Are you ready to level up your professional presence? Book our exclusive Headshot Mini Session and enjoy a complete package that will showcase your unique personality and professionalism! Our next event takes place on Sunday, August 13, 2023
Up to 50 minutes total to include:
~Headshot Prep Guide: We'll provide you with comprehensive tips and tricks to help you prepare for the session, ensuring you feel confident and photo-ready.
~Hair and Makeup "touchups"
~20 minute portrait session
~Multiple clothing changes
~Same day viewing/image selection
~Two (2) professionally retouched digital images presented in multiple formats
~Commercial use and print license
All for only $550 ($200 savings!)
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, job seeker, or simply looking to upgrade your online presence, our Headshot Mini Session will capture your unique essence and boost your professional image.
Don't miss out on this exceptional offer! Book now to secure your spot – it's time to put your best face forward!
Get ready for a transformation that will leave you feeling confident, empowered, and ready to conquer the world!
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What an incredible senior session I had with Grady! As a photographer, it was truly an honor to capture the essence of his personality and artistic talents. But what made it even more meaningful was that his mom, Cori and I go way back to our teenage dance competition days! We also became Radio City Rockettes together and even performed in a show together where she met her husband (and now they have three kids - Grady's their eldest)!
With dancing genes, it is no surprise that Grady has a natural gift for dance and choreography. It was amazing to finally meet him in person after watching him grow through the years on social media. We had a great time during the photo shoot, both at my home for the studio portion and downtown Detroit, which allowed us to capture a range of images that showcased his versatility.
In the fall, Grady will attend Marymount Manhattan, with dreams of someday having his own dance company. I am confident that these pictures will serve as a beautiful and lasting tribute to Grady's senior year, and I can't wait to see all the incredible things he will accomplish in his future career as a dancer and choreographer.
If you have a senior that would love a fun and unique session, let's chat!! Here is an overview of what senior sessions with me are all about!
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Now is the perfect time to schedule a family portrait session, and preserve your summertime memories! How do you love to spend your summers?
I'd love to chat to discover how I can create artwork that will allow you to relive the fun with your family every time you look at your portraits.
Sessions are $750 and include a style and design consultation, and $500 credit to be used at your ordering appointment. If you are ready to book, you can do so by clicking here or on the drop down menu below. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or (734)934-1587 to answer any questions or for more information.
Here are a few favorites from past summer sessions!
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We were flooded with so many mixed emotions. I remember how scared we were in the beginning. Scared to get sick, scared to get our loved ones sick, scared to step out of our homes, or even to touch the mail. There were so many unknowns at the time. We were glued to the news. How many cases today? Is there a cure yet? I finally had to turn off the TV, stop focusing on the things that were out of my control (really hard as a control freak), and start focusing on what I did have - my family. Once I just surrendered and let go of the need to control, I began to see the little blessings that were all around me. My husband and I started writing gratitude lists and shared them with each other throughout the weeks, or whenever we felt ourselves stressing about the world. It's amazing what magic can come of writing down what we are grateful for - even if it's as simple as the taste of real cream in your coffee (I had gone a month with no cream, so this was on my list). As I read my gratitude lists from this past year, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, and am reminded of so many of the tiny happy moments that otherwise would have been forgotten, had I not written them down.
It was hard for me to pick up my camera in those first few months. I was sad to have to cancel sessions that were supposed to take place, and I was worried about paying bills when my husband and I were both out of work (he works in the live entertainment/events industry). But then, almost the whole world was in the same situation, and I knew we would be ok. When I realized that, it actually felt good that for once in our busy lives, we had nothing on our schedules, and nowhere to go. I decided instead to use my (old) iPhone and start a video diary of our time together. As a highly visual person, I knew that having pictures and videos of our family would help me remember the highlights of each week at a time when every day felt like "groundhogs day". Even though they are very far from being technically perfect (from a photographer's standpoint), and my house is a disaster in almost every video, these videos were something my family would get excited about watching at the end of every week, and they will be cherished forever. They are perfectly imperfect!
Take a look!
Week one - The initial excitement of "homeschool"! I understand this was nothing like real homeschool. This was when remote learning was actually fun for all of us, and we cleared our family room for morning dance parties!
Week 2 - We loved to be able to take walks and bike rides in the middle of the day in the middle of the week, the first week of spring. You can tell my kids are Michiganders - it's over 40 degrees, so it's shorts weather. Lol!
Week 3 - My baby learned how to ride a two wheeler!! Woohoo! That girl was determined! After seeing her cousin learn the day before, she woke up that morning and said, "I'm learning how to ride a bike today!", and she got to work! We also started zoom dance classes this week.
Week 4 - Spring is in the air! With the weather warming up, we enjoyed more time outdoors, and our 1st bonfire of the year. We colored Easter eggs, had an in-home Easter egg hunt, and after celebrating with an Easter dinner for four, I got together with a group of my girlfriends that I hadn't seen in years for a ladies night over Zoom!
Week 5 - You can tell this is Michigan! The week started with snow and ended with water balloons in bathing suits! It also included a build of the most epic family fort!
Weeks 6 - 7 - Our energy was definitely shifting in these two weeks. It finally started looking like spring outside, and we had lots of energy to burn. We bought an Instant Pot and enjoyed cooking together and trying new recipes, as well as family game nights. My husband got a haircut from our (then) 5 year old (she did a pretty good job), and we ventured out for the first time in months to Walmart!
I know I probably drive my family crazy, always taking pictures and videos, but I'm so glad I took the time to create these (they really didn't take that much time anyways). I started slacking on the weekly video compilations once life started getting a little bit back to normal, but I still have plenty of footage. So in time, I will continue. I've got quite a bit of catching up to do!
Comment below and let me know what your highlights were this past year. What did you do to keep sane during this crazy year?
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I seriously had so much fun at this session. Livvie could seriously be a supermodel! And the outfits we picked went so perfectly with all of the locations - starting in South Lyon, and ending in downtown Ann Arbor. We totally lucked out with the weather too! It was nearly called off as there were storms all day, and then all of a sudden the clouds parted, and we had the most gorgeous evening light! Sessions like this give me such a high. Congratulations Livvie!
Here are some of the images that filled her beautiful coffee table album:
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I don't often share my own personal stories on this blog, but I have something exciting to share! First though, I want to know - what are your passions? What activities can you get totally lost in, if given the time? Do you take time often to indulge in them? I have been noticing some friends revisiting their hobbies while stuck at home over the past several weeks, and it’s inspiring!
When I turned 40 a year and a half ago, I started thinking about the previous decade and realized there so were many activities that used to bring me inner peace and happiness that I was no longer taking the time to do. While I was busy building a photography business, raising little kids, and trying to balance family and work life I began feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, I was suffering with undiagnosed Lyme disease, and I was always exhausted. Other responsibilities, and life in general seemed to take precedence and I began letting go of “me time” and so many activities I once loved.
My passions are deeply rooted in dance, photography, makeup, art, music, and holistic wellness (with a little metaphysics mixed in). Together, I call them my life force. When I started abandoning my core passions, pain began creeping in...and the more pain I felt, the less I wanted to indulge in these passions, especially dance (it hurt to move), and this cycle continued. Coincidentally, my chronic Lyme disease was progressively getting worse and my pain was growing more intense, both physically and emotionally. Something needed to change.
I began my healing journey from Lyme disease almost a year ago, and a big part of healing has been in rekindling all the components of my life force. I used to say, “I can’t wait to feel better so I can dance again.” But then I had an epiphany - MAYBE I NEED TO DANCE AGAIN SO I CAN FEEL BETTER - not the other way around! I may not have the flexibility and strength I once had, but damn, it feels amazing to dance - even if it’s just in my living room!! I have been making myself take the time (guilt-free) to engage in the passions that drive my happiness in activities throughout the week -every week, and it feels so good! I really feel like I am coming back to life.
This time in quarantine has allowed me to really reflect on all the things that bring me joy and how I can share them with others. I have been feeling this pull for awhile now, and actually started planning before this pandemic came along, but I am so excited to share that I am working on expanding Gretchen Noelle Photography into Gretchen Noelle Studio - a virtual space where I can share ALL of my passions with you. Yes, I will still be photographing clients (once our stay-at-home orders are lifted and it is safe), but I will be sharing so much more than photography moving forward, including more of my personal stories and experiences.
I want to hear from you! What are your passions? What activities bring you joy and inner peace? Do you share any of my passions? What types of content, or courses would you like to see from me? I have some ideas brewing! Please take a moment to fill out my form on this link, and you will be the first to know of my new offerings and freebies!
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I absolutely LOVE how her canvas portrait and album turned out! There is nothing better than seeing your images in print!
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First up is Zoë! South Lyon High School class of 2019. We started off in the studio (yearbook photos are included with senior sessions), and then headed outdoors all around South Lyon on this gorgeous summer evening. I was thrilled when I found out she is a dancer, and so excited to get a chance to get some dance shots of this beautiful ballerina!
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Dance Model Call:
Gretchen Noelle Photography is seeking dance models for an upcoming creative shoot this March in the Metro Detroit area.
Particularly seeking ballet dancers (teens and adults) with strong technique, beautiful feet en pointe, and long hair.
Please submit photos with "Dance model" in subject line to gretchennoellephotography@
Images sent on Facebook will not be accepted.
Please share with any dancers you think may be interested!
20 minute sessions will allow each child the time to sit with Santa, ask questions, show him their wish list, check to see if they are on the naughty or nice list, and so much more, all while I capture these magical memories. I will also have at least one other holiday set available for pictures without Santa. Although these sessions are intended for kids (immediate family only per time slot), if time allows, I can snap a few photos with mom and dad too!
Once you are scheduled, I will go over the fine details with you, including wardrobe suggestions.
As a bonus, this year I am teaming up with Ambrosia Vae Childrens Boutique in downtown South Lyon to help style the children. Anyone who books a session with me this year through November 5th and also shops at Ambrosia Vae (with a purchase of $30) will be entered into our Grand Giveaway - A completely styled complimentary Spring Session, which also includes complimentary wardrobe and $100 portrait credit! Santa will be announcing the winner live at our Santa Mini Sessions!
Santa sessions are $400 ($125 session fee + $275 5-image digital package) Upgraded packages will be available as well.
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First up in my Las Vegas dance series is Isabel! After our session, I discovered that I had performed professionally with her dance teachers, Kevin and Samantha! Scroll down to read my interview with this fabulous young dancer. Boy, does she have a bright future ahead of her!
Dancer Profile:
Name
Isabel (Izzy) Reynoso
Age
15
1. When did you start dancing? Age 4
2. How did you get your start? What made you want to dance?
My mom enrolled me in a basic combo class with my twin brother.
3. What type(s) of dance do you do? What is your favorite?
Between school and my studio, I do contemporary, jazz, modern, ballet, pointe and tap. Contemporary is my favorite type of dance to perform.
4. Where do you currently dance?
I dance with Innovation Dance Company in Las Vegas, and I attend Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as a dance major.
5. Is there any type of dance that you don't do know that you would like to try in the future?
Hip Hop. I would love to use this to try and improve my style.
6. What moves you? What do you love about dancing?
For me, dance is a form of expression that let's me channel my emotions in a non-verbal way.
7. What are the greatest challenges you have faced as a dancer?
Gaining self-confidence and believing in myself.
8. Who/what inspires you?
All different types of dancers. I love watching someone who's really passionate about dance and is hard-working.
9. Do you have any dance role models? I have so many, but a few are Misty Copeland, Hayden Hopkins, and my teachers Samantha Hunt and Kevin Leon.
10. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a dancer?
Winning our national championships last summer and growing
each day as a dancer.
11. Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I do a full stretch and warm up, and I run over my routine
about a billion times in my head.
12. What do you do on a day off for fun and relaxation?
I hang out with my friends, read or go shopping.
13. What is your favorite non-dance activity?
Bike riding or spending time with my family and friends
14. What are your goals for the next year?
My goals for next year are to continue to improve my technique and
become more consistent.
15. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to graduate from college and be living on the east coast.
16. What would be your dream job? If you could pick anywhere in the world to perform, where would that be?
I would love to perform in a show in New York on Broadway.
17. Any words of advice to younger dancers?
Always believe in yourself. You will learn and experience so much more if you have confidence in what you can achieve.
18. What's something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a twin brother.
19. What's your favorite food?
Macaroni and cheese.
20. What would be your personal theme song?
Firework by Katy Perry.
21. Any favorite quotes to live by?
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings
Coming soon....Las Vegas Dance Shoot Part 2!
]]>(Petite Sessions)
$350
Tuesday, March 29
Friday, April 1
Tuesday, April 5
Friday, April 8
When you book a Portrait Session with Gretchen Noelle Photography, you are investing in custom heirloom artwork that will be cherished for generations.
Gretchen will use her expertise as a dance teacher and former professional dancer to pose your young ballerina with proper dance technique and posture in mind.
Petite Sessions are 30 minutes long and include one 12x18 art print
Sessions will take place at my home studio in South Lyon, MI. Before the session, you will have a pre-session consultation to discuss styling and wardrobe. After the session, a selection of artist favorites will be selected and edited by hand to perfection. About two weeks later, you will return to the studio where your finished images will be revealed, and you may select the image for your included print as well as any other products you would like to order.
A non-refundable deposit of $175 is required to book and hold your session time. Michigan sales tax of 6% will be added to all services and products. Digital images are not included, but may be purchased at the ordering appointment.
*Intended for young dancers ages 4-12
UPDATE: Sold out
A limited amount of Signature Dance Sessions are available. Dance teachers/studios, please contact me if you would like to book a group of dancers for Fine Art Dance Portraits.
You may book by calling Gretchen at (734)934-1587, email [email protected] or through the contact page for additional info.
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Please email photos/videos/links to [email protected] with DANCE in the subject line. Please indicate which location you are applying for (Michigan, L.A., Las Vegas). Travel is the responsibility of the model. All other inquiries, please use contact form, or call (734)934-1587
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Check out all of the images here:
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The most magical day! I just love our Mini sessions with Santa Claus! There is nothing like seeing the magic in the children's eyes while meeting the man in red and chatting with him! The parents and kids love it because each family has their own time to talk to Santa, read stories, go over their wish lists, and ask him anything they want. Here is some of the fun we had this year!
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It's that time of year again! It seems like school just started, but before you know it Christmas will be here! To make things a little easier on you, I have some ways to check off a few things on your holiday to-do list!Santa will be coming to Gretchen Noelle Photography again this year for our Christmas mini sessions! We had so much fun last year, and it was such a magical experience for all of the children. They were able to sit down with the man in red and share their wish list with him, read stories, check to see if they were on the "nice" list, and so much more! All this, while I was able to capture these moments that will be treasured for a lifetime!Skip the lines at the mall, and come join us for an event you and your kids will never forget! I will also have at least one other setup available to use for portraits (besides my Santa setup).The date is November 7th, from 10:00 - 3:00. 20 minute sessions will be booked every half hour. The session fee is $200, and is required to hold your spot. An online gallery of 10-15 edited images will be presented for you to choose your photos. Packages will include digital images AND custom designed Holiday Cards!You can schedule your session here: https://schedulemysantasession.acuityscheduling.com/(If a time is not shown, it has already been booked)
- Visit with Santa - check!
- Holiday photos - check!
- Christmas cards -check!
And just like that, three things checked off your list! Hope to see you!Here's a glimpse of our fun from last year!
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Big Brother, Maxwell
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The Hollywood Awards Season will be coming to an end this weekend. As I sit in my living room on Sunday watching the 86th Annual Academy Awards, I will be reminiscing about my incredible night at the Oscars last year - one of the most fun nights of my life! I have been wanting to share my experience for almost a year now, but I needed to wait for some time to get permission to use these photos and videos.
For the past six years, my amazingly talented husband, Peter Kyte has been the production designer for the Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, and his company, Senovva Inc. provides the video for the Academy Awards show(you will see their name on the credits at the end of the TV broadcast)! Every year since my husband has been working on the event, I have hoped to be able to come along. Last year it finally happened! Senovva asked me to take photos to document the transformation of the tent in the West Hollywood Park where the event was taking place. This was a very different gig for me, as I normally photograph babies and children, but I went with it and had lots of fun! The work that goes into creating such a prestigious event inside a 20,000 square foot tent is extraordinary!
This is what it looked like when I arrived
Everyone has a specific job (some have more than one!) and things can get pretty intense!
It's coming along...
Almost ready!
I had to go back to the hotel to get pampered for the big night! Celebrity hair stylist extraordinaire, Eli Thomas helped glam me up! He even turned down Julianne Hough that night to get me in, but I've got connections...he happens to be one of my husband's best friends! Lucky me! :-)
And the real fun begins!!
I had to lose the big camera at this point so I could "blend in" and enjoy the night. So I borrowed a point and shoot camera from some friends for the rest of these photos! I followed Senovva's videographer, Shawn Klein up and down the (white) red carpet, snapping away at all the celebrities, and making background appearances in many red carpet interviews! Some of my a videobombing can be seen on YouTube, like this one: (I'm at 0:58)
I even ran into an old friend on the red carpet! Keltie Knight and I were both Radio City Rockettes, and we also danced on The Road to Vegas Tour with Collective Soul a few years ago! She is now a reporter for The Insider!
Guest performer of the night: Emeli Sande
This beautiful actress, Allegra Riggio (with husband, Jared Harris) actually asked ME for a photo with her at the end of the night! Hers turned out way better than my awful iPhone picture!
I ran into another friend too! Abby Miller of "Dance Moms". You may not know this, but when I went to college in Pittsburgh, I used to teach dance at Abby's studio! I loved teaching her kids, as they were all so talented, disciplined, and respectful! Later, I went on to work professionally with many of her former students! John Corella (producer for Dance Moms) used to compete in dance competitions with me back in the day! It was so fun to see them!
Thank you again to Julie (pictured above) and Dave for letting me run around with your camera to capture all the pre-party fun!
If I had my big camera, I would have been stuck behind the ropes with these guys in the press tent -
I was much happier here:
with True Blood's Ryan Kwanten
and here:
with movie director Aric Avelino
and
with my husband
The whole experience was just surreal! As a former dancer and model, I have worked with celebrities on numerous occasions, but NOTHING compared to my evening with them at this Oscars party! Maybe it was because I wasn't actually working, and was able to just be myself and have fun! It felt like being at a really big wedding, where everywhere you look there are familiar faces, and everyone is happy and laughing and being silly, and dancing, and taking selfies! The exquisite dinner was prepared by Chef Gordon Ramsay and his team. It was followed by a charity auction benefiting the Elton John Aids Foundation that included over-the-top donations such as a weekend at Steven Tyler's home on a private cliff in Hawaii. Some people bid nearly $500,000 for Sir Elton John to play 5 songs at their home for an entertaining evening with their friends! Then the guest performer, Emeli Sande got the after-party started when she performed and guests hit the dance floor! There were several other bars and lounges set up in the 20,000 square foot space, and everyone continued partying through the wee hours of the morning! The above picture with my husband was actually taken at about 3:00am, and I was ready to rip my feet off!
I want to mention that the lavish Decor Design was by Anthony Todd, and the Executive Producer is Virginia Fout of VF Productions.
What a night to remember!
What a night to remember!
Thank you so much to Senovva Inc. for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime!
Here is one last video from Senovva & Shawn Klein. It really captures the essence of the whole evening! (You can catch me for a second taking a picture of Anna Paquin & Steven Moyer)
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These little girls are so sweet and beautiful! They also are our neighbors, and Gabby is my son's little girlfriend! Love them!
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My sweet boy…
Update: I am so excited and honored to have my photo selected as one of Angie and Amy's favorites!
Angie & Amy Favorites on I Heart Faces
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]]>This little girl, Grace just turned one a few months ago, and came to see me about a week ago for her studio session. She was a little nervous around me, especially when her mom wasn't holding her, and she seemed to be scared of my studio setting as well. My bag of tricks didn't seem to help, so I decided to take her to my living room to play for a bit. I kept my distance and snapped away while she was playing and having fun, and "talking to Daddy" on the pretend phone. The session definitely was different than my usual sessions, but I actually really like how it turned out! I may try this again in my future sessions! When I saw that this challenge was "Play", I immediately thought of little Grace jibber-jabbering on the play phone! More photos of this sweet little girl will be posted soon!
Max welcomed his baby brother, Alex, and a month later their sweet little cousin, Evelyn! Alex came about 6 weeks early so he was a few weeks old already when we did his session, but he slept so well and gave me lots of smiles! Evelyn was such a sweetheart and good sleeper as well, and we had fun posing the cousins together at the end!
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View his slideshow with music here
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