I’ve recently spent a decent amount of time primarily doing graphic design in the corporate world. Who knew I would enjoy having my own office, people to work with that I would grow to love and honestly just a great company to have the opportunity to work for.  I loved it the most winter because doing photos slows down and it was nice to have something else…. and yet it was very difficult to juggle in the summer months. So I had to make a choice and as the Brady’s sang it so eloquently “When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange, who you are and what you’re gonna be…”  Now that song will be stuck in your head instead of just mine.  You’re welcome.

So here I am…Finally having a chance to devote my attention to a few things.  In this time I’ve resolved FOUR issues I was having with updating my website, my proofing gallery, my ftp program and one of my design programs…. and I have written a blog post. I literally feel like I am winning at life by having figured these out and crossing them off of my list… and it’s only Wednesday!!

You don’t really realize when you are spreading yourself so thin until you notice what you’ve neglected and decide to get up and at it.  I’m committed to being better aware of where and how I’m spending my time and attention.  I want to be fully present in each situation…in my job, in my home and especially with my family. To honor this commitment I would have to begin by taking better care of myself.

So here I am at 3:16 p.m about to wrap up my day at this computer, knowing I accomplished a few huge things this week and that because of the attention I gave to these things now, other things will be easier going forward.

One foot in front of the other… Whatever you do, do it well. <3

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 started this crazy photography endeavor and needed a subject for a portrait project. She was my first choice because at a few days old I knew she would sit still, something my 1 & 3yr olds were incapable of.  I just pulled out that image to look at it and  I won’t pretend that it’s even a good. But it was a first and a starting point.  One foot in front of the other as you have to start somewhere.  From there on she’s been a regular  and I’m sure I could put together quite a collection of her alone.  The reality of her being my first subject sank in about 4 years ago when I realized she was on the speed train to adulthood.  She’s so tall now and I can’t believe she’ll graduate next year. She’s gifted spiritually, personally and excells in academics, music and athletics.  She’s laid back and funny, easy to be around no matter how long it’s been.  I know that I’ll still update their family portraits but it’s pretty common that  senior portraits are often the last time you are photographed until your wedding.  Long gone is the spunky little red head who bobbed around from yard to yard; hello to this beautiful young woman with many  exciting “firsts” ahead of her while she finishes out high school leaves a trail of “lasts” behind.

I’ve been blessed in so many ways by this beautiful girl.

“Your off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way.”  – Dr. Seuss

When I arrived the sun was blazing and it was pretty steamy; then the rain came in. It sprinkled, then it rained (of course while I’m supposed to be doing the photos) and then the weather started to settle just as she came down the aisle.  Positively peaceful and poetic. They needed to decide who would say their vows first; a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors helped settle the matter.  They exchanged rings, updated their facebook relationship status, exchanged a quick kiss, took a selfie and walked back down the aisle happily married. Nothing complicated or fussy, sweet and simple and so much fun.  I was delighted to take part in their day.

The first look kills me EVERY. TIME.  So precious.  Love it.

Her Grandmother stitched that on her dress.  How adorable is that? Love it.

Jen LOVES all things marshmallow.  When I saw that the glasses has marshmallows I knew this was the spot to get a photo of their rings. The tables were so beautiful with these sweet and simple decorations.  My cupcake didn’t make it through dinner.  Red Velvet…. YUM. Love it.

His & Hers become “Ours”.  Love it.

Rock, Paper, Scissors.  Scissors cuts paper and she got to say her vows first. All decisions in my house from now on are going to be made using this method.   It’s as simple and complicated as that. Love it.

So you take a bottle of wine and nail the boxed closed with letters to eachother inside.  If either of you is at the end of your rope, you open the box, pour the wine and read the letters.  I think a good way to signal that someone is in the doghouse would be to go ahead and put the box in the fridge…. as a warning or maybe a white flag.  Either way that wine needs to be chilled before we even think about opening it.  Love it.

P.S.  I forgot to leave a wish for them and it would be this…. “I wish that you will never have to open that box.”

Forget the unity candle.  Let’s have wine and toast our family!!! Cheers!! Love it.

I’m not going to lie.  I sort of LOVE facebook (& Candy Crush so feel free to send me a life).  I thought it was so cute that they did this! Love it.

The ultimate selfie.  I don’t care where you are, nothing (NOTHING) beats this.  Best. Selfie. Ever. Love it.

I met with them last winter to discuss their big day and they brought along Jared’s brother, Caleb, who also has a passion for photography.  Caleb asked me a very specific question “How will you capture their personalities?’  I consider wedding photography to revolve around beauty and romance, not so much about “personalities”.  I want to deliver beautiful images to my clients that will tell the story of their wedding day and have images to convey the deep love that brought them to that day. However…. after shooting Jared & Lauren’s engagement session and getting a glimpse of their sparkling personalities I understood what Caleb was asking.  And the truth is, they are not capable of hiding their personalities!!  The unapologetically like to have fun/be fun.  It’s who they are;  you couldn’t hide it if you wanted to.  When I say fun I don’t mean obnoxious! They’re very sweet and caring and are just overflowing with some good old-fashioned JOY.  It’s been nothing but a delight getting to know them during this very special time in their life.

Congratulations Jared & Laured – I wish you a lifetime of joy!

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

When they ask for advice my first response is always…”Stay away from uniforms.  Outfits should coordinate not match.” I can not emphasize this enough. In 1970 it was extremely popular to have everyone in the family wear matching outfits usually a crew neck cardigan with a turtleneck and matching Lee jeans.

Over and over I have people say…. Well, we might just do white shirts and jeans and I stop them right there…. don’t do it (DON’T.DO.IT).  I know that this seems easy but I promise that you will not be satisfied with your images later. There are too many colors in this world to wear white…. Unless your a bride.  If you’re a bride, it’s definitely safe to wear white!  

This family did a great job.  She purchased her girls outfits and her own shirt from Matilda Jane.  I love their line of clothing and all the colors and patterns.  If you’re not into online ordering or trunk shows but headed to the mall I would say start at   The Gap.… They make it easy for you.  Typically if you purchase everything on the same day the entire collection will coordinate.  This includes if you’re hitting up The Gap outlet.  If you’ll notice in the outfits I have featured below, she took the patterned outfits and pulled from those colors when selecting what the boys will wear.  So even if you’re not shopping Matilda Jane or the Gap, simply take your most patterned outfit that you have selected (usually for your youngest person in the photo) and pull from there for your colors for everyone else.  Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, stripes or polkadots but add in your solids also somewhere…. put solids on the boys or one of them, in a scarf or a sold cardigan over a patterned dress.  It’s really that easy and will make for some pretty photos.