Arte Bella Portraits give-away

Go to this link http://www.artebellaportraits.com/blog/?p=81 it is an awwwwwwwwesome giveaway! :) Check it photographers

Website:

http://www.artebellaportraits.com

Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/ArteBellaPorts

2011 updates

2011My new prices are now updated on my website under the information tab. If I have given you a quote already and you follow through within 2 months you will have the 2010 price. But besides that no exceptions. Now that is out of the way... A friendly hello! Hope everyone is doing great! I know I am enjoying my time of from school. I am so anxious and excited to finish my photography certificate. Hm, that's about it




Take care!
-Heather G

Rebecca & Laura Sistery love session

The second winner from facebook likers won a discount on her session. I got to do Laura's makeup for the session so that was fun for me. I love doing a combo of makeup and photography. They are truly stunning and the location was a new location I found in my area so that was exciting. I found photographing at this popular park in my area wasn't as inspiring. Who wants the same sort of photos? I don't want to take part in that at least as minimum as possible! So anyway being in new locations is fun for me but than it is a bit risky because of not being aware of what could happen there.... or such. One gig I had at a winery was in a CAVE for a birthday event it was a struggle to get the right lighting in a Cave like restaurant in the winery. My point about new locations is its better to go there in advanced to prep your light settings or for unexpected issues. Sorry I'm suppose to be talking about this session! I'm new to this blogging thing. I tend to go off topic. Don't mind it :) I'll get better ......I think =P

Anyway here are some photos from that day,
 These were taken 12/27/2010
<3 Take Care,

_Heather G

I did Laura's make the lady on the right side

Adorable Sisters

Laura is a model so if you are looking for a model here is a beautiful one!

Rebecca has true beauty very natural and great to photograph

One of my personal favorites from the shoot. They are stunning!

This is my most favorite of them together. I was excited to get the sun behind them to give a nice back light and I had the softbox towards them but from the right side if that makes since. I nearly fell in the creek water trying to take this photo but it was worth it in my opinion :)

Heather Graves 2010_photography

Catherine & Devon's Love Bird session!

Catherine and Devon were very fun to photograph. We had our session at park in downtown Santa Rosa. It was a beautiful fall day the trees was bright and colorful. There was a lot to work with there a cute bridge, benches, beautiful trees, grass, etc.

One thing I find so important to do in my sessions is to find the character of my subject or in this case subjects. I'll admit these are two friends of mine and Catherine is a friend of mine since childhood so I had an advantage photographing them. But in general when I photograph people whether I know them or not I do what I need to do to capture what I sense is there personality.

Here are some shots from that day.
Keep in mind these are web files to protect from illegal downloading.
Take Care <3
These were taken 12/12/2010.

The red tree behind them really completes this shot...right!?!

Proud of this one too ... =P

This shot was her idea , what a great idea!

Another favorite :) they are adorable.

Photos like these are so fun and great too look back at with a smile :)

Super excited to finally get a shot like this. They helped create my vision.

This was the shot they chose to print, they are a lovely couple

Facebook likers!?!?!

The next giveaway is 20% off any session! About 60 more fans/likers until this happens! So go Like/become fan of my page and tell your friends! <3

-http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=322971709597&notes_tab=app_2347471856#!/pages/Heather-Graves-Photography/322971709597

Happy Holidays,

Heather G

Photoshoot tips, suggestions, advice. and Info.

Here is some suggestions for preparation for you photo shoot. I am more than willing to forward you a pdf of more info in extension if interested!

Basic Tips

1. Get sleep! It shows, and not only that your energy level will be low.
   • Make sure you get at least 2 nights of good sleep before your photo session so that you will
   look fresh and won’t have bags under your eyes.
2. Drink a lot of water and have a good meal before your photo shoot. Yes this includes you models! I know you want to look as slim as possible but some photo shoots can be hours in the heat or walking standing posing. You need food to function! :) If you are concerned about being bloated just eat hours before and let it settle.
3. Hair Care: Guys, take the time to get a close shave suggested. Girls, if you plan on coloring your hair or getting a new style, allow at least a week to get used to the style.
4. Make-up: Girls bring your make-up, hair spray and curling/straightening iron to do touch ups. Make sure that your face make-up is blended into your neck so that when you look in the mirror your neck is not too white.
5. Avoid Sunscreen because it makes the face appear whiter than realistically.
6. Also check to see if you have tan lines that will show with the different outfits you are going to wear.
7. Bring chap stick or lip gloss to keep your lips moist
8. Glasses. or contacts. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair of frames without lenses. Many Optometrists will allow you to borrow a pair of frames for your Senior pictures.
9. Smile. Don’t be afraid to show those teeth.

1. To make sure that your yearbook picture is on time be sure to book the photo shoot 2 weeks prior to your school’s yearbook deadline.

1. I recommend solid colors and long sleeves. Silks and leathers, sweaters and denims are timeless in portraits .
2. Avoid busy patterns and stripes or florescent colors. Have your clothes and accessories ready the night before your shoot.
3. Choose clothes that reflect your style and the changing seasons (summer - fall). Make sure they are clean and free of wrinkles.
4. For each outfit, put your accessories in a zip lock bag and attach it to the hanger.

1. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets , hats and other clothing accessories are great to have along. They can be mixed with every outfit, giving some really unique pictures.
2.  Represent for your school! School colors, themes, school jacket, cheer leading clothes ,sports items along. or whatever represents you and your school best.

1. Hands will show in many photographs. Accordingly fingernails should be clean and manicured.
2. This I find to be very crucial specifically for Senior Portraits: I highly encourage bringing many props that best represent
3. Be yourself. A prop could range so if you are confused about what to bring ask me for ideas or questions.
4. Props examples could be : if you are a skater: skateboard, surfer: surfboard, Musician: Instrument, Dancer:shoes, Hats, Pets, phone, Photographer: camera, books, etc.

1. Retouching will include remove of blemishes and wrinkles. Normal retouching will not fix, out of place clothing, remove glare on glasses, strap marks, braces. If additional retouching is requested a quote will be given to you.

1. Payment is due no later than day of session. Prints and Cd's are purchasable after 2 weeks of the photo shoot. To purchase more after that will cost additional charges.
2. Printing Information:
3. I only print from a professional print lab; They have only done great work, quick shipping, great service, and great prices.
4. Most basic prints I offer are on Lustre paper since that is a personal favorite paper. However the option for other papers is available so do ask for that if interested.

Hope that helps but most importantly have fun and be creative in your photo shoots for that the memories created in the process are what you will look back on.

Take care,

Heather G

Ordering and Payment:

Retouching:

Posing Props, and Backgrounds:

Jewelry & Accessories:

Clothing Suggestions:

Senior portraits Note: