Yes, I have a studio. Why? You ask…most all the other photographers talk about available light and natural photography and maybe even environmental portraits. All wonderful ways to produce photographs. I use available light, too–it’s whatever is available at the time! A variety of studio lights and the control of those lights give me the option of creating the feeling or mood that suits the subject. For example, one of the most fun lights I have is the beauty dish. As the name might imply, the beauty dish is used for a more high fashion look. It’s perfect for high school seniors and brides (unfortunately, it doesn’t do much for those of us over, well, let’s just say 30).

Beauty Dish and Fan for High School Senior Portrait

High Fashion Bridal

Strobes are fabulous for working children…kids move! One of the most delightful things about kids is that they can’t be still for very long. Strobes allow me to stop the action while it is taking place but also to show the action. Also, well placed strobes can mimic window light. Working in a studio allows me to schedule sessions any time during the day without worry about changing weather and light conditions…very convenient for my clients! Strobes are very useful for the high key look that is so popular…all the attention is on the subject.

Going for the twirl!

A quiet moment

My continuous or constant lights give a more intimate feeling to the portrait and are perfect for babies and couples. The light is soft and very natural looking–makes images pop in both color and black and white.

I'm telling this story...

Sleepy Time

I won’t go into environmental portraiture now, but watch for another post on finding and taking advantage of quality light!

I take your life and put it on your walls.

Gretchen B Photography is looking for models who will graduate in 2011 to represent our studio to 2011 high school seniors. We are looking for individual models in a contemporary or classic style of photography. (If selected Gretchen will contact you about what is needed to bring for clothing/props) A model release must be signed at the time of the session by the model or the model’s parent (if under the age of 18). Participants will receive a complimentary photo session (retail value $125) and 25% off any images purchased within 7 days of photo session. Thank you for helping us with this project…you will be notified within 3 business days if you are selected. Please note: not all applicants will be selected.

Here are the details..just fill out the form..and hit submit.
Benefits…
#1) A Free 45 minute test modeling session taken before November 30, 2010. Bring 1-2 fun, funky and fashionable outfits.
#2) 25% off any images purchased within 7 days.
#3) Represent Gretchen B Photography to your friends for additional discounts and freebies
#4) Website, Blog, Brochures & Facebook – are some of the places in which you may appear!

You don’t have to be a perfect model size or look like a model to get IN. We base our decision on personality and eagerness to be in the program. We are looking for models who truly appreciate the Gretchen B Photography quality and can see the difference in our work.

Remember, only a limited number of Gretchen B Photography Models are accepted.

Link to our website..Gretchen B Photography
Link to our Facebook.. Gretchen B Photography Teens and High School Seniors

High school seniors are some of my most favorite subjects. John came into the studio yesterday–first time we had ever met. We spent a few minutes talking and getting to know each other. He’s graduating next month and going to UAB–from there to Auburn for pharmacy school. What an impressive young man! I must add that he has recently achieved his Eagle rank. I worked on a few of the images we made and wanted to share them here. Please feel free to comment! Thanks…

Just relaxin'

A funny story

Cool...

Seniors are one of my favorite to photograph…my son graduated last year, and I have a 14-year old daughter so I’m “tuned in” to teenagers. I absolutely love the high energy and optimism of teens! Here’s a slideshow of Lily’s photo session from last week. We shot some in the studio–very high fashion look–and some around Old Town Helena to give her an “urban grunge” look. Lily smiled all afternoon even especially when I asked her not to…she’s a delightful young woman who is just naturally happy. So…watch her smile and find yourself smiling back at her–I know I did!

This morning one of my clients came to the studio to pick her the photos of her high school senior. She was telling me about a friend of hers who is so disappointed in some photos that were made in a high volume studio. It makes me sad to think of all the kids who don’t have fun when they have their photos made! Many of them who come to me after such an experience are filled with dread. They leave here feeling like rock stars and models…they leave happy because they know their photo session was all about them.

As a high school senior or rising senior, you are coming into you own. You want to make decisions that relate to your life. You want to be in charge. You want to show the world who you are. Why settle for high school photographs that are geared to a 5×7 desktop frame?

We will work with you to create images that get who you are. We create exciting and fun images that are guaranteed to give your children (when you have them about 10 years from now!) an idea of how cool you were “back in the day”! Bring the things that are important to you to the studio where we’ll begin our photo essay of you. Then we’ll go outside, if you’d like, where we catch you just being yourself. Love your car or truck? Drive it to the studio, and we’ll get some photos of you with your first set of wheels. Have a collection of shoes or purses? Bring them! Play sports? Bring your gear!

Be who you are–show who you are–with us. We guarantee you’ll like what we do or your session is completely free. There are no packages and no pressure to buy. We do, however, have coffee table books, custom senior graduation cards, metallic photo finish, and much, much more. We can be reached at 205.999.3531. It’s time to be yourself.

Love the truck

Wrestling team

My shoes are my passion

I'm serious (sometimes)

Enjoy this slideshow of Caleb from our recent session. We really had a great time both outside and in the studio.

Yesterday, Chris Amerson of Amerson Events, Rachel, and I went to Children’s Hospital to meet with Misty and Emily. Rachel delivered 30 new books for the hospital to use in their activity room. The books were given to Rachel instead of gifts when we celebrated her birthday earlier this month. I posted photos from that party as well as a slideshow a couple of weeks ago. Chris was our DJ, and he did a wonderful job involving the kids in some activities as well dancing. We had a great time at the party, and the kids at the hospital will certainly enjoy their new books. This photo shows Rachel (on the right) giving some of the books to Emily who is responsible for the activity room. The second photo includes Misty whose responsibilities include fundraising for the hospital.

This young lady has quite a collection of Converse tennis shoes. I’m thinking the marketing company from Converse would love this photo!

Here are a few shots of Michelle…we’re going to do some more photos Sunday afternoon. We were rained out yesterday so we “made do” in the studio. She’s a beautiful young woman, and I am honored to have the opportunity to capture her at this point in her life’s journey.

My Goddaughter is leaving for Atlanta tomorrow to start school at Oglethorpe University! I simply cannot believe it. She and my son are 4 months apart, and it is impossible that they are going to college. Good things the kids age and us grown-ups don’t!

Here is a collage of some images we made of Sonya this past Sunday. I’ve also included a slideshow of all of my favorites. Sonya, let me know what you think!