Business Birthday | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

IT'S MY BUSINESS BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Yep, it's Sarah Elle Photography's ONE YEAR birthday! (Ok, really it's tomorrow but I couldn't wait to celebrate!) Can you believe it?! Holy moly I canNOT believe it! 

 I'll be honest with you, when I first started out I was so overwhelmed- I just wanted to take pictures! Why did running a business have to be so complicated? Couldn't I just take pictures, be happy, and eat bon bons?

 But I couldn't be happier that I pushed through to the other side. I am excited about not only my skills as a photographer but where SEP is headed as a business. I am PROUD to call myself a photographer and am constantly in a state of feeling excited because of all the great things I get to do being that photographer.

I get to do something I LOVE. I get to work towards being better at something. I get to challenge myself. I get to meet and work with incredible individuals who teach  me about things I never imagined. I get to help capture moments for people they will look back on and smile. I get to help create a vision and make it come to life. I get to be friends with people who get me. I get to create and express and love.

I get to be a photographer!

Of course, no birthday post would be complete without a look back at the events of the past year. 

This past year Sarah Elle Photography:

-Created a brand new look, logo, blog, and website! (Yay www.sarahelle.com !)

-Got an awesome new lens (50mm 1.4 represent!)

-Reached OVER 700 followers on facebook

-Created a twitter and pinterest and together accumulated 93 followers (p.s. feel free to make that number bigger and follow me! @SarahElle_Photo for twitter and pinterest.com/sarahellephoto for pinterest)

-Developed and initiated a personal project- Life: As it is and have shot the first installment and have already scheduled the next two!

-Pushed myself to learn by attending a Q&A session with Amanda Hedgepeth Photography and am signed up for an 8 hour one-on-one mentor session with Sharon Elizabeth Photography.

-Helped design, plan, and bring to life a styled bridal shoot for fellow photographers and friends.

-Teamed up with an "accountability buddy" (shout out to Jessica!) to keep me motivated and accountable as I push forward on my goals.

-Shot maternity, newborn, birthday milestones, family, couples, anniversary, individual portraits, deployed family portraits, senior portraits, military themed, Rockabilly themed, Christmas themed, Fall themed, Winter themed, and Valentines Day themed sessions- all while discovering and finding my way to what truly seems to fuel my passion for photography: Couples and Senior Portraits.

But the truth is I couldn't have done any of this without each and every one of you! You, my Sarah Elle Photography family, have believed in me and supported me throughout this year long journey. Whether you've been following me since day 1 or found me yesterday, the fact that you are reading this shows your support- your encouragement! Thank YOU Sarah Elle Photography family for believing in me and loving me enough to support me on my path.

And, of course, I can't not share a little peek at my first shoot versus my more recent session. Because looking back at where we've come from is always a little fun ;)


Very first session a year ago on the left and latest session on the right!

 

See! Looking back at where you've come from isn't all bad! At least for me personally it helps to remind me of how far I have come and highlights what I'm capable of achieving if I just try hard enough!

Happy happy birthday Sarah Elle Photography family; and cheers to 50 more!

Best,
Sarah

"Life: As it is" Part II....drum roll please! | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Choosing a nominee to feature in the second installment of "Life: As it is" was extremely difficult. There was an outpouring of nominations the first round and I thought it couldn't get any more difficult to choose someone- but I was wrong.

The second round of nominations had a TON of incredibly humbling and heartwarming nominations. Again, some people nominated others while some nominated themselves; sharing their own stories and experience and opening up a bit of their lives to me.

I am, and will forever be, grateful to each person who sent in a nomination. I am honored to be an ear to the experiences that were shared with me and humbled by the love I was witness to with each nomination.

I am happy to announce that the chosen nomination to be featured is that of an individual who sent in a nomination the first time around, too: Brandi Doyle! Despite having 4 children, Brandi nominated herself and her husband for the session- and you'll just have to stay tuned to find out why I truly feel these two encapsulate exactly what the "Life: As it is" project is all about!

Congratulations, Brandi!

Best,

Sarah

p.s. Did you miss the first installment? It's really a great feature so be sure to check it out here!

Lindsey F. | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Wait until you see these! I mean... seriously, wait until you see them!

Lindsey is my Poquoson Senior Agent which means she represents Sarah Elle Photography in her high school and she represents her high school at Sarah Elle Photography! We shot her first session at the end of her Junior year back in May and from that day forward I knew it would be a LOT of fun working with her!

Lindsey is full of jokes and if you can get her to laugh she has a smile that just won't quit (you'll see what I mean in a bit).

*WARNING* I'm about to get a bit mushy: Despite being in contact with Lindsey throughout the summer and into the school year I was NOT prepared for what I would find when I showed up for hair and makeup on the day of her Senior shoot. Lindsey had somehow grown up over the past 5 months! Not even kidding she looked like an adult and even carried herself in more of an "adult" way (although if asked to define what that is I would fail). I felt a bit nostalgic when I saw her and began to wonder where the girl from the May session had gone!

Take a look!

See?! That's that infectious smile I was talking about :)

I couldn't get over her super cute boots! So we snagged a shot ;)

I am so proud of Lindsey as she goes on her college visits and chooses her path for the future.
Lindsey, it was my pleasure getting to work with you and watch you grow over the past few seasons. I am proud to call you a Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent, class of 2014!

Best,

Sarah

Senior Portraits: What's the "point?" | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

The other day online someone asked: "So, what's the point of Senior Portraits?" As a Senior Portrait photographer I of course immediately got DEFENSIVE.

 "Well of course you want Senior photos! They're an important right of passage, they're fun to show off to friends, your kid will be the center of attention, and most of all they're fun fun FUN!"

But then I realized (thankfully before responding with that silly response) that those are all why I love shooting Senior portraits. I love it because the senior is so energetic, so full of life, so full of excitement for the future, and so hopeful about everything- all things we, as adults, often forget to appreciate about life. So working with Seniors and being able to capture that in camera is refreshing and so enjoyable for me.

And to be 100% with you, I never had my own Senior pictures taken. My parents' attitude was that I was "expected" to graduate High School so why celebrate? Why "make a big deal" about it? (For the record I never had a graduation party either so if anyone is feeling bad for me at this point you are welcome to throw me a party- I like parties.)

So then the question remains: "What's the point of Senior Portraits?"

 I can only give you my opinion on the matter and my view from behind the camera; but here goes:

High School graduation, whether it is "expected" of someone or not, is a big deal. It is a huge line in the sand between childhood and adulthood. It is the time in a child's life where they truly have begun to define who they are, where the fit in the world, and where they want to go. And yes, I do witness all of this when working with my Seniors. 

When I sit down with my Seniors for their in-person consultation I learn all about their goals and their hopes and their dreams. The clothes they pick out and the props they choose to bring to the session all represent exactly who they are and who they hope to be one day soon. Senior portraits not only capture an individual in that moment (holding their band instrument) but where they are headed in their future (wearing the t-shirt of the college they will be attending). And without these pictures highlighting these traits and hopes and dreams there is nothing to document this time. 

 Sure, there are yearbooks and class rings, but those sit on shelves or in jewelry boxes. Senior pictures, without a doubt, end up on walls, and refrigerators, and in frames on your desk at the office. Senior pictures are THE BEST WAY to encapsulate the line in the sand between adulthood and childhood. 

So what is the "point?" The point is the giant smile you see on your child's face when they come home to tell you about their session (sometimes parents don't come on the shoot to give kids complete comfort on set- and also to keep things a surprise). The point is the excitement your whole family feels when they wait for the images to load on your computer. It's the joy and pride felt when your Aunt calls to tell how you how beautiful and mature your daughter looks in the pictures you sent her. And most of all, the point is to capture this moment; this turning-point in the life of your child.

Best,
Sarah

A Declaration | Hampton Roads Business Owner

Hi!

As many of you have seen me post before on the facebook page, Wednesday is "date night" in my house. This means my husband and I either go out to dinner or grab a bottle of wine to go with whatever we've decided to throw together as a meal. The BIG CATCH on Wednesday nights is that neither one of us (me especially) is allowed to be on the computer or watching TV- and he's not allowed to bring home work. It's just our way of trying to be focused on one another and truly reconnect in the middle of the week.

For both of us (and I'm sure for a lot of families out there) it is TOO easy to get wrapped up in the "chores" of the week and tune out the connection we have with our family, our spouse, or pets, our home. So Wednesday date night is our way of making sure we don't lose sight of what matters to us most: EACH OTHER.

This is why beginning at about 5 pm on Wednesday's (when my husband is home from work) you tend not to hear anything from me on line. :)

Well, now I've decided to take things a step further: I've decided to declare that Sarah Elle Photography is officially observing "office hours."

Right now I keep my computer on for 95% of the day and respond whenever I am nearby and see I have received an e-mail, a facebook notification, a call, etc. Despite not having a smart phone (crazy, I know) I seem to always be "plugged in." 

From now on, in order to really be present in my world and in my home I am no longer going to stay plugged in. Don't worry! I will still check in multiple times per day and will leave the computer on when my husband is not home; however, when it comes to family time in the evenings I will now not be as easily accessible. Furthermore; I will officially be offline at 9PM EVERY NIGHT. I hope that you can appreciate and understand this decision- this declaration of office hours.

Lastly, I reserve the right to change my office hours as needed by my family. Sometimes in life we have to flexible (ok LOTS of times in life we have to be flexible) and that will have to go for Sarah Elle Photography's office hours, as well.

From this day forward I officially declare Sarah Elle Photography's office hours OPEN (until 9 pm EST).

Thanks for understanding :)
Best,
Sarah

Spencer Couple: Pregnancy Reveal | Hampton Roads Maternity Photographer

Hi!

A few months ago I booked a session with the Spencer couple (some of you may recognize her as my hair and makeup gal, Rylee) and was extremely honored that I was asked to shoot their session. Rylee works with a number of photographers so to be chosen out of all the talent she works with is such an honor.

Rylee had come up with this gorgeous pin-up inspired military session and we had even scouted out some fabulous locations that enabled us to shoot with some old planes and helicopters- it was SO neat!

A few weeks before the session Rylee contacted me and told me we needed to change the session...well...because of this:

I. WAS. ECSTATIC!

The day of the shoot Rylee showed up, flawless as usual, with her super handsome husband, Slater, and to top it off had made a bunch of ridiculously cute props!

Rylee and Slater really enjoy being in the country hunting, fishing, riding ATV's, etc. so we switched their session to a more woodsy feel. Of course, I put my foot down at the idea of including an ATV ride in their session- she is pregnant, of course. Rylee had no objections :)

 

Don't you just love the way he looks at her? He's so in love with her and already SO in love with their baby; just like a dad should be ;)

Their baby name choices!

The only flaw with this couple is their choice of football team... BUT since she's my friend I humored her. (She knew I couldn't help but take a small shot in her blog post :p )

Rylee and Slater I am so excited for you both and thrilled to be a part of your pregnancy announcement! It killed me to have to wait to share these images but I know surprising your family was worth the wait :)

Best,

Sarah

That Time I Was a Bit Irrational... | Hampton Roads Client

Hi!

This past Saturday was one of the days I look forward to every single year: it was the day of my and John's anniversary photo shoot! We are about to celebrate our anniversary (this week!) and, simply because it makes me happy, John dresses up EVERY YEAR and puts on a smile for pictures (remember how much I've harped about documenting life as it is- this is one of those times!).

For whatever ridiculous reason I decided I simply HAD to wear a yellow cardigan for our pictures.

It gets worse.

I then randomly saw an emerald green shirt somewhere in the weeks leading up to our session and decided I HAD to wear an emerald green BLOUSE (not just a shirt, but a blouse).... and a yellow cardigan.

It gets even worse.

It couldn't just be a plain emerald green blouse. It had to have frills, or stripes, or bows, or a sash. It couldn't simply be a plain emerald green blouse (anyone think I'm crazy, yet?).

Oh hey, guess what? I DON'T OWN either of these things.

 John is a seriously patient man (oh my goodness did I luck out when I met that man) so he offered to go with me to help me find my crazy specific outfit. All men everywhere are going "noooo, man, get out now! danger! danger!" but John survived. I think. I mean, he's still here, so....

But of course, because my "needs" were so specific I did not find anything when we went shopping. So a few days later I went back by myself- and spent TWO hours in the same store scouring EVERYTHING. I came home with 7 options (none of which were emerald green in color) and by the morning had decided none of them were what I wanted. (Ok now I'M feeling like a crazy person putting this all out in words)

We are now 2 days from the session.

Clients, I am FEELING for you right now. I totally know what it's like to throw everything out of your closet on to your bed trying to decide exactly what you want to wear- even worse if you're bringing more than one outfit for an outfit change!

John at this point is still very patient (see how we have reached yet ANOTHER wedding anniversary? It's totally because I'm 90% crazy and he's only about 2%) and offers to take me to a different mall before we meet friends for dinner. At this point I've let go of my green and yellow combo requirements and simply was desperate to find something I would be excited to wear to the shoot.

When I woke up the next morning to get ready for our session I realized that letting go of my requirements enabled me to find exactly what I had been dreaming about- the perfect outfit.

 Yes, it is yellow and green. But it's not emerald green. And it isn't a blouse; in fact, it's 100% cotton t-shirt! And it doesn't have stripes, it has polka dots. But every single other thing I had purchased (and have to remember to return to the store) was not yellow or green or any other silly thing I thought I needed. What I found was that all I "needed" was to let go of "needs" and find something that I felt incredible wearing. And you know what? I did :)

Thank you to my friend, Ashley, of Luke&Ashley for our fantastic and oh so "us" anniversary photos.

Best,
Sarah

Senior Session: Cait H.- Grafton Class of 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Photographer

Hi!

Remember a couple of months ago I blogged about an in-person consultation and mentioned that you would seriously want to stay tuned because the client's session was going to ROCK? Well this is THAT SESSION!

Working with Cait was sincerely a BLAST. She was filled with smiles, had tons of energy, was willing to get all up in the sand just to get the shot (and because I asked her pretty please), and was AS EXCITED, if not more excited than I was about the shoot! 

Plus, she CRAB-WALKED across the sand for me. Yes, I said "crab-walked." I had gotten up out of the sand to show Cait where I needed her to move for me and all of a sudden she's crab-walking over! I was SO BUMMED I wasn't ready at the shutter!

Ok enough chatter, here are some images of this beautiful Grafton High School Senior!

LOVE her pink pants!

So right between THIS shot ^^^ and the one below, there was some crab-walk action happening.

 

So this is where I have to stop and take a minute to tell you something about Cait. Cait is a Colorado girl at heart- she even went back home there to get her driver's license (does she have the coolest mom, or what?!). Because of living in multiple states and attending multiple schools Cait had to be on multiple swim teams (oh, by the way, Cait is one kick-butt swimmer- she is the only female on this year's SEVA National Swim Team and is choosing colleges based on their swim team options)- Cait lettered at BOTH High Schools she has attended- both here and in Colorado.

So of course we had to capture it. :) Cait's kind of a rockstar.

Thank you, Cait, for a great session and for making my job super easy and SUPER enjoyable!

Best of luck picking schools and I can't wait to see you swim in the Olympics one day!

Best,
Sarah

*Hair and makeup by Fatal Beauty Hair and Makeup Artistry

Preferences | Hampton Roads Woman

Hi.

This post is not going to be my usual post. 

Something was brought to my attention this morning by a fellow 'tog and it's something I found that I couldn't just acknowledge, respond to, and then simply return to my daily grind. This something was a discussion of the hurtful and incredible things that can and, unfortunately, ARE said to us women. 

More specifically about the female body and the "right" way to look.

I'm a woman. I'm damned proud of it. I have my insecurities; as I truly believe EVERY. SINGLE. HUMAN. BEING. DOES. I worry about my skills as a photographer. I worry about if people like me. I worry whether or not when I wear yoga pants people look at me and think "she should NOT be wearing those." I'm not afraid to admit that I DO WORRY about my body. 

I do, to some extent, think it's natural to want what we do not have; and for many that is a certain feature about their physical appearance.

But I've had ENOUGH.

It is NOT OK to point out to someone something that YOU deem to be a "flaw." Who are we to determine what is beautiful in someone else? Sure, we all have "things" or "features" we are attracted to in others and that's fabulous; to know what you admire or appreciate in the human body is great! But to have the audacity to FORCE those preferences on to someone else- especially that someone who does not possess our preferred features is NOT our place. And that's exactly what is happening every time we judge someone: we're forcing our preference on to them.

On that same note why don't we all stop being that very person who forces the preferences on ourselves. Why do we  I continuously compare ourselves myself to those we I believe "have it all?" Why do we I BULLY OURSELVES MYSELF in to thinking we're I'm not beautiful, or "good enough?"

Why can't we I focus on the things we I find beautiful?

I've decided, after this morning, that I need to remind myself that others cannot determine my beauty or self-worth. Who cares if people think I "shouldn't be wearing those pants?" You know what? I think I should be wearing those pants! And gosh darn it I'm gonna!

My beauty, my body, is my own to make of it. Only I get to choose which parts are rockin' and which I want to change. And hell, if I decide it's all rockin' than I guess I'm just that awesome!

Please, my beautiful and wonderful sisters out there, don't let anyone else decide how you should be or look. Don't even LET PEOPLE influence your preferences about yourself. It's a preference only we can determine; and our own preference is the only one that matters.

With love,
Sarah