Contemporary Portraiture by Gretchen Whipple

2010-05-26T15:39:00.002-04:00

Charity and Andrew came to me when their daughter was a newborn! Now she's all grown up. It is so fun to have repeat clients :)

2010-05-26T15:37:00.000-04:00

2010-04-20T20:15:00.001-04:00

Little Miss Riley, such a big 1 year old!! She kept mom, dad and me very busy during our studio and outdoor session! Happy Birthday cutie pie!

2010-04-20T20:14:00.000-04:00

2010-04-20T20:00:00.003-04:00

Ohhhh, this little angel Elise was adorable. Finally she slept, we only had to wait 2 hours!

2010-04-12T12:51:00.003-04:00

Missy, Jered and Sawyer live near me and got my name from a neighbor. We did the shoot over a month ago and then wedding season started! So I am finally able to post some images from our shoot. Sawyer was a blast and loved playing at the park with his ball. Thanks again Missy!

2010-04-12T12:49:00.000-04:00

2010-03-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Cherri and Anthony, thanks so much for coming back to me so many times! I feel like I've been part of your family now for almost 2 years! I am so excited for your upcoming addition to the family and I know Anthony Jr. will be a great big brother!!!

2010-03-10T12:48:00.000-05:00

2010-02-06T22:45:00.002-05:00

Austen is about to graduate and is applying for art school. I was asked to do his senior pictures, and he said he wanted something different, more artistic than the standard stuff. I hope I did him justice. We spent a couple hours on a fantastic tour of downtown Jacksonville, and ended up at a new spot I found for the last light of the day. I am so impressed by this young man's spirit.

2010-02-06T22:44:00.000-05:00

2010-02-06T22:40:00.001-05:00

2010-02-01T21:49:00.001-05:00

Previous wedding clients (and friends) Andrea and Jeremy called me for newborn images of their new daughter Addyson. I was thrilled to do it. She was awesome, and slept most of the session, with the exception of a few times, here and there. Dad even got a little shower, but we won't go into that! ha!

2010-02-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

2010-02-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

2010-01-13T13:41:00.002-05:00

This is Violet and she's about to turn one! I wanted to capture her at this age because of the way I saw her last week. She has this certain look where she just smiles and looks directly as you, as if to say..."look how cute I am now!" She's just crawling and barely walking so she really couldn't escape to quickly. Her mom Sandra and I had a great time at the studio, playing with the different hats she brought. I don't know, maybe she's the next Baby Gap!

2010-01-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

2009-10-06T13:17:00.002-04:00

Allison and Johnny called me over a year ago about engagement photos in anticipation of getting married.....well, time went by, and travel on Johnny's part dictated a few things that weren't in their plan. Needless to say, they are already married, but wanted to do a shoot anyway!

2009-10-06T13:16:00.000-04:00

2009-10-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

We used the Lightner Museum and Flagler College for the bulk of the photos on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon. There's a funny story behind the Lightner Museum, but I'll leave it between the 3 of us.....(we kind of snuck in, without realizing we needed a permit.....oops!)

2009-10-06T13:11:00.001-04:00

For the beach part of our session, we went down to the pier.....the tide was high so we didn't have much room. We had fun anyway ending the session at such a beautiful location!

2009-08-29T19:58:00.002-04:00

And here she is!!!! My friend Sandra asked me to photograph her daughter Violet's baptism today in the Greek Orthodox church. After a couple of weddings of this type, I knew how lovely these ceremonies could be, and I was not disappointed! Sandra doesn't do anything halfway, so this was a full out celebration. Thanks for the great food afterwards!

2009-08-29T19:54:00.004-04:00

This was a beautiful ceremony in the Greek Orthodox Church, attended by family and close friends....all for this adorable little girl. I felt like I was at Chris and Sandra's wedding all over again :)....which was also a beautiful event in the Greek Orthodox church some 5 years ago! Sandra exudes such class and poise, and I think you can see that here. :)

2009-08-29T19:51:00.000-04:00

I promise she only cried for a minute! She was all smiles before long and posing for photos with her brother Jack!

2009-08-02T21:33:00.003-04:00

And it's the Birthday Girl herself! Kate's 1 year party was the week before their park session. Beth (mommy) booked me only after I said, "hey, by the way, I can cover her party" when we were trying to find a date available for their portrait session. I just love this shot, because it shows exactly why you would want a photographer at your child's birthday party. You cannot possibly take this shot yourself, and don't you want to have it? I cover parties in 2 or 3 hour increments, and a CD of digital images is included. The first person to email or call me with the password "Party" gets $50 off their next event!

2009-07-19T21:37:00.002-04:00

Beth,

Well after spending 2 Saturdays in a row with your girls, I feel like I know them pretty well! The birthday party was a blast and the session at Walter Jones equally as enjoyable. Our little game of peek-a-boo gave me this image (my favorite!).....eh em, website material!

No seriously, you have the most adorable girls. I just love the one of Kate walking towards Lauren! What a great big sister she is!

Please enjoy these while I work on the rest!

2009-07-08T12:05:00.001-04:00

Tammy and Bryan, thanks for having me come to the house to do Mason's baby pictures! I'm almost glad we had to reschedule, because I think we wouldn't have gotten these first smiles any earlier! What a beautiful family and home you have. Congratulations!

2009-07-08T12:03:00.000-04:00

I just adore the way Brady is looking at Mason! What a great big brother :)

2009-07-08T12:01:00.000-04:00

Because Mason is 6 weeks old, we got more smiles than we would a teensy, weensy newborn!

2009-06-30T23:08:00.002-04:00

This is my dear friend Andi and her family, who came down from Virginia. We have been friends for probably almost 30 years. She asked me to photograph her family and we got totally rained out on Sunday. But Monday, we had hazy beach weather, a photographers' delight! These kids, hands down, are the best behaved I have EVER photographed, mostly because they are awesome and they have awesome parents! I had a great time with you guys, and Peggy it was SO good to see you too. Thanks for playing with Aidan :) Love you guys....safe travels back!

2009-06-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

2009-06-30T23:05:00.000-04:00

2009-06-30T23:04:00.000-04:00

2009-05-13T13:49:00.002-04:00

Cherri and Anthony,

Thanks for coming back at 6 months! This is my favorite from our session today.....it reminds me of a picture I took about a year ago of someone "else", i.e. Aidan! I hope you enjoy the gallery, once I post it! He is such a gorgeous little boy!

2009-05-13T09:55:00.001-04:00

Baby Emma has certainly grown since this newborn shoot, but better late than never. I thought I would share a few of the ones that Tammy ordered as prints.....The first one was included in the baby announcement...I'm not sure how we captured a smile, but I'll take it nonetheless! Thanks Tammy and Erik!

2009-05-05T14:58:00.003-04:00

I've been so busy with weddings lately, but Tammy M. needed this maternity shoot, as you can see, because little "M" is coming very soon. So we got it done! Brady is now 2 and 1/2 and it's been a while since I first photographed him. BUT, with that said, I SO enjoyed watching him hug, kiss and try to hear his new little brother in mommy's tummy.

We used mother nature's softbox (i.e. my big window:) in the loft and also went outside. I was very happy with these images, as maternity is very hard, but add a toddler to the mix and you've got a little fun on your hands!

2009-03-29T21:37:00.003-04:00

OK, I rarely ever "blog" about myself, usually personal pictures go on Facebook, BUT, this was Aidan's first day going to the duck pond and park with both mommy and daddy so it was a special day. He saw and fed the ducks and we really enjoyed him. I was of course behind the camera the whole time.....AND I got to thinking....this is really the type of photography that I love. It's basically called "lifestyle" photography and involves capturing those moments in a familes' life that are real, not staged or posed. With that said, it gave me the idea for my SUMMER SPECIAL! For a limit of 5 families this summer, in the months of July and August, I will be offering a Family Lifestyle Session.....it will include the session and 1o of your favorite images, retouched and yours in digital format. The cost will be $495 all inclusive...stay tuned to my website for more details. If you email me now, you will be assured a spot, as I am limiting this offer to only 5 families!

2009-03-29T21:34:00.001-04:00

The way that Aidan looks at his daddy sometimes just melts my heart. We laughed so hard because he was just eating the bread instead of feeding the ducks.....it was his first time at any of this, but he caught on after a while!

2009-03-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

2009-03-17T09:58:00.001-04:00

Heather, I'm so glad we finally got this session done! Your children were a joy to photograph, as was your whole family. Here are a few of my favorites! Enjoy!

2009-02-24T16:24:00.002-05:00

Pam, somehow in record time, I have been able to get these posted. I so enjoyed seeing you, Brooks, and of course, meeting Layne. Do you think Brooks really would have gone home with me???? hee hee

I love the feet shot, it's too precious, what a great idea you had!!

And your chair was perfect too!

2009-02-18T20:58:00.002-05:00

Tammy and Erik....all I can say is "Wow", look at this girl! That is the definition of "glowing". What a joy to meet you and can't wait to see that little one in April. Best of luck for a speedy and safe delivery!

2009-02-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T21:09:00.001-05:00

Olivia, welcome little one! Congratulations to Nicole and Nathan and big brother Jackson, all of whom I met this summer. What a beautiful family you have made!

2009-02-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T21:01:00.001-05:00

2009-01-25T13:34:00.002-05:00

Teri, These are my 3 favorite images of you for your headshots! Your gallery is underway so look for it soon. You guys need cool pics for the band by the way.....I guess you really are a rockstar!

2009-01-14T20:50:00.001-05:00

Teri, you are a rock star! You did so great today. I really enjoyed our shoot and I can't wait to show you the rest. This one jumped out at me, but seriously, you have some really fun ones coming to ya!

2009-01-14T20:00:00.004-05:00

After adding storyboards to my product line last fall, they have become pretty popular. This is one of my all time favorites. I just thought this family was so adorable and the expression on Luke's face in the center image is priceless!

2009-01-11T12:52:00.002-05:00

Last week I was asked to photograph an intimate dinner party at the Tree Steakhouse for Randy and his fiance Linda, who were announcing their wedding date of 10/10/09 to their families as a surprise! It was a small, but very fun loving group of family and close friends. By the end of the evening, I felt like one of them. It was an honor to be there!

2009-01-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

2008-12-30T21:37:00.001-05:00

Karyn, I absolutely love how this turned out! Agree?

2008-12-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

2008-12-30T21:28:00.002-05:00

OMG, how crazy are you guys!? A friend of mine and fellow photographer, Karyn, asked me to photograph her family......why? Because as photographers, we never get our own done! So here they are. Let me say this family is just fun loving and crazy! Karyn I hope you like them! I enjoyed this spot....let's keep it our secret ok?

2008-12-17T11:46:00.002-05:00

Ok, here's my nephew and his adorable tootsies sitting on the boardwalk at Ginn Hammock resort after our weekend together (my sister and I and our families). He just got a new hat from the resort and he is much more interested in that than me!

I am feeling kind of spontaneous this Christmas, and I want to see who is really reading my blog.......SO, the first person to email me (past clients only) to tell me which version of the picture you like best (sepia or color) gets a FREE digital image from their photo session print order emailed to them! Will it be Chrissy? Abby? Whitney? mmmmmm...I guess I'll have to wait and see!

2008-12-10T21:10:00.002-05:00

Katie, Dan and Luke came to the studio last month and I can't wait to show them the session images on Monday. Luke took a little while to warm up to me and the surroundings, but soon after, his captivating smile was easy to see. Thanks for all the silliness behind me guys, good job!

This was a great session because Katie and Dan didn't have any preconceived ideas, so we had spontaneity and of course, we all remembered who was really in charge....the 8 month old!!!

2008-12-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

2008-11-10T21:43:00.001-05:00

Suzanne, what can I say? How do you not eat them for dinner? hee hee...looking forward to Wednesday!

2008-11-06T14:57:00.003-05:00

This is a photo from one of the sessions I did for my MOPS group, which was 7 families in 1 day! Wow....Shay, your munchkins are adorable! I know it was painful, but we even got Søren to smile here!

2008-11-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

I always vote for candid shots! I love your smiles here! Abby, again, you are just too photogenic.

Evan looks a little left out here, but he'll get over it!

2008-11-03T21:22:00.003-05:00

Abby was worried Evan wouldn't be walking enough for our session, and I guess 10 days is enough practice! I love this shot, because while these aren't his very first steps, it's still early enough for mom and dad to be captivated by every step!

2008-11-03T21:19:00.001-05:00

Oh little Evan, melt my heart! I have known this little boy since before he was born, can't believe he's a year old!

2008-11-01T15:16:00.002-04:00

Shannon, you look beautiful as always and so do the girls! (Matt, so do you :) Thanks for getting your group together at the beach and can't wait to show you the rest!

2008-11-01T15:13:00.001-04:00

Jennifer and Adam, it was great to meet you and your little one! Hope you enjoy these shots! Thanks for joining me for the Holiday Mini Sessions :)

2008-11-01T15:11:00.001-04:00

Lacy, I hope we got the shot you wanted! Stay tuned, your gallery is on the way!

2008-10-28T19:00:00.002-04:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture of my little Aidan. It was the first time he ever wore a "hoodie" and he looked SO cute. I don't know if I've ever had a boy look at me quite the way he does. I know I should enjoy it while I can!

2008-10-26T21:49:00.003-04:00

Tracey, as I told you, I loved the fact that you all wore color! Thanks to you and to everyone that came out on Saturday to my first of many "Holiday Mini Sessions", it went great!

2008-10-26T21:46:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh, the Brown family! I've never had an easier time photographing 7 people. You were by far the largest group of the day, and seriously, you couldn't have made it easier. I so enjoyed meeting you all and I hope Grandma and Grandpa can enjoy these from Tennessee!

2008-10-26T21:43:00.002-04:00

Jordan and Rileigh, don't hate me for posting these! I know your mom wants to see! Shelley, as always, thanks so much! It was great to see you :) I think there is a slight smile from Jordan in 1 of these ;) wink, wink.

2008-10-26T21:40:00.002-04:00

Ashley, thanks for bringing your beautiful family out.....thankfully the weather held. Congrats on the baby....she has a great big brother!

2008-10-21T12:46:00.003-04:00

Ok.....you guys win the award for the windiest beach day EVER! That was crazy but we did it. I was determined because you guys all looked so adorable. This is my first attempt at the "feet" shot and all 12 of yours look cute! Thought you might enjoy a sneak preview of the shoot. See you soon!

2008-10-20T19:38:00.002-04:00

OK Cherri, here's your belly shot you wanted to share with family! I prefer to think of it as your child's first portrait :)

It was an honor to do the maternity photographs for you and Anthony. I wish you both a speedy and safe delivery! And a healthy baby of course.

2008-10-15T19:08:00.001-04:00

I don't know if anyone remembers how gorgeous Rachel was pregnant earlier this summer from the blog, but little Brayden has arrived! I went to their home to do these shots and think it turned out pretty well! Congratulations you two! Look forward to showing you the rest!

2008-10-15T19:06:00.002-04:00

I think this is becoming one of my signature images, I know I wish I had one of my own with mine and my husband's rings on our son's toes....By the way Gary, you will have to wait to see the Gator pictures!

2008-10-15T19:03:00.001-04:00

Look at this adorable child! He was as sweet as any baby I've seen. Rachel, I love the blue rug....it was worth every penny you paid for it!

2008-10-11T16:31:00.000-04:00

2008-10-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Hannah scored 4 goals today! Way to go!

2008-10-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Little bit tired?

2008-10-11T16:24:00.002-04:00

Go "Whip" go! I just HAD to post some these images from my niece Hannah's soccer game! It's the first time I've really photographed her playing! Sweet hug from Grandma too!

2008-10-09T21:39:00.002-04:00

Guess I've been a little busy up at Big Talbot, heh? Frances and Brad, hope you had a great time on the beach during our shoot. Caroline and Colin did very well and I don't think you took too much sand home! Can't wait to show you the rest :)

2008-10-09T20:34:00.001-04:00

Theresa & Dave, well, it's last minute for you, but apparently with more time to spare than last time! 3 days exactly until boy #2 arrives! Best of luck and can't wait to meet the little guy. Clark was a doll and I hope you enjoy this little preview of your session. :)

2008-10-08T20:53:00.002-04:00

So little Gray was a little steadier on his feet this time and left me some cute footprints to capture:) Again, this adorable little boy reminds me of my own son in his sweet disposition and captivating blue eyes. Chrissy, you are the best mom to him and I am so glad to have met you!

2008-10-08T20:47:00.002-04:00

Ok Chrissy, I guess the 3rd try was a charm! (inside joke...) It was good to see you again at the "Island" and see your little "Graybear". Your dad was a trooper once again, and hopefully he enjoyed his time on the beach!

2008-10-07T13:58:00.001-04:00

Anyone who knows me, knows who this little boy is! Jeeper, Creepers, where'd he get those Peepers?!?!?

2008-10-07T13:01:00.002-04:00

What sweet little toes! Enjoy the photos!

2008-10-07T12:54:00.002-04:00

Charity and Andrew, what a sweet little girl and adorable young man you have. It was such a honor to photograph your family with your new little addition!

2008-10-01T19:57:00.004-04:00

Julie and Jon I hope you are surprised and pleased with these shots! I am glad you enjoyed yourselves during our shoot. I loved getting you all to be spontaneous! (Always my goal....) You are an adorable family!

2008-10-01T19:53:00.003-04:00

Julie, Jon and Fletcher came in for a studio/park combo session. We had a great time and got lots of images in our golden 1 hour after Fletcher's naptime. It was alot of fun hanging out with this new family. Julie and I both had boys this year, so we've been comparing notes!

2008-09-04T21:42:00.002-04:00

What a little charmer this sweet boy was! We went to Big Talbot to play in the calm waters and check out all the driftwood. Gray is his name and it almost matched the color of his eyes. He has an irresistible smile and made me miss my own 8 month old the whole time!

2008-08-31T13:30:00.000-04:00

2008-08-31T11:47:00.001-04:00

Cathy & Dave, hope you enjoy! They are adorable, but you knew that.

2008-08-31T11:26:00.001-04:00

Maggie and Sam......2 of the most beautiful blue eyed children I've seen in a while! They brought with them to the park lots of energy and lots of personality! :)

2008-08-29T21:19:00.002-04:00

I can't help but sharing some personal photos....are these not 2 of the most handsome dudes you have seen in a long time? Thank goodness for Photoshop because Aidan was covered in scratches! Love ya both..."mom".

2008-08-28T11:44:00.000-04:00

I am part of an amazing business networking group called BNI (Business Networking International). We are the "Profit Partners" chapter here in Jacksonville. This group is so fantastic! They have welcomed me as a member just a couple of months ago, and sometimes I feel like they are another family to me! The business contacts are invaluable and our goal is to grow all our businesses by helping each other. We meet weekly and pass thousands of dollars of referrals to each other every month!

2008-08-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

Sorry guys, I couldn't resist! This was just a test shot to check my flash, and look what I found in my camera. I won't mention any names, but one of these guys is our President and one is a former President.....hmmmmmm. :)

2008-08-28T11:39:00.000-04:00

Here's Richard Sartor of Send Out Cards (although you can't really tell it's him!) collecting our referrals, wearing the sign made by Florida Custom Signs & Graphics, owned by the lovely Chandevi Rodriguez!....."a business without a sign is a sign of no business!" I love it!

2008-08-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

Finally, our first family portrait. Yes, it's at my favorite spot for families. Aidan is now 8 months old, I can't believe it. I never imagined how much our lives would change after having a baby, it's incredible. The trivial stuff that used to matter doesn't anymore! He is about to start crawling so I am in trouble....to all the moms out there, my hats off to you!

2008-08-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

Here's the whole group! Enjoy!

2008-08-21T16:30:00.000-04:00

How much fun these cousins must have had the whole week together!

2008-08-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

Marianne & Drew have 12, count them 12, grandchildren!! A summertime family reunion at Amelia Island was the perfect time to photograph them all together. And that we did! On a stormy evening, we braved the beach and didn't have a drop of rain....thank goodness, because everyone was flying home the next day! It was a pleasure to meet this energetic crew for sure :)