A Perfect Fit

February 02, 2022  •  Leave a Comment

There is a glut of photographers all over the world these days. With the progress of technology and affordable digital cameras, people are advertising a variety of styles and abilities. Not everyone with a camera is a professional photographer. Here are a few helps for you to consider when you get to a place that has you looking for a photographer that meets your specific needs. What is the number one thing you look for when you're searching for the perfect photographer? Is it price, style, location, personality, or the ease of a clear process? If you've been looking for a maternity or newborn photographer you've probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming at times and I'm here to help you in your search with my 5 best tips on finding the best photographer for you! 

1. Take time to study the portfolio, or type of photos they have taken. If they are a little dark but you like very light, bright photos, you will not be happy after everything is done.

 

2. Make sure you understand the price and everything that is included. A $10 price tag may draw you in, but the packages for printed products or digital images may start out at $350 or more.

3. Find a photographer whose work you like and that fits within your budget by asking yourself a few questions. Why are you looking to hire a photographer? Is there an occasion coming up that you want to relive forever? Did you see an ad that got your interest? Do you value forever memories as much as you value other luxuries? I feel that capturing and archiving memories is necessary and have invested much money and time in capturing and preserving my memories. My perfect client is aligned with that thought process.

4. How do they deliver your images? It is very popular to ‘shoot and burn’ which is to take your pictures and deliver them digitally as a download or on a DVD or USB. Other photographers take time and expertise, style the shoot for the best memory possible, know posing and light and transform each image into beautiful works of art. If you are paying $100 for three hours of coverage and many images, there is a good chance that this particular photographer may not be running an official business. They may be making a little pocket money. Photographers starting out make under $3/hour by the time they cover expenses and their time. The time a photographer spends with you is a fraction of the time they spend getting ready for the shoot, editing and delivering a finished product to you.

5. Photographers are as different as other companies. Target, Walmart and Macy’s offer similar products but at different quality and price points. Red Lobster, McDonalds and other food sources also vary in quality and prices. It’s up to your preferences, budget and priorities what you will be satisfied with after everything is done. These are your forever memories, hopefully to create a timeline on your walls.

 

I hope these little tips help you with your search. If you'd like to talk more about hiring me as your personal family photographer, then shoot me a message! I have a few exciting ideas for the coming year and a flexible calendar because all of our time is valuable, and I work within your availability.


 

 


Hello There

January 26, 2022  •  Leave a Comment

I haven't introduced myself on here for a while, so I thought I'd do that again. A big warm hello to all of you. My name is Gail Ostermeyer and I'm the artist behind Gail Lynn Photography.

Me & cameraMe & camera
When my children were younger (many years ago) I understood how important stopping time and saving memories was. I would shoot for me, but later formed a business and used my passion to photograph important moments through Family, Wedding and High School Senior Photography. Recently I fell in love with newborn photography, after I realized I am not built for wedding photography anymore. It is hard on a body, and mine is getting a little older every day. It is exciting to focus on babies and families and establishing another circle of loyal clients and friends.

In Home gearIn Home gear I spend most of my days balancing scheduling, shooting, and editing with three needy dogs, a disabled veteran hubby, our beautiful great-granddaughter and find it challenging, but fulfilling. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it's a way to meet and serve new moms and dads, and their families. My goal is to turn new clients into friends and faithful followers while capturing their forever memories. I get to hold, comfort and photograph sweet little babies, and toddlers and give a little encouragement to mom and dad if needed. 


Before I focused on photography, I was a high-risk OB nurse. There is nothing better than that new baby smell. Little humans are so different with their individual personalities, smiles, yawns and hiccups. This is a very special time to capture the moments and enjoy them. My education is ongoing as I strive to be a little better every time I set-up and shoot.

Super Quin 1Super Quin 1 We live in the west valley, almost to the California border, but I welcome the invitation to photograph your family wherever you may be here in Arizona. I'd love to get to know you a little better if you want to share a little about yourself in comments.

 

 


Why not Easy?

March 01, 2021  •  Leave a Comment

How is it March already?

As I crawled out of bed this morning to let Gunner out, I was thinking how nice life would be if it was easier. How nice to have people that we loved, love us back, and they wouldn't leave or reject us. For every ad I submit, hordes of people would fight over me because I am awesome. For each prayer we lifted up, they would come back to us multiplied, powerful and fulfilled. Imagine being able to feed the hungry children, house every stray, neglected animal, shelter for those fighting for our freedoms, and complete freedom for anyone taken into slavery! What a glorious world this would be.

Unfortunately, nature teaches us that there is a cycle, initiated from the beginning of time, that creates a strength, endurance, and goodness within us for the better good. Negative circumstances are necessary for this growth. Sigh.

Once there was a willow planted and well taken care of. It had its own water supply, food, the perfect amount of sunlight, and it grew tall and beautiful. One day, a heavy wind came through and blew against it and this beautiful tree was completely pulled out of the ground, roots and all. Not having to stretch the roots toward a water source, the root system became shallow and easily moved out of place. 

Trials and difficult times, although hard, wear us down and tempt us to give up. We need something to encourage and strengthen us. When we are younger, hopefully a loving parent, grandparent, or mentor is able to give us encouragement and hope to keep trying. As we get older, a spouse, best friend, pastor, sibling, or someone placed in our life will help us up and keep us going in the right direction. I have been so blessed to have good people placed in my life to hold my chin up, and tell me gently when my thinking is skewed, giving me an alternative way to see things or do something that I need to do. 

Most of all, I am so gloriously thankful that the Lord spoke my name, and I was able to hear Him through the noise. I have NO idea why He chose me. I am stubborn, a little negative, and (honestly) want to give up about every other day. But the right verses come when I need them. The right word is spoken when I need it. My spirit rises up in me and empowers me to become the warrior I need to be to face the demons, people and circumstances I need to. One of my favorite memory verses is Colossians 1:19 "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers: all things were created by Him, FOR him." Like a tree, we need to dig deep to find our nutrition, our life source, so that we will grow, meet challenges with confidence and become great warriors that withstand pressure, opposition, and controversy. At the end of the battle is greatness, God's glory lifted up, and the best rest ever. 

I leave you with this word given to me this morning:

2 Timothy 2:3 "So, you, therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." The battle is worth it. The prize is worth it. Jesus thought we were worth it. Now, that is something to think about. 

Yours until He comes,

Gail O.


A New Day

December 09, 2020  •  2 Comments

19 days until Christmas. Even if you love the classic Christmas carols, we will be so ready to be done with them by the end of the month.

It has been cold here in the Phoenix area and those with asthma and arthritis have been struggling to stay healthy.

As I see the beautiful Christmas sessions being posted, I feel a little guilty for not offering them. However, I have thought that putting my energy to being prepared, efficient and ready for the New Year is more important at this time. Also, I have been concentrating on capturing the highlights of the life of one Lorelei Blanchard, who will be three months old soon. 

Today, I think I will wane from the wedding market. It seems the new clients want high end photography with an uncle Bob budget, and do not seem to understand lighting, or appreciate the work and time involved in capturing and creating the art they see on Pinterest. You absolutely have a right to your opinion. I have a right to do what  I love and be able to pay my bills. I am seeking God's will, and I love weddings, but the right clients keep eluding me. 

The new year will bring headshots, and a concentration on newborns and families. With valentines Day upcoming, I may rent a studio and offer limited boudoir photography. Let me know if there is interest.

My Sunday was spent on the sofa under a comforter, staying warm and resting to prepare for the week ahead. My joints have been aggravated and I have pushed through to keep appointments and support those that need me, so today I missed church and supported me. The Lord got my time through devotion and prayer, and I offered my presence to the dogs while they played, even though we did not walk our usual 2 miles. Dishes are mostly done, after a week of stacking up there were quite a few. Menu is done and groceries ordered. My weekly schedule is a little out of alignment as I am catching up on tutorials and workshops and searching the Lord's heart on what my business looks like to Him. Because if the Lord's not in it, I don't want to waste another minute working at it! Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing is impossible." Even a photographer with Rheumatoid Arthritis glorifying God in all she does.

Have a good night and welcome the morning with a clean heart. Blessings, Gail O.

 


Catching up

December 09, 2020  •  Leave a Comment

Yesterday flew by, so I am touching base with you today. I chased a lot of squirrels today, am hanging someplace between fall and Christmas, catching up on the house, the website and plans for 2021. I went to sleep last night listening to Romans 12. Most of it is highlighted in my Bible because I need to know and remember that as a Christian, kindness is the best fruit of all, others' needs are more important than mine, not to be lazy (slothful) in business, always trusting God in hope, always quick to pray in every situation and not reach for the glass of wine or the cookie first...

 This is all that is left of a Christmas swag I bought to put on top of my curtains for the season. My boys are quick, and didn't even move the diapers I stacked on top of them when they grabbed the package and ran. I have a new pair of glasses and smart watch on because they are quick, love to chew, get bored easily, and just don't care how angry I get at them...

When your joints hurt, standing in front of a sink, lifting dishes, is the last thing you want to do. But the week worth of dishes is down to one sink load. Also, when I am healthy, I would rather tar the roof, or scrub toilets than do dishes. But Kitchen is clean and ready to bake Christmas cookies!

Diapers to be re-elasticized, one of the swags left to hang, fall decor to put away. So much to do. How are you staying organized balancing home and business?

Kitchen clutter needing to be transitioned from messy to organized....

I already have my planner for next year. It combines my devotion journal with an organized plan, goal setting and evaluation. It is Christ centered, because as we put God first, do everything for Him, and honor His will as we plan and do, we will prosper and be blessed.

Most people will do anything for someone that values them and appreciates them. 

 

Christmas Photos for a select few. Baby girl is too cute. So this is a glimpse into my messy, busy life. I can take this chaos and create order through Christ who is my health and strength. Yours, Gail O

 

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