In the Moment - SH Portraits Blog Buffalo, NY

NEW BLOG ADDRESS!

2009-04-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

www.shportraits.com/blog

The SH Portraits blog has moved! Please be sure to visit the new blog site by clicking the link above!

{ Red Heads } Buffalo WNY Child Photography

2009-04-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

It was so great to spend some time with these little guys again this weekend. Can you even stand their amazing red hair and their sweet expressions. They are just too much. A very lucky Mom & Dad indeed.

Thanks again, your gallery will be following soon!

PS Everyone stay tuned for some really cool updates and another mini event announcement!!

{ Curls } Buffalo Baby Photographer

2009-04-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Curls are the first thing that come to mind when I remember my afternoon with this little one. I have a soft spot in my heart for curly headed little ones since I have a little guy with ringlets myself. I just love them! Combine those with the beautiful blue eyes & the infectious smile. . .it was bound to be a great session. I am so pleased to have met little M., her Mom & Grandmother. I hope you enjoyed your quick visit here to Buffalo!

{ beauty } Buffalo Newborn Photographer

2009-03-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

I had the best morning today. Ok outside of needing gas at the last minute in my car and forgetting my memory card (I stopped at Best Buy on the way there!) it was a great morning. As soon as I arrived this fun family was ready to go with a sleepy beautiful little girl. It was super hard for me to narrow down which ones to show for the gallery because I am loving everything so far. Enough chatting from me, here she is. Congrats Mom & Dad - your gallery will be ready soon!

{ belly } Buffalo Maternity Photographer

2009-03-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

This is the beautiful Mom from one of my recent maternity sessions at Baby Bump Motherhood Center. I am really excited about doing these events and our first evening went great, of course how could it not with this gorgeous Mom. I can't wait to meet her new little guy soon!

Our next dates are April 25th and May 30th. Please visit www.babybumpmotherhoodcenter.com to book your session and view details on package pricing!

It's Up!

2009-03-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting to share this awesome news for a while now until I had the portraits up and the images to show everyone! I am proud to be partnering with The Baby Bump Motherhood Center, an awesome 3D/4D sonogram facility and more! Last night was our first night of mini maternity sessions so I was able to get a few quick images of the display to share as well. It looks so good and I have to admit I was grinning from ear to ear when I saw it.

For anyone interested in maternity sessions our next date is April 25th. Please book your sessions through The Baby Bump Motherhood Center by calling 444-5555 or by visiting their website at www.babybumpmotherhoodcenter.com. Check out everything they have to offer!!

Now onto the images. . .

{ fresh } Buffalo Newborn Photographer

2009-03-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this peanut! He gave Mom quite the ride during her pregnancy and his entrance to the world, but he is definately worth it. I'm so glad to have him as the newest addition to our neighborhood, and his parents are pretty cool too :)

Congrats guys!

{ family } Buffalo Family Photographer

2009-03-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

I had the great pleasure to hang out with 5 adults yesterday to do some family portraits for them. You all know I LOVE working with children (obviously) but I have to say yesterdays session was a nice break from my norm and I had a blast. I really wish that more families with children who have all grown up would set aside the time for portraits of their family just like this. It really is a great to have images of your kids when they are all grown up too, not just when they have that adorable baby fat!

Thanks again for a great afternoon, gallery is coming soon!

Little Man T.

2009-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

If there is anything that I am an expert in - it is little boys. Lord knows having three of my own I am never surprised by them anymore. "T" was not in the mood for me but unfortunately for him, I couldn't resist his sweet brown eyes and these cheeks! So I pulled out all the stops and of course walked away with beautiful images to show Mom & Dad. I had a lovely time photographing him! Gallery is coming soon!

Seriously don't you love his big brown eyes!

Here's that adorable face again checking me out wondering if I really am all that. . .

I had to add the texture here, but Mom & Dad will see it without too. I love his expression!

And here he was actually avoiding me by looking out the window at his Dad and his dog. But hey, it made a great image!

PS Be sure to check out the new Special Promotions page at www.shportraits.com. You'll find it under the Information tab.

WNY Baby Expo

2009-03-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for something to do with your family this weekend? Come visit SH Portraits at the WNY Baby Expo! There are going to be great vendors with everything pregnancy, baby, child and beyond. There will be hourly events for children, classes for adults and even a bouncehouse. How much does all of this fun cost you? Nothing! Free admission and free parking.

Be sure to come visit my booth too, I'd love to see some familiar and new faces!

www.wnybabyexpo.com

WNY Event Centre
11163 Main Street
Clarence, NY 14031

10am-5pm

The first 250 guests will receive a complimentary reusable tote bag filled with goodies and special offers from vendors!

It's all in the expressions. . .

2009-03-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

In working on the promotional poster for my upcoming mini session event I have had the chance to have some fun photographing some friends & my own kiddos. Of course I have to share them! If you haven't checked out what the spring mini's are all about be sure to visit www.shportraits.com/springfling.html soon! This event will be great for children of all ages!

First up a couple of my favorites of my little man Reid, my crazy oldest man Justin and my daughter Kayla.

And now some friends, thanks again for coming over to play with us and indulge my camera!

Spring Fling Mini Sessions

2009-02-20T17:56:00.001-08:00

I can not wait for spring and I am sure you can't either! Luckily before we know it the snow will be melting, the flowers will be blooming and we will be playing outside again. Since I am dreaming of spring, I will be hosting a Spring Fling Mini Session Event. On April 29th I will be hosting mini sessions at Baby's Sweet Beginnings in Lancaster, NY.

The cost of the mini session is $150 and includes a 20 minute session and one mounted 11x14 wall portrait. There are lots of other goodies involved so check out the special webpage designed for this event here: www.shportraits.com/springfling.html

I hope to see you there!

Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm

2009-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Seriously what a little piece of heaven this little guy is! He slept and slept and slept for 3 hours today. With just a little prodding along the way. The perfect sleepy newborn, just the way I like em'! Enjoy your preview Mom, the gallery will be on its way shortly!

Brothers

2009-02-23T14:57:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting these little guys and their parents about a year ago. Lucky me got to hang with them while getting great captures of their personalities and getting to act silly. I had a blast hanging out with them and their awesome parents. Enjoy your blog preview, gallery to come!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-21T15:06:00.001-08:00

This sweet girl has got to be the happiest, most easy going baby EVER. For an hour today she just smiled and smiled even when we were done and wanted just one more, she found a way to oblige. I can't believe she is already a year old, I just adore her (and her family!). I am looking forward to many more years watching her and her sister grow up. So, here is a little then and now!

PS When you are done enjoying her smile, be sure to check out the Spring Fling Mini Session details. There is a link to the right on the blog!

Just 5 days old. . .

Playing Peek A Boo with me. . .

Love the big smile here!

Who can resist the tootsies?!

In her special chair . . .

What is today?

2009-02-01T10:08:00.001-08:00

Ok yeah, its Superbowl Sunday. More importantly though, it is this sweet little one's 1st Birthday! I know I say it a lot, but I really can't believe how much children change in one year. I was lucky enough to photograph her at just 4 days old. She was a blast to hang out with and photograph this weekend. We had many important conversations together in which I spoke and she nodded yes. What a doll!

Gorgeous Maternity. . .

2009-01-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

So I got to hang out with an awesome Mommy & her gorgeous belly today. We had a blast, lots of laughing. I can't wait to meet her new little man in a few short weeks. Wishing you all the best - enjoy your preview!

Share The Love Sessions & Host A Mini!

2009-01-23T14:52:00.001-08:00

In honor of the upcoming month of love, you and your best friend can split a session fee and you each get a full session!

The sessions must take place in February or March of 2009. There is limited availability.

Portrait prices are additional at a la carte or package rates.

Interested in hosting a mini session event in your home? All you need is 8 friends and a window with great light! I will only be booking one event. The hostess receives a great gift!

Contact Samara to book your session or to inquire about more details for either event!

Welcome To The World!

2009-01-21T05:16:00.000-08:00

Well this little guy had no intentions of sleeping for me, but he certainly made up for it in the cuteness department. After two sessions, we have on sleeping picture. Such is life with newborns, but I tell you this little guy has an old soul. He is so sweet!

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-18T08:22:00.001-08:00

I have had the absolute pleasure of photographing this family for almost 3 years now. We started with little A's brother and then she was welcomed into the family and now she is a year old! It is amazing how fast time flies. She is quite possibly the happiest and easiest one year old I have ever photographed. What a doll!

Another Mom To Meet!

2009-01-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

Name: Nicole, Buffalo NY

What are your children's names and ages?
Olivia, age 5 & Alexis, age 2

What is on the top of your Christmas list this year?
Honestly, all I really want is good health for the people that I love and care about, especially my daughters!

What is on the top of your children's christmas list this year?
Olivia really wants "Biscuit, My Lovin Pup" and Alexis loves anything Barbie!

What gift are you most excited to give this year?
The gifts I bought for my daughters!

What is your family's favorite holiday tradition?
My mother is from Vienna, Austria so our big celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. We have a big dinner and open gifts with the whole family! It is really special, especially now that my sister and I have our own families. We love to see the joy in the kid's eyes when they see that Santa has come to bring them presents!
What store are most of your gifts coming from this holiday season? Either online or at the mall! Having two young children, most of my shopping was done at Toys R Us. I also did a lot of my grown-up shopping at Williams Sonoma.

What is your favorite holiday food?
I love Christmas Cookies!!! I also love all of the appetizers before the big Christmas meal!

How would you describe your holiday decorating style?
Our decorating style is influenced a lot by Pottery Barn, so we have quite a few holiday decorations from there. We also always put out a nativity scene to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas! And of course all of the holiday decorations made by my oldest daughter Olivia at school. We put them all out because she is very proud of her art!

What is the last book you read to your children?
"When You Bring a Mouse to School"

What is your favorite activity to do with your children in the winter?
Playing outside in the snow and going sledding at my grandmother's house in Jamestown, NY. She lives in the country, so she has great sledding hills! Afterwards, we go inside and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. The girls love it!

What are your favorite websites or blogs to visit?
I love to look at the blog on SH portraits. I love seeing all of the beautiful babies and children! I also visit pottery barn, gymboree, gap, allrecipes.com and cnn regularly.

What local groups or causes are you involved with? Do you belong to or support any volunteer organizations?
I volunteer at my daughter's school and I also feel very passionately for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, so when they call and ask me for help with something, I always try to make some time.

What is something unique about your family?
We have many different ethnic backgrounds in my family! I am Austrian and Irish and my husband is Macedonian, so we celebrate many different traditions! Our children are very proud of their heritage and love to learn about the different celebrations!

What are your favorite 3-4 images from your session?
My first favorite image is of Olivia and Alexis standing together by the rocks. Lexi is holding onto the back of Olivia and when I first saw the picture, I saw for the first time the strong bond between them and the security that Alexis feels when Olivia is with her.

I also love the picture of Alexis sitting on the bench wearing the white dress. She wasn't very keen about being photographed at first and the look that she has, is very indicative of the look she gives people when she is unsure and somewhat suspicious of them.

Another favorite image I have is of Olivia bent down and smiling. Olivia is very chatty and happy! She loved being photographed and hanging out with Samara! So, the happy look on her face shows the joy that she has inside of her!

Last - what do you love most about SH Portraits? I had to add it! What I love most about SH portraits is that Samara doesn't just take a picture of your child she captures their nature, who they really are. When you see the photographs that Samara has taken of your children for the first time, it makes you want to cry because you aren't just looking at a picture of your child, you are seeing the true them and their inner spirit! I also love how relaxed Samara is during the session, it really helps the kids to feel uninhibited! And as an added bonus the SH Portraits website is very modern in design and user friendly, I just love it! Samara, you truly are a gifted artist! Thank you!

Project 365 - Kid Style

2008-12-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

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!

Mom #3!

2008-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

Cover Girl

2008-12-28T18:14:00.001-08:00

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!!

http://www.tottrendsweekly.com/

Mom #2!

2008-12-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

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!".