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!

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

10 Tips to Prepare for Your Maternity Portrait Session

1. Plan your session well in advance. We recommend that you have your maternity photos taken between 27 an 34 weeks. Every woman, and every pregnancy is different, but ideally you want your belly to be distinctly showing yet you don't want to be so far along that your are uncomfortable and miserable. Between the 27th and 34th week most women have a distinguishable, and beautifully round belly but haven't started to experience the swelling and weight gain that is typical of the end of pregnancy. Keep an eye on your body and if you are showing early (are you having multiples?!?) then we can definitely discuss scheduling your session sooner.

2. Plan your session on a day you won't have to rush. Your maternity session will take between one and two hours depending on the package you have chosen and if you have an event to get to right after you will be checking the time over and over and not having fun. Maternity sessions capture such a magical time in a woman's life and the experience should be fun and relaxing. My specialty is capturing those candid moments where you are relaxed and wearing your true emotions, if you are rushed with other events on your mind then it will show.

3. Bring your loved ones! Your significant other, older siblings and even the grandma to be are all great additions to these memories. Not only will they help you relax and enjoy your session but the photos will be extra special and a great memory for you, them and your child.

4. Mentally prepare for your session. You may be in a tight fitting dress or a dress where your belly is exposed and many pregnant women feel self-conscious about their changing bodies. Change of shape, swelling or extra weight and stretch marks are all normal parts of pregnancy and deserve to be documented! Love your body and own it - it is working hard to create and house a tiny life so it deserves to be celebrated. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your images, just relax and try to remember that not only is this a special time that needs to be documented but that it will eventually pass and believe it or not you may miss it.....

5. Tight clothing can leave marks on your belly so skip them for a few hours before your session.

6. Wear Comfortable Clothes that show off your belly. After all that is why you're having your photos taken!

7. Bring nude underwear! I know this sounds weird but we have a closet full of maternity dresses available to our clients and if you decide there is one you love you'll need those nude underwear.

8. Bring some props, one or two special items to customize your maternity session and document those special items for your baby's baby book.

9. Show up well rested and hydrated. I know, I know .. easy for the non-pregnant woman to say and after three pregnancies I know how hard it is to get sleep but try your best to get some extra rest before you shoot. Pregnant women have a beautiful glow to their skin and adequate sleep and staying hydrated will ensure you and your skin look amazing!!!

10. Lotion! Speaking of skin...dry scaly skin is a NORMAL side effect of pregnancy. Slather up before your session to add to that glow we discussed.

Bonus Tip: RELAX!!! Relax and have fun. Pregnancy is such a special time in life and creating positive memories during it will enhance your experience. Relax.... and let's do this, let's create something epic that you can't wait to hang on your wall!

YES! Maternity boudoir and milk baths are an option! Book a traditional session, book a boudoir session or ask about the special for booking both together!

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

Olympia Arts Walk 2017

In April, my family and I attended the Arts Walk 2017 in downtown Olympia, Washington. Arts walk is a two day festival that celebrates local artists - of all different crafts. From Painting to little wooden bird houses, sewn masterpieces and hand crafted statues there was an endless variety of beautiful, locally crafted Art. There were also performers filling the streets; some of my favorite being the children jugglers, fire dancers, break dancers and musicians. Local businesses aided in the spirit of the festival by displaying the Art of local Artists, from preschool students to accomplished Artists alike.

The streets were closed to traffic for the festivities and there were so many people it was hard to find room to walk. Looking all around there were smiles on the faces that whizzed passed me, children danced, laughed and chased bubbles. Looking up I saw balloons, a beautiful blue sky - and some rain. Even looking down was festive as the streets where covered in detailed chalk drawings, names of children and lovers and inspirational quotes.

The Luminary Procession is held the first night of Arts Walk and boasts some elaborate and visually stunning lanterns -many homemade. From dinosaurs to bugs to simple shapes, a parade of beautifully lit works of art passes through the streets of the Olympia. What a great way to close out the first day of Arts Walk.

A unique and popular part of Arts Walk is the Procession of the Species, which is a parade where it's participants dress up in detailed costumes of all species. It is intended to celebrate our connection with the earth and all living things. More immediately it provides joy and entertainment for all that witness it's magnificence. The Procession of the Species in Olympia has very minimal funding and depends on donations to keep it running. Please consider donating (information on donating HERE.)

The experience was one of a kind, chocked full of culture, spice and life. A truly remarkable and eye-opening experience that we will now be adding to our calendar every year.

Some of my images from Arts Walk and the Procession of the Species were featured on Thurston Talk's website. See the article HERE.

Arts Walk is presented by the City of Olympia Arts Commission and the Parks, Arts & Recreation department with

support provided by the local business community.

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

Kristin's Lularoe's Self-Love Experience #2 | Olympia Event Photography

Kristin's Lularoe Self-Love Experience went so well the first time that she decided to make it a monthly thing!!! How great is that! I just love her sunshine-y personality and how she invests time in others and strives to make them more confident in themselves and see their true beauty! Kristin, you're a saint!

December's event was on a rainy day, but that didn't stop us from taking some fun photos to celebrate the get together. Some of the attendees came to the first event, but most were there for the first time. The ladies (and one gentleman) had a blast setting up outfits for each other to try on and they even had some fun Christmas props to throw in there!

One thing that I find very interesting about Lularoe is that it's so versatile. One woman will put together an outfit and rock it and yet another could take the same pieces and rock it in a different configuration. Very cool and fun and flattering! And there are so many patterns to choose from!!

We even enjoyed some Starbucks hot chocolate in their festive red cups and some Goofyfoot Brand Pretzels, which are absolutely amazing BTW! They are made by a local Lacey, Washington Mom! Stay tuned for a blog about them!

Another successful event focusing on loving yourself and making new friends! Keep it up Kristin! Next one is planned for February! If you'd like to participate please message Kristin HERE or visit her group HERE.

To read about Kristin's Lularoe Self-Love Experience test run click HERE.

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

Crime Stoppers Reindeer Run 2016 | Olympia Event Photography

In November I was approached by my friend, Julie Major, to volunteer my time to a fundraising 5k put on by Crime Stoppers, and I gladly agreed! Not only am I a runner (on a post-babies hiatus haha) but I am also a strong supporter of law enforcement and maintaining a safe and peaceful community to raise my children. Perfect fit for me!

The 5k started bright and early at the Olympia Hands on Children Museum and set up was in full swing when I arrived. Staff and volunteers from the HOCM and Crime Stoppers of Thurston County were working through the cold to prepare the race and event areas. The other supporters for the event included DJ Pooji, Batdorf & Bronson, Mark Brown, Club Oly Road Runners, LOTT, Allwest Moving & Storage, Major & Company, Yelm Jewelry & Loan, Propel Insurance, Washington Performing Arts Center, Oly Chivers, Tumwater Police Department, Yelm Police Department, City of Olympia Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff's Department, Olympia Fire Department, Lularoe Sunshine Kristen and OntheRunEvents.com. <---- Check them all out because they ROCK!!!

I had a blast photographing this event and it was great to see how many people participated! -238 PEOPLE FINISHED THE RUN! Not including all those who did the 1 Mile Candy Cane run and the countless personnel who gave their time for this event. Plus SANTA!!!! Thanks Santa and thank you to Olympia Fire Department for bringing your awesome vehicle for Santa.

Special Thanks to Brendan Hay for picking up my second camera and capturing tons of awesome action shots. You rock buddy, even if you shoot Sony ;)

Below are some photos from the event and some actual race photos. To see a full gallery or download images please click HERE.

Click HERE to see the race results!!!

Contact Crime Stoppers to see how you can donate or volunteer your time.

Also if you see any of our hard working law enforcement agents out and about take a second to thank them for all that they do. They work hard to keep us all safe. THANK YOU from Sarah Gonia Photography!

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