Yesterday marked SIXTEEN years of Terri Gillis Photography. I love celebrating this anniversary of the day I took a leap of faith.  I had a toddler on my hip as I walked accross the Calder Stage area  to the county building to register my business with a skip in my step and a dream in my heart.  To everyone else it’s just an ordinary day but that day put me on a journey I couldn’t have every even dreamed of.  I am such a sentimental person so celebrating this anniversary, even if it’s only me celebrating, is not something I overlook or take lightly.

These 16 years have required A LOT of learning and exploring and just good old-fashioned work.  Snapping pictures is fun but this is a business and for it to be successful it required me to invest my heart and soul.  The return on that has been so much more than a paycheck.  I’ve traveled near and far and had the opportunity to learn from some absolutely amazing photographers including Michelle Celentano, Jasmine Star, Susan Stripling, Laura Brett and my absolute favorite…. Anne Geddes.  I’ve been to Hawaii (HAWAII!!!! If I didn’t have the images to prove it I wouldn’t beleive it myself!).  I’ve witnessed births and the miracle of that first breath…… I’ve also had the opportunity to photograph some people who knew it would be their last photos ever and would pass on shortly thereafter and the joy that would come with having those photos.  I’ve watched kids grow up, I’ve photographed over 300 (THREE HUNDRED!!) weddings.  Those weddings have become the foundation of my business as I’ve gone on to photograph many famlies as they’ve grown. ( It’s amazing!!)  I’ve learned so much about computers & graphic design and it has really become a huge love of mine.  I never learned to speak another launguage but I’m fluent in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and THAT is something.  I’ve cut back significantly on weddings.  I still take them, I just don’t push for them.  After working weekends all summer long for 15 years I felt like I was ready to step back from that.  I love having summer weekends off with my husband. To fill in that gap I take a lot of design work now and I really REALLY enjoy it.  Designing cards, books, albums has always been part of my routine but in the last year I’ve added logos, invitaiton, a little bit of web design, marketing materials….. and I even do a little bit of business consulting and have helped a few people launch their own businesses!

So after 16 years, I can tell you this…. I am so grateful for every single opportunity that has been put in front of me. For every face that has graced my camera and my life.  Grateful for every session, wedding, child, project that I have been entrusted with.  Grateful for every mile I’ve driven, every click of my shutter, every day that I’ve had to throw a camera bag or a briefcase over my shoulder and head out the door.  It has been an amazing journey and I’m thankful to call it mine.

For the free download of my design above just click HERE!  ENJOY!!

CHEERS TO A SWEET 16 YEARS!

I wrestle with the fact (almost daily) that I haven’t blogged for over a year. Why haven’t I you ask? So many reasons…. mainly, I think I’m the only one who ever reads it. I was also a little burned out. Burned out on the hustle of photography, burned out from the schedule, exhausted from working and I needed a break from anything I could get one from, so the blog was the first to go….. and then it was the photography. I needed to put some space in there to see what it was that kept me working this job that seemed to be taking me down. Being a photographer became my identity… and without a camera hanging around my neck I felt a little lost…. and a little empty. When you realize people only are calling or reaching out to me, sometimes inviting me to things…. because they need a photographer. And my social calendar, without a camera, is nearly non-existant. I had a deep desire to change this but terrified that if I stepped away from it, it would be the equivalent of stepping out of my soul. Truly terrifying. And what if this really was all there was to me? But I had to do it….. and I did. After a 7 month hiatus with only limited contact with my equipment, some serious soul searching and “weeding” things out of my life,  14 months later I feel so differently about everything. Having an opportunity to step back and regain my perspective. It hasn’t been easy and the most difficult part is to be careful not to fall back into old habits. I love this job, and the amazing blessing it has been in my life, but I love having an identity… and not just a job.  For the first time in 10 years we took a summer vacation. I also attended a wedding as a guest (and realized how difficult it was for me to enjoy a wedding without photographing it) I was the equivalent of a fish out of water. My Mom is battling cancer and that has sort of rocked our world and it was another thing that gave me permission to step back a little and not take on the same hefty workload that I might otherwise have. I also had an opportunity dropped in my lap to do graphic design with the flexibility to work at home or in the office and never dreamed how much I would truly enjoy the comraderie of co-workers.

Where is she going with this?? Success doesn’t just come in the form of your paycheck. It comes with anything you want it to. Some days success is getting in the shower before my kids go to school, or getting through my to-do list, actually having a phone call with a friend and not just a series of texts. It’s time with my husband and kids, chatting at the kitchen table with my Mom, completing a project for a client, photographing an awesome newborn session or trying a new recipe and actually having it work out (thank you Pinterest for the pressure!). Whatever hat I’m wearing at the moment…. Wife, Mom, daughter, aunt, friend, seamstress, photographer, designer, chef, makeup artist, maid, baby whisperer my goal is and will be to simply seize the day and enjoy moments that I just am completely unwilling to miss out on….. Carpe Diem!

This is just a small splash of some of the sessions I’ve done in the last year that just made my heart sing.   My family that I love to care for, my husband who I simply could not adore more than I already do, some new clients and some old one’s…. Some of these faces I look at and am overwhelmed by the miracle staring back at me.  Selecting after a year of not posting was painful…. I would love to post one from every single session time and energy are a precious commodity…. and  I have to go make dinner now and an evening with my crew awaits. Happy Leap Day!  DAY it forward!!  I hope you WIN! XO!

I love that Grand Haven offers such a fun little urban area with the beach just down the road.  We shot this in September and it was by far the best beach weather I had all summer.  Just a light breeze, the water so calm and temps in the 70’s. My last senior girls of the year and such a high note to end on.  Check out all of her images below and scroll down for my 411 on planning for senior photos.

I’m not going to beat around the bush, the senior year is the pinnacle moment of the “end of childhood”.  It’s the dot on the “i” and the cross on the “T”.  This is likely the last time he/she will be photographed individually with the next big moment in their life to highlight with photographs will be their wedding.  This is not a corner to cut.  I am receiving calls every day now to schedule a last minute session because they forgot to schedule it or …. “We went with a friend because it was less expensive and we regret it.  Can we still do a session with you?”.  It’s crunch time and  we’re running out of time to make yearbook deadlines. Sadly, day after day my answer is…. “My schedule is full for the year.”

I find parents going through this the first time really rely on guidance from friends who’ve been through the senior year. If this is you or will be you (or will be someone you know) I’m going to offer some guidance for you to use or pass on.  I’m not only a photographer but also the parent of 4 kids, one in college, two in high school and 1 in middle school. I’m very familiar with this process and what is on the mind of other parents so let me share a little of what I have to offer and what I’ve been asked.

1.) Where do we start? Hire a profesional photographer.  The truth is this, senior photos done properly will require more than a person with a camera and a computer.  Every single year I have have a minimum of 4 seniors who come to me for “retakes”.  They’ve had their photos done with…”a friend, a family member with a nice camera, a kid in high school who loves photography, a photographer who offered such a good deal they couldn’t pass it up, someone just starting out who offered to do their photos for free”.  It’s always the same call, panick, sadness, urgency…. “we are not happy with these photos and should have just done it right the first time”.

2.) How do I know who is a professional and who is not? This is a touchy subject because since photographers are not required to hold any sort of degree or license… anyone can really claim to be a photographer. Many believe that they are photographers.   My best advice is to review the persons work very carefully.  If you see that they’ve only done photos for one or two seniors but tell you they’ve done “tons of others” it’s okay to ask to see more.  All of the photos should be equally appealing and have a consistant look. Backgrounds should not be weird, colors should not be weird, posing should not be weird.  If they have a facebook page look through the comments and see how happy they are.  Most people will tag themselves in the facebook images and its okay to message that person for an impression of the photographer that took them. Ask what they liked and what the didn’t like.   My favorite thing to hear about my photos is this…. “Oh, I knew the minute I saw his/her photos that you were the photographer”.  I’ve worked very hard on what I would consider my “brand” and every “pro” I know does the same.  Each photographer should have a consistent look and style about their photos.  If you find something unappealing about the photos don’t assume that you telling that person “we want ….” that they will do it.   Whatever they have on facebook or their blog, website, etc. will for sure be… “What you see is what you get”.   Don’t kid yourself that you “might get lucky”.  Maybe you will, but maybe you won’t.  If you want to give your friend a chance but later decide to hire a pro it can get awkward and feelings can get hurt.  Be honest with them if you intend to do both. We all need to start somewhere and I worked as an “amateur” building a portfolio and taking classes for 2 years before my business became official. I needed to practice and thankfully my friends were willing subjects, but some also went to experienced photographers for “big moments” and I was okay with that!

3.) “I don’t want to spend a ton of money.” Consider this… Most seniors purchase a minimum of 2-3 new outfits for a session plus shoes & jewelry.  Which would be an average of about $75 per outfit.  Most of my seniors change their clothes 4 times.  I’m estimating  this would be a minimum investment of $350 in clothes (which they will continue to wear once school starts).  Most girls will get their hair dones, some cut and colored.  I know that most women pay $150 for their hair but I’m going to guess that the average senior girls will spend $75.  I always mention that their hands will show in the photos so having their nails painted, cleaned up or a nice manicure is a beautiful things….. average manicure and polish $25.  Lets also consider the amount of time getting ready …guys – 30 minutes/girls 2hours.  And the amount of time to do the session…door to door would generally be 3 hours….. if we’re traveling to the beach or something you’ll need 4-5.  I would say my average family investment for senior photos is approximately $800.   This would inlcude my time and talent to take the photos, edit, put into a gallery for you to make your selections, your yearbook photo and your order, professionally retouched, printed and delivered to you. My point is this… You’re going to invest your money in their hair, clothing, shoes and also a decent amount of time.  If you cut the corner on the photographer and you end up disappointed what exactly have you saved?

4.) When are senior photos done? Typically the summer before or the beginning of the senior year.  Booking your session 6-8 weeks before you want to actually do it is a good amout of time.  This allows you time to plan for clothing, hair etc.  If your senior is in sports, camps, has a job or you have a family vacation planned  you will need to also plan around those.  A tan is great but sunburn or tan lines the face from hats or sunglasses is not.  Having photos done right before camp is better than after.  Football players should be done before football starts.  If you really want fall colors keep in mind that your student may have to be pulled out of school during the day.  Most students are very busy after school with sports or jobs and with the unpredicatable autumn weather, cold, rain, wind etc.. planning for only a weekend session can make it tricky if the weather doesn’t cooperate not to mention most professionals will likely have weekends booked up for fall family sessions.  Plan ahead on this so you’re not scambling at the end.

5.  Know that it’s worth it. The photo session should be fun and the end result makes them feel really special.  Kids of all ages like seeing photos of themselves and it makes them feel loved to see their photo displayed or shared.  They never look better than they do for their photo session and you’ll likely have that photo hanging on your wall for many years.  I’ve never had a single client come back and regret what they invested time or money for beautiful images of the kid that lights up their world.  I promise it’s worth it.

If you have questions or need guidance feel free to call or email me!  I’d love to help you!!

In the days ahead you will be pressed on all sides “What do you want to do?” instead you should consider this…………………………….

WHO do you want to be?  …… and be the best version of that person possible. This is what defines success.

“You’re off to GREAT Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”

I wish you all the best!!  <3 Terri  

So I love black Friday and cyber Monday as much as all of you, who doesn’t want a great deal?  I’ve had a fantastic year this year and to show my appreciation I’m doing something I have never done and that’s offer a gift certificate special. I’m offering 4 gift certificate options for 2012 sessions from now until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.  Each certificate is discounted $50!

Click here to purchase!

If you’ve been neglecting getting your family photo done or you know someone who is having a baby, this is a gift you or your loved one will absolutely love, long after your iPad2 has passed.  I recently read a post on why people put off getting their family photo done, 2 reasons….1.) the same old excuse….I don’t like how I look, I hate my hair, I need to lose weight….2.) $$$.   Let me address both of those…I love every photo I have of my parents as well as my husband’s family.  I’ve asked a few people recently…”Do you ever look at your family photos and say…I would love this photo if only my mom was a little thinner or her hair styled differently?”…Isn’t that ridiculous? of course not!!  ….Secondly, my clients who have said to me….”when we first getting our kids photographed it seemed expensive and we weren’t sure we wanted to do it, as our kids have grown we look back and are so happy we made this investment, they grew up so fast, we can’t imagine not having our photos.  They’re memories we can’t afford to live without”. A to the MEN!

It’s time people!! Commit to having fabulous photos in 2012! Gift certificate are available for purchase until 12/17/11 but only on sale until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.

Certificates will be mailed directly to you but can be mailed elsewhere if you indicate that in your order.  Sessions must take place before 10/1/12 and expire on 11/1/12 (because its just not pretty outside after that).

Can’t wait to see your beautiful smiles in 2012!

I’m so excited to work with the Class of 2012 and have spent the winter preparing for them!  I’m so excited about my new studio, especially since I have more options to offer than ever before.  I’ve already started booking and I can tell the appointments are going to go fast.  It makes me sad in August when people call and I have to tell them that I’m booked for the season (this happens EVERY year), so please don’t postpone scheduling.  Contact me at 616.550.8997.

These are the questions I’m frequently asked so let me offer you some answers now:

“When should I book?” ….. Now. Don’t wait, summer gets crazy for everyone so if you know your senior’s schedule, book it as soon as you can. My schedule fills up every summer and I feel terrible when I received calls in August to book a session and have to  inform them that I’m booked for the season.

“What should I wear?”…….Clothes that reflect your style and personality.  I recommend avoiding big prints and crazy patterns, but if that’s you, bring it.  Bring your closet if you have to!  It’s better to have too much to choose from than not enough.  Variety is important.  I’ve had several guys bring 3 colors of the same shirt.  Don’t do it. One long sleeve, one (or two short sleeve) a polo & a tshirt for guys.  Some light colored and some dark colored.  Girls, tank tops are adorable but event the girls with the very thinnest arms can feel self conscious.  Sleeves really look best.  Again, bring a variety and I’m happy to help you choose.

“I can’t decide what type of session I want, what’s the difference between organic, traditional or urban?”

Organic:  For those who just feel good being outside. Outdoors, nature, trees,  water, flowers, rocks, its very natural.   We can go to barns or fields, the river, lakes, downtown Rockford and I have several spots around Grand Rapids.

Urban:  Building, warehouses, parking lots, roads, downtown Grand Rapids.  When I shoot urban I don’t necessarily add in “grunge” unless that’s what you’re really wanting.  You’re still the main attraction in the photo but in an interesting and different location.  Downtown Grand Rapids is my favorite place for these types of sessions.

Traditional – Studio, backdrop, traditional posing,  shirt and tie or simple sweater.  Classic, timeless, beautiful.

“Do I have to choose only one style?”….Not at all!  When we schedule I’ll ask a few questions about you and your interests. After you select the type of session you want we’ll then determine where the best locations are to achieve the look that best suits you and your style.  You will be surprised by the variety of looks we can get at different locations.  The main thing is keeping you the main thing no matter where we’re photographing.

“I want to have my session done with a friend, can you do that?” …..Yes.  All of my sessions are even discounted when two students come together.  Just because you’re being photographed together doesn’t mean your photos will be identical.  It does mean that we’ll have to agree on the type of session and the style, but that’s about it.  Your photos will be similar but definitely different.  And it’s so fun to do this with a friend, I absolutely encourage it!

“My son is dreading this and probably won’t change his clothes.  This is more for me than him, what do I do?”…..This year I’m happy to be able to offer the “Drive-thru” session for your student.  Some kids are not wild about having their photo taken.  The session is $50 for 30 minutes, they can show up, have their photo taken and their out the door. I promise that it’s relatively painless and they always leave and say “Wow.  That wasn’t bad at all.”….Bring an extra shirt if you want.  I have a way of begging them to “please, can we do one more shirt?”.  They alway oblige.

“I was thinking of having a friend take my photos?”……Last year I worked with 4 seniors who had their photos taken by amateur photographers and to say they were disappointed would be an understatement.  I’ve worked as a professional photographer for 11 years.  I’m not only familiar with the whys and hows of photography I am also familiar in how to interact, pose and present your images to you professionally and in a timely manner. Your image is important to me and photography is an investment, make this decision carefully so you don’t have any regrets later.

“Can you send me some information?”….Definitely! Just email me at gillisphoto@mac.com.  Include your name, address and school and I’ll send it right out to you.

Thank you Taylor for a wonderful session, you were fabulous and I loved working with you!!

I know that most kids are so busy during the summer with jobs, camps, mission trips etc. and I encourage you to take a look at your schedule and figure out when you’re available and get it scheduled sooner than later to avoid the dreaded “BTS” rush.

Senior sessions are an adventure!  I love trekking around Grand Rapids or any location trying to find anything that’s unique, interesting and different from what everyone else is doing.  The main focus of my photos is always going to be YOU! If you have something special in mind let me know, otherwise call or email me and we’ll chat about your options.  ALSO, if you’re interested in splitting the session with a friend(s) check out my website for the sweet deal I offer every year. Everybody is suddenly getting in on it!

Here are some photos of Brynn, she’ll be a senior at Rockford High School (Go Rams!).  She was sweet to work with, she’s totally into photography and wasn’t wild about being on the other side of the camera, but she did great and I enjoyed hanging out with her as much as anything during our fun night on the town.