Innocence
Curiosity
Exploration
Defining
Adventure
Devotion
Perfection
Commitment
Excitement
Anticipation
Posted on March 27, 2010
I first met the mother of this recent newborn a few years ago. Little did I know the struggle she was going through at that time. She gave birth to her first child, a son named Joshua, at 5 months gestation and he lived only a few hours. It seemed like a situation from which I wouldn’t have recovered, yet she was strong and positive. I remember being so amazed that her faith in God seemed to multiply instead of divide.
When she called me a few weeks ago with the news that her second child was on the way, I was overwhelmed with happiness for her. She had waited several years to have the chance to try it again. Even more surprising was the story behind the scenes. Because of issues related to infertility, she had been scheduled for surgery about nine months ago. During the pre operation test, it was discovered that she was pregnant with her second child. Now they are delighted to welcome a healthy, beautiful baby girl that has fulfilled many dreams.
Dads can participate in newborn sessions as well. He makes her looks so much smaller than she was in real life.
Mom and Dad both share a strong foundation in their faith. When they brought a Bible to their session, this is the image I had in my head. The book is opened to their favorite scripture in Psalm. In their lives, a miracle has happened, and their prayers were answered. It was appropriate that we captured an image of their baby girl in this place. Sometimes things happen in our lives that we cannot control. It’s how we respond to them that makes all the difference.
Infertility is a term familiar to a lot of women. I myself spent many, many unsuccessful months waiting for that positive pregnancy test. It is a lonely journey. One that makes you feel inadequate. When the rest of the world seems to be reproducing on a whim, it hurts to the core to feel as though you are not blessed with that talent, a seemingly natural event that you have no control over. Every one’s journey is different. You never know what other people struggle with behind closed doors. We should all be more sensitive to matters of fertility. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as you’d expect, and it’s far more painful than you would want.
Posted on March 24, 2010
After I’ve had the opportunity to photograph the same person several times, they start to become like family. I worry about them when they’re sick and I celebrate when they have a birthday. These two beauties came to the studio a few weeks ago. I’m always surprised by how much they grow between sessions. Where does the time go? Baby sister was celebrating her 1 year milestone. We added a little diva hat for the occasion. Happy Birthday!
Big sister is about 5 years old and full of personality. Capturing a calm expression like this one is rare. Maybe that’s why I love it so. Age 5 is close to the time when kids will loose their first tooth. It’s a great age to capture the end of their ‘little kid’ years. And it’s just before they become all snaggle toothed for the next several years.
Here they are together trying out some new props in the studio for me. I hand made those frilly tutus. These little princesses made it worth it.
Posted on March 21, 2010
This little beauty came to me to model a few cute things from Toddlers & Teens Children’s Wear in Elizabethtown, NC. This first image was the one selected for display in the store. The little details make this dress super cute…the bows on each shoulder and the fancy bottom trim. Too bad I can’t dress my boys up like this. No bows and frilly things in their closets. Boo hoo.
And because she was so expressive, I just have to show you a few close ups. (You can see the clothes when you visit the store 
This was my favorite for sure. As usual it was a happy accident. Something really got her tickled and she put her hands up in excitement. Snap, snap, snap, I went and when the moment had passed, I quickly flipped through the images checking to see if I’d captured that golden moment. I did!
Posted on March 18, 2010
If you own a business in 2010, then I’m hoping you have a great website. Our society is more visually oriented than ever and viral marketing is HUGE! I’m even in the process of again upgrading my Blogsite to help visitors (aka: blog stalkers) to share what they like on Facebook and make it quick and easy for them to email it to friends. In this day and age, there are tons of people on the web daily, just looking for you! The better your online presence, the more attention you’ll gain from that sea of opportunities. The fact that you’re here reading this blog is proof in itself that the web is a powerful marketing tool. A whopping 30% of the visitors to this very page, will link to here from my Facebook Fanpage!
My accountant’s at Till & Butler CPAs, PLLC have their new website up and running. They knew how important it was for their profile images to fit their business purpose and their personalities. They are professionals, but they also wanted to look approachable and modern. They are real people with up to date training in their specialty field. We worked together to create business portraits with a new twist that would represent them and help them stand out from the crowd.
AND I’ve learned how important it is to let others do those things for which they were designed. We all have talents. Having Till & Butler CPAs, PLLC as a part of my business financial team is key to setting goals for my business and using the ‘numbers’ to make small adjustments to help my business grow. Sure I could buy Quickbooks and try it myself, and I did, but it is no comparison to having a team of professionals on my side, focused on meeting my needs as a business owner. Just like I use a talented seamstress to hem my dress pants, even though I own a sewing machine. When you want the job done right, you go to someone who does it right.
In light of all of that information, please put your best face forward. It’s vital to the long term success of your business. Vanessa G. Photography now offers Business packages to meet that need for your business to use visual aids to market to your clientele. Email for more information!
Posted on March 12, 2010
The Vanessa G. Photography Facebook Fan Page has grown like wildfire! As a THANK YOU to all the fans, here is a nice freebie for you! Bring a friend and book your sessions back to back!
Here are the rules:
1-BE a fan on the Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Vanessa.G.Photography
2-Click on the link “Vanessa G. Photography Appointment Reservations” in the links box in the lower left hand corner of the Fan Page. (It’s also on the Wall several times!)
3-There you will select your FREE 10 minute time slot on March 17th! You’ll even get an email and text reminder (next week) when you enter your information.
4-Show up on March 17th, at the new studio, on time, to have your picture made. It will be quick, painless, and fun.
5-Your image will be emailed to you shortly after that day.
About the short and sweet shoot: This will be a head and shoulders shot, unless you have a prop that requires more length, then a head to waist shot. Feel free to bring any kind of prop you’d like (guitar, skateboard, flower, book, magazine, purse, sports equipment, etc.). Keep accessories in mind, like scarves, hats, earrings, necklace, glasses, sunglasses, etc. You can decide which type of personality you want to show. Ex: funny, silly, serious, fancy, crazy, diva, hobo, mysterious, sexy, fun, plain-jane, normal, in-character, etc.
Ladies, I’d wear your hair down and if you typically wear makeup, use a slightly heaver application of color than normal. Men, at least wash your hair that day and neaten facial hair if needed. Clothes? Anything goes.
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!
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.
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.
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.
