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!!

Home for the Holidays: Asheville Family Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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...

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!

baby power: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

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!