Snuggling Babe: Asheville Newborn Photographer, Sonya Stone

There is nothing like working with babies. They are magical and beautiful. Sweet baby A certainly fit the bill. She was so easy to work with and had some of the best baby hair I have ever seen!

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:

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

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

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

Breaking...almost: Asheville Photographer, Sonya Stone

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

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

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

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

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.