Riggins Trio {Mini Session}

 This crew was so fun! 5 difference between each child, which I thought so was cool (and genius if you ask me! lol) All three very fun ages. First up we have the "stud muffin." He's the oldest and knows how to rock a serious pose if need be!

 

Next up is precious lil baby girl. The sweet middle child and cute as can be! Her smile was to die for and her personality was hilarious!

Last but certainly not least is this handsome little  ONE year old. He was so content and just plain happy! And did I mention handsome? :)

 

 

 And of course we had to show what this group is REALLY capable of :)

 

There you have it! THE RIGGINS! 

Next Up: 6 Day Old Baby BOY :)

- Sandy

Meet Miss Emma

 This little darlin' is my first wee client that I captured her through my Watch Me Grow package I offer. This family is awesome all within itself, but this little one just simple completes them. She has such personality, all the way up to her crinkled nose!

 

See what I mean? I mean...seriously.

For me, Watch Me Grow sessions, especially the 1 year sessions, are so bittersweet. I have the opportunity to capture these sweetie pies throughout their first year and when that last session comes...it's sad! 1. they are already a year old. And 2. I get to know the families so well, they seem like family themselves! 

 

I will leave you all with a picture of Miss Emma next to her handsome brother, whom I captured back in 2010 at HIS first year session.  Whatcha think....can you see similarities? :)

- Sandy

Scraper {Family Mini Session}

Let's see how this goes! I'm really wanting to keep up my blog because it's a good way for those that do not have facebook to continue to follow my work, but with life getting busier and busier, sometimes it doesn't get on the top priority list...but I do want you all to be able to cherish these moments that I cherish myself. So starting today, after I finish a session, I hope to do a blog on them. For those of you that I did sessions for this year and didn't get a session, apologies, but hopefully our next one you'll get a lil spotlight for your beautiful fam! So with all that said....

Meet the Scraper Family. I have had the opportunity to capture this family four times within the past year and I ALWAYS anticipate their sessions. And when I know dad is coming along, I smile even more. This poor fella, he's worked all night and then drove from Oakland City just to get told to "say cheese!" :) His reactions are hilarious and mom's reaction to his behavior is even better.

 

And then there are their girls. The parents awesomeness is enough, but then you throw their girls in the mix...it's perfection.

 To be able to see their growth every new session that's completed, it simply amazes me. For instance, bit sis here has went from shy, not wanting to look at the camera (or the crazy chic behind the camera? LOL) from....well...this.

 And then lil sis is simply adorable. She honestly reminds me of myself when I was that age. She would do things and crack up at herself and then big sis would get this "I'm trying to smile because a camera is in my face, but this chic is pushin' my buttons!" LOL! But it would created the CUTEST pictures! Their relationship is so stinkin' cute it's unreal.

I cherish this family and I can't wait to capture them all over again! Thank you Scraper Family!

- Sandy

2011 = Sucessful Year!

 As I reflect over my first year as a business, I am absolutely blessed by the people that I've met, the things that I've learned and the growth I have made as a business owner myself. There are honestly times I just sit back in awe and am just amazed at the encouragement I've recieved along the way. And within that same moment, sitting and cracking up at some of the moments that have went on as well!

I have to say the most hilarious moment I've experienced this year was during a newborn session of a sweet baby boy and we have the best set up. Mommy and daddy are in attendance and we are wanting to capture this itty bitty baby with daddy's big arms. Perfect. So we lay daddy down on the ground and have him put his arms straight in front of him and mommy would put the baby in his hands and I would snap the picture. Well....if only it were that easy. :)  Mommy does as requested, baby (nakie mind you) gets upset and THERE GOES THE RAINBOW! Not having a boy, it's completely different than a girl let me tell ya! So we get daddy and baby cleaned up (and dry)....take 2. Daddy is in position, gave himself a pep talk, baby gets placed in his hands and then....oh crap, oh crap, OH CRAP! Literally! Daddy's only response he could give, while baby is above him rather relaxed at this point (lol) is "Help me! Help me! HELP ME!" And usually I'm on it, baby out of the hands, whatever needs to happen, but this day...whew. Mommy was bawling, I was bawling, we were absolutely helpless! Without an absolute doubt, I will NEVER forget that moment and I can PROMISE you daddy won't either! LOL! I even got the finished product mounted because of the memory that was created and not to mention the finished product was flippin' amazing! So worth it! Right dad? ;) lol!

This year I had around 20 newborn sessions and I absolutely loved every single one of them. To be able to see new parents and although they are sleep deprived and adjusting to this new experience, the love and compassion I would see in their eyes was amazing. They would get peed on, pooped on, spit up on, cried at and within two minutes that child give us this sweet, sweet grin (yes, most likely due to gas but we'll take it!) and the parents beaming with pride, it is just every day confirmation for myself that we should never take those little moments for granted because one day they will be smiling because they ARE passing gas and looking for a high five for how loud it was!

Along with those little moments we should never take for granted, I had several sessions that pulled at my heart strings as well. I'm not even sure on where to begin with them because there were so many. What I truly love about being a photographer is that each and every single client had a story to tell. It was just up to me to help tell that story. Their story. This year I was honored to capture more than a few clients that had precious little ones that had death knocking on their doorstep. But those little human beings showed not only themselves, but us "big people" just how strong one person truly can be when we are determined enough. And to not just roll over and give in when something doesn't go our way. And listening to the families stories, I would just sit back and watch these little people play, smile, and love on their family, it truly gave me hope. Hope that even if life throws crummy situations your way, you truly can get through it. And not only get through it, but conquer it and live to tell about it, with a smile on your face! I have some strong clients that's for darn sure!

And then I have these little clients (and big people clients, let's not lie) that are just plain camera shy. These are the ones I particularly enjoy because I'm able to see them blossom right before my eyes. From the chin in his/her shoulder look to giggle a few times because who knows what mommy and daddy are doing behind me to get the kiddo to smile. To chasing and dancing and showing off their beautiful smile! I just love it!

And speaking of parents doing silly things to get their little ones to smile, one of my more recent family/sibling sessions, I'm just snapping away, the three brothers (if you want any sort of an idea, that should do it :)) and after getting several good shots, I just happen to turn around and look to see what mom is doing and she is turned around, booty back and shaking it side to side while doing a dance that I'm sure will embarrass the tar outta these boys in a few years LOL! I DIED! The things we do for our kids and boy it worked! LOL!

This year I was asked to participate in the Daviess County Wine and Cheese Festival and a few months later particpate in the local Fall Vendor Fest and they were both such neat experiences. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but in the meantime I was able to get to know some really great vendors. And one of the neatest experiences was having complete strangers come up to my booth and mention that they've seen my work on facebook and love looking at it. What a compliment! This county is full of kind, thoughtful people and I'm glad to have had the chance to meet a lot of them.

So, as far as 2011 goes, I would definately mark it up there as a successful first year in business! Several sessions with repeat clients and a lot of newbies as well! And it doesn't look like that's going to change for this coming year either! Already have several new clients lined up along with my beautiful, faithful clients. I couldn't do it without the continued support from you all, so thank you so much! Your support means more than you know! Yes yours ;)  I have a few exciting changes going to go on in 2012 and I can't wait to let everyone know!  So.....farewell 2011, you've been a great year. Let's see what 2012 has in store!

New Winners Announced!

The winners had until Saturday at noon to confirm their winnings and it's now 4:30 :) So there will be three new lucky winners coming your way! And the winners are.....selected randomly by random.org...

Vintage Charm Boutique | $15 Hat of Your Choice

FACEBOOK 

WINNER: #34 -Kendra Stoll

Kari Reed - Scentsy | Plug-In Warmer

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #10 - Tracey Emmons

Crochet At Home Mommies | Teddy Bear Hat

FACEBOOK

WINNER: #1 - Kelly Miller

Heidi Graber - Tastefully Simple | Sample Package of a ton of goodies

FACEBOOK 

WINNER: #84 - Jamie Knepp

So there you have it! If your name is stated above as a winner, email me at sandy@sandyclarkephotography.com to confirm your winnings and I will let you know how to go about getting your goodies!  Thanks again for participating!


Thanks again for all of your support!
- Sandy

Giving Thanks GIVEaway WINNERS!

The time is finally here!  It's time to announce the winners of the Giving Thanks GIVEaway!

A special thanks to ALL of the vendors who jumped in on all the fun to help celebrate....YOU! They are all great, great people and I can't wait to work with them again....not to mention buy a few things myself for my business and also for Christmas gifts! Too many goodies to pass up! You all have some amazing things to offer and I've been so impressed by each and every one of you!

I would also like to thank each and every one of you for participating in this giveaway. My hope for you is that you were able to connect with some awesome vendors and find some goodies for yourself or for someone that you love.

Before I even started this giveaway, I remember thinking "how awesome would it be if I received 125 entries for this giveaway?" And I can PROUDLY say there were 133 ENTRIES! Just blows my mind!  So yes, THANK YOU....from me :) I've been blessed with several fans (old and new) and I appreciate the continued support you guys give me on a daily basis.

So let's get to it, shall we?

THE WINNERS!

Winners were selected via random.org, out of 133 entries that were entered. Winners will have 72 HOURS to contact me about winning and if at the end of the 72 hours I have not been contacted, that donated item from the giveaway will once again be up for grabs! So even if you don't see your name, you MIGHT still have a chance ;)

HERE WE GO!

Kris Kreations | $15 Gift Certificate

FACEBOOK

WINNER: #19 - Jennifer Ellis

Kiwi and Kiki | $15 Gift Certificate

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #28 - Emily Andrews

HappyCrawlers | Two Pair of Happy Crawlers (winners choice)

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #3 - Brittany Dant

Vintage Charm Boutique | $15 Hat of Your Choice

FACEBOOK 

WINNER: #16 - Jennifer Miley

Cherry Blossom Sweets | One Dozen Call Balls

FACEBOOK 

 WINNER: #67 - Tiffany Davis

Pixiekid Toys | $20 Gift Certificate

FACEBOOK | SHOP

 WINNER: #129 - Heather Hartlen

BriAnn Claire's Bowtique | Customized Tee

FACEBOOK | SHOP 

WINNER: #36 Sarah Swartzentruber

The Pig & Fiddle Emporium | $25 Gift Certificate

FACEBOOK

Winner: #63 - Jan Swartz

Stellar Stitches | Newborn Apple Hat

FACEBOOK  

Winner: #91 - Jessica Rowe

Kari Reed - Scentsy | Plug-In Warmer

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #114 - Johannah Steffens

Crochet At Home Mommies | Teddy Bear Hat

FACEBOOK

WINNER: #27 - Renee Huff

Stuff So Simple | Double Sided Banner

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #52 - Ashley Purcell

Sweetie Cakes Home Bakery | One Dozen Strawberry Lemonade or Dreamsicle Cupcakes

FACEBOOK

WINNER: #44 - Virginia Pinnick

Crazy Socks Crochet Shop | Stella Hat

FACEBOOK | SHOP

WINNER: #77 - Star Riker

Heidi Graber - Tastefully Simple | Sample Package of a ton of goodies

FACEBOOK 

WINNER: #22 - Lora Holtsclaw

Sandy Clarke Photography | Free Package

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

WINNER: #82 - Leann Nalin

Again the winners have until  Saturday at noon to claim their winnings by emailing me at sandy@sandyclarkephotography.com letting me know you won and I will hook you up with the appropriate vendor. If you haven't responded by Saturday at noon, a new winner will be announced.

And as a SPECIAL thank you, I am offering $25 off EVERYONE who participated in the Giveaway, to go towards a 2012 session. To claim this, email me at sandy@sandyclarkephotography.com and let's set up that session so it's set in stone and on the calendar!

So......EVERYONE WON SOMETHING! :) Simply because I care about you :)

Congrats to all of the winners and again THANK YOU for everyone who participated and also for all of  those awesome vendors!!

So while you're thinking about it....go thank someone for being in YOUR life ;)

- Sandy

Giving Thanks GIVEaway!

These past two years have been nothing less than amazing. It’s been a whirlwind and one of the most amazing rides of my life (aside from being a mom!). I feel so blessed to be doing something that I am passionate about and being able to give back at the same time. Truly blessed.

Today this photographer turns 31 years young! And I've definately realized just what support truly means, even if it's coming from a complete stranger. The emails I've received, messages, comments, it's just overwhelming at times, the love I feel from you all. So this birthday, I'd love to celebrate YOU! Yes YOU!

Without you all, who knows how this journey in my life would have became. And now....there's no going back ;) 2300+ fans later, I believe this deserves a celebration! Over $350 in prizes to giveaway to you, our fans! You guys are the BEST!

So are you ready?! LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Several Winners - One Winner Per Vendor!!!
16 LUCKY WINNERS ARE GOING TO RECEIVE SOME FANTASTIC GOODIES!!!

Kris Kreations | $15 Gift Certificate
FACEBOOK

Kiwi and Kiki | $15 Gift Certificate
FACEBOOK | SHOP

HappyCrawlers | Two Pair of Happy Crawlers (winners choice)

FACEBOOK | SHOP

 Vintage Charm Boutique | $15 Hat of Your Choice
FACEBOOK

Cherry Blossom Sweets | One Dozen Call Balls
FACEBOOK

Pixiekid Toys | $20 Gift Certificate
FACEBOOK | SHOP

 BriAnn Claire's Bowtique | Customized Tee
FACEBOOK | SHOP

The Pig & Fiddle Emporium | $25 Gift Certificate
FACEBOOK

Stellar Stitches | Newborn Apple Hat
FACEBOOK 

Kari Reed - Scentsy | Plug-In Warmer
FACEBOOK | SHOP

Stuff So Simple | Double Sided Banner
FACEBOOK | SHOP

Sweetie Cakes Home Bakery | One Dozen Strawberry Lemonade or Dreamsicle Cupcakes
FACEBOOK

Crazy Socks Crochet Shop | Stella Hat
FACEBOOK | SHOP

Heidi Graber - Tastefully Simple | Sample Package of a ton of goodies
FACEBOOK

Crochet At Home Mommies | Teddy Bear Hat
FACEBOOK

**BONUS GIVEAWAY**
Local Entries Only
Sandy Clarke Photography | Free Package
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

The GIVING THANKS GIVEaway starts November 1st and will end on November 14th at midnight. The winners will be selected by random number generator and announced here on the blog on November 16th . The winners will have 48 hours to claim their winnings or another winner will be selected.

OKAY, time for the rules and restrictions my friends. We have a lot of generous vendors participating so let’s show them some love.

Please leave ONE COMMENT ENTRY below this blog post stating your name and that you completed STEPS ONE THROUGH THREE (see below). That ONE COMMENT ENTRY will serve as your giveaway entry. Here’s what you need to do to enter:

1. Visit all 16 Vendors above and like their page (if you don’t already).  You can do so by clicking on each vendors FACEBOOK link. Leave some love on your fave vendors’ walls, I know they would love it.

2. Tell me within that same comment what you are most thankful for this year.

3. Make this your status on your profile page: “Go check out @Sandy Clarke Photography at www.sandyclarkephotography.blogspot.com to enter to win her GIVING THANKS GIVEaway!”. Be sure to use the @ symbol to tag my page.

FOR ONE EXTRA BONUS ENTRY…

BONUS ENTRIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER.

1. Share a link to this blog post on your favorite Forum. Then come back and leave a comment with the link on to which I can check it out for myself.

You have TWO CHANCES to win! And if you receive my newsletter, you have another chance as well ;) Good Luck! THANKS AGAIN to all of my wonderful supporters and vendors for helping me...us celebrate!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Participants are providing information to Sandy Clarke Photography and not to Facebook.