4/1/09
Business Portrait Special
I am collaborating with makeup artist Lori Johnson of Your Best Image to offer a Business Portrait Special on April 20 and 21. Click here for details! You can see some of my business portraits here. Signup ends on April 18.
3/31/09
Top Ten Tips for a Great Business Portrait
Top Ten Hot Tips for a Great Business Portrait!
1. Get one! If you haven't been asked for a professional headshot, you will be. It's just a matter of time. You will need one for your web page, as well as for newsletters, news releases, articles, profiles, brochures and speaking engagements.
2. Hire a professional to photograph you. Office mates or spouses with new cameras don't count. Fancy cameras and lenses do not a professional make. You have to know how to use them!
3. Recognize the components of a good headshot: A neutral backdrop; A well-fitting simple top/jacket; Professional makeup; Good lighting; A relaxed expression that shows your competence and approachability; A flattering pose.
4. Choose a well-fitting suit and/or blouse that is multi-seasonal with a simple weave. Textures such as tweeds are distracting, and can create an undesired phenomenon of digital artifacts called "moiré".
5. Wear a solid color. You have a wide range of choices here: Gray, blue, green, purple, red, pink, or beige. Deep grays or navy blues photograph better than blacks. Avoid whites or very light pastels.
6. Have your makeup applied by a professional who understands studio lighting. Strobes can wash out your features, so extra enhancement is important. For both men and women, a good foundation powder can smooth the skin and reduce glare.
7. If you bring a friend, have him or her wait in another room. An extra pair of eyes may distract you during the session. The relationship between you and the photographer is a key element in making a successful portrait.
8. When posing, turn your body a quarter turn away from the camera. Then gently turn your shoulders and head back towards the lens. This pose avoids the straight-on mugshot look. Leaning forward slightly from the waist will elongate your neck and give you a welcoming look. Both good things!
9. Imagine that the lens is your best client. Welcome that client with your eyes. Think of the relationship you have with this person. This exercise will make your energy become outer-directed and add approachability and warmth to your portrait.
10. Recognize the value of a communicative, beautifully lit business portrait. You deserve the best when it comes to your professional image!
Gretje Ferguson Photography www.gfergphoto.com 781-461-9202
1. Get one! If you haven't been asked for a professional headshot, you will be. It's just a matter of time. You will need one for your web page, as well as for newsletters, news releases, articles, profiles, brochures and speaking engagements.
2. Hire a professional to photograph you. Office mates or spouses with new cameras don't count. Fancy cameras and lenses do not a professional make. You have to know how to use them!
3. Recognize the components of a good headshot: A neutral backdrop; A well-fitting simple top/jacket; Professional makeup; Good lighting; A relaxed expression that shows your competence and approachability; A flattering pose.
4. Choose a well-fitting suit and/or blouse that is multi-seasonal with a simple weave. Textures such as tweeds are distracting, and can create an undesired phenomenon of digital artifacts called "moiré".
5. Wear a solid color. You have a wide range of choices here: Gray, blue, green, purple, red, pink, or beige. Deep grays or navy blues photograph better than blacks. Avoid whites or very light pastels.
6. Have your makeup applied by a professional who understands studio lighting. Strobes can wash out your features, so extra enhancement is important. For both men and women, a good foundation powder can smooth the skin and reduce glare.
7. If you bring a friend, have him or her wait in another room. An extra pair of eyes may distract you during the session. The relationship between you and the photographer is a key element in making a successful portrait.
8. When posing, turn your body a quarter turn away from the camera. Then gently turn your shoulders and head back towards the lens. This pose avoids the straight-on mugshot look. Leaning forward slightly from the waist will elongate your neck and give you a welcoming look. Both good things!
9. Imagine that the lens is your best client. Welcome that client with your eyes. Think of the relationship you have with this person. This exercise will make your energy become outer-directed and add approachability and warmth to your portrait.
10. Recognize the value of a communicative, beautifully lit business portrait. You deserve the best when it comes to your professional image!
Gretje Ferguson Photography www.gfergphoto.com 781-461-9202
3/28/09
Another Portrait for Lahey Clinic
Meet Jackie (a participant in the new Lahey Clinic Portraits of Inspiration wall I am working on), who has been battling carcinoid for 23 years. Here is her photo and and incredible story:
With our feet on the floor
Just like my mother, who survived from 1967 to 1975 with carcinoid, I put my feet on the floor every day. As her caregiver, I lived through her story daily.
After my diagnosis, I continued to work every day for twenty years as an account manager for a paper manufacturer until 2006. That’s when my co-workers, seeing my increasingly difficult struggle against pain and fatigue, said gently, “Jacklyn, it’s time to go." I loved the teamwork of that job — in the office and with clients all over the country and abroad — and cried when I left.
When I see healthy, laughing people, I wish I could be as healthy and carefree as they are. Yet whenever I do smile, in that moment I too feel healthier and more carefree.
Now, in my twenty-third year of survival, I know that sharing stories with other patients helps me to fight both medically and mentally. When we share our experiences and feelings, we gain insights into each other’s mental being. We smile, put our feet on the floor, and keep on going with every ounce of our bodies — together.
Jacklyn Nadeau
Diagnosis: carcinoid at age 49
Date of diagnosis: 1986
With our feet on the floor
Just like my mother, who survived from 1967 to 1975 with carcinoid, I put my feet on the floor every day. As her caregiver, I lived through her story daily.
After my diagnosis, I continued to work every day for twenty years as an account manager for a paper manufacturer until 2006. That’s when my co-workers, seeing my increasingly difficult struggle against pain and fatigue, said gently, “Jacklyn, it’s time to go." I loved the teamwork of that job — in the office and with clients all over the country and abroad — and cried when I left.
When I see healthy, laughing people, I wish I could be as healthy and carefree as they are. Yet whenever I do smile, in that moment I too feel healthier and more carefree.
Now, in my twenty-third year of survival, I know that sharing stories with other patients helps me to fight both medically and mentally. When we share our experiences and feelings, we gain insights into each other’s mental being. We smile, put our feet on the floor, and keep on going with every ounce of our bodies — together.
Jacklyn Nadeau
Diagnosis: carcinoid at age 49
Date of diagnosis: 1986
3/21/09
Easter Children's Portrait Special in Dedham!
Easter is coming! Your kids will be all dressed up for at least five minutes. So if you'd like to have a photograph that commemorates this momentous occasion, check out this link! If you can't see it, here's the basic info:
The special will be at my Dedham studio, April 11 and 12 (Easter!). Just call me at 781-461-9202 for an appointment. The $200 fee includes a photography session, one 8x10 print (a $350 value!), and an Easter bonus gift from Dedham's The Blue Bunny!
$25 from each session will be donated to Generation Cures at the Children's Hospital in Boston.
The special will be at my Dedham studio, April 11 and 12 (Easter!). Just call me at 781-461-9202 for an appointment. The $200 fee includes a photography session, one 8x10 print (a $350 value!), and an Easter bonus gift from Dedham's The Blue Bunny!
$25 from each session will be donated to Generation Cures at the Children's Hospital in Boston.
3/12/09
2/27/09
A portrait of inspiration
I have been touched and honored to be chosen by the Lahey Clinic to photograph its patients who are coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. So far four pieces have been mounted on the wall at Lahey's Gordon Cancer Center, and feature a portrait along with a story about how he or she is dealing with the process of healing.
The stories are elicited/written/edited by Louise Smith, and the pieces are framed by Kathy Skarvan of Ava Art. The wall is called "Portraits of Inspiration." Below, meet Kristen, and read her moving story.
The stories are elicited/written/edited by Louise Smith, and the pieces are framed by Kathy Skarvan of Ava Art. The wall is called "Portraits of Inspiration." Below, meet Kristen, and read her moving story.
..
.
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The kindness of others
"You have cancer": these three words forever changed my life and the lives of my family. Who would take care of John and our two daughters, Olivia (5) and Ella (3)?
"Don't let the fear consume you," advised my aunt, a breast cancer survivor. My friend Betsy, a cancer survivor herself, told me "It's the toughest thing you'll ever do, and you will do it." She was right.
I have a special memory from that time. When I was at Lahey awaiting my radiation treatments, I saw that a woman, Ginger, who regularly sat beside me for her own treatments, was knitting a shawl. One day I commented on how beautiful it was. "It's for you," she said. "When you feel down and alone, just wrap it around you, and you'll feel the love and care."
The kindness of others kept my spirit, strength, and hope intact during a very difficult time. My doctors, family, and friends kept me strong and on track during my cancer, and they continue to do so. Cancer did take some things from me physically. But the life lessons I learned and people whom I would not otherwise have met are priceless.
Kristen
Diagnosis: colorectal cancer stage 2 at age 31
Date of diagnosis: 2007
2/16/09
Everybody's in a good mood
1/15/09
Photo of the Month: January
My latest photo of granddaughter Sophie (age "three and three-quarters!", as she would say. So advanced!).
12/7/08
Louise and Lewis
Lewis and Louise have just been married a few months, and wanted both a casual portrait and one in their wedding garb. A lovely couple! You can feel their love and commitment.
12/5/08
December Photo(s) of the Month
Sometimes a photo shoot doesn't go quite as smoothy as hoped (I call this the Toddler Arch!)...
But then the inner diva kicks in!
But then the inner diva kicks in!
9/22/08
Special Fall Portrait Promotion
Here's some news from my Dedham studio! For the month of October, 2008, I'll be donating one-third of all portrait session fees to Flashes of Hope. This is a national organization that pairs volunteer photographers with chronically ill children for meaningful and uplifting portrait shoots. You can see some of the work I have done for this organization and others on this blog (just scroll down!).
Deadline: October 31! Contact me by Oct. 31 to book a family/child/couple portrait photography sitting, and I will donate one-third of your session fee to Flashes of Hope! As thanks, I will provide you with an 8x10 print of your choice. Photography must be completed by November 30, 2008.
Call the studio ar 781-461-9202 for more information! I look forward to photographing you and your family.
Deadline: October 31! Contact me by Oct. 31 to book a family/child/couple portrait photography sitting, and I will donate one-third of your session fee to Flashes of Hope! As thanks, I will provide you with an 8x10 print of your choice. Photography must be completed by November 30, 2008.
Call the studio ar 781-461-9202 for more information! I look forward to photographing you and your family.
9/11/08
A visit with Keira
Eight-year-old Keira has successfully completed treatment for lymphoma! Her sunny disposition helped her through the difficult process. We had a wonderful session at her family's New Hampshire home.
Children undergoing treatment at Mass General Hospital collect beads that give a visual representation of their experience.
Keira's sister Alicia joined our session!
Keira's Cavalier King Charles spaniel had mixed feelings about being a model...
9/2/08
Summer fun with Sophie
I can't resist summer family photos! Here is granddaughter Sophie whooping it up on a sunny morning.
Looking at the view from a window at my mother's summer home:
And cuddling with her wonderful mother (my daughter, Lisa!)
Looking at the view from a window at my mother's summer home:
And cuddling with her wonderful mother (my daughter, Lisa!)
8/30/08
Session #8 for Flashes of Hope in Boston
Here is the last session for the Flashes of Hope project. Thanks for visiting with these incredibly courageous children who are battling serious illness. If you feel inclined to support this wonderful endeavor, which connects photographers and critically ill children for in-hospital portraits, please visit flashesofhope.org.
Our final "model" Jonathan was in the best mood! He just loved being photographed!
Our final "model" Jonathan was in the best mood! He just loved being photographed!
8/29/08
Session #7 for Flashes of Hope in Boston
I loved Palmer's expressions! He showed many sides of his personality during the session.
When his cousin joined the shoot, we got some great attitude!
When his cousin joined the shoot, we got some great attitude!
8/28/08
Session #7 for Flashes of Hope in Boston
Here is the seventh session for the Flashes of Hope project. Kylie had energy to burn, and a gorgeous smile!
8/27/08
Session #6 for Flashes of Hope in Boston
Milan chose a special blouse for her photo shoot. She's only four, but has an air of wisdom about her.
8/26/08
Session #5 for Flashes of Hope in Boston
Erin and her family brought wonderful attitudes and great warmth to their photo session. I only had about 15 minutes with each family, so we had to work fast!
With Mom:
And sister...
A little ice cream can make any photography session go more smoothy!
Here's the whole family:
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