Sonya Stone is an on location photographer in Western North Carolina specializing in portraits of all kinds, especially children and families. You can see more of her work and find information about booking a session at her web site...www.sonyastone.com.

Friday, December 23, 2011

In the Spirit of Adventure: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

This family amazes me! They embarked on this incredible adventure, reviving an old family apple farm and using their talents and interest in education to create this amazing, inspiring place. They've made a new life for themselves, talk about modern pioneers! Check it out http://adelbertfarm.com/.

And I happen to have a special place in my heart for them as mom was a teacher for my oldest & our children have been dear friends. What's more, they adopted our sweet dog Baker, who just needed to roam wild and free. It was great to see them all so happy together. I may have gotten a little carried away in this preview, but they just make me smile.

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Best Gifts: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

It is probably no surprise that I think a professional photography session and custom artwork is the best gift givable! (ok, that's not really a word, but you get where I'm going with this, right?) This family celebrated Mom's birthday in the best fashion, on vacation in the mountains and all together. That time together was of course, priceless. And now they will have these photographs to remember...so many blessings.

I love sessions like this one...when everyone is relaxed and still enjoying their time together. It makes my job a lot easier and it makes for better photographs! Here's the proof:

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Love Is All We Need: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

Warning, these images will make your heart melt and I'm pretty sure we will be able to directly attribute this post to a spike in conceptions. There is something so perfect about new babies...and while this little guy is actually 3 weeks old here, the session was right around his original due date, he definitely lives up to the hype. Dreamy, sweet, cuddly cuteness. Ok, enough gushing...back to editing! enjoy

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Baby on the Move: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

busy times...less words, more photos!!

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Breaking...almost: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

I have been blessed to meet many new families this fall and to see quite a few old friends too. It has made for an exciting and fun season. Thanks to all of you who chose me to photograph your family...truly it is my honor to present you with keepsakes of your loved ones.

As we close in on the winter holidays, I am finding that my plate is full and I will not be accepting any more clients until mid-January. (I actually said this 6 sessions ago, but this time, I mean it!) I am busy in the digital darkroom perfecting the images from some amazing recent sessions and I'll be spending some time updating my web site and materials. And I plan on taking my camera out just for fun a little more than usual, yay! For those who missed getting photographs made before gift giving time, remember gift certificates are the perfect last minute gift and can be redeemed anytime for a year after purchase.

Keep checking in here as I have lots of great photographs to share in the coming weeks. Thanks again for all your support and have a happy and blessed holiday season.
xo, Sonya

Home for the Holidays: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

You may see an incredibly adorable face in this post that looks familiar. Just a couple of months I ago I photographed baby I for her first birthday. Now I'm sharing photos of her family who gathered together for Thanksgiving. (um, yes, I did just say Thanksgiving...I'm a little behind on the blogging, don't judge!)

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So baby I and recognized each other and picked up where we left off. Her sweet and equally adorable cousins needed some time to size me up. Especially this big camera that keeps coming between us. But I'm happy to say, that eventually, even the shyness lifted and I got to see the real personalities come through.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Work of Art: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

My lovely friend recently had a baby (like a month ago), which tells you I am behind in blogging since I'm just now posting some maternity photos! She was radiant and adorned with an amazing henna tattoo. Artwork by Julie Shantz of Little Henna Girl (check her gallery out on Facebook).

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Her sweet boy is my twins' besty so these are particularly dear to me. Such pure love...ahhh!

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Friday, November 18, 2011

The Right Stuff: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

I love the sessions where it's just easy...the family is fun, they all look good, and the images are great. Where I have a hard time narrowing the session down for the blog post. Thankfully, this is the rule more than the exception in my business these days, and that is directly proportionate to the joy I feel for my work.

It amazes me how many times I hear families say they don't take good pictures. Then look at this...they look fabulous! Everyone was at ease and they chose great clothes. And most importantly, their smiles are genuine and their love real.


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Monday, November 14, 2011

What To Wear for Family Portraits: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

Can I just say that as I finish up editing my fall portrait clients' sessions, I am SO impressed by the clothing selections! I mean really...every family managed to coordinate and blend so nicely. It makes such a difference in the quality of your portrait. And having recently had my OWN photo taken, I can empathize with the struggle of "what to wear?" And that was just for me!

So as you plan your next family photograph, remember these tips:
1. coordinate the colors but do not feel like you have to look identical or all in one color. please, don't all dress in one color...bor-ing! and especially not white...the viewer's eye goes to the lightest place first. if you wear white, then that's the eye catcher not your face.
2. keep the color palate simple (I love earth tones) and then accent with accessories. scarfs are so fashionable these days and add a great punch of color and texture to your photos.
3. Texture! don't be afraid to wear things with texture... denim, corduroy, knits.
4. Cooler weather does not mean you cannot have portraits done! Layer and add accessories. Scarfs and hats can be fun and stylish.
5. Don't distract from the subject! No big logos or writing on your clothing, this is about the beauty of your family, not a commercial. Plaids, stripes and small patterns are just too "busy" and compete with the face for attention.
6. Longer sleeves and hemlines are best. Avoid wearing short sleeved or sleeveless tops. Bare skin (arms and legs) draw attention away from your faces.
7. Choose items that are a little bit dressier, fancier, or funkier than you wear everyday, but not too far out of your comfort zone. You want to look awesome, but you still want to look like you.
8. Don't forget your shoes. It sounds silly, but you can look great in your outfit and then ruin it with a pair of running shoes. So either pick a pair of cool shoes or go barefoot.
9. Most importantly, be comfortable. All the great clothes in the world cannot replace your look of comfort and ease in your portrait.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Make New Friends...Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

But keep the old! The best compliment a client can pay me is to be a repeat customer! I will add this to the long list of reasons I love my job...seeing kids grow up and helping parents to revel in the present and cherish this moment always. When I last photographed this family, little brother was just a newborn! When they arrived for their mini-session, I almost fell out! Two years goes so fast especially the first two years! It was great seeing them all again.

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and I couldn't resist...here is a favorite from the newborn session. :)
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

When It All Comes Together: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

Ok, here's a first...I'm going to tell you that I am actually having fun editing this session. Editing is my least favorite part of my business. I love being on location, getting to know my clients and really bringing out their beauty in a photograph they will treasure for years. That's the stuff for me! Editing can be cool, don't get me wrong, but I start to feel it's tedious. But this session...it is different. (Hallelujah!)

Our session was relaxed and fun and now as I go through these photographs, I am smiling. Everyone looks great, the colors are amazing and I am reminded why I love my job. I had a hard time narrowing down which ones to post here. Look at these sweet kiddos! This may come as a surprise to you, but I love kids! (no, really? I don't think you can cross the threshold into having four kids without this criteria!) I love photographing children...they are so genuine, so open. And I especially love it when they have great parents who help make our time together easy!

So all the criteria for an awesome session were meet with this family! Thank you guys!! Enjoy your preview.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Days Go By: Asheville Family Photographer: Sonya Stone

I almost had a heart attack as we started this session and I realized the images were not being recorded as I took them! Thankfully, I know this family well and they trusted me to figure it out, take a break to get a remedy, and jump back on the horse. And I'm so glad they did! We had a great time walking the Botanical Gardens and climbing down into the creek. I did my usual acting a fool and they saw the humor in it and so viola...beautiful photographs of them being themselves. I was so glad to see that side come through and to spend time with such a great family.

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this one I especially like because each of them has their individual, genuine expressions...there's not a fake smile on anyone! Love you guys! xo

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Lasting Love: Asheville Portrait Photographer, Sonya Stone

This couple just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and their daughters gave them the best gift possible (in my opinion!), photographs! They realized that even after all this time together, they don't have photos of just the two of them. I am so happy to give them these images. They were at ease and just had fun while we were shooting so it made my job very easy! And look how great they look! When I celebrate my 30th anniversary, that's what I want...to be happy and in love, to enjoy being together, to have fun and look good while I'm doing it!

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