Family Reunions are a party that is not to me missed! When planning your San Diego Family Reunion photography is a MUST! It is the best opportunity to photograph the whole family in one amazing shot. And while everyone is there we'll also do an assortment of different family photos and set ups so everyone has something to cherish forever! Image that portrait of the grandparents with all of their grandchildren, all in one photo! Amazing! 

Don't leave these photos to chance! There is only this one opportunity to capture your family in this moment. Your family photos will be the lasting memories from your San Diego Family Reunion. Hire a qualified photographer! If not me, then here is a resource for REAL professional photographers in the San Diego area. These are important memories and after the reunion your photos, portraits and pictures will be all you have left to remember your 2021 San Diego Family Reunion!

I can't wait to meet you and your family! If you are all from out of town, and need help planning your San Diego Family Reunion, let me know and I'll gladly give you some insider places and must do's while you are here! Join me on my website here, Family Portraits in San Diego or go ahead and reach out today by phone at 901-848-0668 or Send Me a Message!

Let's make sure you get the most from your dog or cat's portrait session! I'll mostly saying "dogs" in this post, but please know, cats are included in the sentiment! 

When you book your appointment, talk to me, tell me your goals! Are you trying to match a print of a previous pet? Do you have this beautiful idea for a portrait you would like to hang over your fireplace? What is your driving force to having these portraits made? Let's discuss this! Together we'll come up with the perfect session for your pup! This might mean a studio session, or a location session at Balboa Park or Tecolote Canyon. Maybe it's at your house in Rancho Penasquitos because you want his picture made in the same yard he grew up in, and on the couch he grew old on. Every portrait session is uniquely designed to meet your goals! I have favorite places in and around San Diego to shoot, but I also LOVE hearing your ideas and discovering new locations!

On the day of your session I recommend keeping your dog's schedule fairly similar and maybe add a few minutes onto his walk to get a little bit of extra energy out. If you're coming to the studio, please please utilize the grassy area by the parking for potties, prior to coming into the studio. Even if he went right before you got in the car, they never mind going one last time! 

Once we begin our session I'm probably going to kindly ask you to let me take over "talking" to and instructing your pet. Dogs, the same as kids, sometimes take instruction from strangers better than they do their owners, at least for a short period of time. It's also less confusing for the pupper to hear a request from one person. And I know what I'm looking for and what is going to make a great portrait, so allowing me to be one-on-one with your pet is a great way to ensure you the most from your portrait session. Your session is a great opportunity to sit back and watch the magic unfold. You are welcome to be hands off during your session and just watch and see what happens. When I need you, I'll let you know.

I'm 100% going to try to talk you into being in at least one portrait with your dog or cat so be prepared. Nope, you aren't into it now, I know it, but in 20 years when you look back at these portraits, you'll thank me! 

After your session, we'll schedule a time to "virtually" (thanks Covid) view your portraits together through a screen share. During that screen share session, I'm going to help you narrow the images down to the ones you truly can't live without and then you'll have the opportunity at that time to purchase your wall prints, prints and digital images. Anyone who might want to make a purchase from your session should be "present" for this virtual viewing as this is the only time set to view and order portraits. Sounds scary, but it's totally not! Once the viewing session is completed, your ordered portraits will be on the way!  

I'm always excited to chat. Shoot me an email to Gretchen@GretchenOtero.com or give me a call at 901-848-0668

Cheers,

Gretchen O

In an ideal world all sessions would take place in a perfectly curated location with the best light or my studio but that's just not always possible. Butters is a 13 yr YOUNG Golden Retriever with some mobility issues. As she grows in age, it was important to mom to capture her personality and joy. It was easiest for Butters to stay close to home, so I popped on my creative angle hat and I planned a session within .10 of a mile from Butter's front door. This session wasn't a Phoebe's Photo (read more about that here) but I do meet my Phoebe's Photo's clients on the same level as this when we work together. 

Within our .10 of a mile walk we were able to find some great places to photograph Butters and her mom. I adore this sweet shot we got (as the grounds crew watched). If you have a senior dog you know these sweet moments, kisses and cuddles are the best! You should contact me to schedule your senior dog's photo session.

After exploring outside we went back to Butter's apartment where she continued to show off her modeling skills for the camera.

Senior Dog Photo Sessions are incredibly special to me and senior owners. I am not trying to instill fear but You.Will.Regret NOT having a professional portrait of your dog, so even if you don't book me, please don't miss this opportunity. I always encourage the search for a photographer to start with the Professional Photographer of America.