Throughout this month, various organizations and communities come together to advocate for inclusion and a deeper understanding of autism. But what can we, as individuals, do to help the cause?
Read moreAutism Awareness Month | Complimentary Sessions
I’m taking bookings for neurodivergent families at no cost during the month of April. There is no session fee, and digital downloads are free. If your family doesn’t fit this criteria, please share with anyone you know who does.
Read moreHow to Choose the Right Family Photographer
These boys are such adorable, cheeky little monkeys! I always enjoy my sessions with this family.
You understand the importance of capturing your family as they are now and you want some professional sessions to balance out the thousands of mamarazzi snaps that load your cell but you’re not sure how to choose your photographer soul mate. I mean, throw and stone and you hit a photographer, but how do you tell them apart? With so many talented photographers out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. I hope this guide will help you know how to find the perfect fit for your unique family, even if that photographer doesn’t end up being me!
Step 1: Define Your Style
Before diving into photographer portfolios, envision your ideal family portrait. Do you crave posed perfection, candid interactions, or a blend of both? Do you dream of a whimsical outdoor setting, a cozy in-home session, or a specific landmark? Are you all about the light and airy vibes, lean towards rich and dark colors, or land somewhere in between? Is your family serious or silly? Pinpointing your preferences helps narrow down the search and ensures the chosen photographer aligns with your vision. Once you have a good idea of your vision and style keep it in mind when looking over photographer’s websites. If the work they show isn’t the work you imagine move on the the next.
Step 2: Explore Portfolios (And Beyond)
Just like you wouldn’t go to a tattoo artist without seeing what they can do, you shouldn’t choose a photographer without scoping out their portfolio first. Websites and social media galleries showcase a photographer's aesthetic and technical skills. Look for styles that resonate with you but go beyond aesthetics too! Pay attention to how the photographer captures emotions, interacts with families, and utilizes light and composition. Do their photos evoke warmth, joy, and genuine connection? How do they make you feel?
Step 3: Experience Matters, But Connection Matters More
While experience is valuable, don't discount newer photographers who showcase exceptional talent and align with your vision. The most crucial factor is connection. Not only subject to subject but subject to photographer. If you aren’t comfortable with your photographer it will be a lot harder to capture comfortable moments. Schedule consultations with your shortlisted photographers (a lot of us offer free coffee meet-ups!). Assess their communication style, personality, and approach to working with families. Do they make you feel comfortable and understood? Do your kids like them? Remember, you'll be spending quality time with this person, so a good rapport is essential.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Come prepared with a list of questions tailored to your needs. Inquire about:
Package options and pricing: We all like to think money is no object, especially us sensitive, artist types, but budgeting is a necessity and you can’t budget if you don’t know what your photographer is going to cost. Do they offer packages that suit your budget and desired deliverables (prints, digital files, albums)? Some photographers offer packages where everything is included. Others, like myself, offer packages separate from the session fee.
Experience with families: Have they worked with families similar to yours (young children, large groups, specific cultural considerations, or neurodiversity)?
Location preferences: Are they flexible with your desired location, or do they have specific recommendations?
Editing style: Do they offer various editing styles, or is theirs consistent across their portfolio? You want to know you’re going to get what you see.
Turnaround time: How long will it take to receive your final photos? If you are on a timeline and need to have your photos in hand within a certain timeframe, make sure to tell your photographer before you book.
Step 5: Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can be the best ways to find your photographer. Check Google and Facebook reviews. Even better, ask friends and family for their experiences with local photographers. Have a friend who just posted gorgeous family photos to their social media? Ask who she went to.
Bonus Tip: Consider the Extras
Some photographers offer additional services like wardrobe consultations, props, full sets, or framed prints. If these are important to you, factor them into your decision-making process.
The perfect family photographer is out there waiting to capture your unique story. By following these steps and trusting your gut, you'll find someone who not only takes beautiful pictures but also creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Could I be your photographer soul mate? I hope so!
Drama to Dream Session in 7 Steps | A Guide to No-Stress Family Photography Sessions
Getting Dad and the older kids photos before the newborn portion meant they were free to go out into the world and there were no meltdowns.
No matter how many or how small your kids are photography sessions don’t have to be a miserable experience. Here are some tips to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Read moreCapturing Time in a Bottle | Why Existing in Family Photos Matters
Turn your graduating senior’s session into a family affair by bringing the whole family photo ready. Your senior will still have there own dedicated time for pictures but you won’t miss out on the chance to capture the whole crew.
In a world obsessed with capturing every moment on our phones, it's easy to dismiss photographs as fleeting snapshots. But photographs can profoundly impact our sense of self and belonging. Let's look at the importance of existing in photographs, especially for children, and why family photos are more than just cute keepsakes.
The Power of Seeing Yourself
Imagine flipping through a family photo album and never finding yourself among the smiling faces. Photographs act as mirrors reflecting who we are at different stages of life and their absence can feel like a void, a missing piece of our own story. They capture our expressions, our quirks, the way we hold ourselves – all the little details that make us unique. Seeing ourselves in pictures validates our existence, reminding us that we were there, we mattered, and we were loved.
For children, this self-awareness is crucial for building a healthy sense of identity. Seeing themselves in photos with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and connection. They understand they are part of a bigger story, a family unit that transcends time. I’ve seen clients turn their sessions into a chance to start a fun tradition, hit the town, or take the family on a fun outing making memories much deeper than the session itself.
Family Photos: A Legacy of Love
Family photos are more than just aesthetic arrangements of smiling faces. They are tangible reminders of the love and laughter that bind us together. They capture the messy moments, the inside jokes, and the shared experiences that weave the tapestry of family life.
As children grow older, these photos become a vital link to their past. They can revisit cherished memories, see their parents as young and vibrant, and feel the warmth of family even when miles apart. These visual anchors provide a sense of stability and comfort, especially during challenging times.
Beyond the Perfect Pose
It's important to remember that the magic of family photos lies not in achieving picture-perfect poses but in capturing genuine moments of connection. Don’t worry, we’ll get the posing down too! My tagline is “photographing personalities…” so let's ditch the pressure to create the chain studio aesthetic and focus on the everyday interactions that define your family's personality.
Let your children be themselves, silly faces and all. Trust me to capture them. Encourage them to participate in the process, choosing outfits, and even picking locations themselves. This creates a more authentic record of your family dynamic and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in your family history.
The next time you hesitate to grab the camera or book that session, remember the power you hold in your hands. You're not just capturing a moment; you're etching a memory into the fabric of your family's story. Be present, be playful, and most importantly, be there in the pictures. Your future selves, and your children, will thank you for it.
Bonus Tip
Create a dedicated space in your home to display your family photos. This could be a photo wall, a shelf filled with albums, or even a digital slideshow. Seeing these cherished memories every day serves as a constant reminder of the love and joy that surrounds you.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to appreciate the significance of existing in photographs and the enduring value of family photos. Let's keep capturing all the moments, big and small, and weave a beautiful tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime.
I would be honored to help you create lasting family memories! Click your option below to start a collaboration.
Capturing the Holidays | 5 Quick Tips for Better Cell Phone Pictures
With the holidays fast approaching it is also the season of making memories and making sure you capture them by filling up your camera roll! While you'll want to schedule a professional photographer for your official family portraits, you will also want to learn some basics that will help you improve your diy photography skills and capture those moments as they happen.
Read moreWhat Happens When My Baby Gets Adjusted? | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR
All of my adjustments use a gentle, measured approach but it’s even more gentle when it comes to babies. Have you ever been in the grocery store and gave a tomato a slight squeeze to determine its ripeness? Your baby will not experience any pressure stronger than that!
Read morePhysical Signs Your Infant Might Need a Chiropractor | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR
Have you ever considered looking for signs that your baby needs to see a chiropractor to solve an issue? In this week’s guest blog, Dr Jasmine Thompson shares how to know if our littles might need a chiropractor.
Read moreBenefits of Chiropractic Care in Infants | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR
Sweet Princess | Newborn Baby Girl Session
Chiropractic care is vital for a baby’s overall health and growth because it makes sure their spine is properly aligned as they continue to get bigger. Just like in any person, a properly aligned spine affects the entire body. Chiropractic care is proven to improve the overall health of infants, but today I want to focus on several specific common issues that chiropractic care is known to help.
Read morePhotography Session Health & Safety
It is such a strange and difficult time to be scheduling photo sessions so I wanted to make a video showing just how distanced a distanced session can be. If you’re wanting to get on the fall calendar but have been concerned about staying healthy, please watch! And feel free to message me with any questions.
Moniker Ferments | Fayetteville, AR | Shopping Local For The Holidays
Owner of Moniker Ferments, Emily Cassidy, gives us a lesson in Kombucha 101 and mixes up the holiday cocktails.
{Hogshead Tours Dessert Tour Stop #1} Moniker Ferments
When we pulled up at our first stop and I saw the building that houses Moniker Ferments and Conscious Coco I was thrown back in time to my University of Arkansas college days, just a mere 15 years ago, when I was but a wee art degree seeking pup. Back in my day this long, arch-shaped storage building did not hold nearly the charm it does now, but it did house my then boyfriend, now husband's garage band. Hum, I smell a throwback post in our near future!
Moniker Ferments owner and maker of small batch kombucha, Emily Cassidy, has inspired me to learn more about the healthy benefits of this tasty concoction. It probably doesn't hurt that she worked her magic and made it into a beautiful holiday cocktail!
Shopping local for the holidays is easy and supports your neighbors! The complete list of local places from Fayetteville to Bentonville that carry Moniker Ferments products can be found on their website and include some of Northwest Arkansas's favorite local spots like Onyx Coffee Lab, Blackboard Grocery & Eatery, Kennedy Coffee, and Foxhole Public House.
Fayetteville Arkansas | Shopping Local For The Holidays
There has been this slow and steady trend towards supporting local, shopping small businesses, preferring artisan crafted and small batch. This move towards a more intentional consumerism that I am so very excited about! If you have never visited Northwest Arkansas, the birth place of Walmart may seem like the most unlikely place to find these trends front and center. To many of us who call the Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville area home I would wager a guess that this is a big reason we're happy to do so. This holiday season I encourage you to use your funds to support your downtown toy shop, your little boutiques, your local artists and artisans. This holiday season I encourage you to support your neighbors. I'll even help you out by giving you some fantastic places to start your last minute treasure hunting. This week I will be featuring the businesses I had the pleasure of meeting on my adventure Dessert Tour with Hogshead Tours.
Hogshead Tours is running what might be their farewell tours, and I was so very lucky to get to tag along and photograph their dessert tour. Personally I'm crossing my fingers that they're able to pass on the torch, but it's not going to be the same without Dustin and Lora at the helm! Four stops of nothing but fantastic people and edible perfection. If you're looking for unique places to shop local for the holidays look for my posts over the next day or two from Moniker Ferments & Conscious Coco, Alchemy Macarons, Little Bread Company, & Blackboard Grocery & Eatery.
Holiday Limited Edition Sessions Are Here!
To Reserve Your Session Spot Click Image Above or click HERE.
It's the hap-happiest season of all! I'm incredibly excited to announce that I am partnering with The Children's Atelier of downtown Rogers, AR to be able to offer holiday sessions in their beautiful learning studio. The Children's Atelier is the most enchanting place, not just a preschool but the sort of magical place where children are truly allowed to be creative explorers in their own world. Thank you so much to owner and teacher Mary Calcote! I can't wait for people to come experience a bit of the Reggio Emilia inspired, nature-based early childhood program and to capture some beautiful images!
About The Holiday Session
Macarons and marshmallows by Earth + Honey Cakes, cocoa & stories in front of the fire, handcrafted decorations full of vintage charm, and a chance to experience this beautifully unique educational environment. We have been crafting and curating an experience your children will love, and are capturing images your family will cherish!
The Learning Studio at The Children's Atelier located in beautiful Northwest Arkansas offers an amazingly unique early education experience and beautiful location for our holiday sessions.
{Session Details} Session spots are limited. Session fee must be paid in full to hold your spot. Session fee is $75.00 plus tax. and comes with...
* mini-session in front of the fireplace
* (2) 5 x 7 prints of your two favorite images with matching digital download for social media sharing and personal, unlimited print release.
* online proofing and ordering gallery for selecting favorite images and purchasing additional digitals, prints, and artwork.
* a macaron and cocoa with giant marshmallow handmade by Earth + Honey Cakes
* make a hand-print keepsake ornament with owner and teacher of The Children's Atelier, Mary Calcote
Macaron & Handmade Marshmallows by Earth + Honey Cakes included for each child photographed! Aren't they lovely?!
{New & Improved!} 5 image download package
It is my mission to keep your loved ones off of hard drives and disks and I couldn't stand it that my 5 image download didn't come with something tangible, when my full gallery download does. So I changed that! It's still a package that gives you the digital negatives with print permission, but now also includes a 4x6 of each image, professionally printed and placed in this beautiful packaging. So much more fun to deliver! And, since I'm really bad at keeping my excitement to myself, I can't wait until the new year to offer it. Instead, this will be available for purchase with your session immediately and the price won't go up until the new year!
Northwest Arkansas Family Portrait Session | Bogle Park
The Blakely Family are one of my very first clients. I've had to opportunity to photograph their adorable kiddos several times and always at Bogle Park in the downtown Bentonville, AR area. I love this location, I feel like I have stepped into the scene of one of my favorite childhood books, "The Secret Garden" every time I visit and what a perfect place to capture young children! This time I got to photograph cousins too, twice the fun!
Cosplay or Real Life Super Hero Training?
{Eagle Man age 5} Cosplay Portrait taken in Northwest Arkansas by Sunny Skaggs Photography
"We are what we believe we are." C.S. Lewis
Halloween has almost grown to Christmas holiday proportions in our household. I can not believe the amount of time {and lets not talk about money} I put into costume procuring and creation for ourselves and 3 boys. I absolutely love it! The fact that my 5 year old can dream up his own super hero, that I can bring it to life and watch how proud he is, that as a sort of awesome that just can not be replaced!
This Eagle Man costume made possible by Pinterest, a mother's creative salvation! The directions for the felt bird wings on this costume came straight from a tutorial that can be found at this link.
Kurt Cobain & Graham
When I was scrolling through my various social media feeds on Saturday and saw that it was the 25th anniversary of Nirvana's release of their game changing album "Nevermind" I felt like I had been tossed into a time machine. How was that 25 years ago?! Then I remembered this photograph from the tween session I did with my oldest son, Graham. This kid of mine is creative through and through and we had so much fun, especially when we wandered into the 21c hotel in Bentonville. This is one of the photos we captured. Artist past, artist future. I feel old.
Nostomania
“nostomania [nos-tuh-mey-nee-uh, -meyn-yuh] 1. intense homesickness; an irresistible compulsion to return home. Origin of nostomania Greek. 1850-1855; < Greek nósto (s) a return home + -mania.”
I am a diehard nostomaniac. I want to experience beautiful moments but my desire to capture, to hold, to return to that experience and share it with others might be even stronger. I'm an old school girl who likes the new school trappings. I groan to see half of my carousel images spoiled by parents on cell phones then turn around and spend 5 minutes perfecting a cellphone image of my son being silly so I can check in at the zoo. Life is a constant push and pull in the search for balance and beauty and truth. It's the same struggle for me in photography. Preserving memories and moments without losing the beauty and simplicity of just connecting. Connecting to our selves. Connecting with each other.
Death to Digital!
I'm a little old school. I remember the days of film in little plastic cylinders, squinting at tiny proofs, holding strips of negatives to the light and plastering my mirror with pictures of my friends. The days before digital when sifting through shoe boxes of old photos was a siren's song that could steal away a sun-filled afternoon and I wouldn't even miss it.
We will never walk past our hard drives and get swept away by nostalgia. Kids don't shuffle past thumb drives in the junk drawer and feel compelled to crawl into our laps so we can tell them how life was forever changed when they entered the world. The rainbow shine of a disk won't inspire our friends to laughter and remember-whens, or give our neighbors a glimpse of the love we feel might just be big enough to burst our very seams.
Life is amazing and fleeting. Life is about experiences and relationships. Walk away with something to connect over. A way to launch conversations with those you love and those you've just met. Give yourself a daily reminder of how you are unique and why that is something to preserve and treasure.
Then again, maybe I'm a little old school.
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