Boutique Senior Photography | Albums Wall Art & More | Decatur, IL

Sarah Jane Photography | More than just 8x10s!

The old senior ‘packages’ of 8x10s, folios, proof books and pose limits are things of the past. Contemporary senior portrait artists and boutique studios (like SJP) are now offering clients much more stylish options to show off many more of their images in a dramatic way… ALBUMS.

Books are not just for weddings anymore, I offer designer books and albums for families, babies, seniors, boudoir ladies and of course weddings. Plus, my favorite product: guestbooks. There is no better way to wow your guests on your wedding day than by having them sign their best wishes to you in a book filled with images from your engagement session!

But I probably have the most fun designing books for my senior clients… with seniors its about style and a little bit of edge and I try to pour that into every page of the album. Check out one of my most recent albums for the lovely Miss Hunter!

COVER

Session Stats | Hunter | 2012 Senior | Cerro Gordo High School | Senior Rock Star Session | 10×10 Chicago Album |

Jennifer – Valentines Day Boudoir Session

Jennifer was one of the first Decatur ladies to take advantage of our Valentines Day Boudoir Special this year! She opted to take the session experience to the next level adding professional hair and makeup! Jennifer was an absolute blast to work with and these images are just a few of my favorites from her session.

Jennifer was also featured in our February THRIVE ad:

Kristy + Nic Engaged

Kristy & Nic are AWESOME! We had a great time at their session a couple weeks ago and though the leaves hadn’t quite changed yet we were able to get some great images near the wild flower patch at Fairview Park. This couple share’s my love of unique images and at their premier it was so great to see them fall in love with image after image.

I can’t wait to share their wedding with them next May. I’m also excited that each of their guests will get a little peak at their engagement session as they sign the couple’s custom guestbook!

Here are some of our favorite images from the session, starting with the one that will soon be featured on the wall of the couple’s home.

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur

So it seems that “crazy” is becoming normal around here! I am getting very good (hopefully) at juggling about 50 different things at once, that’s for sure. I am, however, forgetting what I have and have not already blogged about so if I begin to repeat myself hang with me…

A few exciting things happened over the weekend… well LOTS is more like it. In the past 4 days I had boudoir sessions, multiple engagement sessions with Kelsey and Tony and Danielle and Jake, an awesome senior session with Jake and his sister, plus a few big meetings and even got to be in town for my “nephew’s”  2 year birthday party!!!

I also met Julie Carter a fellow Decatur area photographer! She is such a sweet person and I know we will get along great! We are both so excited to get to know eachother and will be getting together again soon.

Look for a senior session post soon from Rachel!

First Assignment with Thrive Entertainment Guide! – Crusin’ Eldo

 

Tonight I took about an hour to visit downtown Decatur and checkout the Crusin’ Eldo car show. It was a beautiful night for the show which brought out everything from a rusted out 19-something cruiser to a brand new 2010 Corvette and even an Oliver Tractor!

Great fair food and live bands all down Eldorado, plus “party lots” with a variety of beverages, it was a good time for all ages. Every lot down Eldorado was sprinkled with spectators watching all the classics cruse the street.

 

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur, IL – Thrive Magazine!

Yesterday, I met a couple AMAZING people at Thrive Magazine! I am so excited to start working with them and contributing to the magazine. Jay, managing editor, and Kat, publisher, both have HUGE dreams/plans just like me and I know we can find ways in the future to help each other reach those goals!

It is always amazing to have the opportunity to partner with other creative minds. I went in to pick up a few copies of the magazine, a press pass and to introduce myself and we all ended up talking for over an hour! It was GREAT. The magazine is free so check them out online and pick up a copy to find out what is up in Decatur. I will be covering the bridesmaid bar crawl tonight along with Crusin’ Eldo.

 

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur, IL

OH MY! I have two words for the past two days: “Extreme Portraiture” … I really felt like I was on a “reality” TV show or being Punked! Here is why…

Yesterday evening I hosted a second Business+Beauty Photography night here for another Mary Kay unit in the area. We did a quick business session for each of the consultants who came to create some headshots for them to use on their websites and in other advertising and branding for their businesses. We had about 11 sessions scheduled between 6:00-8:00. At about 6:05, once all the ladies had arrived and begun their meeting upstairs while I took the first client down stairs to the studio for their session, THE POWER WENT OUT! Yes, no joke!

The whole west end lost power!!! It, of course, did not cross my mind to send all these lovely women home (their time is much to valuable to have wasted that evening for them) so we lit candles and candles and candles. The ladies up stairs had it easy with my large bay window allowing in enough of the evening light to make their meeting possible until about 7:30, but downstairs in the studio our only window is about 2 feet square – NOT ENOUGH!

Luckily, all of my lighting systems are battery powered since you don’t want to be searching for an AC plug on a wedding day, but there was no way my camera was going to focus on them in the next to no light. So each woman had to hold a candle just out of view of the camera for her headshot!!!

I could honestly say that was one of the most interesting night of photography I have ever had… until today when the same thing happened during a boudoir session! And again in the studio we had to problem solve to create the studio images for Kalle… so in each image she was spotlighted with a flashlight so that the camera could focus. Now we each have an interesting story to tell!

I really wish I would have taken a photo of our candle setup! It would be worth a laugh… So don’t take your electricity for granted today 🙂

Darci + Jeremy + Landen + Jerzi Family Portraits!

Labor day weekend we had a great family portrait session at Fairview park with Darci, Jeremy, Landen and Jerzi.

I met Darci when she became a Mary Kay consultant as part of my unit in Decatur. She joined the week after I did so we went through beginning our businesses together! The family had no good images of them together, especially none with Jeremy so of course we had to fix that. We had a great time at this laid back session and I am excited to be designing an album for the family so that they can remember this stage of their lives forever.

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur

This week with Ryan in Peoria for training, I have a packed schedule and am set to work work work all week long. I am excited to get started with some of my new Decatur wedding couples with a couple engagement sessions this week as well as another Mary Kay headshot event for another local unit.

Plus, I am excited to be working on some recent boudoir sessions with two premiers this week! With the ladies “okay” you will be seeing some of our favorites from those sessions after their premier!

Ryan’s mom is coming for a visit later this week and we are planning to go check out some of the local antique stores… I am scouting out some new props for the studio and I need to put together a few sets for the Halloween Portrait events and our event at the Lincoln Square Theatre’s Fall Gala.

Daily Studio News – SJ Photography Decatur 1Oct2010

So this week the “daily” studio updates have definitely NOT been so daily! I have an excuse (of course) for yesterday – IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Do you ever feel like your life is in Fast Forward? That has been my week (and seems to be a trend with each week)… maybe some of us are perpetual “runners” (metaphorically of course – if you have seen me you can attest to the fact that I am NOT a runner!). To me this week was only about two days long, I think I fast forwarded through the other three!

Well, anyways… we are up for a HUGE week next week. I have six full sessions and my second shoot night with Mary Kay (for another unit in town) to do business headshots. That night will likely be filled with about 7-10 small sessions so I will have my work cut out for me next week with sessions alone, but we also have orders to fill and some upcoming events to organize.

Again, I am searching for an assistant so if you are interested please contact me soon!

Have a great weekend!!!

Commercial Photos for Little Barks Pet Products – Decatur, IL

One of my projects last week was some commercial work for Little Barks Pet Products based out of Decatur. Kim, owner of Little Barks, makes beautiful leashes, collars and other pet accessories as well as all natural doggie treats.

Here are some of my favorite images of her awesome products.

Kim was nice enough to give me the doggie treats we used in the photos for my little yorkies, Bear & Lily. Lily is a big fan of the peanut butter treats and Bear loves the frosted cookies!

Sarah Jane Photography & Y103 – Cutest Baby!

Today is the first day of the Y103 & Sarah Jane Photography’s Cutest Baby Search! Is your baby the cutest child in Decatur? Well of course he/she is!! So now’s the time to PROVE IT and Win BIG!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

To enter, simply visit the Y103 site (see “click here” link) and upload your favorite image of you little one (MUST BE UNDER ONE YEAR). Then VOTE! Get the whole family involved, and tell everyone to get out and vote for your little one.

Winners will be announced on October 11 and prices awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

First place includes:

• A child portrait session with Sarah Jane Photography!
• Wall Art featuring your child’s name (up to $1000 value!!!)
• $100 gift cert to the Teachers Lounge
• Stress Buster Massage with Corrie
• Baby Basket from State Farm Agent Melanie Schilling
• Swim Lessons from The Y
• AND a TV commercial on WAND featuring the winning images and images from your session with me!

We have some great prizes for second and third place also.

So what are you waiting for? CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Daily Studio News: Sarah Jane Photography – Decatur 26Sept2010

Spent the weekend back in MO for JC High school homecoming game and MU game (GREAT seats)!

Sunday was Ryan’s sister Rachel’s birthday and she got surprised with a BRAND NEW 2011 KIA SOUL!!! The Shorthose’s are all riding stylishly now 🙂 We had a great weekend with his family!

Now back to work. Finished up the commercial work for Little Barks today and we got some GREAT images (check back soon to see those), PLUS stay tuned for post later today to find out how you could win a FREE child session plus Wall Art featuring your child’s name ($1000 VALUE!!). 🙂 More big thing coming this week!

Daily News: Sarah Jane Photography 23Sept2010

SO EXCITED! Yesterday, I had a wonderful meeting with Lori Sturgill who I have now decided to refer to as the “Queen of Decatur.” Lori is wonderful! We met to discuss my involvement with the upcoming Haunted Adventure and the specifics about our portrait event, Lori went on to give me about 10 contacts involved with local radio stations, newspapers, and magazines as well as a few amazing ideas for where to host our Peek-A-BOO portraits on Halloween night (our original idea was for it to be here at our home studio – but Lori had some great ideas to get us some better exposure)!

Since what she gave me is worth it’s weight in gold of course I will be returning the favor in any way I can and we hope to work together to get the office of the Decatur Celebration looking a little more like a Celebration by filling up some white walls with celebration images!

I will also be speaking with Chris at the Herald & Review today about a possible article about the studio in this Friday’s newspaper YAY!!! AND hope to contact a few other publications about getting a few articles as well as a spot on our local talk radio show (hopefully tomorrow morning). 🙂

I feel like yesterday was a HUGE day for SJP! And of course, I gave Katie Weber of Kay Web Photography in St. Charles a call to share the news (as we always do for each of our studios) – It is so great to be able to have a friend in the industry to share your successes (and failures) with along the way.

PLUS (whew there is just a LOT of news today), I will be taking at least one intern/assistant on a part-time/contract basis so if you are in Decatur and are interested and talented or studying one of the following areas: marketing, business, photography, graphic design or public relations, call me to set up your interview soon – maximum of two slots ONLY!

Daily News – Sarah Jane Photography: 22.Sept.2010

I LOVE the rain on days when you can be inside!!! I spent the early morning reading a few more pages of Edward Lilley’s “The Business of Studio Photography” in my large bay window with the rain pouring down outside… it was a GREAT way to start the morning.

Spending some time in the studio today on the commercial side of things working on my current project for Little Barks Pet Accessories. Kim, the owner, and I are working to get her some great images to show off her very unique, hand-made products from leashes and collars to doggie treats in a variety of flavors. The leashes are so cute I know I will have to get one for my little diva, Lily (my youngest yorkie).

I will also be meeting with Lori later today. She is the woman in charge of the Decatur Celebration and is working now on the upcoming Haunted Attraction for Halloween. We will be working with Lori to arrange a Peek-A-BOO Portrait booth at the Haunted Attraction’s kid night so we can get some great images of all the little one’s costumes. We hope to also partner with a local charity to collect some canned food items and donations in exchange for the sessions. I am so excited about our first “community event” in Decatur! So come out and see us October 30th at the Haunted Attraction OR October 31st at the Studio!

Daily News – Sarah Jane Photography

New Idea: Today I got one of my many ideas… good or not? The jury is still out. But I have decided to post a “Daily News” Post each day (hopefully) to let you know what I am working on in the studio today. Of course, my larger posts will keep coming once or twice a week where I will feature client sessions (I have some great ones coming up!) and showcase some more important things, but this will be a sort of “facebook status” update right here on WordPress!

So here we go… TODAY is all about multi-tasking for me (as is most every day), I am dumping ALL the cards from yesterday’s sessions (7 total yesterday!). And at the same time listening to one of the marketing webinars from Sam’s World University from Sandy Puc’… I have to say I didn’t multi-task I don’t know how I would get anything done, it’s like adding hours to the day!

One last plug for “The Business of Studio Photography” by Ed Lilley… I am still reading this book (just a few pages a day is all that really fits into my schedule, but it starts the day off wonderfully) and I have to STRONGLY recommend this book to any new studio or even existing studios who need to be reminded of the basics… Lilley will put you in your place, that is for sure! But he is blunt and informative and gives you realistic ideas for starting and growing your business. GET THIS BOOK!

This is an image I snapped of me while checking the light setup in the studio… I actually hadn’t planned to get anything of me but I kind of liked this 🙂

So that is what I am up to right now… what are you doing?

Miller Family – Family Portraits

Last spring I had the chance to photograph the Miller family on the campus of the University of Central Missouri on graduation day! Since the whole family was in one place at the same time for graduation (which can often be a rarity in many families once the “kids” go off to college) Amanda called me to set up family portraits for that day.

The weather was beautiful and we were able to get some great classic images for this wonderful family! I have enjoyed working with them and hope to have the opportunity to do so again, I love to watch SJP families grow over the years!

See more about the Miller family here: http://www.mikemillerauction.com/

**Families: October kicks off the SJP Holiday Family Promo! October-December you can save 20, 30 or 50% OFF your family session!!!!

• Save 20% OFF family session with pre-order  of 25 Christmas Cards*
• Save 30-40% OFF family session with pre-order of Wall Art Piece**
• Save 50% OFF family session with BOTH pre-orders!!!

Check back for PROMO details soon! Remember, order deadline to have your images by Christmas is Monday, December 6th so don’t wait!!!!

*Choose from 3 pre-designed Holiday templates. **11×14 or larger, 40% off sessions with 16×20 or larger.

Commercial Photography – Decatur Illinois

Dusting off my commercial boots this week. Tomorrow I am meeting with a local business in Decatur to discuss some of her photography needs, so today I was digging through some of the images I did for Arkansas Valley Feathers/Zucker Feather Company and ran across this one when inspiration hit! Isn’t it funny how an image can be “ordinary” when shot but later when you look again you see something you never noticed before.

I’ll be updating the “commercial” section of sjanephotogaphy.com this week also!

Nicole + Terry – Married

The Collier wedding was my first at the Columbia Country Club and the space was beautiful. From the perfectly manicured course to the architectural details inside the location offered a wide variety of stunning spaces to photograph. This couple had a destination wedding in Jamaica and hosted their reception for friends and family at the Country Club.

As I often try to do, the couple and I were able to sneak out of the reception around sunset to take advantage of the amazing light skimming across the golf course. I would have to say this is one of my new favorite locations in Columbia – though it is difficult to beat some of my favorites in Kansas City!

Here are some of my favorite images from the Collier reception:

NILMDTS – Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the day with about 30 other amazing photographers and medical staff who are a part of the wonderful Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization. I am so so happy to be a part of this charity and hope that those of you reading this who are photographers would take a moment to visit the NILMDTS website to learn more and to apply to photograph with the organization.

With about 8 hours of training including the sharing of many personal stories, there was not a dry eye in the house by 5:00. Even hearing about others stories was a difficult experience, however I feel that as a photographer I have a gift and it is my responsibility to offer that gift to those who need it most. I am not a doctor, so my talents cannot heal the physical wounds but I only hope that my art can help heal some emotions scars.

Again, I urge all of you to visit the organizations website to learn more about this wonderful charity and view some of the images created by our talented photographers. And THANK YOU to those of you reading this who are currently part of the NILMDTS program as a photographer, parent advocate, etc – you are appreciated every day!

Austin & Janessa – Married!

A few months ago I had the honor of photographing my cousin Austin’s wedding. I love to be able to share what I do with both friends and family and sharing this special day with Austin and Janessa was such a privilege.

And best of all this unique couple kept me on my toes with their original ideas, like the replacing their first dance with a first croquet hit! 🙂 It was a blast and I am so happy to share some images from their day:

Above is a layout from the couple’s album – one of my favorite because it tells the full story of their ceremony, from the details to the kiss, in just two pages.

Each table was decorated with small photos of the couple through their years together. I got a little laugh when one guest asked if I had taken each of them (some from when they were much younger). 🙂 Man that would be some early wedding planning!

I absolutely LOVED Austin & Janessa’s cake topper – so simple yet it makes such a strong statement and impression.

Who needs a dance? – FIRST CROQUET HIT! It was so fun.

Let the games begin: The couple had outdoor games for their guests at the reception.. washers, hillbilly golf, croquet and MORE. Everyone had a great time.

Showing the boys how it is done!

Jackie & Jeff – Engaged!

Jackie & Jeff’s engagement session was a blast! This couple is young and FUN and of course very much in love.

For their session, I explored a new location in Decatur that is only about 5 blocks from our house/studio: Fairview Park! The park is huge and basically a large collection of trees/greenery and a long walking path, BUT we discovered a ton of great locations around the park’s lake including an amazing wildflower area.

Unfortunately, the mosquitos loved the wild flower area as much as us, so I will now be taking OFF mosquito fans for each client 🙂 Jackie was a total trooper though as she sustained a few bites in the name of a great photo!!!

Oh and did I mention she even climbed a tree for me!!! Yes, we had FUN on this session 🙂

Wedding & Location – Alien Bee Lighting – Wesley Marsh

Sarah Jane Photography welcomes a second baby boy into our 2008 baby program. I had the chance to photograph Kristen and Josh when they were expecting their young one a couple months ago, and this weekend Wesley got his first shot in front of my camera. I look forward to seeing this handsome baby boy grow over the next year. These images are Wesley’s first with us and he was quite the trooper. Although happiest when allowed to sit in mommy’s arms with his pacifier, we got a variety of images of Wesley sans pacifier and captured a few angry screams in the process.

Click HERE to view more images from this session!!

Click HERE to go directly to Wesley’s online gallery!!

Images Copyright 2008 Sarah Gaughan

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Alternative “Studio Lighting” Set:

Below are images that show the use of studio lighting out doors and in other non-studio locations.

Wedding & Location – Senior Session with Q-Flash

The latest assignment for my wedding and location class utilzes images from one of my most recent Jefferson City Seniora Sessions with Jared Hotsenpiller. I use the Quantum Q-Flash for most of my senior and other location sessions to get a little more “edge” to the images opposed to simply using existing light. For Jared’s session we were able to use much of the Hotsenpiller’s beautiful home to create some very unique and personal backdrops, as well as a few industrial warehouses and of course the beautiful Jefferson City train station. Here are a few of my favorite images from the session (ALL using the Quantum Q-Flash).

CLICK HERE to view more images from Jared’s Senior Session!!!

CLICK HERE to access Jared’s Senior Gallery!!!

Customize your SJP experience!!!

The most recent wordpress update allows polls so here is my first (hopefully of many more to come). My business is for all of you! It is my job to create the images you have dreamed of and I can only do this with your help!

Help me customize your experience with this first poll!

Thank you in advance for your feedback!