Posted by Gittings Photography on Tue, May 15, 2012 @ 07:35
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And something perfect to accessorize your wedding gown!
Jewelry adds complexity to the portrait and should be carefully and thoughtfully chosen. "You want the face to be noticed first rather than the jewelry," says bridal photographer Brad Mariage. "The jewelry should also match the style and theme of the dress."
Think of the portrait as a work of art in which every detail lends visual interest. A tiara or headpiece can add a dramatic element to the overall look. A bride who wears one may decide that a necklace adds too much complexity. Texture is also important. A skilled portrait photographer will use lighting to accentuate the beads and pearls in your veil and gown as well as the sparkle of your engagement ring and any heirloom jewelry that you may be wearing to call just the right amount of notice to them.
Don't trust your once-in-a-lifetime portrait to just any photographer. We understand how to frame, position and light the bride and her gown to make the most stunning portrait possible. There are as many bridal photographers as there are beautiful brides—but only one that specializes in the art of fine portraiture. Gittings.
Posted by Gittings Photography on Fri, May 11, 2012 @ 07:57
There's nothing moms love more than family photos. Framed pictures of loved ones mean more than all the flowers and candy in the world. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13. A gift certificate for a Gittings portrait makes the perfect gift!
If you're on a budget and still want to present Mom with a gift from the heart, get out your camera and take a few digital photos of the kids picking flowers or creating a handmade card for her. Capturing them in a carefree moment will mean the world to her. Photographs convey what words cannot—the priceless expression of love!
Posted by Gittings Photography on Tue, May 08, 2012 @ 08:18
Businesses needing a studio that takes executive photos often believe they must work with a local photographer. What they don't know is that Gittings travels throughout the country and around the world to create exceptional corporate headshots. From Austin, Texas to Tokyo, Japan and everywhere in between, we work with companies of all sizes to provide executive photos that can be used in company brochures, on web sites and in annual reports, as well as formal wall-sized portraits for offices and corporate galleries.
When we're photographing in cities beyond where our studios are located, we always allow time to accommodate other clients who may need new portraits. Once our travel schedule is confirmed, we notify other clients who have offices in those cities so they have the opportunity to schedule an appointment. All of our photographers are trained to present a compatible style to the client, so we provide exactly the same service and product.
Over the years, Gittings has earned a reputation for providing business men and women with the professional photographs that make them look their best. Take a look at the Executive Gallery on our website for more samples of our corporate work and then give us a call! We look forward to working with you.
Posted by Gittings Photography on Thu, May 03, 2012 @ 08:17 PM
Stuck for an idea of what to give mom for Mother's Day? Take a few pictures! Here are our top tips for taking a great children's portrait:
There's nothing like playing with a favorite toy to put a smile on a child's face. Bright primary colors create a striking environment for an impromptu photo shoot. The next time your child is absorbed in building or make-believe, grab your camera and get down on the floor where they are. Ask a few questions ("What are you making? Is that your magic wand?") to evoke expression. Take lots of pictures as you chat, some with flash and some without.
We like to photograph young kids in their bedroom surrounded by the stuffed animals they love. It's fine if they don't want to put on their shoes and socks—in fact, capturing little fingers and toes is part of what photographing children is all about. You'll find that being in their bedroom creates a relaxed mood and a natural pose.
As children grow, their bedrooms become their world, changing to reflect their interests and personality. Why not start a tradition with your kids by photographing them in their room each year on their birthday? Without much effort you'll be creating a sentimental record worth its weight in gold.
Posted by Gittings Photography on Tue, May 01, 2012 @ 07:31
When Rick Bettinger joined Gittings 20 years ago, he had no idea that it would be the career move that would change his life.
“Although I had dabbled in commercial photography and had a great offer to join a successful commercial studio, I knew that my real talent was with people,” Rick remembers. “So I turned down a commercial studio’s offer and accepted an offer to work for Gittings. I started at the Dallas studio but soon realized that my opportunity was in Houston. So I asked to be transferred to there and learned the Gittings style from veteran photographers Kenn Stolte and Brad Mariage. After two years in Houston, I was asked to take over managing the Dallas Studios, which I did for eight years, until I was offered the opportunity to purchase the Fort Worth Studio.”
What Rick most enjoys about being a portrait photographer is capturing the essence of his subjects.
“I love getting to know the individuals I’m photographing and then making every effort to represent them in the most appropriate manner. I also love being able to use my creativity, whether it’s photographically or artistically, to give my clients what they desire. The Gittings style helps me accomplish this goal.”
According to Rick, Gittings' core commitment to providing the most exceptional portrait possible is the key to his success.
“The high standards of my co-workers, associates and employees has enabled our company to continue the vision of Paul Gittings. I feel lucky to have some of the most wonderful clients who have allowed me to capture their families in all the changes of life, from weddings to births and graduation portraits, to promotions and anniversaries. I've been blessed to have a career that allows me to do what I truly love every day. Will there be 20 more years?” he muses. “I guess we’ll see!”
Posted by Gittings Photography on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 @ 01:27 PM
Gittings recently completed an international attorney portrait project for Latham & Watkins, one of the largest law firms in the world with offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Our goal was to create bio portraits with a consistent look throughout the company while capturing the individuality of each attorney. It was a success! Following the project, we received this exuberant note of thanks from Latham's Chief Marketing Officer:
As you may know, our new website launched this week. I cannot tell you enough how happy I am with all of the photography work you and your team did for us. The photos are absolutely outstanding. Everyone looks phenomenal.
Since the site has launched, we have received comments from people within and outside the firm, and I have to say that the most common and consistent piece of feedback we have received about the website is that the photographs are fantastic!
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. Please be sure to extend my thanks and appreciation to your entire team.
Despina Kartson
Chief Marketing Officer
Posted by Gittings Photography on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 @ 07:33
Most people will remember entertainer and businessman Dick Clark as the host of American Bandstand and New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square. Gittings photographer Rick Bettinger has a more personal memory of this legend, having taken Clark's portrait in 1997. Like many celebrities, Dick Clark was being honored by a charity and they requested a professional photograph of him to feature in the program.
"I created the portrait of Dick Clark who was an honoree of the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center," Rick recalls. "He was a very gracious and friendly man, with a great sense of humor. He looked incredibly good for a man his age and was very easy to work with. I also met his wife, Kari, and she was very elegant and beautiful and very gracious as well."
This portrait hangs in Rick's studio in Fort Worth.
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Posted by Gittings Photography on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 @ 07:56
Veteran Gittings photographer Kenn Stolte says that women often don't want to have their portrait made because they're afraid they won't look beautiful. "Women can be hard on themselves," he says. "They know that a photograph will last for decades and they want to look great. They may also be reluctant to schedule a sitting because they don't think it's that important. They may wait for a loved one to urge them to have their portrait made."
Photographs do last for generations and are treasured by those close to you. Here are our top five tips to feel beautiful when having your portrait made:
1. Wear your hair and makeup in a style you're used to. Theatrical makeup and false eyelashes may look great on models but you won't recognize yourself if you make a lot of changes for your portrait sitting.
2. Choose a few outfits from your wardrobe that make you feel great when you put them on. Be sure they're clean and pressed, and if you're being photographed with one or more additional family members, coordinate colors. But don't feel that you need to buy something new. This is a portrait of you—not what you're wearing! A carefully selected piece of jewelry can be a stunning addition to a simple, tailored jacket or dress.
3. You have a blemish? Relax! Any minor imperfection on your face will be erased. Before digital photography, negatives would be retouched in a very painstaking process. Today's digital photographs are much easier to manipulate and your photographer will be sure that any dark shadows or skin discoloration is corrected.
4. Don't like your freckles? Nervous about your 'large nose'? Most of us have one or more features that make us self-conscious. Believe it or not, these features are what make you YOU! Careful lighting and posing will make the most of your assets and minimize what you may think of as 'flaws.'
5. Trust your photographer. If he asks you to 'relax your jaw' or 'tilt your head,' give it a try even though it may feel a bit awkward. Professional photographers have many years of experience and know what works. You'll be able to choose your favorite pose and expression after the session, and you may be surprised at the many moods the photographer was able to capture.
You'll never look fresher, younger or more beautiful than you do today! So what are you waiting for? Schedule a portrait soon. Your loved ones will thank you.
Posted by Gittings Photography on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 @ 06:58
Every parent knows that photographing a baby can be challenging! They're as unpredictable as they are adorable. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're photographing your little one:
Talk to your baby! Your voice is an emotional magnet for your child. Use an upbeat, cheerful tone as you take pictures to capture a wide range of expressions.
Get down on their level. Whether you sit on a chair or kneel on the floor, taking a picture at eye level is the best way to show off your baby's features.
Don't move too far away. You want a tight shot that makes your baby—not your king-sized bed—the star.
As you're choosing a location, pay attention to the room's furnishings—do the colors, shapes and sizes of these things enhance or detract from the image? Don't be afraid to move or rearrange things before you start photographing.
Finally, take lots and lots of pictures! You'll be surprised at how fast the expression on your child's face will change. The more pictures you take, the better chance you'll have of getting that perfect shot.
We recommend that the first formal baby portrait be made at three to four months of age. At this time, a baby's eyes begin to connect and recognize, and expressions are responsive. Our portrait photographers in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth are experts at evoking those signature expressions that make your child unique.
Posted by Gittings Photography on Tue, Apr 10, 2012 @ 01:13 PM
If you hurry, you still have time to get some great family photos in the Hill Country bluebonnets. The flowers are beautiful this year, and they won't be around much longer. We're happy to meet you and your loved ones for a photo shoot...however, if you know where there's an especially pretty patch and you want to take a few photos of your own, here are a few tips:
Take a friend along! Everyone loves photos of children amid the bluebonnets but why not get a few shots of the whole family? The flowers last year were meager as a result of the drought and we don't know what next year will bring. Might as well make the most of this year's scenic crop!
Watch out for snakes, cactus plants and insects. Inspect the area carefully before deciding where to sit down for your photo to avoid fire ants and other tiny pests.
If possible, take your photos in an area that has been enjoyed by others. In the most populated bluebonnet patches you'll find paths where other shutterbugs have been. Follow any path that has already been created and avoid crushing flowers unnecessarily.
According to a recent article in the Austin American Statesman, TxDOT purchases and distributes around 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year. That's a lot of flowers! Here are some of their suggestions for making the most of your bluebonnet photo outing:
■ Be careful when slowing down to enjoy the view. Remember that there are laws against impeding traffic, and only select areas with light traffic for stopping.
■ Park off the roadway (and off of improved shoulders) and parallel to the road in the direction of traffic. Don't walk or run across lanes of traffic. Obey any signs that prohibit parking, and always signal before leaving or entering a roadway.
■ Leave the flowers where you found them. It's not illegal to pick bluebonnets (contrary to popular opinion) but don't dig them up and take them home with you or trespass on someone else's property just to get that perfect shot.
Here's a link to the article in the Austin American Statesman which lists the locations where bluebonnets are thriving.
Happy trails!