The Moods of Mother Nature

It is cold, windy and rainy today. Not a day for playing outside. It seems Mother Nature is intent on reminding us that winter is just around the corner, so appreciate the nice weather while you can. (I just wish she didn't feel the need to drive home that message all weekend long).

A few weeks ago I was able to photograph this family on a really lovely day. It was later in the afternoon, my favorite time to photograph, and the lighting worked out wonderfully. There was a time, however, when we weren't sure we would ever be able to pull off this portrait session. I was lucky enough to meet this family because they won a gift certificate from one of the fundraisers I participate in every year. Well, we had originally planned to meet in early June, just before the summer start. We had to coordinate 2 sisters, their 4 children and their grandparents. We had to work around school schedules, sports and afterschool activities, one sister coming up from South Jersey, conflicting vacation schedules.....you know....daily life and all that entails.

We were able to work through all those (moms will find a way!!!) The thing we couldn't work through...you got it....Mother Nature. Every time we were set for our session, the wind kicked up, the rain came down, the sky rumbled and our plans were spoiled.

But, lo and behold, we finally got an afternoon where all the stars aligned!!! The weather cooperated, the children got to play in their grandparents backyard and I was able to capture some lovely images of three generations of a family.

As I sit here and look out at the miserable weather and dread going to stand in the rain for school pick up, I look at these images and know....better days are ahead!

Peace,
Gail

A Little Halloween Fun

In our house, my son has enjoyed dressing up in costumes since he was very little. Sometimes they would be costumes from previous halloweens (our lion costume), sometimes from trips we've taken (Jack Sparrow from DisneyWorld), sometimes gifts from Santa Claus (the astronaut outfit and helmet - one of my favorites), and sometimes just things he would find around the house (vests, belts, hats, dad's suit jacket and ties). There are times when I feel like everyday is halloween around here.

But there really is something special about Halloween. It's a day when we all get to use our imagination and play for just a little while - whether you are a child or an adult. I think it's so much fun to get caught up in creating and playing these characters for an afternoon and evening(and who doesn't love the chocolate?!?! Come on, admit it....do you raid your children's halloween buckets after they have gone to bed? I sure do...it's one of my guilty pleasures.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th, I will be hosting a special Halloween Mini-Portrait Session event. My mini-sessions are 30 minutes and will be set up similar to what you see in these images. Sessions are limited, so be sure to call to reserve your spot. 908-868-8023. Creative fees for these mini-portrait sessions are $50 and you get a free set of wallets to show off your kids creativity and imagination and joie de vivre!

Peace,

Gail

An Afternoon in the Park

I photographed this session earlier this year, but it is still one of my favorites. I wanted to share with you what a full session with me is like - the full breadth and depth of what I try to capture during a portrait session. This is also my first attempt at uploading and sharing video. And as much as I use technology on a regular basis....going through the process drove home the fact that ..."I am an artist...not an engineer". Good thing I'm married to one though.

Also, I wanted to remind you that I am currently running my fall fundraiser for the Community FoodBank of NJ. $75 of your session fee is donated to the FoodBank and is tax deductible to you. So...if you have been thinking about have a portrait experience for your family, now is a great time to book one.

You can link to my website www.gscphotography.com or call me at 908-868-8023 to book your portrait session.

Peace,
Gail