About the Photographer ... Geri-Ann Galanti
Photo by Evan Nischan
My journey is one that began with buying the wrong textbook for a sociology class, led to a career as an anthropologist and teacher, and eventually found its way to a passion for portrait photography.
I've come to believe that the most important quality necessary for a great portrait is the connection between the photographer and client. It is an intimate one, and unless the client trusts the photographer enough to relax and expose their authentic self, it will be difficult to get an honest portrait. The years I spent as a teacher and anthropologist ... including 20 years of teaching communication skills to medical students ... taught me how to do that. Several years of photography classes at one of the top photography schools in California (Santa Monica College), taught me the requisite technical skills -- lighting, composition, and, of course, a little Photoshop...because sometimes nature needs a little help. But I like to use it sparingly; I want you to look like you.
I really enjoy photographing people of all ages. I love connecting with children. I have a box of fun masks and fake glasses that kids enjoy playing with for photos. They're a reward for sitting for the more "formal" picture their parents usually want; then they get to dress up and have fun for additional photos. I love photographing older women. Over the years, I've learned techniques for lighting and posing to make women look their most youthful best. And I enjoy working with young adults. They have energy and youth, and often don't realize how beautiful that alone makes them.
In addition to teaching anthropology (sometimes on cruise ships!), I've done jewelry making, cake decorating, and dancing. My favorite dance form is belly dancing, and I taught myself how to make elaborate costumes. I've always had a creative aesthetic, which I now get to put to use as a portrait photographer. I'm attracted to dramatic images, and especially love shooting in high contrast black and white in addition to color. I look forward to working with you to create images that will delight you for years to come.