Rockwall Photographer | Sarah Duckworth Photography

I follow the blogs of several well-respected and talented photographers - I love getting inspiration from so many different types of photographers!  One of my favorites is acclaimed newborn photographer Sarah Ulrich.  Sarah authored a blog post back in March that has really made me stop in my tracks and think.  I have to admit - my family has never had a family portrait session - there are lots of excuses - but we just need to do it - so I vow to before 2010 is done!  You can also scroll to the bottom to read about a special Mother's Day Sale.  Here is an excerpt from the blog post that got me thinking: "One of the many inspiring speakers I was able to catch was Tamara Lackey.  Among other things, Tamara talked about the importance of capturing families….this resonated with me.  MY family is the most important thing to me and I bet YOUR family is the most important thing to you, but yet many photographers shy away from photographing families (because hey, let’s face it, it can be a bit chaotic!) and many mothers shy away from having images taken with their children because of personal insecurities or physical hang-ups.  “I need to lose 10 more pounds.”….”I have nothing to wear.”….”I’m not photogenic.” Sound familiar?  I know it does…I’ve heard it all before, and I’m guilty of saying the same things myself….BUT…you know what….(well, besides the fact I can “fix” muffin tops a bit and give you a little digital botox if you insist)…heheheee…. Your kids don’t care!  Let me say it again, YOUR KIDS DON’T CARE!  Trust me, they really don’t.  How many times have your kids looked at images and said “Gee mom, you have a huge butt in that photo?” or “Wow, look at your muffin top!”…chances are, not too many.  Kids are most happy and most comfortable when surrounded by their parents, so why not embrace it?  It’s great to have images of just your children, but when you pass your photographs down to your children later on wouldn’t you rather have them remember you?  The close bond your family shares?  The way your family just fits together?  I know I would.  I don’t want my kids to wonder where mom was when all the photos were taken. And that is my goal for 2010…to capture more families.  REAL families.  Not just families sitting perfectly in the grass smiling for the camera…butREAL families…interacting, laughing, embracing, heck, maybe even dancing…H A P P Y…REAL families.  I like to think of it as perfectly imperfect, because that’s what families are…perfectly imperfect. Now don’t worry, we’ll grab a few of everyone looking at the camera too, but let’s face it…that’s not REAL…it’s pretty, and nice, but how often does that actually happen?  If your family is like mine, not too darn often!  So…this is your fair warning!  Don’t be surprised if I tell you to jump in some images with your kids…or (gasp!) your spouse…and don’t tell me you don’t want to because you look fat…because remember, this isn’t about YOU, it’s about YOUR KIDS (and ahem…I’m the boss)!  AND…because I’m making you all do it…*I* will do it to!  So…to those photographers reading this….who wants to photograph my family??  Haha! Warning: I might have a muffin top and I’m not photogenic BUT my kids and husband are pretty darn cute, and gosh darn it, I want photos with *me* in them! LOL" And now for the good stuff!  I'm offering a special bonus on gift certificate purchases through Mother's Day (well - through Saturday - this Mommy wants to relax on Mother's Day!).  Purchase a gift certificate in any amount (minimum $100) and I'll add an extra 25% to it.  Buy a $100 certificate - you'll get one for $125.  Buy a $400 certificate - get one for $500 - buy a $800 certificate - get one for $1000 - there is no limit!  Gift certificates are good for one year from purchase. If you have a special Mom in your life - your own mom, your wife, your daughter, your sister - make sure she knows how much she's appreciated.  She is not required to use the certificate on a family session - but I do encourage it. PIN THIS IMAGE

Congratulations to Libby and her Mom for winning the First Anniversary Canvas Contest!  You guys must have had some dedicated supporters - you blew the competition out of the water!  I'll be contacting you this week... Thanks to all who participated - I hope you had fun - it was a blast for me to check up on the vote tally and watch the leader change numerous times.  Perhaps more contests are in the future for SDP!

Okay, so it's not really MY birthday - bit it is the first anniversary of Sarah Duckworth Photography.  This year has been exciting, crazy, exhausting - and most of all FANTASTIC.  I can't thank my wonderful clients enough for trusting me with something so precious - capturing images of your children and families.  Those portraits will last a lifetime, and I'm so honored that you chose me to create them for you.  I owe all of my success to all of you - not only did you trust me to create your portraits, but you referred me to your friends and family - there is no higher compliment!  For those that don't know - we have a great referral program - refer a new client to SDP, and the new client gets a complimentary gift print (5x7 or 8x10), and  YOU get a $50 credit to use at your next session.  Refer two people - get $100 - and keep racking up the credits - there is no limit! As part of my anniversary celebration - I'm running a special - save $50 off your session fee (that's HALF OFF) when you schedule your session to take place in June, July or August - you must call by Friday, May 7th to take advantage! Thank you so much for making the last year so special!

Looking to vote in the canvas contest?  The poll is on the 'Anniversary Poll' page above - or just follow this link! http://www.SarahDuckworthPhotography.com/blog/anniversary-poll