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!

They are the typical family. They book their session with high hopes of having family photos to remember these precious days. The most important thing I can relay  is to just relax.  Sometimes having Mom and Dad walk into the other room is just enough to take the pressure off; that’s  when the magic begins.  Thankfully Jeffrey and Amy have trusted me with so many of the sweetest moments of their lives that they gladly let me have my fun with their kids.  A little time and a lot of patience is all that’s required to create images that will surely capture your heart. 

If a 4 year old wants to assist with posing her parents for a photo you just go with it.  Priceless!! 

I gave each of them the opportunity to pick their “pose”.  Keaton required his Cheetah and preferred not to smile.  Caroline put her hand on her hip and told me “Just tell me when you’re ready”…. Hahahahahaha…. I could hardly take it.  it was so cute!

Caroline offered MANY time to take my photo… “Just pass me your camera”… She settled for this photo with me.  {I might frame this in my office!}

The last image from our session…. so precious.

I wear this necklace nearly every day.  I’m not a big one for a lot of jewelry and I actually bought this for myself.  I love the “g”.  Whenever I put it on I think of “g” words… Of course there’s “Gillis”…. that’s a “given” (Ha..Ha..)…. but when I put on my necklace I  want to be ….. gifted, generous, gentle, graceful, glamourous (why not?), gorgeous, good…. but I always end the thought with grateful.  For all that I have, all that I am, where I’ve been, where I’m going, the blessings and the lessons. As sappy as it sounds I really am beyond grateful.

To celebrate I’ll offer my once a year sale on Mini-sessions! $200 for a mini-session/disk special.  Here’s the 411 – Must take place in the Greater Grand Rapids area and must be completed before 12/31/14. Please call a minimum of 4 weeks in advance to schedule. Any questions feel free to call (616-550-8997) or email me at gillisphoto@mac.com

Here is a link to PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATE! Your gift certificate will be emailed to you!!

THANKS FOR CELEBRATING WITH ME AND FOR 14 GREAT YEARS!!

We’re almost half way through January and I’ve had a wonderful long relaxing break.  Wow, did I ever need that!

There’s always a winter slow down.   I’ve got a few sessions here and there but most of my time is spent reorganizing, planning for the year and the dreaded preparation for taxes.  Working with the little faces is way more fun than that so I’m offering a winter special to get out of this cave!

Here’s the 411 –

Sweet & Simple – “Little Me” –  winter special – $150 (normally $250).

I’ve had visions of tu-tus, neck-ties and crazy colorful clothes all on a one day mini-session but my gut kept bringing me back to …. Sweet & simple.  Dress your little one however you like and let’s focus on their sweet little self.  1st child is $150 and additional children are $50 each.  Limit of 2 outfits per child.  Recommended ages 3mos and up.

I will also have some sweet new products to show you as a way to display your photos, or give them as a gift for gradparents (or for yourself).

XO – Terri

I wrote his name on my hand as soon as I woke up.  He is on my heart and in my prayers. Please join me as I’m specifically praying for supernatural wisdom for the doctors caring for him, that they are rested, refreshed and perform this surgery with ease….. I’m praying for Isaac….for healing, for relief from pain, for rest and that his joy and  smile will emerge again very soon…..I’m praying for the family that patiently waits.  They have surrendered this child into God’s care this morning with peace and hope.  They are familiar with their surroundings, the procedure and what to expect in the days ahead….This family has also surrendered their hearts.  I’m praising God for the parents of this child…. they know that he belongs to the Lord and have been a testimony for strength and grace since the day they were handed this diagnosis.   I pray that God will continue to encourage and strenthen them today, tomorrow and all the days ahead.  I’m thankful that we serve a loving God who pursues us and provides us the gift of salvation and eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. Although the world would like us to all believe that we are independent beings the truth is we are nothing without Him.  Praise God for the reality of His presence and that no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve gone through we are never too needy for Him. He loves us and expects us to be dependent on Him. …. and I am. I’m desperate for Him and thankful for the only Hope I have. ”  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5

Jaxson’s Dad sent along his hats and dog tags.  Jaxson loved & enjoyed these items completely unaware of the symbolism, bravery or sacrifice that they come with.  What a treasure these will be to Jaxson….. His Dad Rocks.

I know that God will be glorified through this, someway, somehow.   I’ve read things like… “Where was God?”….. Listen people…Our Lord saves!! I believe that in a blink of an eye those children went from this earth into HIS arms.  I am grateful for that reality!    He knows how many days there are for each of us, he knows our story.  It’s not about us!!  We are all eternal beings!!  I pray that you know him as your Lord and Savior because I believe   1Corinthians2:9 when it says…”No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.”.   Heaven is for real!  This is the only hope I have and I cling to it with all that I have. Our response is the ONLY thing that matters….. Look how we are responding?!?!?

I don’t live in Connecticut.  I don’t personally know any of those families and I won’t’ even pretend to imagine their devastation.  I can’t console one of them, prepare a meal, send a card.  Satan must love the way he has this world stirred up, anger & rage everywhere.  Satan come s to seeks steal, kill and destroy anything that is good…. Wouldn’t he just love it if we all just sat on this, went round and round and  fought about how we could remove evil from a world but were so caught up in our bitterness that we couldn’t even take a step forward??  Let’s not do that!!  (insert collective deep breath here)

Let us not spend another moment focusing on how those children died, but let it be revealed how they lived and who they loved. They were here for a reason, let it be known!  Let’s put away our anger and step out to love someone, serve someone, be aware of who/where we can make a difference.  Let our love for God, the peace we have with Him be evident  in everything we do.  Let us be overwhelmed with a spirit of thankfulness, for what we have and what we don’t.  Let us be cheerful givers of our resources, our time, our love, our attention. ” Jesus He came not to a throne,  but to a manger. He lived not as a king, but as a servant.He chose not a kingdom, but a cross. He gave not just a little,  but everything” -Holly Gerth…..  Spread the gospel everywhere you go, use words if necessary!!!

When this was all happening yesterday, I was in the studio with a family I’ve really grown to love, I admit that when I opened these images this morning  I wasn’t in the mood to work, but  then I came across this….so sweet, so peaceful and I am reminded a family is celebrating a new life.  4 days old and he already has a position in life… He is a son, a grandson, a nephew, a brother, a friend.  He is loved.

Let’s put down our anger and step away from it. If we are going to dwell on anything let it be …. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…… and God WILL give us peace and life and hope.

If you don’t know Him …. Start HERE.…. and let me know so that I can pray for you.  XO!

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!

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE Mondays?  Today is the first day of summer vacation and my children are being unusually cooperative.  I don’t think they’ve reset their summer vacation switches which works for me because it’s been a dig out day in my office.  I’m thankful for the clouds out my window because if the sun was calling my name I would have to put the shovel down and run for the sun.  The summer season is really winding up with tons of  sessions on my schedule, many families that I work with year after year and a few new faces coming my way.  My variety of spots seem to be a little wider than normal which is nice to mix it up a little but I do have my favorite, tried and true, spots.    I took this family downtown Rockford which is really becoming the hot-spot for a lot of photographers and it’s no wonder because the area is so lush and beautiful right now and there are endless spots to work and create beautiful photographs.  Take all of that and add in a cute family and a little girls in a cute colorful outfits and suddenly we’re creating something beautiful and fun that you’ll love forever.

How can you visit Rockford and not get ice cream? I frequent both Rocky’s and Custard by the Dam since I have fav’s at both but I am always amazed that children will always select Supeman or Rainbow sherbet, it must be some unspoken rule among children that ice cream is only worthy if it’s wonderfully colored.  Do you ever hear a young child order plain chocolate ?  Why don’t children willingly sample brown food? At what age do we truly discover the magnificence of chocolate?….and how come they never offer adults those little candy eyes for their ice cream? So many questions that I’m pondering today….which gives me an idea. The wheels just never stop spinning.   Happy Monday!