Family

Pt. Defiance Family and Maternity Portraits | Tacoma Portrait Photographer

These sweet folks came to me for some family and maternity portraits. Such a beautiful family and big sister undeniably won over my heart, and camera, with her curly locks and precious smile.

XOXO,

Sarah

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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Laredo Family Session | Olympia Portrait Photographer

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Morgan Family Capitol Building Session | Olympia Portrait Photographer

As a wedding photographer I don't photograph as many family as I used too since my summer and fall are busy catching "I do's." BUT when I do get to squeeze one in I remember how fun they can be.

This is the Morgan Family's second time having their family portrait's taken with me and it was really fun to see how much the girls had grown up. Not to mention the addition of a little, chubby-cheeked and smiley brother! So much can change in two years!! We hammed it up, danced and played and had a blast exploring the Capitol Building! What a great setting and an amazing family.

OF COURSE now I'm going to sneak my favorite quote about families in here... not that it pertains to this family cause I don't think I've met their 'nut' yet but when I think of it relative to my family it makes me giggle!

“Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.” - Unknown

...... side note...... if you are the 'nut' do you know it?? If you read this and think "no, not my family - we are 'nut' free" could that mean that YOU are the 'nut'? Anyway, I find it pretty humorous and it also reminds me how much I love my family, 'nuts' and all.


THROWBACK!

People, and family, change over time and it's great to have images to hold side my side to not only remember fond moments that have passed but also to see all the changes that may not be as obvious because you see people every day. A solid reminder not to take any moment, phase - good or bad- or person for granite.

Second side not of today's blog, I'm happy to see how much growth there is in my photography skills too .... so SO much can change in two years!

Thank you Morgan family for trusting me to capture your family portraits not once but twice! I hope we can enjoy each other's growth again!

Olympia Portrait Photographer
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XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Craddock Family Pt. Defiance Portraits | Tacoma Portrait Photographer

It's July and I love July for many reasons...one of them being the rose gardens at Pt. Defiance Park! The floral arch is more spectacular this year than past years because the roses have really filled in and the center divider is complete and fully planted. Just look at those dark greens and brilliant pinks, they make an excellent background for families, seniors, maternities or nearly any type of portrait session. It even gives off a dreamy, romantic feel which is perfect for engagement or bridal photos. If I could pick one place to bloom all year, this surely would be it.

With their daughter's recent first birthday and the full bloom of this arch, The Craddock's family portrait session couldn't have been more perfectly planned. This adorable little family was so fun to work with and I am super happy that they booked me. Not only were they great to work with but their little girl is just a month younger than mine and it was sweet to see the similarities in their development. Final note on the arch picture.....isn't that little pink floral dress PERFECT!!! 

Well, believe it or not the stunning floral arch was NOT the highlight of the session! There are two things about this session that will always stand out in my mind, the first being the interactions between these three. They are so affectionate, kind and caring towards each other and there is definitely no shortage of love. When families are relaxed and happy is when I am able to capture the most candid, beautiful moments but it may take some people awhile to warm up in front of the camera (which is OK!) The Craddock's were such a sweet and fun little family unit that not much warm up time was needed before they were laughing and playing with their daughter. I seriously LOVE to capture those interactions and the raw, genuine emotion that happens during them.

Ok, now for my favorite highlight of the session (and no it's no the blizzard I had after)! Like my daughter this little one hadn't yet taken her first steps nor stood unassisted - yet with the magic of the park and our cheers to guide her she stood for the fist time on her own. I'm pretty sure I teared up several times watching this milestone through my lens. Not only did she stand but she then squatted, maintained her balance and then stood again...several times!! It's moments like this that make me realize how important family and milestone portraits are. After time memories will fade but a photo capturing a moment like that will live forever.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Fun Prop Ideas for Your Portrait Session

Most of the portraits that I shoot focus more on the connection between people rather than props but I do recommend bringing one or two personal items to make your session unique and fun. It doesn't have to be big and elaborate to make amazing photos (but if you have a beautiful armchair briiiing it!!)

Couples/Engagement Photography

  • Chalkboard

  • Save the Date

  • Rings

  • Pillows, blankets

  • Candles

  • Flowers

  • Flower Crown

  • Beautiful Dress

  • Uniform

  • Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

  • Matching item ex baseball caps or jerseys

  • Balloons

  • Hammock

  • A bicycle

  • Large balloon or half a dozen small ones (helium)

  • Umbrella

  • Signs

  • Old Pick-up truck or car

  • Row boat

  • Coffee

  • Hat


Maternity Photography

  • Book

  • Ultrasound Photo

  • Baby Shoes

  • Sign

  • Chalkboard

  • Letters Spelling Babies Name

  • Flowers

  • Floral Crown

  • Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

  • Balloons

  • Pickles and Ice Cream!

  • Significant or cherished item

  • Chalk

  • Lace dress, a flowing dress

  • Fur baby and sign to announce pregnancy

  • Tiny crown

  • Baby Daddy!! siblings.

  • Sun hat

  • Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

  • Large piece of sheer fabric

  • Wedding Rings

  • Tulle Skirt and Bralette


Senior Photography

  • Letterman Jacket

  • Sports Paraphernalia

  • Your best friend or close family member so you are more relaxed

  • Medals or Awards that you are proud of

  • Sports uniforms

  • Instruments

  • College Swag

  • Several Outfits

  • A fun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

  • Flowers

  • Floral Crown

  • Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

  • Balloons

  • Book

  • Sign

  • Graduation year numbers

  • Globe

  • Flag

  • Significant Necklace or Bracelent

  • Class Ring

  • Props that elude to your future career (stethoscope for doctor etc)

  • The best prop you can bring is confidence and a genuine smile!

Family Photography

  • Pillows and Blanket

  • Tent, Campfire, s'mores

  • Chalkboard

  • Family Pet

  • Bicycles

  • Kayaks

  • Hiking boots and a gorgeous view!

  • Signs

  • Bubbles

  • Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

  • Old Pick-up truck or car

  • Tee-Pee


Children's Photography

  • Watermelon

  • Lemonade stand

  • Kissing booth

  • Old Pick-up truck or car

  • Signs

  • Bubbles

  • Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

  • Tee-Pee

  • Bicycle or Tricycle

  • Umbrella

  • Balloons

  • Child-sized chairs

  • Headbands

  • Bow Ties

  • Cakes or cupcakes

  • Lollipop

  • Swing

  • Vintage Suitcases

  • Chalk


Lifestyle Photography

  • Game or activity

  • Books

  • Baking

  • Ice cream

  • Pillow Fight

  • Fort

  • Sprinkler

  • Water balloons

  • Tea/coffee

  • Couch

  • Bed

  • Wagon

  • Bicycle or Tricycle

  • Popsicles

  • Trampoline

  • Hike

  • Tent, campfire, s'mores

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Preparing For Your Portrait Session

Hello friends! So you're getting your picture taken! Let's talk about a few things to get you ready for our session!

Although we can schedule your session any time during the day, we try to schedule to take advantage of the best natural light. The hours after sunrise and before sunset are 'golden' times and have ideal lighting. The golden light of these hours are soft, flattering and BEAUTIFUL! Please make sure you specify one of these time slots if you are interested.

ASK QUESTIONS! We strive to create a custom experience for each of our clients. Feel free to ask questions including location advice, wardrobe, style, props and more! Below are a few guidelines to get you started.

Clothing

  • Keep the attire simple, but coordinate colors for groups.

  • Solid colors are best... try to avoid large bold patterns and neon colors as they can take attention away from your face. If you do select an outfit with a pattern try to match that pattern to solid colors for the clothing of the other parties in the portrait.

  • When selecting your wardrobe consider the location of your portrait session and match accordingly. For example, soft colors look great at the beach and avoid green in the forest so you don't blend in!

  • If you plan to hang a large print or canvas of your images consider the colors of your home when selecting your wardrobe.

  • Darker, solid colors appear more slimming than lighter colors.

  • Dress weather appropriate so you aren't too hot or cold.

  • Be sure to include the appropriate shoes, socks and stockings for your outfit. Plan your wardrobe from head to toe as full length poses are a part of your portrait session.

  • Bring an outfit change(s) to add variety to your sitting.

  • Wear clothing you are uncomfortable in. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your face and will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.

  • Avoid baggy clothing as it can make you look big/boxy.

  • Eyeglasses can create glare that hides your eyes. We recommend wearing contacts if you have them or asking your optician if you can borrow a similar frame without lenses.

  • Remember to empty your pockets of cellphones, keys, chapstick etc so there aren't visible outlines.

  • Ladies!!! Take your hairbands off your wrists.

  • Feel free to bring a few props with you to add a unique touch to your portraits.

  • Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes! Music can create some great vibes and help you relax.

Hair/Make-up

We highly recommend getting your hair and make-up done as professional stylists know how to apply makeup to best bring out your natural beauty! Besides, knowing you look fabulous and FEELING fabulous will help you be more relaxed and happy. Those natural smiles and real laughter are always my fave!

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There are many talented Hair and Makeup artists in the area, if you'd like suggestions please contact one of the artists on our Wedding Resource Guide.

Kids

  • Bring snacks to avoid hangry 'tudes. Also good for bribery.

  • Bring a comfort item - stuffed animal, pacifier, blankey etc.

  • Make sure parents AND kids are both rested. You may be so focused on making sure your child is well rested that you forget about yourself. Children are very sensitive to their parents emotions and even the slightest bit of grump or frustration can affect their behavior. Bottom line, if you are happy and relaxed your kids will be too!

  • Allow for extra time to get to the location and prepare for your session. The events leading up to your session can set the tone of the day. Extra time = no stress about being late and time for your munchkins to look around and acclimate to the location.

  • Don't force them to smile! That's my job! Kids are much more relaxed and natural when you aren't telling them what to do and what not to do. Relax and have fun with them, your smiles and laughter will relax them and then their smiles will come naturally. I'll say it again - when you are stressed they are stressed, when you are relaxed they are relaxed!

  • Bring baby wipes! Cause boogers.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

 

Perfect Banana Muffins; A Baking Adventure with Toddlers

I love my kids, they are amazing, adorable, sweet and stubborn little jerks. Most days we play, color, practice writing, read and eat everything they can get their hands on but there are some days that are rough and I'm not afraid to admit that I bribe them to take a nap.  These are the days that something along the lines of "sure we can make muffins, now go to sleep" escapes my mouth when I actually meant to say "no, we are going to clean your playroom after nap - won't that be fun!" The results are delicious banana muffins (my new favorite,) one salivating dog and two toddler covered in flour and giggles.

I found a promising recipe on Pinterest (yay for it not being a Pinterest fail because I've had my fair share of those) and we started getting the ingredients in order. Out come the stools that Grumpa, my dad, made for the kids and there is bickering and pushing as they fight there way up for one of the two equally prime locations to access the counter. For Christmas they received a Pampered Chef kids baking set from their Auntie Owlie and every time we use it there is tons of excitement quickly followed by tug-o-war then drum playing and then ends with me washing all the slobber off the spatula and bowl because my spicy (thanks for that term, Magan) two year old likes to put everything in her mouth. Next, I re-wash everything because while I was washing the spatula and bowl Quin put the remaining items in her mouth. Finally, side by side they are lined up with extra clean bowls and measuring equipment and are playing the "me first, no me first game." Love that one *eye roll.* Soon they are in the swing of things and carefully measuring out somewhat close to full measuring cups and spoons and adding the ingredients to the counter....and then remeasuring and (with mom's help) adding them to the bowl. Cue giggles and the inhalation of flour as they begin a flour fight to where I'm pretty sure the spicy two year old won. Once (the majority) of all the dry ingredients were in the bowl we pulled out mommy's bowl and started in on the wet ingredients. Which would have been about 17 eggs if let them have their way. I was pretty impressed at how well they cracked the eggs as I expected to be crunching shells at some point but not a one made it in the bowl!! Shout out to our chickens for finally not freeloading after the cold spell we had earlier this year. After mixing all the ingredients we brought the bowl over to the greased muffin pans (we did a double batch and added chocolate chips to half) and I started to spoon the batter into the pans.....imagine me squished into the corner of our counter with one child trying to climb up my body to get a good view and the second pushing the other, and me, from their stool to insure that THEY get the better view. While I'm trying to keep my balance and restrain myself from flinging batter at my crazy offspring, suddenly there are tiny fingers going from bowl to mouths and all I can do is laugh since it's finally silent for the first time in almost five years... If you are a guest at my house in the next two day - I'd recommend you don't eat the muffins.....

Soon the muffins are in the oven and as I'm closing the door the silence is broken with "are they done yet?" and "Nana muffin, Mama, nana muffin!"

Needles to say it was a pretty long 15 minutes but well worth the wait when hubs and I got to enjoy a muffin...and another moment of silence since they both shoved the whole things in their mouth at once. I do have to say that the cuddles and kisses were pretty awesome afterwards, even if it's just because they wanted more muffins.

Below is the recipe that we used in case you wanted to make your own batch....I MAY have added a few ingredients and steps..... also, scroll down to see some cuteness!

Love my two crazy, energetic tots.....even when they drive me bananas....


Perfect Banana Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large bananas, mashed
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • (Toddler slobber - optional)
  • (One toddler sneeze- optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  4. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until dry ingredients are just combined. Do not over mix. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter each muffin tin.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.
  6. Try not to eat them all in one sitting.
  7. Hide the remainder so the rest of your family doesn't eat them.
  8. Get up at the break of dawn so you can eat said hidden muffins without little fingers stealing them all.
  9. Make your kids eggs for breakfast.

Recipe From My Mommy Style

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful