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

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

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

The Best Gifts: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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

Baby on the Move: Asheville Child Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

The Right Stuff: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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

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

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









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

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

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

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

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

Days Go By: Asheville Family Photographer: Sonya Stone

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







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

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!

Blessed Be: Asheville Maternity Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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!

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

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. ;)