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!

My face on Facebook

I recently joined Facebook and have been loving reconnecting with so many old friends. In the first few days, I "re-met" a friend from college at the University of Rochester who had just that week moved to Spain. Hadn't been in touch since graduation so it was really nice to catch up. It's hard to believe that next year will be my 10 year reunion at college...but that's another topic for another day... ahh, depressing!

Anyway, if you're on Facebook, be sure to look me up and send a friend request. I'm already so addicted and I love adding friends to my network!