Sara Speert Photography Blog

New Website and Blog

2011-05-18T11:25:00.003-04:00

This is the final post on this blog. Our new blog is located at our new website: http://www.saraphotography.com.

Please visit us there and redirect any bookmarks to the new site.

Welcome to the world, new website and logo!

Born: May 18th, 2011 at 1:15am in Decatur, Georgia and the world over
Weighing: 12 pages and 7 galleries
Width: 978 pixels

I knew you were ok when, instead of waiting for your cry, all your links worked! I breathed a big sigh of relief and knew all the months of waiting were worth this one moment.

I hope you love the new website. My hope was to create a site that was easier to navigate (and one you could see on your smartphone), prettier to look at, more dynamic with a Facebook connection, and contained a lot more information that you would find, well, informative. As with every website we've had, the toughest decisions were choosing images to include. Thanks to everyone who allowed us into your homes and your lives to capture such beautiful moments. Your smiling faces, warm hugs and silly laughter make this new home one we are ecstatic to live in!

Subscribe to our new blog here.

Love: Elizabeth & Joe get married

2011-05-11T10:03:00.002-04:00

The weather forecast for Saturday was sunny, low humidity and high in the upper 70's = perfect weather for Elizabeth and Joe to get married. And I knew this was a great sign that their emotional day would be everything they hoped for. All the planning and stress surrounding wedding planning can get overwhelming, but when the day finally comes, my best advice is to just enjoy it. Try as much as you can to live in the moment and make a mental note of everything that you're feeling and all the details of the day. Because the goal isn't to have a perfect day (that isn't even possible.) The goal is to make that commitment to your partner and celebrate the beginning of your life together with all your friends and family. And that's exactly what Elizabeth and Joe did.

I've had an opportunity to get to know them pretty well over the last few months photographing their engagement portrait, two wedding showers and the rehearsal dinner, so witnessing their "I do's" was really special. Their love for each other and the comfort they feel with one another is palpable. It's something I recognized the first time we met. In the face of obstacles and difficulties, it's clear that their partnership is strong and unwavering. Congratulations Elizabeth and Joe!

Venue: The Mary Gay House, Decatur, Georgia
Florist: Carithers
Caterer: Zest Atlanta
Rings: Alexander's of Atlanta
Ceremony Music: Nick Edelstein
Reception Music: Nick & the Grooves
Thanks to Josh Lamkin for second shooting. You rocked it.

Click the image to watch the slideshow.
And show some love for Elizabeth and Joe by leaving a comment below.

Client Rooms: Building a Collection

2011-04-27T10:11:00.000-04:00

Another beautiful example of how to display your favorite portraits in your home. This Fine Art Metal Cluster will grow with little Nora. The first piece in the Cluster is this adorable picture of Nora all curled up at 14 days old. As she grows, we'll add two 11x14's below it to complete the collection.

Because the Clusters are individual pieces, we can rearrange, add to or even separate the pieces onto different walls. The Collections and Clusters both offer this great versatility for growing families.

By photographing the portrait in the nursery, not only was Nora comfortable (and clothing and diapers were close-by for changes), but the portraits automatically match the color and decor of the room. It's the perfect way to take away the stress of worrying whether it will fit in the room.

Plus, by using the wooden blocks, found in her room that spell out her name, we've added an element of nostalgia that I love.

Follow-Up: The Great Cloth Diaper Change - Atlanta

2011-04-26T10:05:00.001-04:00

The Great Cloth Diaper Change event went great! On Saturday, 48 babies had their diaper changed at the exact same time as thousands of others all over the world. The goal was to set a Guinness Book of World Record by changing the most cloth diapers at one time. It was a bit chaotic, as you can imagine with that many babies and their parents and siblings, but everyone had fun and some families even took home some great raffle prizes.

Cloth diapers are so much better for the environment than disposable ones so if you're able, make the change to cloth. Based on the new designs I saw on Saturday, there are some really cute patterns that may add some extra motivation to make the switch. The few portraits I've photographed where baby wore a cloth diaper, the splash of color and pattern from diaper was so fun.

Natural Parenting Atlanta hosted the event at Leapin' Lizards. Thanks to James Adam Hill Photography for photographing the event with me, and Mimi's Murals for decorating the chalk board - so pretty! Here are a few pictures from the event.

Having some fun with daddy while they waited in the registration line.

Checking in at registration.

I couldn't keep my eyes off this beautiful 2-month old. How precious is she?

Holding up the cloth diapers.

If you'd like to view the rest of the pictures - CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS FROM THE GREAT CLOTH DIAPER CHANGE: ATLANTA EVENT.

Congratulations to our New SpokesMAMA!

2011-04-25T17:39:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to our newest SpokesMAMA contest winner - Tracey Grant! Tracey won our SpokesMAMA Contest for 6-8 year old kids. Tracey is enthusiastic and creative and her son, Jacob, will be wonderful for our alternative school portraits. I'll create a series of pictures of Jacob that are fun, and expressive of his personality and his interests. And at the very end, we'll do a side-by-side comparison of his last school portrait with his new pictures. So fun.

Here's a bit of what Tracey wrote in her application:

Sara's pictures tell a story of who your child or family is. She captures those everyday moments that make up our lives and illuminates the magic and beauty that would otherwise be gone in an instant.

Congratulations Tracey, Jacob and the whole Grant family!

Our next SpokesMAMA Contest is for newborns. This is a popular contest so if you're interested in applying, be sure you're a fan of our Facebook page and you're on our enewsletter list so you can be first to know when the contest opens.

SpokesMAMA window decal

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 26: The Great Cloth Diaper Change

2011-04-22T14:47:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow, Saturday April 23rd, we are photographing The Great Cloth Diaper Change event for the Guinness Book of World Records. The challenge? Change the most cloth diapers at the exact same moment. If you have a child who is less than 39" tall, join us to set the record and get into the picture that goes in the record book.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change Event
Learn more at the event website. Please note that admission and participation are free but RSVP is required.

Can't wait to see you there tomorrow!

Leapin' Lizards
185 Sams Street
Decatur, GA 30030

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 25: Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T14:18:00.007-04:00

After a couple weeks of being seriously sick, pulling my back and traveling, I have finally rejoined the world and all the goodness of spring. Thanks for your patience - the most recent SpokesMAMA Contest winner will be announced soon and I will post some pictures from the Easter Bunny Event we had at Salon Red Kids on Sunday. If you ever feel an itching to know what's happening here at the studio, check out our Facebook page. I hate to admit it but I do update there more often than here on the blog. There's something about being able to type just a few words or post a link that is so much less time-consuming than an entire blog post. And it doesn't hurt that so many of you respond and post comments there as well. I definitely feel the love. :)

Happy Earth Day! Hope you have a chance to get outside today and enjoy the outdoors with your family. If I had my way, I'd have my studio outside - well, at least while the weather is good. I love being outside. I always feel so refreshed even if it's just a short walk to the mailbox.

In the vein of Earth Day and protecting our planet, and because I absolutely love re-purposing things - giving items new life as something for which it was never intended - I thought it'd be fun to show you some great items (perfect for Mother's Day) that are upcycled and simply really cool and fun.

One of my fabulous clients owns a business called Tickleworm (how cute is that!) creating upcycled items. Rachel finds old sweaters, cuts, sews and sometimes stuffs to make vintage one-of-a-kind scarfs, wristbands, tooth fairy pouches, cell phone cases and more. One of my favorite parts are the vintage buttons she uses. Don't you just love these?

Scarf

Ornaments

Purse/Pouch

Tooth-Fairy Pillows

I love that she uses existing materials to make fun and unique pieces. By using found items, she's keeping them from going in the trash and truly creating art from something that would otherwise be passed over.

Visit her website and her Etsy shop to order and let her know that I sent you.

SpokesMAMA Pictures!

2011-04-06T15:40:00.001-04:00

Erinleigh won our SpokesMAMA Contest for kids 6 months to 2 years old. And this past weekend I went to their home for their session. When I arrived Eli was cozy napping in his crib but soon woke up for a fun few hours of pictures.

Eli recently discovered his feet.

Love this one! Daddy and Eli

Fresh and fun. Mom and Eli

One of the many things I love about photographing in my clients' homes is using interesting furniture and items found in the house. Erinleigh discovered this rocking chair for Eli's room at a yard sale. A bright coat of paint make it perfect for spring pictures!

Happy family!

Another great find from their home. This basket does double duty as laundry basket...and a prop.

Congratulations to Erinleigh, George and Eli on being our SpokesMAMA family! Want to learn how you can receive a free portrait session package, t-shirt, and more in our SpokesMAMA Contest? Our current contest is for mamas of kids 6 - 8 years old. Check it out here.

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 24: Meet the Easter Bunny

2011-04-05T10:05:00.000-04:00

Salon Red Kids and Sara Speert Photography invite you to meet the Easter Bunny!
Learn more about the event and register now.

After getting my haircut at the main salon two doors down, I stopped by the kids salon and their front window looks so cute - all ready for the Easter Bunny event and your adorable kids! (Please excuse the fuzziness of my iPhone pictures)

Picture of the Day - My Family

2011-04-02T22:42:00.011-04:00

Last weekend Nick and I flew out to Seattle for some much needed family time. Our adorable niece is growing up so quickly - it's hard to believe she'll be three this summer! It was great to spend some stress-free time with my brother and sister-in-law in their home and around town.

The long weekend was filled with lots of everything... delicious home-cooked Shabbat dinner, sushi from a conveyor belt, pink cupcakes,

hide and seek,

bike-riding,

drawing with chalk, bristle blocks, walking to get bagels,

playing in the van (Elizabeth wanted to show me what it's like to
drive and ride in the van to the campsite.)

hide and seek (again!), a visit to the children's museum,
gourmet doughnuts, reading books, playing dollhouse and play-kitchen,

making silly faces,

and cozy naps.

But the best part is listening to her. She has a lot to say and has a great vocabulary, and it's so fun to listen to her at this age. Everything is "why?" and when she says our names, it's actually "Un Nih and Ann Saya." Seriously, just hearing our names makes me melt. She also repeats a lot that she hears. Jeff calls her a parakeet, ha! Kathleen got her saying "Whatever, dude" which got us all laughing hysterically.

Can't wait to see them all again soon on Skype. (Isn't Skype just awesome?!) Have a great rest of the weekend with your family!

STuFF - Sara's Totally Fantastic Finds, Episode 23: Meet the Easter Bunny @ Salon Red Kids

2011-03-31T18:11:00.003-04:00

Meet the Easter Bunny at Salon Red Kids and have your picture taken with us!
A few sessions are still available.
No sitting fee and enlargement packages begin at $35.

Schedule your appointment by calling the salon at 404-377-6230.

And check out our new logo on the poster!
We're so excited about it, our new business cards and our new website.
Coming soon...

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

2011-03-16T16:01:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-15T11:00:00.002-04:00

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...

2011-02-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-14T17:00:00.004-05:00

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

2011-01-31T15:05:00.007-05:00

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

2011-01-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

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

2011-01-27T12:27:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-18T10:00:00.005-05:00

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

2011-01-11T19:38:00.002-05:00

Best Images of 2010

2011-01-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-01-05T16:26:00.005-05:00

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

2010-12-21T17:31:00.005-05:00

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

2010-12-09T12:43:00.004-05:00

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.