Taking better pictures of your child

I was asked by Expectant Mother's Guide, an Atlanta publication for new and expecting moms, to write an article about taking the best pictures of your child. It was such an honor to contribute to this great magazine which is chock full of wonderful information ranging from financial planning to the benefits of infant massage to nursery design.

It’s a day you’ve dreamt of for months. As you leave the hospital, you can’t believe that this little bundle is yours. You step into your home and it hits you, “What now?” You have so much to do, but at that moment all you want to do is lie down on your bed and stare at this beautiful little person who just changed your life. This is a moment that you want to remember forever. His little fingers and toes are the cutest things you’ve ever seen. His lips, his eyes, everything is so perfect! So you reach for your camera to capture this moment. It’s a picture you know you will look at over and over again, so you cross your fingers that it will turn out..... continue reading the article.

The magazine will be available in March at local pediatricians' and OB doctors' offices.

SpokesMAMA Contest Begins Today!

What is a SpokesMAMA? She's a mom who loves her kids and adores professional portraits of them. She loves the candid and artistic style of our photography and the emotions that it captures. She is active in her community, meeting with other moms at mommy groups, church/synagogue groups, at daycare and school, and online. She frequents Facebook and Twitter, parenting forums and listserves for her neighborhood. She thinks our portrait photography is awesome and may or may not already be a client.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

As a spokesperson of Sara Speert Photography, the winning SpokesMama will represent SSP to her friends and family. She'll take every opportunity to share the photos that were taken during her sessions and talk about her experience with SSP. She'll use social media, printed fliers, email, etc. to refer other like-minded families to SSP. (Printed pieces will be provided by SSP)

Be our SpokesMAMA, spread the word about SSP and help us grow!

In exchange, if you are chosen, you will receive a free ABC Storytelling Portrait Session package which includes a Planning Meeting, a 2-hour session, a Design Appointment and a $250 credit for anything purchased at the Design Appointment. This package is valued at $500. AND you will also receive 25% off your second session during your year-long tenure as a SpokesMAMA or a $125 discount off your chosen Growing Baby Portrait Package that will be completed during your year.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

This contest is for newborns. In order to be selected, you must have a baby who is 2 weeks old or younger in the month of March 22 - April 22, 2010. CHANGE: NOW OPEN TO BABIES BORN BETWEEN MARCH 22 AND JUNE 22! (If this does not apply to you, join our mailing list - we will be holding contests for families with older children soon.)


Contest ends on Thursday, March 18th.
Winner will be chosen on Monday, March 22nd.

Apply to be a SpokesMAMA

Good luck!

Picture of the Day - Snow-lanta

Although the snow is all but completely gone just 3 days later, I loved it while it lasted. I worked most of the day on Friday until I couldn't resist any longer headed outside to play. My parents who live in Baltimore have been overwhelmed with 3+ feet of snow in the last week (and today they will get even more), and I have to admit that I was a bit jealous. After living in Rochester, NY, I never thought I'd miss the snow again, but it finally happened. Seeing their pictures and hearing the reports of record snowfall made me wish I could helicopter in to spend a few snow-days with them. So when we got our own bit, I was so excited. Here are some pictures I took Friday afternoon. It's been a long time since I went out to just shoot for ME without any agenda. So this was a lot of fun. Here's to hoping we get another snowstorm so I can play again.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 14

I discovered this great time-saver and back pain-easer for bathing your little one. No more bending over one of those inserts in the tub or lugging those heavy basins around.

And when you're finished, simply hang it up to dry.

So smart!

The Puj tub

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 13

In case you missed it, we added a link on the right side of the blog for one of our favorite online stores. Kir De Vries is an awesome shop where you can buy everything from reusable stainless steel BPA-free water bottles, insulated lunch totes that I would love to use as a purse (they're so cute!), and washable produce bags (to cut down on the use of plastic bags that aren't good for anyone.) It's a wonderful way to take one more step to being green and looking great doing it.

If you decide to purchase something, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think.

1 day left for the Valentine's Special

Only one day left for the Valentine's Special. It's a super deal and an original gift that your spouse is sure to love. Cute, personalized, unique and *so* your child!

So, if we did a portrait for you in 2009 or in the last month, click here for more information and to purchase it online. (Sorry, time's run out for new sessions with this package.)

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds (Episode 12)

So, I just got word of another fantastic sale but this one's for the ladies (ok, maybe a few men's items too.) The Best Boutique Sale Ever Warehouse Sale is on Friday and Saturday, January 29th and 30th (that's THIS weekend!) in Decatur. Save up to 90% (wow, that's some good savings!) on items from some great local boutiques, including one of my favorite stores, Boogaloos. (You gotta see their adorable website.)

You can't say I never hooked you up. :)

Check out the details here.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds (Episode 11)

It's time again for The Children's Boutique Clothing Sale.
Save up to 70% off clothing, decor, toys and shoes from some great Atlanta boutiques
including Wiggle and Sugar Plum Kids.

The sale is at Atlantic Station above Z Gallerie (one of my favorite stores!) on Saturday, February 20th, 9am - 6pm. And just like the last time I announced this great sale, I highly suggest making it a mom's day out with your friends. Leave the kids with dad, go out for some great deals on boutique clothing, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even a glass of wine or some Coldstone ice cream. Whatever you're reason, or even if you have to make up one, it's time for some girl-time!

Click here for all the details.

Picture of the Day

I mentioned on Facebook (are you a fan?) a few days ago that I was really excited about photographing a portrait session for an old client. It's really quite flattering. I photographed Mae 5 years ago when my business was really in its infancy. Mae was so adorable and her mom came up with a great idea for the session. She put Mae in a tutu and a precious star and ooodles of beautiful portraits were born. 5 years ago I didn't have a blog, so here are a few from the session. If you've been to the studio, you'll recognize this one immediately because it's hanging on one of our walls.

More cuteness:

Sadly, Mae and her parents moved up north a few years ago and I haven't heard from them for a while. So, when I got a call from Mae's mom a few weeks ago, I was so excited. Of course I remember them. How could I forget. This portrait session was one of my favorites.

So, Mae now has a little sister who is about the same age as Mae was when I photographed her years ago. The family planned a trip to Atlanta and wanted to schedule a session while they were in town. What a fabulous idea! Seriously, so flattered that they remembered me. Mae's mom told me that she's had portraits done of the girls since they left Atlanta, but that the photos I took remain her favorite.

Take a look at 7 year old Mae. She is so beautiful and I just LOVE her hair. Gorgeous thick auburn hair is my favorite.

Mae and her mom 5 years ago and today.

And here is Evie. It's quite amazing how much she looks like her sister. Ok, amazing maybe isn't the right word, because they are sisters afterall. But I just love it. Beautiful curls and the same vibrant personality.

And although we tried to get both girls into their tutu's, we weren't so successful. But I'm so glad I was able to capture this one of Evie. Can't you just hear her laughing?

Lovely girls. Can't wait to see you again soon! Let's try to make it sooner than 5 years though, ok?

Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living....

I have been remiss. I promised days and days of blogging, and I did make it 5 days in a row (my best record yet), but as soon as I headed out of town for Imaging USA (an annual national convention for photographers), I lost some steam. I refer only to blog steam, because I've been really busy getting all my ducks in a row for 2010. It's amazing as my business grows and matures how much more work I create for myself. :) I was inspired at Imaging USA, as I always am at photography conventions, to streamline what I'm doing, to create even more value for my clients and to rethink and reinforce the concept .... that I need some help. I can't do it all anymore and I would love to work with some cool people. Ok, so I'm looking for a couple good people for some help.

First, is a graphic designer. Ideally, you are someone who has your own business or you are doing some freelance on the side of a full-time job, because what I got is a lot but not full-time. I'm looking for a self-starter, someone who is in love with graphic design, who lives, sleeps and breathes graphic design, someone who can think outside the box. I am a visual artist and all, so presentation is everything and the projects I have for this year require some creativity beyond letterhead and business card branding.

Second, is a sales and design consultant. I don't mean a car sales person because.... ew. That's just not my thing. You are someone with passion for interior design, someone who is not only friendly, but can really connect with people on a personal level. You have sales experience or, more importantly, have a business degree. You always take note of how businesses you frequent market and sell their services and goods, and you always seem to be taking mental notes or talking to others about what you see. You are not pushy but you are clear with your ideas and suggestions, and you have a subtle way of making them known. Again, this is not a full-time position but if things go well, it could grow into something much bigger.

If you know someone or you yourself fit the bill, please contact me at info (at) saraphotography (dot) com.

Oh, by the way, neither of these positions are 9 to 5. The graphic designer position is by project and the sales and design position is PRN or as needed.

And now back to our regularly scheduled blogging. Seriously, I'm going to post something right now. :)

Donations for Haiti

Watching and reading the news about the devastation in Haiti following yesterday's earthquake is so upsetting. Like everyone else, I feel that I need to do something to help.

So, we will donate a portion of all January sales, including the Valentine's special. The percentage we will donate will increase with more sales.

If you were thinking about booking a portrait session for your family, this is a wonderful way to help a community in need at the same time.

Create a registry for a friend or purchase a gift certificate and a
portion of your investment will go to aid relief.

Purchase a Valentine's Day session or use a previous session for a Valentine's gift for your sweetie.

Baby Album - 5x5 CarryAbout Album - Atlanta Children's Portraits

This cutey-patooty is just as fun as she looks. Check out her 5x5 CarryAbout Album filled with playing, reading, snuggling, her mom's beautiful wedding sari, and lots and lots of laughter. Click to see the album.

Valentine's Day Special - Atlanta portraits

I'm getting the best gift for my spouse for Valentine's Day!
I'm ready to buy it now.

You must book your session by January 28th,
select the image for your folio by February 3rd,
or purchase a Gift Certificate by February 11th.

Christmas Family Portrait - Dunwoody, GA - Pictures of the Day

During the week of Christmas while many of us were cooking and doing last minute shopping, I photographed a portrait session in Dunwoody, GA for this beautiful family. All three grown siblings have kids of their own and the family continues to grow with little Chapin being born just 3 months ago. Since the entire family doesn't live in Georgia, being together for the holiday was a wonderful opportunity to schedule a family session.

Normally I like to include one favorite image from each session in my Picture of the Day. But I had a really hard time deciding so instead, here are two. Yay!

Getting all the girls together for a few photos was so much fun. Emily had a toy she just had to play with at that moment and I love everything that's going on on the couch behind her. Nuzzling noses, laughter and Emily's mom wishing that she'd rejoin everyone. There's something about the chaos of this moment that depicts so well what family holidays are all about.

The love of a grandmother for her grandchild is unmistakable and so lovely.

The best (and most unusal) complement

I got the best (and most unusual) complement this morning from one of my clients.

"Sara, you're like crack. We're addicted to you and your photography. Your photography is the best I've ever seen."

How awesome is that? I've never been told I'm addictive like a drug. But I like the idea. :)

Take a look at the CarryAbout Album created from Carter's Growing Baby Portrait Package. It's amazing how much he's changed since I started photographing him. Thanks Jonathan!

How do I cover the last 3 weeks in one post?

If you couldn't tell from my lack of blogging action, December was a bit crazy. And I'm sorry for ignoring you for too long. Hopefully you've been following me on Facebook and have become a fan on our fanpage so you haven't gone into withdrawal. I kid, I kid (as in the words of Jeff Dunham) I know you didn't go into withdrawal because you were just as busy, I'm sure!

Over the holiday weekend, I wrote a list of all the things I want to blog about and the list isn't even complete at 15 items. So, get ready for some mad blogging throughout the next few weeks.

I'd like to begin with something a bit somber. On December 14th, my Great Aunt Esther passed away. She was 92 years old and lived a long and rich life. She was my Grandfather's sister and they had so much in common. She loved her family and relished the time she had with them. She had such a thirst for education and knowledge that she attended adult education classes at the local college in her 70's and 80's. She always had wonderful words of advice to share with me and never missed an opportunity to tell me how much my grandparents would have been proud of my accomplishments. In some ways, losing her was like losing another part of my grandfather, so it was an especially difficult thing to handle.

The last time I saw her was on my last visit to Seattle in March 2009. It meant a lot to me to be able to visit with her and I will cherish this photo forever.

Me, my niece Elizabeth and Aunt Esther in March 2009

_____________

Future blogging....
Best of 2009
Incorporated? Wha?
We're Google's favorite, no really!
A Christmas family portrait
Weekend session change

Happy Holidays!

Baby Portrait Collections & Collages

Puzzled over how to use photography in your home in a way that looks great and works with your existing decor? We've been working to make it easier for you to envision the possibilities including offering examples by photographing our clients homes.

Just love this one at William and Margaret's home. Both kids did a Growing Baby Portrait Package which included three sessions for each of them in the first 12 months. The final product - two Jazz Collages (9-images). Placing them in the stairwell is such a great way to add style and memories to a place that would normally be passed by.

Thanksgiving Sale ends tonight!

Cyber-Monday excitement continues! Our Thanksgiving sale ends tonight at midnight so be sure to take advantage.

All gift certificates are 10-25% off!

Perfect for the holidays! Go in with your friends on a one-of-a-kind gift for an expecting mother. Had a portrait done with us last year and itching for a new session? Mention it to your in-laws for a wonderful holiday gift that you know you'll love. Take the guesswork out of a Valentine's gift for your hubby - buy a gift certificate for a portrait session and the enjoy the gift for years to come. The options are endless.

Buy sale gift certificates now.

Sale ends at 11:59pm tonight!

Thanksgiving Sale starts today

Save on all Gift Certificates, Baby Registry, Gift Registry and Wedding Registry purchases

Save 10% on all gift certificates/registry purchases valued $50 to $300
Save 25% on all gift certificates/registry purchases valued $500
Save 25% on all ABC Storytelling Portrait Package gift certificates

Buy yours here.

Sale ends Monday, November 30th.