Big News - Part II (that's 2 for those of you that don't read Roman)

If you are on our e-newsletter mailing list, you already know the news (hint, hint, time to join! Sign up for e-newsletters).

Over the past 5 years, (wow, are we grateful for 5 whole years!), we've had some fantastic clients who enlightened us about what is most important when it comes to photography of their families. Capturing the moments that have the ability to express a child's personality or the love a father has for a newborn are what it's all about. But what do you do with all these great images? That repeated question led us to restructure our portrait packages to include our most popular items and some of our new products as well.

The goal is to offer the same high quality images & fantastic customer service without confusing you with all the available products.

So, we now offer a choice of 5 portrait packages for single sessions and 3 packages for growing babies, and annual kids and family portrait. With names like "The Brag to the Grandparents" Portrait Package and "The Growing Baby Bling! Package," you are guaranteed A LOT of FUN and beautiful displays of your portraits that you can enjoy every day!

The Portrait Menu (our package price list) is now available here. You must have the password to open the document.... So contact us by email - sara (at) saraphotography.com to receive the password.

In other news...

Your response to the sterling silver photo jewelry was fantastic! Thanks for all your emails and calls. In preparation of Mother's Day which is right around the corner, May11th

All jewelry is now 15% off!

Order by Friday, April 18th to receive the discount. Talk about a great idea for Mom's Day. Necklaces, bracelets, belt buckles and cell phone charms will become instant family heirlooms with photographs from your family's portrait. Regular prices range from $30 to $400 so they're perfect for every budget.

Contact us by email [sara (at) saraphotography.com] or phone [404-966-SARA] to order.

Big News - Part 1

Announcing
New Portrait Packages for babies, kids and families
New Products that will wow you
and a fantastic Bonus Program that rewards your investment in your family's visual history

We'll be announcing all the details throughout the next 4 weeks, so join our e-newsletter list for all the specifics. The link is on the right side of this page.

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The item we must mention first is a product we are so excited about, we can hardly stand it. This is really the most excited I've ever been about a new product!

We are now offering Sterling Silver Photo Jewelry. And the pieces are so gorgeous and unique that you'll find yourself constantly responding "Thank you!" to all the compliments.


Plus they make wonderful gifts for everyone. With Mother's and Father's Days right around the corner, they make the perfect "no-brainer" gift. Many of these are included in our new portrait packages and the Bonus Program, too! (More info about that in the weeks to come.)

Bracelets, necklaces, cell phone charms, belt buckles and wine bottle charms.

Leave a message in the comments section at the end of this post if you'd like to stop by to see them. You can also view the Products section of our website for more details.


More news soon.... Have a great weekend!

Big News Tomorrow

Tomorrow is going to be a BIG day! We will be releasing new Portrait Packages and a new Gift Shop Catalog. It's big news that we're really excited about because as we approach our 5th year anniversary, it's great to stir things up a bit and add some products that we know our clients are going to LOVE!

Join our family and receive this information through our e-newsletter by clicking this link.


Stay Tuned!

Las Vegas - continued

My last post must have left you hanging for all the details! :) so here they are. I attended Wedding and Portrait Photographers International annual conference and trade show in Las Vegas last week and it was amazing. It's the first time I've attended this event although I've been to other photography conventions, like the Professional Photographer's of America, in Las Vegas three summers ago. I must be honest that I really don't like Las Vegas. I'm not a gambler and all the artificial details, smoking everywhere, and the sheer size of the place makes me really uncomfortable. But this convention was jam packed with seminars and the trade show from 8am to 9pm so I really didn't have time to even think about it. Plus staying at Paris Las Vegas did help a ton. I love it there. So quaint and awesome crepes and sweets.


Basically the convention is a great opportunity to learn all that you'd expect: new gear, new ways to approach my business and new products. But I was surprised to find that I was also really inspired by some of the photographers' seminars to do more and stretch myself as an artist. Jesh de Rox presented a unique and inspiring seminar about creating the best self we can and improving our interactions with those around us. He implored us to stop having superficial conversations and make more of the moments we have with everyone around us. As photographers, we must strive to find the amazing characteristics of each of our clients and explore those with our images. Imagine finding the good in everyone around us. The world would be a better place for everyone. He urged us to think that the world is on the verge of a significant change if everyone could engage in finding the best in others and honoring that. Pretty substantial and moving stuff.


Jerry Ghionis presented his work and the way he approaches each wedding he photographs. He has an amazing ability to take ordinary scenes and make the extraordinary. Sometimes we don't have the most stunning rooms to work with as on-location photographers, but Jerry has been able to use things like fans, glass sculptures and reflections to create gorgeous images that transcend the room in which they were taken. Truly inspiring...


I went to Vegas without my pro camera on purpose. I know! Crazy to attend an event like this without it. But I felt that I wanted to focus on learning, meeting new people and improving myself and my business and not focus so much on the actual photography. I don't know if that makes sense... Anyway, I did bring along Nick's point-and-shoot camera just to take some snapshots here and there. After Jerry's seminar, in particular, I was inspired to get creative. I found it pretty difficult with a camera that I couldn't control very well (no manual mode or ability to change things up) but I did have a great time playing.


In addition to all the great information, a ton of new products I wanted to buy and being inspired by some fantastic photographers, I had the opportunity to hang out with some friends and meet new ones. While I don't have a picture, spending time with Ernie and Chris Russell was great. Ernie made me laugh even when I was feeling so sick. (A nasty cold hit me the day I flew out and stayed with me through the whole week. Fun stuff!)


Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. Katie and Chris Torres (6 of Four Creations), Amanda and Nate Reynolds (Turtle Pond Photography), Megan Resch (thanks for the picture!), Shelly Valentine Photography, Jerrod Brown Photography, Regis Photography, Sticky (Brandy J Photography), Jen Odom, Garrett Nudd Photography.


And here's another of Jen Odom and me. Although I've met Jen a bunch of times, this was the first time we got to hang out a bit. Since our significant others couldn't make the trip, she was my date! :)

Also had a great time hanging out with Lacour and the Shoot Q group. Rachel, Andrew, Mark, Erin, Jen, Adam and Will. This pic is Lacour's from their blog.


Hope to see all you soon!

Now back to work.....

What Happens in Vegas...

Sitting on the tarmac, I am waiting for my flight back to Hotlanta from Vegas. I had an unbelievable time here at WPPI. I learned so much, met so many great photographers; I laughed, I cried but most of all I am completely re-inspired to create better art than I ever have. I actually feel like I have grown quite a bit throughout the last 5 days. It amazing to me how generous the community of photographers is. I'll go into more depth in my next post and be sure to include some photos.

I can't wait to get "re-started!"

Mandi & Mark - March 1, 2008

Last Saturday was Mandi & Mark's wedding at The Renaissance Waverly hotel. They are such a cute couple and we had a fantastic time photographing their beautifully simple and elegant wedding. I had the pleasure to photograph the day with my friend, Matt Yung. So fun to work with photographer friends. I just love seeing how we can be in the same place at the same time but capture the moment completely differently.

Matt helped me break a personal record for the number lights we used at the reception. We had 1 on each of our cameras and 5 set up around the room on stands. Wow! Toward the end of the night I realized that the light by Gale, the DJ, was so blinding to him and Margie that they were seeing spots all night. Ok, I didn't exactly "realize;" it was more like Margie "pointed it out to me." Sorry, you guys! Just trying to light up a really dark room. I think the results of all those flashes were worth it.

One of the reasons why I love photographing Jewish weddings like Mandi and Mark's is all the rituals that are repeated from generation to generation. For one, Mark wore his father's tallis (prayer shawl) and they used Mandi's parents rings during the ring ceremony. (There is a Jewish tradition that the wedding rings must be a continuous piece of precious metal without any stones or adornments to symbolize the continuity of their marriage and their commitment to one another.) I love that they used these items to include their families in the ceremony of the wedding.

When we went off to photograph Mandi and Mark's wedding portraits after the ceremony, I was excited to use the grand architecture of the huge atrium and wide open marble floor for some beautiful portraits, BUT we were disappointed to find about 150 people mingling around the hotel bar and tables covering the entire wide open space. Oh well! Plan B it is.... Thanks to the hotel staff, we were able to use the check-in desk for some fun shots. I love the one that Matt caught of the hotel guest completely oblivious to what was going on just 5 feet from him! And we had a great time in the glass elevator too. Thankfully none of us got sick riding up and down.

Check out the Sneak Peak slideshow below. To see it full size Click Here.

Venue: Jill Kantor, Renaissance Waverly
Coordinator: Margie Sikes, Affairs of Elegance
Flowers: Rich Larson, Creative Events by Sunflowers
Ceremony Harpist: Julie Albertson
DJ: Gale Fulton, Grand Affairs

New Stuff

So it's 2008 and in June we will be celebrating a whole 5 YEARS IN BUSINESS! Still crazy to me that I get to do what I love for a living. I am so lucky to have met so many fantastic families throughout the last few years and to be invited into their homes and their lives to capture a short moment that will now live forever. I especially love following a family as it grows and changes. Being a family's OFFICIAL photographer for every life event, big accomplishments and small, is a huge honor that we don't take lightly.

In our 5 years of business, we've learned a lot about what our clients want and need from their photographer. So, at the end of March, we'll be releasing some new products, new enlargement packages, offering new papers and even a bonus program. If you'd like to be informed of the news as soon as its released, sign up for our newsletter to the right. And if you planned to purchase something from us and life has gotten in the way, be sure to contact us soon to place that order from our "old" price list.

Stay tuned!

My Rock Star Fiance

Nick going to be on the radio this afternoon! Yeah, really!

He's doing an in-studio performance and interview on WUGA. Check him out with his band on http://www.uga.edu/wuga/. Listen live at 4pm to the "It's Friday!" show.

Visit his websites for more music, downloads, and merchandise (....and GREAT photos of live shows and press images.)

www.nickedelstein.com
www.myspace.com/nickedelstein
Itunes

Playing with Light

Throughout the last week, I've been experimenting with ways that light can completely change the mood of an image. Ben Vigil and I had a great time playing with silhouettes. Check out these cool shots I took of him.

Rockin' the halo...

Ben's new baby - the new Nikon D3. I can't believe he's such a traitor!
I thought us Canon people stuck together! :)

Matt Yung and I are shooting Mandi and Mark's wedding this weekend. We had a little "scout-out" meeting at the venue and decided to play a bit with the glass elevators.

Love the melting atrium...

Excited to do some more playing - I'm such a kid sometimes.

Band Shots

The second band that Nick's in (other than the Nick Edelstein Band) is The Moody Jews. Last weekend I photographed some band photos for their press kit, website, Myspace page and more. It was fun to get together with this crew of guys. I have to thank them again and again for asking Nick to be in the band three years ago. It was after a show with them that Nick and I met at an outdoor festival, The Atlanta Jewish Festival. Without that show, I don't think our paths would have crossed. Amazing what how a short moment can change your life forever.

Anyway, here's the band. They play Jewish rock putting a twist on traditional Jewish prayers.

Steve, Nick, Andy, Dan, Al and Scott

They play next on March 30th. Check out their Myspace page for details.

Fool's Gold and The Crimson Moon

Stopping the work clock and taking a night off is often difficult for me. But I've been making a much stronger effort since my birthday. (Nothing like a birthday to remind me of what is really important to me) In fact, I worked out four times this week. Yay, me! I even made it to yoga on Wednesday. So, Nick and I planned a date on Friday night. Sushi and Fool's Gold, the movie with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. Yes, I got my way and dragged Nick to a chick flick. :) Fun movie... If you are looking for an escape of a movie with no serious undertone or politics, I recommend it. Saturday, Nick played at Crimson Moon in Dahlonega for a third time. This place is amazing for live music. Really fun and friendly staff, great vibe and amazing musicians. (I must say!) I was excited to see that one of my favorite artists, Lucy Kaplansky, is playing there in two weeks. So cool that Nick played the same stage as so many greats. Today, I spent most of the day having a typical Sunday. As my only day off during the week, I usually find myself cleaning the house. I had ITunes cranking and the windows open and danced through the house while I cleaned. Cleaning isn't so bad when accompanied by Michael Buble.

Let the Celebration Begin...

The wedding celebration has begun! Our engagement party was on Saturday and it was so fun to hang out with our friends and parents. Our amazing friends, Arrie and Dan, threw the party for us at Java Vino in Virginia-Highlands. It's a wonderful family-run place offering up fantastic wine, delicious home-made desserts and coffee that was grown on their family farm in Nicaragua. They have a wonderful private party space on the third floor of this renovated home. It was the perfect place for our casual and "homey" gathering. Wine, cheese, chocolate and friends... our favorite things. With all the chaos of our kitchen remodel, planning the wedding and our businesses, we haven't seen much of our friends recently. So it was especially nice to toast a glass with everyone.

My mom played photographer for the night with her point-and-shoot camera.

Nick and me

Jen Goldin and Arrie Sherr

Chef Hilly Blondheim, Nick, Michele Blondheim, Heather Trell and Todd Shlesinger


Dad and me

Nina Edelstein (Nick's mom), Dave Dunay, Larry Bowie and Lizette Dunay


Dan Schlossberg, me and Jenni Taussig

You guys are the best! Thanks for partying with us and can't wait to party again in October.

Moms and Daughters

Sarah contacted me a few weeks ago. She said that she would like a portrait with her 16 year old daughter to capture this moment in their relationship. She described their relationship so eloquently - "intensely raw - at times we are ready to kill each other and at times we are best friends." For all parents of teenagers reading this, you completely understand that contradiction. No explanation needed, right?!

In addition to Sarah and her daughter, Sarah's dad and sister joined in the session. It was so enjoyable to photograph this family. Since the majority of portraits I photograph are of little ones, under 5 years old, it was a inspiring change of pace to spend some time with them. It became clear that they are an extremely close family so it was meaningful to capture that intimacy for them.

Here's your slideshow!

Boutique Children's Clothing Sale - Super Deals!

I just received an email invitation that I thought you fashionable mommies might be interested in. The Works is holding their Children's Boutique Clothing Sale at the end of February. Some of the fantastic local boutique stores get together a few times a year for this unbelievable sale. Up to 70% off retail prices! Click here for full details. Pick up some new clothes for your little ones and contact us to schedule a portrait in the new clothes! :)

What: Children's Boutique Clothing Sale
Dates: February 22-23, 2008
Times: Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-5
Locations: World of Rugs - 1510 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd.

Participating Stores:

Baby Cakes

Pink Lemonade

Addy’s Closet

BailaB

Florence Eiseman

Sugar Plum Kids

Small concept

Limetree/Little Squeeze

Jack and Grace

Kangaroo Pouch

Cutie Pies

Divine Consign Show

Marshmallows in the Closet

Victoria’s Children’s Boutique

Isabel Greika

Monkee Moos

Kate and Libby

The Wholesale Boutique
Admission: $5 (Portion goes to CARE)

Happy shopping!

A Family Gathering

The Pollard's had a family reunion of sorts this past week. With work and school schedules you know how difficult it is for large families, especially when they're spread across the country, to get together on a regular basis. So, Nancy, mom and grandmom, contacted me to come to the house to capture this rare time. In addition to getting everyone together, they were also celebrating the birth of the newest member of the family, Hayes. Hayes is only 7 days old and is immensely loved by this large family. The house was bustling with excitement and energy so it was great to capture some natural and candid portraits of the kids, as well as more posed group pictures.

Thanks again, Pollards! Here is your slideshow.

Jayden's First Portrait

On Saturday, I met Jayden and his parents Kelli and Jason. It was a perfect occasion to photograph Jayden because his grandmothers, Nadine and Martha, were visiting from out of town. He is only 7 weeks old and so adorable. As our session wore on, Jayden got so sleepy, he managed to fall asleep while we continued to photograph him. His handmade crib (the handiwork of Jason) is a beautiful and cozy space for little Jayden.

It is always such a pleasure to photograph growing families and capture moments like doting grandmothers and kisses from everyone. I hope that I was able to capture the laughter, smiles and love that this family is radiating.

Thanks again Kelli and Jason! Here's your slideshow.

A Wrench in my Plan

Nothing like car trouble to put a wrench in things. I was on my way to witness a Bris for my friends' brand new baby boy, when I turned the key in the car and ....... nothing. Dead battery. Totally sucks because I missed Rachel's baby shower in December and I was so excited to celebrate with them. Ok, so I admit it, it was my fault. I arrived home last night after a frustrating trip to the post office. (Two lost packages that were delivered to the post office but never to my box.) After I pulled in the driveway, I turned off the engine and pulled out my trusty mileage journal to make a new note. I turned on the dome light in the car to write my entry and forgot to turn it off. Never looking at the car again the whole night, I only realized my error when I hopped in this AM to only hear clicking when the key turned. I think it's time to call the tow truck again and see what's taking so long. I got celebrating to do!

Let it Snow!

If you were in Atlanta on Saturday, you saw the awesome snow we got. It has been so long since I saw snow that I got quite giddy at the first site of it. Pretty silly considering I lived in Baltimore for 18 years and then Rochester, NY for 4 (home of "lake-effect" snow flakes the size of golf balls.) But it hasn't snowed in Atlanta in a LONG time so we made the most of it. In the morning, Nick's cousin, Julia, had her Bat Mitzvah and we managed to go outside for a bit to enjoy the snow. How adorable is she?!


When Nick and I got home, we went out into our yard immediately to play. I felt like I was 8 again. So much fun!

...dancing in our bamboo garden


When I lived up north, two inches of snow wasn't even worth the time to build a snowman, but down here, it was a ton of snow.


Meet our rocker-snowman - complete with his backstage pass and headphones.


And this is our beach-bum snowman. He's all set with his beach volleyball, Frisbee and drink.

Blogging Clients

My fantastic client, Hallie Crawford, mom of Vaughn, is a Certified Co-Active Coach - she helps people identify their loves and dislikes and then helps them find the right career. I just love that she is helping others and I especially love her Mission:

To change the way people feel about work from just a paycheck to a fulfilling endeavor that is an extension of their purpose and passion.

She offers career coaching for anyone already in the working world and for college grads. How gratifying it must be to be able to help people move past stress and anxiety into something they love.

Not only does she have a great website, but she's also BLOGGING! Check out her recent post about our portrait session. She is releasing a book shortly and I am thrilled that she will be using some head shots I took of her on the book cover and on her websites.

I know that I am lucky to have found my passion for photography and to be able to make a career from it, so whenever I hear friends or family talking about how miserable they are in their jobs, it makes me really sad. I have been there. Memories of working as a legal secretary still haunt me. That 9-5 in a small office with no window and a boss who treated me like his personal gofer were a nightmare. If you're feeling this way about your path, check out Hallie's website.

Kitchen Renovation - Volume 6, Issue 52

The kitchen is coming along ...SL....O....O....W....LY. But it is coming along. Here are some of the latest pictures. My fantastic Aunt and Uncle from Memphis came to town to help us tile the backsplash over the Christmas weekend. It's so great to have family that likes to help (they actually did, I know!) and is really talented at this stuff. While my aunt and I went through about 30 possible tile designs, and then I even changed my mind again the next day before we started, my uncle was the TILE SAW KING. This was a true team project with all four of us working on it. A week or so after they left, Nick and I grouted and I love the way it turned out. Once our new windows come in, the walls will have a more finished look, but I love the way it looks already.
As you can see, the floor is still in progress. We decided that instead of doing a single pattern all the way across the floor, that it would be more interesting to create a focal point and change up the pattern.
The undercabinet lights create this amazing warm mood lighting that is so welcoming. I know that when we finally finish, our party guests will love hanging out in here, and we will actually encourage everyone to spend all their time in the kitchen.

Baby Vaughn

On Saturday, my first portrait of 2008 was of Vaughn and his parents at their home in Inman Park. They live in this adorable bungalow but when I stepped into their home, I was surprised to see the mod design of the interior of the house. Since Nick and I are renovating our place, I am so interested in what others are doing to their homes. Vaughn's daddy is an architect and designed the whole place and it is gorgeous. The open floor plan, beautiful fireplace and fantastic floor to ceiling built-in book shelves are so great. Then I met the master bathroom and wow! Ok, enough about their house. :) It's awesome and I am totally jealous that their construction is finished.

Little Vaughn is only 6 weeks old but already has such a personality. We had a great time capturing some natural moments with mom and dad, and also creating some minimalistic fine art images. Its funny how each portrait session yields new favorite photos. There were so many to choose from that I had a hard time picking one for the title slide, so you have to be sure to look through the entire show. Little Vaughn in the sink and cozy in his winter coat were close runners up.

Hallie, Frank and Vaughn, thanks again for opening your home to me and letting me peak into the life of your beautiful family.

Happy 2008!

Ah, 2008! Happy New Year! We have seriously been enjoying some time off after the busy holiday season here. There's a lot to catch up on the blog including more kitchen changes, both mine and Nick's birthdays, visits from relatives, holiday parties and even some days without the computer! Imagine that!

Anyway, before I share any of that I want to post the slideshow from the last portrait of 2007. Veny and Lozan are some of our amazing neighbors. Since we moved in a year ago, we have met some great people who are so genuinely nice and really care about the neighborhood. So Veny &Lozan live at the end of our street and are expecting their first - and they're having TWINS! You would never believe that Veny is about 8 months pregnant with twins - she looks amazing. Since the weather finally turned cold, we decided we'd be better off inside. And then a great thought popped into my head - I wonder if we could use the space where Nick and I are getting married in October, The Emory Conference Center? It would be perfect. Lots of big windows that let the natural sunlight stream in, a big stone fireplace and a beautiful garden that we could manage to brave for a few minutes of cold.

I just love how the maternity portraits turned out, especially the silhouettes of Veny and the belly pictures. They are so in love and it definitely shows.

Here's their slideshow. Thanks again you guys! It was so great to share this time with you and capture it for you and your families. See you 'round the 'hood!

While we have been doing a couple things in the studio this week, we are still officially closed until Monday, so please be patient as we enjoy our last days of vacation!

We're Published in The Knot!

Fantastic news! One of our images from Beth & Tim's wedding last year was published in The Knot Georgia for Spring/Summer (on the magazine stands now). We are so honored to be included and couldn't be happier for Beth & Tim. Since they're wedding, Nick and I have become great friends with them and have enjoyed many delicious dinners and lots of laughs. Their picturesque wedding was a photographer's dream come true and it is so gratifying to have one of their favorite photos published for everyone to see. Happy Anniversary, Beth & Tim!

The "flashback" picture is one we took immediately after their ceremony as the sun set on beautiful Neverland Farms in Dahlonega, GA.

Blog Neglect

I'm sorry! I haven't been ignoring you. Just so busy that blogging got lost in the shuffle. Between all the holiday orders we've been working on, preparing for 2008 with new pricelists and products, and even wedding dress shopping, things here have been exciting and exhausting.

Yay! We bought a gorgeous dress on Saturday from La Raine's. Laraine, Melissa and Topher are so great! If you're looking for a dress or accessories, be sure to check out their new store on N. Highland in the Virgina-Highlands.

Did I mention being sick AND finishing up the kitchen renovations in the next month? Busy... uh, huh.

I did manage to update the blog with some recent favorite photos in the brand new banner. Like it? Hope so...I tend to spend so long on things like that to make it just perfect that it means I don't eat lunch until 2pm. So, I'm hungry!

Anyway, I will post more this week as things settle here.

Johnny's Teddy Bear

Our last portrait of the holiday season was of Johnny and his parents in Auburn, GA. It was great to get out into the country - 45 minutes from Atlanta is actually countryland! They mentioned that they used to live on a farm not far from their current home. Wow! Imagine the fun portraits at a farm! We'll have to do that next time.

Johnny was full of energy and was excited to pose for my camera. Playing with all his fun toys, including Elmo, a giant teddy bear (bigger than him!), and mom's drum kit, helped describe what life is like at home with mom and dad.

Thanks for such a lively time! Enjoy the slideshow.

Gabrielle & her shoes

Last Friday I joined the McLeod's in their beautiful Brookhaven home to photograph some portraits of their adorable daughter, Gabrielle. She is the kind of cute that whatever mom and dad dress her in, she is adorable. I was shocked when I found myself pinching her cheeks at one point. When did I become the Grandpa that squeezes cheeks? :)

There's something so cute about baby shoes. I think I've posted about this love of mine before, but I can't help mentioning it again. I think it must go back to my love of my dollhouse as a little girl. It is so cool to see normal size objects in miniature. All the details are shrunk down with such precision that is just baffles me. Check out Gabrielle's brown boots which were her dad's personal favorite.

It's such an honor to be asked to step into a family's home to capture the little moments that make their family uniquely them. With every portrait, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have this job!

Take a look at Gabrielle's slideshow below. Thanks again, McLeods!

Studio Hours and Holiday Orders

Thanksgiving is almost here. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. And just like you, I am now thinking about all the holiday gifts I need to get for friends and family. It's often a big challenge to find personalized gifts for everyone. That's why photography is a perfect gift - it's personal, something that lasts forever, and displaying it can be completely customized to their tastes.

I thought I'd post our holiday deadlines here so you can be sure to order gifts in time. If you place an order after the deadline, it may be subject to a rush charge in order to receive it in time.

• Studio Closed for Thanksgiving - November 22 - 25
• Holiday Portrait Deadline - November 30th
• Holiday Greeting Cards - November 30th
• Holiday Enlargement Orders - December 7th
• Gift Certificates - December 10th (contact us to order)
  
• Studio Closed for Holidays - December 24 - January 6

Read our latest e-newsletter HERE with additional information about holiday orders and our great sale on slideshow DVD's (ends November 30th). Join the SSP family and receive our monthly e-newsletter containing studio news, product news, and specials.

Happy Turkey Day!

William's Second Portrait

William has grown a bunch since I last saw him, mom and dad over the summer. For his second portrait in the Growing Baby Portrait Package, I joined them at their house again. One of the things I love about photographing little ones is the range of facial expressions they have. They are completely uninhibited and fun. I was laughing so much at few points during the portrait that I had to stop shooting to regain composure. From stunned curiosity to pure happiness and laughter. I was fighting the beginning of a cold as well which created its own challenges. Sniffle, sniffle....

We then went outside onto their front porch and stairs. Love the pictures of William in the black wicker chair. Something about those images is so timeless. Then we headed to Lullwater Park for some fun outside pictures. The weather was great! Although the drought here is terrible (and a little scary that we may not have drinking water in 2 months), it is awesome for portraits! Never have to worry about rainy weather ruining a session! The glass half full, right?

Enjoy the slideshow!

Liam at 2

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure to photograph some of my fantastic neighbors. It was Liam's 2nd birthday and his day was filled with a lot of excitement. Lesley and Diania took him to the Atlanta Children's Museum in the morning and when he woke from his afternoon nap, he was greeted by my smiling face and camera. What a day for him!

At two, he is full of endless energy. We went out to their backyard and Liam just had a blast. And yes, I did manage to get a great family portrait. For a little one like Liam who is so full of energy, trying to sit still for a family portrait can sometimes be next to impossible. But I think you'll love the "laughing family" portrait at the end of the slideshow.

Enjoy!

Monica & Morris's Engagement Portrait

So a few weeks ago I posted a few of my favorite images from Monica and Morris's engagement portrait. I thought I'd share the slideshow that was on display at their reception. Showing slideshows at weddings is something new I started offering last year. Thank you Alecia! At first I was a bit concerned that showing pictures at the reception would distract guests from the festivities. But I found that it actually enhances the celebration. As everyone gathers around our laptop, I've seen such a range of emotions - smiles, tears, laughter, surprise - and then they go running to another guest to share the fun. I think it eases many couples and their parents to know that the pictures are turning out amazing and they can just relax and enjoy themselves.

I now include these slideshows (often images from the wedding day or the engagement portrait) in every wedding package, time-permitting.

Enjoy!

October Portrait Day: Fantastic Weather/Beautiful Families

Our first ever October Portrait Day was so fun! The weather was great, a little cool in the morning but just perfect for fall portraits. When Melanie and I arrived at the park, I was shocked to see that one of the huge trees in the "spot" I had picked had been cut down. It was such a large tree and the stump that was left behind was so significant that it really changed the whole landscape of the area. Luckily Melanie thought of a great idea - why don't we use it for portraits? Sit the families there and have a natural bench. Perfect! What a great way to take an obstacle and make it work for us.


Swinging with mom and dad. This seems to be a favorite thing of many of my "mini-clients". I must have a dozen pictures of kids being swung in the air by mom and dad. But this angle is new for me. Can't you just hear her laughing as she's lifted off the ground?

How cute are these twins? Definitely holiday-card-worthy.

Everyone mentioned to us how happy they were that we did the event. It really did provide the perfect opportunity for holiday cards and automatic grandparents' gifts. We will definitely host this event again next fall. If you''d like to receive information about the event next year, send us an email and we'll add you to the list.

Thanks to all our great families!

Ridge with Mom & Dad

After last weekend's Portrait Day event (I'll post some pictures soon!), it was great to return to Piedmont Park and enjoy the fall colors and light again. Ridge is 6 months old and is so adorable. There's something so precious about regular adult clothing shrunk down to baby size. Kinda reminds me of playing with my dollhouse when I was a little girl. Ridge's sweaters, cargo pants and socks were so great, but his leather shoes really were the icing on the cake.

Thanks to Danielle and Rick! You guys are great! Enjoy your slideshow.

Monica & Morris's Wedding

Congratulations Monica & Morris!

After a really fun engagement portrait with Monica and Morris, I was super excited to document their wedding. Set in the beautiful neighborhood of Oakhurst, just 5 minutes from Decatur, The Solarium provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate wedding. About a month ago when we met to do a walk-thru with all the vendors for the wedding, Monica told me that The Solarium has become a very important place in her family. Her mother remarried there just a couple years ago and in May of next year, her brother is getting married there. We all figured that they are entitled to a generous family discount!

Venue: The Solarium
Wedding Coordinator: Margie Sikes, Affairs of Elegance
Catering: Cathy Conway, Avalon Catering
Cake: The Baker's Man
DJ: Kenny Zail
Hair and Make-up: Salon Red, Decatur
Florist: Dina More, Event Cafe

Margie Sikes coordinated another wonderful wedding and it was great to work with her again. The cake looked amazing. (I may have to steal the design for my own wedding next year) It's rare to see a brown chocolate wedding cake but it fit the fall colors of the wedding perfectly.

After helping my friend, Ben Vigil, photograph a few weddings over the summer, it was great to have him by my side for one of my own. I just love how we can both witness the same moment but capture it completely differently. It adds so much richness to the coverage.

Take a look at the slideshow below.

And congratulations Monica and Morris!

Tiny Chambless

When I arrived at Elizabeth and Tom's home last Friday morning and walked to their front door, Tom answered and welcome me inside. As soon as I stepped in, I saw tiny Chambless cozy in her scoop chair on the coffee table. (Love how everything, including furniture, gets a new purpose with the addition of a baby) I was instantly struck with how small she is. Only two weeks old! So adorable. Little fingers, little hands, and big beautiful eyes. She managed to stay awake throughout the entire time I was there, much to her parents' and grandmother's surprise. This home was buzzing with excitement for the new addition to the family and I couldn't be happier for them.

At two weeks, little Chambless needs a lot of help from mom and dad. Good thing they love to hold her! I mentioned that she has so many expressions and movements that I could stay there all day documenting her, and her parents agreed that they too spend hours just watching her.

Here's your slideshow! Thanks again for opening your home to me.

Monica & Morris in Decatur

As the day (and week) winds down, I am gearing up to see Monica and Morris again...this time at their wedding tomorrow! Last night we managed to avoid the rain and did a Lifestyle Engagement Portrait in downtown Decatur. I asked them to tell me what they liked to do when they're doing nothing. You know, on a Saturday morning when you have no other commitments, what do they do? Doing things that they like to do together during the portrait really helps personalize the session and makes for a lot of fun. And I love what they chose.... wine and dessert at Java Monkey. Mmmm.... I'll post their slideshow soon, but in the meantime here are some favorites...

RSVP Deadline for October Portrait Days Extended

We've extended the deadline for October Portrait Days in Piedmont Park. Contact us by this Wednesday the 17th by phone or email to schedule your appointment.

Appointments still available on:
Friday, October 26th, 10am - 5pm
Saturday, October 27th, 10am - 3pm

Join us for beautiful and fun portraits of your family, kids, baby or hubby. Stay after your portrait is complete to meet other families and enjoy some food and drink. It's guaranteed to be a fantastic time.

Call us at 404-966-7272 or email us at sara@saraphotography.com to schedule your appointment.

Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Chocoholic

I was checking email at Yahoo today and when I logged out I was greeted by this beautiful picture of the most scrumptious looking chocolate chip cookies.


The title of the article declared that this was THE BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe. So what else is a chocoholic to do? I clicked for more. Since I know that I'm not alone in this love of anything chocolate, I thought I'd share the recipe. As soon as I have a chance I plan to make these and see if the rumor is true. If you decide to make them, let me know how long they last in your house. :)
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Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Published: January 1, 1996
Cook's Illustrated.com

Makes 1 1/2 dozen 3-inch cookies

These truly chewy chocolate chip cookies are delicious served warm from the oven or cooled. To ensure a chewy texture, leave the cookies on the cookie sheet to cool. You can substitute white, milk chocolate, or peanut butter chips for the semi- or bittersweet chips called for in the recipe. In addition to chips, you can flavor the dough with one cup of nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/8	cups bleached all-purpose flour (about 10 1/2 ounces)
1/2	teaspoon table salt
1/2	teaspoon baking soda
12	tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
1	cup brown sugar (light or dark), 7 ounces
1/2	cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1	large egg
1	large egg yolk
2	teaspoons vanilla extract
1 - 2	cups chocolate chips or chunks (semi or bittersweet)

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Adjust oven racks to upper- and lower-middle positions. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

2. Either by hand or with electric mixer, mix butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Mix in egg, yolk, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients; mix until just combined. Stir in chips.

3. Form scant 1/4 cup dough into ball. Holding dough ball using fingertips of both hands, pull into two equal halves. Rotate halves ninety degrees and, with jagged surfaces exposed, join halves together at their base, again forming a single cookie, being careful not to smooth dough’s uneven surface. Place formed dough onto one of two parchment paper-lined 20-by-14-inch lipless cookie sheets, about nine dough balls per sheet. Smaller cookie sheets can be used, but fewer cookies can be baked at one time and baking time may need to be adjusted. (Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen up to 1 month—shaped or not.)

4. Bake, reversing cookie sheets’ positions halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft and puffy, 15 to 18 minutes (start checking at 13 minutes). (Frozen dough requires an extra 1 to 2 minutes baking time.) Cool cookies on cookie sheets. Serve or store in airtight container.

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Interesting about breaking the dough ball in half and reforming it. Never seen that before in a recipe.

Patrick's First Birthday

On Monday, I visited with Sandra, Roger and Patrick again. They chose to document Patrick's first 18 months with the Growing Baby Portrait Package which includes three portraits. So for this second portrait I met them at their house. Patrick has grown quite a bit since I last saw him and if I'm not mistaken, I think he remembered me. Ok, maybe not, little one's don't have much of a memory for their favorite photographer who comes once every 6 months. :) But he did seem to take to me. I know that my kids like me when they are in the middle of playing with their toys or climbing the stairs and turn to look at me and wait for the "click."

Patrick was full of adorable smiles. He wasn't afraid to show off those cute new teeth. And as with most kids his age, he had a couple moments of tears. Although many parents don't exactly want to remember their kids being sad, I do love capturing those moments as well as the happy ones. I think they really express the range of emotions that they experience every day. As we get older, I think we still have those same feelings, but we aren't as apt to share them so openly. The few shots I got of him crying are so intense and emotional that I just love them for their rawness.

Anyway, Sandra and Roger are going to have a ton of pictures to narrow down for the framed collage they'll be receiving at the end of the portrait series. The 9-image collage is a wonderful way to take three photos from each portrait and display them as a series.

Here's they're slideshow...

White dresses galore!

My parents arrived last Wednesday for an intense 4 days of wedding stuff. Florists, wedding coordinator and my favorite, dresses! We got so much done, well more like thinking about all the possibilities and narrowing down the immense options to what will work best for our October 2008 wedding.

I think I may have scared a few of the bridal shop owners when I said I wanted something completely non-traditional. I'm not a strapless, poofy dress kinda girl, so it was kind of a challenge to find other options. But after three bridal shops, Bridals by Lori, La Raine's and Kelly's Closet, I had found 2 dresses that I absolutely love. Either one will be gorgeous and totally comfortable, which was number two on my list of must-have's. I am still trying to decide...

I met two fantastic florists who came highly recommended - John at Twelve, and Susan at Little Sparrow. They both had amazing ideas for flowers and decor and I am so excited with all the options. Suddenly I have all these ideas for the way I want guests to feel when they enter the ceremony and reception and I know that both florists would be able to do an unbelievable job.

The other exciting thing that happened this week was some more major advances in the kitchen remodel. We now have countertops and they are amazing! It's unreal how much the kitchen changed once they were installed. It actually looks like a functioning kitchen now and with the newly installed cooktop it is completely functioning. Yay! Our first dinner on the cooktop was ravioli. Tonight, popcorn is on the menu for a late night snack. With the countertops came the sink and fancy extension faucet which we love. Nick actually loves the faucet so much, he posted on his new blog about it. I'll post some more pics soon of the latest additions.

Countertops and the 'rents

Today is a big day. The kitchen countertops arrive! The countertops are a seriously welcomed addition to the kitchen remodel. Since mid-June we've been under construction and I am so excited to have counters to prep food on and even just pour a drink on. Once the countertops are in, I get my cooktop so hello to spaghetti and eggs! Not together, that would be gross.

In this pictures, the bare wood at the front is our new breakfast bar. As soon as the countertops are in, I plan to slide a bar stool up and start demanding a drink from bartender Nick. I hope he'll oblige.

Plus, this evening my parents arrive for a long weekend to do some wedding stuff. Florists, wedding coordinator and DRESSES! So excited to try on dresses! After being engaged for 9 months, you'd think I'd already been, but I really did hold off on any planning until about a month ago. This I think will be the most fun part of planning the wedding. It will be a girls-day-out on Saturday when my mom and Nick's mom come with me to some shops and we grab lunch in between. I just read in a bridal rag that wedding gowns sizes fit smaller than normal clothes. How does that make sense?! Why would dress designers want to upset their customers by making a size 6 wear a size 8? Ok, ok, I won't look at tags, but seriously!