Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Project 365 - Kid Style

Project 365 is a popular project where people take a picture of themselves everday for an entire year. Well - I'm not really interested in pictures of myself, but I am of my kids! After realizing how little I documented my own family in 2008 I am doing a little twist on 365 and documenting one of my children everyday in 2009.

I have started a blog at www.shportraits365.blogspot.com where one photo will be posted everyday.

It will be of one of the kids, something they made, something that reminds me of them, something that they are "into" at that moment. Anything to document them and who they are growing up to be.

So follow along!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Mom #3!


Name
Andrea F.

Hometown
Buffalo, New York

What are your children's names and ages?
Ava Reese, 18mths

What is on the top of your Christmas list this year?
A Garmin Nuvi or a Car starter

What is on the top of your children's christmas list this year?
Well..she is kinda young to have a Christmas list..but..I am living vicariously through her so I got her a Fisher Price Sit N Spin pony, Little People Nativity Set, Little People Animal Sounds Barn, Little People Around Town, an art table and a My Little Pony.

What gift are you most excited to give this year?
The Little People Nativity set. We are hoping to start a tradition every year by putting it under the tree.

What is your family's favorite holiday tradition?
Going to cut down the tree every year. We always seem to go to the tree place..and something doesnt work out the first time we go. Last year we went to a co-worker of my husband's farm. We got there a little late (the place was in Cattaraugus County) and the guy was nowhere to be found. My husband got out of the car and started calling the guy's name. His friend was so mad because we were late and he thought we werent going to show up so he decided to deer hunt. Well of course the deer are going to scatter because here comes my husband shouting....the guy was just like pick a tree. Umm..needless to say I wasnt bringing my daughter who was 6 months old at the time out of the car while this guy was in some tree trying to look for deer! This year has been crazy so we got a late start. We went last week to get the tree and instead of cutting it down...I decided for the sake of time we would just buy a pre-cut one. We drove out to Adam's nursery since I could still get that "country feel" by doing a little driving. We got there at 7:30 and they were closed!!!!!!!!! Whateiver happened to places staying open late? Especially so close to Christmas!!! Next year will be different. I hope!

What store are most of your gifts coming from this holiday season? Either online or at the mall!
Fisher Price

What is your favorite holiday food?
Christmas cookies

How would you describe your holiday decorating style?
Traditional.

What is the last book you read to your children?
Dr. Seuss

What is your favorite activity to do with your children in the winter?
We go to the Butterfly Conservatory. Also we are going to do some drawing. This year will be the first year for sledding.

What are your favorite websites or blogs to visit?
BuffaloMommies.com of course! Samara...you know I love your website..especially the blog. Slickdeals.net, Land of Nod, Pottery Barn Kids and printable coupons for department store websites.

What local groups or causes are you involved with? Do you belong to or support any volunteer organizations?
Does Buffalo Mommies count? Other than that..I have zero spare time to do any volunteer work. But hopefully as Ava gets older, I will be able to contribute my time to some meaningful causes.

What is something unique about your family?
We have a large family that likes to get together many times throughout the year. We are able to have peace and harmony for the most part.

What are your favorite 3-4 images from your session?


Last - what do you love most about SH Portraits? I had to add it!
I love reading the blog! It's so cute to see all the newborns and I love reading about your "surprise" promotions. Your site has given me inspiration to capture moments from my daughter's early childhood that I dont want to forget! Thanks for being a great photog and friend Samara

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cover Girl


How can anyone pass up this adorable face right? She makes a great cover model and the online publication Tot Trends Weekly agreed!


Tot Trends Weekly is a great online weekly publication that has everything Moms are looking for for their kids and for yourself. Check it out!!


Saturday, December 27, 2008

Mom #2!

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I am really looking forward to 2009 and the many great things in store for SH Portraits and my family. Did I mention a dog is on its way in March?!

Go grab a hot drink and read up on Kristie - she is an awesome Mom with 2 ADORABLE little boys who were a complete joy for me to hang out with and photograph!

Name
Kristie S.

Hometown: Hamburg

What are your children's names and ages? Nathan- 28 months, Nicholas- 10 months

What is on the top of your Christmas list this year?
My list is pretty short.. a nice pair of PJ's.

What is on the top of your children's christmas list this year?
For Nathan it is definitely anything Thomas the Train; Nicholas is too young yet to have a list!

What gift are you most excited to give this year?
Nathan's Thomas the Train bouncehouse...when he sees the bouncehouse blown up and it has Thomas on it, he is going to be so excited!

What is your family's favorite holiday tradition?
Putting our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving...after some super early shopping, we spend the rest of the day putting the tree up and decorating.

What store are most of your gifts coming from this holiday season?
Either online or at the mall! AC Moore (was there at 5 am on black friday for Thomas the Train toys) and Toys R Us.

What is your favorite holiday food?
Homemade holiday cookies....I especially like the sugar or peanut butter ones with the hershey kiss on top!

How would you describe your holiday decorating style?
Pottery barnish (if that is a style!)

What is the last book you read to your children?
For Nathan it was "Nursery Rhymes" and for Nicholas it was "Peekaboo Baby."

What is your favorite activity to do with your children in the winter? Sledding...Nathan is fearless on the small hill and this was Nicholas' first year being pulled around on the sled!

What are your favorite websites or blogs to visit?
Websites: www.momslikeme.com
Blogs: Mausy's Muzing- an amazing mom who has a son Nash that has down syndrome.

What local groups or causes are you involved with? Do you belong to or support any volunteer organizations?
The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Western New York; Bornhava (a preschool for children with disabilties).

What is something unique about your family?
We all have blue eyes...not sure how unique that is, but I think it is cool!

What are your favorite 3-4 images from your session? Please let me know what you were thinking when you first saw them and why you love them so much.

Nicholas (the one of him laying on the bed)- First thing I thought of when I saw it was "That Hair" it shows his curly soft hair and beautiful blue eyes.

Nathan (the close up of him smiling)- First thing I thought was "look how handsome he looks"...I love how it highlights his eyes and smile.
Nicholas (the one from the Christmas card)- He looks angelic to me in that photo...his eyes say so much and of course, "That Hair".
Nathan (the one with him holding Thomas)- Nathan and his train and his grin of showing it off to you!!

Last - what do you love most about SH Portraits? I had to add it!
I love how you capture families in the moment and add your artistic prospective! Plus, I love the tons of compliments on our christmas cards...most of them were "beautiful christmas card!".

Monday, December 22, 2008

Mom #1

I had a great time with the Get To Know Mom series last year and everyone told me they loved reading the posts too, so it is back again this year!

First up we have the lovely Anne, Mom to Samantha!

Hometown
Lewiston, NY

What are your children's names and ages?
Samantha Rose-6 months


What is on the top of your Christmas list this year?

Its already complete with our little girl but....Patty LuPone Live at Mouches cd,
A new bathrobe, A new microphone

What is on the top of your children's christmas list this year? The Giving Tree, Halo SleepSacks, 6-9 month onesies, Stacking toys

What gift are you most excited to give this year?
Beautiful photos of our daughter done by Samara

What is your family's favorite holiday tradition?
Making meatballs and briscole, and of course eating them!

What store are most of your gifts coming from this holiday season? Either online or at the mall!
Amazon.com

What is your favorite holiday food?
Pasta, meatballs and briscole

How would you describe your holiday decorating style?
Before the baby it was a Christmas Wonderland. Now that our house looks like a daycare, we dont have as much room so we just put up the things that mean the most.

What is the last book you read to your children?
The Night Before Christmas

What is your favorite activity to do with your children in the winter ?
Snuggling and looking at the lights on the Christmas Tree.
Watching her experience the look and feel of snow

What are your favorite websites or blogs to visit?
www.shportraits.com, http://perezhilton.com/, Facebook

What local groups or causes are you involved with? Do you belong to or support any volunteer organizations?
My husband and I like to donate to Community Missions and AIDS Community Services of WNY. I am teacher at a local public school and volunteer with evening events that we have. www.worldvision.org

What is something unique about your family?
We got a later start in life than a lot of families that we know. We have had many trying times in the past three years but it is all worth it. We are a strong family who is very committed to each other and we are grateful for all of our friends and family.

What are your favorite 3-4 images from your session?
The rose hat with her "praying hands" (the Christmas card photo)
The stripped hat with her on the Bumbo seat-looking up
The one on the fuzzy rug
The white short sleeved shirt with that big grin of hers!

Last - what do you love most about SH Portraits? I had to add it! It was such a relaxing session. I felt like I knew Samara the moment she came through the door and she immediately connected with our daughter. She knew what shots she wanted and she got them!

And finally some of mom's favorites!



Wednesday, December 17, 2008

God's Littlest Angel



Today was a sad day as I attened the funeral for little Jake Thomas, the sweet son of my friend Lori. I had the absolute pleasure and honor of photographing him when he was born and again with his parents and sister a few months later. Little Jake lost his battale to SMA on Sunday. A very brave and wise little soul. Please help end SMA and sign the petition at www.petitiontocuresma.com

The Mansion of Heaven

This world, however beautiful, was never meant to be
The place that we would call our home for all eternity.
And though we would not choose to leave, a loving
God knows best, and in His time,
He lifts us to a place of peace and rest,
For He has built a mansion where
His children will abide, free from pain and sorrow,
Forever at His side.
He said He’d never leave us to face our trials alone,
And though sometimes we fail Him, He never fails His own.
And even when our choices are less than He would ask,
He knows when human courage is unequal to the task.
We cannot judge what happens,
Though tears and questions start –
We only see what’s visible – God sees into the heart…..

And though there may be many things that we cannot explain,
We can be sure it breaks His heart to see His children’s pain.
In loving arms, He bears us to a quiet place apart
Where He mends the wounded spirit
And heals the broken heart.
And though these one we love so much
Have left our present sight, and passed into a
Better world of majesty and light,
Someday we’ll be together in our Father’s home above,
Where we’ll thank Him for His mercy
And praise Him for His love.




Saturday, December 13, 2008

The last session. . .

of the year! And this little guy is finishing off my year on a great note. He is so sweet, definately no denying it. Add to the mix great parents who were welcoming me with coffee (yes definately a soft spot of mine, especially when it is Starbucks!) and I had a wonderful time.


Friday, December 5, 2008

All Frills. . .

What little girl doesn't deserve a tutu right? This sweet face is the grown up version of one of my favorite newborn photos of all time. I am sure many of you will know which one I am speaking of when I say she was curled up sweetly with a precious pink flower hat on. Well as all sweet newborns do, she has grown up!



Holidays!

I get to see this little guy a few times a year and I just adore him. I was lucky enough to meet with his cousin for the holidays as well. They are both just beautiful children and I am so blessed to work with their families!




I'm a bad blogger!

I have missed a couple of families the past few weeks and I am very sorry! I was hurrying up with their galleries, but never posted to share! So here we go. . .

First up he have this little man! We braved the cold weather and he was a TROOPER about it!