Picture of the Day - Large Family Portraits in Atlanta

As things wind down here at the studio, we are finishing up some New Year's cards, enlargement orders and preparing for our planning month ahead. I have so many ideas for 2011 and I can't wait to share them with you. In due time...

I hope you are enjoying these last few days of shopping and getting ready for Christmas and New Year's. I'm looking forward to some time cooking and baking in the kitchen for some parties we're going to with friends, and next week is my birthday! Nick and I are 3 days apart so we decided it was time to have a joint birthday celebration. Looking forward to some dancing at Loca Luna!

So, you may remember this family portrait from an earlier post. The goal was to get a few group portraits of everyone for grandma. Under normal circumstances with 4 adults and 4 children (3 of which are 3 years old or younger) that would be somewhat difficult. But the kids were amazing and did a great job. I was actually able to give the family a few different options for the group shot and this is one of them. Learning a technique from one of the greats in our industry, Drake Busath, I photographed each family separately and then brought them together in Photoshop. I love the result - natural and relaxed expressions, and intimacy that can only happen when the individual groups are small.

Click the image to see it larger.

Picture of the Day: Corporate Event Photography - A Surprise Guest

I recently photographed a corporate dinner at the beautiful St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead. During the cocktail hour as guests were arriving, two guests entered the room and my excitement overtook me. Ok, maybe "overtook" is too strong a word because I tend to put on the calmest face when I am stressed or excited in company where I need to hold it together. So maybe it's better to say that I was jumping up and down ... inside my head.

Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn entered the room with such grace. Andrew Young is like Atlanta royalty. He was Atlanta's mayor, UN Ambassador, US Congressman, executive director of the SCLC, colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., founder of the Andrew Young Foundation, chairman of Southern African Enterprise Development Fund, and he received the Presidential Medal of Honor among many other accolades. And, as I quickly found out, he is such a nice man and very approachable. He asked me to take a few pictures throughout the evening of he and his wife so how could I refuse? Here are some of my favorites.

Wedding Photography - Engagement Photography on Decatur Square

On a cold and blustery Sunday afternoon, Elizabeth and Joe somehow managed to stay warm throughout our portrait session. Must be love or something. :)

So excited for your wedding in May! Congratulations on your engagement!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 19: Small Business Rewards

You may have heard over the weekend about American Express's Small Business Saturday. In an effort to support small business across the country, AMEX gave a $25 credit to all registered card members when they spent $25 or more at local stores on Saturday. Because the event received such a huge response, they've extended the promotion until the end of the year.

We are a participating small business in this promotion so be sure you register your card to receive the credit.

Register here to receive a $25 credit on your American Express statement.

The credit is given for purchases made at our studio only (online sales are not included). Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday.

_____________________

What do you do now with all those leftovers? Reinvent! Take the turkey leftovers and make something with completely different flavors. With only 7 ingredients, you won't feel like you're stuck in the kitchen for another day. Let me know how it turns out if you decide to try it!


Turkey Enchiladas
Yield: Makes 6 servings


3 cups shredded skinned cooked turkey
2 cups sour cream
About 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz.)
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
12 corn tortillas
1 jar (16 oz.) medium-hot salsa

1. In a bowl, mix turkey, sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheese, and the salt.

2. Heat oil in an 8- to 10-inch frying pan over low heat. Dip the tortillas, one at a time, in the hot oil just until limp, about 5 seconds.

3. Fill tortillas equally with turkey mixture, roll up, and arrange side by side, seam down, in a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Pour salsa evenly over the top.

4. Bake in a 350° oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle more shredded cheese over hot enchiladas before serving.

CALORIES 677 (60% from fat); FAT 45g (sat 21g); CHOLESTEROL 128mg; CARBOHYDRATE 32g; SODIUM 1308mg; PROTEIN 35g; FIBER 2.6g

Help-Portrait: Gift Certificate Sale

Founded by Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a community of photographers, coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.

On 04 December, photographers around the world will be grabbing their cameras, finding people in need and taking their picture. When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered.

Who needs pictures? Anyone who wouldn’t normally have access to or be able to afford professional photography.

• the homeless
• orphans
• single moms (and their kids)
• single dads (and their kids)
• sick children
• sick parents
• the elderly
• army vets
• underprivileged families
• your neighbor

I am participating at the Midtown Atlanta location and we need donations to make this work. Everyone is volunteering and all the camera and computer equipment is donated, but we need donations to pay for printing and framing the pictures. Can you spare $1, $10, $50? 100% of all donations go to support the event.





To make donating even sweeter, we're having a Cyber-Monday Sale on Gift Certificates. All Day Monday, November 29th (with a "preview days" Saturday and Sunday, just like Macy's!) all $100 Gift Certificates will receive a $25 bonus, AND $10 of each sale will support Help-Portrait.

Sound confusing? Let's break it down....

You purchase $200 in Gift Certificates, you receive $50 bonus in Gift Certificates and $20 will be donated to Help-Portrait. Gift Certificates are good for one year and can be used for any product or service we offer.

Picture of the Day - Photoventuring at the Krog Street Tunnel

Before I opened Sara Speert Photography, when photography was simply a hobby and I was creating fine art photography for local galleries, neighborhood art festivals and underground art exhibits, I used to drive around Atlanta aimlessly looking for interesting things to photograph. I did it on a pretty regular basis, learned a lot and it kept my creativity evolving. But as I got busier photographing my clients, when it came to my day off, I rarely want to pick up a camera.

But armed with an amazing camera and lens that I rented this weekend, I felt inspired to get out and have some fun. So on Sunday, Nick and I headed out to take pictures (and video) around Atlanta. These are from the infamous Krog Street tunnel in Cabbagetown. I love not knowing exactly what I'm going to get with night-time photography. Waiting for cars to drive through the tunnel, pressing the shutter button and seeing the image on the back of the camera was exhilarating. Back when I used to do this, I was shooting film so the development took days instead of milliseconds. Recharging my creativity is awesome. Hope you enjoy!

Surprise Marriage Proposal - Atlanta Photographer

Last week Bill decided to propose to Tammy after 2 1/2 years of dating. While planning all the details like the ring, dinner reservations and the "story" he could tell Tammy about their plans for the night, he took it one step further by contacting me to photograph the entire thing so they both could relive the moment again and again. He actually said, "I'm doing this for her so she can see the pictures" but we all know the truth, it's for him too! Who wouldn't want to relive this magical moment.

I struggled with finding THE picture to post as a sneak-peek for Bill and Tammy and their families, and a window-inside to all of you who are Facebook fans and knew about the secret proposal before Tammy. So I decided the best way to do it was to recount the details of the night.

Last week, I scouted out the gazebo on Decatur square so I could tell Bill where to go. I needed him to sit in a spot that was picturesque and visible from a good distance away. If I hoped to photograph the whole thing unseen, I needed to stay pretty far away and to stay in one position to avoid rustling any leaves. Picked the spot, spoke to Bill on Thursday, and we were all set.

Friday, November 19th
6:00pm Dinner reservations for Bill and Tammy at Iberian Pig

6:15 At home, I am dressed in dark clothes, and wearing a hat and gloves to keep warm. I am definitely feeling like a spy/paparazzi photographer.

6:29 I leave my studio to get to the square and get everything set up.

6:31 I receive a text message from Bill saying that they've been delayed and have just sat down for dinner.

6:32 I return to my studio to hang out for a little while.

6:55 Take Two - I leave the studio again and head to the square. Unsure if I'll find a parking spot close-by, I want to leave extra time even though I don't expect them to leave the restaurant until 7:30.

7:04 I find a parking space close-by and arrive at the square. The place is buzzing with people. A group of teenagers skateboarding by the statue, couples walking to and from dinner, friends walking to the bars nearby. And the entire square is decorated for Christmas - string lights, red bows and even a saxophone-player.

7:15 I set up my gear on a picnic table which is strategically nestled next to a tree. The perfect spot to shoot from where I won't be seen. The excitement is building and I'm hoping not to draw any attention from all the people walking around although I'm not sure that's possible.

7:45 Text message from Bill says "Hey Sara. I am paying the bill now. We should be coming out soon." This is it!

7:50 I spot them walking up the steps from the restaurant and start shooting away. I see Bill look for me and as soon as he's sees me, they start their walk toward the gazebo. Despite Tammy having no idea what is going on, it's clear this night is already a romantic one. She stops along the path and kisses him underneath the neon sign for "Good Times" store. Perfect!

They walk up the steps of the gazebo and sit. Bill is sitting one step below her (just as we planned) so I can be sure to see her face clearly from the trees.

7:59 I'm busy shooting away, when a couple walks past me and the man says "No paparazzi here!" It made me laugh because I had been thinking the same thing the whole time, but I couldn't respond for fear that Tammy would hear or see me.

8:00 They are talking for a bit and I am waiting for some kind of sign that he is proposing. It couldn't have been more clear at the moment. As soon as Tammy realizes what is going on, she sits up straight in an Oh-my-gosh!--This-is-happening! kind of way. So cute.

I'll let the photos speak for the rest of that magical moment. (Click the image below.)

After they've had a few minutes together, Bill waves me over. I introduce myself and Tammy is just numb, I think. They are both so happy but it may have been my get-up that really took her by surprise. :) I suggest we take some pictures around the square and find out that this place has a lot of meaning for them. They have come here on many dates. Tammy tells me that on a few occasions Bill has driven one hour in each direction just to spend a half an hour with Tammy at Java Monkey. So, taking some pictures there is the obvious next location for us. (I'll post some of them soon.)

It was a magical, emotional and fun evening, and I am so honored to have documented it for them. If you or anyone you know is planning a proposal, please contact the studio. I would LOVE to photograph more of these in the future. Our memories of moments like this are invaluable, but having an album or picture hanging in your home of that moment is priceless.

Congratulations Tammy and Bill!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 18: Atlanta Children's Clothing Store Closing

The Little Shop, an Atlanta institution that's been open for almost 40 years, is sadly closing their doors. They specialize in traditional clothing for children including Bailey Boys, Florence Eiseman, Auraluz, US Angels, Little Giraffe, Rosalina, Royal Child, Will'Beth, Kidorable, Pockets of Learning.

Save 30% or more during their going-out-of-business sale. Support the store by helping them clear out inventory and get some great clothing for the holidays in the process.

The Little Shop
Shops Around Lenox
3400 Around Lenox Drive
Atlanta, GA 30326

Tell Mildred I sent you - she'd love to help you find the perfect item for your child.

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Holiday Family Portrait

Today's Picture of the Day is of one beautiful family. Jen and Adam have graced the banner of our blog for a while now. (Their picture is the one on the far right.) Their wedding vow renewal ceremony was a moving and memorable day that I'll never forget. Last year, I joined them to photograph a family portrait session at their beautiful home. And this year, Adam's brother and sister-in-law, David and Carolyn, and their two boys joined us for a really fun fall session.

How cute are these boys! Seriously!

The holidays are a wonderful time to photograph your extended family and capture the kids as they are now. In a year or even just a month, these boys will look different and taking some time to photograph the entire family is a great way to honor this special time together. (And it's great for grandparents gifts!)

If you are interested in scheduling a holiday portrait session for your family during Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or Christmas, please contact the studio at 404-nine66-7two7two. We will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to celebrate the holiday (and my birthday!)

Picture of the Day - Decatur & Atlanta Kids Portraits

Today's Picture of the Day is brought to you by the letter "C" because
Carter loves Cars.

He also loves that my camera makes a clicking sound. Everytime I took a picture he said, "She keeps clicking!" It was such a funny moment, he had me and his parents laughing hysterically.
I love it when my little clients' personalities are so evident in our sessions. From babies to toddlers and then kids, I just love watching them grow up.

Here he is at his first portrait at 7 months old.
His next session was at 13 months.
And last year's session at 2 years old.
Now he is 3 years old and is so fun to be around.
I could have spent all day there!

Last few days for our Fall Promotion! - Ends Nov. 1st

All orders placed and sessions booked by November 1st are eligible to receive a FREE custom iPhone, Blackberry, or other cell phone/PDA skin.*

Introducing SKINS! What's a SKIN? It's a durable 3M vinyl that transforms any phone/PDA into a one-of-a-kind art piece. Select your photo and we'll create your customized skin just for you. What's better than being reminded of your favorite people everyday and showing them off to everyone you know?!

The skins are low-profile and won't interfere with docking, charging or any other accessories. They don't leave any residue behind so when you're ready for an update, simply peel off the old one and replace it with a photo taken during your most recent session.

All orders placed and sessions booked by November 1st are eligible to receive a FREE custom iPhone, Blackberry, or other cell phone/PDA skin.*

iPhone/Blackberry/all other cell phone skins = $75 value
iPad skin = $100 value

*Free with a minimum order of $700. One per family. Orders may not be combined. Promotion is only valid at Design Appointment.

Contacting the studio at 404-nine six six-7272.

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Baby Portrait

Today's Picture of the Day is just so darn cute! Little Eva was the perfect model throughout our 2-hour session. Eva's parents are hoping to put up a Wall Collection of pictures in their hallway that are a bit antique looking. Retro-inspired borders around the pictures really make the entire collection something special, but let's be honest, Eva is the star. These 9 pieces can be printed onto Fine Art Canvas or Fine Art Metal and hung as a cluster.

As she grows, we'll add another collection from each session to document her growing up.

Meet 6 month old Eva!

Adventure Portrait: Patrick (Marietta Children's Photographer)

As your little one grows up, it is so exciting to watch them enjoy their favorite activities. Whether your child is quiet and observant, or rambunctious and talkative, Adventure Portraits are a fun and non-stressful way to capture their personality. During our Planning Meeting, we'll discuss your child's interests and incorporate those interests into the session. Love animals? Let's go to the Atlanta Zoo like Cole. Love to play dress-up? Let's put a bunch of clothes and jewelry in a trunk, find a full-length mirror and play!

Last year Patrick was really into trucks, especially fire trucks. So an Adventure Portrait at the local fire station was a huge treat. He also loves sports and especially loves ice hockey so this year we headed to the ice skating rink. He challenged me to a race on the ice on the ride over to the rink and guess what? He beat me! Yay, Patrick!

It's hard to believe that Patrick is four years old. I've been photographing him since he was 5 or 6 months old, and now he's a big kid!

Click the image below to view a slideshow of Patrick's Adventure Portrait. (warning: there is music on the slideshow so turn down your sound if you're at work.)

Picture of the Day - Day in the Life Adventure Portrait

Playing with dad
Adventure portrait session on the
Chattahoochee River Cochran Shoals Trails

Blog Action Day 2010: WATER

Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Across the world today, thousands of people are blogging about water issues facing people everywhere. As a proud blog writer, I think it's important to join in the conversation and raise awareness of the need for attention to this most basic human need.

Here are some interesting facts about WATER: (used with permission from http://blogactionday.change.org/)

1. Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Unclean drinking water can incubate some pretty scary diseases, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera and hepatitis A. Given that bouquet of bacteria, it's no surprise that water, or rather lack thereof, causes 42,000 deaths each week.
2. More people have access to a cell phone than to a toilet. Today, 2.5 billion people lack access to toilets. This means that sewage spills into rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water and causing disease.
3. Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water. They do this while carrying cisterns weighing around 40 pounds when filled in order to gather water that, in many cases, is still polluted. Aside from putting a great deal of strain on their bodies, walking such long distances keeps children out of school and women away from other endeavors that can help improve the quality of life in their communities.
4. It takes 6.3 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger. That 6.3 gallons covers everything from watering the wheat for the bun and providing water for the cow to cooking the patty and baking the bun. And that's just one meal! It would take over 184 billion gallons of water to make just one hamburger for every person in the United States.
5. The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. From showering and washing our hands to watering our lawns and washing our cars, Americans use a lot of water. To put things into perspective, the average five-minute shower will use about 10 gallons of water. Now imagine using that same amount to bathe, wash your clothes, cook your meals and quench your thirst.

While these facts may be grim, there is hope for real solutions as more and more people around the world are waking up to the clean water crisis. Earlier this year, the UN declared access to clean water a human right and groups like charity: water and Water.org continue to work tirelessly to bring water access to the developing world.

________________________

The vulnerability of this once-thought infinite resource became a personal realization a couple years ago here in Atlanta when we had been in a drought for so long that water restrictions were put in place across the entire state. I remember capturing water from the shower in a bucket as the water warmed up so I could later water the plants outside. I remember being so conscious about unnecessary running water, like letting the water run as I brushed my teeth or washed dishes, and it seems that now that we are no longer in a drought that no one is talking about the need for conscious water use anymore. I am happy to report that turning off the water when I'm brushing has become habit and I don't think about it anymore, but there are many more things I could do to help preserve this resource and to help provide clean drinking water for those who need it.

This website does an amazing job of explaining why safe drinking water is so important, its affects on the people who have no other choice but to drink unclean water, and what you can do to help. The organization, charity: water, donates 100% of it's donations to help build wells where safe drinking water is not available.

I'd love to start a conversation so please feel free to leave a comment below (look for the "comment" link).

• Has your perspective of water changed throughout the last few years or maybe after reading those scary facts above?
• What do you do to help conserve water or provide clean drinking water to others who need it?
• What do you think is "doable" to make a change in your everyday life to conserve water?

If you have a blog and would like to join the conversation, visit Blog Action Day 2010 website to learn more.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 18: Just for Fun

Just for fun and smiles...

(thanks to my sister-in-law for showing me this and brightening my day.)

Photography as Art

Buying family portraits for your home used to mean little 5x7's and 8x10's in small frames on desks, mantles and shelves. Not that there's anything wrong with displaying your favorite people around your home - but today there are so many great options for incorporating photography into the fine art in your home. If you have ever struggled with what to put up in your living room, above your mantle or even in a stairway or hallway, let me tell you a little secret. Get really close to the computer and listen...

Pictures of your family are the most personalized and one-of-a-kind art you can ever buy. They have the ability to bring back rich memories, make you laugh and truly fill your home with warmth and love. There is no other art that can be this meaningful so forget those old rules!

Take a look at this wonderful use of family pictures. With the intention of adding to this wall as the four children grow, we've left space in-between the framed pieces. And by making use of the vertical space and working with the step formation of the stairs, this is a great way to display a series of pictures and most importantly, to enjoy them everyday.

Happy Anniversary to my best friend

Two years ago today, I married my best friend. It was, what I thought, the best day of my life, but honestly, life after the wedding is so much better than I ever imagined. Happy Anniversary, Nick!

See ya! We're off to celebrate!

The Museum School Project - Installation

The long-awaited day finally came last Thursday. With all the planning, scouting, organizing, finding sponsors, photographing, post-processing and finally installation, Exhibition Night at The Museum School was a great way to bring the project to a close and to see the product of so much time and thought. (Learn about the project concept and pre-production here and view the photo shoot video here)

Thanks again to Salon Red Kids for sponsoring the project, our fantastic lab for printing the photograph on fine art metal (and discounting the cost for us), Jen Singh for all her help and organizing, Ms. Pomfret for being a wonderful teacher and model, and all the kids for being great models and their parents for volunteering to help with this unusual project.

The best part of the evening was hearing from the classroom parents how much they liked the piece and how much it meant to them to have it in the classroom. It's a great honor to create a piece of art that means a lot to the entire school community.

And here is the final piece in the classroom. It was printed on high-gloss fine art metal - super-durable and quite striking.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 17: Pickles & Ice Cream for Expecting Parents

Pickles & Ice Cream Event

This weekend we are going to be at a great event for expectant moms and dads. Stop by to get great information (and great discounts) from childbirth instructors, doulas, chiropractors, yoga & fitness professionals, massage therapists, and other vendors specializing in the needs of new and expecting parents.





The event is sponsored by Baby Steps, PSS Injury & Wellness Center and Dance 411.



Where: Dance 411 - 475 Moreland Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316
When: Saturday, October 9th, 4-6pm (ChiroTalk at 5:30pm)

Come by to say hi!

Horse and Carriage, Henna Painted Hands and Bollywood

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to photograph an Indian wedding with Drew Newman Photography. Drew and I have known each other for a while, but this was the first time we got to work together. It was also the first time I ever photographed an Indian wedding. Since I have always been interested and fascinated by cultural and religious customs (thus my degree in Social Anthropology) I was really excited to see all the details of the weekend celebration. I only shot for 8 hours of the three day event and I was exhausted. I don't know how Drew does it. :)

Here are some of my favorite shots from the morning Barat (groom riding in on a horse and carriage to meet the bride's family) and the final reception that evening.

The groomsmen dancing and singing to some awesome bollywood music.
I must admit that I was dancing while I shot. It was impossible not to.


The groom's father happy as can be.


Ronnie, the groom, getting down, while both families circle him.


Neely, the beautiful bride, celebrating at the reception.


Stunning clothing, jewelry and Henna painting.


Just the girls - singing to Beyonce's "Put a Ring On It"

The Museum School Project - continued

Things are really coming along with the project. The shoot was a huge success. With lots of help from Jen Singh and the Kindergarten teacher, Jennifer Pomfret, three K students played in a beautiful park near our studio while I snapped away. My vision came to fruition and I am so excited to share the final art piece next week. Below is a short documentary of the photo shoot. (Thanks to my hubby, Nick, for "video'ing.") And thanks to the parents for volunteering their excellent models. :)

In other related news, two businesses have stepped up to sponsor the project and I couldn't be happier. Salon Red Kids, a local Decatur hair salon specializing in kids cuts, and the photo lab who prints all our fine art metal prints have both contributed to making this project happen. Thank you both so much for your support. I know the school truly appreciates your generosity to make this happen.

Holiday Deadlines

We're gearing up for a busy season of holiday portraits and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for cooler temps and changing leaves.

Don't wait until the last minute to book your holiday session. All Portrait Packages include a Planning Meeting and a Design Appointment, so keep in mind that the entire process often takes 3-4 weeks (and that doesn't include order production time). We have limited availability for sessions based on the following deadlines.

• October 31st - Deadline for regular-priced Portrait Sessions (after this date, any holiday portraits will be subject to a 25% rush fee)
• November 15th - Deadline for all Album orders.
  
• November 21st - Final deadline for all holiday Portrait Sessions
• December 1st - Final deadline for all orders for holiday cards, framing, jewelry/ornaments, Wall Collections, Collages, Fine Art Canvas and Fine Art Metal
• December 8th - Final deadline for all single enlargement orders

Holiday Portraits at holiday time. The holidays are a perfect time to photograph your family because everyone is in town! Our natural at-home portrait sessions incorporate everyone from newborns to great-grandparents, and everyone in between. Large family? We love capturing the essence of family relationships and no family is too large for us. We structure our sessions around fun holiday activities like decorating the tree, wrapping gifts and playing games. Contact the studio to schedule your session.

* If you need to schedule or order beyond these dates, we will try to accommodate you the best we can, but rush charges will apply.

NEW - iPhone, Blackberry, iPad Custom Skins

Introducing SKINS! What's a SKIN? It's a durable 3M vinyl that transforms any phone/PDA into a one-of-a-kind art piece. Select your photo and we'll create your customized skin just for you. What's better than being reminded of your favorite people everyday and showing them off to everyone you know?!

The skins are low-profile and won't interfere with docking, charging or any other accessories. They don't leave any residue behind so when you're ready for an update, simply peel off the old one and replace it with a photo taken during your most recent session.

All orders placed between now and November 1st are eligible to receive a FREE custom iPhone, Blackberry, or other cell phone/PDA skin.*

iPhone/Blackberry/all other cell phone skins = $75 value
iPad skin = $100 value

*Free with a minimum order of $700. One per family. Orders may not be combined. Promotion is only valid at Design Appointment.

Book your session now by contacting the studio at 404-nine six six-7272.

SpokesMAMA Winner - First Day of School

"The SpokesMAMA Contest - First Day of School" winner is Wendy Heller! Congratulations Wendy! Wendy is an interior designer, mom of three and wife to Rabbi Josh Heller of Congregation B'nai Torah. Wendy's middle child and only daughter is Amelia. Amelia is an exuberant and fun five year old. She started Kindergarten at The Epstein School, a Jewish day school in Sandy Springs. Amelia loves her new school uniform (can you believe it?!) and loves school.

I arrived before she awoke to find her peacefully sleeping in her bed.

After she woke up, her mom put her hair in a bun for ballet class.
She was kind of excited to have me there taking pictures.

Then she got dressed in her uniform. I love the bit of personality
she added to her uniform in the shape of this adorable belt.

After waking up her big brother, they both headed into their baby brother's room. Look at this anticipation of him being photographed by me in his crib.

Before she headed downstairs for breakfast, one last hug of her favorite buddy.

Breakfast of champions - cereal and chocolate milk.

On the way to school...

Have a great day!

Our current SpokesMAMA Contest is for a mama of a newborn. For more information and the online application, click here.