When Life Gives You Lemons...

When it rains, it pours. This is great for the grass but not so great when you are a natural light photographer who shoots primarily outdoors. Just as I was arriving at a session this morning, down came the rain, accompanied by substantial bolts of lightning. So there we were, trying to decide whether it would blow over, and I thought it would be worth a try to set up a white background next to a large window in the house. M and D were wearing white and light blue, and the precious 4-week-old puppies that served as live "props" are mostly white, so it seemed like a no-brainer. Not today...the sky was just too dark this morning. So what do you do when you've spent time moving furniture, setting up equipment, and directing two kids and five teeny puppies (and then photographing them, of course)? You find at least one usable shot and do something with it. This one was the winner. B&W should not be about rescuing images, but sometimes it really does bring out the best in a particular composition. For this shot there was no question about it. Even so, the plan was to shoot in the back yard, so we are going to try again tomorrow. Dare I hope that the rain cools things down, at least for a day or two? Thank you to this family for the privilege of photographing these gorgeous kids and sweet puppies. I am excited to see what we get next with an outdoor setting and cooperative weather!

Miss E's Birthday

I do not normally photograph birthday parties, but I will do it on occasion if I can. Today I was honored to capture the 4th birthday of this precious little girl. Need I say that I am thrilled to have been there? The party was at this very cool, old-timey candy shop in SoCo...every child's idea of heaven! I gave the first photo an antiquey feel to match the era of the candy shop. The second one is probably my favorite from the day; just look at those gorgeous eyes! A big thank you to her mom & dad for asking me to do this for them!

Happy Father's Day!

To my dad, my husband, and all the other wonderful fathers out there: I hope you have a fantastic Father's Day. A special note from my boys to their Papou and their Beebah: Happy Father's Day and we love you!Some may own castles on the banks of the Rhine and hire an orchestra each evening at nine, but richer than I they will never be...I had a dad who spent time with me. ~unknown

Guess Which One Is Mad At Mom?

Yesterday was Western Day at camp, and all the kids were encouraged to don their "best bib and tucker." Did these two think they would escape without a photo? One of them was willing to give me his "tough cowboy" look and the other was just pi$$ed...guess which one doled out the sass on the way to camp? Earlier in the day as I was taking my morning walk, I was graced by the beauty of a blue sky scattered with lots of white, cottony clouds...when I witness natural beauty of this magnitude, it just further affirms my faith in a Loving Creator. Being outside as the sun peeks over the horizon, listening to the birdies sing to each other, enjoying the vim of a new day -- it's a gift. I hope y'all enjoy many gifts on this day. Nature is the art of God. ~Dante

Happy Mother's Day!

It's not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted.

~Mary OConnor

To all of my mommy friends and loved ones...

It's no secret that I love bees. I love their cute little yellow and black striped bodies and transparent wings, but even more, I love them for what they do for us...particularly because they enable us to have flowers and honey. It seems fitting to tie the above quote into the busiest (and hardest) but most rewarding job ever: motherhood. All of you mommies our there, I love you for all the beauty and sweetness you inspire. I know you often feel like the mosquito, but you are all bees in my book.

Happy Mother's Day to you all with lots and lots of love.

Holy cow! It has been a long time since I have posted! I have been very busy with my kiddos, but also with some exciting things photography-related. First, I am in process of building my new, official, professional website. FINALLY. Second, I am happy to announce that I have been chosen as one of the official photographers for the Dell Children's 2010 Miracle Book! I have already conducted my first session for this important fund raiser...once we narrow it down I will be sure to post some shots of the beautiful kids from that day.

The most recent excitement for the Sarantakes family was our spring break in Steamboat. We had both boys skiing down everything except black runs...for those of you who know Steamboat, you know that it is a huge mountain with tons of different terrain, much of it quite challenging for those of us who only ski one week each year. Especially this year when half the mountain was icy in the morning and then slushy in the afternoon. The weather was gorgeous though, and we had a blast. These are some shots of us having fun while we were there.

Gotta go...off to ride my bike before I get the boys from school!

Love to all of you reading this, and special birthday wishes to my friend Melissa in Laguna Beach!

After-Christmas wishes

And when Aaron came to the entrance of the stable, he could hardly believe what he saw. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Aaron: Oh, your majesty, you must…

African King: Shh… Oh, the player boy.

Aaron: My lamb has been injured! You must save him!

King: He is near death. Oh, lad, there is nothing I can do.

Aaron: But…but you are a king!

King: A mortal king only. But there is a King among Kings who would save your little friend.

Aaron: The babe? But, I do not understand!

King: It is not necessary that you understand. Go to Him.

Aaron: But…I…I have no gift to bring!

King: Go. Look upon the newborn King.

And as Aaron looked at the babe, he thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

Aaron: And yet, there is something more about Him. So much more.

King: Your gift, little drummer boy, given out the simple desperation of a pure love is the one favored above all. See?

~from the 1968 Rankin-Bass animated film, The Little Drummer Boy

If you have not watched this short (23-minute) film, you are missing a beautiful story that transcends race, culture, creed and religion. I watch it every year with my kids, and every year I cry. The little drummer boy does not have a tangible gift for the newborn Jesus, but he plays his drum for him in order to save his injured lamb. The final words of the narrator say it all: Aaron’s heart was filled with joy and love, and he knew at last that the hate he had carried there was wrong, as all hatred will ever be wrong. For more powerful, more beautiful by far than all the eons of sadness and cruelty and desolation which had come before, was that one tiny crystalline second of laughter. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! I hope every one of you who reads this had a wonderful, peaceful, inspiring Christmas, regardless of what or how you celebrate during the winter break. May you find love and beauty in abundance, and may grief and despair be fleeting.