I became interested in photography over 25 years ago. I was taking a class in photography at Montgomery College and I just fell in love with the medium. I have always been interested in art ever since I was a child. My mom couldn’t afford to pay for art classes so she went to her local senator and got me a scholarship. For many years every Saturday I got on the bus in Baltimore City and went to the Maryland Institute of Art for drawing and painting.

Of course, when I started creating photographs I used my own children and family. That was lots of fun for me but I don’t know how they survived it. One of my first “portraits” of my children was when they were about 2 and 5. I foolishly told Emily what I wanted. I was trying for a pose seated near the pool looking all perfect—what I ended up with was them all wet in the pool with a flipper in Lucas’ mouth. That taught me my first lesson in photographing children. Now, of course I set everything up perfectly, add the child and see what develops naturally.

When I was getting a degree in photography I would do anything photographic to further my skills. I knew at this point I was hooked and wanted to be in the business of creating beautiful photography. I went to weddings with my instructors and I joined the Maryland Professional Photographers Association and went to every available instructional program. I decided to get my certification in 1988. To become a Certified Professional Photographer I had to pass the written test and have my work judged. I believe strongly in continuing education and spend several weeks every year in photographic classes.

I feel like I was blessed with a unique vision and was eager to share it. And then, it seemed like people just came to me. All of my skills have led me to where I am today. Exploring what people really want in their portraits, creating fine art portraiture and ensuring that it’s displayed to it’s best advantage for you to enjoy for many years to come. I am thrilled to continue my life’s work capturing the spontaneity, romance and emotion in your wedding or Bar Mitzvah, capturing the beauty of a child, family, mother to be, infant, graduation, or pet portrait.

I’m in Silver Spring Maryland just inside the beltway at Georgia Avenue and just minutes from Washington DC. I have a large light and airy studio that is really a delight to work in and for you to visit. I look forward to our collaboration.

Sincerely,

Barbara Glaeser

There are 7 vital considerations that need to be addressed before you and your loved ones step in front of the camera to create personal art to display in your home.

It’s a lot, so let’s jump right in.

#1 Make Sure Your Photographer Guarantees Her Work!

This is a big one, and it’s the most difficult one to find. Most photographers would never think of guaranteeing their work. They will say “but it’s art, and you can’t guarantee art!” That’s not right, you’re investing your hard-earned money in these photographs, and I believe that you should pay for them only if you’re absolutely thrilled. That’s why we offer a complete 100% guarantee.

If Your Family Doesn’t Look The Happiest & Best They’ve Ever Looked Together In These Photographs –
You Don’t Pay Me For Them.

That’s our guarantee and personal promise to you. These photographs will be completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real emotions and relationships between you and your loved ones. That’s the only real reason to have a family portrait created.

Obviously, I’m totally confident that the portraits I create of you and your family will be well beyond anything you imagine. I believe completely that these photographs will become your most prized possessions. That’s what I’ve devoted my life to, and that’s why I can’t wait to photograph your family for you.

If you are not completely thrilled with your photographs, I will either create additional images for you at no charge, or I will cheerfully refund all your money. I am absolutely committed to creating the finest portraits you have ever had made.

#2 All Family Portraits Are Not Created Equal.

If you’re at all like most people, you’ve probably had this question going through your mind: “How do I choose the right photographer?” In fact, you may even have thought of someone in your family - an uncle, a grandparent, even a friend - who is a bit of an amateur photographer. Why not just have a friend take the photograph?

“Just Suppose Someone Were To Create The Perfect Family Portrait - One Where You And Your Loved Ones Looked Better Than Ever, Happier Than Ever - A Portrait That Meant The World To You - What Would That Be Worth?”

No price tag can be put on your family’s memories. They are and always will be priceless. So, why would you ever want to gamble with those memories? It’s just a question of whether you believe a portrait of your family could really mean that much to you.

If you were sick, and had to go to a doctor, would you want the “cheapest” doctor, or the best one? Well, there’s really no question. It’s the same thing with your family’s memories. You can certainly find a cheaper photographer in town. But there are other things to consider than just price...

Your Photographer Should Care About Your Family and Your Memories.

I chose to become a professional family photographer. That’s all I do – create portraits of people. I realized that memories were priceless - that there was no more noble or wonderful profession than to become a “Memory Giver.” As a child I was interested in art. I used to get on the bus and travel to the Maryland Institute of Art every Saturday to take drawing and painting classes. I studied design all through high school and college. I took my first class in photography over 25 years ago and I fell in love with the new possibilities for capturing light and composition. As a portrait photographer all of my art skills became essential. I use composition, weight, balance, color harmony and light in every portrait. Everything must come together for that perfect moment in time.

Time is the one thing that none of us have enough of. It’s the one thing that money can’t buy. It’s the one thing that we all would give just about anything for. Through photography, we can hold on to the moments in our lives that we wish could last forever. And, if it’s done correctly, these same photographs can become personal art that we display in our homes for everyone to see and share.

#3 Your Family Portraits Should Bring You Joy Each Time You Look At Them.

If you’re like most people, when you think of a professional family portrait, you think of stiff poses and unnatural smiles. Now, is that something any family will cherish for a lifetime? I don’t think so. Yes, it may capture the whole family together, but it will never capture your family relationships - your family’s love.

We can create the portrait in our light and airy studio with its relaxed atmosphere or at your home. Maybe all of you gathered in your favorite room at home, or outside on the new deck you just had built, or in your backyard by the pine trees that give your yard so much character. What makes all the difference is that all of you will be dressed in clothes the photographer helped you chose - clothing that conveys your individual personalities, but still looks great together.

And, This Is So Important: All Of You Should Feel Totally Comfortable In Front Of The Camera!

Do you know anyone who feels totally comfortable in front of a camera? I’ll bet not many. Nearly everyone I’ve ever met tells me the same thing: “I never look natural in pictures.” The last thing you want is a photograph where you or your family members have that fake “posed” look on your face.

That’s why it’s so important that you feel very natural and comfortable with your photographer. Just think of how great your family would look if your best friend were creating the photograph. They would all look so happy and natural! I take pride in developing very close relationships with all my clients, and their family.

Plus, I understand the “psychology” of photography. Learning the technical aspects - what lenses to use, what lighting looks best, how clothing adds and subtracts weight on people - all of those things were only the tip of the iceberg. Without being able to make each and every one of your family members look and feel comfortable, all those technical things would amount to nothing.

You’ll Never Hear Me Utter The Words “Say Cheese.”

That’s a surefire way of getting expressions that look totally fake and unnatural. No - a great photographer knows that, in order to get a great expression from a subject, you need to get to know that subject a bit - to know what will make them smile naturally. That’s what I do, and I love it!

#4 Your Photographer Should Meet With You, For Free, Prior To The Actual Photography Session!

I will meet with you before the photography session to help you with every decision – this insures you and your family will look perfect in your photographs. You see fine family portraiture is much like decorating your home. It involves careful planning, and everything must work together to make a great result.

You are not on an assembly line here! Your family is completely unique. Therefore, your photographs must reflect that as well. I will listen to your needs and then share my artistic vision. At the consultation, I will help you choose the perfect clothing, how to do your hair and makeup, decide what will be the perfect location and find out what’s most important to you about these photographs. I will take you through the whole process, including where to hang the finished portraits and framing to insure your personal works of art.

#5 Every Portrait Must Be Artistically Enhanced.

This goes so far beyond “digital retouching” where you might have a blemish removed. At no extra charge we will have our Personal Portrait Enhancement Artist go over every inch of your portraits and give them another dimension of life. Don’t worry, no one will ever be able to tell that any enhancement was done, however, this one step can take a good photograph and make it perfect.

Most photographers do not offer this sort of service, and if they do, they charge extra for it. When you commission me to create your family portrait, you get the very best without having to pay extra for it.

#6 Your Photographer Should Be Able To Devote The Time To Do It Right.

I made the decision years ago that you get my undivided attention, and I am not going to be rushing off to do another session, leaving you and your family with less-than-perfect portraits. This is so important because it makes a huge difference in the quality of your finished portrait!

I will personally be at the projection appointment where you will see your portraits projected to the right size for your home. I will set aside time for any questions about enhancements, cropping, placement or display in your home and framing.

#7 Have A Family Portrait Created Now.

You know how things are. If you don’t pick up the phone right now, and at least call me to chat about your family portrait, you will probably get swamped with other things, and forget all about it. Then, before you know it, a year - two years - five years have gone by. How different will your family be then?

You see, time is ticking...and it’s never going to stop.

First, Your Child Takes His or Her First Step. Next, Learns To Ride A Bike. Later, Gets A Driver’s License. Graduates From High School. Gets Married. Starts A Family Of His or Her Own.

These are precious times, and although things will change, this moment never has to slip from your fingers.

Plus, You Will Save $100 By Acting Right Now!

As long as you are one of the first 49 people to call me, I will send you a $100 certificate in the mail that will allow you to deduct $100 off the creation of your portrait! It’s not too late. This moment, right now, can be held onto for the rest of your life, for you to share with family and friends.

You don’t have to make a big decision right now. You don’t even have to decide that now is the time for your family portrait. Just take one small step toward holding onto your family’s happiest moments.

Just Call The Studio And We’ll Chat About Your Perfect Family Portrait.

The number is 301.565.4900, or you can click on the “Contact Us” button and leave your information and the best time for me to contact you. If you call and I don’t answer, just leave your name and number at the beep, and I’ll call you back. If you’re thinking of this family photograph as a gift for someone, let me know, so when I call back, I only ask for you, and don’t spoil the surprise!

It will be a call you will be glad you made for the rest of your life. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Barbara Glaeser
Certified Professional Photographer

P.S. - Remember, there’s no cost to just chat with me, and it will make the whole difference as to how great your portraits will look. Your family portraits shouldn’t be trusted to any photographer who doesn’t realize what a responsibility it is to make sure these portraits are perfect. These are your memories - don’t trust them to just anyone. You’ve nothing to lose, and so many great memories to gain.