Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I'll send all my loving to you






They're here!

I proudly present the 2009 Holiday Card Gallery. The link to view the gallery is: http://gailmontgomery.zenfolio.com/holidaycards. You may recognize some of the faces featured in these holiday cards. These are just samples and can be customized to your liking. I am offering holiday cards in sets of 24 cards for $40/flat, $60/folded. Folded cards can be modified into a flat design. Please peruse the gallery and leave me a note to let me know what you think!

In order to get these adorable cards, your session must be completed prior to November 15th. Previous clients can use any images from their sessions in 2009. If you haven't had a session, please contact me ASAP (email gail [at] gailmontgomery [dot] com ) to schedule a session. I do have limited openings for the holiday mini sessions to be held on Saturday, October 17th. Details about the mini sessions can be found at http://gailmontgomeryphotography.blogspot.com/2009/09/it-most-wonderful-time-of-year_23.html. I know Christmas seems far away, but I assure you, it'll be here before you know it!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!


minisessions 2009, originally uploaded by gailpaul

I am pleased to announce I will be holding a mini session marathon day on Saturday, October 17th! My calendar is getting full and I wanted to be able to accommodate everyone so that we can be prepared for the holidays.

What is a "mini session"?
-A studio session in my home near Catonsville lasting approximately 30 minutes where we will do both posed shots and some more casual pictures.

How many people can participate in the mini session?
-For mini sessions, I am limiting the amount of participants to 5. If your family is larger than that, I strongly encourage you to consider a full session so that I may give your family the individual attention each member deserves.

What are the backgrounds?
-I am offering white, black, gray, soft green and a brown muslin as the options for backgrounds. I have other backdrops available for full sessions, but I feel these are the best options for the holiday mini sessions and will offer versatility should you order additional prints for yourself or as a gift.

Will you have props?
-No, but you are welcome to bring Santa hats, wrapped boxes or any holiday items you would like to see in your photos.

What's the deal with the proofs?
-Within 2 weeks of the session, a minimum of 10 images will be posted in a password protected online gallery. You may share the link and password to the gallery with friends and family. All who access the gallery may order prints, canvases and gifts.

What about my cards?
-I will have samples of the cards designs at your session. I am going to post all the designs in an online gallery before October 17th. Your online gallery will be posted by November 1st. Card orders must be finalized by November 14th to ensure timely delivery. You should receive around December 1st. All cards include envelopes.

What about the digital file?
-When your gallery is posted, you pick your favorite file and I'll send you the high resolution file with a print release so you may get it produced at the printer of your choice.

How can I sign up?
-You can send an email to gail@gailmontgomery.com and I'll let you know what times are available. If you can't do the 18th, but are interested in the mini session, please let me know. If there is enough interest, I will consider opening a second date. Since mini session space is limited, I am requiring a nonrefundable 50% deposit to hold your spot. The remainder is due at the session

Hey, hey now... I just did a session! What about me?
-No worries! Since most of you have access to your galleries, I will share the gallery of the card designs for everyone to see. If there is one you'd like to order, just send me an email and we can make it happen. Packs of 24 cards will be available for $40/flat, $60/folded.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Only You


DSC_0237GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0108GMPEDITwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0125GMPmergeeditcropwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0121GMPeditwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0231GMPcrop gradmapwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0149GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0187GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0270GMPeditwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0421GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0199GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_0300GMPwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes... well, you know the rest. Or do you? For Nick and Jeanne some of their happily every after includes successful children, beautiful grand babies, and many wonderful memories. I was so honored to be asked to photograph the party in their honor to celebrate 40 years of marital bliss. The years have been kind to the couple and the party was a great way to celebrate their many memories. As you entered the doors, you were greeted by memorabilia from the wedding.
One of my favorite moments of the night was a very touching toast given by their son recalling the kindness and love shared by the couple both within the family and the larger community. Jeanne and Nick danced to "their song" and photos chronicling the highlights of the years served as centerpieces at the tables. The evening was a beautiful affair filled with dinner, dancing and lots of smiles as people recalled their many fond memories shared with Nick and Jeanne. Thank you again for letting me be part of your special celebration. Best wishes for many more years and may they all be happy, healthy and full of love!

The long and winding road

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be on vacation until September 21st and will return any emails when I get back to Maryland. If you have a newborn request, please make a note of that in your email. I'll be sure to post a few pictures of our adventures when I return.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I feel pretty


09092009_Arabella_024editwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09092009_Arabella_068EDITwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09092009_Arabella_034editcropwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09092009_Arabella_079editcropwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.
I knew this was going to be a fun session when I was contacted by Arabella's mom. She asked about pettiskirts and I had a feeling little Miss Bella was a girlie girl even if she was only two months old. Two months can be a hard age to photograph, the babies aren't the sleepy newborns anymore and they don't hold a curled up position. They can't sit up unassisted and often times they aren't happy on their tummies. Sweet Bella was the best two month old model I've ever had! She hardly fussed a bit despite everything we did to her. She is one very laid back baby! Even with a great disposition, her mom was a great helper and can be my photography assistant any time! Then again, she is so beautiful, she belongs in front of the camera too!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Sing a song


09022009_004EDITcrop5x7wm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_016editcrop5x7wm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_009editrotandcropwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_008EDITwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_022editcrop5x7wm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_036EDITwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_059editwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_053ediwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

09022009_071EDITcrop8x10wm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.
When I first met Madison she wouldn't say a word. She has only had her picture taken professionally twice before in her life and both sessions did not go well. Her mom said I had my work cut out for me! At the beginning of our session, I introduced myself, gave her some time to get used to her new surroundings, talked to her mom and asked her about her interests. I told her some jokes, but could barely get a reaction out of her. I let her take a couple pictures of me so she could see how the set up would go and then she let me take a few shots of her. It was obvious she was still hesitant about being the center of attention.
But then I started singing.
Now I am not a good singer by any means! Thankfully kids don't mind my singing so much and they love music! When I asked Madison to join in on my terrible rendition of Old MacDonald, she let me in. She warmed up and the most beautiful sparkle came into her eyes. We goofed off and in the end I think she had a lot of fun. It sure looked like it to me!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

See you in September


DSC_9701GMPeditcrop8x10wm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_9702GMPeditwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_9703GMPeditwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_9707GMPeditwm, originally uploaded by gailpaul.
I have been feeling like I haven't been taking many pictures of my own son, Wesley, lately. I had the studio all set up, so in between a couple sessions I popped Wesley in for a few shots. I didn't have a toddler wrangler, so the session was short lived, but I got a few shots. I am an avid scrapbooker and I wanted a few pictures to document the fact that we have a few trips scheduled in the near future. I think Wesley is excited about his upcoming trip to see Mickey Mouse and his grandparents.