The fairest thing.
May 17th, 2012 | SarahLove
The fairest thing in nature,
a flower, still has its roots
in earth and manure.
-D.H.Lawrence
Hubble bubble.
May 9th, 2012 | SarahLove
The more I make, the more I create. I now have lists for organizing my lists. I have no idea why I started this but I DO have an idea as to why…. if I dig too deep, it might require …. yes. Well, you guessed it.
A list.
My face, nails and hands were only yellow for the day and soft. Like super super soft. Turmeric powder, water. Mix. Dry. Rinse. Be yellow. Be soft!
I’m on day three of another migraine. Trying so hard to pretend it’s not there. Less intense than the ’28 dayer’ though! I’ll take it. But I beg you (speaking directly to the migraine here) please don’t stay long. Pretty please. For those of you that have emailed me migraine advice. Thank you!
I’ve been told to celebrate the small things in life. Good advice from the best of friends. 
It was glorious to have had 14 days without a migraine/headache! Yea for good health!
This image that I created of Miss Emily titled, “Pretty like mommy’ won FIRST place in a photography contest! What a little beauty she is! I’m telling you, I have beautiful subjects!
This image of my gal Pearl titled, ‘A dog’s eye view’ got LAST place. The judges didn’t like the composition (I didn’t follow the rule of thirds), they thought the color tones were flat, and they also wanted to know what she was looking at?? Which made me laugh! After judging wrapped up, I came home and asked her. Get this?! Pearl still won’t tell me.
I am thankful for a different perspective on my image of Pearl and I took the judges opinions into deep consideration for cropping and tone. Then ordered a HUGE canvas of it because I happen to love it. Just the way it is!
Last week I ran four miles. In a row. It hurt so good.
Four miles used to be nothing for me. Easy as a warm up run. Did you know that muscles have a memory? They remember!
My brother bought a horse.
My mom called me for computer help. She needed to copy her photos from a CD to her desktop, was afraid she lost/would lose the images, then sounded concerned when it came time to eject the CD (thinking that the images would be erased off the CD). It took a lot of reassuring. It took us just over an hour. I was proud of her!
I was so impressed when my dad sent me a picture/text message of his nicely waxed car. He was so proud. Don’t tell him it was a five second video! Cute, cute!
My parents took a computer class together a few years ago at a community college. My mom aced the class while my dad passed notes to mom, goofed off (major ADD), made jokes and flat out cheated over moms shoulder.
Clear vanilla keeps mosquitoes away!
Super moon. Did your animals act strangely? Mine totally wigged out. I thought I was making it up until something totally out of character happened. (Insert twilight music here.) I would tell you but I don’t want to embarrass my gal.
Just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.
I have been trying so hard lately not to jump to conclusions. About anything.
Only Pearl knows what she was looking at. You know what I mean?
I know it’s best to lead by example but my dad told me all my life, ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ Sometimes, this makes me feel like such a hypocrite. Other days, I catch myself!
Cinnamon floss.
You can’t look for luck. It finds you.
If things in this post don’t make sense. Blame the migraine. It’s what I do!
Kabo: River Goddess.
May 1st, 2012 | SarahLove
Kabo radiates glamor to the extreme. She has luxurious flowing hair, plump lips mysterious dark eyes and glowing skin. Did I mention, that was before she curled her hair and put on her make-up?
I’m the luckiest photographer in La Crosse, WI. That’s all I will say about me in this post. (At least I will try!)
It was important to me (wow I’m already talking about myself, that didn’t last long did it??) that Kabo feel comfortable during her glam boudoir photo session. It was perfect that we documented at her home. So while she did her make-up and hair which was incredibly fast, like super fifteen minutes fast, I looked around her house and had a complete plan of what I wanted to capture.
I love her red couch (it’s kinda like pink but darker ) Are you serious!? It’s so posh! I tried showing Kabo how to pose by demonstrating first but I told her not to pose like me because I’m awkward. Then when she did it, I laughed at myself, because she was PERFECT.
Stunning times about a million.
Oh la la! So romantic!
This is that ‘glow’ that they all talk about. I can see it here. Tell me you can too?
Lovely.
Love this.
WOW. Cover Model! I think now is a very good time to remind you that I took these in her living room.
Not this one. This one was on her dining room table.
Yes, yes she is. Seven and a half months. Isn’t she gorgeous?!
And it’s her second. It’s another boy! How darling!
Then we went outside just for a couple. Kabo protected me from squirrels and I protected her from big dogs.
Adorable.
I had no intention prior to the session of Kabo being in a river, it just happened. She happily obliged and I have to admit, the lighting wasn’t ideal because the suns light was blocked by a section of cliff. However, I had to create this image because she was already in the water. It took a fraction of a second but it was worth it….
…. because of this.
Kabo is glamorous and super trendy. She talks lovingly of her family, smiles when she speaks of her husband and children (includes the one on the way ) but when she laughs she is most beautiful.
She really has no idea.
Jasmin. Forever his bride.
April 27th, 2012 | SarahLove
Her dress cleaned up nicely from the last time I saw it. It’s been over three years since their wedding but I will never forget the way Jose took Jasmin by the small of her back and kissed her for the first time, as his wife. The way she effortlessly smiled at him as he strongly and gorgeously sang her a Spanish love song. Jose kissed Jasmin countless times that day. She interlaced her fingers with his. And my oh my did they ever dance. They danced with the New Mexico red dirt until her dress was stained several inches and shades of red. When it rained? They welcomed the blessing, kicked off their shoes and laughed! They didn’t mind one bit. Because they were too busy being completely in love.
These days, Jose and Jasmin are traveling around New Mexico documenting historic landmarks. When Jasmin told me about her travels and goals with Jose, I smiled and thought about the dirt stained dress on her wedding day and how as a couple they naturally wear New Mexico so beautifully.
Forever his bride.
Beautiful.
LOVE this. Jasmin. You are gorgeous. Quit your landscaping job! Wait. You love that though don’t you.
It looks as though Jasmin is basking in the warm New Mexico sun doesn’t it? It was so incredibly cold we were both shivering. I lost all dexterity in my fingers so much that I couldn’t change the settings on my camera. (I even tried with my chin, no success!) Which is why the next shot is in black and white. I still love it though!
But seriously if you decide you don’t like your job anymore you should consider other options, as a model! Or you could just buy an RV and travel the entire US with Jose documenting history! 
Thank you so much Jasmin.
***EDITED to add: Jose corrected me, stating that it will be three years this summer that they promised forever. He passed both tests! The good attentive husband test (go you) and the good investor math test. (That’s what he does for a living, helps people make good decisions/plans for their future.) A++ Jose!
Love Pink Boutique: Grand Opening!
April 25th, 2012 | SarahLove
I am always currently working on something. Or I am about to, just was or going to. My mind is racing all the time. Bouncy. If I don’t stay busy I go completely INSANE. Same thing happens if I don’t go outside and get fresh air. I do bizarre things like send out audition tapes to be a cast away on SURVIVOR. True story.
This is a project that I started over a year ago and hardly anyone even knew about it because I was afraid it wouldn’t happen. Once enough people knew about it I knew that I just had to cross it off my list. So, these days I’m all about reading the lists I have created and marking them off one by one! Opening my own Etsy Shop DONE! If there are any problems with your ordering process please contact me at pink@sarahlovephotography.com I am new at Etsy!
Use coupon code: SHIP4PINK now (for a limited time) for FREE shipping on your order!
In case you wondered, I sew everything on my pink sewing machine! My friend also named Sara who also has a pink sewing machine (although it wasn’t a requirement ) will be creating Etsy pieces in the boutique in the future! She is ridiculously talented and I can’t wait to showcase her!
Love stories. Pieces too.
April 18th, 2012 | SarahLove
Having a migraine for three weeks has given me a lot of time to think. When I wasn’t consumed by the migraine taking residency in my head, that is. I have an abundance of goals that I have made for myself. (Type A, over achiever, all or nothing, perfect can be even more perfect type of girl here.) My list grows and grows and I find myself overwhelmed by my own list- THAT I HAVE CREATED. I have to power to add more so why can’t I have the courage to change the goal list?? Because, to me, erasing any of it equals failure. Perhaps that alone should be a rambling post for another day.
The purpose of this post is to share with you a piece of my list. Because, I need your help in making this dream come true. I have trepidation as I share this because I feel that if I expose something off of my list, not only does it have to happen but it has to be perfection.
Love comes in so many different forms and I’ve never seen two exactly the same. (I’ve said this so many times.) It can be complicated, calm or like a tidal wave. Complete or in repair. Whatever it is that you feel, I want you to tell me about it. You can include your name or not. Your submission might be featured on my blog, with an image created by me and then eventually they will be included in a book.
There. An entry off of my goal list: write a book
I need your love story. Even just a piece will do.
Email: lovebytes@sarahlovephotography.com
Here’s a little something to start it off.
Customer Appreciation LOVE: WINNER!
April 2nd, 2012 | SarahLove
I learned a lot of things while holding a customer appreciation contest. First of all, my customers feel comfortable enough to tell me when I have made the rules confusing! That’s a good thing. That means they are like friends, willing to be open and honest with me. I appreciate that. Secondly, my customers/friends back me up. The personal messages and texts were so sweet! From thanking me for having this contest to saying they appreciate me too! Lastly, my customers back each other up. It started out early on in the contest when I noticed other contestants voting for others, technically canceling out their own vote for themselves. Making them all ‘winners’! Then as the contest got closer to the ending time, I received an email that touched me deeply.
“IF we happen to win the contest, we would like to donate our prize to the Marine and his wife, Joe and Nadine. With Erick being in the military, we are so grateful that his job will never require him to be gone for more than a week’s time and he will never have to go to war (unless World War III breaks out!). The same is not true for a Marine. They do have to deploy…sometimes for a year or more…and they do have to see and participate in war. It’s heartbreaking to know that these beautiful newlyweds will no doubt have to face this. So, as a thank you to Joe for his service and sacrifice, and a thank you for Nadine for her service and sacrifice as a Marine’s wife, if we win, please donate our prize to them.”
Tears. How sweet! Thank you guys for being you.
Nadine and Joe worked hard to win their first place. Fair and square, Nadine and Joe are the WINNERS!!!!
They WON a 20×30 fine art canvas of THIS:
But that’s not all.
The Kristi and Erick held a strong tied second along with sisters Mischa and Mayera. So they are both won something awesome too! (It’s a surprise! )
A little something special of this image will be sent to Kristi and Erick!
And a little something surprise of this to the parents of Mischa and Mayera!
Thank you all for playing and voting with me!
For those of you who missed the deadline for entries! There will be more in the future!!!
Customer Appreciation LOVE: Voting!
March 27th, 2012 | SarahLove
Thank you all for submitting a favorite image that was created especially for you! I have THE BEST customers and it is truly an honor to have documented a slice of your life. It was so wonderful to look through the images and imagine each one being made into a 20×30 fine art canvas. Get your friends and family to vote by liking SarahLove Photography fan page, then encourage them to vote by clicking (liking) your image. Voting will end this Sunday night!
Here are all the images (in a randomly selected order) that were submitted. I can’t wait to see who wins!
Nadine and Joe on a gorgeous October day.
Randy and Isabella. A snuggle from brother.
The wonderful Castillo family with all their handsome boys.
Eric and Tori. They are: Black Stone.
Yadeeh, Justin and Atlas. Sleepy little darling.
Mayera and Mischa, best friends. Sisters.
Jen and Jon. Lost in loving looks.
Paul and all his pretty L’s: Lisa, Lily and Lola.
Jayden. Little miss sweetness.
Waylon and Cece. Embracing 9 years and counting.
Berna. Family is home.
Erlinda and Greg. A kiss, a blush.
The Foley’s. Life as it is with style.
Eliana. Sleeping beauty.
Shauni and her love, Barber J Kelly.
Kristi and Erick. Off to the honeymoon!
I seriously love my job.
Sarah and Randy. Limitless.
March 13th, 2012 | SarahLove
Sarah and Randy have such a sweet relationship with their children. Last time I photographed them Isabella was wobbly legged, as she tried taking her first steps. As new parents I could see the love they had for their daughter was overflowing. They looked at her with a love that (at the time) I thought couldn’t possibly be matched.
Then they added their son, Randy.
I was at my friends baby shower when I saw Sarah twirling the tendril of hair between her fingers, on top of baby Randy’s head, as she nursed him. The way she looked at him was captivating. That’s when I learned, as a parent your heart grows bigger. When you think you couldn’t possibly love another child, the heart surpasses any thought you might have had. The love that a parent has for their children is like no other.
Being a parent is proof that there are no limits in love.
Sweetest snuggle.
Randy has the cutest little lips! CUTE!
This one makes me wonder if they are thinking about graham crackers.
Handsome.
Gorgeous.
They are such a beautiful couple.
Love this.
Family.
Isabella looks so tall in this one, look at those legs! Her face is SO cute too!
They picked this spot. They picked their ‘poses’. The difference between a daughter and a son. Love it. Perhaps Randy was protecting his sister from the spiders? Only he knows.
Again. And again.
March 12th, 2012 | SarahLove
I did what I said I was going to do in my last post. I went to three local businesses and walked into the door and introduced myself.
CRINGE.
If you know me, you probably don’t think this task would be difficult. I think it’s fair to say that most people think I’m very out going and not reserved at all. I’m not bashful with the people I know because I’m comfortable with them. However, when I first meet someone, I feel like holding back. It takes a lot of internal reassurance to speak up. Those of you who know me are probably confused right now. Yes, I’m talking about myself. Maybe you don’t know this about me: I am secretly introverted.
Now you know.
So, I drove around without a plan and walked into three local places, I’ve never been. I critiqued myself way too harshly every time I walked back to the car. ‘I should have brought my portfolio, it would have been better with my new business cards, I should not have worn my hair swooped to the left. Why didn’t I bring my camera?!’
‘I should have learned a magic trick.’
C r i n g e.
I did it. I ended up with three cards less than what I started. So now what?
Then I received encouraging messages from my friends.
‘Now what??’ She said, ‘Get up and do it again.’
Then he said, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you fall. It’s how many times you get up.’
Okay, okay I get it. Thank you.
Really, thank you all.
Then this arrived.
Unexpectedly. Randomly. From a customer, a friend. I opened a package that I found in my mailbox.
I’m up, wearing my necklace. I will do it again.
UNSTOPPABLE.
March 8th, 2012 | SarahLove
Behind this blog post sits a lady who is lucky enough to have found her passion in life. Awesome, right???
Hi there. That lady is me.
I sit here typing but wishing I was outside taking pictures of a couple in love. Because right now, the lighting outside is sweetly warm and the birds are chirping, an invitation to join them. It’s chilly outside but the images I know I can create for this (imaginary) couple, would be worth it. Then later this afternoon, I pine to be documenting a family playing, laughing and sharing their bond unique to them. It’s not a birthday or a special mile stone in their lives. They just hired me because they wanted to remember how it was when their little one was…. little.
I won’t be documenting either of those things right now or this afternoon. I can imagine it to be real but it won’t actually be happening because no one knows I exist. Okay, ‘no one’ is dramatic. My hair dresser does. If you are reading this: Hi Jane!
I moved from a place where I had years of returning customers and rapport with sisters of brides that will one day get married. People who know my work, my style, my kindness, my calm and cool collective self that crawls quietly through church pews like a pink ninja documenting their wedding vows and since they know who I am they might want to hire me. But that is back in New Mexico, not here. So I build up enough people on a waiting list and when it’s enough to cover an airplane ticket, I travel back to Albuquerque so I can document people. So, I can hold my camera in my hand and feel alive for a week.
When I crossed over the Wisconsin border I was so excited, I rolled down the window and yelled as loud as I could (like on The 70′s Show), ‘Hellllllllooo Wisconsin!!!’
No one heard me.
The one and only wedding I had booked for 2012 emailed me yesterday and canceled. The week before that, a girl that I happened to meet in passing, told me that she was getting married. I got excited that maybe just maaaybe she needed a photographer, so I bravely told her what I did. (I loathe self-promoting because it makes me feel ‘braggy’ or ‘conceited’ Both of which I am not.) She already booked someone. I forced a smile on my face, hiding my selfish disappointment. She smiled back and said, ‘Your job must be so fun! You must be so busy with wedding season approaching?!’ My fake smile remained and I trailed off, ‘Ohhhh well, you know….’ Because you know, I didn’t want to sound desperate.
Even though I’ve checked my email three times while typing this (who am I kidding) no one has emailed me with an inquiry. I’m not delusional. I didn’t expect to move to a new place and for people to cut up confetti and throw a parade or a ‘new business in town’ ribbon cutting ceremony. After being a professional photographer and business owner for many years, I’m smart enough to know that word of mouth marketing is the best form of advertising. Plain and simple, no body knows who I am or what I have to offer. I’m not giving up because I know that I have something special to share when I use my camera.
So, today. Not tomorrow or next week- TODAY I am going to get out of my pajamas and go introduce myself to three local businesses. I am going to stop imagining documenting people. I am going to make it happen.
If you should happen to read this (HA- I’m such a dreamer!) and like my work and have a desire to want or need a session, email me: info@sarahlovephotography.com
This is me, Sarah. Hi there. (I already said that, didn’t I? Sometimes I repeat myself when I’m nervous.)
photo credit: ©PHOTOMOLLY
I am walking away from my laptop now and I will be busy. Busy becoming unstoppable.
I am photographer located in La Crosse, WI. I will travel to surrounding areas and I live right by the Minnesota border. So, I will happily hop over there as well. If you are in the Albuquerque area and want to be put on my list for sessions there, contact me so I can add you.
I truly look forward to meeting you! Real smile.
Hubble Bubble.
March 6th, 2012 | SarahLove
The clutter.
I don’t say this often but Pearl was beyond naughty this past weekend. My gal embarrassed me beyond words. She feels bad, I can tell.
I hope your dreams come true. If you are reading this, I do mean you.
This image is so funny to me and so much more appropriate once you learn the back story of my ‘heart shaped box’.
The back story: My uterus is shaped like a heart. TMI? Then you probably should not read on.
Speaking of heart shapes. I think these TOMS are too young for me but I want them anyway. Because my style doesn’t match my age, that’s why. If I should randomly receive them in a size 6.5 (ahem HINTING) I am certain my walk will have more peppiness.
That ‘hinting’ thing I just did was cheeky.
Smells can be so nostalgic. I think that’s why I dislike smoke and patchouli. Both of which instantly make me feel sick.
New Zealand smells so good.
This is my cousin Aubry. Amazing right?
I copied the image from her Pinterest board and included the link here and if you click on the image of her. Thankyouverymuch. That felt good to include a link. What didn’t feel good was, I tried to do that pose over the weekend and I think I pulled a muscle. Don’t try it unless you are her.
Love is tricky. Sometimes it hurts because you care. I told you, it’s tricky.
Cats are tricky too. They have been showing off their stragically, OCD like, positioning lately.
I took this…
and a second later they were like this. Did you notice the switch around?
I thought my eyes played a trick on me. Thankfully, I had the evidence! Ninja cats, indeed.
They get their OCD from me.
Titanic is going to be out in 3D. I’m beyond excited. I am serious! However, I won’t see it 7 times in the theater, like last time. Where do angels fly out of? (That was for Sara M.)
I’ve never eaten a hamburger from the place with golden arches. True story.
Did you notice the blog title? I miss Peter too.
I miss New Zealand.
Search your soul.
Clearing the clutter in my head is hard with this much hair in the way. I thought owning a brush would make it easier.
