Gretje Ferguson Photography

New business portraits for Kristen

2011-05-26T15:27:00.000-04:00

Kristen wanted both a traditional headshot and one with a more casual look. I think she looks gorgeous in both! Makeup by Lori B. Johnson.

Dedham Open Studios, May 15

2011-05-04T14:36:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to be participating in Dedham Open Studios next Sunday (May 15). Over 90 artists will be participating in locations all around town. To celebrate one of my favorite activities--reading--I've decided to showcase portraits of local authors that I have taken in the last few months. You can see them at my home studio (6 Deep Dene Way, Dedham) between 11 and 4 on May 15. Maps are available at http://www.dedhamopenstudios.com

Why authors? I have always been drawn the arts and to people who embody the creative process. I love to read, and make every effort to acquaint myself with an author's work before the photography session. Featured writers include Peter Reynolds, Bob Halloran, Kyle Darcy, Lilian Cheung, Juliette Fay, Raffi Yessayan, and many others. Would love to see you there! And support all our other local artists by visiting their exhibits as well.

Raffi Yessayan

Headshot tips for attorneys

2011-03-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

Headshots for attorneys: Getting optimal results for your professional portrait

By Gretje Ferguson

Whatever branch of law you have chosen, you will find yourself fielding requests for a headshot. A good headshot is an attorney's calling card. It gives you a strong image for websites and professional associations, aids in client acquisition, and provides a contemporary presence in the world of social media. A good business portrait personalizes your practice. People get a sense of you and your professionalism through your photograph, and are more likely to want to work with you.

What you want to convey in your portrait depends on your specialty. If you are practicing elder or family law, you may want your portrait to show both compassion and professionalism. If you are in the corporate world, you may want your headshot to be fairly conservative. If you are practicing Criminal Law, you may want to have a no-nonsense headshot that conveys strength of character and approach.

The photographer: When choosing a photographer, find a seasoned shooter who will be proficient in lighting, composition, and posing. You also want someone who will work with you to understand the nuances of your practice and the message you want to send.

Here are some questions to ask your prospective photographer before booking:

Do you specialize in business headshots?
How many images will be taken, and how many do I get to keep?
How can I view the proofs? As digital files? As contact sheets? As prints?
Will I have the opportunity to change clothes for a different look?
Are the images available in print, as a digital file, or both?
Will my chosen images be retouched?
Will I have unlimited use of the images, or will I need to pay more for additional usage?
Is there a makeup artist and/or hair stylist available at the studio?
What is your policy in case I don't like any of the photographs?

Before the shoot: Once you have made your appointment, there is still some preparation to do for your session. Here are a few pointers:

1. If you are having your hair cut, do so several days before the shoot so it will have time to settle down.

2. Be sure your jacket, shirt or blouse fits well. Choose a three-season fabric in a solid color that is somewhat darker than your natural skin tone. Good color choices are gray, green, black, navy and red.

3. Consider booking a few sessions with an image consultant prior to your photo session. You can get great advice that can have a positive impact on the photo session and your general appearance.

4. For both men and women: Having your makeup professionally done by a makeup artist can make a big difference in your portrait. A good powder foundation smoothes skin tones, reduces shine, and hides flaws.

5. Posing tip: During the shoot, sit with your knees angled about 45 degrees to the right or left, and turn your shoulders and head gently towards the camera. Then lean slightly forward. This position opens the neck and gives a pleasing angle. Your photographer will guide you through other poses that will produce a flattering portrait.

Your headshot is part of your brand as an attorney. Be sure it is sending a message compatible with your professionalism.

Gretje Ferguson, 781-461-9202, gretje@gfergphoto.com, http://www.gfergphoto.com

Kids fighting illness: photos for Flashes of Hope

2011-02-04T14:42:00.001-05:00

Last month I spent a day at a Boston hospital photographing children who are battling serious diseases. These photos were sponsored by Flashes of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides families with portraits of their children who are undergoing treatment. Although the emotion that comes up in these sessions can be overwhelming, I found that the spirit emanating from these kids left me feeling buoyant and alive.

Business headshots/Dedham

2010-09-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

We've had a great month of business headshots at my Dedham studio. Clients included a voice-over artist and three attorneys. Thanks to Lori Johnson for her makeup expertise. It makes such a difference!

Studio portraits: Dedham

2010-09-02T15:15:00.000-04:00

Two adorable kids. Same ages as my granddaughters!

Summer Business Headshot Special

2010-07-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

Our headshot specials have become extremely popular over the last 18 months! This is a time when entrepreneurs are putting their best face forward to attract new business and stay current with Social Media.

We will be holding our summer headshot special on August 18 and 20. These sessions are a lot of fun, and we will be serving Lori's famous homemade brownies! Here's a link for details:

http://www.gfergphoto.com/promotions.html

Call me at 781-461-9202 or contact me through my website to book a session.

Melissa Kogut Headshot

2010-07-08T15:40:00.000-04:00

Melissa Kogut, executive director of Chefs Collaborative, wanted a natural, outdoor headshot that reflects the company mission and who she is as a person. This collaborative is a non-profit network of chefs that fosters a sustainable food system through education and collaboration with the food community. During the session I loved hearing about her unusual and important mission. The natural makeup is by Lori Johnson of Your Best Image.

Take better photos of your kids this summer

2010-07-05T16:40:00.002-04:00

The summer months invite us to bring out our cameras to capture fun times with our families. Here are some solutions for common problems parents encounter in photographing their children at play in the yard, in the park, or at the beach.

My photos never look the way I expect. Every time you take a photograph, look carefully at what is in your viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Is your subject too far away? Is there clutter in the background? Is there a pole growing out of someone's head? Is your child's face in shadow? Sometimes all it takes is moving to your right or left to get better composition, moving your subject to a different location, or zooming in to cut out unwanted objects.

How can I take good photos on a sunny day at the beach? This is a tough one! The beach in bright sun is one of the hardest places to photograph because of harsh lighting that creates strong shadows and "owl eyes." The best times to shoot outdoor portraits are in the first or last hours of sunlight (known as "the golden hour"). At these times the sun is low on the horizon and casts a soft, warm light and avoid the overhead shadows from the midday sun. But to get passable results during the day, try turning on your camera's flash to fill in the shadows. Also, look for any available shade, such as a cabana or umbrella.

My photos always look the same. Little changes can shake up your photography. Try photographing from new angles. Get down to eye level with your toddler, or point the lens skyward as your six-year-old climbs the jungle gym. Tip your camera sideways for an edgy look. Come in close to photograph just a part of the face. Experiment with capturing different emotions and special moments. Let yourself go! With digital cameras, all you need is the “delete” button if your creative attempts fail.

My kids always have silly grins on their faces when I take their pictures. Up until your kids hit the age of four, it’s relatively easy to get nice candid photos, as they will ignore the camera after a minute or so and go back to playing. After the age of five however, the mugging begins! If your child seems perpetually aware of the camera, practice patience. In my experience, just telling them to wipe that grin off their faces never works, and they will keep doing it just to bug you. (Note: They are probably doing this because adults have this misguided urge to tell their kids to “Say ‘Cheese!’”) But if you wait long enough they will need to relax that clown smile just for a moment, and BAM! You are ready to open the shutter. Also, the more photos you take in candid situations, the less attention they will pay to you. That’s the key to relaxed, natural expressions.

How can I photograph a running child? The key to stopping movement is a fast shutter speed, ideally on a bright day. Dial your camera to the Sports setting, or, if your camera allows it, set it to Shutter Priority at 250/sec or higher. A higher ISO (400 or above) will also help you get a faster shutter speed. Another tip: try “panning.” Set your camera to continuous focus, focus on the subject and then move the camera along (with a gentle sweeping motion) in the direction in which she is moving. Keep the camera moving for a few feet even after you have released the shutter.

Faces are too dark in a lot of my pictures, even when it’s a sunny day. This is a common problem, and is most apt to happen when the subject is in front of a bright background. That’s because the camera meter is trying to balance skin tone with the brightness behind. As a result, any skin tone can end up looking grayish or muddy as the camera struggles to find the right exposure. Solution: Look for areas to photograph where you don't have extreme lighting conditions. If possible, move your subjects in front of a background that is a similar tone or darker than your subjects’ faces. Is there a bank of trees nearby that can serve as backdrop? How about the side of your home that is in shade? The key is to avoid a bright spot in the viewfinder that can skew your exposure results.

I encourage you to have fun with your photography this summer. Experiment with lighting, mood, and composition. Shoot lots of frames, and analyze what works and what doesn’t. Your creativity may surprise you!

IPhone or Blackberry?

2010-06-27T13:06:00.001-04:00

Rigorous smartphone testing in the photo studio:

Business portraits for healer Ina Jubert

2010-06-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

Healer/teacher/shaman Ina Jubert needed a headshot for her website and marketing materials. The first photo captures her warmth, and the second, with one of her crystals, captures the essence of her practice. In the second portrait I used a shallow depth of field to keep the crystal in focus, while allowing her face to go soft to give a sense of mystery.

Father's Day Portrait Special (Dedham)

2010-06-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Join the fun at my studio on June 19, 9-4, for a Father's Day Portrait Special. The portrait sessions will be short, sweet, and casual, and are guaranteed to capture the warmth of the father/child relationship (all ages welcome!). I'll be serving drinks and snacks (AFTER each session, to keep crumbs at a minimum!). Please pass this info along to anyone you know who'd like to have a natural image of this moment in time. (And yes, Moms can come, too!) Call me at 781-461-9202 to book a time. Cost: $125 for the session and one 8x10 print.

Headshots for James Gifford

2010-06-02T14:56:00.000-04:00

Aspiring actor James Gifford needed a headshot for acting auditions. I love his look, which can vary from leading man to guy-with-a-secret. Casting companies these days are looking for evenly lit color headshots showing great eye contact and personality. James did a great job in responding to direction, and showed different many aspects of his personality during the shoot. Here are three of my favorites.

Gift for Dad: Father's Day Portrait Special

2010-05-28T16:39:00.000-04:00

For Dads and kids of all ages: Celebrate your relationship with a Father's Day Portrait at my Dedham studio!

Date: Saturday, June 19, 9-4, rain or shine. Sessions take about a half hour. We can photograph in my studio or outside, depending on the weather and your preference.

Cost: $125 (prepaid) for the session, in-studio proofing,* and an 8x10 print. E-mail me for details.

*Please note: proofs will be shown in my studio only. Online proofing not available for this special.

Business portraits for dynamic brothers

2010-05-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

Brothers Marc and Adam were great fun to photograph. Their commitment to their different careers was palpable, and they let their dynamic personalities come through in their portraits.

Here's Marc:

and Adam:

Business photos for Social Media: Times are changing!

2010-05-20T15:27:00.089-04:00

As a portrait photographer, I find that the landscape is changing for business headshots. People are successfully using more casual photos on sites like Facebook, while sticking to the more traditional business portrait for LinkedIn. Twitter can go either way. Depending on your profession, today's headshots can be taken in a studio, at your place of business (environmental), or even outside. (You can check out a variety of business headshots on my site.)

These days there's plenty of room for whimsy and creativity, especially on sites like Facebook and Twitter. But we want to see your face, not an underexposed grey blob or a grab shot of you at a backyard barbecue. Like it or not, people will judge you and your business by the quality of your photo.

Do you need a professional photographer, even for a "casual" photo? Of course, I'm biased on the "yes" side. The key is to have a photo that makes a statement about who you are personally or professionally, and does it with class. That means a well-posed, well-lit, well-exposed image that has attitude and personality. A pro portrait photographer is specially trained in these areas, can give you advice about a makeup artist, will have the ability to retouch your photo, and will provide you with the an image that is the correct file size for your needs.

How often to change your photo? No rule of thumb. If your face is an important part of your brand, you don't need to change it until YOU change. If you have a creative streak, it's fun to mix it up fairly often. Just do it with an image that is a strong and positive representation of you and your business!

Business headshots for Betsey Dalbeck

2010-05-19T14:31:00.002-04:00

Betsey wanted different looks for her website, blog, and twitter. We started with her glasses on, and then pulled them up into her hair for a more casual look. For her twitter avatar, I cropped in close to have her face fill up the square. I love the energy that comes through in her eyes!

New headshot and website for Emily Barclay

2010-05-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Coach Emily Barclay has just launched a beautiful new website. I was delighted to photograph a business headshot for her About page. Everything came together for this photo: the colors she wore, great makeup by Lori Johnson, and Emily's relaxed and professional expression.

www.redhillcoaching.com

Janice and Jeanne: A studio portrait session with Twins

2010-05-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

Identical twins Janice and Jeanne were an utter delight to photograph. A black-and-white studio portrait was the perfect choice to show the humorous and loving dynamic of their relationship.

Author portrait: Jacqueline Lynch

2010-04-19T14:16:00.002-04:00

Jacqueline is an accomplished playwright and short-story writer who wanted a formal author photo. We used a black backdrop and an antique chair to give an elegant feel.

Author portrait of Lilian Cheung ("Savor")

2010-03-24T10:58:00.001-04:00

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to photograph Lilian Cheung for the book jacket of "Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life." A Harvard professor of Nutrition, Lilian collaborated with Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh in this thoughtful book about approaching each bite we take with consciousness and insight. (Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/y96qj9l) You can see an interview with Lilian in the 3/24/10 Boston Globe G section, and online: http://ow.ly/1qfrn

Lilian wanted her author portrait to compliment the photo of her co-author, so we decided to do the session outside (yes, in the dead of winter!). I used a fast portrait lens at a wide aperture to blur the background. Lori B. Johnson was there to do her makeup magic and hold the reflector (thanks for doing double-duty, Lori!). Lilian brought her own serene and beautiful expression to the session.

My business headshot article has been republished

2010-03-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

My article on the importance of a good business headshot has just been picked up by a business/pr training program! http://tinyurl.com/ylhyget

Great feedback for a business headshot

2010-03-02T11:17:00.001-05:00

I got a wonderful surprise today when I was in social networking mode. In perusing my contacts, I saw that client Joy Johnson, marketing guru, had written a fantastic blog post about referrals, and mentioned me! The "me" part aside, it is an excellent article about the true nature of referrals. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/yzurdum.

Here are some of the headshots that Joy loved (makeup by Lori Johnson):

Mommy and Baby candid portraits

2010-02-13T11:36:00.003-05:00

Lisa and Gemma! I can't resist following around my daughter and newest granddaughter. There's always a wonderful moment to capture!

A headshot for Jessica/Boston

2010-02-09T17:54:00.003-05:00

Photographing Jessica for her acting headshot was a joy! She's a young teenager, but has an innate sense of how to relate to the camera. I provided a number of choices for her: closeups, three-quarter-length and head-and-shoulders, in both vertical and horizontal format. Most agencies are now happy to accept color headshots, as opposed to the traditional black and white.

Dedham portrait

2010-01-28T16:40:00.001-05:00

Love the attitude in this studio portrait!

Dedham holiday family photos

2010-01-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

Great festivities at our house over the holidays, with my mom, daughter Lisa, a brand new granddaughter, Gemma, and her lovely big sister, Sophie (who also goes by "Anastasia" when the mood or outfit calls for a name change).

December Photo of the Month

2009-12-16T21:40:00.001-05:00

This headshot session for Cathy's internal medical practice was a blast! Her adorable children loved getting into the act.

Fourth Annual Holiday Gift Certificate Special

2009-12-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

Gretje's Holiday Offer

December/2009

If you're looking for a special gift for a family member, friend, client or employee, while contributing to a great cause, here's an idea:

Give a gift certificate for a family/child/pet portrait session and 8x10 print (value: $335)

Your price is only $100!

And: $25 from each certificate purchased will be donated to

A Suitable Image* of Framingham.

You can give these certificates to friends, family, clients and employees--but be sure to get one for yourself, too! This special is available until noon on December 24, 2009. The gift certificate can be used anytime between Jan. 5 and Nov. 30, 2010. Your session can take place in my Dedham studio or on location (up to 30 minutes from Dedham). Click HERE for details, or send an e-mail to let me know how many you'd like.

*This wonderful organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides "gently used" quality business attire for low income men and women who are in job training or educational programs and preparing for a job interview.

My headshot article has legs!

2009-12-10T11:00:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to Randi Bussin, career coach extraordinaire, who published my headshot article on her blog. Check it out here!

And speaking of headshots, makeup artist Lori Johnson and I are having a business portrait special Jan. 13 and 15. Click here for details.

First pix of my new granddaughter!

2009-11-23T17:49:00.003-05:00

Sophie meets Gemma for the first time.

Happy Gramma (me!) with unhappy baby.

Happy Great Aunt (my sister!) with even unhappier baby.

Grandpa Bob meets the baby.

Great Grandma came to visit at the hospital!

Tired new Mom still has time for Sophie.

Happy Dad!

Photo of the Month

2009-10-21T11:59:00.000-04:00

Here is Sophie, the high-flying Butterfly Princess, entertaining herself (and her grandma!) as we wait for her sister to be born. Due date was three days ago!

Alex, Gil and clan

2009-10-15T05:58:00.010-04:00

Gil and Alex have created a warm and rollicking home for their children. I photographed them last month for my project Gay Dads and their Kids, which has now been published in a Boston-based magazine, Savoir Flair.

Boston area Business Portrait Special

2009-10-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Do you love your business headshot? Do you HAVE a business headshot? If not, join me and makeup artist Lori Johnson for a Business Portrait Special on November 4. Click here for details, and here for examples of our work!

New Photos of cancer patients on MGH Wall of Hope

2009-10-07T17:56:00.001-04:00

I am moved and thrilled that six of my photographs of cancer patients have been added to the Wall of Hope at Massachusetts General Hospital's Cancer Center. The photos are beautifully framed with the patients' stories, written by Louise Smith. You can see the exhibition at the Yawkey Building at MGH, 8th floor.

Great exhibition in Belmont, MA

2009-10-03T12:51:00.000-04:00

I attended an incredible reception at Digital Silver Imaging last night! The place was jammed. I felt like I was at a NYC art opening! Photos, printed by Eric Luden and framed by Ava Art, are gorgeous. Go see!

Family fun at Wollaston Beach

2009-09-27T13:04:00.034-04:00

I had a great family shoot at Wollaston Beach in Quincy with Elliott and his adorable kids! The weather was perfect: just some light clouds. Images from this photo shoot have now been published in Savoir Flair magazine (Boston).

Yum!

2009-09-25T12:19:00.001-04:00

Sophie tests the frosting for her Great-Grandma's 89th birthday cake!

Day-in-the-life portraits in Dedham

2009-09-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

I love spending time with a family to capture special moments in their lives. It helped that the kids (and parents!) were adorable! When I go to a family's home for a photography session with young children, I begin by surreptitiously following the kids around with my camera until they get used to me. Then we try for a few posed shots.

Backyard portrait #2

2009-09-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

More candid portraits of Bill and his kids!

Backyard family portrait/Massachusetts

2009-09-02T16:55:00.001-04:00

Bill is a fantastic dad to his kids. They have a great back yard, perfect for frolicking and photos! This portrait is included in a Boston-based magazine, Savoir Flair, in an article about Gay Dads and their Kids.

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A portrait for Cedar

2009-08-17T13:59:00.003-04:00

This was my first horse portrait! Cedar was a great subject.

Great blog post about headshots

2009-07-12T12:28:00.006-04:00

Great post on publicity headshots by PR guru Sandy Beckwith.

Two more Business Portrait Specials

2009-06-02T16:08:00.009-04:00

We had such a great response to our last business headshot special that we've decided to add a few more dates! For details, click HERE. These are a few of the intrepid folk who took advantage of our last event:

Business Portrait Special

2009-04-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

Top Ten Tips for a Great Business Portrait

2009-03-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

Another Portrait for Lahey Clinic

2009-03-28T15:10:00.005-04:00

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

Easter Children's Portrait Special in Dedham!

2009-03-21T11:43:00.007-04:00

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.

Laura's Senior Portrait

2009-03-12T17:14:00.003-04:00

Laura needed a senior portrait, and was a lovely subject!

A portrait of inspiration

2009-02-27T15:51:00.003-05:00

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 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

Everybody's in a good mood

2009-02-16T16:57:00.004-05:00

The parents of this little cutie told me that she can be very serious. I certainly didn't see that side of her in this portrait session!

Portraits for a Dedham family

2009-02-16T16:34:00.006-05:00

A recent portrait session with a creative and dynamic family...

Photo of the Month: January

2009-01-15T13:23:00.004-05:00

My latest photo of granddaughter Sophie (age "three and three-quarters!", as she would say. So advanced!).

2009-01-15T13:18:00.002-05:00

I last photographed these great kids four years ago. Lots of changes since then!

Louise and Lewis

2008-12-07T16:03:00.002-05:00

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.

December Photo(s) of the Month

2008-12-05T16:13:00.005-05:00

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!

Special Fall Portrait Promotion

2008-09-22T13:30:00.004-04:00

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.

A visit with Keira

2008-09-11T13:57:00.006-04:00

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...

Summer fun with Sophie

2008-09-02T14:23:00.002-04:00

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!)

Session #8 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-30T15:41:00.003-04:00

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!

Session #7 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-29T15:34:00.002-04:00

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!

Session #7 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-28T13:44:00.007-04:00

Here is the seventh session for the Flashes of Hope project. Kylie had energy to burn, and a gorgeous smile!

Session #6 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-27T11:00:00.005-04:00

Milan chose a special blouse for her photo shoot. She's only four, but has an air of wisdom about her.

Session #5 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-26T16:49:00.005-04:00

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:

Session #4 for Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-25T16:40:00.002-04:00

Mark wasn't thrilled to have his picture taken, but Mom came to the rescue with a bottle of bubbles!

More portraits from Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-24T16:13:00.004-04:00

Cliff's smile just lit up the room during his portrait session for Flashes of Hope.

More Images from Flashes of Hope/Boston

2008-08-22T15:58:00.006-04:00

Here are images from another portrait session on the day I volunteered for Flashes of Hope. This lovely 12-year-old had such a beautiful aura. She managed a few smiles, although she wasn't feeling well.

Flashes of Hope in Boston

2008-08-22T15:09:00.006-04:00

I recently had an incredible experience volunteering for Flashes of Hope, a national organization devoted to creating portraits of children battling life-threatening diseases. Photographing these children and their families was emotional, challenging, and a lot of fun. Here is Thalianny and her gorgeous family. Her little grin was infectious! (see photo #2)

Family portraits

2008-08-07T12:38:00.006-04:00

Loved photographing this delightful family in my Dedham portrait studio!

Arthur

2008-07-23T12:03:00.007-04:00

Why am I drawn to photograph people who have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness? I have no easy answer. Perhaps it's because I feel that I can draw strength from someone who is living with a condition that I hope I don't have to face. It's as if, in the process of meeting and photographing these remarkable people, I'm gathering ways to help me cope with the eventualities of illness or misfortune.

Here is Arthur, who over the years survived three different types of cancer (of the colon, bladder and lung). He passed away last year at the age of 83, leaving a legacy of meeting life, and his illness, straight on. The last two photos show him with his wife, Claire.

Julian moves on after two bouts with cancer

2008-07-21T15:44:00.008-04:00

Julian, an avid guitarist, gets inspiration from Jimi Hendrix. He was first diagnosed with rhabdomysarcoma when he was 10, and just completed another round of chemotherapy and radiation when a localized tumor reappeared in 2006. His laid-back attitude and gentle manner won me over during the photography session. I loved when his little sister decided to join the shoot! Julian is now completing college plans. This image is now on the MGH Wall of Hope.

Marissa finishes cancer treatment

2008-07-19T15:37:00.004-04:00

Marissa has now completed her treatment for leukemia, and is planning her future! I photographed her alone and with two of her nurses in the Healing Garden at Massachusetts General Hospital. I found there is an intriguing mix of mystery and openness in her images. This image is now on the MGH Wall of Hope.

Sophie mugs at a restaurant

2008-06-21T15:07:00.008-04:00

Three-year-old granddaughter Sophie has quite the personality! These candids were taken in a restaurant with extremely low light. Love my new camera!

Baby Robins!

2008-05-21T14:06:00.002-04:00

These little guys are in a nest just outside our dining room window. So Cute!!

Michael celebrates four years of remission!

2008-05-19T16:36:00.007-04:00

Eight-year-old Michael is celebrating four years of remission from a brain tumor. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, this energetic and engaging little guy now loves Karate and hanging out with his family. Photographing them all was a joy! The third image is now hanging on the Wall of Hope exhibition at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Olivia triumphs over Wilms Tumor

2008-05-06T16:12:00.009-04:00

One of the profound joys of my life is to photograph children who are cancer survivors. Last month I met Olivia, who has won the fight against Wilms tumor, a kind of kidney cancer that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 children worldwide. Olivia’s was a large stage-four tumor with metastases to her lungs, but now, at age 6, she is cancer-free! These days she spends her non-school time in dance and gymnastics classes. The second portrait is now a part of Massachusetts General Hospital's Wall of Hope.

Speaking to Attorneys: Tips for Business Portraits

2008-04-18T15:08:00.005-04:00

I'll be speaking at a meeting of Women Attorneys Network of the South Shore on May 7 at the boutique clothing store Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs in Hanover. My topic will be Putting your Best Face Forward for Business Photo Ops. Sharing the program is my buddy and colleague Lori Johnson of Your Best Image, who will discuss dressing for court, client meetings, and after-hours gatherings.

More Family Portraits

2008-04-17T11:07:00.007-04:00

Here are a few portraits taken for author/speaker/consultant dynamo Nancy Michaels. What a fun and lovely family!

E-Zine Article on Business Headshots

2008-04-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

Want to know more about the business portrait process? See my article on business headshots, which was just accepted by E-Zine.com.

I got a Women's Business Cover!

2008-04-11T16:55:00.006-04:00

I'm delighted that my portrait of Karen Macumber, founder of Fulgent Media Group, appears on the April cover of Women's Business magazine! Business portraits are one of my specialties, and Karen was a great subject.

More Mother and Daughter Portraits

2008-03-25T17:38:00.004-04:00

I loved photographing this family. Each one brought her own brand of special beauty to the session.

History of photography link!

2008-03-22T12:10:00.002-04:00

Check out this link to a lively discussion of the History of Photography. Thanks to son Alex for forwarding to me!

Model Material?

2008-03-18T14:45:00.003-04:00

This lovely young lady was a joy to photograph. While being aware of the camera, she was also able to relax and be herself.

Business portraits can be fun!

2008-03-14T13:00:00.003-04:00

Tax Attorney Laura Brown wanted some traditional business portraits...

But then we decided to glam it up a bit!

Mother and Daughter

2008-03-13T17:07:00.003-04:00

I love capturing what I believe to be the essence of a relationship. The bond between this mother and daughter was evident from the moment they walked into the studio...

He's Two!

2007-11-15T19:19:00.002-05:00

We had an uproarious time in the studio with this energetic and adorable two-year-old:

Then his parents joined the fun!

A visit from Bangledash

2007-11-02T13:02:00.001-04:00

This session was especially exciting for me, both because of the beautiful saris worn, and the innate elegance of my subjects. A portrait from this shoot is hanging at a conference center in Bangladesh.

Anniversary Portrait

2007-10-31T17:36:00.000-04:00

Lise and Chris showed the warmth of their relationship during a recent studio session.

Mother and Son

2007-10-30T14:03:00.000-04:00

I loved the relationship between Tara and Will. My approach, even in the studio, is to set things up and then let the moments unfold.

Sophie's first dance class!

2007-10-19T16:17:00.003-04:00

Sophie the Bus Driver

2007-10-11T11:46:00.002-04:00

Proud Gramma (well, I'm called "Mugga") enjoys watching Sophie play in her school bus!

Ooooh, such a beautiful baby!

2007-09-29T16:37:00.002-04:00

This baby girl and her parents were dream subjects! The cuteness factor was off the charts...

Fun family, great shoot!

2007-09-27T17:20:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful time photographing this delightfully non-traditional family!

Labor Day visit with Sophie

2007-09-26T14:21:00.002-04:00

A beautiful weekend with granddaughter Sophie! Here she is helping her great-grandma take a pill:

She also helped me put in a ponytail...

Sophie loves Bling!!

2007-09-25T17:40:00.004-04:00

Nancy Ratey is an author and coach who just radiated energy from the moment she walked into the studio! She specializes in helping get the word out about AD/HD. Here are a couple of her choices:

Nancy also has a wilder side!

July Portrait Special

2007-06-28T09:10:00.000-04:00

Here's some news about an offer I am making this month to benefit the Boston Women's Fund (http://www.bostonwomensfund.org). I am very excited by how the Fund empowers women and supports grassroots organizations run by women and girls.

So, for the month of July, I am offering you a chance to donate $125 to the Fund, while receiving a significantly reduced rate for a Fine-Art Relationship studio portrait session. This is a great opportunity to be photographed with someone you love (Mother? Father? Child? Sister? Brother? Significant Other?) in a cozy studio atmosphere.

Here's how it works: Call between July 1-31, 2007, to book a Fine-Art studio photography session. (The photography must be completed by November 1.) To reserve the session you will be asked to write a check for $125 to the Boston Women's Fund, and $125 to Gretje Ferguson Photography. This total of $250 is a $100 savings over the regular session fee of $350. In addition, you will receive a complimentary 5 x 7 print (a value of $45) from the session. Other prints may be purchased.

What is a Fine-Art Relationship Portrait? These studio portraits, often done in black-and-white, illuminate the relationships between people who have a strong emotional bond. You can see examples of these portraits at http://www.gfergphoto.com/fineart.

To learn more, or to book a session, please call the studio at 781-461-9202, or send me an e-mail at gretje@gfergphoto.com.

Headshot trends

2007-05-24T11:11:00.000-04:00

Performers' headshots used to be in black and white only. Now, the door has been opened to color images as well! Lovely Kristin is an actor and dancer.

Beautiful Baby!

2007-05-17T13:43:00.001-04:00

I love the inquisitive expressions on baby faces when they have the chance to explore my studio!

The Digital Divas go to school

2007-03-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

Last week some members of the Digital Divas (a group of women portrait and wedding photographers in the Boston area) joined about 200 other photographers to hone our skills at the New England Institute of Professional Photography on the Cape. We get to choose from about 10 different classes to deepen our knowledge of wedding and portrait photography, Photoshop and Painter, posing, lighting, and good business practices. Our teachers are top photographers from all over the US and Canada!

Here we are in one of our few downtime moments. I'm in the back row on the right.

Healing Garden Benefit

2007-03-08T10:18:00.002-05:00

"Wine, Women and Shoes"! Does it get any better than that? I'm honored to be photographing this benefit for the Healing Garden of Harvard, Mass. on April 28 at the Back Bay Events Center. The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden is a non-profit organization that provides care and support, and beautiful, healing surroundings, for women with breast cancer and their families. Find out more at http://www.healinggarden.net/

In addition to wine-tasting and shoe buying, attendees will be treated to a fashion show that features models who are clients of the Healing Garden. I've been photographing some of these women in their own environments, and have been incredibly inspired by their courage and beauty.