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.