Europe Overview

For those of you that didn't notice, I was out on vacation.  :)  My husband and I finally made it back to Europe.  We met there nearly 8 years ago, but haven't really been back to the same locations.  We didn't get to visit the place we met (yet), but we did make it back to where he was living at the time and some of our first date locations.

Not only do we love traveling, but we also love a good deal.  Combining these two, creates a pretty big rush for us.  Since we really did't have nice camera equipment back then, we really wanted to capture some of the sites this time around.  I will be posting a series of blogs about our trip.  Itineraries, costs, recommendations, gluten free options, and of course pictures will be included.  This post is big picture and should give you the overall view of our 12 day trip.

(All items listed below include both my husband and I.  Price is our TOTAL cost, not per person.)

Interesting Facts

1 rental car (Enterprise from LHR)

2 bus' taken (Paris and Rome)

3 different Metros (London, Paris, Rome)

3 Customs (Italy had no customs ever - bizarre)

3 hotels

4 Italian cities visited

5 different airlines (WestJet, Air Canada, RyanAir, Lufthansa, US Air)

5 Countries

6 flights taken (Orlando, Toronto, London, Paris, Pisa, Naples, Munich, Charlotte, Orlando)

6 Museums seen (Roman Baths, British Library, British Museum, National Gallery, Louvre, Sistene Chapel)

10 European cities visited 

11 Churches/Duomos/Cathedrals 

12 friends seen (McGregor's, Valiquette's, Marra's)

12 days

12 Trains/Subways

14 cities in all visited

54 unique events/attractions/sites/meals

Price Breakdown

             Transportation - 72%

$1482 - Roundtrip flight from Orlando/Europe

$970 - other transportation

$491 - Hotel - 15% (We stayed with our friends 6 nights.)

$247 - Food - 7%

$199 -  Entrance Fees to Attractions - 6%

$3,389 - total for two

Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight from Orlando to London

Day 2 - arrive at 6:30AM and travel to Bath and Oxford England

Day 3 - London

Day 4 - London

Day 5 - London and travel to Paris

Day 6 - Paris

Day 7 - Paris and travel to Pisa

Day 8 - Pisa and travel to Florence

Day 9 - Travel to Rome and continue to Salerno

Day 10 - Salerno

Day 11 - Salerno

Day 12 - travel home

Holiday Mini Sessions

The holidays are just around the corner.  Due to my schedule, I have limited availability between now and December.  Call today to schedule your appointment!

1 hour

1 location

20-30 final images

online gallery for viewing and sharing

50 cards, full-color, front and back (does not include folded or accordion)

$200

option to buy images w copyrights for $50

Below are the card options offered for 2012.

Many cards can be printed in a variety of shapes and sizes.

10,000 Reasons

We were so honored to be a part of Kendyl and Josh's special day!  Their families have been a part of the same church growing up.  Josh and Kendyl went their separate ways and after both moving 1,000+ miles away, they reconnected and started dating.  It's hard to deny God's perfect design in seeing them draw closer together and more in love with Him along the way.

Kendyl's father was diagnosed with cancer in January. Although the news was not what they wanted, they held on to greater Hope of Jesus.  Josh and Kendyl had "10,000 Reasons" playing during part of their ceremony.  Their parents came together to pray with them and their life ahead as these words played in the background:

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless The Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

This was especially true for Kendyl's dad.  I can just imagine him singing his lungs out right now as he stands with Jesus.  You see, eight days after Josh and Kendyl said I do, he lost his battle here on earth and went to be with Jesus.  He walked Kendyl down the aisle.  He prayed. He danced to Butterfly Kisses and had us ALL crying...and laughing.  Most importantly, he shared the love of Jesus up until he passed with his family, friends, coworkers, and strangers.

Kendyl and Josh - thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of your special day.  Our hope is that we have captured some sweet memories of you two, your families, and friends.  We pray that this would be a time to draw you closer to The Lord and celebrate all the He has done.

Dream

These photos are like a dream!  We messed up a few pairs of shoes and faced several types of bug bites and adventures.  However, the outcome made it all worthwhile.  I have now learned to always keep a spare pair of shoes in the car.  Thanks to this lovely couple for being brave, adventurous, and good looking!  I can't wait to photograph their wedding in a few months.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart...

I had the great pleasure of photographing these two early in the week.  TS Isaac brought lots of rain this way, but we were able to dodge the rain and set out for some photos.  I'm so excited to capture their special day later this month and spend the weekend with their family!

It's a Boy

This was a super fun shoot because it was for my sister.  I had a great capturing the special moment in their lives and I cannot wait to meet him in the next few weeks.

Haddie

Baby Haddie is just over a week old.  She is absolutely adorable and her whole family adores her.  Her two sisters really cannot get enough of her...even if she is crying it does not phase them.  Although I was out of town when she arrived, I was delighted to spend a couple hours with this family again.  Luckily, the oldest was a lot more excited to be in front of the camera as opposed to last time.  I have two older sisters so a family of three girls warms my heart.  Their lovely mother apparently makes a very warm and cozy home as all three have been late as mom and dad eagerly await to meet each bundle with joy.  One last thing, they all have the best names!  Very classic names, but shortened with their own twist.  I sure hope they have a list somewhere that they can share with me.  :)  So....meet baby Haddie and her family!

TGCW12

I had the great pleasure of working with the team from The Gospel Coalition a few weeks ago.  For the first time, they hosted a Women's Conference - "for women but not all about women".  It brought nearly 4,000 women to Orlando from all over the world to hear from God's Word. 

Below are a few highlights and a slideshow of the photos I took.  Check out #TGCW12 for a look at all of the photos from the event.  Then be sure to mark your calendars for April 8-10 for their National Conference.  

Pink & Blue

A fun morning (before it got too hot) to spend with some wonderful friends!  Here's a quick preview before bed and many more to see in the next week or so.

I love that little sister reached over to grab big brother's hand!

Yahaira & Marcus

A lovely evening with a sweet couple! Always thankful for beautiful lighting (and people) to make my job easy. Here's a quick preview of some photos from their engagement session last night. Stay tuned for a collecting of a 1st birthday and more of this couple!

Cammie - Headshots

Cammie won the giveaway a while back from my friends over at Coupons Make It Free. She wanted to use her session for some headshots as she will need them for auditions and such. It was great to meet you and her husband. Hope you enjoy them and look forward to hearing you and your wonderful voice!

Share the Love - Finalist

We are pleased to announce the finalists for the Share the Love Giveaway. Be sure to show some LOVE here in the comments section or on Facebook to vote. Votes will be accepted through the end of February.

Kevin and Mary


Kevin and I met a few years ago at a friend's BBQ. We hit it off very well from the beginning, but we both were simply looking for a friend and nothing more. As time passed by, I got to know Kevin a little better and became very interested in him, but it wasn't until December of 2010 that we started officially dating. In October of 2011 we gathered at a family dinner, his parents all the way from Turkey and mine, where he began to give a speech. I lost my older brother back in April of last year, and this was one of the first times I got to see my parents smiling again. During Kevin's speech he mentioned how we met, and how he knew from day one that our connection was deeper than he could ever imagine, and next thing you know he got down on one knee. This was the best feeling I have ever had in one single moment in my life. I am so deeply in love with him, for him to propose meant the world to me, as I knew at that moment the feelings he had for me were mutual. Kevin and I have come a long way in our relationship, and we both compliment each other in every way possible. Kevin is a 33 year-old from Turkish background, and I am a 24 year-old girl from a Venezuelan/Italian background; so it is a perfect combination of different cultures and ages, bringing the best in each other. If I believe in love, and a soul mate, and a perfect match, it is because of him and I.

Share the Love - Finalist

We are pleased to announce the finalists for the Share the Love Giveaway. Be sure to show some LOVE here in the comments section or on Facebook to vote. Votes will be accepted through the end of February.

Marcus and Yahaira

Marcus and I met in our church, Iglesia forest city. We were best friends for about a year and a half. He was 12 and I was 14 :)
This friendship grew to liking each other, although he was younger than me, it didn’t matter. We gave it a shot; we dated for 4 years then broke up for a year and a half. We couldn’t picture ourselves with anyone else so we tried again. Here we are, together total of six years going on seven and couldn’t be any happier

The engagement:
February 4, 2012
Couldn’t have been anymore perfect! I been praying to God, asking him when will he finally ask me to marry him!! It seemed like an eternity. Then the day I least expected it, I walked in to my house with my best friend to rose pedals on the floor with red candles making a path way to my back porch. As I walked in the song “A hundred more years” by Franshesca Battestelli was playing, and it was the perfect song! Each family member of ours handed me a rose and the path ended with my father giving me the last one. As I kept walking there was a mirror, and on that mirror was a note that read: “this is an image I want you to remember for the rest of your life” I flipped the mirror over and there he was. It was perfect, the approval of both sides of the family and the blessing from our pastor. It was the best day of my life!


The Wedding:
My vision of this wedding, I have so much to still think about! Favorite color is blue, I see a nice light blue as my main color, with silver, with blue flowers.. spring-ish there’s still a lot I have to decide on..

Winning this free session will mean the world to me! Marcus and I have always been hard workers in our family, and are always there when anyone needs anything. We are never the ones to ask for anything, or anything in return. And having this would be a blessing, my parents are barely making with money, my father has been laid off for about a year now, and they are trying to give us the best they can. And like I said earlier we never were the ones to ask our parents for anything, if we wanted something we worked hard to earn it. And having someone there to capture the best day of our lives FINALLY together, would mean the world to both of us…

First Look

There's something about the moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time. Sometimes you see the pure joy, or delight, others you see the humility and know this man is going to treasure his bride. No matter what the expression, it's one of my favorites of the big day and I am fortunate enough to have the best seat in the house as a photographer. I love that Josh is not afraid to share some emotion. That says a lot about who he will be as a husband (and father).

Close Encounters

WOW! What a weekend! Saturday's weather was perfect. What a great way to celebrate a new family. Dana and Josh have quite a story and have waited much longer than they wanted to have their special day. You could really see the love all day! It went far beyond the bride and groom, but both families and all the friends really do have some big hearts. Dana and her sister are only 18 months apart and they were married 8 months (to the day) after one another. Let me just say that they were lots of laughs, but not short of all the tears.

I'm working my way through the THOUSANDS of photos we took. First I'm working on clearing out things not in focus and eyes closed, etc etc, etc. No worries though, we take multiple pictures so that despite deleting some photos, you still get almost the exact same thing - but the best one of the group. As I'm working through, I can hardly fight back the tears (again). Dana's mom and sister I think lost some at the salon. Dana wanted everything a surprise and none of the guys saw her until she walked down the aisle. With the exception of her dad of course. Everyone else cleared out and just Dana's family shared a few moments before the ceremony. As he entered the doorway, his eyes filled up. At that point, everyone in the room was crying. He walked forward, embraced her, then started singing! I'm still surprised there was no make-up redone after those 5 minutes.

All that to say, this is what I love about photographing! You really do have a front row seat. The intimacy shared between a bride and groom, extended family, and friends is really something special. Everyone has a story. I love being a part of such a special day. It's really the best seat in the house to see all the details come together and capture each moment as it unfolds.

Here are just a few photos that caught my eye. I'm not even 10% in yet, but wanted to get something up so you can taste what is to come.

Congratulations again you two!

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Photographer

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to give some guidance for some important questions before booking a session. These are general questions and not for a specific type of session. I have also included some information for each, but keep in mind this is for photographers in general and does not represent sara G photography. Please inquire for specific information from sara G photography.

1. How quick is your turnaround time on editing and delivering photos?

Most photographers will average a 4-6 week turnaround for a regular session. Weddings average about 12 weeks for editing and an additional 12 weeks for album orders. If you have a specific deadline be sure to ask the photographer if they can meet that deadline before booking. Most photographers can meet your deadline, but it may not be included in the basic price.

2. How much does a session cost and what is included?

How many locations? How much time? Are digital photos and copyright releases included? Be sure to compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges. Think about what is most important to you and what you are looking for. Do you need a variety of photos? Do you need prints or digital options?

3. How many photos are typically included?

A regular session averages 20-30 photos released to the client. Some photographers will include more, but they may charge more. Keep in mind that almost all photographers take more photos than what clients will ever see. Part of the editing process allows you to skip through all the eyes closed and photo bombs. Just ask your photographer what to expect. If you don't get what you want from one, try another one until you find what you are looking for.

4. What are some photo products that you offer?

Look for anything from albums, canvasses, frames, photo cards, etc. If you have something in mind, be sure to ask before booking. Be sure to ask to see some samples to get the best idea for what will work for you.

5. OMG - I have a huge zit on my nose! Can you take care of that?

This might be one question you don't think about until the day of or day after. As much as photographers are trying to get you in the perfect shot, sometimes they miss something. Whether its a zit, unwanted pedestrian in the background, or eyes closed, be sure to ask what is included and what is not before you book.

6. Can I bring my dog? car? unicorn... ?

Photos are about capturing personality and emotion. Most photographers will encourage you to bring something that expresses your personality and hobbies. It's always a good idea to run it by the photographer to ensure they have no restrictions.

7. What equipment do you use?

Quality of camera lenses and bodies are a huge limiting factor in image quality. It takes both a great photographer and great equipment to take professional photos. You may get some good photos from a photographer, but without the proper equipment, you may be limited to print size or untrue colors. If you feel uninformed, just ask the photographer. You can always google the specifics later.

8. What is the ordering process?

Every photographer is different. Some offer face to face consultation and recommendations for prints. Others offer everything online. Still others, hand off your proofs and you are on your own. Each one has their different strengths, but if you are looking for help in ordering or want to be independent, talk with your photographer and see if they can work with you.

9. What makes you different from other photographers?

This question should unlock some key information about a photographers style, business practice, or unique selling points. If you like traditional shots, be sure to find someone that mentions that. If you want more journalistic, look for that. Photographers have their own style, so look for one that seems to be what you want.

10. What should I wear to my session?

Be yourself! Don't be afraid to ask for the photographer's input on this. I typically recommend dark or bright colors and something that is comfortable to you. This doesn't mean your pajamas or sweatpants. Wear something that you would wear another time - not just for photos.

To sum things up - don't underestimate the power of communication. Talk with the potential photographer and ask all the questions you need to before you book. If there is something really important to you and it is not listed somewhere general for the photographer, get the terms in writing. Clear communication will help both you and them. Photographers want you to be happy and return for business. Most unmet expectations stem from that of miscommunication.

What questions would you add?