Stunning! That about sums up Maddie … just look a those features!! I had a fabulous time photographing Maddie’s senior portraits and am so excited to share some of our favorites with you. Be sure to stop by our Facebook Page and view her gallery to see more. 
Check out this lovely senior! I had so much fun with Carlie featuring not only her but her talent as well (check out that gorgeous instrument!). These are just a few of our favorite portraits from Carlie’s session so be sure to head on over to our Facebook Page and check out her gallery!
This family is so fun! Even in a short 20 minutes for their mini session we were all laughs (as you can see). This year was my very first year to host mini sessions for families looking for quick, easy family portraits and Christmas Cards! I can’t wait to get cards designed for these guys.
Be sure to stop by our facebook page to see more from this session and give them a few likes!
Check out a few of my favorites from the lovely Lisa’s session! This girl is flat out gorgeous… add in makeup by Katie at Salon 402, a gorgeous day and even Lisa’s boyfriend Cole and it made for a fantastic session! She rocked every pose and look and I cannot wait to show off MORE so head over to our facebook page, check out her gallery and toss her a few LIKES so I can get to posting!
If you’re a long time follower of Sarah Jane Photography (which is probably only my mother, thanks mom) you may remember Maggi & Jay’s wedding a couple years ago. Well, I’m excited to share that their family is GROWING and I’m happy to introduce you all to their adorable new baby boy, Cam!
Be sure to stop by our facebook page to view their gallery and give them a few likes so I can post more!
SO MUCH FUN! That about sums up Maggie’s senior sessions (yes, that’s right we couldn’t fit all this awesome into one session so we did TWO). I loved hanging out with Maggie and her mom who are both so fun and energetic. We had a gorgeous day for her first session at a beautiful location that gave us a little rustic country and outdoor look and then finished up her second session in the studio for a little more muted backdrops to really let Maggie’s stunning features shine.
Take a look at a few of our favorites here but be sure to hope over to our facebook page to see a lot more and give her a few LIKES (we have so much more to share from these awesome sessions!)
As you can see Andrew is one talented senior, achieving the highest level of scouting becoming an Eagle Scout. We chatted during his session about what all the patches he’s earned were for and there’s everything from cooking (which is one badge I sure wouldn’t be able to earn) to first aid, archery (AWESOME), camping, swimming and so many more! I was so excited to be able to include this big accomplishment and key part of who Andrew is in his senior session. And the best part was hearing Andrew and his very proud dad tell me about a few of their scouting experiences.
Check out a few of Andrew’s senior portraits here and be sure to head over to our facebook page to give him a few LIKES and see more! 
There are a few churches in Decatur that when I hear are wedding venues for my lovely couples I start to salivate a little (too much information)… like seriously, these are the stop in your tracks gorgeous ‘could shoot inside all day and never get tired of this’ type churches and First United Methodist is one of those churches. Not only is their sanctuary simply stunning but their bridal room is breathtaking and when you add in a beautiful bride dressed to impress you can’t miss.
And that was just the start to my day with Kelly & Josh (and the amazing people they call family and friends). Take a look at what we created on their lovely day….
Why did you choose Sarah Jane Photography? | “We loved your style of shooting. You were very easy to work with as far as helping plan a timeline for the wedding day and getting the shots we for sure wanted.”
What’s your favorite SJP product? | “I loved the time and detail you put into the slideshows. I’m really glad we used one for our wedding ceremony as it provided a little something unique for our day.”
What would you tell another couple thinking about booking SJP for their wedding? | “Every couple has their own taste for every little detail when it comes to wedding planning and the photography is no exception. I would tell them to ‘go with their gut.’ and if they do choose SJP they won’t be disappointed.”
Would you choose SJP to photograph your wedding if you had to do it again? | “Yes. The pictures you took were beautiful and you helped me organize the whole day.”
Who made your event unforgettable?
1. The DJ, Justin Ford. We were very specific in what kind of music we wanted played during dinner and dancing. All country during dinner and all upbeat dance music after.
2. Sweet Life Bakery (Now called Mowery Baking Company). Our cake/cupcakes were awesome looking and tasted amazing. They have recently moved into a building downtown as their business is expanding.
3. Shirley’s in Mt Zion did a great job of helping me design a bouquet that looked beautiful and would withstand the August heat! They will work with any bride on a budget but I thought they were very reasonably priced anyway.
Get the inside look at Kelly & Josh’s big day:
Vendor List:
So you know what’s even better than senior portraits? Senior portraits of the younger siblings of past senior clients, yup that’s AWESOME! It’s like an SJP family reunion so when Jordan’s mom, Lori called me to schedule Jordan’s session I was sooo excited and it got even better when the session rolled around and not only did I get to hang with Lori and Jordan but her older sister (and past SJP senior) Britney came along too!!
We had a blast! Laughs, laughs and MORE laughs. Seriously, these girls are a total riot and talk about having some fun mother/daughter/sister quality time!
Well without further adieu here is a look at Jordan’s senior session! You can see MORE from her session by visiting our facebook page and viewing her gallery.
One of my favorite locations for high school senior portraits is AT the high school! Why not, right??! That’s where you spend your high school days so what better place to have senior portraits taken?
Kiersten was my first Maroa-Forsyth High Schooler to choose the high school for her session so it was a brand new location for me, which is always a blast. My favorite spot of the day ended up being the greenhouse which had amazing light and texture. We, of course, had to spend a little time on the field to rock her cheer look (CLICK here to see her full facebook gallery including these portraits on the field)
Welcome to our monthly small business feature! Willow Branch Boutique kicked off this brand new project to feature area small businesses and their owners right here in the Decatur, IL area and the response from business owners has been fantastic! We already have businesses scheduled to be featured through the end of the year and are now booking 2014 slots so if you’re a business owner in Decatur IL or other surrounding areas and would like to have your business featured on the SJP blog, complete with complimentary SJP images (ya, that’s right FREE!) please call/email me to get reserve your month.
Without further adu let me present to you the amazingly talented Ms. Elizabeth VanHoutan of Punch & Sizzle! I have to start by giving this girl a personal shout out because I personally LOVE what she does. And what is that? Well, in my words I think Elizabeth really brings the highest end art/style/design to the everyday people like you and me. She has worked with me over the past couple years to design and create one-of-a-kind custom backdrops (some featured below) as well as combining her portfolio with mine to allow me to create digital art work products for photographers to enhance their images: BoxDrops by SJP. Well that’s enough from me, let’s Hear from Elizabeth and see some of her work (plus, a peak inside her home where the magic happens).
The Details: Elizabeth VanHoutan, owner/artist at Punch & Sizzle and Paint Like Me Parties | In business: 16 Years / 11 Years in Decatur.
Hours: By Appointment | Location(s): Consultations and Installations on site and parties in YOUR home!
Tell us about your business… What do you do? I design and install surface treatments for all interior applications ( and occassionally exterior ones too!) Decorative finishes, faux finishes, poured resin countertops, murals, and handpainted details to name a few. I also create custom artworks for many residentail and commercial situations. I have recently started teaching others to paint abstract paintings with my new business “Paint Like Me” Parties.
What makes your business unique/special? I have a unique point of view– I am drawn to color, bold pattern, modern finishes, sleek design, bling-bling….I tend to shy away from Olde Worlde Style (although if the situation calls for that, I will do it!) I always find a way to put a unique twist on my finishes and artworks. I encourage my clients to decorate for THEMSELVES, not the next homeowners.
What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? I believe that every room needs a ‘smile’…a painted quotation, a funky colored chest of drawers, a bold and chunky feature wall…..
In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? I know that what I do is not brain surgery, but I do bring joy to my clients. And that’s the funnest part of my job! I take a tremendous amount of personal pride in helping others enjoy the spaces in which they live. I spend hours researching ideas for them and create a number of samples for them to choose from. It is my goal to provide the most up to date, interesting and appropriate finishes for each situation. I bid each project by the job, and if something takes longer than I expected, I stand by my pricing. I believe in good customer service.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Send me to their vacation home by myself with instructions to ‘do what I do’….I think that speaks to the level of trust my clients have in my tastes and abilities. I have been to several vacation locations, which ranks as the biggest ‘perk’ of my job!
What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? I cannot live without Faux Effects International Products. They allow me to create high end finishes with their unique textural products. They also have amazing topcoats and base coats. I am very loyal to this line.
What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I sell my paintings at The Perfect Pair in Warrensburg, but I also love to go in there and just look around at the ‘eye candy’. I always see things I want to buy!
I feel like I could not do my job without the helpful staff at Sherwin Williams. Whenever I have questions about technical things , this is where I go for answers and the correct products for each situation.
Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I fell into this career quite by accident. I have a degree in Interior Design and began my career as a Textile Designer. After getting married and having 2 kids, I found myself suddenly in need of a creative outlet that would also help support my family as my ex-husband had gone back to college. I offered to paint a harlequin patterned powder room in my friend’s stationary shop, one of her clients saw it and Voila! A business was born. I learned most everything through trial and error and then later, through taking lots of product specific classes for Professional Decorative Artists. I call this business a ‘God thing’, I’m not sure I would have found this passion had I not painted that first powder room.
When did you know you wanted to go into this business? I always knew I’d be an artist of some kind. I’m extremely visual and love Interior Design. I also get bored easily, so I love the ‘every week is different’ nature of my job.
What are you passionate about outside of your business? Fitness and Clean Eating, My Spiritual walk, spending time with my 4 daughters , I love writing fiction and have been working on a book I’m sure I will never show anyone for the last 6 years!
^^^ Anyone else shouting ‘SHOW US!!!” in your head right now because I am! Ha
Describe your PERFECT day… A workout, some yoga, a massage…followed by a fantastic lunch in a street cafe in some interesting location. Getting a manicure and pedicure and hair style (I spend most of my life covered in paint and in a pony tail, so my perfect day contains lots of pampering!) Shopping and a musical event would round out my perfect day! Of course I would be accompanied by kids and my longtime boyfriend!
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: If you’d like to have your business featured on the SJP blog please visit the following link to download the information/questionnaire form which you can email back to mail@sjanephotography.com. We are not booking for 2014 features and showcase one business each month. Your feature includes FREE 20 minute location shoot by Sarah Jane Photography, blog feature and images to use on your online spaces (facebook/website/etc).
https://www.dropbox.com/s/urr7zdkh64szon7/MarketingBusinessFeatures.doc
Rachel is a senior at Warrensburg-Latham high school and was SO much fun to photograph! The day before her session I called to confirm her locations and asked her if she was up for an adventure and willing to try out a never before used location and she jumped at that opportunity.
I was so excited to try something new at a location I’d driven by about 1000 times but never stopped to photograph at. We had gorgeous weather and Raychel did a great job rocking her poses and with great expressions.
Check out a few of our favorites here and see more on our facebook page.
CLICK HERE to view her full gallery on facebook!
** Noticing my two day in a row blog post this week?!?! Well over the weekend I realized that I’m a little behind on posts. This year, yet again, we’ve had more clients than ever before! I cannot thank you all enough for entrusting your special moments to me and helping continue to grow our business bigger and better than ever. So to catch up with all the features of my awesome clients (who REALLY each deserve their very own post) I’ll be posting one a day this week! Yes, that’s a whole lot of awesome people coming your way, get ready!
Mickayla did AWESOME on her session! Bet you can’t tell it’s like 1000 degrees outside?!?! Ok maybe not that hot, but in a huge prom dress with zero wind it sure felt that hot and this girl still rocked gorgeous expressions and I have to give a shout out to the talented Katie Fucinari at Salon 402 for creating a hair/makeup look that survived 2 hours in the heat perfectly!
Be sure to head over to our facebook page to see more and show Mickayla some love by LIKING her images so we can post MORE!
Have I told you how much I LOVE senior sessions?!?! And Anna’s session was no exception! Though we had a hot/humid day for her session she completely rocked it even in a sweater and scarf in 90 degree heat!
I have to thank the lovely Hannah Shaw for a gorgeous job on Anna’s hair & makeup too. Check out a few of our favorites from Anna’s session and be sure to head over to our facebook page to see her full Gallery! 
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Chase Dickey!
Chase MADE that wall! Now that’s a keeper Charlee. I loved the look of this unique piece and the couple is even renting it out to others who want a unique country look for their big day. Imagine this as your outdoor wedding backdrop?!
Check out Grandpa with the ladies and our lovely bride. Charlee was breathtaking on her big day and from flowers to dress and every jewelry detail this girl thought of it all. 
Can I make a request that all new husbands unexpectedly pick up their bride for the kiss?!?! It was fun, surprising and got a great expression from Charlee! 
Get the inside look at Charlee & Chase’s big day:
Vendor List:
Who made your event unforgettable?
1. The DJ! He came to us multiple times throughout the reception to see if we needed anything or to ask if the music was okay with us or if there were any requests. He was AWESOME!
2. Sarah Jane Photography knew our vision and make it perfect! They did any pose we asked or showed and made them look amazing. I loved all our products!
3. Christy Hood & Tami Richmond! I told them my vision and they made it happen. Everything was how I pictured it to look on my wedding day!
Why did you choose Sarah Jane Photography?
“I saw SJP at the Crowne Plazza Bridal Expo not long after I got engaged and the moment I saw all the work and amazing albums/prints I knew I had found our photographer. I love your style!”
What would you tell another couple thinking about booking SJP for their wedding?
“Wedding pictures are timeless. You want quality; quality, style and uniqueness are what you get with SJP!”
| Starr Wedding | Jefferson City, Missouri Wedding Photographer|
Perfect Spring Wedding…. Ya, that about sums up Pam & Doug’s April wedding! Beautiful weather, amazing couple, fun bridal party, my hometown … what more could you ask for? We work hard before/during/after wedding days for our clients but on days like these it’s hard to believe it’s work. Pam and I went to high school together and I was so honored when she called and invited me to share in her big day and after meeting Doug for the first time I knew this was going to be a BLAST.
My absolute favorite part of this wedding wasn’t the beautiful unique cake, the fun ‘star’ designed reception, the delicious kettle corn party favors, the stunning natural light in the church or even the amazing fun people we got to share the day with (though that’s a close second)… but above all else, the love between these two wonderful people made the day unforgettable. By the end of the day I had laughed and cried right along side the whole family.
Here are a few of our favorite images from Pam & Doug’s big day! Plus, be sure to head over to our facebook page to see more and give them a few LIKES. (This wedding will soon be featured on our new wedding site here: http://www.sjanephotography.com too!).
And what better place to photograph in my beautiful home town?!?!?! Of course, we had to hit the capital steps!
www.facebook.com/sjanephotog | © Sarah Jane Photography
| The Terell Girls | Sarah Jane Photography Studio Portraits |
Check out these gorgeous girls! This family was a blast … a whole love of energy and color and personality packed into the studio and we loved it! Take a look at a few of our favorites from this session and be sure to head over to the Facebook page to give this family some LIKES to see more!
^^^ Can’t wait to see this one as a beautiful canvas on their wall!! ^^^
| 2013 Warrensburg-Latham High School Senior | Blake |
2013 Seniors it’s definitely NOT too late to start your senior portrait experience with Sarah Jane Photography! Yes, we know graduation is right around the corner but in 10 years you won’t remember what month you had your session. This month we fit in Blake from WLHS and even though we didn’t quite have the greenery we were hoping for he did a great job and we created a ton of images for them.
Blake was great, wading through a bit of a swamp with me (have a muddy flash to prove it) and we even found a few ever green trees to give us that lush ‘spring’ look. Here are a few of our favorites from the session…
Be sure to check out our Facebook page to see more from Blake’s session and give him a few LIKES.
| Emily + Jay’s Springfield IL Wedding |
Check out some of my favorites from this awesome couple’s wedding! Their wedding was in Springfield, IL w/ reception at the wonderful Secret Recipes banquet hall (which is complete, of course, with the MOST delicious Secret Recipes food). Plus, awesome entertainment by the talented Matthew Stevens!
| Sarah Jane Photography | Elizabeth – Warrensburg-Latham 2013 SENIOR |
Take a look at the absolutely stunning Elizabeth! We did a really quick studio shoot this week and will be following it up with her full senior session on location very soon, but, of course, I couldn’t wait until then to show y’all what we created in the studio!
I was so excited to get the call from Elizabeth and to start her senior portrait experience. I’ve had the pleasure to photograph her and her boyfriend, James, at a number of Warrensburg-Latham High School dances over the past couple years so I was thrilled to spend a little more time with Elizabeth in the studio to create something special just for her.
AND guess what!?!?! She’s possibly a future photographer herself and plans to go on to college and study to be a photographer, whoop whoop! It is, after all, the best industry in the world so I’m excited to see her passion for her future and wish her the best of luck following her dreams!
| Sarah Jane Photography | Senior Models 2014 |
Hey y’all! It’s my favorite time of year…. SENIOR SEASON! I LOVE photographing seniors because you guys are so unique, original, and just plain excited! You know you only get one chance to create an unforgettable senior portrait experience, to step into the spotlight and be the star of the show for a couple hours and I love creating that experience with you.
And, as always, our senior season begins with our amazing senior models!!! Hopefully you’ve already seen the beautiful Miss Kailey sporting her images on Facebook! She is our first model of the season from Mt. Zion High school. I’m so excited this year to be partnering with the lovely ladies of Headlines Salon who are providing hair and makeup for all our 2014 models.
We still have a few model spaces available (remember we only take ONE model from each school!) So be sure to apply today! Just click the link on our main website OR find the link on our Facebook page as well.
Our models receive:
Plus, you’ll have the chance to earn CASH, studio credit, FREE senior session & even fun prizes like an iPad mini, flat screen TV or $500 scholarship!!!
We only have space for one model per school but we do still have openings. Plus, all those who apply will get a free gift from their senior session AND have the chance to earn referral credits for any friends they refer even if you’re not one of our 2014 models!
Don’t wait, models are selected this month!!!
SEE MORE on our Facebook page!! www.facebook.com/sjanephotog
| Sarah Jane Photography | Decatur Shopping Event |
Hey Ladies!
I hope you made it to Neuhoff Media / Elite Bridal’s Lady Palooza night last night at the Mt. Zion Convention Center. It was a fabulous night with some amazing vendors (seriously, every cute thing you’ve ever wanted to own was there!).
I was across from a “Tom Boy Tools” – PINK tools girls, super cute! One of my favorite little girls, Haylei, was there rocking her booth with her momma selling the cutest bows, magnets, suckers, lotion and MORE (cute photo clips I had to buy!!). Purses, jewelry, salons, massages, even pizza!
I had over 50 ladies stop by the booth, register to win one of three amazing prizes and had the chance to chat with many of them as we booked and begin planning their SJP Portrait Experience! Those who didn’t win our grand prizes will still be receiving a little email gift (everyone’s a winner at SJP!).
Check out some images from my booth and all the awesome client products we were showing off.
| Cole | Sarah Jane Photography | 6 Month Portraits |
How can you have a bad day staring at this face?!?! Cole is growing like a weed and I think you’d be hard pressed to meet a happier baby. We had about a total of 2 tears during this session, not even enough to get a crying shot (I’m gonna have to start making scary faces to get those).
I believe he’s decided that sitting is way over-rated and he’s skipping straight to crawling. I know when I see him again for his first birthday he’s going to be running all over the place! Check out a few of our favorites from the session here and be sure to stop by our facebook page to see more (and don’t forget to toss them a few likes so they can earn more facebook images)!
| Sarah Jane Photography | Balancing Live, Love, and Photography Career | Decatur IL |
In the spirit of full disclosure, this blog post is stemming from a bit of Friday afternoon un-productivity. In the past 45 minutes I have bounced between what feels like 100 different things including a bit of bookkeeping, facebooking, unpacking orders from the lab, designing an album page, sending an album to the printers, uploading part of an order to the lab, pulling orders to send to the retoucher and setting up for a premier…. uh, holy A.D.D up in here!
So, why not add ‘blogging’ to the crazy list of half done ‘to do’ list items for the afternoon right? Right! Welcome aboard (I promise this IS going somewhere… I don’t promise that it is anywhere important.)
Ok, back on track…. obviously most of you know I love my job and am passionate about photography and creating art for YOU. But, have you ever thought what a photographer does for FUN when their hobby/love/passion becomes their career? (Me too!) Well, 2 years ago when photography became my full time career it consumed my life. Starting the career in a new city from the ground up meant no guarantees, no past clients and for a long time no sleep! I was racing to make a name, get clients, create great work for current clients and didn’t take much time for anything else.
That pace isn’t a long-term sustainable option (especially with a hubby) so over the past year things like (semi) normal ‘work-hours’ were introduced into our home. In my down time away from my business I’ve discovered a fun ‘hobby’ and new passion… teaching. It’s no secret I LOVE photography and am passionate about making it a career and encouraging of anyone who wants to turn that dream into a career. But there are millions of photographers who try/fail to do so (sad).
Alongside the photographers trying to make a sustainable living in portraiture there are also many who just love the field as a hobby (and that’s AWESOME too!). But where can they learn all the finite details of creating create portrait art? Lighting, posing, natural light, flash, etc? No everyone wants/needs or has access to a college degree in photography so they attend seminars, listen to speakers and receive online education.
And I’m super excited to be a part of that. In the past year I’ve been able to speak to professionals at FotoChoas and the Greater Kansas City Area Professional Photographers of America event. And just last night I was able to speak for the second time for the Decatur Camera Club whom I’ve spoken for once before and even had the honor of judging their annual print competition.
Last night I was able to share my knowledge and passion about off camera location lighting and even had time to do a live shoot demo! It was a blast and so exciting to share my knowledge of the subject with a room full of fellow photographers.
I hope to have continuing opportunities to help others grow their passion whether it be hobby/business by speaking at more events, continuing to offer one-on-one in-depth courses and through my blog (and recently started book!!).
Anyways, hope you enjoyed this Friday, kinda-lengthy, rambly, casual blog post. Haha, I’m now going to run off and start a few more items on my to do list.
Happy Weekend!
Oh my gosh I LOVE this couple! Now, all my clients ROCK, this is true but I absolutely love getting to work with clients that become friends. I think Stephanie and I just chatted for almost half their premier today and I’m sure we could have kicked back with a cup of coffee and kept chatting about both our weddings for much longer today if we hadn’t been keeping poor Mike waiting on us to stop gabbing. And we were the same way on their session, so I cannot wait until their wedding day this October.
This image Mike refers to as my stalker image! Yes, true I did stalk them a bit, exploring a variety of angles in this set!
Sarah Jane Photography Blog 