Photographer|NH|Small Business Saturday|re-post

This is a post I wrote a few years ago.  I am re-posting it because, while I wrote something new this year, also from my heart, I don’t think I can express my feelings or gratitude any better than I did here.

A personal note from Karen:

I own a small business.  I am many things.  I am not many things.

I am not a discount store.  I do not have a huge volume, therefore I do not get big volume vendor discounts.  I am not able to mark everything down to 50% for a weekend.  I am not open on Thanksgiving, I need  time with my family.

I am passionate about what I do.  That is why I started this crazy ride as a small business owner 20 plus years ago.  My clients are the only reason I get to do what I love so much, and I try to add a personal touch to everthing I do.  I am unique. No one else can photograph just like me.  It is my eye that sees the way I do.  I make my own sets. I create new things all the time.  I want my clients to feel like they have a different experience everytime they come in. Things are not cookie cutter.  I am human.  Sometimes I make a mistake.  But again, my clients are the only thing that keep my business alive and I do everything I can to make it right quickly. Customer service is a top priority.

I am one of many small businesses in your community.  You know us. We are your plumbers, hair stylists, local florist and dentist.  We are the boutique owner and the corner store. We are the Bed and Breakfast where you spend your  weekend get away .We started small, out of our home. We poured our heart and soul into our business.  Our families and friends came to the rescue many times when we couldn’t do it all and a few hours of help would stop the tears of exhaustion. Often, they still do.  We grew.  We hired employees.  They get us.  They know we can’t pay the corporate wage, but they have the same passion. They are treated well, and with consideration.  They can take a day off because their little one starts first grade today, or their brother leaves tomorrow for college.  They become family.

This may be you. If not, you know one of us.  You have supported us.  I am a small business owner and I thank you for shopping local.

Published: November 20, 2016

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Christmas|Photographer|Southern NH It is that magical time of year again!  Our sets are up and our Christmas sessions are under way! We have appointments available as soon as this weekend! Did you know we have availability on Saturday and Sunday through the holiday season?  We also are scheduling appointments Friday, Saturday and Sunday over Thanksgiving weekend! Take advantage of the extra day and get those holiday portraits checked off the list! It’s a white Christmas this year at Gallery Portraits!  Imagine how beautiful your Christmas photos will be this year, with either coordinating whites, blacks and greys, giving your holiday photos a soft white Christmas look or bright and cheery with a pop of color to make the kids really stand out.  Either way this set will look amazing! Toastin’ Marshmallows by the Fire Toasting marshmallows, warming your hands by the fire, or sharing some hot cocoa with family.  Come enjoy our rustic  cabin. Bring some scarfs and mittens for an outdoor feel to your photos. And… if you wish really hard, we may be able to add holiday cheer, and some “magical” snow may appear! Check out two of this year’s new sets.  I can’t wait to see little ones on our Christmas tricycle! And of course all of of our favorites are back.  Visit Santa’s workshop, visit with the elves and spread some holiday joy! Please call the studio to set up a time for YOUR family this holiday season.  We can’t wait to share all the fun! www.galleryportraitstudios.com (603) 672-8780  Salzburg Square  Amherst NH

Published: November 14, 2016 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Christmas|Children Photography|Southern NH

As the holidays approach there are a few things I would like to share with parents looking to get the perfect holiday photo of the children this year:  These are the things I have found have made our clients appreciate our studio and return year after year.

1. You will always have the same photographer
2. We work with assistants
3. We schedule and hour of undivided attention
4. We have you come back to view your images.

Does it really matter who takes the photos? I believe it does. Always having the same photographer is so important.  It is much easier for a child to relax and have fun when they are familiar with the person that is photographing them and know what to expect.

As a parent, it is important to know that the photographer is experienced and the quality of the images taken will be the same each time.  Why take a chance that your photographer was just trained as seasonal help?  You put a lot of effort into preparing for your portraits.

Why do I like to have an assistant? Portrait sessions can often be stressful for parents. Buying outfits, Getting out the door wrestling children into holiday outfits, hoping they will listen to the photographer, and you won’t have to bribe them with some sugary treat.  Parents start to sweat just thinking about it.  But, what if when you arrived, someone greeted you at the door, offered you a cup of coffee, and THEN there was another person there to help keep the children in place, making funny noises while YOU stand back, drinking your coffee watching THEM sweat ,and roll around on the floor making your children smile.  Sometimes photo sessions take two photographers, at Gallery Portraits we know that.

Do you really need an hour? Many times yes. Sometimes that means stopping for a snack, letting a 2 year old run and get the wiggles out or changing props to something that keeps a child attention.  We have planned a full hour for your family to be sure no one feels rushed or pushed out the door for the next appointment.

Why do you prefer we come another day to look at the photos? Another part of the experience made easier by our studio is the ordering appointment.  We have our clients come back a week after the portrait session to view the images and place their order.  We feel this is much better for the client. We are able to put together a presentation of just the best images, we show them in a quiet, comfortable room, starting with a slide show set to music, and plenty of time to choose without pressure.

Published: November 14, 2016

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Easter Pictures with Bunnies|Children Photographer |Southern NH

Here is our garden set this year, the set everyone waits to see! “What colors should we choose for our outfits?” is the question we answer most often at this time of year.  We are very excited this year to have a “two in One” set.  Your little ones can have a picnic by the water, or just go fishing.  Maybe your little girls are have a picnic under the parasol, while your young man catches turtles from the bridge. We can’t wait to start using this set!  We also included last years favorites that will be available this year as well for those of you who are new to the studio, or missed last year.  We love the bright colors in the flower garden and our new pond is great for spring photos.  (Maybe we will see an ice skating pond in a future holiday set?) and there are still a couple more we are working on.

Check the photos out, and as always call with any questions (603)672-8780

Think Spring!

Published: February 26, 2016

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