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?

Mumbert

If you ever struggle with getting adults to laugh, just teach a little kid how to say "Boogers Boogers" instead of cheese. If that doesn't work, you can always make the men uncomfortable by telling them to get nice and close to each other. At some point, they will break out in full laughter.

Not the best morning for photos, as it started in the 50's. Thankfully, everyone was a good sport and we captured quite a few photos over 2 hours. Here are just a few that caught my eye at first glance. Be sure to check back soon for the full slideshow.

Farrell

Celebrating the holidays with family is really what makes the season. Those that have lost someone close to them may realize that when it is too late. Being with those you love is one of those special times you always want to remember. The past few months have allowed me to work with such families. Here's a few from today's afternoon session. (This morning's session should be ready tomorrow so you won't get a preview. Check back tomorrow for the full session.)

K+M

Such a fun time to watch these two laugh together today! I love seeing the look in a couple's eyes when they look at each other. We headed out to the park this afternoon and spotted a field on the way. We saw at least two others pull over to take advantage, so we did too. (The other images are in the process of being uploaded, but here's a few to keep you waiting until tomorrow.)