About Gretje

I first picked up the camera when my daughter turned three, and haven't put it down since. For me, photography is all about reflecting a person's authentic nature. Whether I am photographing my family, an actor, an entrepreneur, a cancer survivor, or a couple that has a special bond, my approach is to create an atmosphere of safety, collaboration, compassion and enjoyment.

I welcome any comments or questions.

-Gretje
781-461-9202
Dedham, MA

Links

My website : www.gfergphoto.com

Lori Johnson, stylist and makeup artist

Studio portraits for little sisters

Loved photographing these adorable sisters! The four-year-old was such a caring older sibling.

Oh, no! Meltdown.

 

Grandkids!

Love when the grandkids visit!

My granddaughter Sofie on a satee in my photo studio

My granddaughter Sofie on a chair in my studio

Dad with his two girls

My granddaughter photographed on a satee in my studio

Pretty soon they’ll start rebelling against all this picture-taking!

Headshots for Joanna

Here are some new headshots for Joanna, an expert in social media, a marketing consultant with an emphasis on Green companies,  and marketing manager for the fabulous Dedham Farmers Market! Joanna’s lovely makeup was done by Lori B. Johnson.

 

Joanna Hamblin marketing expert

You can follow Joanna on Twitter: @GoodNatureGirl

New headshot for a trademark attorney

As a Boston-area copyright and trademark attorney, Heather wanted headshots that would reflect both her professionalism and approachability. I think we succeeded!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We especially love the clean, simple look of her portraits.

 

Summer family portraits: Inside and out

We have lots of options for Summer portraits at my Dedham studio. If the weather is too hot, muggy or rainy, we can do a studio session. And if the weather is perfect, we go outside. Or, in the case of this fabulous family, we do both!

Family Studio Portrait

3 generation portrait - grandfather, mom and children 

 

 

I have also photographed families in their homes or summer homes during the New England summer.  The outdoors always seems to bring out the best smiles.

New business portraits for Kristen

Kristen wanted both a traditional headshot and one with a more casual look. I think she looks gorgeous in both!

Kristen Business Headshot Casual
Makeup by Lori B. Johnson.

Dedham Open Studios, May 15

 I’m happy to be participating in Dedham Open Studios next Sunday (May 15). Over 90 artists will be participating in locations all around town. To celebrate one of my favorite activities–reading–I’ve decided to showcase portraits of local authors that I have taken in the last few months. You can see them at my home studio (6 Deep Dene Way, Dedham) between 11 and 4 on May 15. Maps are available at http://www.dedhamopenstudios.com
Why authors? I have always been drawn the arts and to people who embody the creative process. I love to read, and make every effort to acquaint myself with an author’s work before the photography session. Featured writers include Peter Reynolds, Bob Halloran, Kyle Darcy, Lilian Cheung, Juliette Fay, Raffi Yessayan, and many others. Would love to see you there! And support all our other local artists by visiting their exhibits as well.
Raffi Yessayan


Headshot tips for attorneys

Headshots for attorneys: Getting optimal results for your professional portrait


 Whatever branch of law you have chosen, you will find yourself fielding requests for a headshot. A good headshot is an attorney’s calling card. It gives you a strong image for websites and professional associations, aids in client acquisition, and provides a contemporary presence in the world of social media. A good business portrait personalizes your practice. People get a sense of you and your professionalism through your photograph, and are more likely to want to work with you.
What you want to convey in your portrait depends on your specialty. If you are practicing elder or family law, you may want your portrait to show both compassion and professionalism. If you are in the corporate world, you may want your headshot to be fairly conservative. If you are practicing Criminal Law, you may want to have a no-nonsense headshot that conveys strength of character and approach.

The photographer: When choosing a photographer, find a seasoned shooter who will be proficient in lighting, composition, and posing. You also want someone who will work with you to understand the nuances of your practice and the message you want to send.
Here are some questions to ask your prospective photographer before booking:
  • Do you specialize in business headshots?
  • How many images will be taken, and how many do I get to keep?
  • How can I view the proofs? As digital files? As contact sheets? As prints?
  • Will I have the opportunity to change clothes for a different look?
  • Are the images available in print, as a digital file, or both?
  • Will my chosen images be retouched?
  • Will I have unlimited use of the images, or will I need to pay more for additional usage?
  • Is there a makeup artist and/or hair stylist available at the studio?
  • What is your policy in case I don’t like any of the photographs?

Before the shoot: Once you have made your appointment, there is still some preparation to do for your session. Here are a few pointers:
1. If you are having your hair cut, do so several days before the shoot so it will have time to settle down.
2. Be sure your jacket, shirt or blouse fits well. Choose a three-season fabric in a solid color that is somewhat darker than your natural skin tone. Good color choices are gray, green, black, navy and red.
3. Consider booking a few sessions with an image consultant prior to your photo session. You can get great advice that can have a positive impact on the photo session and your general appearance.
4. For both men and women: Having your makeup professionally done by a makeup artist can make a big difference in your portrait. A good powder foundation smoothes skin tones, reduces shine, and hides flaws.
5. Posing tip: During the shoot, sit with your knees angled about 45 degrees to the right or left, and turn your shoulders and head gently towards the camera. Then lean slightly forward. This position opens the neck and gives a pleasing angle. Your photographer will guide you through other poses that will produce a flattering portrait.
Your headshot is part of your brand as an attorney. Be sure it is sending a message compatible with your professionalism.

Gretje Ferguson, 781-461-9202, gretje@gfergphoto.com, http://www.gfergphoto.com

Kids fighting illness: photos for Flashes of Hope

Last month I spent a day at a Boston hospital photographing children who are battling serious diseases. These photos were sponsored by Flashes of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides families with portraits of their children who are undergoing treatment. Although the emotion that comes up in these sessions can be overwhelming, I found that the spirit emanating from these kids left me feeling buoyant and alive.


Business headshots/Dedham

We’ve had a great month of business headshots at my Dedham studio. Clients included a voice-over artist and three attorneys. Thanks to Lori Johnson for her makeup expertise. It makes such a difference!