Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.
Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.
It’s that time of year that we begin seeing high school seniors for their yearbook pictures. For Nacogdoches, it’s the velvet drape for girls and for boys, a tuxedo shirt and jacket. For some of them it’s the first time they’ve had professional pictures taken.
For all of them, their senior year marks the end of youth and the beginning of adulthood. For many of them, it’s just another day; they’ll let it “sink in” by degrees. For others, as they put on that cap and gown, you can tell they “get it.” They’re more quiet than usual and a little nervous. I want to tell them to take a deep breath and, then, hold on. And enjoy every minute of it! Because on the day they graduate and wear this cap and gown again for real, they’ll look back at this day and think what a short time ago it was.
Photographing seniors gives me a nostalgic feeling and helps me to remember the brevity of life. I wish I could get that feeling everyday, so that I might not waste as much time as I do on frivolous things. But, I must go for now and make out my grocery list. I sure don’t want to forget the milk!
"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.
A snapshot of our printed newsletter from 9 years ago.
A snapshot of our recent e-newsletter.
For the better part of 10 years, we’ve tried to stay connected with our clients through our studio newsletter “Coming Home.” It’s of great importance to us to remain engaged with our friends and family who continue to support our portrait studio. The newsletter often contains stories of recent family sessions, growing families, photography tips, upcoming specials, holiday recipes, and our thoughts on the day. We want to share our exciting stories with our community. We want to inspire and encourage families and children and graduating seniors. We want to enrich the lives of our readers if only by bringing a simple smile to their faces. Our newsletter has seen its fair share of changes, from originating as a print snail-mailer to the current instant email it is today. So please take the time to peruse and share our newsletter the next time you see it in your inbox. Thanks for reading… and remember to stay in touch.
Bunny sessions from the year we began at our new studio. We look forward to these sessions , and we still do!
We would love to hear your thoughts and especially if you remember YOUR bunnies’ names!
Greg & Cindy
2004 Easter Bunnies2004 Easter Bunnies. Looking back 10 years ago.2004 Easter Bunnies. Looking back 10 years ago.2004 Easter Bunnies. Looking back 10 years ago.
Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.
Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.
At the studio, we have a dressing room for our clients. In that room, there is a wall where graduating seniors have written little notes about their sessions and signed their names. Looking at this wall the other day got me thinking about the individuality of each of these seniors. Every word is penned with its own particular handwriting. Each note has its own voice. Every signature is unique and stylistic. This hodgepodge of messages is a perfect representation of just how different each person is. As we go throughout our busy lives, we shouldn’t forget our diversity and what personal characteristics make us who we are. We should embrace them because it is our individuality that makes us so wonderfully special.
Whether it be for a high school senior, 6 month old baby, a brand new bride, or whatever, a portrait should exemplify what makes that person special. Their interests, attitude and personality should shine through for all to appreciate. We want to offer that to our clients. We do offer that to our clients. G. Patterson Studio helps bring out your inner “awesomeness” for others to see and enjoy. At the studio, we have an expression for our seniors, “Show the world your true self.” Let’s work together to make that thought a reality. Hope to see you soon!
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.
