Olympia Lifestyle Photographer
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
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!
...... 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.....
Tight clothing can leave marks on your belly so skip them for a few hours before your session.
Wear Comfortable Clothes that show off your belly. After all that is why you're having your photos taken!
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.
Bring some props, one or two special items to customize your maternity session and document those special items for your baby's baby book.
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!!!
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.
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
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
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!!)
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
