, for one of their own displays. I was very honored. Thank you baby Abby.
Newborn Session Info: Newborn images are best taken in the first 10 days of life. Please schedule newborn sessions before the baby is born. We allow for some schedule flexibility with newborns and will be prepared to provide a newborn session in the few weeks before or after your due date. Days 5 to 6 of life are the best time to capture your tiny new baby.
Mini Sessions: Feb. 11th & 23rd
Posted on February 4, 2010
A Mini Session is a short version of a portrait session. Because the session is shorter, the goals are simplified and the purpose is focused. There will be a limited number of slots. Mini Sessions will not be offered again for a long while. Call now to reserve your spot on either Thursday, Feb. 11th or Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.
Here are the details…
Session Cost: $53.88 (Includes 7.75% NC Sales Tax)
Session fee is due when scheduling your appointment to reserve your time and date. It includes the following:
- 30 minute studio session, 1-2 outfits
- The photographers time and talent
- Focused session on 1-2 individuals, OR one pet and owner
- Post processing of each indivual image for the best color, contrast, and composition
- Basic retouching of your images which include removal of scars or blemishes and cropping
- Approximately 5-10 proof images to choose from
- Shared ordering session with online previews
- Standard prints available at 20% OFF regular prices (prints begin at $30)
- 1 week to place your order
- Special deals on CDs
Why have a Mini Session?
If you’re looking for a short and sweet session to capture a few updated images of your children, grandchildren, or pet, then this session is perfect. This session will not include the large variety of images you’d get from an Authentic Portrait Session. Also, because of the time constraints here, these sessions work best for children who can at least sit up independently.
Here are a few ideas: the first lost tooth, birthday portrait for invitations, new puppy, grandma & me, just before braces, a new haircut, cousins, big brother/sister & me, OR just because they are so cute. If you’ve never had professional portraits taken and you want to get a glimps of how rewarding it can be, then this is also a good opportunity for you!
Something old and something new.
Posted on February 3, 2010
Adding a studio space to Vanessa G. Photography has created the opportunity for indoor portraiture during these dreary winter months. The theme remains the same: authentic, modern, and beautiful. The space is new, but the signature clean, contemporary look is still the same. To follow are many examples. Mini session dates for the studio will be announced tomorrow.
This handsome little fella was a recent visitor to the new space. He came with quite an interesting story. The christening gown he’s wearing has been worn many times before. It’s made of cotton. Cotton that was grown on the family farm about 140 years ago. A fine, talented woman, his very great-great (maybe greater) grandmother, spun that very cotton into thread and carefully crafted it into this very gown. It has been handled with care for many generations.
When you come to the studio, bring something special with you!
Hats are great on little heads. This one came with him. Like a bonus of cuteness.
A little silliness is always allowed and encouraged.
At 7 months old, babies can, and usually do, play with their own feet. We were waiting for that moment. Often I take the cuteness in whatever form they are willing to give. This little white shirt and curled posture worked for me.
Babies communicate in every way they know how. Making funny faces comes with the catalog of expressive tools. Handsome little stinker.
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1 Comment so far-
February 3, 2010 at 11:11 pm -
too cute!!! Love the pics with the hat…
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The first picture cracks me up, I can’t be serious lol!! The 2nd one is fun! I wish we did this when my hair was done and not 17 hours after getting up