Personal Peek: Feeling Such Gratitude

Today's blog post is a bit of a personal peek into our little lives.  The other day, Miles, Avah, and I were driving home from preschool.  I told them I loved them.  (Because I do, but also because I absolutely love hearing Avah say it back now that she can speak in some little sentences.  And she says it SO cute.  "I love YOOOOOOU, Mommy!  I love YOOOOO, Milesey!")

Miles said, "Mommy and Avah, I love you girls so much.  You are just perfect for me."  And you know my little Mama heart melted.  Right then and there.  I love hearing sweet words coming from his heart because he is so loving.  (And also because sometimes (especially since turning 4), his words can be a little sharp around the edges at times.)

Fall is crazy season for photographers.  They say it is like tax season for accountants, and I know why they say that.  I have had the pleasure of working with so many sweet families, kiddos, and babies this year.  And late the other night while I was in the middle of an editing marathon, I started thinking about what Miles had said.  And then about the fact that every little kiddo on my computer being edited is so perfectly placed into their family dynamic.  I love how God perfectly, purposely, and without error weaves families together.

Last month, Miles of Smiles Photography celebrated our 3 year anniversary.  And OH how far we've come since those early days in 2010.  Back then, it took countless hours of work, planning, praying, and more planning, but I could not be more thrilled with where Miles of Smiles Photography sits today.  And that is thanks to God and my ahhhhmazing clients!

I am so very grateful for my business, the incredible families that I get to work with and serve with photography, and the fact that I get to help them create custom artwork for their homes and freeze little memories in time.  And in the process, I also get to see a whole lot more of my own babies than I did when I worked full time outside of the home.

I hope you all know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.  Whether you're a client, a Facebook fan, a Newsletter reader... who ever you may be.  Thank you for letting me do what I love and see who I love for a living.  Much love.  xoxo

~Sarah

Mama Mondays: Multi-Tasking is an Art

I have always been a multi-tasker.  If you ask my mom, she would probably tell you that I used to braid my hair while I brushed my teeth or something. 

And since becoming a mother in 2009, starting my business while working full time in 2010, and then becoming a mom of two this spring, my multi-tasking abilities have been put to use in ways I never even knew they could.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed doing a maternity session with the beautiful Jessica and her adoring husband.  (Click here for their first photo shoot with me.)  We wanted to get the studio feel for portraits, but we also wanted to take advantage of the amazing wildflowers that were out.  (Does her hubby get brownie points for doing two sessions in one day or what?!)  So we did the studio session in the morning and followed up that evening with the wildflower location.  (And her husband said that it was even fun!)

Now, I am on working mama duty M-F from about 7am-7pm because my hard working hubby is at work.  So I told him, "Sweetie, on this night, I need you to meet us at this location (there was even a playscape for little Miles) to take over duties with the kids because I have a photo shoot."

It was such a beautiful night, and the multi-tasker in me thought, "I would love to get some pictures of Miles in the high chair I just refurbished and the wildflowers."  (The high chair was my Grandad's when he was a baby - over 90 years ago!)

So the kids and I arrived about 20 minutes early to do just that.  Picture this: Photographer lady carrying a tiny baby on her front in a carrier, a wooden high chair, a camera bag, and a prop bag walking about 50 yards with a two year old.  Fitness sure does come in handy!  Everything was going well (for the first 30-seconds) until it all of a sudden it wasn't.  My sweet boy didn't get to climb on the bike racks as he normally did, and he let me know about it.  (So picture this... now I'm still carrying all that stuff, trying to verbally convince my two year old to follow me so we can get some pictures of him. Uh huh. For real.)

So we're trekking through the grass (even having to pass by the playscape - try explaining THAT to a two year old!).  I get the high chair set up, put Miles in it, and then he gets attacked by gnats!  So now my poor sweet boy is itching and clawing at his face because the gnats are relentless, and his mommy on the other side of the camera is just praying for them to stop so he can be his usual smiley self.  Doesn't happen.  And I have learned just to let it go when it doesn't.  There will be another opportunity later.  (Thankfully, my daughter is fast asleep on my chest by this time in the baby carrier.)

It's now 7pm (the time my husband is to arrive to take over kid-duty).  Only he isn't there.  And I realized I forgot my cell phone at home.  Jessica and her husband arrive, so I call him on her phone.  He had totally forgotten about meeting us (and felt so badly about it), because he was dealing with an air conditioner being out at one of our tenants' apartments.  Uh!  So here I am with two kids (one of whom has had it and is ready to play) and a photo shoot about to start.

I knew my multi-tasking abilities were strong, so I had to put them to use.  As a photographer, when life gives you lemons, you make great photographs!  Thankfully, Jessica and her hubby and Miles go way back (they are huge Miles fans), and her hubby played with Miles at the play scape while I (wearing my 8 week old baby) headed into the wildflowers to get some great shots of Jessica.  And then we did couple shots.

Here are some of the beautiful shots we got.

And now... behind the scenes.  :) Never a dull moment with these two and my quest for balance being a work at home mom.  But do you know what?  I wouldn't have it any other way, because I absolutely adore these babies.  (I just don't take them on photo shoots with me.)  :)

And guess what?  I even got some sweet shots of Miles in the wildflowers afterwards, and the top picture below is a big canvas wrap in my livingroom and it is SO beautiful.  Makes my heart melt every time I walk by it.  So... you never know what you might get on camera... even when you're thrown lots of lemons!

Mama Mondays: For the Love... {Austin Family Photographer}

Like any job or profession, every now and then, everyone needs a little nudge in the right direction... a little "atta girl or atta boy..." a little reinforcement that we're on the right path in life.  And I must say, this session with the O Family was that for me.

I am not doubting at all that this is where I am supposed to be in life, in profession, in motherhood... But sometimes all the running of a business and being "Jack of all (ALL!) trades" can wear me down a little bit and take away a little of my energy in the parts I love the most... shooting sessions, meeting new clients, working with repeat clients, and providing them with images they will cherish forever.  All of the logistics, income/expenses, pricing, trying to make a little bit of a living, receipts, taxes, accounting, etc... yep... that is hard stuff to keep up with.  But I wouldn't trade it for the world if it means I get to capture moments like this for people who are so excited to be living them.  That is "it" for me... For the love of photography and capturing those moments for my clients. 

When I shot the image below, I knew it would be great.  And when it came up on my computer screen afterwards, it was an "ah hah" moment.  This is why I do what I do.  This is who I long to capture sweet images for.  For mamas that love their babies.  That is what started Miles of Smiles Photography in the first place.  And that was my "atta girl" experience.  (Click here to read how it started.  I got "malled.")  

Katie received a gift certificate for a photo session at her baby shower before her sweet daughter was born.  And I have to say... what an incredibly thoughtful gift.  Katie was so excited for our session (for many months, she says!), and had things organized just perfectly... from the outfits (coordinating... but not too matchy - good job, Katie!) to the jewelry to the ideas she had for a few of the shots.  This session had it goin' on... from the sweet little family, to Caroline's sweet smile (and tiny little teeth!), to getting to use my Grandad's high chair (over 90 years old from when he was a baby!), to the pretty wildflowers in the background.  It was perfect.

There are some people you meet that you immediately click with in life, and Katie is one of those.  At one point, we were talking about being organized mamas, and I said, "Do you color coordinate your daily planner?"  She looked at me with a big grin and said, "Uh Huh!  And do you make to do lists... and sometimes do things not on the list - and then put them ON the list just so you can scratch them out?"  I smiled at her and said, "UH HUH!"  A connection was born.  :)  They were such a sweet little family to photograph.  Their love for each other and for their baby girl is so apparent and so kind.  And their sweet little Caroline... how precious is she?! 

For anyone who has started, maintained, and expanded their own business - while keeping up with your kiddos, spouse, and house - I salute you.  It is hard work.  But it is great work.  And I know my journey has really only just begun (Miles of Smiles Photography started in October 2010).  This is now my main job, as I no longer coordinate the group fitness program at the University of Texas.  So it's not only the job that fulfills my creative passions in life... but it also helps support my sweet little family.  For those of you reading... for my amazing clients... for those I may get to serve in the future - thank you for being on this amazing ride with me.  I am so incredibly grateful for where God has led it since 2010, and cannot wait to see where it goes in the future.

Mama Mondays: Babies Grow So Quickly... {Miss A's First Two Weeks}

If there is one thing I have learned from being a mom, it is that babies do not stay babies for long.  Before you know it, the baby that was just having a kickboxing party in your belly at 2am is walking out the door wearing his backpack and headed to preschool.  The newborn that you kissed and said, "I love you" to is now giving you bear hugs and saying in a sweet but silly voice as you exit the room at bed time, "I love you too, Mommy."

This is one of the reasons that I absolutely love being a photographer.  Not only do I know how important (not to mention fun!) it is to document those things in my own children's lives... but I also get to help other mamas like me do the same.  Professional portraits last a lifetime, and I just love being behind the camera lens to capture life's little moments that we don't want to forget.

Here is a little glimpse of Miss A's life from 0-2 weeks.  My camera has been very busy around here.  (Click to enlarge.)

Mama Mondays: A Little Photographer in the Making!

There are so many things about being a mom to my "littles" that brings me unexplainable joy. 

And one of them is when Miles picks up his toy camera, and very seriously / down to business starts taking pictures of things with it. 

Today, we headed to the peacock park, and the first thing he did was tromp all around the park taking pictures of the colorful dudes.  It was priceless.  I wish you could have heard him...  It went a little something like this.  "Peacock!  MOM - a peacock!!  HIIIIIII Mr. Peacock!  Hold still - I have to take a picture of you.  Cheeeeeeeese!"  Something like that.  My heart is officially melted.

Happy Monday, ya'll!  Anyone have any child/camera stories?  I'd love if you commented on my Facebook page in the post with this blog link. 


Sizing up his client before the photo session...

 Checking his lighting and settings...

 Following Mr. Peacock... photo-journalistic style.  :)

Getting his macro shot of the colorful tail... 

 Powering down after the session...

Mama Mondays: Introducing Baby Avah

I am feeling tired, but overwhelmingly, I feel so incredibly blessed.   My sweet baby girl, Avah, was born on Sunday.  She is such a reminder of God's love, and we are already so in love with her.  Labor, delivery, and our hospital stay went perfectly, and we are home safe and sound.

I feel so incredibly blessed.  

Blessed to be married to this wonderful man.

Blessed to get to watch him be a father to this little guy and this baby girl.
Blessed to get to be a mother.  Especially a mother to these two beautiful little souls.

Blessed to have my own mother here from 1,100 miles away (she even got to be there during delivery to witness Avah's birth and meet the granddaughter whose middle name is her own namesake).  And grateful for the help, encouragement, and love that she gives me that is so appreciated.  

Blessed to get to hear this little boy tell his sister (unprompted) that she is "beautiful and sweet."

Blessed to have a job that allows me to use the creativity, color, and things I have in my brain and bring them to life through photographs.  It is such a cool way to freeze special moments in time and the reason I do what I do. 

Blessed to have a God who gave his life for me and who gave me so much to live for.

Thank you all for being part of what makes my life feel like it does.

Mama Mondays: Countdown to my Cowgirl

On one hand, I cannot believe I am just a matter  days away from meeting my sweet baby girl face to face.  On the other hand, I feel like I have been pregnant for two years.  Do you feel me, mamas?  


My first pregnancy was pretty easy-breezy.  I was able to exercise throughout my pregnancy.  (I ran the fitness/wellness program at the University of Texas, so had a paid lunch break and access to all kinds of fun gym equipment just outside my office door.)  I slept pretty well other than a few weeks here and there.  I was tired, but had the ability to sit down on the couch every now and then and kick my feet up.  And then came the second pregnancy.  :)  (Again, do you feel me, mamas?)  


This time around, I worked part time at UT without a paid lunch break, much more limited workouts, did photography 20+ hours a week at all hours of the day and night and weekends, and had a very cute 2 year old boy to keep up with.  The last time I have slept through the night was 2 weeks after I found out I was pregnant.  That was in August 2011.  Ouch.  When I tell people I am ready to have a baby so that I CAN sleep again, they give me a funny look, but it's true.  When I have her here, at least I can cuddle her and know we're on a path to sleeping again.  :)  I know she will be here before we know it, so I'm trying to savor every sweet moment of pregnancy, as it truly is a miracle and it could possibly be my last one.


My sweet friend, Jessica, was kind enough to come over to my house and studio set up spaces to snap pictures for me.  I prepared some detailed plans, set ups and samples, and she brought them to life through my camera.  So grateful to her, and so looking forward to doing her baby bump (she's having a girl too!) session in a few months. 

Here are some of my favorites... The countdown to our little cowgirl is on!!  (Click here for a cute story about the pink dress.)  

Mama Mondays: Sock Puppet Time with Miles

I am really enjoying the ability to spend more time with my little man before baby girl arrives in a few weeks.  Life is still a juggling act, but it is so rewarding when you get to have more time with your baby.

Talk about a little boy with personality.  I love this little dude. ;)  Snapped a few cute pics of him today while we were making a sock puppet together.

Mama Mondays: Remember These Times...

If there is one piece of advice I have heard over and over as a mother, it is to "Remember and cherish these times, because each stage goes by so quickly, and little ones are only little for such a short time."  And I have to say, that is so true.  I feel like (in some ways) just yesterday, I was sitting here with my baby boy in my belly.  And here he is... a big boy already!

I was reminded of that piece of advice on a little outing Miles and I recently had.  A "Mama moment" that I will never forget...

So last Friday was the day of my own maternity shoot.  (Thanks so much to my sweet friend Jessica for bringing my ideas and set ups to life!)  The countdown to baby girl is on!

A few hours before my maternity shoot, Miles and I made a quick trip to Target to see if I could find anything pink / girlie to wear.  You see, I grew up on a little farm in the Midwest with two older brothers, and would not say I was a "girlie-girl."  At all.  Pink was never in my wardrobe.  Dresses were a rarity (sorry mom!).  I was usually either in athletic clothes playing sports, or farm clothes caring for my animals.  But as I have grown up, I enjoy adding a little color into my wardrobe, and thought since I'm having a baby girl (and have definitely become a lot more girlie over the years), I thought a pink dress might be on my list.

I grabbed a few things off the rack and put them in my cart.  (Mamas - you know that shopping with a 2 year old means you literally GRAB them quickly like a drive-by grab off the rack!)  We headed into the dressing room, and I tried a few things on.  When I put the pink dress on, you would have thought I put on a glamourous wedding gown by Miles' reaction.  He literally stopped whatever he was busy with and had this look of "awe" (bless his little heart) on his face and said, "WHOA, Mama... That dress is beeeeeautiful!"  I said, "You like it?"  And still with his little "awe look" he goes, "Yaaa... I don't want you to take it off."  Then he put his arms out and said, "Can you hold me?  You look so pretty.  Can you buy that?"

His reaction, the look on his face, the sweetness in his voice, and the sincerity of what he said (which by the way was SO appreciated when I'm feeling big as a house with pregnancy) are things I will never forget.  Ever.

Although motherhood is certainly the most challenging job, it is also the most rewarding one.  "Remember and cherish these times, because each stage goes by so quickly, and little ones are only little for such a short time."

I wanted to make sure to get a picture of he and I (wearing "the pink dress") to help me remember that sweet, sweet day.  :) 

Mama Mondays: HUGE Baby/Child Good Sale!

So I know I mentioned last week that this week's "Mama Monday" post was going to be about "Simplification."  But I have changed my mind for a few reasons.

1. My life the last few weeks has been nothing resembling that topic, so I don't feel that it is the ideal time to post on it.  Those of you who are mamas understand how some weeks are just about surviving and getting everyone fed, to the right place, all work done, and maybe a little sleep in there somewhere. 
2. There is a HUGE sale coming up that I wanted to inform you about!!

It's the ABC: A BIG Consignment Sale coming up on Friday, February 24th in South Austin.  If you need any baby or child equipment, supplies, toys, etc. - this sale is for you!  A few things to note: The best things go quickly, so get there early if you want a full selection.  CASH only.  That is a biggie, so make sure you stop at the ATM on your way.

Last year, I got Miles a kitchen, Elmo chair, several educational DVDs, books, and other goodies - all for under $50!  I will be hitting up the sale this year to get a bunch of things for my baby girl coming in a few weeks. Maybe I should try to find him some more "manly" shades?!  ;)  (Gigi gave him these to play with.)

 Here are the details.  Visit http://www.fefcmops.com

Friday, February 24th 

9:30 am - 1:00 pm AND night owl shopping 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, February 25th

9:00 am - 12:00pm

Amazing deals on high chairs, strollers, baby furniture, kids furniture, maternity clothes, kid clothing sizes 0-14, toys, books, games, athletic equipment and much, much more!

Mama Monday: Playing Around with New Backdrops

Since returning from the Imaging USA photography convention in New Orleans in mid-January I haven't had much of a spare moment to blog about it.  That will come soon... but to put it plainly, I learned so much about creativity, business structure, pricing, and customer service.  And I can't wait to implement some really exciting things into Miles of Smiles Photography in 2012 and beyond.

One of the best parts of the convention was the (HUGE!) Expo that they had there every day in the convention center.  As photographers, it is so helpful to be able to see, touch, and feel the products that we've had our eyes on for awhile now.  I splurged and came away with several new things for my business to use and enjoy this year.

I was testing out a few of my new fabric backdrops and my new floor the other day, and had the cutest little model to work with.  I had to convince him that we were taking surprise pictures for Daddy, but for the most part (as much as a 2-year old is on board for this type of thing) he did great!  Love my little Miles.

Enjoy the pics!

Some fun and colorful backdrop/flooring combos!