Suzie Seagraves Photography - Orlando Child Photographer, Florida Child Photographer

This Blog Has Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:26:00 +0000

I am so thrilled to release my brand new Blog! Please go to: www.suzieseagraves.com/blog from here on out. I have been working on this for awhile now and have finally gotten it ready! I did this all by myself and I'm so proud of the outcome! This site will no longer be active, but it will remain online so you can always refer back to see your images. Please make sure you update your RSS feeds and Google Reader with my new Blog URL!

Little Olivia

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:17:00 +0000

I got to spend a few hours on Sunday with Miss Olivia for the first time and we had a blast! She immediately warmed up to me and we were off! Outfit changes, bubble playing, throwing balls, and finally swimming with daddy showing me that she is definitely not afraid of the water. She was SO great to photograph, I could have stayed there all day! Thank you so much Mom & Dad for allowing me into your home and to spend a few precious hours with little Olivia! Here is a quick sneak peak of some of my favorites!

Baby Kady Ann

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:51:00 +0000

When I saw this little girl's precious little face from photos her proud parents took at the hospital, I knew I had to photograph her! She is just a little over a week old and had to endure hours of me and my camera and did it with such grace and elegance. I think she's a pro already at this :) I can't thank her wonderul parents for allowing me the privilege of photographing her for the very first time. She is beautiful!!

I love sleeping babies! Look at that mouth!

These are the sweet moments I absolute love. I wait for these and they're priceless.

I think this is one of the coolest nurseries I've ever seen!

More nursery details. The bottom left photo is the custom-made chandelier!

Atlanta Babies & Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:36:00 +0000

I am honored to have one of my images chosen for the cover of the Winter issue of Atlanta Babies and Kids magazine!! This beautiful little girl was from a child model shoot I did last Fall for Daisy's Children's Boutique and Toy Store. Clothing she is wearing was provided by Daisy's Boutique. This is one of my favorite images and I am so thrilled!!!!

Annabelle and Austin

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:30:00 +0000

I was so excited to photograph one of my favorite little girls today, Miss Annabelle!! I was honored to photograph her last June when she turned big girl Two. Now she has a new baby brother, Austin!! He is the sweetest little guy. I could photograph newborns all day; just so tiny and so precious. Here is a sneak peak from today, more to come so check back! (Tech specs: these were all done indoors using beautiful natural light, no flash)

I got a smile!

How sweet is this??! (pretty much straight out of the camera)

Austin and his beautiful mommy

I am the Big Sister!

The Power of Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:59:00 +0000

As I was looking through images from the Inauguration last night, as well as last week's plane crash in New York City, it reminded me just how powerful a tool photography is. These images I saw before me on my computer screen moved me; they were filled with emotion; raw and very human. I thought to myself how important photography is and how I have always viewed it. It has always been more than a hobby to me, ever since picking up a camera at a very young age. For me, it was a way to tell a story. I would come back from family vacations as a teenager and make photo albums and scrapbooks in a way that told a story so anyone who picked it up felt as if they were there too. This is how I view every one of my photo sessions. I am there to capture moments that tell a story. To capture raw emotion and moments in time that will never come again. After losing my father to cancer 10 years ago, the photographs that I have of him are priceless and I cherish them more with every year that passes. So to me, photography is a medium that has the power to capture time, for you to hold in your hand or put in a frame. Priceless moments that you never want to forget and when you look back at them years from now you remember just how you felt that very day, or remember the look on your child's face and it lights up yours. This is what humbles me, that I have the power in my camera to do that. Here is a slideshow to music of some of yesterday's images that I thought were so moving that is appropriately titled "Looking Up". That's a great thought for every day, never stop looking up.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/looking.up/

Daisy's Children's Boutique & Toy Store

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:18:00 +0000

UPDATE: I blogged this back in November and the 2nd photo was used in the December 11th "Style Section" of the Orlando Sentinel by Jean Patteson!!! Here is a scanned photo of that day's paper! How exciting!!!

One place I am honored to be affiliated with, and someone who I cannot speak highly enough of, is Daisy of Daisy's Children's Boutique & Toy Store in Historic Downtown Winter Garden. Daisy is an amazing lady who has the cutest boutique and toy store that all the kids and moms love. If you haven't stopped in, you must! I stopped by her boutique on Saturday and did a few shots of two sisters and local child models, Jessica and Ashley, wearing some of Daisy's adorable outfits. Jessica and Ashley can be seen in commercials, billboards for Busch Gardens along I-4, and lots of print. They are SOO CUTE and so great to work with!!! These clothes are being featured in the Style Section of an upcoming Thursday edition of the Orlando Sentinel. I will let you all know what day it will be coming out so you can be sure to check it out!

Happy 2009!!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:25:00 +0000

What an amazing year 2008 was for me! I was honored to photograph some of the most beautiful families and gorgeous children ever! I traveled all over the country and was fortunate to meet and photograph along side some of my favorite photographers whom I admire so much. And I was extremely blessed to photograph some celebrities and very well known people (sorry, I'm under contract and can't name names!), had one of my photos published in the Orlando Sentinel, was selected as "Artist of the Month" by Infusion Tea, ran into Brad Pitt on the streets of New Orleans, and worked with some amazing companies such as Cavichi, Daisy's Children's Boutique, Playground Magazine, Pain Solutions Magazine, Posh Parenting and Dream Balloon Productions. I hope 2009 is every bit as great as 2008 was! Here is a slideshow of some of the images from this past year (couldn't fit them all in). Just press on the arrow to start and turn up your speakers.

Christmas in New York

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamt of spending Christmas in New York City. Being born and raised in Florida, its so hard to get into the Christmas spirit while running the A/C and shopping in shorts and flip-flops. I decided this year that I wanted a white Christmas and took me, myself and I to NYC! What an amazing week I had. Being by myself, I had the opportunity to go and do what I wanted to always do and soak in every drop of the City's magnificence. There is nothing like NYC at Christmas! It was unbelievable for a Florida girl to wake up on Christmas morning and put on a coat, scarf and gloves, grab a cup of coffee and venture out. I stopped in to Christmas morning mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral; watched the skaters at Rockefeller Center; and strolled through snow-covered Central Park. From the hustle & bustle that had been going on all week, the park was eerily quiet and nothing could be heard but a lone saxophonist playing Christmas carols. I sat on a park bench and listened to the music and it was awesome. Here are just a few of my shots. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I will return with normal business hours on January 5th. And for those who have asked, NO flash was used in any of these shots except the one of me at Tavern on the Green. All were taken using available light, sans flash.

A rainy, Christmas Eve in Central Park (taken with my Point & Shoot)

These little guys were as frozen as I was, I think! Christmas Eve in Central Park (taken with my Point & Shoot)

Christmas Eve dinner at Tavern on the Green (taken with my Point & Shoot)

Christmas morning at Rockefeller Center

Christmas morning mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Christmas morning stroll thru Central Park

The saxophonist playing Christmas carols on Christmas morning in Central Park

Santa and his "sleigh"! This guy was driving around Manhattan on Christmas morning

Closed for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 02:00:00 +0000

After 2+ months of working nonstop, 7 days a week, 24 hour days, with little to no sleep, I am taking a much-needed break and closing for the holiday season. Please note that I will be closing as of Saturday, December 20th, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2009. I will have very limited to access to email and voicemail during this time. Please contact the studio after January 5th to schedule a session or inquire as to my availability. I'm heading off to NYC and will hopefully be posting some pics from up there. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

~~~~~~HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!~~~~~~

Alyson

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:49:00 +0000

I have been so completely swamped and sleep deprived, I haven't had a minute to blog one of my favorite little girls, Alyson! I photographed Alyson last December and you can see how much she has grown into such the little young lady. I just loved her adorable outfit! Thank you Miss Alyson for being so patient!! I hope you have a great holiday and can't wait to photograph you again!

Once Upon A Christmas Village

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:35:00 +0000

I am thrilled, and honored, to photograph a movie premier tonight! Once Upon a Christmas Village will be premiering Hollywood-style with red carpet arrivals and celebrities. This animated short film has won just about every award around the world that can possibly be won. I'm so excited to be a part of this event! Photos to come, so stay tuned!

Ryan, Nick & Alyssa

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:23:00 +0000

Back to blogging, I might get caught up one of these days :) I was so excited to photograph three of my favorite kids on the planet again! I have been watching them grow for over 5 years now and I can't believe how big they've gotten. I told them that they have to stop growing, they are just getting too big... and way TOO CUTE. Thanks you guys for letting me hang out with you again. You did such an awesome job! Here's a couple of my favorites:

Seriously, how cute is Alyssa??!

Luv this. Total Nick look.

Just caught Ryan before he let the rubberband fly

My Nephew

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:51:00 +0000

He's back!!! This little guy has been missing from my blog for quite some time, and to no fault of my own. My nephew, Zach, has had it with Aunt Suzie and her camera and has not let me photograph him in forever. But he's actually starting to come around again and let me take some photos of him. He's gotten SO big, hasn't he??! We managed to get in a few holiday photos in front of the giant tree at Uptown Altamonte.

Elizabeth & the Twins

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:32:00 +0000

I might actually get caught up on all my blogging by the end of the year! Here's another holiday mini-session with gorgeous siblings! I have been blessed with lots of twins lately and how cute are these two?!?! I just love photographing them and watching them interact, its the cutest thing. Thank you to your mom and dad for letting me spend some time with you and capturing a few moments with you! Here are just a few of my favorites:

I just love the golden afternoon light

I've got bubbles and I'm making my get away!!

Dale & Tammy + Five

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:59:00 +0000

I am convinced that I have the MOST gorgeous clients! This is another example of a beautiful family that I was honored to photograph recently. They braved a chilly Florida morning for me and were an absolute joy to work with. Thank you Dale and Tammy for allowing me the honor to photograph your gorgeous family!

Miss Olivia

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:36:00 +0000

I was truly honored to finally get to photograph this gorgeous little girl. Her mommy, Daisy, is someone who I am proud to call a friend and is also the owner of the fabulous boutique in Winter Garden, Daisy's Children's Boutique & Toy Store. After my first meeting with Daisy at her boutique, I have been dying to photograph her little girl. Seriously, how incredibly CUTE is she?! Thank you Daisy for being the amazing lady that you are and I can't thank you enough for letting me spend a little time with Miss Olivia and capture a few moments with her.

I just love this! Nothing as pure as a child's laughter and happy smile.

Tryce

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:09:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of photographing Tryce yesterday and I literally could not put my camera down! I could have taken photos of him all day! Such expression, such a cutie! How freaking adorable is he??!? It was a perfect morning, nice and cool for a Florida day, great for holiday photos! Here are a few of my instant favorites! Too many to choose from! Thank you to Tryce and his awesome Mom for doing such a great job for me! And thank you to Daisy of Daisy's Children's Boutique & Toy Store for the holiday mini-session day!

This one just melts my heart! Someone was getting tired; its hard work being so cute for the camera :)

And this just cracks me up! "I think I just saw a rabbit on a leash"

Booking for 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:30:00 +0000

I am now accepting portrait session appointments for 2009. I am completely booked for the remainder of 2008 and will not be booking any new sessions for the rest of this year and/or holiday season. If you would like to be placed on my cancellation list, just let me know by sending me an email to suzie@suzieseagraves.com. Thanks bunches!

The Cost of Custom Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:01:00 +0000

I recently found this great article by Children's Photographer, Marianne Drenthe/Marmalade Photography. She discusses why custom photography costs so much, compared to the chain mall studios (which I will not name since we all know who they are). Marianne discusses why it costs more to hire a professional photographer to come to you versus going to one of the chain studios. Here is some of her wonderful article, which I couldn't agree to more:

"Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile: "How in the world does a photographer charge $60 for an 8×10 when they cost just under $2 at the drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is traveling an hour to your on location session. Time breakdown:

session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back-up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
one hour travel time TO session
15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
one hour travel time FROM session
30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
1 hour sorting through and checking order
30 minutes-1 hour prepping order for shipping and getting order shipped
any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100, there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000, dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussing other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. Did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place is to get you in their door so that you could spend more money with them in their other departments, the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious "investment." Chain mall studios may be cheaper in these hard economic times, but in the long run... you ultimately get what you pay for.

In Print

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:54:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, a local attorney asked me to photograph him for an upcoming article the Florida State College of Law was writing on him. Tom Cloud is a Shareholder at the law firm of GrayRobinson here in Orlando. The FSU College of Law Magazine just came out and here is the article featuring my photo!

Olivia

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:14:00 +0000

I was honored to photograph Miss Olivia back in June for her first birthday and got to see her again last weekend for holiday photos. I can't believe how much she has grown! What a beautiful family they are! And how cute is she in her holiday dress?!?! Luv her!! Here's a quick sneak peak!

Emma, Zoey & Luke

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:08:00 +0000

Wow, busy holiday photo season = no time for blogging! These past few weeks have been crazy, nonstop with very little eating or sleeping! I wanted to get up a preview of two of my favorite clients, Emma & Zoey. This is the 3rd time I have photographed them and they keep getting cuter and cuter! I could photograph these girls all day because they are so freaking adorable! Like a few of my other clients, Emma & Zoey now have a little brother since the last time I photographed them....Baby Luke!! We had a blast playing in the huge weeping willow tree, as you can see below! Here's a sneak peak.

Zoey peeking at me thru the willow tree branches

Emma peeking at me thru the willow tree branches

This reminds me of a Gap or JCrew ad

Watson and Pierce

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:32:00 +0000

I truly love what I do and getting the opportunity to meet such amazing people and beautiful children! I am so blessed for amazing Clients. I was honored this past weekend to photograph Watson and Pierce and their gorgeous parents for the first time. Pierce was my first "hat baby"! I was so excited and how cute is he??! Big brother Watson fed the ducks and had a blast! I just love the light right before sunset, this is my favorite time of day to photograph. Thank you for the privilege of photographing your family and getting to meet your adorable children. Here's a sneak peak!

Pain Solutions Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:32:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announcement my involvement with a brand new magazine, Pain Solutions. One of my awesome Clients has started this new magazine that is going to be centered around pain management and alternative solutions. I have been brought on as Senior Photographer and I am SO excited to be a part of this new venture. They are hoping to have their debut issue out in May '09, but I will keep you updated. You will be able to find it in physician offices nationwide, as well as Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc. My first assignment was headshots of all the Team Members, which was a pretty easy one given that they are all gorgeous!