"Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall."
“Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall.”
I love this quote. I wish I knew the author so I could compliment them on their wittiness.
Truth be told, when you’re in the hands of a true professional, a photographer is anything but violent. If anything, a photographer, as well as the photo session, should be FUN, EXCITING, MEMORABLE … and above all – PAINLESS. At least, that’s how we feel.
A family of four enjoying a reality moment as parents laugh and kids run around.
We are often asked what age child is the hardest to photograph. My response is always the same, “a 40 year old man.” Kids are easy… OK, most kids are easy. If you get down on their level and play with them, you’ll have an instant buddy. Moms are the best. They are usually the ones coordinating the whole shindig, so they are a photographer’s greatest ally. Dads, on the other hand, take a little more finesse. But if we get them talking about their latest fishing or hunting exploit, or maybe last night’s game, then he stops thinking about the camera and starts having fun.
A photographer might seem a bit intimidating (or even violent) to those that have never had professional photos taken, but I assure you that anyone who visits our studio is in for a treat. Our goal is for all who enter our studio as clients leave as friends. And that won’t happen unless we show you a good time.
We’d love to show your family a good time and exactly how painless a professional portrait session can be.
Three family photos depicting loving relationship.
The loving relationship within a family is easy to find, but often challenging to photograph. So when the moment comes, be ready!
When you have been around as long as G. Patterson Studio has, you think you have heard it all when it comes to doubts. Stressed out mothers will say, “There is just no way to get a good photo of my child.” Sarcastic dads will smirk, “Good luck with this family.” Nervous teenagers will say, “I don’t like pictures.” And even those parents, at the end of their portrait session, will sometimes ask, “Do you think we got anything at all?”
Yes, this kind of uncertainty and doubt can worry even the most experienced of photographers, but it always seems to turn out the same way (… at least at our studio.) When the client returns to view the images from their session, they are blown away. Tears immediately well up in the eyes. And then look out! Here come the ‘Thanks you’s!’ and ‘These are amazing’s!’ One recent client, who has been coming to us for years, said, “I sincerely wondered if you were able to capture anything with the way my kids ran around. But I don’t know why I ever doubt. The photos turned out beautifully, as they always do. Thank you!”
I can honestly say that the one complaint we get is NOT that the photos are bad, rather that there are too many good ones to choose from. But that’s what being a professional is all about. Capturing great tear-jerking moments through photography is not always easy. In fact, it is often hard. But it is so worth it when it is done right. And professionals are there to get it right every time. A professional understands that there will not be a second chance to capture that ‘I do’ wedding moment. A professional understands that children will not always cooperate, so you must be ready for the fraction of a second that they will. A professional can speak with a nervous teenager to make her feel at ease and actually laugh so her genuine smile shines through her senior portraits. A professional photographer should be ready for just about anything. After all, when working with people, you never know for certain what to expect.
Photography does not promise to get any easier in the future. Parents will still have their doubts. Teenagers will act shy. Children will go bonkers! But these are not meant to fuel the excuse train. These are exactly the reasons to seek out a professional who is completely capable of capturing the perfect portrait even when it seems challenging or impossible. G. Patterson Studio wants to photograph those once-in-a-lifetime moments of your family. We want to take away the stresses so that you can enjoy the fruits of our labor for many years to come. Your walls and shelves and coffee tables can be covered with priceless family memories. G. Patterson Studio is here to make that happen.
Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson
Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson
Most people today understand the old phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But what I want to talk about applies to all those business men and women out there whose careers hinge upon their image. To you I say, a picture is worth more than a thousand words… and you know it! It can be the very lifeblood of your business. A single photo has immeasurable affect on the way you are perceived by your potential clients, customers, and community. Like your reputation, your image is the determining factor as to whether someone will support your business or someone else’s. Having said all that, what does your latest business photo say about you or your company?
We are professionals in the image industry. We live and breathe photographs. It’s what we do. And we do it better than anyone else around. Like any other photo, we have the necessary experience and we take the needed time to carefully orchestrate the proper pose within the proper setting to create for you a photograph that expresses your desired image. Remember, good photographers can take good photos, but great photographers create great images.
Still reading?
In most cases, conveying your desired image does not end with the perfect photograph. The next logical step is to have that photo displayed in a manner worthy of the photo. We are happy to assist you in this respect as well. Whether you intend to display your business photo within a magazine, on a billboard, or on your business cards, please allow us the opportunity to finish the work that we started. Our layout and design services are another part of how we can ensure that your image says everything about you and your business that you intend it to.
If you would like to take this new year as an opportunity to update your old image or create something new, G. Patterson Studio is here to work with you.
