[contact] 336.721.3005 defininglife@sallyguptonphotography.net

NEW BLOG!

2009-08-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Please join us over at the new blog for Sally Gupton Photography! While this blog will remain on line, it will no longer be receiving new updates. We'd love to see you over at http://www.sallyguptonphotography.net/blog/, take a minute to bookmark the new site, subscribe to updates and keep up with all the new changes as we grow and continue to define life through photography!

One of my newer favorite images from a bridal session with Paula. Go to http://www.sallyguptonphotography.net/blog/ to see more from her session!

changes

2009-05-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new blog, which explains the lack of activity around here. Should be reveled soon! If you are waiting to see your images on the blog...you'll be on the new one!!! In the meantime, here are some images of my little guys enjoying the spring!

Sarah [bridal]

2009-04-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Details and amazing images from this wedding coming soon!

By the way, this shoot was done at the new studio in High Point.
Future clients~let me know if this is something your interested in.
A blank canvas...we can turn it into anything you + I can dream of!
Good for scheduled sessions when the rain decides to make an appearance too!

the sweet collection

2009-04-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Something new for all the expecting mommies out there! There have been several inquires/requests for a "baby plan". Here you go!

Just wanted note: April is booked, call now for May/June.
Limited availability for newborn sessions.

Sarah + Jason [wedding]

2009-03-24T19:01:00.001-07:00

Wedding season has begun! Sarah + Jason were the first wedding of 2009!

Good Friends, as well as my second shooters, Chezley Royster and Ivan Ditscheiner, and myself all loaded up and headed to Wilmington NC for the big weekend event.

It was an amazing weekend! The locations, the details and special attention to every little thing, the guests and especially Sarah and Jason's families! Simply the best!

I get to know my couples pretty very over the course of working together leading up to the wedding. I have never seen two people be happier before! They were radiating love and happiness!

Often after seeing a venue and knowing the groom, I know exactly what I want to do for the wedding party images.
I immediately visualized a 'mafia' scene for the fellas. I ran down to a cigar shop, grabbed some cigars and there it is...just as I saw it in my mind. I love my job!!!

[hair] John Roberts Hair Design
[wedding] First Baptist Church
[reception] Thalian Hall

Colin + Amanda [engagement]

2009-03-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

I met Colin and Amanda last year at Pete and Maria's Wilmington Wedding which I had the pleasure of photographing. Colin was the best man. As a newly engaged couple, they inquired about the possibilities of working together on their future wedding day.

I recently had the opportunity to finally visit Colin + Amanda in Raleigh while I was in town for the PPNC workshop. We met at the wedding venue to scope out the anticipated day to come later this year at the Umstead Hotel. While we were there we shot a few fun engagement images. The Umstead is an amazing place. Very calming, relaxed and organic. I am stoked about the wedding day!

I love these two! So much wisdom and insight. I could sit and talk with them all night about music, life and spirituality. Colin is actually a mortgage lender in Raleigh, Tommerson Lending, with a very unique philosophy in his business practice.

If your in need of services such as this, definitely give him a call, you won't be disappointed! Check out his website soon. I did some cool shots for his business too!

Meet Hannah [my intern]

2009-03-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

I was checking my message one day and had a call from a young lady named Hannah from Randolph Community College, inquiring about an internship. A light bulb went off. It never occurred to me, but I was excited! Even though I can't possibly have enough hours in the day, nor stay organized long enough to get any thing done in a timely manner on my own, I was wondering if I had enough for someone else to do 40 hours a week. I have been so use to doing it all by myself for so long, I freaked at the thought that I would have enough work+knowledge to make it worth her time. I was totally willing to take on the challenge! After all, I can talk photography all day!

Once Hannah + I had an opportunity to sit and talk about her goals, weakness and strengths, I knew we both could learn from one another. She wanted to learn more about how to work + communicating with clients, as well as the business side of photography. One part of my day to day tasks that I feel really confident I could give her some insight on. One of her weaknesses, as well as mine, is posing, so we are on a mission to figure that one out together! I have learned already that she is really good with studio lighting, which is always a challenge for me. She's even taught me a few photoshop tricks!

We are 3 weeks in and it has been great having her around. She has had an opportunity to assist me on a few shoots. We have an upcoming wedding where I am really going to get to see what she's got! Thus far, I have been extremely impressed with her attitude, work ethic, and most importantly her camera work. She is a pleasure to have around, kind of like a little sister.

Our first week together we went out and did a mini photo shoot of one another.

To be honest, it is the first time I've ever had someone professionally take my photo and I actually liked it! That is huge, because I never like my own image!

Sally Gupton [image by Hannah McClure]

I had Hannah write a few lines about herself and her point of view.
She can be reached at hannah@sallyguptonphotography.net if you have any questions for her or want to say hello.

Without further ado, meet Hannah:

Hannah's Blog

I am a student at Randolph Community College in the commercial photography program, and we’re required to complete two internships to graduate. So I was searching for someone to intern with, when I came across Sally’s website. I enjoyed her work and found it to be a whole lot better than a lot of wedding photographers I looked up in the Triad.
I was interested in getting experience with wedding photography and portraiture, etc., but not the stiff, posed photographs one might think of when they hear the word portrait. So I am excited to get this experience with someone whose pictures are fun, candid, and full of life.
I will be graduating in August, which is crazy! These two years of photo school have been frustrating, difficult, demanding … and still somehow amazing. I never thought I would learn so much. And internships are one of the biggest parts of learning! I have to say I’m not exactly sure what’s to come after graduation, but I am excited about the future and choosing which road of photography I want to go down! I’m hoping the best is yet to come!

Watch out world! I know Hannah is going to do some amazing work in the future and I am honored to have been apart of her journey!

Transformation

2009-03-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since I moved into my office. A very slow transformation, a huge feat but an amazing one to say the least. Many have called it calming and peaceful, few have called it an Oasis. A vision I had from the minute I stepped into the room that I am very proud to have brought to life. Living with all boys at home, I finally have a small place to call my own. A place to go everyday for work, to meet my clients and the best part...a place to call my own. A place called Sally Gupton Photography.

I believe the first set of images were taken in April of last year. Just in the last month I moved in the remainder of the furniture and can say it is very close to complete with a few details left to be filled.

It's funny to look back at the original office space with the green carpet and pin stripped walls. Thank goodness there were beautiful hard wood floors under it all.
The boys really got into it and enjoyed helping me pull wallpaper and paint.

[then]

Located at 500 W. 4th Street, downtown Winston Salem.

[Now]

images + collage designed by Hannah McClure, SGP intern

Mrs. Smith

2009-03-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

Go 2009!

2009-02-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

High School Seniors are some of my most favorite sessions! We've had a wave of them around here lately, some clients, some play [marketing campaign]. I love that they are just starting to learn who they are through self expression!

audrey+jon [engagement]

2009-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

A sweet couple from Virginia whom i have the pleasure of photographing their wedding in August! We had a fun engagement session recently -bouncing around from location to location trying to summarize all the fun things they love and do together, including guitar and "Bo" the pup. Some locations included Graylyn, Krankies and Summit Street Inns.

I need an accountant!

2009-02-05T06:26:00.001-08:00

Any one out there up for a challenge? Any readers have a referral? Anyone maybe willing to barter a few hours of their time to prep me for taxes for a photo session or monies off a wedding package?

I know I haven't blogged a lot lately. I've been working on a few LARGE projects that have been eating me alive., although well worth it. Not to mention trying to keep up with all my awesome clients. I'll be heading to Wilmington, NC in a few weeks for an amazing wedding and some workshops. Along with my long list of things to do, one is to change my blog layout [bigger and better]. If you haven't checked out the new wedding website, please do! While it is still a work in progress I am excited to simply have something up and running considering my blog was the only means of communication i had for such a long time. The childhood portraiture website should be up any day now.

I couldn't be more exited about spring being on the way. I can already smell the warm breezes when I look at this image taken at a wedding last year. My favorite part of the longer days is being able to come home with my kids and sit and play outside. It's simply a better quality of life for those seasons because of that.

one.

2009-01-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

meet [lucy]

2009-01-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Anna + Drew [wedding]

2009-01-09T14:29:00.001-08:00

Gardner Wedding

2009-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

I had an opportunity to work with one of my most favorite photographers, Anne Ruthmann. I can't be more honest when I say I wouldn't be where I am without fellow photographers such as Anne, that are willing to mentor and share their success. I packed my bags and headed out to Washington DC to meet a total stranger and accompany her for the weekend. Anne is not only a brilliant artist but she is extremely smart in the business of photography and my favorite part about Anne, her good heart.

For any photographers out there, she has a photography business blog [Photo LoveCat] with a wealth of great information and resources.

Sally + Anne

Party of Five [Arthur]

2009-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

"b" is for baker

2009-01-06T15:14:00.001-08:00

defining [double k]

2009-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

A rockstar is what she is!

defining [waiting]

2008-12-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

HGTR Album Release [featuring works of SGP]

2008-12-23T20:30:00.001-08:00

I am so freakin' proud of these guys and just ecstatic to be apart of their musical journey. The first time I heard Holy Ghost Tent Revival was at a wedding reception I was shooting at. It was a outdoor summer event in Boone, NC. Their sound echoed through the valley and I was immediately taken in.

Below is how Shakori Hills describes them, and to be honest, it's one of the only descriptions I have read that comes close to giving the emotions their music creates actual words;

"Holy Ghost Tent Revival rhythmic riot features throttling acoustic guitars and horn rave-ups, conjuring 19th century riverboat eclecticism, Stephen Foster style songcraft, and latter-day ragtime and Dixieland hilarity."

They had their first album release just recently and my photo was used inside the album cover! Go ahead. Ya know you want to. Pick one up. Support a local band, local art and one hell of an album!

Anna+Clara [sisters]

2008-12-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

rippey [sisters]

2008-12-23T19:11:00.002-08:00

There is usually a good story behind the adventure in the session alone. I like that the session has a memory to go with the collection of images. For children, that is important. To be able to recall that place and time when you look back at your childhood through the photographs.

For adults, like these three sisters, it's simply a case of exhaustion from laughter. The kind that has you doubled over, holding your belly, tears in your eyes. Just to give you an idea; this session involved me ripping my jeans from jumping a fence, a dog, a goat, a cat carcass and extreme climbing. We had fun to say the least. I love the daring client that trusts my visions!! Merry Christmas Beth!

[catch up]

2008-12-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

WoW! It's hard to believe this year is gone. What an amazing one it has been! This is going to be a long post. I apologize, I'm trying to play catch up on blogging. The holiday season has left me scattered. Leading up to now has been a sum of many things [amazing.insane.fun.busy.tiring.exciting]. I'm happy to say I survived the madness! whew! [can i breathe now?]

Tomorrow at 1pm I finally get to pack up and close down the holiday madness at SGP studio. I get to go home to be with my boys for the next couple of days. I'll be back on Monday preparing for 2009!

[christmas suprises]
There are alot of cool christmas presents sitting under some trees this year! I wish I could be there to see all the gifts of art being received from the amazing people I have been working with! I get so excited thinking about it! Personally, I always get much more excited about the giving part of Xmas. To watch the expressions, the surprise, the emotions. Eeeeee! the reward of giving. I can't quite post them yet, in case a receiver may be on the other end, but I look forward to revealing some images after Christmas. If you happen to record your loved one opening their gift from SGP submit the video. I'll post it for all to see!

[deadline for contest]
Remember the deadline for the "Giving is Awesome" Contest is Dec. 31st. I've had some great entries come through my email. I look forward to sharing with you the winning story on New Years Day!

[announcement for senior graduates]
Contact me if you are interested in modeling on January 2nd. Myself, along with a couple of other photographers are going to be working with a group of seniors to
build a portfolio with the senior market in mind. This is a great opportunity to receive a free session. All participants will receive a print credit towards purchase. Sessions will range from morning through the evening. Requires a model release [parents signature if under 18]. Email me at: defininglife@sallyguptonphotography.net and include a photo please. If you know an attractive, outgoing, expressive senior please share this announcement with them.

Now business is over, the fun stuff...

[JH]
In the last month I took a small vacay for myself to break up the holiday madness and, well, I simply deserved it... because it was my birthday! To celebrate, my two best girlfriends and I headed out west for some girl time and snowboarding. I use to live in this beautiful area called Jackson WY. A small town in the valley surrounded by the Grand Tetons. Here are a few images from the trip. Returning to that magical place always renews my spirit. If you've ever been there, you know just what I mean.

view from the hotel.

The Grand Tetons

the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

a small geographical map of the town

[woods family]
I had the privilege of working with the Woods family earlier in November. They had won a free session from an auction at Forsyth Country Day School. Here are a few images from their session. A great family!

[Ginger+Chris]
I had posted a blog entry on this wedding earlier, but there were so many good ones, I just have to show more. It was one of those days when everything went perfectly. The bride, the groom, the camera [settings+lighting], the entire flow of the day. Like magic.

one of my favorites, they were playing with a paper football while waiting for the ceremony to start. See the blue 'football' flying above the grooms head [top shelf right].

L-O-V-E the expression on the grooms face as he dances with his grandmother.

There is no place I won't go for a photo. Yes, this was the men's bathroom. I had to stand on a urinal to get this image. This is where I was labeled 'the coolest wedding photographer ever'.

[A word from the bride]
Sally was extremely easy to work with. She went above and beyond what I had expected and was able to capture real moments between us, and between our family & friends, with what seemed to be effortless grace and enthusiasm. She worked wonderfully with our entire wedding party, taking special picture requests from family and friends, and even earning the title of "coolest photographer ever" from one of our groomsmen. I am so thrilled to have these memories captured in such a beautiful form.

[a shining star]
There is no better way to end this entry than with an amazing story of a little girl named Olivia. Olivia had a challenging beginning. A premature delivery and then major surgery within the first 24 hours of birth. She has proven to be nothing less than a shining star. The time spent with this family and little Olivia was some of the best spent moments I've had in a long while. Blessings are everywhere if you open your eyes, but to actually hold one is what I like to call a miracle. And she's just so, so sweet.

This is one of my favorite images. Mom commented on how this is exactly what she did for the 7 weeks Olivia was in the NICU. Gently cupping and rubbing her small, fragile head. I can't imagine what it may feel like to have a new child that you can't hold. This image will remind mom of those endless nights and days as she sat...waiting...praying that her little girl was going to be okay. Although you never want to do it again, you wouldn't take back those moments for anything. Please keep Olivia +her parents in your prayers. While things are great now, I want to make sure they stay just that way.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy the company of your loved ones. This is my favorite time of year, simply to be together. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Giving is Awesome!

2008-12-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1500 worth, to be exact. They'll receive a full regular session as well a their entire session completely edited and sent to them on a CD.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 gift certificate. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in the Triad Area, NC area. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story :
defininglife@sallyguptonphotography.net

The winner will be announced on New Year's Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Want to nominate someone in another state? Check out http://givingisawesome.com/ to find participating photographers in states other than North Carolina.