What Can I Do? | Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. This month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, spread acceptance, and celebrate the incredible diversity of the neurodivergent community.

I am the mother of three wonderful boys and wife to my favorite human on the planet. All five of us have diagnoses from Autism to ADHD to anxiety. I have learned a lot over the years about patience, acceptance of unique mannerisms, allowing communication to happen the way that's best for the person communicating, and letting my people listen and exist in the ways that work best for their unique brains.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental neurodivergence characterized by unique strengths and challenges in social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. According to the CDC, it's estimated that 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with ASD, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing individuals on the spectrum.

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?

1. Educate Yourself

Acceptance begins with understanding. Dedicate some time to learning about autism through reliable sources such as the Autism Society of America (Here), the National Institute of Mental Health (Here), the CDC (Here), or by talking to an autistic person directly.

2. Challenge Misconceptions

Unfortunately, many harmful stereotypes surround autism, keeping people from opportunities they are perfectly capable of participating in. Just like neurotypical people, neurodivergent people aren't all the same. There's a reason people refer to autism and its characteristics as a spectrum. One of the most crucial ways to support the autistic community is to challenge limiting misconceptions. Educate your loved ones, friends, and colleagues and dispel inaccurate information you may encounter.

3. Embrace Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to variation in the human brain's function and reflects the idea that everyone's brain is wired differently. Recognizing and embracing this diversity allows us to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives autistic individuals bring to the world. Beyond awareness, it's equally important to celebrate the talents, accomplishments, and unique perspectives of the autistic community. Amplify autistic voices, showcase their artistic contributions, and celebrate their diverse experiences.

4. Be Respectful and Inclusive

Practice respect when interacting with individuals of any age on the spectrum, just like you should with anyone else. Remember, everyone communicates and processes information differently. Be patient, allow extra processing time, and listen attentively to understand their communication. Rushing, interrupting, or trying to fill in the blanks of someone you're speaking to is rude and frustrating and only slows the speaker down. Know that people on the spectrum may not be comfortable looking directly at you. Looking away while speaking to you is not a sign of disrespect. Also, be aware that the environment significantly impacts the ability to focus and communicate.

5. Advocate for Accessibility

Consider the sensory sensitivities frequently experienced by individuals on the spectrum. When planning events, be mindful of creating an inclusive environment. This may involve offering low-sensory spaces, providing straightforward communication, and avoiding overwhelming sensory inputs like bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.

By taking these steps, we can all help create a more inclusive and understanding world for individuals on the spectrum. Remember, awareness is just the beginning. Let's work together to create a world where everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Did you hear about the free sessions I'm giving away in April for neurodivergent families? Contact me for more information.

CONTACT ME

Autism Awareness Month | Complimentary Sessions

I know how hard it can be to gather the family for great photos. I also know how much harder that can be when your family includes a dose or two...or three of neurodivergence. I believe in photos as a way for people to remember their roots and appreciate their differences. I want you to love yourselves and the unique families you find yourselves part of. 

Because of this, 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. Sessions will be held at my Rogers, AR studio or an outdoor location in Rogers. If your family doesn’t fit this criteria, please share with anyone who does. 

Before your session, I will ask you for information about how I can best accommodate your family. My studio is in a quiet building and has diffused lighting. I use flash but can also use continuous lighting if requested. I’m happy to customize music or sounds or make it a quiet space. Air fresheners will be put on hold for April. 

I always like to go with the family’s personalities, likes, and dislikes. My goal is to photograph your family being themselves, often this means a more relaxed session that doesn’t require eyes on camera and stiff posing but will be guided to bring out the best in everyone making it a great fit for neurodivergent humans.

My studio is wheelchair and stroller accessible. 

To book your family session please use the contact page on this website or email me at sunnyskaggsphotography@gmail.com

How 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!

BOOK ME

CONTACT ME

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.

Let's face it, the mere mention of "family photography session" can send shivers down any parent's spine. Visions of forced smiles, beautiful clothes dirtied on the way, and toddler tantrums dance in our heads. But what if I told you it didn't have to be that way? What if family photos could be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, even (gasp!) the kids?

Fear not, stressed-out parents! With a little planning and the right approach, you can achieve the holy grail of family photography: a no-stress session filled with genuine smiles and happy memories. Here are 7 tips to help in capturing those picture-perfect moments without the meltdown.

1. Find your photographer soulmate:

This is key. Ditch the stiff, traditional portrait studio vibes and seek out a photographer who gets your family's energy. Look for someone who specializes in relaxed, candid shots and prioritizes fun over formality. You will still get those perfect sit and smile photos for grandma but you’ll also end up with cherished memories and a more pleasant experience. If you have small children make sure your photographer is experienced, not just with photography, but with photographing children. Being able to take gorgeous photos of willing adults is not the same as being able to wrangle tiny humans. Same with any unique quality your family might have, like neurodivergence and special needs.

2. Location, location, location:

Studio sessions don’t have to be sterile. Find a photographer whose creativity shines wherever they shoot. Indoor sessions can be location-based but even backdrops can be made interesting by a creative photographer. The studio experience not your family’s jam? Embrace the great outdoors! A park, your backyard, or even your favorite downtown area can be the perfect setting for capturing natural interactions and genuine smiles with a background that is part of your family's story.

3. Ditch the Pinterest pressure:

Embrace the imperfections, the silly faces, and the unexpected moments – those are the ones you'll truly treasure. Trust your photographer. If you took your time to hire the right one trust her in her creative process. This is not a performance, it's a family outing! Play games, tell jokes, splash in the creek, chase butterflies – whatever gets your family laughing and interacting naturally. The photographer will be there to capture those genuine moments of joy and smiles that happen naturally. Remember, it's about capturing memories, love, laughter, and the unique spirit of your family.

4. Keep it short and sweet:

Attention spans, especially those of little ones, are limited. Don't drag out the session until everyone's frazzled. Plan for a shorter session focused on capturing a few key locations, outfits, or interactions. 

5. Snacks are your friend (and so is respecting your normal napping schedule):

Hangry meltdowns are no fun for anyone. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled and happy. A happy tummy equals a happy subject! And try to schedule sessions around baby, toddler (and husband) naptimes. Grumpy humans are not as nearly as photogenic as happy ones.

6. Embrace the unexpected:

Things rarely go according to plan, especially with kids involved. Don't sweat the small stuff! A spilled ice cream cone or a muddy shoe can make for some of the most hilarious and memorable photos. And what truly needs fixing but can’t be on-site can often be fixed with my Photoshop magic later on.

7. Get everyone involved:

Let your older siblings and hesitant teenagers help choose the location or outfits. Give littles a job that makes them feel important. This creates a sense of ownership and excitement that will translate into happier subjects.

By following these tips, you can transform your family photography session from a stressful ordeal to a fun-filled adventure. So ditch the drama, embrace the laughter, and capture the true essence of your family – perfectly imperfect and wonderfully loved.

Now go forth and have those precious moments documented! Your future selves, and your children, will thank you for it.

Could I be your photographer soulmate? Let’s find out!

BOOK SESSION

CONTACT ME

Capturing 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.

BOOK NOW

CONTACT

Capturing the Holidays | 5 Quick Tips for Better Cell Phone Pictures

The crisp air and dropping leaves of fall are finally starting to fill the air. Are you as excited about this change of season as I am?! 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 with a bazillion pictures! While you'll want to schedule a professional photographer for your official family portraits, wall art and Christmas cards, there are so many everyday moments that you will want to capture yourself as they happen. Unless you're going to hire a live-in paparazzo I would recommend learning some basics that will help you improve your diy photography skills and capture those moments as they happen.  

1. Be in the photos!

I know, you’re never in the pictures because you’re always the one taking them. You might even have all the excuses in the world to not be in the pictures (I don’t like pictures of myself, I’m bigger than I want to be, my hair isn’t done… sound familiar? They’re excuses I’ve used!) Enough of all that! Your friends, family, loved ones and even you one day will be so very glad you decided to move to the other side of the lens.

So, how do you make the move to being in front of the camera? There are so many fun solutions to this dilemma. You can take a picture in a reflective surface like a window or mirror, use a tripod, even a makeshift one out of what’s available will do, set the timer and get in that shot! A friend or even a nearby stranger is usually more than willing to help you capture memories. This can be a little rough on the quality of the results you get, not all last minute photogs have the artful eye we do, so don’t be shy about giving them a bit of instruction.

2. Take the safe shot then go for art.

When you see a moment in the making capture it quickly. Using live mode can help you grab that safe shot since you can go back into the image and edit it later to choose from multiple frames. Live images can also be converted to make adorable gifs and mini-videos and even compiled at the end of the year for an epic video of memories.

Once you have the quick capture, play around and try for some artistic pics with fun angels: go high, go super low, shoot through objects or lights, get the super close up or the way back landscape shot, have everyone jump or dance or be silly. My family’s favorite snaps are ALWAYS the silly pictures!

3. Use portrait mode for better cell phone portraits. 

This won’t be the way you want to take a professional headshot but for quick portraits and cute pictures of your holiday drinks with less background distraction this is the way to go. Don’t worry about which lighting setting you choose, you can change that in editing later. And if you don’t end up liking the effect at all, that can be removed in editing as well so it’s a can’t lose camera setting!

4. Light is everything.

 Photography, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (such as film or an optical sensor).” In other words, photography is captured light. You may not be able to visualize the image you want to end up with and get it from the camera you have in your hands, but you can absolutely use the camera in your hands to get a great shot, you just have to play by its rules. Get to know your camera settings, what your camera is capable of, or not, and work within those parameters. A lot can be remedied in post, even on a phone, but you will still want to be working within the bounds of how your equipment captures light as much as possible.

Have a phone camera that is great in low light? Awesome! Or is it? What if you want to capture some contrast of light and darkness or how colored lights illuminate the dark? No worries, just drag down the exposure. Is the light behind your subject drowning them in darkness? Try placing your subject so the light is beside or in front of them instead or change the exposure setting by touching the bright background on the screen and dragging down the exposure.

One of my favorite easy ways to find good light is to put my phone on selfie mode and do a slow turn to see how the light affects the shadows on my face. Then I have the best light for where I am.

5. Have fun!

Nothing teaches you how to take good pictures like taking a bazillion bad ones. Have fun with your photos and try different things. Playing and experimenting will quickly show you what works for you and you’ll be taking the best snap shots in no time!

---

If you are searching for a modern portrait photographer located in Northwest Arkansas I hope you find we’re a good match. If you would like to book a session with Sunny Skaggs Photography or find out more information please fill out the contact form accessible through the menu.

What Happens When My Baby Gets Adjusted? | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR

With the information in the last two guest posts you might be thinking of an infant chiropractic adjustment for your little one but still be concerned, not knowing what to expect. Many of us tend to think of chiropractic care as a lot of pulling and popping, but there’s a gentler approach when you’re dealing with delicate newborns. In this week’s guest blog, Dr Jasmine Thompson walks us through what a chiropractic session looks like for babies.

When I say that I treat patients of all ages, I mean it! I love working with prenatal and postnatal moms, as well as their infants. 

It might seem unusual that a tiny baby would need to have chiropractic care, but as I’ve Written Before, babies can benefit from regular adjustments in several ways. I would recommend that they start getting regular adjustments soon after birth, but here are Some Signs you should look for that mean they need an exam. 

Infant chiropractic care is easy, pain-free, and completely safe. 

So, what does an infant adjustment look like? First of all, take the idea of “pop and crack” out of your head immediately. 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! 

The reason a baby requires such a soft touch is that its bones are not yet fully developed. In most cases, babies get very chilled out during their adjustment and especially after. This is because the adjustment eases pain and tension in their tiny bodies! Most parents tell me that their babies poop after their adjustment then settle in for a nice nap. 

The way the first visit works is, I will do a full consultation with mom/dad to learn all about the pregnancy and labor and delivery because all of these things play a role in what the baby is experiencing. Extremely long or short births can put a lot of stress on the baby in the birth canal. Also if mom had any illness or was taking any medication during pregnancy this can also put stress on your baby. The history is very important to what we will focus on. 

I will also do a comprehensive exam that looks closely at baby's physical and neurological health. Just like with adults, the symptoms a baby is experiencing is just the surface of what is actually going on. A complete history and exam will help guide me to the true cause of those symptoms. 

The first visit for an infant usually takes about 30 minutes and includes the above and an adjustment. 

Is your baby cranky? Or perhaps you recently gave birth and you want to help your newborn feel better after the birthing experience. Give me a call and I’d love to work with both mom and baby (dads, too!).  

Physical Signs Your Infant Might Need a Chiropractor | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR

In last week’s post we learned some of the benefits of chiropractic care in infants. In this week’s guest blog, Dr Jasmine Thompson shares how to know if our littles might need a chiropractor.

We’ve discussed before How Infants Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care but have you ever considered looking for signs that your baby needs to see a chiropractor to solve an issue?
 

First of all, keep in mind that even if your birth went beautifully and as planned, it’s still a pretty traumatic experience to have your tiny body expelled from its safe womb where it thrived for nine months! Babies are often born with minor spine issues from day one and getting those issues taken care of can help their development and overall wellness.
 

But what if you start noticing potential concerns? Let’s discuss a few things to look for (but not panic over).
 

Basically, symmetry is key. Look for symmetry in the eyes, ears, jaw, and neck muscles. Specifically:

• Eyes: are they the same size, is one larger or smaller than the other? Are they level?

• Jaw: look at how your baby is yawning or while they are babbling. Does the jaw open wide and evenly? Do you notice the jaw pulls to one side or the other when your baby opens his or her mouth?

• Ears: when you look at your baby straight on is one ear higher or lower than the other?

• Neck: does your baby experience spasms on one side of the neck over the other? This is known as torticollis. Also see if they favor one side or the other when laying flat on their back or in a car seat. This also potentially shows up if your baby favors feeding on one side and gets fussy when you try to feed them on the other side.

Also, signs that your baby needs or at least could benefit from chiropractic care also include excessive crying, frequent hand clenching, and lots of back arching.
 

All of the above problems are signs of subluxation that can be caused during and even after birth. Your infant receiving chiropractic care will help promote healthy growth and development and will reduce painful inflammation in your baby.
 

I treat every member of the family and can do house calls for moms who can’t get out as easily. I’d love to help your entire family live happier, healthier lives through gentle chiropractic care. 

This article was written by Dr. Jasmine Thompson of Nurture Chiropractic Company, was originally posted to nurturechiroco.com’s blog and is reposted here with permission.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care in Infants | Nurture Chiropractic Company, Fayetteville, AR

Sweet Princess | Newborn Baby Girl Session

Bringing home my first baby was a surprisingly intimidating experience. Newborns don’t come with an owner’s manual. Honestly, with all my babysitting experience I didn’t think I’d need one. When we got him home on day one and he wouldn’t stop crying no matter what we tried I really wished he had come with some sort of handy dandy make-baby-happy guide!

Even better than a manual is surrounding yourself with trusted care providers who can guide your newborn care in a way that is customized to your specific, unique little one. I wish I had had Dr Jasmine on my team all those years ago. In this article Dr. Jasmine details some of the benefits of gentle chiropractic adjustments in newborns Consider adding it to your parenting tool box.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care in Infants

I talk often about how chiropractic care can help everyone, including pregnant women, athletes, and the elderly. Did you know that this also includes infants? 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.
 

Colic

It is often hard to tell the exact reason your baby may be colicky, and there are many suggested treatments for it.

Gentle movements of the hands around the abdomen, where pain usually lives in babies with colic, can help the gas and indigestion move through the body. This stimulates the nerves in the body, helping the body function properly.
 

Reflux

Getting regular adjustments helps align the spine. A spine that is misaligned can cause all kinds of other problems in the body. Reflux causes a baby to frequently spit up and feel a lot of discomfort and pain.

According to 100% Chiropractic, “Chiropractic care for babies has shown that the source of the problem is often a misaligned spine putting unnecessary pressure on the diaphragm and upsetting the balance of the digestive system.” Adjusting the spine will help relieve the pain your infant is feeling by releasing that pressure.
 

Breastfeeding

If you are having trouble with your baby latching and or successfully breastfeeding, chiropractic care may help.

Adjustments can help improve movement your baby’s neck, jaw, and shoulders, which in turn will help your baby nurse better.
 

Overall Health And Growth

Just like in adults, regularly seeing a chiropractor can help your infant’s immune system and overall health.

When our back, neck or spine is misaligned it causes issues in the nervous system and throughout the rest of the body. Adjustments help realign what is out of place and send cells through the body that help us fight diseases and stay healthy.
 

Let Me Help

I am here to help! As you can imagine, adjusting a baby’s spine is different than when working with an adult. I always use gentle adjustment techniques, but the methods with infants require an even more gentle approach.

I’d love to talk with you about your infant’s health. I also work with post-partum moms! Reach Out Today and let me help you and your baby live a healthy and happy life!

This article was written by Dr. Jasmine Thompson of Nurture Chiropractic Company, was originally posted to nurturechiroco.com’s blog and is reposted here with permission.

Photography 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

View fullsize

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.”

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

Death to Digital!

View fullsize

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.