Sarah.Bel.Gray

This is kind of a two-part post…first of all my “PEOPLE” project photo sessions were SO much fun and I learned a great deal about portrait taking. If you have been following my blog the  past couple months…I began a photo project that I named “People” to better hone my portrait taking skills. Since then, I was amazingly blessed with friends and family who were willing to let me capture their families and special moments (The Bradys, The Tomkinsons, The Jeffries, The Serranos, Miss Reagan Clark, Hazel and Aaron, Little Baby V and Lyn, and the Zoccoli family). With that, I have decided to close the portfolio on the ‘People’ project and I’m excited to compile my favorites of those sessions to share with you in another blog post. And, from the experience on the People project, I have been blessed to be able to capture more memories for other families since then!! That being said, this brings me to the second and third part of today’s post. Christmas Photo Sessions and the Help-Project!!

Christmas is RIGHT around the corner…just 40 days away! And in the spirit of giving and in lieu of the economy…it’s time to be frugal! I know that there are a lot of people/families out there who treasure taking family photos around this time of year, but there doesn’t seem to be time or budget for them.

So, to continue on this road of photography…I’ve decided that I would like to offer two options to families/couples who are wanting to take family photos this year. The first is a sort of discount program that I will be offering. On Thursday, December 3rd, from 3:15pm to 5:15pm I will be out at Freestone Park in Gilbert, AZ and Thursday, December 10th from 10:00am to 12:00pm I will be shooting at the Mesa Arts Center. I have three 30-minute shoots to book each of these dates and along with these shoots there will be a mini-photo package as follows:

$60 – mini Christmas photo-session includes:

- 30 minute photo session at Freestone Park in Gilbert, AZ for up to 4 people (addl’ $5 per person)

- 10  high quality, fully edited photos on disk

- photo printing release (for use in printing photos, greeting cards, gifts, etc)

Here are the times available for 12/3/2009:

3:15pm, 4:00pm, 4:45pm

Times for 12/10/2009:

10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am

Please e-mail me if you are interested in these times. sarahbelgray@yahoo.com These are first come first serve appointment times, if an appointment is already booked, I will do my best to work with you to schedule your photo session on another date.

OPTION 2: The HELP PORTRAIT project.

I was introduced to this movement called “Help Portrait“  by my friend and fellow photographer, Jason, and I was absolutely THRILLED that there was this opportunity! On Saturday, 12/12 I will be out in downtown Gilbert shooting photos from 9:30am to 11:30am. This option is available for those who are unable to afford quality family photos this Christmas season. Please visit the Help Portrait website to read more about the movement and the people whom we are trying to reach. I will be doing these sessions in 15 minute increments, so please e-mail me regarding scheduling a session and to discuss the project and see if it is the right fit for you – if you would like to nominate someone for this project, please also e-mail me with their name and contact information. This is a free photo session and you will receive 1- 8×10 photo and 10 photo greeting cards.

I’m looking forward to capturing moments for you and your family this Christmas season! Also, if you are interested in scheduling a regular photo session, I still have a couple dates available during the first two weeks in December. Please email me regarding times and pricing. Thanks to everyone who made my ‘People’ project a HUGE sucess this past summer/fall and THANK you for inspiring me to continue on this journey!!

Love you all-

Sarah Bel

Okay, well…I’ve been SO excited to share this family session with you out there in blog-world. I had the amazing priviledge to capture this beautiful family on a GORGEOUS saturday morning in October. Greg and Julia are such wonderful friends of ours (Shawn and myself) and we were so excited to be taking their FIRST ever photo session in about 10 years! Talk about pressure…haha! So, I pushed aside the feelings of “OH GEE, I REALLY REALLY hope these come out alright” and was able to capture this adorable family in all their cuteness. Complete with my favorite picture of the day which captured this family’s love for all things Longhorn…The Texas Longhorns that is So, enjoy the photos below and THANK YOU once again to the Hull family for allowing me to photograph your family!!!Love you guys!!

First of all…I cannot post a picture without the ‘bubble gun’. This was the highlight of little Nathan’s morning. And a HUGE thank you to my amazing husband for keepin’ the bubbles coming all morning long! LOL!

seriously now…how adorable are they? I love this picture!!!! Little Nathan was still warming up to me…so I think he was still a little wary of the girl with with the big hair and the camera

A future Texas Longhorn in the making…

representin’

This is one of my top five…I just love how much Julia loves this little guy!! They are SO precious together!!

Omigoodness…how cute is this one?!? LOL I <3 it!!!

yup…adorable

THANK YOU again Hull Family!

So, I realize that it may seem that I have fallen off the face of the blogging earth recently…but I have a PERFECTLY good explanation for all this. And by “perfect” I mean…PERFECT All 8 pounds 0.3 ounces of perfect…meet my LOVELY and gorgeous new niece, Victoria Elizabeth Ainsworth:

Isn’t she just a doll? Seriously though…this is the most perfect reason I have been neglecting this blog lately. So, “Baby V” or “V” as I like to call her…made her grand entrance into this world on 10/29/2009 – her momma, my sister Lyn, was AMAZING!! And we’re all so excited to have her in our lives…finally! After nearly a month of “almost-time” times and trips to the hospital for what we THOUGHT was going to be her birthday…Little Miss Victoria entered the world a week ago – absolutely beautiful and she captured the hearts of all that laid eyes on her! I had the amazing priviledge of capturing her birth and was SO amazed at God’s creation throughout the whole four hours of my sister’s labor. I will save the most precious and personal photos for my sister’s personal collection, but  I do want to share just a few from that special day. Enjoy!!

working on her ‘pouty’ face already

momma Lyn and baby…both BEAUTIFUL just moments after V was born

ten little toes

And lastly…of course…I HAD to have my picture taken with the princess of the day

so…worry not, Blog-land I’m back…and I’ve got lots to update you on in the next week or so…including a FABULOUS family photo session with a family of Texas Longhorn Fans, my sister’s beautiful belly pics, and a couple more family photo sessions…and of course, my top-tens and wardrobe wednesdays! Thanks to all our friends and family who have congratualted, supported, prayed and loved on my sister and her family! They are SO thankful and so very blessed!

Welcome to the world, V – Auntie Sarah loves you VERY much!!!! <3

Happy Wednesday to all! So, today’s Wardrobe Wednesday’s feature is called “The Essentials”. There are a lot of GREAT trends hitting the fashion scene right now, but for the classically chic fashionista in us all – I thought I’d dedicate this post to bringing you a short, but definitely sweet list of fall’s essentials.

Numero Uno…this one has been a STAPLE since Audrey Hepburn. Yes, that’s right…the LBD…or “Little Black Dress”. The typical LBD is usually knee length, though if you’re daring enough and have the gams to back it up, try an over the knee look. A classic LBD is not a Little “little” black dress…ie mini-skirtish. This should be your ‘go-to’ dress for most ‘dress up’ occasions. The LBD is not usually worn for a black-tie event, but something like a great dinner date, a company dinner, a night at the theater, an semi-formal evening wedding, etc…etc. You will probably spend a pretty penny on the classic LBD. Why? Well, like I said this should be your ‘go-to’ and you’ll want it to LAST. LBD’s are not usually uberly trendy, though if you want to trend it up by all means PLEASE do – however don’t spend a hefty amount on it…A great way to update the LBD is with accessories (jewelry, hair pieces, great looking nails, shoes, and a clutch). You can take a very classic sillohuette and spice it up with colorful gems and still be up with the times. So, posted below are some great LBDs I found…use for inspiration!!

1. the CLASSIC A-Line, Empire, or fitted LBDs: A-lines are great for most body types and ages. the Empire waisted dress is wonderful for those of us who are a little more conscious of our mid-sections, and the fitted LBD is a little more WOW factor (though watch the length on this one ladies…keep it at the knee) For a youthful look (ladies in their late teens/20s) try more colorful accessories or a fun and funky hair style. For a more sophisticated look accent these with a classic strand of ivory pearls and a great clutch. As far as shoes go, most anything goes with this one. A great pair of pumps in any color, strappy heels (though careful that they’re not TOO high), or even a satin flat would work for a less dressy occasion.

2. The strapless LBD: The strapless LBD is great for a youthful vibe. They come in ALL shapes, sizes, and lengths. A little shorter one paired with some black stockings and a great pair of pumps makes for a bold statement – mixed with great jewelry (lengthy necklaces and chunky bracelets) can bring a lot of fun into the look. Or try a strapless LBD with a little more flavor! classic up top, fun on the bottom or vice versa.

3. And the last example of the LBD I’ll share (buy by NO means are you limited to only these three! There are TONS out there) is the “trendy” LBD. Again, like I said this little number shouldn’t break the bank – as it is, like I said, TRENDY. However…these are always FUN alternatives to the classic LBD. Dress it as fun and funky as you wish – these trendy LBDs are made to make a statement…weather its a little pop of color or a LOT of glam – wear these LBD with confidence and shine like the star you are!!!

And the second essential I’d like to share this week is the DARK WASHED JEAN. An absolute staple in every woman’s (and man’s for that matter) is a classic dark-washed jean. Jeans come in all washes and colors these days – and as fun as it is to try the latest trend in denimware…every girl needs a great pair of dark-washed jeans. Straight cuts are usually the safest ones to go with as they do not go out of style, but if you want to expand your jean inventory pick up a pair in straigt, booth cut, skinny, and even a pair of dark-washed jean shorts. Darker washes are way more versatile as you can dress them up AND down depending on where you are going. Add a simple tee for a more casual look or top it off with a satin blouse for a more evening look. And please don’t neglect this detail…when investing in a pair of great dark jeans – I use the word “invest” because it is more than OK to spend on your jeans…usually, the more expensive they are the longer they will last (they won’t fade and the stitching is usually stronger and the jean material of better quality), So…like I was saying – BE SURE that they are one wash (aka: ONE color) the WHOLE way through. As fun as the distressed look is…the more distressed the less versatile. Also, if there is a lighter wash in the thigh area this will attract attention there and make your thighs look larger – which we ALL don’t want, right?? So, enjoy the photos below of a few collections of my favorite dark-denim looks!!

Well, well…I’m back for another round of my favorites!! Today’s top ten..as I scroll down and look has obviously been influenced highly by my love of all things fashion! Hahaha! So, here goes!!

1. H&M Clothing: Oh, boy…I could get lost in this store for hours and hours and hours! Shawn and I took a trip to the mall on our way home from San Diego last week simply because I needed to visit H&M. *sigh* LOL! So, needless to say, about three hours after we arrived at the famed Fashion Valley Mall in SD we made the trek home…both uber happy to have some new threads from H&M. Next year, I’m hitting the one on 5th Ave in NYC!

2. Colorful Winter Wear: I’m SO over the whole “darks” are in for winter! I love LOVE color and why would I be subjected to wearing ONLY my black and darker hued ensembles just because the weather is bleaker outside? I’m all for bringing BRIGHTNESS into your winter wardrobe. As essential as the perfect black coat is to every woman’s wardrobe…I say come on over to the dark-side and purchase that ROCKIN’ red/purple/yellow/blue/green coat that is SCREAMING ‘wear me!!’ – you KNOW you want to!!!

3. Arnold Palmers: no…no…not the golfer! But rather the tasty liquid concoction named after said golfer. This was apparently a favorite of the avid sportsman after a rousing round of chasing the litttle white ball. He ordered this mix of iced tea and lemonade so much that it was aptly named after him! Thank you Arnold for creating one of my all time favorite thirst quenchers!

4. RED Sunflowers: my flower of choice and the FIRST bouquet of lovelies I ever received from my amazing husband (or boyfriend at the time). Such a timeless flower, yet with a POP of originality! My FAVE!!!

5. My bestie and her future-hubby: Meet my bestie, Hazel and her soon-to-be, Mister Aaron. These two crazy kids are about to tie the knot in about 6 weeks! Hazel and I will officially be ‘related’ at least by marriage as her Aaron is first cousins to my Shawn HOW COOL!!! I cannot wait!!

6. Yearly trips to the ‘motherland’ : One of my all-time most favorite times of the year is our mission trip to the Philippines! Seriously, if you are thinking about overseas missions, I would highly recommend this trip! We are on coming up on year 4 of 5 this coming March and will be continuing our building and expanding of an amazing church’s ministry located in the Northern Philippines! Every year we take a visit to the local hospital to pray with/for families and their children…which is where we met this beautiful little lady…isn’t she precious!!!

7. AVEENO Daily Moisturizing lotion: this works wonders…a little pricey (an average bottle is about $7.99), but SO worth every penny. This stuff works like a charm for this a little too obsessed about moisturizing girl…made with oatmeal and completely natural with no icky smells or sticky residue AVEENO got it SO right with this stuff!! Try it out!!

8. Slouchy Knitted Hats: the bigger ones are my FAVE but these are just SO absolutely perfect for throwing on your noggin if you’re 1) having a bad hair day, 2) don’t have time to wash/style your hair or 3) cause it’s super cold out and you need something warm and toasty YET ultra fab to keep your head warm! I’m super so stoked to bring my favorite hats out of hiding…though there is a BONUS…they made lighter weighted ones to sport during the spring and fall months too…or for those chilly evenings at the beach in the summer! Gotta love them!!!

9. BUFFALO EXCHANGE: I’ve been shopping at this super kitchy and unique fashion spot since my sophomore year of high school when a girl with little cash needs to find something fun and funky to wear! Buffalo is home to some rad vintage finds as well as higher end designer threads all for a low low price! Plus…you can bring your old threads in and trade them for either cold hard cash or in-store money to replenish your wardrobe! There’s one off of Mill Ave. on University Dr in Tempe…the lesser known is located in Phoenix…and my all time fave is in San Diego in Pacific Beach!

10. And TEN…Manicures: Oh, my I just love getting my nails done. Whether it’s at a trendy salon, or your local neighborhood stops (you KNOW what I’m talking about… ) – a great manicure can brighten my day…lol! I have super simple joys! I have to keep these nails short b/c of working on a compy all day, playing the guitar, and the fact that if there is a nail to break…I WILL…so I’m all about funky and fun nail colors! Though, I always get the thumbs down for getting designs painted on my nails cause apparently – according to my nail lady…”no honey, your nail too thin for design…all I give you is flower”…whaaa? No fair! hahaha!

So, I decided to forego my weekly ‘Tuesday’s Top Ten’ and ‘Wardrobe Wednesday’ for a week to bring you more photos from the Zoccoli Family shoot this past weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE doing my weekly posts…I already have my top-ten waiting in the wings…but, those can wait when you see the reason why I am putting it aside.

I just can’t get enough of this beautiful family. I sorted through about 1700 photos from the day (YEAH! There were REALLY that many) and I had a hard time trying to choose only 50 or so…so, I cheated a bit and ended up with about 70ish final photos Anyhow, the more and more time I spent looking at their photos the more and more I grew to love these guys even more!

Mike and Alisa…you guys have such amazing hearts! To take in three little ones on top of your own three…to give these boys a hope, a future, and to show them love that only a mom and dad can! Seriously, you guys are true heroes! I love the smiles those little guys give…so true and genuine. You can tell that they love you two and your boys SO much and they fit right into your family! And to your three boys (Tyler, Joey, and Stephen) you guys are troopers! Thanks for putting up with me, thanks for hamming it up for the camera, and you guys are wonderful older brothers!! My prayer is that you will all grow up as strong men of God, full of integrity and character! To the little ones who made me smile SO much during this shoot! I love your energy and I absolutely love your smiles! I love the joy you guys bring to Mike and Alisa and to the whole Zoccoli family!!

Now, with that said…I want to share a few more photos from this session…a few more candid as the ‘posey’ posey ones (don’t get me wrong…I LOVE those, there’s just something different about the ones that you get in the moments when people are not looking that make them SO special) So, I bring you the Zoccoli Family Part 2

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rolling down the hill was one of the highlights of the night

Meet the Zoccoli Family

Dad, Mike – Mom, Alisa and six boys!! YES you heard correct…SIX boys!!! Wowza…what a FUN shoot! This absolutely beautiful family are dear friends of ours who jumped on board my ‘People’ project and took it by storm! This was seriously one of the shoots I was looking most forward to adding to this fun project.

Mike and Alisa are amazing friends and incredible parents! Their boys radiate fun and love and on a warm and windy afternoon (THANK YOU God for holding back the dust storm) we trekked to Joe’s Farm Grill for this shoot and finished off the night with Milkshakes, french fries, and onion rings!

Here are a few sneak peaks…Enjoy!!!

And the Boys…First up, Tyler

Next, meet Joey

This guy is a joker, he had too much fun on this shoot…Meet, Stephen

And this guy…hammed it up for camera all afternoon! This is Kenny!!

ca-utie patootie, Isaiah

And, of course, the baby of the bunch…watch out for this little heartbreaker, Little Rashid!!

And lastly… My fave of the day!!!

so, there you have it!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU to the Zoccoli family for allowing me to capture your amazing family! Thank you for the laughs, thank you for adding some fresh grass stains to my ‘photo-shoot’ jeans, and thank you for letting me share this special time with your family!

-sarah bel