meet gretchen
hi, i'm gretchen!
why i do what i do
my heart >>
I'm a farm girl by nature and a city lover by heart and I will always say yes to a cup of coffee. I'm forever caught between the perfect donut and a killer spinach smoothie. I love dogs, naps, good stories, and some day I'll write a book. Until then, I'll keep saving for my dream trip to Australia.
I've been a wedding and family photographer for almost ten years. I'm currently based in San Francisco but have photographed weddings and engagements all over the country. I don't promise that your images will look like the ones you've pinned on Pinterest but I do promise that we will laugh and be awkward and take photos and have fun.
I'm a farm girl by nature and a city lover by heart and I will always say yes to a cup of coffee. I'm forever caught between the perfect gluten free dessert and a killer spinach smoothie. I love dogs, naps, good stories, and some day I'll write a book. Until then, I'll keep saving for my dream trip to Australia.
I'm based in San Francisco but have photographed clients all over the United States. I don't promise that your images will look like the ones you've pinned on Pinterest but I do promise that we will laugh and be awkward and take photos and make memories.
I used to say it was about "capturing moments" because I thought it sounded nice but it's not the reason I'm fueled to photograph people. 2014 changed the game. In July of 2014, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and in August of 2014, my uncle unexpectedly passed away. To say life was overwhelming and devastating would be an understatement.
In the midst of those heartbreaks, I began to question a lot of things. One of them being photography, particularly my photography. I really began to wonder if photography really matters. And it turns out it does.
Life is not always easy or beautiful and it's certainly not perfect. But photographs are worth it because people are worth it. Saying yes to love, to people, and to life is messy, beautiful, and so, so good. Let's document that.
my why >>
my heart >>
my beliefs >>
my confessions >>
my why >>
MY WHY I DO WHAT I DO
my heart >>
my beliefs >>
my confesstions >>
I used to say it was about "capturing moments" because I thought it sounded nice but it's not the reason I'm fueled to photograph people. 2014 changed the game. In July of 2014, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and in August of 2014, my uncle unexpectedly passed away. To say life was overwhelming and devastating would be an understatement.
In the midst of those heartbreaks, I began to question a lot of things. One of them being photography, particularly my photography. I really began to wonder if photography really matters. And it turns out it does.
Life is not always easy or beautiful and it's certainly not perfect. But photographs are worth it because people are worth it. Saying yes to love, to people, and to life is messy, beautiful, and so, so worth it. Let's document that.
my beliefs >>
WHERE MY HEART IS
When life got a little too heavy, I really began to wonder if photography really matters. And it turns out it does.
As a photographer, I do this because people are worth it.
Photographs are some of the most moving forces we have in this life to both celebrate and remember. Simply looking at an image can flood us with memories and remind us of times spent with people we love. Stories come to life. History is shared. Gathering around photographs almost feels sacred, remembering people and times you've loved and lost and for a moment it almost feels as if they are with you again.
my why >>
my heart >>
my beliefs >>
my confesstions >>
my confessions >>
I BELIEVE...
That coffee makes me a better person. Well that, and matcha. But seriously, coffee makes me a happier, nicer person. Mornings are rough around these parts, ok? (night owls, FTW!)
In having a big, full belly, open-mouth laugh. I've never known what an "inside voice" is and my laugh, at times, could make a mountain crumble because it occurs in such loud decibels. If you laugh quietly, I'll forgive you but try not to judge me in the meantime.
Life is too freaking short and chosen family is the most precious gift. Sometimes I am creeped out by how much I love my people. It gets weird guys, real weird.
My life will not be complete until I find the best gluten free blueberry donut. We've come close but we aren't there yet. Currently accepting samples or recommendations.
Being real and vulnerable is the best way to live. Too many times, I've felt the need to hide or be someone else but it never feels good. I love words and stories and every one has a story. And every story matters. We live messy, individual, incredible lives and I admire people who live with audacious authenticity. I'm also working on getting there.
my why >>
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my confesstions >>
my why >>
I CONFESS...
Hugs over handshakes every day. Fist bumps are a preferred middle ground.
Correct spelling and grammar matter to me. I love spelling and was in my 4th grade spelling bee until the double "ff" in giraffe came along and I took a seat. I'm not a professional speller and sometimes I get lazy but if you see a spelling/grammatical error on my website, LET ME KNOW. You'll be my favorite person ever.
It's a miracle if I wash my hair more than three times a week.
I am a sentimental crier. I cry at happy things. I cry at sad things. I cry at exciting things. I cry at average, boring moments. I just cry a lot because I feel a lot.
I love animals and especially love dogs. I kinda sorta think I'm allergic but we don't have to talk about that...
my why >>
my heart >>
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my confesstions >>
information
session details
With technology these days, it seems like everyone can be a photographer. From smart phones to iPads to digital cameras, almost everyone has access to something that can take a picture. Which is why it can feel a bit ridiculous to pay someone for a family session when Aunt Sally has the latest and greatest cellular device that takes wicked cool photos.
I'm here because more than about the images I produce, I care about the people I produce them for. It's not completely ridiculous to dress up and frolic in a field and take family photos because it's an opportunity to love on and be awkward with the people you do life with every day.
To talk about your session or wedding, please fill out the contact form to get in touch! I'd love to give you more details about different packages and pricing.
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Every session is different because it depends on how long we shoot, outfit/location changes, etc. You can expect anywhere from 50-75 images for a one hour session. Weddings produce more images as we shoot longer and more candidly.
About how many images will I receive?
All images will be delivered via email through a private, password protected gallery. A flash drive of images can be purchased at an additional cost.
How will I receive my images?
Family or portrait sessions will be delivered 2-3 weeks after your session date. Weddings will be delivered 6-8 weeks after your wedding date.
When can I expect images?
Send me an email and say hey! Once we set a date, a non-refundable retainer must be made to reserve your date and a contract must be signed.
How do we book you for our session?
UM YES. Please and thank you. Please contact me for destination weddings and session prices. Bonus points if you tell me about good, local restaurants to eat at.
Do you travel?
Well go ahead and win my heart already! I'll accept a hot or iced coconut milk latte and (dark) chocolate of any kind.
Can I bring you coffee or chocolate when we have our session?
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FAQs
