New Website and Blog

This is the final post on this blog. Our new blog is located at our new website: http://www.saraphotography.com.

Please visit us there and redirect any bookmarks to the new site.

Welcome to the world, new website and logo!

Born: May 18th, 2011 at 1:15am in Decatur, Georgia and the world over
Weighing: 12 pages and 7 galleries
Width: 978 pixels

I knew you were ok when, instead of waiting for your cry, all your links worked! I breathed a big sigh of relief and knew all the months of waiting were worth this one moment.

I hope you love the new website. My hope was to create a site that was easier to navigate (and one you could see on your smartphone), prettier to look at, more dynamic with a Facebook connection, and contained a lot more information that you would find, well, informative. As with every website we've had, the toughest decisions were choosing images to include. Thanks to everyone who allowed us into your homes and your lives to capture such beautiful moments. Your smiling faces, warm hugs and silly laughter make this new home one we are ecstatic to live in!

Subscribe to our new blog here.

Client Rooms: Building a Collection

Another beautiful example of how to display your favorite portraits in your home. This Fine Art Metal Cluster will grow with little Nora. The first piece in the Cluster is this adorable picture of Nora all curled up at 14 days old. As she grows, we'll add two 11x14's below it to complete the collection.

Because the Clusters are individual pieces, we can rearrange, add to or even separate the pieces onto different walls. The Collections and Clusters both offer this great versatility for growing families.

By photographing the portrait in the nursery, not only was Nora comfortable (and clothing and diapers were close-by for changes), but the portraits automatically match the color and decor of the room. It's the perfect way to take away the stress of worrying whether it will fit in the room.

Plus, by using the wooden blocks, found in her room that spell out her name, we've added an element of nostalgia that I love.

Client Rooms: Collage

You may remember one of the portrait sessions I did back in the summer in Brooklyn, NY of Clara. Now that New York is blanketed in snow, it may be a little hard to remember wearing short sleeves and tank tops, but the Rock Collage they have will be a nice reminder. Since I couldn't deliver it in person, the next best thing was to photograph it in my own home and I must say that the green wall in our dining room really makes it pop!

The Collage is printed on Fine Art Metal and stands off the wall about an inch. It's a really modern and unique way to display their favorite pictures as a story in one cohesive piece.

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.

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.

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.

New Wall Collections - Fine Art Canvas & Fine Art Metal Portrait Art

It's been a frenetic week at Sara Speert Photography. We've been busy meeting with clients, completing orders and putting together our biggest Georgia snail-mailing ever - over 1,000 pieces! If you're not already on our mailing list, you won't want to miss this. Sign up to receive our monthly enewsletter and our quarterly mailings.

In addition to everything else we've been busy with this week, we've added 12 new Wall Collections to our catalog. Wall Collections are a series of individual images placed together to create an art installation. These new Collections are available in Fine Art Canvas and Fine Art Metal which really make a statement. They don't require traditional frames and they have the look of original, custom-made art. And that's because they are!

The most meaningful art you can have in your home are artistic images of your family. It's the perfect combination of art and family that will bring smiles every time they're seen.

Here are a few Wall Collections we've been working on for our New York clients this week. (In case you're wondering, yes, all our collections are named after Sesame Street and Muppets characters. We like having a laugh whenever we can. "I'd like the Miss Piggy Collection, please." "Oh, this is a great Collection - it's bold and sassy." Love it!)

Clara's portrait in the Ernie Collection

Place the Ernie Collection above a fireplace
and it becomes the focal point of the room.

Tali and Liora's portrait in the Bert Collection

Place the Bert Collection in a Dining Room and
enjoy using the space in a new way.

Are Digital Files Included With My Photography Session?

We are often asked about digital files from portrait sessions. It seems like such a simple question but unfortunately the answer is not so easy. This article on www.babyphotographers.com is a great explanation.

Surely you’ve noticed an increase in the number of photographers giving away digital files. As a customer, should you expect them to be for sale? Why don’t all photographers include them in the session fee for free, or at least make them affordable? Don’t the files belong to you anyway?

Read the entire article, "Are Digital Files Included With My Baby Photography Session?"

Reminder - SpokesMAMA Contest & Family Portraits Promotion

I hope your week is going great. It's hump-day, Humpty-Dumpty day and I am just so darn excited about all that we have going on right now.

Our SpokesMAMA Contest for mamas of 4 and 5 year old kids is going on right now. The last day for applications is this Friday, April 30th, so hop to it if you want to win a free family portrait session, discounts, and more. On a side note, I decided that SpokesMAMA t-shirts would be fun but instead of going the "normal" route and ordering them, I decided to make them myself using a screen-printer. (I love projects like that.) I've never screen-printed before but I'm really excited with the way they turned out. Since only SpokesMAMA's can win these t-shirts, if you see someone wearing one, be sure to congratulate her and ask to see her pictures!

The other thing I'm really excited about is our new Fine Art Metal prints and the great sale to go with it. We don't offer sales often but this is something we're really excited about so we wanted to make it impossible to resist. The deal is this - schedule an ABC Storytelling Portrait package before May 21st and receive an 11x14 or 12x12 Fine Art Metal print for FREE. Yes, I said FREE! Since this is such an unusual item, we'd love for you to come by the studio to check it out for yourself. Just give us a call to let us know you're coming. By the way, I ordered a second studio sample which should arrive any day now and I can't wait to see how it turned out. You're gonna love this unique way of showing off your amazing family.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com. Have a great rest of the week!

Introducing Fine Art Metal & Sale

Fine Art Metal prints- We are so excited to add this unique printing option to our collection. For a contemporary and clean look, Fine Art Metal prints are both photography and sculpture.


Images are printed directly to thin high-gloss metal and mounted on a stand-out frame. The image quality is outstanding, the look is unique and no framing is required.

Fine Art Metal prints are available as Wall Art (11x14 and larger), as well as an upgrade option on all our Wall Collections and Collages.

The image above is our Pop Collage, three images with background textures and design elements - 10x20 overall size. Come by our studio to see it in person!

We are the only children's portrait studio in Atlanta offering this unique display option.

And now for the good stuff...

Book your ABC Storytelling Portrait

on a weekday now thru May 21st and

receive a FREE 11x14 or 12x12 Fine Art Metal print!*

Perfect for Mother's Day on May 9th!

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*Only valid on NEW weekday portraits, Monday through Friday, April 26th to May 21st. Previously booked portraits/packages are not eligible.

*Disclaimer - As far as we can tell, we are the only Atlanta children's portrait studio offering this unique product. It's possible another studio is offering it, but we aren't aware of it. So there. :)

Baby Portrait Album - Atlanta Portrait Photography

The CarryAbout Album is so popular but each time FedEx delivers one, I get so excited. Each design is made specifically for each of my little clients and the adorable size of these albums just feel so good to hold. Maybe I'm a little nuts (Ok, you don't have to agree with me!). These albums are such a great way to showcase a series of your favorite pictures in a delicious little package. They're small enough to fit into a bag to show off how cute your child is to everyone you know. This album for Simran is 5x5 leather in a color called Mauvelous... and it is.

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!

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!

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!

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.)

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.

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!