Our Engagement Session

So, we've officially started the countdown to the wedding in October. When Nick reminded me that we have five months to the wedding, I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe it. I have so much to do!! And I am so excited!

A couple weeks ago we felt like a real engaged couple when Chris and Katie met us to photograph an engagement portrait session. Wow, was it weird to be in front of the camera! I had to keep telling myself to "live in the moment" with Nick instead of thinking of what the images were going to look like or what I would be shooting. I had to step back from my creative side to just BE, what a weird concept...

Choosing our photographers was a really tough decision, as you can imagine. I'm a little picky when it comes to this stuff! But we are so excited with the images they captured. We went to Atlantic Station, where Nick proposed on one foggy December night and then to Piedmont Park, one of our favorite outdoor spots in Atlanta.

Below are some of my favorites. And check out the slideshow here.

Dancing in the park.

Love this one - this is Nick's engagement ring. Yes, he has one! I think it is only fair that guys get a ring too. I mean, marriage is supposed to be an equal partnership so why don't they get rings?

One of the many laughing kisses. I think by this point we were just feeling so funny kissing-on-demand that we couldn't contain ourselves.

I'm planning to put together a sign-in book for the wedding with the images from our session. If it works, I may start offering it to my own clients... Love how my experience through this whole process is helping my wedding photography business. Can't wait for wedding pictures! Thanks, Chris and Katie!

Performer Mag Loves My Fiance'

Today, Nick received an amazing review of his latest blues-rock CD (online release only) "Live in 2007." It's a compilation of live performances while he was on tour last year including an on-air performance on WUGA in Athens. Performer Magazine LOVED HIM! I am so excited for him that I just have to post the review here to share the news.

Athens music native Nick Edelstein takes the listeners on a terrific ride through the world of blues with an online release of live recordings held in venues throughout the Southeast.

A record chocked full of strong blues material, including classic blues standards such as “Crossroads,” “Stormy Monday” and “Hound Dog,” the artist’s handywork on lead guitar is impeccably precise, as each live song spills with fervent balance, delivering
punchy lead solos galore.

Edelstein also shows his intimate and personal side with soft-spoken material, on endearing works such as originals, “Sign from Above,” flawlessly recorded at Athens radio station, WUGA-FM, and “Ripple,” recorded at a bar in Charlotte, N.C.Although much of the live recordings are very murky and muddy, what is most important is Edelstein’s craftsmanship on blues guitar. “Crossroads” churns the album from the start, launching the album’s fiery energy and tenacity from the get-go.

Edelstein is sloppy in some places on his lead guitar improvisation, yet only true guitarists know, and not the audience. Certainly a highlight displaying his most superior guitar work falls in the intro and throughout “Red House,” a dazzling, mesmerizing statement of guitar-driven blues-rock.

Much of the record has some breathtaking guitar work, and his voice suits the blues man, with performances of liquid gold, compared to the swift speed of a dozen horses at Churchhill Downs, as notes flourish like a roaring freight train.

Though he has much room to grow and improve, his potential is boundless. He even throws in some great riffs and chops that speak of his influences, possibly reminiscing Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Santana’s artistry comes to fruition in a frighteningly well-spoken version of “Europa.”

It’s good to hear much of Edelstein’s background through short bits of interviews on WUGA-FM, as he dwells into his work, and his further studies in comparative literature. (NESS Records) www.nickedelstein.com

-Shawn M. Haney, www.performermag.com

How cool is that!? I swear he didn't pay for that! :) Performer Magazine is one of the industry's top trade magazines so it's huge that they love him that much.

Check him out at his website - www.nickedelstein.com - (photos complements of yours truly) or download the CD at www.discrevolt.com. His CD is featured this week on the home page of the site, so you can't miss it.

Some Puppy Love

At Carter's baby portrait a couple weeks ago, I was reminded of one of my favorite things to photograph. Adorable pets! I met his adorable dog, Hero, (love that name....when does Heroes come back on anyway?) and felt the NEED to photograph his adorable face. These are some of my favorites...

Doggy nose!

Have a great rest of the week and weekend! I am headed home to Baltimore, MD for my bridal shower! Can't believe it's already here but then again it has been 18 months since we got engaged. :)

The Traveling Wedding Album

I heard from Courtney and Michael after they received their wedding album a couple weeks ago. Their destination wedding in St. Augustine, Florida was so beautiful and fun. I am so flattered by Michael's comments about the album that I wanted to share his thoughts with you, my wonderful blog-readers.

Courtney let me (yes, I had to get permission to take it away from her!) take it to work, daycare, the bank, post office, Zaxby's, the UPS Store, Shane's Rib Shack, and a few other places where people know me on a first name basis yesterday...everyone LOVED it! I really am still in shock over how you were able to capture each and every feeling and moment that we had that day/night!

How cool is it that he took it everywhere. I bet the UPS Store employees were ready to pack it up and ship it for him when he walked in!

It seriously makes my day to hear such great feedback from clients after all the work and love I put into their photographs and their album. So thank you, Michael and Courtney, for the awesome feedback!

View their wedding album here.

William's Third Portrait

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I started photographing William and his parents. This third portrait was just days after they celebrated his first birthday. (Thanks for the jelly beans party favor!) This summer William will have a new brother or sister which is really exciting. And I am thrilled to continue documenting this beautiful family.

During the session, it was great to see the canvases and framed enlargements from previous portraits around the house. And the best part was watching William point at himself in the pictures and smile.


Click here to see the full size slideshow or view the small version below.

Love the slideshow? It's available on DVD or in digital download for your video IPod. Simply click the CD icon in the menu bar of the show.

Accolades from unexpected places

You know when you receive a complement from anyone it can change an average day to amazing. " You look beautiful," or "Nice job on that presentation" can often give you the boost you didn't even know you needed. But complements from complete strangers has that unbiased ounce of awesomeness (is that even a word?!)

I received an email from a photography hobbyist in Florida recently. He claimed that he googled "World's Best Photographer" and found my site listed second. (Yeah!) After looking through my website, www.saraphotography.com, he sent a message to say hello and ask for some advice on purchasing some new camera equipment. As I read his entire email I was blown away by his words...

"I hope you don't mind, but I rank your shots right up there with Joe Buissink." - David Shaw

Wow, what a huge complement! If you don't know who Joe Buissink is, you have probably seen his images. Take a look at his website. He has photographed some of the biggest celebrity weddings all over the world, including J. Lo., Kelsey Grammer and Christina Aguilera, but more than that, his work is so powerful. He's able to truly capture the essence of the people he photographs.

I recently heard him speak at WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Annual Conference) and I was amazed that although I hadn't ever heard him speak before, that he described his photography exactly the way I describe mine. In fact, he used many of the same phrases. Capturing the essence of personalities .... capturing moments that many would simply not notice .... capturing moments that bring my clients right back to the moment, not just the event, but exactly what they were feeling at that moment.

Joe has been in the business for years and has accomplished so much. For my work to be compared to his work is a real honor. So, thank you David! You made my YEAR!

Big News - Part Arbah (that's Hebrew for FOUR) in honor of Passover starting this weekend

We've had an exciting Spring! Throughout the last three weeks, we've announced some of our new additions for 2008 - a new line of Sterling Silver Photo Jewelry, New Portrait Packages and a new Bonus Gift Program. This week, new options in papers for wall art.

Wall Art from Photography

We have carried Matte finish paper for a long time for it's low sheen and durability.

Fine Art Canvas has been one of our most popular items and now we offer it as gallery wrap or ready for framing traditionally in wood or metal. With the images printed directly to the canvas, your images become a bold work of art.


The third option is Watercolor paper. Similar to painting paper, watercolor is textured cotton rag matte paper. Opt to have the Watercolor paper edges hand-torn for a soft look.

And finally, our most unique paper is Metallic. It is iridescent glossy paper with a surprising 3D effect. You'll be amazed when you see the detail pop off the paper.


If you'd like to learn more about these papers or receive samples, give us a call at 404-966-7272 or shoot us an email. sara@saraphotography.com


Happy Passover! Mmmm, matzah time!

Baby Carter

Last weekend I had the pleasure to meet some awesome Decatur neighbors. Amy, Jonathan and baby Carter live just on the other side of town, only a 5 minute drive! (That was a nice change of pace from most of my portraits on the north side of Atlanta - Smyrna, Vinings, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Marietta, Duluth, etc.) Carter is 7 months old and is so adorable. This was the first session of his year-long Growing Baby Package and it's always so fun on the first visit to my clients' homes to learn what life is like there.

We had planned my arrival during the end of Carter's nap so that I could photograph him sleeping in the nursery, then off to play in the front room and read books together, then to the backyard to enjoy the new deck! Their dog, Hero, was definitely feeling the change in attention. Amy said that he used to be the center of attention in their house and now that Carter's here, he's definitely feeling ignored. Being the animal lover that I am, I just had to make him feel special too! It's amazing how much you can feel just by looking into his eyes.

Carter has the cutest smile. When his daddy kisses his cheek, his entire face smiles. You'll know what I mean when you see the slideshow below. Click here to view the full size slideshow or watch the mini-show below.

Some of my favorite images - those kisses from dad, nursing with mom (for mom and dad's eyes only), and mom and dad's laughter as they read That's Not My Puppy for the millionth time.

Big News - Part Trois

Do you work to live or live to work? It's a cliché but a great question. With so many of us bogged down every week with more things than we can handle and the stress to go along with it, our portrait photography offers a reminder. Our families mean the world to us and having sentimental, genuine and artistic portraits of them at home and in the office will remind you everyday of what's most important. We are honored that you trust us with the great responsibility of documenting your family year after year. So, we'd like to thank you!

The Bonus Gift Program rewards you for investing in your family’s visual history. Receive fantastic bonus gifts at different levels of purchase. Gifts include DVD slideshows, jewelry, note cards, brag books and albums. As if free stuff isn't awesome enough, you can also receive a discount on your holiday cards order. It's our way of saying thanks.

Only one week left to save on Mother's Day sterling silver photo jewelry! Save 15% on these beautiful pieces of personalized wearable art.

Contact the studio for more information.

Patrick's 3rd Portrait

Since I started photographing Patrick a year ago, with the Growing Baby Portrait Package, he has grown a lot. Take a look at his first and second slideshows. I can't believe how much he looks like a little man now! After about 15 minutes of unusual quiet, Patrick became his usual playful self. We played throughout the whole house, including golf in the backyard, so it was an active morning. Aside from some beautiful close-up portraits of Patrick, I think my favorite image is of Patrick standing with one hand on his hip and the other holding a bag of Goldfish crackers. His adorable attitude made me laugh at that moment and each time I see the image.

In the after-processing stages, I added some fine art textural effects to some of the images of Patrick and I love how they turned out. It adds something antique and rustic to these emotion-filled images. These type of effects can be added to any image and look especially great on our fine art canvas pieces, watercolor paper and in our custom-designed albums.

Click here to see the full size slideshow or view the mini-version below.

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.

-----------------------------------

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.