Getting Away: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!