A No-Boundaries Wedding Album - Atlanta Wedding Photography

Every once in a while I get the amazing opportunity to design something without any boundaries. It's a rare occurrence and I must admit, it is so much fun.

Photographing Christin & Jason's wedding was a dream come true. Their beautiful and intimate beach wedding in San Destin, Florida was such a treat to photograph. And then the reception two weeks later at Barnsley Gardens was a great way to celebrate with all their friends and family. Because I had so many photos to work with - the locations alone left me with infinite possibilities for amazing photos - I designed an album the best way I knew how, the way I would want my own wedding album which, by the way, is still in the works. Imagine that!

I wanted to create something that reminded them of all the special moments of both weekends, like how the ocean breeze felt during their ceremony and the stunning sunset we were blessed with while we photographed their portraits. And most importantly, I wanted to create something that would stand the test of time, that would become their first family heirloom and be something that they would want to share with everyone who came to their home. Because what's the point of an album if it's placed on a shelf and never looked at?

Christin and Jason completely embraced the ginormous album set I created. Yes, I said, ginormous. It is an 18x12 double-volume album that includes more than 250 photos. Really, it's more than an album, it's a piece of documentary art. I was hoping that when it arrived at my studio that it would take my breath away, and it truly did. I am so excited to hear their reactions to it, I can hardly sit still.

The first page of the first album displays the romantic images
from their engagement session at Barnsley Gardens.


All the beautiful details from their beach wedding.
Their love is definitely a "shore thing." :)


Christin getting ready with the girls in the beach house.
I'm pretty sure she only wore those shoes for about 5 minutes but they were awesome.


The stunning location of the wedding. Seriously, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. And Jason looking handsome and not at all nervous just before walking down the isle.


Some of the moments during the ceremony.
The wind through Christin's gown and the sunset, what more can I say?
The photo on the left is on a gate-fold.
You can see the seam down the middle. When you open it...


this is what you see on the inside. Love this unique way of interacting with the album and the suspense it creates by not knowing what is about to unfold. (pun intended) :)


Here's another unique feature of these albums - wings.
The whole right page unfolds to reveal a long spread of photos.


A beautiful moment in front of the ruins at Barnsley Gardens.


Another wing revealing my absolute favorite page design of both albums.

Christin & Jason, hope you LOVE the albums as much as I do! Congratulations again!

Congratulations to our new SpokesMAMA!

Congratulations to the winner of our newborn SpokesMAMA contest - Elle Banks!

As our very first SpokesMAMA, Elle and her family will receive a free ABC Storytelling Portrait session, discounts for a subsequent package and lots of other great items. Elle is expecting their new addition in June and I can hardly wait. Her session is just a beginning of their family's wonderful story.

If you see Elle around town, please congratulate her! A round of applause at the grocery store and in line at the post office would be so great. :)

2 days and counting...

Only 2 days left to apply to be a SpokesMAMA.

Have you always dreamt of beautiful portraits of your baby? Now as your due date quickly approaches, you have so much left to do that meeting with a photographer has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle?

This is your chance to begin documenting your new addition in the first two weeks with a FREE newborn ABC Storytelling Portrait session. Apply now for your chance to be an ambassador of Sara Speert Photography. Deadline for all applications is March 18th.

Apply now

Atlanta baby photography, Atlanta baby portraits, Decatur baby portraits, family portraits, newborn portraits, baby pictures

Atlanta Newborn Baby Portraits - SpokesMAMA Contest

Only 7 days left to apply to the SpokesMAMA Contest!

This first contest is for expecting moms whose little ones will be arriving between March 22 and June 22. Don't miss this amazing opportunity for beautiful portraits of your newborn for free.

And just because I don't like posting without a picture, look at this scrumptious little guy. His newborn session was done when he was a mere 6 days old.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 15: Special Event for New & Expecting Moms

Here's a great find! One of our partners is holding a class for new and expecting moms. Check out Atlanta Baby Planners for this event and for help with everything baby.

www.atlantababyplanners.com
www.twitter.com/atlbabyplanners

Join Atlanta Baby Planners for a Breastfeeding class on Tuesday, April 20th from 6-8pm to learn all the benefits that breastfeeding can provide for you and your baby.

Some of the topics that will be discussed are:
starting a feeding, facts about colostrum, feeding positions, is my baby getting enough, hunger cues and much more. Also, just for attending the class, you will have access to FREE lactation consulting from a licensed IBCLC nurse, either before or after your baby is born.

Feel free to bring your friend, partner or spouse!
Contact Atlanta Baby Planners with any questions. Sign up quickly because spots are filling up!

SpokesMAMA Contest - change

Based on many of the responses we've received, we have made an adjustment to the contest. We are now open to moms of newborns who are 0-2 weeks old between March 22 - June 22, 2010. If you are expecting a baby during that time, apply now. Deadline for applications is March 18th!

-_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--_--

What is a SpokesMAMA? She's a mom who loves her kids and adores professional portraits of them. She loves the candid and artistic style of our photography and the emotions that it captures. She is active in her community, meeting with other moms at mommy groups, church/synagogue groups, at daycare and school, and online. She frequents Facebook and Twitter, parenting forums and listserves for her neighborhood. She thinks our portrait photography is awesome and may or may not already be a client.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

As a spokesperson of Sara Speert Photography, the winning SpokesMama will represent SSP to her friends and family. She'll take every opportunity to share the photos that were taken during her sessions and talk about her experience with SSP. She'll use social media, printed fliers, email, etc. to refer other like-minded families to SSP. (Printed pieces will be provided by SSP)

Be our SpokesMAMA, spread the word about SSP and help us grow!

In exchange, if you are chosen, you will receive a free ABC Storytelling Portrait Session package which includes a Planning Meeting, a 2-hour session, a Design Appointment and a $250 credit for anything purchased at the Design Appointment. This package is valued at $500. AND you will also receive 25% off your second session during your year-long tenure as a SpokesMAMA or a $125 discount off your chosen Growing Baby Portrait Package that will be completed during your year.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

This contest is for newborns. In order to be selected, you must have a baby who is 2 weeks old or younger in the month of March 22 - June 22, 2010. (If this does not apply to you, join our mailing list - we will be holding contests for families with older children soon.)


Contest ends on Thursday, March 18th.
Winner will be chosen on Monday, March 22nd.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

Good luck!

Taking better pictures of your child

I was asked by Expectant Mother's Guide, an Atlanta publication for new and expecting moms, to write an article about taking the best pictures of your child. It was such an honor to contribute to this great magazine which is chock full of wonderful information ranging from financial planning to the benefits of infant massage to nursery design.

It’s a day you’ve dreamt of for months. As you leave the hospital, you can’t believe that this little bundle is yours. You step into your home and it hits you, “What now?” You have so much to do, but at that moment all you want to do is lie down on your bed and stare at this beautiful little person who just changed your life. This is a moment that you want to remember forever. His little fingers and toes are the cutest things you’ve ever seen. His lips, his eyes, everything is so perfect! So you reach for your camera to capture this moment. It’s a picture you know you will look at over and over again, so you cross your fingers that it will turn out..... continue reading the article.

The magazine will be available in March at local pediatricians' and OB doctors' offices.

SpokesMAMA Contest Begins Today!

What is a SpokesMAMA? She's a mom who loves her kids and adores professional portraits of them. She loves the candid and artistic style of our photography and the emotions that it captures. She is active in her community, meeting with other moms at mommy groups, church/synagogue groups, at daycare and school, and online. She frequents Facebook and Twitter, parenting forums and listserves for her neighborhood. She thinks our portrait photography is awesome and may or may not already be a client.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

As a spokesperson of Sara Speert Photography, the winning SpokesMama will represent SSP to her friends and family. She'll take every opportunity to share the photos that were taken during her sessions and talk about her experience with SSP. She'll use social media, printed fliers, email, etc. to refer other like-minded families to SSP. (Printed pieces will be provided by SSP)

Be our SpokesMAMA, spread the word about SSP and help us grow!

In exchange, if you are chosen, you will receive a free ABC Storytelling Portrait Session package which includes a Planning Meeting, a 2-hour session, a Design Appointment and a $250 credit for anything purchased at the Design Appointment. This package is valued at $500. AND you will also receive 25% off your second session during your year-long tenure as a SpokesMAMA or a $125 discount off your chosen Growing Baby Portrait Package that will be completed during your year.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

This contest is for newborns. In order to be selected, you must have a baby who is 2 weeks old or younger in the month of March 22 - April 22, 2010. CHANGE: NOW OPEN TO BABIES BORN BETWEEN MARCH 22 AND JUNE 22! (If this does not apply to you, join our mailing list - we will be holding contests for families with older children soon.)


Contest ends on Thursday, March 18th.
Winner will be chosen on Monday, March 22nd.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

Good luck!

Picture of the Day - Snow-lanta

Although the snow is all but completely gone just 3 days later, I loved it while it lasted. I worked most of the day on Friday until I couldn't resist any longer headed outside to play. My parents who live in Baltimore have been overwhelmed with 3+ feet of snow in the last week (and today they will get even more), and I have to admit that I was a bit jealous. After living in Rochester, NY, I never thought I'd miss the snow again, but it finally happened. Seeing their pictures and hearing the reports of record snowfall made me wish I could helicopter in to spend a few snow-days with them. So when we got our own bit, I was so excited. Here are some pictures I took Friday afternoon. It's been a long time since I went out to just shoot for ME without any agenda. So this was a lot of fun. Here's to hoping we get another snowstorm so I can play again.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 14

I discovered this great time-saver and back pain-easer for bathing your little one. No more bending over one of those inserts in the tub or lugging those heavy basins around.

And when you're finished, simply hang it up to dry.

So smart!

The Puj tub

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 13

In case you missed it, we added a link on the right side of the blog for one of our favorite online stores. Kir De Vries is an awesome shop where you can buy everything from reusable stainless steel BPA-free water bottles, insulated lunch totes that I would love to use as a purse (they're so cute!), and washable produce bags (to cut down on the use of plastic bags that aren't good for anyone.) It's a wonderful way to take one more step to being green and looking great doing it.

If you decide to purchase something, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think.

1 day left for the Valentine's Special

Only one day left for the Valentine's Special. It's a super deal and an original gift that your spouse is sure to love. Cute, personalized, unique and *so* your child!

So, if we did a portrait for you in 2009 or in the last month, click here for more information and to purchase it online. (Sorry, time's run out for new sessions with this package.)

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds (Episode 12)

So, I just got word of another fantastic sale but this one's for the ladies (ok, maybe a few men's items too.) The Best Boutique Sale Ever Warehouse Sale is on Friday and Saturday, January 29th and 30th (that's THIS weekend!) in Decatur. Save up to 90% (wow, that's some good savings!) on items from some great local boutiques, including one of my favorite stores, Boogaloos. (You gotta see their adorable website.)

You can't say I never hooked you up. :)

Check out the details here.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds (Episode 11)

It's time again for The Children's Boutique Clothing Sale.
Save up to 70% off clothing, decor, toys and shoes from some great Atlanta boutiques
including Wiggle and Sugar Plum Kids.

The sale is at Atlantic Station above Z Gallerie (one of my favorite stores!) on Saturday, February 20th, 9am - 6pm. And just like the last time I announced this great sale, I highly suggest making it a mom's day out with your friends. Leave the kids with dad, go out for some great deals on boutique clothing, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even a glass of wine or some Coldstone ice cream. Whatever you're reason, or even if you have to make up one, it's time for some girl-time!

Click here for all the details.

Picture of the Day

I mentioned on Facebook (are you a fan?) a few days ago that I was really excited about photographing a portrait session for an old client. It's really quite flattering. I photographed Mae 5 years ago when my business was really in its infancy. Mae was so adorable and her mom came up with a great idea for the session. She put Mae in a tutu and a precious star and ooodles of beautiful portraits were born. 5 years ago I didn't have a blog, so here are a few from the session. If you've been to the studio, you'll recognize this one immediately because it's hanging on one of our walls.

More cuteness:

Sadly, Mae and her parents moved up north a few years ago and I haven't heard from them for a while. So, when I got a call from Mae's mom a few weeks ago, I was so excited. Of course I remember them. How could I forget. This portrait session was one of my favorites.

So, Mae now has a little sister who is about the same age as Mae was when I photographed her years ago. The family planned a trip to Atlanta and wanted to schedule a session while they were in town. What a fabulous idea! Seriously, so flattered that they remembered me. Mae's mom told me that she's had portraits done of the girls since they left Atlanta, but that the photos I took remain her favorite.

Take a look at 7 year old Mae. She is so beautiful and I just LOVE her hair. Gorgeous thick auburn hair is my favorite.

Mae and her mom 5 years ago and today.

And here is Evie. It's quite amazing how much she looks like her sister. Ok, amazing maybe isn't the right word, because they are sisters afterall. But I just love it. Beautiful curls and the same vibrant personality.

And although we tried to get both girls into their tutu's, we weren't so successful. But I'm so glad I was able to capture this one of Evie. Can't you just hear her laughing?

Lovely girls. Can't wait to see you again soon! Let's try to make it sooner than 5 years though, ok?

Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living....

I have been remiss. I promised days and days of blogging, and I did make it 5 days in a row (my best record yet), but as soon as I headed out of town for Imaging USA (an annual national convention for photographers), I lost some steam. I refer only to blog steam, because I've been really busy getting all my ducks in a row for 2010. It's amazing as my business grows and matures how much more work I create for myself. :) I was inspired at Imaging USA, as I always am at photography conventions, to streamline what I'm doing, to create even more value for my clients and to rethink and reinforce the concept .... that I need some help. I can't do it all anymore and I would love to work with some cool people. Ok, so I'm looking for a couple good people for some help.

First, is a graphic designer. Ideally, you are someone who has your own business or you are doing some freelance on the side of a full-time job, because what I got is a lot but not full-time. I'm looking for a self-starter, someone who is in love with graphic design, who lives, sleeps and breathes graphic design, someone who can think outside the box. I am a visual artist and all, so presentation is everything and the projects I have for this year require some creativity beyond letterhead and business card branding.

Second, is a sales and design consultant. I don't mean a car sales person because.... ew. That's just not my thing. You are someone with passion for interior design, someone who is not only friendly, but can really connect with people on a personal level. You have sales experience or, more importantly, have a business degree. You always take note of how businesses you frequent market and sell their services and goods, and you always seem to be taking mental notes or talking to others about what you see. You are not pushy but you are clear with your ideas and suggestions, and you have a subtle way of making them known. Again, this is not a full-time position but if things go well, it could grow into something much bigger.

If you know someone or you yourself fit the bill, please contact me at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com.

Oh, by the way, neither of these positions are 9 to 5. The graphic designer position is by project and the sales and design position is PRN or as needed.

And now back to our regularly scheduled blogging. Seriously, I'm going to post something right now. :)

Donations for Haiti

Watching and reading the news about the devastation in Haiti following yesterday's earthquake is so upsetting. Like everyone else, I feel that I need to do something to help.

So, we will donate a portion of all January sales, including the Valentine's special. The percentage we will donate will increase with more sales.

If you were thinking about booking a portrait session for your family, this is a wonderful way to help a community in need at the same time.

Create a registry for a friend or purchase a gift certificate and a
portion of your investment will go to aid relief.

Purchase a Valentine's Day session or use a previous session for a Valentine's gift for your sweetie.

Baby Album - 5x5 CarryAbout Album - Atlanta Children's Portraits

This cutey-patooty is just as fun as she looks. Check out her 5x5 CarryAbout Album filled with playing, reading, snuggling, her mom's beautiful wedding sari, and lots and lots of laughter. Click to see the album.

Valentine's Day Special - Atlanta portraits

I'm getting the best gift for my spouse for Valentine's Day!
I'm ready to buy it now.

You must book your session by January 28th,
select the image for your folio by February 3rd,
or purchase a Gift Certificate by February 11th.

Christmas Family Portrait - Dunwoody, GA - Pictures of the Day

During the week of Christmas while many of us were cooking and doing last minute shopping, I photographed a portrait session in Dunwoody, GA for this beautiful family. All three grown siblings have kids of their own and the family continues to grow with little Chapin being born just 3 months ago. Since the entire family doesn't live in Georgia, being together for the holiday was a wonderful opportunity to schedule a family session.

Normally I like to include one favorite image from each session in my Picture of the Day. But I had a really hard time deciding so instead, here are two. Yay!

Getting all the girls together for a few photos was so much fun. Emily had a toy she just had to play with at that moment and I love everything that's going on on the couch behind her. Nuzzling noses, laughter and Emily's mom wishing that she'd rejoin everyone. There's something about the chaos of this moment that depicts so well what family holidays are all about.

The love of a grandmother for her grandchild is unmistakable and so lovely.

The best (and most unusal) complement

I got the best (and most unusual) complement this morning from one of my clients.

"Sara, you're like crack. We're addicted to you and your photography. Your photography is the best I've ever seen."

How awesome is that? I've never been told I'm addictive like a drug. But I like the idea. :)

Take a look at the CarryAbout Album created from Carter's Growing Baby Portrait Package. It's amazing how much he's changed since I started photographing him. Thanks Jonathan!

How do I cover the last 3 weeks in one post?

If you couldn't tell from my lack of blogging action, December was a bit crazy. And I'm sorry for ignoring you for too long. Hopefully you've been following me on Facebook and have become a fan on our fanpage so you haven't gone into withdrawal. I kid, I kid (as in the words of Jeff Dunham) I know you didn't go into withdrawal because you were just as busy, I'm sure!

Over the holiday weekend, I wrote a list of all the things I want to blog about and the list isn't even complete at 15 items. So, get ready for some mad blogging throughout the next few weeks.

I'd like to begin with something a bit somber. On December 14th, my Great Aunt Esther passed away. She was 92 years old and lived a long and rich life. She was my Grandfather's sister and they had so much in common. She loved her family and relished the time she had with them. She had such a thirst for education and knowledge that she attended adult education classes at the local college in her 70's and 80's. She always had wonderful words of advice to share with me and never missed an opportunity to tell me how much my grandparents would have been proud of my accomplishments. In some ways, losing her was like losing another part of my grandfather, so it was an especially difficult thing to handle.

The last time I saw her was on my last visit to Seattle in March 2009. It meant a lot to me to be able to visit with her and I will cherish this photo forever.

Me, my niece Elizabeth and Aunt Esther in March 2009

_____________

Future blogging....
Best of 2009
Incorporated? Wha?
We're Google's favorite, no really!
A Christmas family portrait
Weekend session change

Happy Holidays!

Baby Portrait Collections & Collages

Puzzled over how to use photography in your home in a way that looks great and works with your existing decor? We've been working to make it easier for you to envision the possibilities including offering examples by photographing our clients homes.

Just love this one at William and Margaret's home. Both kids did a Growing Baby Portrait Package which included three sessions for each of them in the first 12 months. The final product - two Jazz Collages (9-images). Placing them in the stairwell is such a great way to add style and memories to a place that would normally be passed by.

Thanksgiving Sale ends tonight!

Cyber-Monday excitement continues! Our Thanksgiving sale ends tonight at midnight so be sure to take advantage.

All gift certificates are 10-25% off!

Perfect for the holidays! Go in with your friends on a one-of-a-kind gift for an expecting mother. Had a portrait done with us last year and itching for a new session? Mention it to your in-laws for a wonderful holiday gift that you know you'll love. Take the guesswork out of a Valentine's gift for your hubby - buy a gift certificate for a portrait session and the enjoy the gift for years to come. The options are endless.

Buy sale gift certificates now.

Sale ends at 11:59pm tonight!

Thanksgiving Sale starts today

Save on all Gift Certificates, Baby Registry, Gift Registry and Wedding Registry purchases

Save 10% on all gift certificates/registry purchases valued $50 to $300
Save 25% on all gift certificates/registry purchases valued $500
Save 25% on all ABC Storytelling Portrait Package gift certificates

Buy yours here.

Sale ends Monday, November 30th.

Picture of the Day

I met Naomi early this year when Nick and I decided to take a trip to New Orleans to volunteer our time to help rebuild in the aftermath of Katrina. The trip was so educational and moving that upon my return, I created a movie with the images from my time there and my thoughts about our experiences. You can watch it here. I also wrote one article and had one written about me in the Atlanta Jewish Times and Professional Photographer Magazine.

So, Naomi is one of the amazing people that worked for JFSJ, the organization that sponsored the trip. Her enthusiasm about the program and her genuine desire to connect with all the volunteers was palpable and infectious. She and Alana guided the Atlanta office to great things. So, when it came time to thank her for her efforts, we couldn't think of a more fitting thank you than a portrait session of her family.

Photographing Naomi and Michael and their two girls, Jolene and Talia, was really fun. After a morning of rain, the skies cleared and we had a beautiful fall sunset. Riding bikes, pretending their backyard was Cinderella's Ball, and singing silly songs meant the pictures from their session truly captured a day-in-the-life of this family.

Picture of the Day

Today you get 3, count 'em THREE, Pictures of the Day. I just couldn't resist. :) How adorable is Simran in her bassinet? Yes, this was taken in her home and no, I didn't bring this prop with me. This is what makes storytelling portraits so special. This is Simran's bassinet that she used to sleep in when she needed to sleep close to mom. What a wonderful way to remember how small she is now.

Deadline for Holiday Orders

Today is the regular deadline for all holiday orders and all 2009 client image galleries.

We will however be able to take orders after today at a 50% rush fee. Please see below for more information.

• Friday, November 6 - Regular Deadline for all holiday orders (50% rush fee on orders placed after today)
• Friday, November 6 - Expiration date for all reactivated 2009 client image galleries
• Friday, November 6 - Final Deadline for all albums
• Friday, November 13 - Late Deadline for all holiday card orders
  
• Friday, November 20 - Late Deadline for all enlargements, fine art canvas, framed pieces, folios and jewelry

If you have any questions, please feel free to write them in the comments below or email us at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds (episode 10)

One of my clients recently asked about something she saw in another client's photos. Harper has some colorful dots on the walls in her room. They match perfectly with the rest of the brightly colored decor in her room.

Besides looking great, they are removable stickers! Yes! That means that as your child grows, you can change the walls without damaging them. Love that.

When Simran's mom asked where Harper's mom got them, I contacted her to find out. And when I went to the website I was blown away. There are so many great things there for a nursery so I thought I'd share it with you too!

Modern Nursery is www.modernnursery.com.

Check out what else I found on the website.

They have a great selection of wall stickers, like this tree.

Look at this inventive hi-chair. Not only does it come in great colors, have a 5-point harness system, pneumatic-assist, easy-lift height adjustment allowing infinite positions, but it also won the Best Baby and Infant Product 2009 in the Netherlands.

And they have some eco-friendly stuff too which is awesome. When you're trying to prepare a beautiful, soothing and safe nursery, it just makes sense to get eco-friendly furniture and toys to keep the room free of strange chemicals and earth-depleting materials.

This is a 100% formaldehyde-free, FSC Certified real wood book caddy.

If you know of a product, website, blog or anything else that other parents should see, please let us know. Email us at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com.

Portrait Party - Halloween

On Saturday, I photographed a Halloween party for a house-full of one-year old's. I was so excited about photographing this party because really, there's little that is cuter than a baby in a hooded costume. And, I was definitely not disappointed. All the parents I met were really great and Courtney's parents were wonderful to host such a fun party.

And bonus! - Courtney walked for the first time at the end of the party! It was a really exciting moment. Everyone started clapping and she looked around like she had no idea what the big deal was. So cute. It got me thinking that if I could time my clients' portraits sessions for the exact moment that their child takes his/her first steps that'd be perfect. So, let's get on that. :)

Here is my favorite Picture of the Day of pouty Superman. How precious is he?

If you'd like information about hosting your own Portrait Party, please contact us at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com. We offer no-obligation packages to all families in attendance, a gift for the host family, and a Parent's Night Out Viewing Party. Portrait Parties are perfect for birthday parties, holiday parties and playgroups.

Halloween Recap

How was your Halloween weekend? Mine was really busy. And as a result I have a ton to post here over the next few days. The highlight was arriving home on Saturday after shooting to find that Nick had gone shopping and put together a Halloween-themed dinner just for us. We decided to take it easy this year and just hang out at the house and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters. So this dinner and drinks was awesome and so perfect. Did I mention that he made two mixed cocktails? Pictured are "Monster Eyeballs Martini" and for dinner, "Bat Wings".

We crafted some floating ghosts in the front yard and bats in the windows. Scary!

Check back for "Picture of the Day."

New Coffeetable Album

Our new coffeetable album arrived and it - is - beautiful! We've upgraded the actual album to one that has hard-backed pages, full images across the entire page and a choice of covers. This one is a fine art canvas cover. This album is more durable than its predecessor and a much more substantial look and feel. You are guaranteed to be wowed.

The design is one we've been working on for quite a while (and is the first of three designs that will be available). It's called Color-block and has infinite possibilities of color combinations. The blue-green is perfect for this one year old boy. Think two-tone pinks for little girls, taupe and white for an elegant gender-neutral album, or knock-out purple and yellow for a bright fun look.

This 10x10 album can be purchased a-la-carte with any portrait session, vacation portrait session, or choose the Growing Baby Album package to include the photographs from your child's first 12 months into one custom-designed baby book.

One of my favorite things about the Growing Baby Album package is the accompanying blank journal for mom and dad. Use the journal all year long to write messages to your child, make a note of poetry and keep a journal of his/her accomplishments throughout the year. Then, we'll take excerpts from it and include them in the album. Such a personal way to enjoy your baby's first year and something that your child will grow to love years from now. Love it!

For more information, contact the studio.


Sara Speert Photography | Baby Albums, Children's Albums, CoffeeTable Albums, Family Albums, Vacation Albums

Harper - 1 year old

It's hard to believe that Harper is one year old. Since her first portrait session, it's been so fun to get to know her. If her pictures are anything, they are really colorful. Love the striped rug in her room, her striped legs and her striped jacket. The combination of colors make the pictures so lively and fun.

Although I have terrible allergies to dogs and cats, my love for them is stronger, and I can't help but photograph the four-legged family members as well. Love the images of Harper's dog sitting patiently outside on the deck while we finish up her session.

Enjoy the slideshow!