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.

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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