Angela Donovan Photography

Baby Portrait | Charlotte

2012-02-15T13:15:00.001-05:00

suwanee cumming newborn photographer
Here's our little then-3 week old adorable baby, Charlotte. I was amazed at how tiny and delicate she looks during her photo session! Charlotte's mom brought a lacy headband with a darling pink gerber attached to it. It was perfect for the shoot!

I played with the images, applied different styles, tints, etc., until I got the look that fits Charlotte.

Ahhh-chooooo!!

With Charlotte's baby blanket...

What a little angel!!

Sweet dreams, little one!

Baby Portrait | Wes

2012-02-08T13:42:00.001-05:00

newborn photographer
I had a photo session with, not 1 but, 2 adorable newborns last week-- Wes and Charlotte. Newborns are so precious... so cute and delicate and grows so fast within those first 3 months! When shopping for newborn clothes, 0-3 months is classified as newborn. However when I shot Wes (at almost 3 months) and Charlotte (at 3 weeks) back to back, there was quite a difference in the size already!

Over the last week, I've been working on Wes's images and I could hardly wait to post this sneak preview!

I love the soft and gentle expression on Wes' face in the shot below.

Love the bubbles!

V, thank you for choosing me for this shoot. Wes is a beautiful baby boy-- Congratulations!

Charlotte will be next!!

FAQs on Portrait Photo Sessions

2012-01-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your photo session. If you have any other ones that are not addressed below, please do not hesitate to call me at (404) 861-1449.

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What should we wear?

Ah, the most commonly asked question. For this, my answer is... SIMPLE is key. White or dark tops are great and works best to set off your facial features. Wear outfits that are fun and comfortable.

For family shoots, coordinate your colors... Think no more than 3 colors. A suggestion would be... white top, khakis + one accent color. Another suggestion would be black or dark top with jeans + one accent color. If your heart is set on patterns, stay away from loud and busy patterns. I’m not saying that patterns are not allowed... however I don’t recommend it. This shoot is about you.. who you are and what you are all about. The focus should not be so much on how pretty or cool a shirt, dress or pants look.

Is there anything else we need to bring?

Other than a change in outfits, feel free to bring props such as your child’s favorite toy, blankets, flowers, purses, hats and anything else that you think could help with your photo session to get your child engaged. Lip balm is also useful as lips tend to dry out during photo sessions.

What is your shooting style?

My style is casual and relaxed, not formal at all. I try to capture the essence of my subjects, who they are and what they are all about. I tend to stay away from traditional stuff and go for a more contemporary feel. I love images that show the interaction and loving bond within the family... laughing moments, silly moments, tantrums, a Mom or Dad telling a child to behave... all those things tell a story about you.

Do you pose your subjects?

I pose families casually. I observe each family member’s personality and go along with what works. Each family is different. What works for one family may not work for another. But we will try different things that all family members feel comfortable in. I go for the casual and relaxed style.

I have some guidelines and suggestions for older children and teens. For babies and toddlers, they’re the boss! :)

Are you willing to take suggestions from me/us when it comes to posing?

Absolutely! The more ideas you have, the better. This is your photo session and the goal is to capture the essence of you.

Do you have a studio?

My studio is wherever you want me to be. The choice is yours... indoors or outdoors. I have a studio set up at my house with a 9-foot wide backdrop in gray, white or black and multiple strobe lighting equipment. I always bring one strobe for any outdoor shooting, which I use as needed (not always). If you prefer to shoot outdoors, I recommend making the appointment early morning or at the beginning of dusk. If the shoot will be in the afternoon, I recommend a nice shady spot to avoid harsh shadows.

Do you do any other types of portrait sessions?

Yes, I do all different types of photo sessions, including maternity, newborns, babies, toddlers, older children, teens, seniors, couples (engagements and anniversaries). Please send me an email at angela@adonovanphoto.com for more information.

I’m about to have a baby and I want to his/her first photos to be special. Can you do a newborn shoot for him/her. When should I have this done?

Within the first week of baby’s life outside of Mommy’s tummy is advisable. Baby sleeps a lot in this first week and this is the best time to capture those precious moments... baby curled up snuggly while sleeping, baby looking so small and fragile in Mommy’s or Daddy’s arms, those perfect tiny hands and feet. :)

What is the best time for my baby to be photographed?

Your little one will change faster than you can imagine. I don’t necessarily recommend the 3-6-9-12 month timing. You would know when the important milestones happen... when baby starts to interact with family members, when baby can lay on his/her tummy and hold his/her head up, when baby can sit up, when baby can stand or start walking.

What is the best time of day to have a photo session?

Photo sessions for babies and toddlers are generally recommended for mid- to late morning (after the child is fed) or late afternoon (after an afternoon nap). These seem to be times when baby is in the best of moods.

How long does a shoot typically last?

It could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. I say 1 to 2 because a lot of it depends on a child's or children's willingness to cooperate. :) It also depends on how many outfit changes you would like to do. So I always block 1-2 hours for the session for each client. In general, a child is most engaged in the first hour, then will start to lose attention and will want to do something else.

When do we get to see our proofs?

An online password-protected gallery will be available to you within 3-4 weeks (sometimes sooner) and will remain active for 30 days. 20 online processed proofs will be shown in color and black and white. Sepia tone may be requested in lieu of black and white. Feel free to share the gallery with your friends and family. There will be a $25 fee if you wish to have the online gallery extended another 30 days.

How are the 20 proofs selected?

You will find that I take a LOT of pictures during the shoot. For family shoots, the more family members there are, the likelihood of having one or two family members not in sync with the others is higher than having only one person in the shoot. One person may have blinked, or a baby stuck his/her tongue out... while everyone else look great in the picture. These images will not make it in to the set of 20 proofs. I select only the ones that are technically and artistically sound. Then comes post production.

What is post production?

I edit each of the 20 proofs to make the colors more vibrant, and yet natural. I edit blemishes, nicks and scratches from anyone who has them. I always try to bring out the beauty and personality of each family member.

Are we going to be on your website?

My website was created primarily for the purpose of letting my clients be able to view work I did for them through Client Access and to enable them to purchase prints in various sizes. This is also meant for prospective clients to have the ability to preview a summary of my previous commercial work (for companies and restaurants) as well as my fine art pieces (for art galleries and the general public).

However, I post sneak peeks here on my blog.

How do I book a session with you?

Send me an email at angela@adonovanphoto.com or call me at (404) 861-1449.

Do you require a deposit prior to a shoot?

No, I don’t require a deposit prior to a shoot.

What if i have to cancel or reschedule our appointment?

The sooner you can let me know, the better...as another client may want to take your spot.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payments will be accepted in the form of cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Please note that payment for the photo session is due at the end of the shoot. Prints may be purchased online when the proofs are available to you.

Full payment of photo session and an executed Model Release Form (signed by parent or legal guardian at least 18 years of age) is required at the beginning of the session. The photo session fee covers my shooting time with you and post-production work. Prints are not included.

What is the Model Release Form for?

Each family member is required to sign a Model Release Form PRIOR to a photo session. A parent or guardian is required to sign on behalf of their child(ren) up to 18 years of age. This executed form basically grants me permission to use the images for advertising or marketing purposes to promote Angela Donovan Photography.

If you want me to do your shoot, you must execute the Model Release Form. No private or personal information about you will be published in any way. This executed form also translates to you waiving any right to inspect or approve the finished images. I may alter some of the images as needed for promoting Angela Donovan Photography. You also waive any right to royalties or any other compensation arising from the use of the images.

How do I order prints?

Prints in packages or a la carte must be purchased through the online gallery once it is available to you. You have the option to pay via PayPal or you can call me at (404) 861-1449 with your credit card information. Please note that you must still place the order online regardless of the payment option you choose.

Ordering the prints online is its own process and not necessarily tied to PayPal. So when you order prints online, I will be notified immediately via email. If your payment does not post to my PayPal account, then I will expect a call from you with directions regarding payment, either by check, cash, or credit card. Prints will not be processed until payment is received in full.

When will I receive my prints?

Prints should arrive within 3 weeks from receipt of payment and may vary for other products - gallery wraps, framing, holiday cards, birth announcements, engagement announcements, party invitations, etc.

What is your refund/return policy?

Session fees, prints and other services are non-refundable and cannot be returned.

Photo Session and Product Pricing

2012-01-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

Portrait Session Fee: $175

Up to 2 hours shooting time at the studio or on location. Includes up to 3 family members. Additional $25 for each additional member. Includes multiple outfit changes and post production work.

Print Packages

Package A | 20 5x7 prints | $225

Package B | 20 4x6 prints | $120

Package C | 2 8x12, 6 5x7, 8 wallet | $135

Package D | 2 8x12, 6 4x6, 8 wallets | $105

Package E |1 8x12, 2 5x7, 6 4x6, 8 wallets | $105

Package F |1 8x12, 2 5x7, 2 4x6, 8 wallets | $80

Package G | 1 8x12, 2 5x7, 8 wallets | $70

Package H | 1 8x12, 2 4x6, 8 wallets | $60

A la carte prints

4x6 $8

5x7 $15

8x12 $40

12x18 $80

16x24 $125

24x36 $190

36x48 $230

48x60 $350

8 wallet size $30

Other sizes may be priced upon request.

All images are printed on professional grade photo paper available in matte, glossy, pearl and lustre. Please note that image sizing and/or cropping may occur depending on size of print chosen.

Prices above do not include state tax. There will be a $10 shipping fee on any combination of print orders for sizes 8x10 and smaller.

If you are interested in gallery wraps, canvas wraps, brag books or anything else you could think of, please send me an email at angela@adonovanphoto.com.

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Other Products

Gift Certificate is a fun and exciting gift someone could receive as they usually never think of getting this for themselves. Give the gift of a portrait session to your family, friends and coworkers. Minimum of $200, which can be used towards a photo session or prints and products.

Birth Announcements are available in 5x7 folded or flat. These are available in packs of 24. White envelopes are included. $75.00

Personalized Thank You Cards are available in 5x7 folded or flat. These are available in packs of 24. White envelopes are included. $75.00

Holiday Cards are available in 5x7 folded or flat. These are available in packs of 24. White envelopes are included. $75.00

Other products are available upon request.

Featured in Yummly!

2011-10-18T22:15:00.002-04:00

I was about to turn in for the night last night... decided to check on any other email that might have come in yesterday afternoon, when, to my surprise, I came across this email from one Shelley Adler of Yummly. Ms. Adler said that one of my posts on Plain Gourmet was featured recently on Yummly's blog.

Yummly, thanks for selecting my recipe!

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About Yummly

Founded in 2009 by foodies on a mission to invent a better way to find recipes, Yummly is the world’s first semantic recipe search and recommendation platform. Yummly enables you to find and customize recipes based on your personal taste, nutritional and dietary preferences. The site aggregates recipes from cooking websites, and is fully integrated with Facebook. Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, Yummly is backed by First Round Capital, Harrison Metal Capital, Intel Capital, and angel investors.

Brookhaven Arts Festival - Fall 2011

2011-10-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

Join us this weekend at the Brookhaven Arts Festival!

We'll be at Booth #79. Come by and see us!

Tribute to Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T22:16:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your legacy, Steve Jobs. R.I.P.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” Jobs said. “Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Norcross Art Festival - Fall 2011

2011-09-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

Saturday, October 1st | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, October 2nd | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Join us this weekend at the Norcross Art Festival in Downtown Historic Norcross.

We'll be at Booth P31. Hope to see you there!

Social Brand U | Adam Karwoski

2011-09-14T21:55:00.000-04:00

Adam Karwoski is the Founder of Social Brand U. Social Brand U specializes in social media consultations, campaigns, presentations and public speaking.

During the photo session with Adam, I tried to capture the essence of who Adam is all about-- smart, charming, engaging, funny... to name a few.

Love the headshots of Adam below!

To learn more about Adam Karwoski, visit Social Brand U.

Liezl Austria

2011-09-03T23:07:00.007-04:00

This summer just... sped by! We moved a few weeks before school started and the entire summer was pretty much about purging and packing... and more purging and packing. Then after the move came the unpacking! Moving is not fun... and I'm so happy to be done with our move!!

So now I'm back!!! I'm so glad I was able to get a little vacation in San Francisco at the beginning of summer (before all the fun purging and packing). One of the highlights of my visit is this photo shoot with Liezl Austria at the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts.

Liezl and I met over 20 years ago during my ballet dancing days in San Francisco. She became one of the first dear friends I made when I moved to the Bay Area from Manila. Liezl is one of those people blessed with a naturally flexible and graceful body... as you will find in the images below.

As with any photo shoot, the first half hour was spent on getting comfortable and figuring out some cool ballet poses. Liezl started off with the more traditional poses...

Here's a pose showing Liezl's flexibility...

Liezl has lovely, clean lines...

Then I asked Liezl to go for more avant garde poses...

The image below was actually one of the first shots taken but I played with it until I got the final effect I want. The shadows worked in my favor because it appears as if she has very long hair.

Liezl, I enjoyed this photo shoot tremendously with you. I've wanted to have a portfolio with a beautiful dancer for a long time-- Thanks for helping me make it happen. It was wonderful to see you again after so many years!!

Liezl Austria is a faculty member of the ODC Dance Commons in San Francisco. Liezl also teaches at Alonzo King Ballet Dance Center and will begin teaching the Teen Ballet Workshop at Lines Ballet School on September 20th, 2011.

Family Photo Session: Bob, Rochelle, Billy and Sammy

2011-07-21T10:19:00.001-04:00

Adam

2011-07-09T11:03:00.002-04:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of having a photo session with Adam... amidst the craziness of this summer flying by. Here are some from this recent shoot.

More to follow!

Art Festivals - Spring 2011 Schedule

2011-04-30T17:09:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone's enjoying this wonderful weekend weather we're having. What a beautiful day! The next couple of my weekends will be dedicated to the following:

Saturday, May 7th, 10AM to 7PM

Sunday, May 8th, 12:30PM to 6PM
I'll be at Booth #S1

Saturday, May 14th, 10AM to 7PM

Sunday, May 15th, 11:00 AM to 6PM

Click on the images above to get details on these art festivals. Hope to see you there!

Lucy Logan Designs

2011-03-22T10:47:00.009-04:00

I recently did a product shoot for Lucy Logan Designs, an artist who designs gorgeous beaded jewelry.

I set the jewelry against a black background, which brought out the beautiful color and detail of the jewelry, as well as some clean product shots against a white background.

Gymnastics Meet at University of Georgia (Athens)

2011-03-16T17:21:00.012-04:00

Last Sunday, I met up with a high school friend of mine, Aleta, at UGA in Athens to watch her daughter, Nikki (shown above), compete in a gymnastics meet. It was a pleasure to watch Nikki (and her teammates) compete against 3 other schools from FL, GA and NC.

I was amazed at how powerful and how unbelievably gutsy these kids are as they push their bodies to find their center of gravity...

... AND to defy gravity!

Lighting conditions were far from ideal and I wasn't prepared for how fast the whole thing went! But I had a great time shooting this event.

Below is a slideshow from the meet. Email me if you don't already have the password.

Nikki, you are one talented young lady! It was a pleasure watching you!

Pink Larspur

2011-02-04T18:35:00.003-05:00

I've been on a photography kick the last couple of weeks and I took this one today... I usually shoot with studio lighting, but with this Larkspur flower I shot with a large window behind it. Then I used a white fill to deflect light back on to the flower, where it was in shadow (because it was backlit against the window). It took me a few tries to get the tiny white stamen that was open in focus. It's really tiny! : )

Plain Gourmet... a food photography blog

2011-02-03T23:03:00.000-05:00

Hello folks! I've been working on a food photography blog the past couple of weeks (among other things). It's work-in-progress, but I want to share with you what I've done so far. When you have a moment, check it out and send me your feedback. I will truly appreciate it.

Go to www.plaingourmet.com. Follow my blog and share with your family and friends. If you would like to share some of your recipes, please do so by sending me an email. I will try out recipe, shoot it and post it on the blog, with a recipe credit to your name.

Cheers!

The Meditating Mantis

2011-01-31T09:50:00.011-05:00

The Meditating Mantis is a gift shop focused on spiritual healing. The store is a nicely renovated cottage in downtown Roswell, Georgia on 1025 Canton Street. Canton Street is a quaint street with many different types of places to visit... and while you're there, you've got to check out The Meditating Mantis.

Connie Taylor is the president and CEO of The Meditating Mantis, who opened this gift shop over a year and a half ago. When I met her at the gift shop last Friday, I went in there not really knowing what to expect. I was greeted by the store manager, Kathy Ford, who showed me around while Connie was wrapping up her meeting with another person. There were several rooms with different focus areas all related to Metaphysics. I was intrigued, to say the least, with everything I saw... from singing bowls, meditation books, CDs, Buddha figurines, aroma therapy soaps and salts, healing crystals to angels, fairies and dragons.

While Kathy graciously showed me the different rooms, these two beguiling boxers followed us around. Xander and Mojo are big dogs, but they look so docile that you wouldn't naturally think that the words, boxers and docile, can be used in the same sentence. They checked me out to make sure I was safe to have around and they even let me pet them for a little bit. I was pleased with this little surprise. I'm a dog lover myself, and I actually wish more establishments would allow dogs.

When I finally got to meet Connie, I found her to be a kind, soft-spoken lady with an air of warm tranquility about her. She used to be an antique dealer until she opened The Meditating Mantis. I asked how she went from being an antiques dealer to a Metaphysics shop owner. Connie then went to say that she grew up in Bogota, Colombia, where she was taught spiritual healing by her grandmother. When she moved here with her family, she thought that metaphysics was perceived as taboo at the time. Then life took its course and she worked as an antiques dealer. Eventually, she sold the business and thought about what to do next... and Voila! The Meditating Mantis came to be.

During our meeting, Connie talked about the different specialty items offered at her gift shop in more detail. There is a Reiki Room and a Meditation Room, where various healing/therapy sessions and classes are held. As we were walking around the different rooms, I felt the energy within each one. It was very intriguing.

As a result of our meeting, The Meditating Mantis now sells Angela Donovan Photography products such as framed and matted limited edition prints, notecards and bookmarks. When you stop by this gift shop, say hello to Connie... and Xander and Mojo too.

Here are some images from The Meditating Mantis photo gallery.

Images courtesy of The Meditating Mantis.

Special thanks to Marcie Cabarga for introducing The Meditating Mantis to Angela Donovan Photography!

Lucy and Len

2011-01-17T20:03:00.006-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a great couple, Lucy and Len, who have been together 23 years... married for the last 19 years. It's refreshing to experience watching the bond these two have-- love, affection and enjoying each other's presence.

Here's a sneak peek at Lucy and Len. Happy Anniversary! Keep the magic going!

Bokeh Fascination

2010-12-31T00:30:00.007-05:00

There are so many articles out there about "bokeh", which is a term commonly used in photography, to denote blur.

Earlier this evening, I thought about showing bokeh from a different perspective. So I took "bokeh" to a different level through experimentation using an 85mm lens F1.8. Check out the 3 shots below.

Voila! Starry bokeh.

Lunar Eclipse at Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T03:32:00.002-05:00

I have never witnessed a lunar eclipse so when I came across this article yesterday morning, I decided to stay up to see this and I'm glad I did because it was worth the wait.

I woke my 8-year-old son at 2:00 am because he insisted that he does not want to miss this... specially if a lunar eclipse at winter solstice happens only "once in every 372 years" (quoted from this article). So we went out and looked at the sky and there's the moon partially hidden in the earth's shadow. I got one clear shot of this lunar eclipse... because soon afterwards the clouds decided to play peek-a-boo.

This was taken at 2:16 am Eastern.

Launch of Senior Portraits Blog

2010-11-04T10:55:00.002-04:00

Over the last few weeks, I've been developing a separate blog dedicated to high school senior portraits. Now, I'm finally ready to introduce it to you. Please click here to view my new blog and remember to bookmark it or subscribe to the blog for updates and new posts.

To celebrate the launch of my new blog, I am offering a 25% discount on Senior Portrait Packages through December 31, 2010.

Please forward this post to your family and friends. Thanks!

Ansley

2010-11-03T14:18:00.003-04:00

Woodstock Art and Wine Festival: November 6-7, 2010

2010-11-01T17:58:00.001-04:00

I'll be at The Woodstock Art and Wine Festival this weekend, November 6th and 7th. This event will be held at the Woodstock City Park located in Downtown Woodstock.

Come join us... I'll be at booth #83.

This art festival will be the last one for me this year. So if you can't make it to this event, my work is always available through my website. If you want a particular piece and it is not posted on my website, please visit my blog and/or call me at (404) 861-1449 and I'll be happy to help.

My next art festival will be in the Spring of 2011. I don't have my calendar finalized at this time. However keep visiting my blog for newsletters, new work, promotional items until I post my Spring calendar.

Cheers!

Brookhaven Arts Festival: October 16-17, 2010

2010-10-15T16:14:00.006-04:00

I'll be at the Brookhaven Arts Festival this weekend. The festival will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm tomorrow and 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday. The event will be located on Apple Valley Road, directly behind the Brookhaven MARTA Station.

See you there!