Uniquely You Photography :: Blog

inspiring wall displays

Miss Sarah — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:19 +0000

You’ve had your session…you have your beautiful, stunning, breathless prints in hand….and then they sit….in the box…for months! Sound like you? I will be entirely honest and say when I hear clients say this, it makes me cringe….and a little bit sad. I’ve been intending to make this post for a long time, and have been collecting images for this post for even longer!

I’m hoping to provide you with a little inspiration to get some ideas flowing of how you can display images in your home. The style now is pretty much anything goes! Easy as pie….right? Not so much? Photos can liven up almost any space in your home, I mean who can resist those smiling faces looking back at you every day? It doesn’t matter if you have a little space or a lot of space, the ideas in the gallery below can be adapted to any space. Some of the ideas don’t show actual photographs in the frames, but hopefully just the arrangements might spark some ideas.

Here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Mix and match frames for a more interesting display. For a classic, yet contemporary gallery look, choose all black frames, but vary the frame size and thickness and/or photo and mat size.

2. Always use a mat! Why? Besides giving your display more of a modern “gallery” look, a mat separates the photograph from the glass and allows the print to breathe. No mat means that over time, your photographs are likely to stick to the glass which will in turn ruin the print.

3. Don’t forget the unexpected! Have a long skinny wall? Or a little nook in your bathroom? Don’t be afraid to add photos in unexpected places. Don’t forget about kids’ bedrooms and playrooms, offices, entry ways, dining rooms…

4. Request a custom size. Want a long skinny image for above your queen size bed? Or a particular size for above your fireplace? Ask for it. Most photographers are happy to offer custom sizes to accommodate their clients.

5. As I mentioned above, anything goes. Whether you prefer more linear or “organic” displays…there is a gallery out there that will work for everyone! Five 16×20 frames in a horizontal row can make just as much of an impact as a display of several different size and style of frames.

6. While dreaming up your design, cut out rectangles the size of your frames (using old newspapers) and tape them to your wall to give you a visual aid to work from. Rearrange as many times as needed. This is especially helpful for hanging the gallery too.

7. Ask your photographer for suggestions! We love that!

Now on to the gallery of ideas! The following images come from a little site I LOVE called DecorPad. DecorPad is a *fabulous* website for anyone interested in interior design or people who are nosy (like me) and just like to peep at other people’s spaces. DecorPad is full of design inspiration from popular magazines and also members who can upload images of their own spaces. You can search by room or color and with a click….POOF!…inspiration at your fingertips! (For example, at the top choose “Photos” from the drop down menu then type “Kitchens” in the search box…BAM…beautiful kitchens!) OH!…annnnnnnnd…you might also feel the sudden urge to redecorate your entire home!

*Disclaimer: I’m NOT responsible for the ridiculous amount of time that can be sucked from your life by this website! So proceed with caution!!

Inspired?? Got some ideas? I hope so. Your life IS art, so get off your duff and hang those photos!

A few other display inspiration sites:
Cool Photo Ideas
Pottery Barn
How to Arrange Art in an Artful Way
Martha Stewart

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perfectly imperfect.

Miss Sarah — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:12:40 +0000

Happy Spring everyone!!! I think it’s safe to say we’ve turned the corner and warmer days are in our near future…I am SO excited to be able to get to shoot outside again. I have a couple sessions later this week and I’m super excited!!

If you are a Facebook Fan you may know that I was out of town attending a huge photographer’s conference in Las Vegas last week – WPPI – Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. It is always great to meet new colleagues and see old friends as well as learn a thing or two, have a few drinks, and leave feeling totally rejuvenated and I N S P I R E D!

One of the many inspiring speakers I was able to catch was Tamara Lackey. Among other things, Tamara talked about the importance of capturing families….this resonated with me. MY family is the most important thing to me and I bet YOUR family is the most important thing to you, but yet many photographers shy away from photographing families (because hey, let’s face it, it can be a bit chaotic!) and many mothers shy away from having images taken with their children because of personal insecurities or physical hang-ups. “I need to lose 10 more pounds.”….”I have nothing to wear.”….”I’m not photogenic.” Sound familiar? I know it does…I’ve heard it all before, and I’m guilty of saying the same things myself….BUT…you know what….(well, besides the fact I can “fix” muffin tops a bit and give you a little digital botox if you insist)…heheheee….

Your kids don’t care! Let me say it again, YOUR KIDS DON’T CARE! Trust me, they really don’t. How many times have your kids looked at images and said “Gee mom, you have a huge butt in that photo?” or “Wow, look at your muffin top!”…chances are, not too many. Kids are most happy and most comfortable when surrounded by their parents, so why not embrace it? It’s great to have images of just your children, but when you pass your photographs down to your children later on wouldn’t you rather have them remember you? The close bond your family shares? The way your family just fits together? I know I would. I don’t want my kids to wonder where mom was when all the photos were taken.

And that is my goal for 2010…to capture more families. REAL families. Not just families sitting perfectly in the grass smiling for the camera…but REAL families…interacting, laughing, embracing, heck, maybe even dancing…H A P P Y…REAL families. I like to think of it as perfectly imperfect, because that’s what families are…perfectly imperfect. Now don’t worry, we’ll grab a few of everyone looking at the camera too, but let’s face it…that’s not REAL…it’s pretty, and nice, but how often does that actually happen? If your family is like mine, not too darn often!

So…this is your fair warning! Don’t be surprised if I tell you to jump in some images with your kids…or (gasp!) your spouse…and don’t tell me you don’t want to because you look fat…because remember, this isn’t about YOU, it’s about YOUR KIDS (and ahem…I’m the boss)!

AND…because I’m making you all do it…*I* will do it to! So…to those photographers reading this….who wants to photograph my family?? Haha! Warning: I might have a muffin top and I’m not photogenic BUT my kids and husband are pretty darn cute, and gosh darn it, I want photos with *me* in them! LOL

Edited To Add: Attention Photographers: I have had several requests asking if it was okay to share this on your own blogs. Yes, I have no problem with that. Feel free to share a link to my post or copy and paste the text with a link back to the original. Thank you!

Since I haven’t shared photos of my own kids for awhile, I thought now was the perfect time to share some…

We used this on her Valentine’s Day card this year…and I love it…because it’s not “perfect”, but it’s SO her, and that’s what I want to remember.

And I should also note that my girls are 8, 6, and 4…and this is the FIRST time I’ve ever photographed them together AND got them all looking at the camera and smiling!

meet howie

Miss Sarah — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:39:44 +0000

This little guy was absolutely precious….and so good to me.

Enjoy!!

it’s what boys do

Miss Sarah — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:36:53 +0000

This little guy belongs to a couple of my good friends! I just love babies with a little chub!

…and beautiful blue eyes…

And here was one from Nate’s newborn session. I love to see how they change! I think he still looks a lot like his newborn photos.

I have always secretly wished I had a thumb sucker. SO cute!

And those perfect little lips…

I always love this classic pose.

…we were all cracking up as soon as we got his clothes off. *shrug* I think his parents were a bit embarrassed, but it’s what boys do!

Pure sweetness!

meet owen…12 days new.

Miss Sarah — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:59:15 +0000

This time of year is always a busy, busy time for new little arrivals. I was so glad to meet this little guy…and he was tiny, even at 12 days…so adorable and just the.perfect.model. Hardly fussed, slept through all my messing with him, and I mean, really….how can you resist that sweet little face? His parents were oooohing and ahhhing over him the whole session…and who could blame them? Certainly not me.

David & Liz…It was so wonderful to meet you guys and I’m honored to have captured this special time in your lives. Owen is absolutely PERFECT! Enjoy each and every moment…I know you guys will!!

I had to share this one because I just love when they pose themselves.

PRICELESS!!!!!!

A special hat that grandma made. So cute!

He was full of smiles. I love how he looks so tiny here!

stella

Miss Sarah — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:50:33 +0000

Miss Stella recently stopped by to see me for the second session of her Bebe Plan. You might remember her sweet face from this previous post. Oh.my.gosh…isn’t she just the prettiest baby ever? And I mean that will all sincerity…such soft and pretty feminine features….already a stunner!

One from her newborn session…

And here she is now…

I just LOVE her look in this one….

jack

Miss Sarah — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:17:41 +0000

This stylin’ fella needed some updated photos for an upcoming competition so we got together for a quick mini session. We headed out to brave the chilly weather for images with more of an urban look. Jack was a natural..and such a trooper to put up with all my shenanigans! Winter light is always so magical and the snow reflects the light just beautifully….it felt sooooooooooooo good to be shooting outside again!

Good Luck Jack!!

‘lil sweethearts

Miss Sarah — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:19:43 +0000

Our Valentine mini sessions were a success, and as always, all the kiddos were so fun and completely adorable decked out in their Valentine’s gear!

Have a great weekend!!

sneak peek

Miss Sarah — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:34:28 +0000

This little man was SO handsome and had such pretty features (yes…boys can be pretty!) He was a wonderful little model, so squishy and cuddly, and he wasn’t going to let anything interrupt his nap time during our session. Gotta love that!

Meet Andrew on day 8….

L-O-V-E his little mouth here!

miss hadley

Miss Sarah — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:53:57 +0000

Last week I traveled to Omaha for this little lady’s session. They had some great natural light in their home, so I left my light in the van and decided to work with it. Miss Hadley was just absolutely delicious and such a great little sleeper! I could munch on those cheeks all day long. And those little lips…to.die.for!

We also utilized the nice light in their master bedroom…

And one when she was awake…albeit just for a bit. Such a pretty girl.

I just adore this pairing of images…Miss Hadley with big sis Harper.

perfectly piper

Miss Sarah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 05:12:09 +0000

This little babe was just heavenly! Miss Piper came to see me when she was just 5 days old and was the perfect little model. Sleepy and squishy…just the way I like ‘em…and as you can see she is beyond beautiful and obviously adored by her parents (okay, okay, I loved her too!). I think she just might have daddy wrapped around that itty bitty teeny weeny finger already!

Sharing lots from this session because I couldn’t just pick a few!

This next one is my new favorite image ever!!

valentine’s day mini sessions!

Miss Sarah — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:51:17 +0000

Hi everyone! I am so excited to introduce my first ever in-studio mini sessions….a special just in time for Valentine’s Day! I have had my studio for nearly a year, and while I do the bulk of my sessions outdoors I have always thought it would be fun to offer something a little different (and a change of pace is always nice too!) so I will be offering a few in-studio mini events over the next couple months.

These mini sessions will be abbreviated sessions with 8-10 images posted for you to view in an online gallery. The images will be fresh and fun (like always ) and capture all of your child’s wonderful expressions. Choose from custom designed 4×5 Valentine Cards OR a 5×10 “LOVE” mini desktop collage. I have done custom cards for my girls the last 3 years and they are always a hit…and super fun for the kids to have cards with THEIR own images on them! The collages are perfect for those of you who might not be handing out cards or want something to brighten up your desk space at work…they are also the P-E-R-F-E-C-T thing to surprise dad (or mom!…HINT HINT) with on Valentine’s Day!!

Sessions will be offered one day only….Sunday, January 24th! Only 10 SESSIONS are available so contact me to reserve your session right away! Shoot me an email using the “contact” button above or call 486-9934.

A few more details:

- The session fee covers one child. Siblings will incur a separate session fee and time slot.
- Sessions will be limited to 20 minutes.
- Due to the nature of the mini-sessions, babies must be able to sit independently without toppling over.
- Images from the session will be posted within a couple days. Orders will be due Friday January 29th, and will be ready to pick up the week of February 8th.
- A variety of Valentine props will be available for you to choose from.

I recently had a couple little models come in to show you all just how ridiculously A-DOR-ABLE and FUN the images are….here’s Miss Katie and her “LOVE” collage…

She’s a feisty one if you couldn’t tell!

Heheheheee! I *love* this one!

And next up….Noah….the ‘lil Heartbreaker! *melts*

Too bad ladies…..this guy only has eyes for his mama!

*faints from the cuteness*

sweet baby hudson

Miss Sarah — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:01:57 +0000

Geesh….hope everyone is surviving this brutal winter (at least everyone here in the midwest)? When did we move to Canada…eh? I’d like the mild Nebraska winters back please. Thankyouverymuch. I grew up in Minnesota, so I’m very used to the snow (and actually enjoy it quite a bit)…but this is just a little much…dontcha think? I knew you would agree.

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Also, stay tuned for some fun announcements! Now that it’s a bit too chilly to head outdoors, I have a few fun things in the works for studio sessions!! More on that next week!

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Anywhoo….this little lady was a feisty one…but I ended up winning in the end. So sweet and so perfect….perfectly adorable!

Meet Miss Hudson….

samantha paige…5 days new

Miss Sarah — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:14:01 +0000

I photographed this little beauty just before Christmas! She is another lovely addition to this family! Yay for 3 girls!!

Lots of new little ones coming up after the first of the year…January always seems like a super busy time for newborns so stay tuned!

Meet the gorgeous Samantha…hehehee….I love her toes here.

the greatest blessings of 2009

Miss Sarah — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:00:38 +0000

As the year ends I am feeling so incredibly blessed to have worked with so many wonderful families and their beautiful children this year. So a truly heartfelt “THANK YOU” goes out to each and every one of my clients. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and for sharing these incredible moments with me. As you all well know, I couldn’t do what I do without all of you.

I am honored.
I am humbled.
I am grateful.
I am blessed….beyond words.

Enjoy the slideshow below featuring the greatest “blessings” I had the pleasure of working with this year…
*Please be patient…it may take a few seconds to fully load.*

[See post to watch QuickTime movie]

*If you can’t view the slideshow above, download the Quicktime plugin HERE .

I wish you all a very M E R R Y Holiday and a H A P P Y New Year! Cheers!