New SpokesMAMA Contest - BABY

It's a new year and guess what!?
It's time for the first SpokesMAMA Contest of 2011!

Last year we received such a great response to the contests including getting some press about it in Professional Photographer Magazine! This year promises to be even more exciting with a total of 6 contests for children ranging in age from newborn to 8 years old.

This month's contest is for MAMA's of children ages 6 months to 2 years old. We're looking for MAMA's who value quality portrait photography, love our style, and want to help us grow by sharing their pictures and their experience with all their friends. All the details are on the application so click the image for more information. And good luck!

Application deadline is February 17th.

New SpokesMAMA Contest

Best Images of 2010

Setting the task of choosing our favorite images from the entire year sounds easy enough, but in reality it is really hard. Each family I've photographed has done more than just hire me. They've welcomed me into their home and opened their lives to me. They've trusted me to document this time in their lives ....in reality. There are no forced smiles, only real personalities and relationships showing through. I've connected with every family I've photographed, gotten to know them and in some cases watched them grow over the years. And in turn, they've allowed me to explore as an artist; to not be held by restraints of what a portrait should look like. They've trusted me and encouraged my creativity. And for that I am so grateful.

Here are a few of my favorite images from 2010. Thanks again and here's to more beautiful images and wonderful families in 2011!

Happy New Year - 2011!

I don't know about you but I'm in a bit of denial. I can't believe it's 2011. I mean, weren't we all just freaking out about Y2K? Ok, so it's time to make the adjustment and start writing "11" for the date and to come to the realization that we are now in a new decade. (Just weird!)

Over our holiday break I was super busy. In fact, I was so busy that it's hard to comprehend how I have time to get anything done when I'm working. I saw friends and family, celebrated mine and Nick's birthdays, rang in the New Year with some close friends, got to see my adorable 2 year old niece, warmed up by multiple fires in our fireplace, and did a ton of cooking and baking. Needless to say, I am very excited to start swimming again to get rid of the extra brownies, I mean weight, I gained.

January is a very exciting time of year here. It's the time of year when we look toward the future and put pen to paper. We are busy making plans for the year, coming up with new products, reworking our photography menu, planning events with local businesses, redecorating our studio, planning more SpokesMAMA Contests, and coming up with some other great promotions that we know you're going to love. But before we jump too far into 2011, I'd like to take a look back at 2010 and some of our favorite images. So check back later this week to see those and have some fun with us.

And because no post can be complete without a photo, here is my adorable niece, Elizabeth, during a rare stationary moment. :)

Picture of the Day - Large Family Portraits in Atlanta

As things wind down here at the studio, we are finishing up some New Year's cards, enlargement orders and preparing for our planning month ahead. I have so many ideas for 2011 and I can't wait to share them with you. In due time...

I hope you are enjoying these last few days of shopping and getting ready for Christmas and New Year's. I'm looking forward to some time cooking and baking in the kitchen for some parties we're going to with friends, and next week is my birthday! Nick and I are 3 days apart so we decided it was time to have a joint birthday celebration. Looking forward to some dancing at Loca Luna!

So, you may remember this family portrait from an earlier post. The goal was to get a few group portraits of everyone for grandma. Under normal circumstances with 4 adults and 4 children (3 of which are 3 years old or younger) that would be somewhat difficult. But the kids were amazing and did a great job. I was actually able to give the family a few different options for the group shot and this is one of them. Learning a technique from one of the greats in our industry, Drake Busath, I photographed each family separately and then brought them together in Photoshop. I love the result - natural and relaxed expressions, and intimacy that can only happen when the individual groups are small.

Click the image to see it larger.

Picture of the Day: Corporate Event Photography - A Surprise Guest

I recently photographed a corporate dinner at the beautiful St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead. During the cocktail hour as guests were arriving, two guests entered the room and my excitement overtook me. Ok, maybe "overtook" is too strong a word because I tend to put on the calmest face when I am stressed or excited in company where I need to hold it together. So maybe it's better to say that I was jumping up and down ... inside my head.

Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn entered the room with such grace. Andrew Young is like Atlanta royalty. He was Atlanta's mayor, UN Ambassador, US Congressman, executive director of the SCLC, colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., founder of the Andrew Young Foundation, chairman of Southern African Enterprise Development Fund, and he received the Presidential Medal of Honor among many other accolades. And, as I quickly found out, he is such a nice man and very approachable. He asked me to take a few pictures throughout the evening of he and his wife so how could I refuse? Here are some of my favorites.

Wedding Photography - Engagement Photography on Decatur Square

On a cold and blustery Sunday afternoon, Elizabeth and Joe somehow managed to stay warm throughout our portrait session. Must be love or something. :)

So excited for your wedding in May! Congratulations on your engagement!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 19: Small Business Rewards

You may have heard over the weekend about American Express's Small Business Saturday. In an effort to support small business across the country, AMEX gave a $25 credit to all registered card members when they spent $25 or more at local stores on Saturday. Because the event received such a huge response, they've extended the promotion until the end of the year.

We are a participating small business in this promotion so be sure you register your card to receive the credit.

Register here to receive a $25 credit on your American Express statement.

The credit is given for purchases made at our studio only (online sales are not included). Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday.

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What do you do now with all those leftovers? Reinvent! Take the turkey leftovers and make something with completely different flavors. With only 7 ingredients, you won't feel like you're stuck in the kitchen for another day. Let me know how it turns out if you decide to try it!


Turkey Enchiladas
Yield: Makes 6 servings


3 cups shredded skinned cooked turkey
2 cups sour cream
About 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz.)
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
12 corn tortillas
1 jar (16 oz.) medium-hot salsa

1. In a bowl, mix turkey, sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheese, and the salt.

2. Heat oil in an 8- to 10-inch frying pan over low heat. Dip the tortillas, one at a time, in the hot oil just until limp, about 5 seconds.

3. Fill tortillas equally with turkey mixture, roll up, and arrange side by side, seam down, in a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Pour salsa evenly over the top.

4. Bake in a 350° oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle more shredded cheese over hot enchiladas before serving.

CALORIES 677 (60% from fat); FAT 45g (sat 21g); CHOLESTEROL 128mg; CARBOHYDRATE 32g; SODIUM 1308mg; PROTEIN 35g; FIBER 2.6g

Help-Portrait: Gift Certificate Sale

Founded by Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a community of photographers, coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.

On 04 December, photographers around the world will be grabbing their cameras, finding people in need and taking their picture. When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered.

Who needs pictures? Anyone who wouldn’t normally have access to or be able to afford professional photography.

• the homeless
• orphans
• single moms (and their kids)
• single dads (and their kids)
• sick children
• sick parents
• the elderly
• army vets
• underprivileged families
• your neighbor

I am participating at the Midtown Atlanta location and we need donations to make this work. Everyone is volunteering and all the camera and computer equipment is donated, but we need donations to pay for printing and framing the pictures. Can you spare $1, $10, $50? 100% of all donations go to support the event.





To make donating even sweeter, we're having a Cyber-Monday Sale on Gift Certificates. All Day Monday, November 29th (with a "preview days" Saturday and Sunday, just like Macy's!) all $100 Gift Certificates will receive a $25 bonus, AND $10 of each sale will support Help-Portrait.

Sound confusing? Let's break it down....

You purchase $200 in Gift Certificates, you receive $50 bonus in Gift Certificates and $20 will be donated to Help-Portrait. Gift Certificates are good for one year and can be used for any product or service we offer.

Picture of the Day - Photoventuring at the Krog Street Tunnel

Before I opened Sara Speert Photography, when photography was simply a hobby and I was creating fine art photography for local galleries, neighborhood art festivals and underground art exhibits, I used to drive around Atlanta aimlessly looking for interesting things to photograph. I did it on a pretty regular basis, learned a lot and it kept my creativity evolving. But as I got busier photographing my clients, when it came to my day off, I rarely want to pick up a camera.

But armed with an amazing camera and lens that I rented this weekend, I felt inspired to get out and have some fun. So on Sunday, Nick and I headed out to take pictures (and video) around Atlanta. These are from the infamous Krog Street tunnel in Cabbagetown. I love not knowing exactly what I'm going to get with night-time photography. Waiting for cars to drive through the tunnel, pressing the shutter button and seeing the image on the back of the camera was exhilarating. Back when I used to do this, I was shooting film so the development took days instead of milliseconds. Recharging my creativity is awesome. Hope you enjoy!

Surprise Marriage Proposal - Atlanta Photographer

Last week Bill decided to propose to Tammy after 2 1/2 years of dating. While planning all the details like the ring, dinner reservations and the "story" he could tell Tammy about their plans for the night, he took it one step further by contacting me to photograph the entire thing so they both could relive the moment again and again. He actually said, "I'm doing this for her so she can see the pictures" but we all know the truth, it's for him too! Who wouldn't want to relive this magical moment.

I struggled with finding THE picture to post as a sneak-peek for Bill and Tammy and their families, and a window-inside to all of you who are Facebook fans and knew about the secret proposal before Tammy. So I decided the best way to do it was to recount the details of the night.

Last week, I scouted out the gazebo on Decatur square so I could tell Bill where to go. I needed him to sit in a spot that was picturesque and visible from a good distance away. If I hoped to photograph the whole thing unseen, I needed to stay pretty far away and to stay in one position to avoid rustling any leaves. Picked the spot, spoke to Bill on Thursday, and we were all set.

Friday, November 19th
6:00pm Dinner reservations for Bill and Tammy at Iberian Pig

6:15 At home, I am dressed in dark clothes, and wearing a hat and gloves to keep warm. I am definitely feeling like a spy/paparazzi photographer.

6:29 I leave my studio to get to the square and get everything set up.

6:31 I receive a text message from Bill saying that they've been delayed and have just sat down for dinner.

6:32 I return to my studio to hang out for a little while.

6:55 Take Two - I leave the studio again and head to the square. Unsure if I'll find a parking spot close-by, I want to leave extra time even though I don't expect them to leave the restaurant until 7:30.

7:04 I find a parking space close-by and arrive at the square. The place is buzzing with people. A group of teenagers skateboarding by the statue, couples walking to and from dinner, friends walking to the bars nearby. And the entire square is decorated for Christmas - string lights, red bows and even a saxophone-player.

7:15 I set up my gear on a picnic table which is strategically nestled next to a tree. The perfect spot to shoot from where I won't be seen. The excitement is building and I'm hoping not to draw any attention from all the people walking around although I'm not sure that's possible.

7:45 Text message from Bill says "Hey Sara. I am paying the bill now. We should be coming out soon." This is it!

7:50 I spot them walking up the steps from the restaurant and start shooting away. I see Bill look for me and as soon as he's sees me, they start their walk toward the gazebo. Despite Tammy having no idea what is going on, it's clear this night is already a romantic one. She stops along the path and kisses him underneath the neon sign for "Good Times" store. Perfect!

They walk up the steps of the gazebo and sit. Bill is sitting one step below her (just as we planned) so I can be sure to see her face clearly from the trees.

7:59 I'm busy shooting away, when a couple walks past me and the man says "No paparazzi here!" It made me laugh because I had been thinking the same thing the whole time, but I couldn't respond for fear that Tammy would hear or see me.

8:00 They are talking for a bit and I am waiting for some kind of sign that he is proposing. It couldn't have been more clear at the moment. As soon as Tammy realizes what is going on, she sits up straight in an Oh-my-gosh!--This-is-happening! kind of way. So cute.

I'll let the photos speak for the rest of that magical moment. (Click the image below.)

After they've had a few minutes together, Bill waves me over. I introduce myself and Tammy is just numb, I think. They are both so happy but it may have been my get-up that really took her by surprise. :) I suggest we take some pictures around the square and find out that this place has a lot of meaning for them. They have come here on many dates. Tammy tells me that on a few occasions Bill has driven one hour in each direction just to spend a half an hour with Tammy at Java Monkey. So, taking some pictures there is the obvious next location for us. (I'll post some of them soon.)

It was a magical, emotional and fun evening, and I am so honored to have documented it for them. If you or anyone you know is planning a proposal, please contact the studio. I would LOVE to photograph more of these in the future. Our memories of moments like this are invaluable, but having an album or picture hanging in your home of that moment is priceless.

Congratulations Tammy and Bill!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 18: Atlanta Children's Clothing Store Closing

The Little Shop, an Atlanta institution that's been open for almost 40 years, is sadly closing their doors. They specialize in traditional clothing for children including Bailey Boys, Florence Eiseman, Auraluz, US Angels, Little Giraffe, Rosalina, Royal Child, Will'Beth, Kidorable, Pockets of Learning.

Save 30% or more during their going-out-of-business sale. Support the store by helping them clear out inventory and get some great clothing for the holidays in the process.

The Little Shop
Shops Around Lenox
3400 Around Lenox Drive
Atlanta, GA 30326

Tell Mildred I sent you - she'd love to help you find the perfect item for your child.

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Holiday Family Portrait

Today's Picture of the Day is of one beautiful family. Jen and Adam have graced the banner of our blog for a while now. (Their picture is the one on the far right.) Their wedding vow renewal ceremony was a moving and memorable day that I'll never forget. Last year, I joined them to photograph a family portrait session at their beautiful home. And this year, Adam's brother and sister-in-law, David and Carolyn, and their two boys joined us for a really fun fall session.

How cute are these boys! Seriously!

The holidays are a wonderful time to photograph your extended family and capture the kids as they are now. In a year or even just a month, these boys will look different and taking some time to photograph the entire family is a great way to honor this special time together. (And it's great for grandparents gifts!)

If you are interested in scheduling a holiday portrait session for your family during Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or Christmas, please contact the studio at 404-nine66-7two7two. We will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to celebrate the holiday (and my birthday!)

Picture of the Day - Decatur & Atlanta Kids Portraits

Today's Picture of the Day is brought to you by the letter "C" because
Carter loves Cars.

He also loves that my camera makes a clicking sound. Everytime I took a picture he said, "She keeps clicking!" It was such a funny moment, he had me and his parents laughing hysterically.
I love it when my little clients' personalities are so evident in our sessions. From babies to toddlers and then kids, I just love watching them grow up.

Here he is at his first portrait at 7 months old.
His next session was at 13 months.
And last year's session at 2 years old.
Now he is 3 years old and is so fun to be around.
I could have spent all day there!

Last few days for our Fall Promotion! - Ends Nov. 1st

All orders placed and sessions booked by November 1st are eligible to receive a FREE custom iPhone, Blackberry, or other cell phone/PDA skin.*

Introducing SKINS! What's a SKIN? It's a durable 3M vinyl that transforms any phone/PDA into a one-of-a-kind art piece. Select your photo and we'll create your customized skin just for you. What's better than being reminded of your favorite people everyday and showing them off to everyone you know?!

The skins are low-profile and won't interfere with docking, charging or any other accessories. They don't leave any residue behind so when you're ready for an update, simply peel off the old one and replace it with a photo taken during your most recent session.

All orders placed and sessions booked by November 1st are eligible to receive a FREE custom iPhone, Blackberry, or other cell phone/PDA skin.*

iPhone/Blackberry/all other cell phone skins = $75 value
iPad skin = $100 value

*Free with a minimum order of $700. One per family. Orders may not be combined. Promotion is only valid at Design Appointment.

Contacting the studio at 404-nine six six-7272.

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Baby Portrait

Today's Picture of the Day is just so darn cute! Little Eva was the perfect model throughout our 2-hour session. Eva's parents are hoping to put up a Wall Collection of pictures in their hallway that are a bit antique looking. Retro-inspired borders around the pictures really make the entire collection something special, but let's be honest, Eva is the star. These 9 pieces can be printed onto Fine Art Canvas or Fine Art Metal and hung as a cluster.

As she grows, we'll add another collection from each session to document her growing up.

Meet 6 month old Eva!

Adventure Portrait: Patrick (Marietta Children's Photographer)

As your little one grows up, it is so exciting to watch them enjoy their favorite activities. Whether your child is quiet and observant, or rambunctious and talkative, Adventure Portraits are a fun and non-stressful way to capture their personality. During our Planning Meeting, we'll discuss your child's interests and incorporate those interests into the session. Love animals? Let's go to the Atlanta Zoo like Cole. Love to play dress-up? Let's put a bunch of clothes and jewelry in a trunk, find a full-length mirror and play!

Last year Patrick was really into trucks, especially fire trucks. So an Adventure Portrait at the local fire station was a huge treat. He also loves sports and especially loves ice hockey so this year we headed to the ice skating rink. He challenged me to a race on the ice on the ride over to the rink and guess what? He beat me! Yay, Patrick!

It's hard to believe that Patrick is four years old. I've been photographing him since he was 5 or 6 months old, and now he's a big kid!

Click the image below to view a slideshow of Patrick's Adventure Portrait. (warning: there is music on the slideshow so turn down your sound if you're at work.)

Picture of the Day - Day in the Life Adventure Portrait

Playing with dad
Adventure portrait session on the
Chattahoochee River Cochran Shoals Trails

Blog Action Day 2010: WATER

Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Across the world today, thousands of people are blogging about water issues facing people everywhere. As a proud blog writer, I think it's important to join in the conversation and raise awareness of the need for attention to this most basic human need.

Here are some interesting facts about WATER: (used with permission from http://blogactionday.change.org/)

1. Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Unclean drinking water can incubate some pretty scary diseases, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera and hepatitis A. Given that bouquet of bacteria, it's no surprise that water, or rather lack thereof, causes 42,000 deaths each week.
2. More people have access to a cell phone than to a toilet. Today, 2.5 billion people lack access to toilets. This means that sewage spills into rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water and causing disease.
3. Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water. They do this while carrying cisterns weighing around 40 pounds when filled in order to gather water that, in many cases, is still polluted. Aside from putting a great deal of strain on their bodies, walking such long distances keeps children out of school and women away from other endeavors that can help improve the quality of life in their communities.
4. It takes 6.3 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger. That 6.3 gallons covers everything from watering the wheat for the bun and providing water for the cow to cooking the patty and baking the bun. And that's just one meal! It would take over 184 billion gallons of water to make just one hamburger for every person in the United States.
5. The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. From showering and washing our hands to watering our lawns and washing our cars, Americans use a lot of water. To put things into perspective, the average five-minute shower will use about 10 gallons of water. Now imagine using that same amount to bathe, wash your clothes, cook your meals and quench your thirst.

While these facts may be grim, there is hope for real solutions as more and more people around the world are waking up to the clean water crisis. Earlier this year, the UN declared access to clean water a human right and groups like charity: water and Water.org continue to work tirelessly to bring water access to the developing world.

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The vulnerability of this once-thought infinite resource became a personal realization a couple years ago here in Atlanta when we had been in a drought for so long that water restrictions were put in place across the entire state. I remember capturing water from the shower in a bucket as the water warmed up so I could later water the plants outside. I remember being so conscious about unnecessary running water, like letting the water run as I brushed my teeth or washed dishes, and it seems that now that we are no longer in a drought that no one is talking about the need for conscious water use anymore. I am happy to report that turning off the water when I'm brushing has become habit and I don't think about it anymore, but there are many more things I could do to help preserve this resource and to help provide clean drinking water for those who need it.

This website does an amazing job of explaining why safe drinking water is so important, its affects on the people who have no other choice but to drink unclean water, and what you can do to help. The organization, charity: water, donates 100% of it's donations to help build wells where safe drinking water is not available.

I'd love to start a conversation so please feel free to leave a comment below (look for the "comment" link).

• Has your perspective of water changed throughout the last few years or maybe after reading those scary facts above?
• What do you do to help conserve water or provide clean drinking water to others who need it?
• What do you think is "doable" to make a change in your everyday life to conserve water?

If you have a blog and would like to join the conversation, visit Blog Action Day 2010 website to learn more.