Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone...the blog

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

2011-12-23T01:50:00.004-05:00

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.

The Best Gifts: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-12-17T02:03:00.004-05:00

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:

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

2011-12-15T23:16:00.004-05:00

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

Baby on the Move: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-12-15T02:04:00.002-05:00

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

Breaking...almost: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-12-13T10:48:00.004-05:00

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

2011-12-13T10:30:00.003-05:00

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!)

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.

Work of Art: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-11-19T02:24:00.003-05:00

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).

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

The Right Stuff: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-11-18T10:09:00.003-05:00

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.

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

2011-11-14T23:08:00.004-05:00

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.

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

2011-11-10T23:57:00.005-05:00

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.

and I couldn't resist...here is a favorite from the newborn session. :)

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

2011-11-02T01:05:00.004-04:00

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.

Days Go By: Asheville Family Photographer: Sonya Stone

2011-10-27T23:33:00.003-04:00

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.

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

Lasting Love: Asheville Portrait Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-27T00:48:00.006-04:00

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!

Autumn Fun: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-22T03:08:00.003-04:00

The mini sessions have come and gone and here is our first sneak preview. We had a whirlwind day at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville but it was full of fun. These sessions were fairly fast paced but as this preview will show, we had plenty of time to take beautiful photographs.

This might not be your typical family portrait, and maybe that's why I love it.

and one of my new passions, capturing the relationship between mom and dad. We are always so attentive to our families and doing our most to be the best at our parent roles, that sometimes we fail to give our marriages the proper homage. So here's to the spark that sets the wheels in motion to bring forth the family.

Blessed Be: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-20T01:42:00.003-04:00

I love capturing families growing and changing. And there is nothing like adding a baby to the mix of a family with children. Mama S has already been through this and she knows what a special time this is. This is also the last baby she plans to have so it was only fitting that we photograph her and her sweet older children. Even though this is her third baby, it was her first time getting maternity photos. I am so glad we were able to sneak in this session before the birth! Congratulations to all of you!!

and as you should already know by now, I love it when we get to have some fun at a session. these kids are ready for the runway...they loved being models!

Family Together: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-16T01:53:00.002-04:00

In this tech savvy world we live in with all it's social networking and skype and cell phones and email, there is still nothing that compares to being with the people you love in person. I appreciate seeing families together and even more...being asked to photograph them. Because truly the medium that has stood the test of time is the photograph. I can pick up an album from my childhood or from the last visit and bring back memories and emotions and remember what is most important in life.
So go tell your family you love them and by all means, when you have the chance, take photographs!

Our mini sessions are all set (and booked up!) to go tomorrow. I can't wait. And if you are still interested, the minis for Friday, Oct. 21 still have one opening!! These are limited offerings, only twice per year! A quick, easy & fun way to update your portraits just in time for the holidays with special packages with gift giving and cards in mind. Send me a note here or on Facebook if you are interested!

Autumn in Asheville: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-11T01:30:00.003-04:00

Every year I am amazed at the colors right in our back yard. Just wait to you see the on location sessions I have coming up!

filled another mini session appointment today...this Sunday (10/16), 9:15am and 5:30pm still available. Minis are a great way to update your portraits. Quick & easy while fun and ending in fabulous photographs. With the amazing backdrop of the autumn colors and holidays approaching, you do not want to miss this!!

Fall Mini Sessions: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-03T01:22:00.005-04:00

Fall is here and in the mountains that means we are about to hit the sweet spot for outdoor backdrops. The amazing colors and spectacular mountain views will peak in only a few weeks so you won't want to miss this opportunity.

If you want to update your family photographs or prepare for the holiday season, you can do so during this prime time and we'll make it quick and easy!

Our mini-sessions are 30 minutes of shooting time on location (yay, quick!) and will result in 10-15 edited proofs for you to choose from with special holiday minded packages (yay, easy!). And best of all, you will have fabulous photographs of your most loved to keep and to share (yay, fabulous!).

When? Sunday, Oct 16 & Friday, Oct 21
Where? On-location (for clients' eyes only!)
What? Heirloom portraits, amazing gifts & stunning holiday cards
Why? Time is fleeting, life is about loving & memories are meant to be treasured
Who? YOU & your loves!
Returning clients will receive a special gift and clients who refer get a $50 print credit.
Special $95 session fee (prints start at $40, holiday packages start at $395).

Don't delay, reservations are limited and some sessions are already claimed! Email me today to reserve your spot!

see you soon!
Sonya

Decisions, Decisions: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-10-01T02:37:00.006-04:00

It still amazes me how sessions unfold so personally, so individually. This maternity session is totally different from my last, but still so beautiful (IMHO!). The portraits are a match to this fabulous woman...natural but cute, relaxed but with some spunk, comfortable and beautiful. These were to be surprise for her hubby but she clued him in the day of the session after having some good laughs at his guesses about what she was up to.

And it was very special to have her mom there too. I loved that our session was a special thing they could do together to celebrate becoming a new mom. So not only will she have these breathtaking, once in a lifetime photographs, but she will also have the memory of having her mom be a part.

and now, here's a selection of some of my favorites from this session. I knew it would be hard to narrow down this session, and it was!

okay, Baby Anson, you and I have a date, right around the first of December. can't wait!

And Then There Were Two: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-09-22T00:39:00.008-04:00

attention: the following slideshow contains a pregnant woman showing some skin so if pregnant bellies, bare skin, or beautiful women make you uncomfortable, don't look. If you are like me and think the most amazing miracle of the human race is the journey of creating, nurturing and bringing forth a new life, then click on. here's one to give you an idea...

Maternity Gallery

I don't usually do this. In fact, I've never done this. I am sharing a slideshow I created for my last maternity session. It is the entire gallery of the shoot...and actually, it's two shoots because we did one in downtown Asheville and one in the river in Pisgah Forest. Why? Because this mama is so amazingly beautiful and she was such a trooper. She let me be creative and push some boundaries, even when it made her a little bashful. And I think it paid off...I love these photographs!

And I love this woman! She is a good friend and now is ready to welcome her TWINS any day! Right? Go back and look again...twins. She looks fantastic if she were having one, but when you realize there are two...wow. And more importantly, she has accepted this journey with the same grace and patience that she parents with. It is with much love and many blessings that I share her amazing pregnancy and upcoming births. ;)

Back to School: Asheville Children's Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-09-19T19:48:00.003-04:00

This year we made a big transition as a family...we enrolled our girls in full time school. It's the standard of most families, but up until now, we have choosen to home school. The change in schedule and routine is huge and so far, so good.

Just before the first day of school, I realized the magnitude of this step, especially for my third grader. Of course, we had to take some photographs! Remember the standard school pictures? Cookie cutter poses, lame props, assembly line experience...yikes! I shutter at the thought. But these are the kind of school photos I want for my kids! If you want some for your family, let me know. ;)

One Trip Around the Sun: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-09-05T12:44:00.003-04:00

I am fan of birthdays; to me, birthdays are a time of reflection and celebration. And any excuse for cake and presents, I'm down. The first birthday is so special...there is so much going on, transitions every day making this little person less a baby and more a toddler. It goes so fast! If you don't catch it, you'll miss that window. And if your memory is like mine, you'll find yourself frantically searching your mental files in a few years for the details of this baby who is now so different. Perhaps one of the reasons I love photographs to keep those memories easily accessible and to look back with joy at the sweet little faces (especially when the older version has just rolled her eyes at me!).

A few days ago I met a sweet little birthday girl and her grandma. The big party will have to wait because baby I's mama has to be away, but what a wonderful gift that grandma is giving by booking a session to capture this special time. And I love sessions like this...relaxed, fun, getting to know this precious little child. xo

Welcome Home:Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-09-01T10:11:00.005-04:00

I tell my clients with new babies, we will follow the baby's lead. And the baby will pick up on the parents' vibe...so relax and let's have fun. Well, this family just had that vibe. Everyone was easy going and flexible. We had fun, especially big brother who was on the go the whole session!

While most newborn photography sessions are within the first few days, at three weeks old this little guy was exceptionally cooperative! It's pretty well documented that I love babies, and if you need to see why, just look at these.

I couldn't resist...the wild child who looks so perfectly content.

Master Gardening: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-08-15T01:18:00.002-04:00

Here's a little sneak peek of a project I'm working on for the NC Mountain State Fair and a group of master gardeners. Special props to my on call models (aka, my children) and to Looking Glass Creamery (can you believe this garden they've got going? And the garden is secondary to the amazing cheese they make...yum!). All this is making me hungry!

Playtime: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-08-11T23:22:00.004-04:00

One of the things I have loved about homeschooling are the amazing people we get to hang with and the cool projects that we do. This week we had so much fun dyeing shirts, play silks, pouches, skirts, shorts, even socks! Here's my big girl mixing some things up...

my boy doing his thing, hamming it up for the camera, being silly in the dye prewash tub!

my little girl giving me "the look"

and one of my favorite kiddos...I was at his birth so we're like, bonded. ;)

Friends Are Friends Forever: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-08-11T01:17:00.004-04:00

In my last entry, I mentioned the family spent time with their good friends. These two families have been friends since the kids were babies and I love that they make time to see each other even though they live far apart. And fun for me, I got to have a mini session within our session!

Getting Away: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-08-05T23:53:00.006-04:00

We all have great memories of summer vacations as a kid, maybe even one in particular. Mine was a trip to St. Augustine when I was 7. As I met this family, I thought about that vacation and smiled. I think these kids are going to look back on their trip to Asheville for many years. Time together as a family with good friends...having fun, trying new things...the good stuff of life. Mandatory in childhood and often put aside when we grow up. But we still have the memories...

new love: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-08-03T00:52:00.005-04:00

this part of my job never gets old. coming in to a new family dynamic, meeting this tiny person who is changing the people around him forever. but this time, more than any other session I have ever had, I felt the tenderness and intimacy of this family. it was such a peaceful, lovely atmosphere. and as I look back at the photographs, that's what we captured. A simple beauty and a deep love. ahhh, it makes my heart melt. meet baby Lucas...

and his incredibly amazing parents

i love how she is just snuggling him in, such sweet connection

and this...whoa, these guys make parenthood look hot!

there was also quite a bit of sibling love bubbling about

oh, my...he is so dreamy...

Sweet Babe: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-07-07T23:13:00.006-04:00

Photographing newborns is dangerous territory, especially when you think you are done having your own children. They are so sweet, so soft and so unassuming. They are miraculous and amazing...so tiny and yet so powerful. Being with them at this blissful time is like crack. Seriously. You think one little snuggle will be enough but they have this magnetic quality and you cannot.stop.gazing at them. And I get to translate this moment, this memory into a photograph. It's humbling and an honor. To know that this family will grow and change but that this baby, this new person will never be so small and so profound as he or she is right now.

This is baby Everleigh. She is fabulous and so is her name.

And these...these are the photos every mom needs to have. These are what I wish I had. I have some amazing birth photographs from my second child and the twins thanks to a couple of wonderful friends who are rock star photographers. So I'm ahead of the game for sure. But this...this tender look at the bond between a mother and her newborn babe. I wish I had some like this.

my loves: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-07-06T21:49:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I even photograph my own family. My kids are especially cute...according to me. They are not especially compliant with photo shoots however, which is a real bummer for me. But every now and again, I catch them off guard.

Taking it to the Social Network: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-06-22T23:00:00.009-04:00

I'm not sure exactly why I resisted this so. But I have finally come around to the current state of things and am hosting a Facebook page for my photography. Maybe it was because I wanted to have a personal page to keep some images just as snapshots...like the ones of my twins running down the street naked taken with my iphone. Both because I didn't want to be judged on these random everyday shots that are really just for giggles for my long distance family members & because I don't need DSS calling me up saying, "how come you let your kid run naked in the street?" Puh-leeze. They run in the street with or without clothes, how am I supposed to stop them?

Anyway, now I am a convert. I have opened up the pandora's box of Facebook giving me yet another place to share images and specials and connect with people who like me and who I like, which is really one of the biggest reasons I love my job SO much! Connection. Through the inquiry process, through the session, through the image, through the print...from you and your family to me to anyone who ever sees your beautiful photograph forever...ahhhhhh. yes. that is why I do what I do. Connection...it's magic.

Ok, so if you want to join me in the land of social networking, get on over to Facebook and like Sonya Stone -Asheville, NC Photographer...and it will warm my heart and inspire me to do some giveaway. Cause that's how it goes. I feel good that you like me/my work, and I get all mushy, gushy and think...I want to do something nice for all these sweet people.

And if you don't like Facebook or don't want to like me on Facebook, that's okay too. I'll still be blogging from time to time. Hope you had a happy start to your summer and I'll look forward to hearing from you soon!

A New Chapter: Asheville Portrait Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-06-11T01:09:00.004-04:00

Think back to the most transformative times in your life...the one where you crossed over from being a child to being an adult...a journey not a moment. Gradual but distinct. What a wonderful thing to document! Claire just graduated from college and is embarking on her next chapter in life. Her sweetness and grace showed so easily in this session; it really was a fun shoot even though we were melting from the heat! Congratulations, Claire!

Oh and for those of you who are keeping track, that is the same butterfly as in the last session I posted. I keep it on retainer. :)

Full Bloom: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-05-21T14:34:00.004-04:00

As a storm rolled in across the mountains, we almost canceled this session. Thankfully, we decided to give it a shot and the weather held out. The result? Perfect timing for their blooming flowers and their blooming family! A sweet baby girl who just celebrated her first birthday and a gorgeous family. And when our session was graced with a beautiful butterfly who was content to hang out for a few photos, I wasn't complaining.

Don't miss Saturday!

2011-05-19T01:47:00.004-04:00

Did you think you missed it? It's okay...you were on the fence...or you planned on calling but then you got busy...or maybe you weren't sure what a mini session was anyway! Well, I understand. And the good news is there is still a small window, I am here to remind you, and I will explain this mini session deal right now!

This Saturday, May 21, I have three "mini" session slots available for my shoot at The Botanical Gardens of Asheville. Sessions are by appointment only and cost only $95.

Benefits of the minis...

1. Done in 30 minutes! Have you ever experienced a photo shoot where you find yourself standing around, wondering what to do for the photographer. Not going to happen with me! 30 minutes is a perfect time frame for a photo shoot with kids. And we will maximize that 30 minutes by moving, laughing, playing and we'll be DONE before the kids are frustrated and tired. You get to update your portraits quickly and it can be a fun part of your day with time left to do other things!

2. 12-15 Final Images Narrowed Down for YOU! Are you one of those parents who has thousands, I mean THOUSANDS, of images on your computer? Do you feel lost in knowing how to choose certain ones to print? I hear your pain. This is why I narrow down our time to the very best moments of the shoot. And I mix them up with both Color and BW toning.

3. Special print packages that are priced with exclusive deals for YOU, my mini session clients. You can check out the details here.

THREE TIME SLOTS left to CHOOSE FROM:

Saturday, May 21st, 10:15am-10:45am
Saturday, May 21st, 11:00am- 11:30am
Saturday, May 21st 5:00-5:30pm

Email me to pick your time slot! Once you are signed up, I will email you with details, like what to wear, what to bring, how to prepare, etc. Questions? Don’t hesitate to email me at sonya@sonyastone.com

Want more than 30 minutes?

With my Custom Portrait Packages I come to your home and spend about two hours with your family, documenting the many expressions of your family being in the place you love. Or you can choose a special location that fits your family.

Don't forget...I will GIFT one Spring Mini Session to a loyal fan along with the Mini Complete package! To win you must REFER! Send this info to everyone you know and encourage them to sign up for a mini session...when they do, they must tell me who referred them. And the fan with the most referrals in May will win a session to be scheduled in June! Your referrals must complete the session as scheduled to be counted.

Hurry, these are the last of the mini sessions until winter holidays! Let's go run through the fields, play in the creek and capture these incredible flowers that are blooming...Saturday's supposed to be gorgeous!

Spring Fever-Catch It: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-04-25T00:32:00.004-04:00

I have two exciting things to share. First, I love the Spring Mini Sessions SO let's do some more! Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 21, clients can book a "mini" session with me on location at The Botanical Gardens of Asheville. This gives you a perfect opportunity for gift giving (think Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Easter) and to update your family portrait easily, quickly, and affordably. Sessions are by appointment only, booked in 45 minute intervals, and cost only $95. Special print & digital packages are available. As you can imagine, there are only a few spots left for our April date so book your session today.

Click here for details: Spring Mini Sessions

More exciting news...I will GIFT one Spring Mini Session to a loyal fan along with the Mini Complete package which includes a cd of all the digital files from his or her session gallery, 5X7 print of each gallery image, and four 8X10 prints. (over a $1000 value) WOW, right? So how do YOU win?

REFER! Send this info to everyone you know and encourage them to sign up for a mini session...when they do, they must tell me who referred them. And the fan with the most referrals will win a session to be scheduled in June (unless you have reserved your May mini session)!!! Your referrals must complete the session as scheduled to be counted.

Hurry, these are the last of the mini sessions until winter holidays!

Beautiful Mama: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-04-23T10:48:00.006-04:00

Once in a while, I find someone who is as passionate about getting the right shot as I am. This expectant mom I have seen through three of her four pregnancies. And this time she was so brave. She was willing to climb into Cane Creek when it was about 40 degrees all in the name of beautiful photography! I love it! She was amazing, you would never guess that she was freezing by the look on her face. I think she looks stunning!

And I promised a giveaway and the time has come! Be on the alert for a notice today on how you can enter for a fabulous prize!

intimate vows: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-03-30T10:53:00.005-04:00

Love is sacred and the vows of marriage are intimate. Maybe that's why I like small wedding ceremonies. There is a tenderness to an event that is shared with only your closest family and friends. I was honored to photograph a wedding like this at the Sweet Biscuit Inn recently. Enjoy a little peek into the special day...congratulations R & M!

Mother's Day Gift: Family & Child Portrait Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-03-18T23:57:00.003-04:00

I am unbelievably excited that Spring is here! The beautiful colors, the warmer weather, the spark that ignites growth and light. Yay! And to celebrate, I am offering a Spring Mini Session special just in time for Mother's Day. Because let's face it, I am a mother...I know what mother's like. They like photos! Scratch that...they LOVE photos. They love photos of their babies, who may be not so little any more, but will always be their babies!

SO if you have a mother, are a mother, are married to/dating/friends with a mother, let me offer a golden piece of advice, get beautiful, keepsake photographs for Mother's Day and you will hit the home run of gift giving. If you have children who are small and/or husbands who are gift giving challenged, GIFT YOURSELF. You have a right. And everyone will understand and thank you for it. Trust me.

Here are the details, the weekend of April 9 & 10, I will photograph children, families, pets, and the like all in the name of celebrating Mom. I will discount my session fee over $50 to give you an opportunity to have custom family or child portraits. You can order prints that are guaranteed to be delivered by Mother's Day. So you can have gifts wrapped and ready to go. And if you include Mom in the session, you get to tell her what the gift is and milk this truly awesome gift for a whole month before Mother's Day.

Then when she opens her prints on Mother's Day, viola; she will be overcome with joy and will be grateful for the whole next year. Make that her whole life because this moment in time cannot be replayed. It is in the here and now that we are laughing and playing and loving. It is here and then it is gone. But the photographs that you hang and archive, those will be the keepsakes that keep these sweet memories alive.

Get in touch and I'll fill you in on the details. And in the meantime, enjoy these photographs of an incredibly cute, sweet boy from last year's Spring minis.

Birth & Breastfeeding Expo, Asheville Event Photographer: Sonya Stone

2011-03-12T22:23:00.007-05:00

What a great and exhausting day! Today the BirthNetwork of WNC hosted The Joyful Birth & Breastfeeding Expo at the Asheville Mall. Over 60 exhibitors were on hand to share services and products that support normal birth and breastfeeding, loving parenting and overall feel good family vibes. We also featured some wonderful speakers and inspiring films. I saw many friends who share the passion for nurturing families during the precious and formative time of pregnancy, birth , and early childhood. It is an honor to be in a city like Asheville where there are many of those friends!

Here are a few shots from the day. We had a maternity and children's fashion show...this first little guy sporting looks from Lollipop's Consignment Store.

Katherine Hensley modeling a handmade wrap for the Mama Community Project...

the beautiful moms who wore maternity fashions...

Dr. Lillian Thomas demonstrating the safe and effective use of chiropratic during pregnancy!

LOVE Grow with Me Learning Co-0p...sweet preschool and kindergarten cooperative where my girls have thrived and made wonderful friends!

excited to welcome Azalea Mountain School to our community offering Waldorf education!

can't have kids activities without cool face painting...oh yeah, and lots of adults jumping in too!

Joyful Birth & Breastfeeding Expo arrives

2011-03-10T22:15:00.002-05:00

As a co-leader of BirthNetwork of WNC, I am happy to announce that our Joyful Birth & Breastfeeding Expo is here...almost! This Saturday, March 12, from 10am-5pm, 60 exhibitors will fill the Asheville Mall on Tunnel Rd. to greet an expected 1500 attendees. We have a day full of speakers on normal birth, breastfeeding, parenting and more! There will be free activities for kids, free keepsake photos, giveaways of ALL kinds, a maternity fashion show & film screenings. ALL FREE!!

A full program is listed at our web site, www.birthnetwork.org under Events.

And yours truly will have a table so please be sure to stop by. A fantastic giveaway for the discriminating photography client will be up for grabs!
Here are a few shots from our last expo...

baby power: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

2011-02-27T00:24:00.008-05:00

there are no words to describe how amazing new babies are. and this little guy...talk about amazing. born at just 32 weeks, I photographed him the day after his original estimated due date. and look at him. a miracle, a testament to the power of spirit. he is loved so completely. it was a blessing to me to just be a witness to this family's love affair with this precious little person. he is brand new to this world but already he has come so far. and his parents could not be any sweeter...I mean LOOK at these guys. oh, melt my heart! how I wish everyone could have these kinds of photographs of their babies and their loves!

baby fever: Asheville Baby Photographer Sonya Stone

2011-02-20T00:20:00.008-05:00

Oh, the beauty of newborns...how I can I be expected to resist these cheeks? So soft and chubby! I think I am done having babies of my own but an occupational benefit/hazard is that I get to snuggle sweet babies. And when they look like this...

Lord, have mercy!

Also, you may have noticed the new and improved larger images on the blog. You may have also noticed that I'm picking up the steam again on blogging. These two things go hand in hand. I was not pleased with the small images on my blog so I was not motivated to get on here and post images. But now, bigger is better and it is boosting the bloggin' so let's celebrate! I'm going to be hosting a giveaway cause I'm excited and it's almost spring and life is good...so stay tuned.

family love: Asheville Family Photographer Sonya Stone

2011-02-11T23:49:00.007-05:00

I have a special place in my heart for this family...I have known them for years and Mom was actually at the birth of my twins! Needless to say, it was a joy to photograph them. Mom & Dad might not believe that as it did seem that the kids were extra spunky that day, but let me tell you, the sass that sends a parent over the edge, makes me giggle...at least when it's your kids and not mine! So we had fun jumping in the leaves and climbing in the creek, sliding down the hills and making silly faces. All the things you are supposed to do when you are a kid.

For everything there is a season: Asheville Family Photographer

2010-12-05T00:35:00.005-05:00

...and a time for every purpose under Heaven. I love that this family has a sense of purpose and creativity with their Christmas card message. They vacationed in our lovely mountains and we caught the leaves at just the right time. And lucky for me, this adorable little baby's christening was in just a few weeks...

don't miss out on holiday sessions: Asheville Family Photographer Sonya Stone

2010-10-19T01:17:00.005-04:00

Last year at this time, I had so many inquiries I had to turn people away. And I took clients who booked late and still needed photographs delivered in time for holilday gifts. The result? I was pressed for time and felt stressed squeezing in clients because...let's face it...I'm a people pleaser. I took pity on the poor souls who waited until Thanksgiving to have their Christmas card photos and gift prints done. And if I'm being totally honest, it's because I am one of those people who gets busy and forgets to look at a calendar to plan ahead so I have scrambled too. But after the dust settled on last year's holiday season, I vowed to not do that this year.

SO, if you have not yet booked your holiday session with me...your time is up! Well, almost! I am almost booked out for the remainder of the year but I have come up with a solution for my fellow procrastinators. I will host a limited number of mini sessions with guaranteed delivery by Christmas, and when those sessions are booked, that's it...I will clock out, turn off my phone, & stop answering emails. Ok, probably not all that, but that will officially be the close to our holiday sessions.

Let me tell you how this will work. The sessions will be scheduled during the first two weeks of November. For only a $95 session fee (a $55 savings), I will photograph your family in a "mini" session. We will spend roughly an hour getting the images you want for cards, gifts for your family members and keepsakes for yourself. I will provide 10-15 edited images for your review and you will order from a special "mini" holiday session pricelist, which is available exclusively for my holiday mini session clients. Customized packages with options for digital files and prints of all sizes at incredible prices.

Hurry, there are only a few sessions available and they will be booked on a first come, first serve basis! Contact me via my website, www.sonyastone.com, to book yours today.

some of my own: Asheville Children's Photographer Sonya Stone

2010-10-19T00:33:00.006-04:00

it occurred to me recently that I haven't posted photographs of my own children in like a year and a half! so to get you up to speed on the "babies" and my big girls...I thought I would share a few recent shots.

feel the love

2010-09-28T23:12:00.006-04:00

I love this family...so sweet and so much FUN! I have had the pleasure of knowing them before this session but this was the first time I really got to see them cut loose. And the affection...it was contagious! hope it makes you smile!

school's back

2010-09-19T01:08:00.007-04:00

Fall is here...school is back in session and the weather is changing. There is a beauty unfolding in our earth and in our children. I'm lucky enough to be a part of the Grow With Me Co-op and I get to befriend many sweet wonderful children (and the parents tend to be pretty cool too!). This was a fast but fun shoot...a round about of photographing and playing...climbing, racing, swinging, laughing...all the things children should be doing! And I am blessed to witness it!

and the winner is...

2010-06-25T01:13:00.003-04:00

Sonya Stone Photography!! Hurray and thank you, thank you to everyone who cast a vote for me in the WNC Parent Family Choice Awards. I can't tell you how fun it was to see that fans voted me the best Child/Family Photographer in the same issue where my photo was on the cover. You can see it online at http://www.wncmom.com/ at least for the month of June. And then you'll see another one of my photos on the July cover and the August cover so check it out!

Here are the May and June photographs the editors for WNC Parent choose in case you missed the issues...

And I do have more photos to share so I'll be back in just a few days....really, I promise! I know you have heard this from me before. I just don't know where the time goes. Hours turn into days, days into weeks, and then here I am creeping back months later. I do have 4 children now and no longer do I have free time in the day light. But I will sneak back here to share so stay tuned.

Vote for ME!!

2010-04-26T00:50:00.002-04:00

Very exciting things are happening in my world. I know I said I would post photos of my twins, who just turned 1...can you believe it???? I CAN NOT! Well, I will, but first I have to fill you in and get on the campaign trail.

The exciting news is that WNC Parent (a monthly publication under the management of our local newspaper, The Asheville Citizen-Times) asked me to photograph the finalists in their Cover Kids Contest for the next four issues!! So a couple of weeks ago, I met some of the cutest and definitely most photogenic kids in Western NC to shoot the May, June, July and August covers. Be sure to pick up the next copy and let me know what you think!

The June issue is where they will announce the winners of the WNC Parent Family Choice Awards. These recognize family friendly people, places and events in all kinds of categories and...you guess it, there is a Favorite Child/Family Photographer category. Well, wouldn't that just be the cat's pajamas if I won that category for the issue where my photograph is on the cover?!???!!!

YES, the answer is YES! So please, go cast your vote for me in the favorite photographer category. You only need to enter your name and email and vote in 20 categories. Let your voice be heard! I believe they are accepting votes until April 30 so don't delay!

Just follow this link and look in the menu on the left hand side for "take the survey"
http://www.wncmom.com/

And if you are looking for some recommendations, I'll mention a few of my favs...
Family Friendly Breakfast, Sunny Point
Family Friendly Lunch, Asheville Pizza & Brewing (but I don't let my kids drink until afternoon...lol!)
Family Friendly Dinner, Blue Sky Cafe
Best Bakery, Short Street Cakes
Best Ice Cream, Ultimate Ice Cream
Best Pizza, Asheville Pizza & Brewing
Best Kids Menu, Blue Sky
Family Friendly Grocery Store, Earth Fare
Best Parent-Child Program, Grow With Me
Best Music Program, Music Together
Best Museum, Health Adventure
Best Hiking Trail, Warren Wilson River Trail
Best Rainy Day Activity, Health Adventure
Best TV Station, UNC TV,PBS
Family Friendly Movie Theater, Asheville Pizza & Brewing
Best Consignment Store, LuLus
Best Children's Clothing Store, Just Ducky
Best Toy Store, Dancing Bear
Best Pediatric Practice, True Health Family Wellness (Dr. Todd Stone, the best Dr. Dad in the world, not just WNC, come on now!)
Best Family Dentist, Dr. Scott Peele
Best Family/Child Specialty Photographer, Seriously, I should not have to spell it out, but SONYA STONE!!!
Best Preschool, Grow With Me
Best Homeschool Program, Grow With Me

thanks!! xoxo

Somebody noticed

2010-04-04T02:12:00.003-04:00

Just when I thought no one was reading my blog...well, why would they? I have been so slack in posting entries that I can hardly expect people to sit around, waiting for me to post something brilliant. I get this news today...my blog was selected as one of the "Top 47 Photo Blogs on the Web." Now, the real question is why 47? Why not 50? hmmmm, curious.

Anyway, I second guessed this honor all day until I have finally allowed myself to believe that it's not a late April fool's joke...it's just a compliment. And it's an honor to be nominated, truly!

Hopefully, this pressure will not cause me to shut down in a panic! I'm trying to search my mental files for the perfect image to post. Maybe I'll come up with something great...tomorrow I can guarantee that there will be a photograph of my babies. Why? Because it's their first birthday. And it has been the most blissful year of my life!

Go check out some of these other fabulous blogs. I love photography. I love that so many people can take the same world, the same people, the same places...and can see it all so differently.

Coming of age: Asheville Senior Photographer Sonya Stone

2010-02-15T00:28:00.005-05:00

I feel like I am sneaking a peek through a window. A window that on one side is the childhood and on the other, womanhood. This time, this once in a lifetime time, is so fleeeting and so exciting. All the opportunities ahead. All the lessons learned and yet to be learned. This is my amazingly beautiful sister and I am so proud of the woman she is becoming.

cute X 2

2009-12-11T22:07:00.007-05:00

is it because I have twins that I totally loved these little girls? no, more likely just the double dose of cuteness. i love that they are very different, each with a distinct personality and features. we were celebrating their second birthday with some exploring of the Biltmore.

one of my favorites: Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-12-10T01:47:00.005-05:00

I had a great time shooting this family. not so great of a time editing because I just had such a hard time narrowing the images down! But this just happens to be one of my favorite images...ever.

I'm almost caught up. Just a few more sessions to post and then, I'll be on break for Christmas. Then I can post photos of all the craft projects I have taken on for presents. I'm trying to knit hats and gnomes, sew a play canopy, and needle felt mermaids. Holy cow...what was I thinking!?!? I finally got smart and arranged for one of my more talented friends to make the heavy baby for Sacred. It will be awesome when these are all done!

headshots: Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-12-08T21:58:00.003-05:00

Even though she was admittedly nervous about having her portraits taken, Catherine breezed through her session like a pro. She was looking for professional headshots for a new business venture as well as some casual photographs for family keepsakes. You can see more about her psychotherapy practice at http://www.catherinecope.vpweb.com/

where have all the blog posts gone: Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-12-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted, but here I am, slinking back onto my blog to post images. And I will get you up to speed, promise! So my twins just turned 8 months old and life is good for the Stones. I have been enjoying being back in photography though a few hiccups have made life interesting. One of the kids spilled a tall cup of coffee on my lap top...I should not let them have so much caffine. Damn those shakes! It took some time to get that situation remedied, but now I'm back in the saddle.

here are some family shots from the past few months...

baby blessings : Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-08-23T02:01:00.006-04:00

I have some photos to share. Remember how I said every stage has something great that I love? Well, this baby is 9 months old here and unbelievably cute...learning to stand, mastering crawling...getting a tooth though he was such a trooper during the whole session. Baby W's baptism was the next day so we photographed him wearing his beautiful baptismal gown with his parents and grandparents. Then we loosened up and did some family portraits with a more casual feel. They're such a sweet family...it was great getting to know them.

I love babies : Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-08-13T01:38:00.009-04:00

there is something so sweet about being with babies that it cannot be matched. And since I am feeling like 4 kids is enough for my family to hold, there is that danger that I might not get my baby fix...except that taking photos of babies is what I do. I love it. I love that sweet little face looking at you with both curiosity and knowing. The soft skin and dewy smell. Each age has its trademark cute or fun thing, from newborns to toddlers, and I always think...oh, this is what I love about this age. Here is a 3 month old baby that I photographed recently...

And look at that...is that a hysterical face or what?!? Only when you are a baby is drool considered cute!

on display : Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-08-04T00:33:00.004-04:00

For those local to Asheville/Hendersonville, there will be a display of pregnancy and birth related art work at the Hands On Museum in downtown Hendersonville. I have three photos on display there and I know some of the other artists involved who are great. Check it out! The display is planned for Aug. and Sept.

Here's what you'll see from me...

Family Portrait : Asheville Photographer Sonya Stone

2009-08-02T23:50:00.000-04:00

It's almost painful to visit my own blog...this lonely, ghost town of a blog...seemingly deserted by it's founder. I'm sure that after a revitalization, it will return to a hot bed of family photography. It's not that I'm just sitting around eating bon-bons over here. I am busy keeping up with 4 children, but I'm happy to report that I am off maternity leave and am taking new clients. I have been so busy shooting that I have not had time for blogging, but I am catching up and that means I can catch you up!

I had a great shoot a few weeks ago with such a fun family. The whole crew came to Lake Lure for relaxing vacation at the lake. And right away, they showed me a lot of hospitality and personality. What a great combination...it made my job pretty easy. And I think they may have the secret to youth in their humor because check this out:
Are you thinking what I was thinking? These are the baby's grandparents, right? NO! Try great-grands! Here are the grandparents...
All I can tell you is they are doing something right. Good looks, lots of smiles, and a joy to work with.

what's going on here?

2009-06-25T00:54:00.006-04:00

ok, I finally get myself to the computer to make a post (albeit a short, imageless post) and it won't show up. What is going on here? So if you are trying to figure out what that last post was all about...join the club.

Here's what it is supposed to say...
There are so many amazing things happening in my day to day life. So many that I am unable to capture them all...unable to capture them in my mind much less in my camera. And that's just my way of saying, no pictures of babies today...still. Yes, I know...I suck. I have taken photos; I just can't seem to find the time to select, edit and post photos or by the time I do, the babies have already changed! Eventually, I will put some photos up of my babies.

In the meantime, I am posting to raise awareness for the amazing midwives who serve women across the country, who, like me, choose to birth their babies at home. Check out this video...
http://www.youtube.com/user/BigPushTube

A long way of saying, watch the video

2009-06-25T00:51:00.002-04:00

There are so many amazing things that are happening in my day to day life. So many that I am unable to capture them all...unable to capture them by my mind much less by my camera. And that's my way of saying, no photos of babies in today's post...still, yes, I know...I suck. I have taken photos...I just can't seem to find the time to select, edit and post photos. And I think part of me is resisting this because I have 11week old twins but no pictures with me with them (except from the birth). That is about to change so stay tuned because I will post some props to my friend and photographer who is set to do some family photos.

Today I am posting to raise awareness...for the amazing midwives who serve women across the country who like me choose to birth their babies at home. Check out this video...

back in the swing

2009-06-05T01:29:00.002-04:00

well, I have been putting off going back to work...honestly, having two little babies is hard work in itself. And I just couldn't imagine how to leave these precious little ones for more than a few minutes. But here I go, plunging back into the world of photography. It's the perfect toe dip. I have the honor of being with the famous Elizabeth Messina for a wedding she is shooting in NC this weekend. She is amazing, in case you are not a follower of amazing photographers like I am. A celebrity wedding photographer and I am ridiculously excited to watch her work. I am having some mama-guilt over leaving the babies for the better part of my day, but since Elizabeth is from CA, this is an opportunity that will not come around often.

So I am officially back, I have sessions booked until July, but I have missed photographing families. The fact that I can't seem to coordinate a decent shoot with my own family is not dissuading me! I will eventually post some updates of my babes. In the meantime, know that I am here, we are thriving, and posts will increase...I "almost" have the hang of this.

one month later...

2009-04-30T19:07:00.005-04:00

I have a really good excuse for taking so long to post. no really...this time, I have the excuse to top all other excuses...ready? On April 5, at 37 weeks pregnant...I went into labor. A quick and intense one that ended in pushing out my baby boy before the midwife was able to arrive. And then when the contractions kept on coming? I realized...there are TWO babies!!!!!!!! Luckily, my midwife arrived about that time, verified there was a second baby, and helped move things along so that ta-da, only 40 minutes after her brother was born, I pushed out my baby girl. Surprise, surprise, suprise!

Who has surprise twins in this day and age? NO ONE! Except me...and I am incredibly grateful for it. It was the perfect experience and the perfect arrival for my perfect little babies. Who by the way, were not terribly little. They weighed in at 5lb. 8 oz. and 5 lb. 12 oz. So I know you are saying, did she really not know there were two?

Well, we did have a couple of times in the pregnancy when we thought that was a possibility. But we kept ruling it out because of my size (always measuring right on with my weeks and gaining less than 30lbs) and because of the position of the babies (we could only feel one).

There you have it...surprise twins, 3 weeks early...that's my excuse. And I could not possibly post all that without photos. Who knew that it would take me two weeks to conduct my newborn photo shoot! But let me tell you, that being the postpartum mom to twins and being the photographer is a tough combo. Especially when you are trying to keep two babies sleeping in a room that is about 90 degrees (not exactly a comfortable temperature for the postpartum mom who is sweating profusely anyway!) and fending off the two big sisters who have a case of bubbling, ecstatic love (think in erupting volcano proportions) for said babies. It was not easy!

But here is the formal introduction to the Stone bab-IES...Gates & Amory.

Gates...

Amory...

contribution for APPPAH

2009-03-27T18:03:00.005-04:00

Today I found out that a couple of my images will be used in the Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health's newest brochure. What an honor and a blessing for me to contribute to this wonderful organization.

APPPAH's mission is to educate professionals and the public about, and advocate for, the life-changing discoveries made in the area of prenatal and perinatal psychology and health.
here are the images they chose...

yes, this is me

2009-03-20T22:42:00.002-04:00

I am grooving on along in this pregnancy...35 weeks tomorrow! And let's face it, with baby #3, things are just different. You are taking care of your first two children, who have a tendency to grab and keep your attention, whether you want them to or not! There just isn't the same approach as it was when it was your first...or even your second. Because now, you are a seasoned pro, right? ha, ha!! Well, it seems to be harder for me to carve out time just to be present to this pregnancy, to this baby that is growing inside.

But I had a wonderful opportunity to spend the day in total focus of my baby and my pregnancy last Sunday. In the morning, I had a surprise shower...too bad I am notorious for finding out surprises and this was no exception! It was lovely, a traditional baby shower with a game, cake (from Short Street Cakes......YUM!) and presents, and most importantly, time with some very special women I have become close to.

And then in the afternoon, my dear friends honored me with a blessing way. It is ceremony to honor and bless the mother as she moves forward into the birth of her baby. It was full of emotion and some tender tears for the awe that we feel as mothers and as friends. So here are some photos compliments of my friend and fellow photographer, Lenka Hattaway, of my special day, which was truly a great blessing.

one more of baby

2009-03-16T11:05:00.003-04:00

I couldn't resist. I l-o-v-e this shot! Baby S is 3 weeks old here so a little older than a typical newborn photography session. Is it because I'm pregnant that I am totally enamored with babies lately??? ok, so maybe not just lately, which I guess means -no- I am just a sucker for these cute faces, pudgy legs and cheeks, soft skin and precious fingers and toes. Look out for when my baby arrives...I have a feeling this blog will be full of images of the next little Stone!

baby face, you got the cutiest little...

2009-03-11T12:09:00.005-04:00

baby face! Am I right? And LOOK at this hair...OMG, I am so jealous. Seriously, I think my babies are pretty darn cute, but they have both come out totally bald and stayed that way...for like years!

And check out Mom! She gave me this, "I'm not sure I want to be in the pictures," business, but seriously, look how beautiful she is. And now you see where the gorgeous curls come from!

coming back around

2009-03-08T22:47:00.004-04:00

You know that you've been away a long time when it takes you longer to scroll through my blog dashboard (posts from the blogs I follow...ha, ha! apparently, not very closely!), then it does to make my own blog entry.

So I apologize for being gone so long...and honestly, I just don't know that I can promise to be any better! I apparently am over committed and overly optimistic about what I can accomplish in 24 hrs/day.

But here I am, playing some catch up. This is another family that I photographed for my Holiday Giveaway. I have the benefit of knowing this couple as the brother and sister-in-law of one of my dearest friends. They are so sweet. Noah works in a non-profit serving families in many ways and his wife put her real estate career on hold to stay home with their beautiful little girl. What a fun surprise for me to hear that they are expecting baby #2!

more family love

2009-02-19T13:11:00.006-05:00

Let me introduce you to another awesome family...Jaime, Robbie and Gideon. When I tell you the bond among them was so obvious, there was such a pure, endearing love that came through naturally with no direction from me! Jaime suffers with fibromyalgia, a condition that can be debilitating and elusive. I know first hand, my mom also suffered with fibro for 15 years. And the irony is that now I'm married to this amazing doc who treats fibro with great success, but my mom never got to even meet him. But I digress.

So, I have a soft spot in my heart for Jaime and her family. Robbie is a green builder, a great one from what I hear, and I'm sure I don't have to even explain about job security for builders in this market. But what their friend who nominated them couldn't express enough, was the love and compassion they have for others. It was such a pleasure to meet them! Hope you enjoy getting a peek at them too. And can you tell it took a few minutes for Gideon to warm up to me...but I think I won him over! : )

WNC Parent March ad preview

2009-02-19T01:40:00.003-05:00

Since ya'll were so good to give me feedback, thought you might like to see the preview of my next WNC Parent ad:

which one do you like better?

2009-02-15T23:43:00.004-05:00

I am designing my ad for the next WNC Parent magazine. It's the camp guide issue. Which one of these do you like better for the ad?

I love my job...

2009-02-15T11:36:00.007-05:00

As promised, here is one of the wonderful families I met through my holiday giveaway. If I didn't know better, I would never have guessed the turmoil this family went through over the past 6 months. This active, adorable little boy was fine one day and then woke up the next day stumbling. By the following day, he was almost completely unable to walk unassisted. The doctors couldn't find an answer to this rapid decline and it continued for months. It wasn't until the parents found a doctor in IL who was treating children with a condition called OMS that they found an answer. A week after beginning treatment, there was a dramatic improvement in his condition. And now he is a running, jumping, playing little firecracker.

This is Walter and his family. You can read more about his story and OMS on his web site: www.walterthomas.org. His improvement is the good news, the bad news it the insurance company is denying the claims for Walter's treatments...to the tune of $300,000. Please consider donating to help Walter and his family. It's your turn to share the spirit of giving.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T14:38:00.003-05:00

I am busy editing photos from my shoot-a-thon last week...so check back soon and I'll have some photographs of these great families to share.

I just thought I would take a quick break from my editing to share this little bit of sweetness from my daughter, Sacred. She came over and hugged me over and over very excitedly. She is also sure to give the baby in the belly lots of hugs and kisses too! Then she says, "I have the best family in the whole world. I like you so much!"

melt my heart! Add that to the very creative, homemade Valentine's Day cards my kids gave me, and my hubby taking the girls out with specific instructions that I take at least 15 minutes away from the photography "to do" list to just enjoy myself...and I would say it's been a good day!

Hope yours is too!

Asheville's Holiday Giveaway in action

2009-02-07T19:56:00.005-05:00

Today was my day to block sessions for the nominees of the holiday giveaway. It was amazing to photograph these families and get to know them a little better. 4 families in 4 hours...I didn't realize how tired I was until I got home and sat down! Of course, I couldn't do anything else until I looked at the images, which took me 3hrs. Yes, 3 hrs. just to LOOK at the images! There were 1310 frames from today's sessions!

And we're not finished yet...I still have 3 more families plus our grand prize winner to photograph. So there should be lots of activity on this blog in the next few weeks. And if there isn't, well, I won't be able to blame it on no images to post!

Here's just a fun family photo...Savannah enjoying some homemade beeswax candles given to her by one of her school friends.

GIveaway update

2009-01-29T23:31:00.004-05:00

I have some exciting news...I have scheduled the mini sessions for the nominees of my holiday giveaway. Feb. 7 I'll spend the day photographing these amazing families who were nominated by friends and colleagues because although they did not win the "grand prize" $1000 of custom photography, they all sound so wonderful. Our plan is to shoot at the Botanical Gardens, so say a prayer that the weather cooperates with me!

And then look for updates on each of these amazing families. Each dealing with their own struggles but all seem to be staying positive. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to meet them and capture the beauty of their families.

it's not all kids and families around here

2009-01-16T20:57:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, I photograph other things too! Like a recipe for crispy kale chips for online menu planning site, www.eatrealgood.com
This is a great online resource that you should definitely check out! Menu planning with a plug for community supported agriculture (CSAs). You can enter whatever ingredient you want to use (like what came in your CSA box...or what you bought at the store, whatever) and the site will generate the recipe list for you.
Go get the recipe and try these. We love them!!!

Asheville news station airs segment on licensing midwives

2009-01-15T01:25:00.002-05:00

Following the recommendation from the NC House Select Committee on Licensing Midwives to introduce legislation in the upcoming session to license Certified Professional Midwives, WLOS aired a piece on Thursday's 5:00 pm news. WLOS reporter, Charu Kumarhia, interviewed Nancy Koerber, CPM, co-owner of New Dawn Midwifery.

From the WLOS web site:
"North Carolina lawmakers may soon license midwives, and those in the industry say it's about time. Midwives have gained in popularity in the last two decades, and there are many types of midwives. The two most common are those certified nationally to assist in home or birth center deliveries, and those that are also RN's with master's degrees. They're certified to assist in births at home or in the hospital.
Midwives say licensing would elevate the profession and keep mothers and babies healthy.
Obstetricians have mixed views on non-nurse midwives getting licensed - especially for home births. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists officially says it supports a "certified midwife" credential."

You can view the segment online at this link:
http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/wlos_vid_1967.shtml

More information is available on the North Carolina Friends of Midwives web site, http://www.ncfom.org/.

NC House Committee Recommends Licensing Midwives

2009-01-13T02:04:00.003-05:00

Just in case you are one of the 10 people in Asheville who I did not already send this to...here I go taking the "other inspirations" title to heart again. I am on the campaign trail to get Certified Professional Midwives licensed and the conclusion of the study committee is one of the first steps. Read on and look out...we're going to make this happen! Oh, and when you're done, be sure to visit the AshVegas blog to leave some comments on this story.

CONTACT: Russ Fawcett, (910) 471-5187, spigget@aol.com
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 12, 2009

NC HOUSE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS LICENSING MIDWIVES
Legislation Would Let NC Join 24 Other States in Advancing Healthcare Options

RALEIGH, NC — The NC House Select Committee on Licensing Midwives released a report last week calling on the state to license and regulate Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), who are trained as specialists in out-of-hospital maternity care. The Committee recommended that North Carolina join the growing number of states that have enacted laws to provide families who choose out-of-hospital delivery with access to highly-trained and legally-recognized maternity care providers.

“Each year, more North Carolina families choose out-of-hospital birth for religious, cultural, philosophical or financial reasons,” said Russ Fawcett, Legislative Chair for North Carolina Friends of Midwives. “CPMs also care for a disproportionate number of rural, low-income and uninsured families. All families deserve safe and affordable maternity care, and the midwives who provide it deserve legal recognition. We applaud the Committee for recommending a much-needed and long-overdue reform in current law and policy.”

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), who practice primarily in hospital settings, are licensed in all 50 states. Currently, there are no laws in North Carolina to regulate CPMs, who deliver babies in private homes and freestanding birth centers. Studies show that low-risk women who plan home births under the care of CPMs have outcomes equal to low-risk women who deliver in the hospital, but with far fewer costly and preventable interventions. A study commissioned by the Washington legislature found that during the last five years alone, the state’s licensed midwives saved taxpayers and private insurers more than $10 million.

Rep. Ty Harrell serves on the Committee that is chaired by Rep. Bob England. “We’ve heard testimony from dozens of public health and policy experts. The facts are clear – it is time to license North Carolina’s midwives.”

Asheville Area Birth Network Founder and Director, Sonya Stone, was one birth professional and consumer advocate that spoke before the Committee.

“From both a cost and a safety standpoint, licensing midwives is an important public health issue,” said Henry Dorn, MD, a board certified OBGYN who practices in High Point. “The Certified Professional Midwife credential is the gold standard for midwives who specialize in out-of-hospital birth, and it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that women in our state have access to the safest care possible, including collaborative care with other providers when it becomes necessary.”

A positive recommendation from the House study committee paves the way for the full General Assembly to develop and enact legislation in the 2009 session that provides for the licensure and regulation CPMs.

North Carolina Friends of Midwives is a grassroots organization of midwifery advocates dedicated to promoting, supporting, and protecting midwifery in North Carolina. We advocate for the preservation of midwife-attended births, in accordance with the Midwives Model of Care™ including those at home and in freestanding birth centers.

North Carolina is a priority of The Big Push for Midwives Campaign a nationally coordinated campaign to advocate for regulation and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and to push back against the attempts of the American Medical Association Scope of Practice Partnership to deny American families access to legal midwifery care. Through its work with state-level advocates, the Big Push is helping to build a new model of U.S. maternity care built on expanding access to out-of-hospital maternity care and CPMs, who provide affordable, quality, community-based care that is proven to reduce costly and preventable interventions as well as the rate of low-birth weight and premature births.

The Big Push Campaign Manager Katie Prown says, “The demand for safe and less-costly maternity care has been steadily increasing in recent years, as more people realize that we can no longer afford a system that produces inferior results at premium costs.”

Media inquiries about North Carolina Friends of Midwives should be directed to Russ Fawcett at (910) 471-5187, spigget@aol.com . Media inquiries about The Big Push for Midwives Campaign should be directed to Steff Hedenkamp at (816) 506-4630, Steff@TheBigPushForMidwives.org.

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session preview

2009-01-10T00:24:00.004-05:00

Here's a preview from a session I did a couple of weeks ago. We captured 4 generations of women in Lee's family. And look at this baby and tell me you do not get the baby itch...go ahead, try it! She is a whole lot'a cute!

They were all so sweet, not just the little cutie here! Enjoy your sneak preview of your session, Lee...the gallery is only days away!

have I bragged lately...

2009-01-07T23:59:00.002-05:00

about how much of a hunk I think my husband is???

And I have GOT to get serious about changing my blog format. These small images are killing me! Anyone who can help me work Blogger to get bigger images or who wants to recommend another format, please, help a sister out!!!

a good problem to have...too many choices! Asheville Senior Portrait Photographer, Sonya Stone

2009-01-02T11:12:00.006-05:00

As promised, more photos! This was a really fun shoot. Lucy is such a pretty girl and a total natural. We walked the streets of downtown Asheville catching a ton of great locations. My problem now is narrowing down the images to the 30-40 that will go in her gallery. You know you are in trouble when after the first "narrowing down" you still have 200 images, and after the second you have 80! Here are some of my favorite portraits of Lucy.

And here is one of my favorites...not your typical portrait, but isn't this cool?

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009

2009-01-01T23:08:00.005-05:00

My blog has been seriously lacking photos lately so I'm about to make up for it. Here are some of the shots we took at the beach over Christmas. If you haven't seen me lately (or never have!), you'll get a look at the big baby belly that I'm busy growing.

And for those who have been following the holiday giveaway, I saw an update on little Shayla. They were able to remove the tumor on her kidney successfully and she is doing well. She'll be in the hospital a little longer but the outcome of this surgery sounds like the best case scenario. A good way to start the new year...let's all keep Shayla and her family in our prayers and count our blessings...most of us are so fortunate.

Ladies and Gents, we have a winner!

2008-12-28T16:12:00.003-05:00

I am happy to announce that I have selected a recipient for my Holiday Giveaway! Some of you may have heard the story of this family already, especially if you subscribe to the Asheville Mamas list. It is truly a heart wrenching situation and this family so deserves to have this gift. As I mentioned, I do have something special in store and I'll tell you more at the end of this entry, but first, I want to share the message I received to nominate the winning family.

"My dear friend, Jennifer, whose 3 1/2 year old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in mid-October. Jennifer is an incredible woman. She is a single mother of 2 girls, Savannah, age 8, and little Miss Shayla, age 3 1/2. Prior to the diagnosis, Jennifer was a head start teacher at Weaverville Elementary school. With Shayla's illness, she can no longer work as she is either at the hospital with her daughter while she undergoes chemo or at home, unable to venture into public very often as Shayla's immune system is so compromised by the treatments. Jennifer & Shayla will be traveling to Duke at the end of this month for surgery to see if they can remove the tumor. Shayla has kidney cancer and neuroblastoma, a less than 30% survival rate. As a mother, I can only imagine how horrifying all this is. They don't have much but they have wonderful friends who are helping in as many ways as possible with babysitting for her oldest daughter while Jenn is at the hospital with Shay, with fundraisers, and with love and support. Undoubtedly, it would be a wonderful gift to have some candid and professional photos taken of the family."

I can't imagine finding myself in this situation either. The struggles that Jennifer, her daughter, Shayla, and her daughter, Savannah, are facing are tremendous. There is a web site that follows Shayla's progress (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shayla1) and a fund established through Jubilee Community Church in Asheville to help the family with the many expenses.

When I spoke to Jennifer to let her know of the giveaway and my gift of $1000 in photography services and prints, she was so appreciative as I can tell she is of all the loving support she is receiving from her friends and community. I told her how hard of a decision this was, that many families were nominated and there are so many struggling this season. She asked if she could share her gift with them! Little did she know, I have already planned for that!!

In this process, I realized how blessed I am and how much I can give to others through my photography. I decided to honor each nominee with a mini session and a gift print. I will schedule a day for all the nominees to come for portraits as my gift to them. Thank you to everyone who emailed me with a nomination! I am honored to share with these people who all sound so wonderful.

I pray that you all are having the happiest of holidays and that you are blessed in the New Year!

last call for nominations

2008-12-24T20:09:00.002-05:00

Here it is, Christmas Eve, the last day for nominations for the Giving is Awesome holiday give away. I have just reviewed all the nominations and I'm glad I have a few more hours to decide...it's going to be tough. You can still enter someone if I receive your email by midnight tonight!!

I'm in Hilton Head, totally enjoying my vacation...wondering why we don't get away more often! And when I return, it will be pedal to the medal. I have shoots both Sat. and Sun. after returning Friday!

I also took over 500 shots of my own family today. Something I don't always make time to do. So I'll be sure to post some of those images in the next day or so.

AND stay tuned, I'll make the selection tomorrow and give the winner a call. If they are agreeable, I'll post their story here and their images once we have their session.

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

a few tricks up my sleeve

2008-12-18T12:30:00.003-05:00

This has been a great week. I can't even begin to recount the blessings here, but let me say that I am inspired by the outpouring of love, appreciation and empathy that I have seen as a result of the holiday giveaway that I'm doing. So inspired that you shouldn't be surprised if you see some special recognition and gifting for more than just the "grand prize" winner. I'll leave it at that for now...you'll just have to stay tuned for more details.

I have been busy, busy booking sessions and I'm booked out for the next month. So if you are planning to book a session, look ahead to mid January, and call or contact me via the web site www.sonyastone.com soon!

I am always surprised when someone says, "I was reading your blog today and ..." Oh, people are reading this?!? That's great! I don't bother with a traffic follower so I rely on the comments section to know that folks are following my blog. So when you stop by, please leave a comment!
And for those who were following my travel plans for the holidays, I am happy to say that we have made our Christmas beach trip happen! We'll be leaving for Hilton Head next week where today's high is 88 degrees!!!!! I am so excited! Now we just have to find someone to take on our sweet puppies while we're gone. Any takers?? : ) Maybe I should include some photos of them looking really cute and then ask!

word is spreading

2008-12-15T22:25:00.002-05:00

Good news travels fast! The nominations are coming in. This is so exciting!! I am already seeing that this is going to be a tough decision, but I'm up for the challenge. SO keep spreading the word. Thanks to the Ashvegas blog for publicizing my contest and for giving some props to local businesses. Check it out:

http://ashvegas.squarespace.com/journal/

Giving Is Awesome - Asheville Portrait Photographer

2008-12-15T00:15:00.004-05:00

While checking out some other fotog web sites tonight, I was really having a mixed experience. Some work was fabulous and makes you want to get out and try some new things. Other sites were getting on my nerves, not because of the photography work so much, but of the amount of popular music that is playing. Of course, there are a lot of great songs that are sure to tug at the heart strings, but really, the music is licensed to the artist (and the record company and everyone else who might have an interest in it). And it should not be playing unless the photographer has purchased rights to use the song. Now, some of the sites I looked at could very well have gone that route and be playing that music that is legally their's to play, but I can't believe that they all have. The rights to play a popular song don't come cheap, my friends.

And then, I stumbled onto this...www.givingisawesome.com and it softened my heart and made me appreciate all the web sites I meandered through to get to it. It is not going to save the world. But it just might make a big difference in someone's life, it might show them that blessings can come just when you need to believe that the world is a good place. It is my contribution to making someone's holiday a little brighter.

Here's the deal...

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and another great part? The person who nominates the winner also receives a $200 credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Western North Carolina. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : sonya@sonyastone.com.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Sonya

my soap box

2008-12-13T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, I don't know how it happens, but here I am again, checking in on my own blog to realize it's been 12 days since my last entry! At least, I am comforted that I am not the only one...

http://blogasheville.blogspot.com/2008/12/bloggui-epidemic-ravages-asheville.html

I'm sitting here avoiding cleaning my house by contemplating the 1000 other things I have on my list. Really wanting to just get my camera out and take some shots of our cute new puppy, Bitsy. More on her another day though. Today I don't have any photos I want to share. Today, I'm going to take some liberty with my "other inspirations" my blog title includes.

I was in Raleigh yesterday meeting with the leadership team of NC Friends of Midwives. We are working on improving access to midwifery care through the legalization and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives. For those who don't know me well, I have had home births with both of my children and I'm planning another now with my third. (I bet you almost forgot I was pregnant, huh? Yeah, another thing I gotta blog more about!)

There isn't much outside the love of my own family that I care this much about! I feel passionately that a woman should be supported to learn about options for birth and free to make whatever choices she feels is right for her family. The idea that the only birth attendant who is required to have home birth experience is illegal to attend home births in NC is insane to me. Home birth is a safe option and is legal in NC. The state's limitations on who a woman can hire as her care provider make it almost impossible to find a legal home birth attendant.

We will introduce legislation in a few months seeking to license non-nurse midwives who have attained the Certified Professional Midwife credential. This is about women having a right to make informed choices about the type of care they receive, the environment in which they labor and give birth, and the care and experience their babies will have. It is an issue that reaches beyond the women who choose to birth at home and includes any woman who feels her rights to educate herself and make her own choices about her health care and her child's care are important.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association have placed on their agendas making home birth illegal and the only option available to birthing women a hospital or birth center. More can be found here:
http://www.thebigpushformidwives.org/pdf-bin/news.061608.pdf
The medical establishment has drawn a line in the sand making it clear that they will disregard women's rights in the interest of pursing their own agendas.

So I will continue to give my time and energy to promoting informed birth choices and to respecting the personal decisions of where and with whom families choose to have their babies. If you want to learn more, you can check out www.ncfom.org, www.nchomebirth.com or locally Asheville Area Birth Network, www.ashevillebirthnetwork.com. You can also voice your concerns to NC Legislators by going to www.ncleg.net and finding your elected officials.

Liberate Labor, Mandate Midwives!

It's the Holiday Season...

2008-12-01T11:16:00.007-05:00

I just read Asheville's own Edgy Mama's blog and she posted this article from the NY Times. I will happily claim the label as a "slow blogger." What, never heard that term? Me either until today, but I am embracing it! Think "slow food" and all other aspects of taking things at a mindful pace rather than a hurried pace aiming for convenience. I really do strive to publish things that will be interesting and fun for you to check out. That may mean that the inspiration (and edited photos) come a little slower than a Tweeter thread, but hopefully, the content will make it worth the wait.

Here's a fun family I shot a couple weeks ago. We had one location in mind and it fell through at literally the last minute. So we made it work, but let me just say, this is the FIRST time I have ever longed for studio lights. Maybe Santa will bring me some! : ) Hopefully, he doesn't ask how many times I will use them, because I still love me some natural light and would only use them in desperation.

I wish I had one of these of my husband and me...where she looks great and happy and he looks adoringly at her. I love it!
And you may have already noticed this about me, but I am somewhat obsessed with blue eyes. I think they are marvelous, probably because mine are brown. Or maybe everyone thinks light, sparkling eyes are beautiful...I mean, look at this! Now, please do not share this with my own children who are blessed with the same brown eyes I have...damn the gene dominance! My husband has fabulous blue eyes, along with every other member of his family, except his children. Ok, back to the photos...

And I think this last one just might be my favorite. All she needs is a little elf hat! : ) And seriously, who's husband looks at them this adoringly multiple times during a photo shoot, with no coaching!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T13:32:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We have been so blessed this year. We celebrate many things this time of year...my oldest's birthday, my wedding anniversary, and this year the one year anniversary of my photography business! And in honor of this milestone, I am offering an amazing holiday package deal. Sitting fees are only $25 (normally $115) for the month of December! And I have customized print packages for gifts, scrapbooking or cards at greatly reduced costs. Consider a portrait session to capture this magical time of year and to give one-of-a-kind gifts to family and friends. And what better way to shop local in Asheville! Visit my web site, www.sonyastone.com and use the contact page to get more information.

Autumn colors

2008-11-14T12:54:00.002-05:00

happy Friday!! I don't know what it is, but Fridays are my favorite days! It's not like I work a M-F, 9-5 job. I think it is because it is the perfect combination of a morning of school for my kids and my husband has the day off. So I get to work in the morning and we get to have family time in the afternoon. And as my work time comes to a close, I wanted to share a few shots of Abby. I'm enjoying the last of the Autumn colors before all the leaves fall!

This is my favorite...super silly, I love it!

jam packed Halloween

2008-11-02T21:29:00.007-05:00

We had a fabulous Halloween this year. We started with a super fun party at our co-op school, Grow with Me. What? A ton of cute kids dressed up in costumes for me to photograph!? Yes, that spells fun for me. All except for the meltdown my own child had in the middle of everything, but let's get back to the part that was fun!

I know the kids in the classes are 3-12, but who can resist the baby photography? the "big" kids could not leave this little guy alone! He's just too cute.
And to top it off, we had entertainment in each of the rooms and as the kids went down the hall, they heard a story or song and a riddle. Answering it correctly won them a puzzle piece and when they reached the end, put their puzzle together, and handed it over to our good witch...they each won a treat bag. So here are a few of the characters we lined up to add some flair to the event!

And a mother's blog post on Halloween would not be complete without showing off her own kids' costumes. Here are my rodeo girls at their school party.
"Go ahead, make my day."
But as seems to be the pattern, the costume we start the day with is not always the costume we finish the day with! Savannah decided on being a witch at the last minute for the trick or treating finale. And my husband, well, I guess when you play a doctor in real life, sometimes it's fun to dress up as a patient.

holy October snow, Batman!

2008-11-01T23:34:00.005-04:00

This may be old news for the Asheville locals, but only a few days ago, we had our first snow of the season...on Oct. 28!!!!!! To say I was not prepared for this is an understatement. I am a Southern girl, for sure. Asheville is as far North as I have ever lived!

I took these photos at about 10 AM and look how much snow was still around! Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 69 degrees. Talk about crazy! But what a fun opportunity for some of my own family portraits. My kids were so excited to get out and play in (aka eat) the snow, and obviously, our dog, Baker, was quite excited too. But it didn't last long as you can see, they didn't really dress for the weather!

This is Savannah tossing a snow ball to Baker. He thought this was a great game!
Our Jack-o-snows! As you can see in the background, I hadn't even brought my plants in off our porch. It was a sad, sad end to the lives of two peace lilies and one fern.

Holiday planning

2008-10-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

So as I sit waiting the eternity for my photos to download from card to hard drive, I thought I would catch up on my blog. I feel lots of excitement building in our family. At 13 weeks pregnant, I'm starting to show (um-uh, well, it's more like I'm starting to look pregnant and not just like I'm putting away too much ice cream...though I am actually doing both!). And I am so excited because I have a closet full of beautiful maternity clothes. So many actually, I may get to wear something new everyday from now until May 1! And luckily, I have lots that will be for warm weather so I'll have an excuse to keep wearing the maternity clothes after the baby is born. And the excuse will be I have to get a few wears of this cute summer maternity outfit in instead of, "I'm still way bigger than my regular clothes." A fact I have already accepted, but doesn't the cute clothes bit sound way better!??

The other excitement is that we are entering into the Holiday and Birthday quarter of the year. We have Halloween coming up...the girls are going to be cow girls...with matching outfits. OMG! They are soooo cute (special props to my friend Lisa who made the costumes, because while I am many things, a great seamstress is not one of them!)!

Then we will celebrate Savannah's 6th birthday!! We were party planning fools this weekend. She's having a harvest party and it is going to be so much fun.
Next is Thanksgiving and my wedding anniversary...on the same day!!!!!!!!! I haven't even begun to think about how to work that out. We're thinking of traveling to Mississippi to visit my family for Thanksgiving, but the thought of 20 hours in the van over the span of 4 days just may be too much.

Of course, next will be Christmas and we're planning a trip to sunny Florida!! Everyday my kids and I plan, let's get ready for the beach! And we talk about all the fun we're going to have there and all the things we need to pack. Hopefully, this game doesn't get boring over the next 2 months!

Then New Years and Sacred's birthday, which I'll start thinking about a little later. My brain can only take so much right now!

In between all our planning and partying, I will be taking clients for Holiday Sessions! It's not only our holiday season I realize!!! So I will be offering a really great holiday package for those who wish to have their portraits for gifts or for holiday cards. We can customize your session to include the whole family, the kids, the pets, whatever and whoever you wish to send greetings to your family and friends. And I personally think the perfect gift is a beautiful portrait!! Something that is a keepsake not a space taker or something someone already has or can't use! I admit, I may be biased, but really, you know I'm right!

So contact me today to book your holiday session...to guarantee prints in time for shipping, please schedule early! You can complete the contact form on my web site, www.sonyastone.com,
to secure your session.

List Of The Day: Great Olan Mills photos

2008-10-24T18:05:00.000-04:00

I found this by chance today and wanted to share. It was my laugh for the day. Wow, we've come a long way baby!! I have my own collection of ridiculous studio portraits from my childhood. I'll see what I can stir up and post for your continued amusement.
Until then, enjoy...

List Of The Day: Great Olan Mills photos

baby Canyon

2008-10-23T12:41:00.005-04:00

I love babies (yeah, no kidding, really, 3 children starts to teeter on the edge of insanity in most people's books). But how can you not...I mean look at this face! And I was not lying about the eyes, right?

And at 5 months, I'm pretty sure this is the last time we'll be able to fit this little guy into the tea cup!

covering the bases

2008-10-20T14:44:00.005-04:00

Ok, I realize that Oct. is 3/4 over and this is only my 4th post. I am lost in the world of a thousand photos! Really, maybe 2 thousand! But I have to tell you, I have some from a shoot this week of a baby with possibly the most beautiful eyes on the planet. I AM NOT kidding! So stay tuned for a post in the next day or two to get a glimpse and you can cast your vote.

Meanwhile, I am hanging out at Growing Young Cafe while my kiddlets have a Spanish playgroup. Those of you who know me are probably saying, "what? I thought the kids are taking German classes!" Yes, they are. How many language classes are too many? I don't know. I just know that I'm going to need a translator when we are traveling the world and my kids brains are much more pliable than mine...especially since contracting pregnancy brain.

And for those of you who have not had children, pregnancy brain strikes early and viciously draining you of most short term memory, of your ability to rationally balance emotional impulses, and in my case, of taking in any new information.

The good news, is I have not forgotten how to take photos or write so as long as I can remember to #1 take the photos, #2 download and edit the photos, & #3 post them to my blog...you should get to see some soon. Oh, and as long as I don't have an emotional breakdown some where along the way!

The apples are in!

2008-10-18T22:05:00.002-04:00

Apples, Apples, Apples! Autumn is in full swing and so are the WNC apple orchards. We recently visited Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock. We took both the pre-K and Kindergarten classes from our learning co-op, Grow with Me. What fun! It was super foggy, which was a different experience than the typical beautiful mountain views at Sky Top, but it created a really neat atmosphere. Here are some friends on the ride around the orchard.

getting down to business...picking apples!

Visiting with the animals...and the highlight of the trip, wagon rides down the hill! I am pretty sure that the sign specifically says this is a "no, no." But what can I say, my hubby was leading the pack.

flowers wild

2008-10-06T10:08:00.003-04:00

There is such a sweet innocence about milling about picking wildflowers. I think my girls could do it all day long. It seems like I am always trying to hold on to summer just a little longer. It is definitely my favorite season. So we are out, admiring (& usually, picking) every last wildflower before they die off.