STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 22: Amazing Stop-Motion Music Video

Just a really amazing stop-motion music video. I can't imagine how long it must have taken to create this but it is awe inspiring. Plus, I love turtles. Enjoy!

New SpokesMAMA Contest - Alternative to School Portraits, 6 - 8 year olds

We're excited to announce the next SpokesMAMA Contest begins TODAY!

Standard posed school portraits can be rushed, uncomfortable and unnatural. Shouldn't our kids pictures say more about them than what color their hair and eyes are, and whether they tilted their head the right way? We think so.

We offer an alternative to those stiff portraits, capturing real life and natural moments. And unlike school portraits, our sessions include the whole family. By incorporating meaningful activities and personal items into the portrait sessions, these documentary photographs are expressive of your child and his/her relationships with all the members of your family. And we’re giving away a complete portrait package to one lucky family.

Complete the SpokesMAMA application, including uploading or mailing a copy of your child's school portrait, by April 17th to win a full portrait session package including a 2-hour Portrait Session, $250 product credit, 25% discount on a second Portrait Session package, a t-shirt, car window decal and some serious bragging rights.

Want to know more? Learn more about the contest here - SpokesMAMA Contest.

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Plus, tweet or post to your Facebook status to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate. Post daily and we'll draw one name randomly when the contest ends. The more you tweet or post, the better your chances!

[Copy and Paste into your status]

Twitter : Atlanta moms, become a #SpokesMAMA & win an alternative school portrait session for your 6-8 yr old w/ @saraphotography http://bit.ly/ekE5Gd

Facebook (you must be a fan and tag our studio fan page for it to count): Atlanta moms, win an alternative school portrait session for your 6-8 yr old in the #SpokesMAMA Contest at (@sara speert photography) by 4/17. http://bit.ly/ekE5Gd

SpokesMAMA Baby - And the winner is...

Erinleigh Kinyanjui...Congratulations Erinleigh!

Thanks to everyone who applied and everyone who spread the word about it. We couldn't have done it without you! Our first SpokesMAMA Contest of 2011 received more applications than any other contest last year, our inaugural year for the contest.

The decision was so tough. Erinleigh won us over because she was so eloquent yet down-to-earth when she described herself and her love of our children's portraits.

I love the use of natural light and the intimacy of shooting in the subjects' home and other familiar locations. I HATE pose-y pictures, so the photo-journalistic style combined with her amazing eye is priceless. I think SSP is different (.... because although) other photographers may have a similar .... gear, etc... when you look at Sara's pictures you can feel the moments that were captured. They are beautiful pictures that reflect memories and are artistic to boot!

In addition to being a mom, she writes her own blog, volunteers at her church and even writes screenplays for local elementary schools. She seems like super-mom to us and we're thrilled to award her with the SpokesMAMA badge.

The next SpokesMAMA Contest is for moms of kids 6-8 years old. At this age, our kids are getting used to sitting for school pictures. ("Cheese!" Ah, those dreaded words!) And while many of those pictures turn out great, for most of us, they really don't say anything much about who are kids are. Shouldn't a picture say more than, "Yes, I have brown hair and blue eyes and my head is tilted the right way." LOL

We'd like to introduce an alternative to those posed, unnatural, uncomfortable and pressured portraits. And we'd like to include the whole family! Learn more about the next contest here and please spread the word. Please use #SpokesMAMA and @saraphotography when tweeting. The contest begins on March 17th.

Check back soon for pictures from Erinleigh's portrait session and if you see a SpokesMAMA sticker on the back of a car as you're driving around Atlanta, be sure to say congratulations! Plus, she'll have a special gift for you too!

And because no post is complete without a photo, enjoy this adorable moment I captured a few weeks ago of 4 year old Will showing off his awesome bedroom.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 21: Boutique Sale

It's time for the children's boutique warehouse sale. Save up to 70% on adorable clothing for your adorable kids from over 16 local stores including our new partner, Salon Red Kids. (Stay tuned for some exciting news about what we'll be doing with them soon.)

Here are the details:

Children's Warehouse Sale
When: Saturday, February 19th 9am - 5pm
Where: Atlantic Station, next to Dillard's, (404)876 1359
How much: Admission: $5 (a portion goes to Path to Shine, an after-school tutoring program)

Can't wait to see some of those new bright and fun clothes at your next portrait session!

Picture of the Day - Atlanta Newborn Portrait: Nora

14-day old Nora is a bundle of cuteness. Her newborn portrait session was a wonderful time to document her tininess, her innocence and all that beautiful hair!

As soon as I walked into her nursery, I spotted these adorable wooden blocks and knew they'd be perfect in pictures. I love that she's in the middle of that "sentence." So scrumptious!

Amy's Holiday Party

In December, we were asked to photograph a wonderful event called Amy's Holiday Party. Since she was 13 years old, Amy Zeide has been organizing and hosting this party for homeless, foster and refugee children in the Atlanta area. What started as a party for 25 children has turned into a massive event for 800+ children and their families, 300 volunteers, countless donations of toys and games. We love donating our time to events like this. Seeing how much the children and their families were affected by the party was so meaningful and was a great reminder of what is really important in the midst all the chaos of the holiday season.

Here are some highlights from the day.

The event took place at the Holiday Inn Turner Field.
Thankfully the snow flurries didn't seem to keep anyone away.


An entire room was filled with toys and each child chose two to take with them.


Amy Zeide (L), Tara Kornblum (3rd) and two volunteers


One of the many games the kids played.


The butterfly on her face made this little girl SO happy.


WSB TV interviews Amy about the event.


Jason's Deli donated lunch for everyone.


So excited to have a new truck for Christmas!

Client Rooms: Collage

You may remember one of the portrait sessions I did back in the summer in Brooklyn, NY of Clara. Now that New York is blanketed in snow, it may be a little hard to remember wearing short sleeves and tank tops, but the Rock Collage they have will be a nice reminder. Since I couldn't deliver it in person, the next best thing was to photograph it in my own home and I must say that the green wall in our dining room really makes it pop!

The Collage is printed on Fine Art Metal and stands off the wall about an inch. It's a really modern and unique way to display their favorite pictures as a story in one cohesive piece.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 20

On Tuesday, I installed a gallery of baby and kids portraits at the Peachtree-Dunwoody Road location of Roswell OB-GYN. I am so excited because I think it complements the excitement that expectant mothers are already feeling. Going to all those prenatal appointments can also be nerve-racking, so I hope that these beautiful pictures of happy healthy babies and families will bring them some peace and keep them thinking positive thoughts (even through the nausea!)

Our galleries of fine art portrait photography can engage customers, elevate the ambiance and style of a room, and encourage conversation. Just during the short time that I was at the doctor's office installing the gallery, at least a dozen people came over to see the photos, oooh and ahh over the adorable kids in the photos (of course!), and conversations just took off from there. In fact, I heard someone at the front desk saying how difficult it is to photograph her own kids - they won't sit still - she said. Who else can relate to that, right?

We are looking for other locations to create displays like this. So if you know of a space that would benefit from something like this, let us know!



The gallery images I chose include clients from a range of locations: Atlanta, Decatur, Emory, Grant Park, Lithonia, Dunwoody, and even Brooklyn, NY! And I adore the little shoes hanging off the wall that are holding my business cards. Thanks to my new friend, Carl, for that genius idea. They are so eye-catching and add some additional fun to the gallery.

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.

_____________________

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!