Longhorn Love {Austin Family Photographer}

When Veronica called me on the phone from Tennessee to talk about booking a session, I was thrilled.  How she found me was pretty interesting, but I'm so happy that she did.  Working with her family was so much fun, and it was so cute seeing how much the three of them LOVE UT.  And Austin.

And little Reilly was all smiles and so happy!  Thanks, A Family!

My Second Baby... Miles of Smiles Photography {VIDEO}

As many of you know, photography has been a part of my life since I was old enough to hold a camera.  Thanks to my Grandma P. and my sweet mama for passing on their creative gene to me... I am so grateful to have received it, as I love creating things!!

Whether it be art projects, scrapbooking, making cards, having an idea in my head and materializing it through photography, or just doodling on paper... creativity is part of who I am.  And I could not be more grateful to be able to incorporate it into my daily life as I have through Miles of Smiles Photography.

Since I was 18, fitness has been my specialty and career, but I always knew deep within that it wasn't a question of if I would become a photographer... it was when.  I know that for the rest of my life, I will be specializing in family, photography, and fitness.

Isn't it funny how having a baby changes your outlook, perspective, and sense of urgency?!   When I became a mother to baby Miles in 2009, I knew that I needed a job that would allow me to have some brainspace left for being a good parent, a good wife, and basically a job that allowed me to see my child(ren) more than 1.5 hours a day.  And from those things, Miles of Smiles Photography was born!

The year 2010 was a huge one for me, as I was busy with all things baby, I was working a very demanding job that covered two positions, trying to balance home life, and starting my photography business.   But it was worth every late night (still is!), never ending to-do list, and every minute spent getting this dream started.

I began shooting sessions in October 2010... exactly 9 months ago.  When I made this video recently, I really felt such a strong connection to it... and to all of the beautiful families, children, couples, and individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with.  And I thought it appropriate that I release it at the 9 month mark... as this business is my "second baby."  (At least this baby didn't make me waddle, have weird cravings, or gain 30 pounds!)  :)

I hope you enjoy watching it, and that you are able to see the passion I have for what I do and the people I get to serve with photography.

There are SO many exciting things happening that I have been hard at work on.  New prints, products, and beautiful boutique frames.  Fall sessions are already booking quickly, and I couldn't be more grateful for my amazing clients than I am right now.

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the next 9 months!

Every photograph tells a beautiful story.  What is yours?

(Make sure you have your volume turned up... this song will make you dance!  Video includes a slideshow followed by a video from me.)  

Miles on the Farm

We enjoyed an incredible trip back to the Midwest last week.  Miles got to see ALL his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and farm animals.  And Miles and his mama got to enjoy being "farm kids" again.  So FUN!

Here are a few highlights.

Getting ready to feed the horses...

My sweet horse, Macy Gray...

Kickin' it - cowboy style!

Sweet Family of 4... {Austin Family Photographer}

Little Beauties {Austin Children's Photographer}

I have loved working with these two little girls (twins) in the last year or so.   This is the third time we've worked together, and they just keep getting cuter and cuter!  They are turning into such little ladies so quickly.

ONE! {Austin Children's Photographer}

Sweet Marin is ONE!

Summer Fun! {Austin Children's Photographer}

Whoa... is it really the middle of July already?!  Things over here at Miles of Smiles Photograph have been hoppin' - despite the 32 days of consecutive triple digit temps here in Texas.  Kuddos to all my beautiful clients for braving the heat.  But doesn't being able to frame these sweet smiles make it all worth it?

I enjoyed a photo shoot in the park this morning with a sweet family that I met at the Circle C 4th of July parade.  Little Marin was so much fun to work with and did such a great job during out shoot.  Here are some sneak peeks!

Blue Eyes in the Bluebonnets {Austin Children's Photographer}

How sweet is this little man?!  I love those blue eyes...

Cuteness x 4 {Austin Children's Photographer}

Growing up in a household with two older brothers and always wanting a sister...

To living in a house with 4 boys (2 of them are pets)... (they are adorable boys though... let me tell you!)

Maybe that is what makes this picture so darn cute to me.  It is girly... x 4!

The Making of a Portrait... The Red Chair

As you may know, one of my favorite things about photography is that it allows me to take an idea in my mind and materialize it in a portrait.

A few months ago, I scored this beautiful red velvet chair at a garage sale for just $15.  I was beyond excited when I saw it!  I have been waiting for a good time to use it, and Sunday was it. 

I was shooting a little somethin' (stay tuned!) in the park and the chair was with us.  As we were working, this sweet little guy was walking through the grass and caught my eye.  He looks so similar to my own little guy... with those big blue eyes, sweet cheeks, and curls in his hair.  I asked his mama if it would be okay if he was my subject in testing out the chair.

I would say he did just fine.  :)  How sweet is he?!

 

Back-2-School Mini-Sessions are Coming! {Austin Children's Photographer}

These sessions are all full.  

Back-2-School Mini-Sessions are coming! 

 

When: Friday, August 19th and Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Where: A beautiful park in South Austin

Capture those sweet smiles as the kids prepare for another great school year!  Mini-sessions are 20 minutes in length and will be held in a beautiful park in South Austin.  Price includes up to 2 children.  Please add $10 for any additional children, family members, or pets up to 6 total. 

Back-2-School mini-sessions are $100 and they include the following: 

• Online viewing gallery for you and your friends for 2 weeks
• 2 - 8x10s 
• 2 - 5x7s 
• 16 wallets (1 pose).   
• Additional prints and CD of images from our session are available a la carte. 
• CD of 15 images from our session is available for $75.  Images are high resolution and beautifully edited and come along with a printing release so you may share and print images any way you wish. 
  

Friday, August 19^th, 2011

8-8:20am            8:30-8:50am        9-9:20am            9:30-9:50am       

Saturday, August 20^th, 2011  

7:30-7:50am: GA; 8-8:20am: _____; 8:30-8:50am: Filled; 9-9:20am: Filled; 9:30-9:50am: Filled.

Visit us at www.milesofsmilesphotography.com and contact Sarah for details and to book your appointment.  Payment (by check made out to Sarah Jordan) and paperwork are due within a week of booking in order to hold your spot.  

Looking forward to capturing many smiles in August! 

Beauty

I just hung a huge standout of this in my bathroom, and I just love it.  This guy was definitely showing off for my camera!  (and for his peacock lady friends)

If I had to create an animal with all of my favorite colors, this would be it.

Circle C 4th of July Parade

On Saturday morning, I photographed the Circle C 4th of July parade, and it was SO fun seeing all of the kids decorating their bikes and wagons.  And many of them were all decked out in red, white and blue.  It was so cute!  Here are some of my favorites.

Circle C residents: Your photos can be found at www.milesofsmilesphotography.com.  Click on "Gallery 1" and scroll down to the bottom.  Photos are available there through August 12th, and there are instructions there for you on downloading.  Enjoy!

Tips for a Healthy Summer: Eat Smart and Move More

I write health and fitness articles for community newsletters each month.  This is an article I wrote for 50-75 community newsletters for July in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.  Enjoy!

Tips for a Healthy Summer: Eat Smarter and Move More            By Sarah S. Jordan, MS

The 4^th of July holiday is here, and along with it comes good food, parties, and great times with family and friends.  These things pretty much go hand in hand with summer. 

Summer is a very common time for people to fall off the “health wagon,” but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Eating right and getting enough activity can certainly be a challenge, especially when holidays and travel are involved.  But the keys are: being consistent, making good choices, eating in moderation, and purposely finding ways to move more.

Here are some tips to make your summer a healthier one for your family and friends.

Small Changes = Big Results

Making small changes for your summer cookouts and potlucks can equal big nutritional improvements.

Traditional Summer Food                 A More Healthy Alternative

Hot dogs                                                Turkey dogs

Hamburger                                            Turkey burger

Potato salad                                          Fruit salad

Chips and high fat dip                            Assorted vegetables and hummus

Fried chicken                                         Grilled chicken kabobs with veggies

Pie                                                          Fresh pineapple

Soda and sweet tea                               Iced tea with lemon

Using high-fat mayonnaise in dishes     Use low-fat mayo or the kind that has olive oil in it

Healthy Recipe Swap

You can even request that guests bring a healthy dish and include the recipe along with the dish.  After the event, the party host types up all of the recipes and emails them to party guests. 
Just like that - everyone is equipped with healthy things to try on their own!

Get Movin’!

Instead of a party revolving solely around the food involved, why not create a “buffet of games” and activity to center the event around instead?  Here are some ideas for fun backyard games to try this summer with your family and friends.  Just be sure to let your guests know the “active” theme ahead of time so they can dress accordingly and be prepared to move. 

Host a miniature version of the Olympics.  This can consist of things like wheelbarrow races, three legged races, running, water balloon tosses, and team relays.  Have prizes for the teams. 

Create an art contest using chalk.  Have three judges and give out prizes for the most creative pieces of art.  And maybe even to the adult with the most “artfully challenged” piece of “art.”   

Play a classic game of “Kick the Can.”  Make sure you have at least 3-4 people playing this game.  One person is “it” and guards the “can.”  (Can needs to be in an open space.)  Other players hide while the “it” person counts to 20 and then goes to find the other players.  Captured (tagged) players go to “jail.”  Anyone not captured can kick the can, which sets all jailed players free.  If the “it” person finds all players before the can is kicked, the “it” person wins the game.

Have a Hula-Hoop contest.  Crank up the fun music, and see who can twirl the longest!

Create a canvas.  Hang an old white sheet on your fence or clothesline and let the creativity flow while your guests create a beautiful work of art!

Send your guests on a scavenger hunt.  There are many ways to get creative with this, including giving the hunt a theme to match your party, having guests find things in nature and draw pictures of what they find, or having your guests do something (ex: 10 jumping jacks) every time they find something on the list. 

Slip and Slide!  Give your party a water theme to beat the heat.  Set up two identical slip and slides and see who slides the fastest and/or the farthest.  Crown your champion. 

Test out other games like horseshoes, washers, Bocce ball, four-square, hopscotch, whiffle-ball, or kick ball.

Here’s to a healthy and active summer ahead.  Cheers!