Something has changed in the heart of my business in the last year.  As I shot 16 weddings last year, I noticed how much more attached I was in the end to the weddings that I created an album for.  I noticed how much those pictures stuck in my heart, and how much I enjoy the album design process.

I also noticed that because of that schedule, while being home with my 2 kids, I cannot shoot as many portrait sessions as I have in the past. I have been assuming this would come for about a year, but at the same time fighting it because I never want to tell past clients that I don’t have time for them, and have a hard time turning new people away as well. So as a part of the debate about what to do about this (and how on earth these two paragraphs relate to each other!), I have changed the portrait side of my business to really create a full Portrait Experience, as I have been doing for my couples the last 2 years.

Family photos aren’t often elevated quite the way wedding photos are- and I get it. They aren’t necessarily just a one time thing, people aren’t in super fancy clothes, and it is usually just your “group”, not everyone you love.

But they mark a moment in time JUST the same. And how often do most of us really get out and get a family session done?  Outside of the photographers who read here, how many family sessions did you/have you gotten done before your children were out of the house? I’m guessing the number is between 0-3…making them sort of a once in a lifetime event.

And because of that, because as a mother I am starting to learn how quickly the moments pass so that even if we got a session done every YEAR, I know next year’s is nothing like this one, I want to capture family sessions differently…and the Portrait Experience is born.

Because of my wedding schedule, and the amount of attention I give each portrait client, I am taking a highly limited amount of portraits this year (including family, maternity/newborn, and senior). These sessions will include time, locations, outfit changes, lots of help planning, digital files, a print release, and a print credit like always…but now this year…for a fraction of it’s worth, I am including Legacy Albums­­ – that can be passed generation to generation – in all Portrait Experiences.  They have press printed, flat laying pages, images can be printed across the binding, beautiful covers with a variety of options, and can be included for $115 on any session (with a worth over $400).

Why? Because I believe that much in you both having your memories for yourself, and sharing them in your home.  I feel that strongly about an album for a coffee table to be passed down and found in 30 years by your grandchildren, who can feel the love that brought them to be in those images.

This is funneling into my Wedding Experience as well, and I could not be more excited. The heart behind my business has always been preserving today for your tomorrows.  For you, as well as the next generation. I just think I have finally found the how…how to make that happen for Jill Gum families, seniors, and couples.

Email me at jill@jillgumphotography for more information or to get on the limited 2016 calendar!

Also- I will still be doing minis, and I am booking them all year for their 3-5 selected dates- so contact me now to make sure you get your spot! I recommend a full family session every couple of years with minis in between so you can really make the investment in each that you deserve to preserve those memories!

Here is a little glimpse from my new Portrait Experience Magazine! 🙂