See You Later Alligator

So, that's it for a bit. I'm off for some gentle R & R for a couple of weeks. A welcome break after a busy summer and an opportunity to refuel my batteries for what looks to be a busy pre-Christmas season.

Pre-Christmas sessions take place in September, October and November only to ensure delivery of all artwork before the big day. September is now fully booked and I will be taking bookings for the rest of the year upon my return on the 4th September.

Spaces are limited and are likely to fill up quite quickly (if the summer is anything to go by!) so if you are thinking about booking a session for gifts for family (or even a gift to yourself!) then please drop me a line to register your interest. I will give you a call as soon as I return for an informal chat. Just click on the link below or email me directly on sarah@sarahjthomas.com.

Please, please, please don't leave it to the last minute. I totally hate having to say no to people because I'm fully booked. It happens EVERY year and it breaks my heart!

See you in a couple of weeks when I totally plan on boring everyone to tears with my holiday pictures. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Cardiff Family Photography { When words just aren't enough }

It’s not long now ... April the 3rd to be precise – put it in the diary if you haven’t already. Mothers Day. One of those Hallmark moments created solely to benefit retail outlets everywhere or is this one just a little bit special?

As a mum myself I would have to say that it’s the latter. It wasn’t until I had my own children that I realised that perhaps, just perhaps that I could have made a bit more of an effort to show my mum how special she really is.

Being a mum is hard (honest dad’s it really is). You work, cook, clean, play dressing up, sing songs (even if you don’t sound like Adele - I like to think I do), cheer them up when they are feeling down – even when you don’t want to do anything else than have a cuppa and a big bar of chocolate in peace. Then, time flies by and before you know it they get bigger and it’s a whole different kettle of fish. Emotions run high and we end up being both mediators and agony aunts. Why do we do it? Why do we put in that extra effort? It’s because they are a little bit of us and we love them – unconditionally.

So, does a bunch of daffs, a card and even lunch (if she’s lucky) say enough? Does it really show how much you appreciate what she’s done for you and continues to do?

I spend loads of my "mummy time" playgroups and waiting at the nursery gates on the school run. I chat to mums and overhear other people’s conversations. The topic? Their children. I used to think that there must be other things to talk about but there is no shame is saying that our kids are our lives. We’re proud, why not tell the world?
So this Mothers Day, whether for your wife, mother or grandmother, take a moment to think about what she would really treasure. Beautiful portraits of the one’s she loves is a truly unique way to say thank you for all of those little things that have made such a big difference to you and your family.

Gift Vouchers are available in any amount and come beautifully presented. To purchase a voucher just click here or give me a call on 07852 255 766. If you live in Penarth, or the surrounding areas I can hand-deliver your gift voucher to you up until Saturday 2nd April. For all other areas, be sure to place your order before Tuesday 29th March to ensure deliver in time for the big day.

So when words just aren't enough, surprise her with something more than a little bit special.

Meet Bob ...

Some of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Bob before ... although he's a little nervous around grown ups. They're just SO big!

You see, Bob lives inside my camera. He likes it in there ... it's warm, he meets tons of people and he gets to see some really good stuff. Want to see him? Well he only comes out for good girls & boys. If you are very patient and have a good look inside, you just might see him ... you have too look hard though. He especially loves it if you give him a nice smile.

We're firm friends, Bob and I. He comes to all of my sessions and keeps me company whilst I'm traveling around South Wales. I would be lost with out him :)

If you would like to meet Bob then just give me a call on 07852 255 766. I usually tag along with him though as he can't carry the camera on his own ... it's a bit heavy.

I Love Bread & Jam { Part One }

Creativity and business … they should go hand in had but rarely do. In any business it is very easy to get stuck in a routine of offering the same service or product because, after all that’s what your customers want, right? It’s safe. That’s what sells.

This way of thinking has not sat well with me of late. Is it right to accept that all customers don't want anything different? Just a few years ago it was the norm that all you could expect from a children’s photo session was a white backdrop in a high street studio. Fashions and tastes changed and many photographers (including myself) started to offer a more natural approach. For me as the owner of a small creative business it is important not to stand still; I want to offer my customers variety. Something new. A choice. Don’t get me wrong – I love nothing more than the simplicity of getting out there with just a bunch of kids and my camera, capturing the natural character and simple joy of childhood. I’m good at it (nothing wrong about blowing your own trumpet now and again!) and the feedback from my customers is nothing other than positive. I do, however aim to constantly stay fresh in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market.

This was the motivation for my latest project - to produce images that were a little different from the norm. I wanted to be really challenged. My inspiration was fashion; you know the kinds of images you might see in Junior Magazine or in boutique stores. I wanted to use my creative skills and my many years of experience of working with children to try something just a little different – but I couldn’t do this alone.

That’s when I found these FANTASTIC dresses from I Love Bread & Jam. They were different, like my idea. Using the most unique fabric designs, they offer an innocent quirkiness whilst retaining the wholesome goodness of childhood – totally perfect! Luckily the wonderful ladies at Bread & Jam were on my wavelength and loved my portfolio. A little bit of email tennis and behold – a bundle of ten beautiful dresses landed on my doorstep!

I have been so lucky to forge a relationship with a wonderful stylist, Lorna Sylvester Walton. She has the most amazing creative eye and just gets me (this is rare!). She’s the kind of person who puts things together that shouldn’t work but do, sickening hey? Just check out her tree and you’ll understand – pure genius.

This is the first of two posts with images from session one as there are so many to choose from. The girls were all so great!

Lorna and I will be working together on this project of 3 shoots in total; all with very different styling and over all feel. We also hope to work together in the future to offer styling on customer sessions but that’s a whole other blog post – watch this space!

A big thank you to Bread & Jam, Lorna, all of the girls, the mums and dads and The Art Department in Penarth for providing a great location for shoot one.

Thank you for indulging me in this post and I apologise for the wordiness. I really hope you like the results. I’d love to hear from you so please feel free to leave your comments and feedback below – it means a lot to me.

Sarah J. Thomas Photography on Facebook.

I Love Bread and Jam on Facebook.

Bring on the Trumpets

It's taken me a while but I'm a bit of a perfectionist really. I've wanted to refresh my website for a while now; there was nothing wrong with the old one really, in fact I often get so much positive feedback on the way it looks and it's simplicity.

But one thing really began to bug me. I'm an Apple user, in fact a little bit of a self-confessed addict. I have an iPhone, I have an iPad (for work purposes only you must understand) and I was not able to view my website on either device. Flash + Apple is not a winning combination!! So I set about trying to solve this problem, I simply didn't want potential viewers to hit a brick wall when they tried to view my site.

Finally ... ta da (bring on the trumpets!)! Here it is in all it's glory.

Those who have seen the website already have said that it's so "me". This pleased me as that was exactly what I wanted; a site which reflected my style and my work. I wanted clean, simple, easy to use and a site which was all about the images.

The feature that I love us the Kind Words page. It acts like a guestbook where viewers can leave testimonials or comments about my work - pop over and try it out!

But best of all I LOVE the fact that it can be viewed on all devices, trust me I've checked and shed a few tears over this one.

There's even a cool iPhone version so you can even check out the website on the move and clients can even view images from their sessions too.

So just pick the viewing platform you want from the main splash page and off you go. To be honest the Flash (or desktop) site is still the funkiest with the slick slideshows but, finally I feel that I have it just exactly how I want it.

So, if you've got a couple of minutes why not have a look. I'd love to know what you think.

Now For Something Completely Different

As a photographer, (well in any profession or even your personal life) I think it is crucial to take yourself out of your comfort zone every once in a while. It keeps you on your toes and forces you into difficult or often uncomfortable situations which you are forced to face and overcome. That pretty much sums up my weekend.

When the very talented Jo Rutherford contacted me to let me know that she was going to organise a girls weekend in Southport which would consist of cake, wine, models and photography, well I just couldn't say no - all of my very favourite things. The weekend was focused on people who are either starting out in photography or perhaps are looking to develop to the next stage in their business. I was very flattered to be asked to present to the group, telling them a little more about how I do things and hopefully sparking a few new ideas.

The best thing about this event for me was that there was no pressure. Often on photographic training courses it can take a very techie route. It can often be very competitive and all about who's got the best camera and most expensive kit. It was refreshing to be in an environment which was all about sharing and trying new things out - just being creative and developing confidence in photography.

I can not be grateful enough to everyone who attended for making this simply a fun weekend. For me, taking pictures of, not just grown ups but professional models was such a departure from my usual work. Pushing myself to try something totally different has taught me so much and I am delighted with the resulting images.










Finally, the gang. Thanks to you all and the wonderful models, make-up artists and hair stylists for making this a superb event.



If you like these images, why not pop over and join me on Facebook? See you there :)

Give a Little Something Back in 2011

So, what resolutions have you made this New Year? I hope everyone had a great time over the holiday season but if you are anything like me then this is the perfect time for some self-reflection - dusting out those closets and making a fresh start.

I had an email this morning from a great lady from Penarth who asked if I would be able to help her fundraise for her chosen charity by donating a raffle prize - happy to oblige, especially for such a good cause.

Rachel Dickens from Penarth is running the Virgin London Marathon this year, something I would love to be able to do but never have. After completing the Cardiff Half Marathon in October she has bitten the bullet and thrown herself, full throttle into this world famous event. Rachel running in aid of the UK charity, Shelter who do some amazing work with people who are homeless and suffering as a result of bad housing.

Rachel says, "More than 71,000 children in the UK woke up this Christmas in temporary accommodation, which I feel is unacceptable!

"I work for a community mental health team in Barry and see the first hand the difficulties faced by people in poor accommodation and it's sad to say that most are affected by some form of disability. "

I like to support local charities as much as I can but Rachel's story really hit home as I too have some experience of working with disadvantaged communities and know how hard it is to fundraise, especially in these hard times. I am proud to say that I have completed two treks in the last few years, one to Sri Lanka where we helped Tsunami victims rebuild their community and the other, an arduous trek through the Andes in Peru - raising almost £6,000 on the way.

So, the moral of my story? In this New Year, when you are making all those promises to yourself and looking for a 'new you', why not consider what you can do to give a little something back. Whether that is sponsoring someone, pushing themselves to raise money for a good cause or even challenging yourself to do something spectacular to help those in need.

You can support Rachel by visiting her Justgiving page or by emailing her directly on rachelwhite34@hotmail.com.

South Wales Family Photography { A Year in Pictures }

Well there we are - another year done and dusted. Last packages are in the post as I sit here keeping my fingers crossed that the couriers can get to my customers in time for the big day - curse you snow!!!

2010 has been a WONDERFUL year for Sarah J. Thomas Photography. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most fantastic families and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them. Not only have my customers made my job so rewarding and enjoyable but they continue to act as ambassadors, spreading the word amongst their friends. Thank you, it means so much to me.

I thought I would end the year with a quick slideshow of some of my favourite images from the past 12 months. It was a VERY hard task - trust me you could be watching a slideshow that rivals Gone With the Wind in length!! I hope you enjoy the show ...

I sincerely hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and I look forward to showing you more images in 2011.

Featured Interview

Many British Family Photographers look to the States for their inspiration, sad but true. I would have to place myself in that camp too as the popularity for lifestyle portraiture is much more prevalent in the States, resulting in better resources, products and advice shared freely between peers. Although I feel thankful to have developed a fantastic network of fellow UK photographers over the years, I was very pleased to stumble across the Photographers Boutique blog. Still relatively young but a idea and a much much needed platform for UK lifestyle photographers. Very pleased to be one of their featured interviewees - to read the full interview just click here.

Thanks to everyone from the Photographers Boutique and I look forward to all of your future inspiration.

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Casting Call { REAL people wanted for an exciting new project }

I have had an idea in my head for some time now, you know one of those ideas that just won't go away. Well I've decided to bite the bullet and launch my new (and very exciting) project in 2011. I do, however need your help.

I need models. Not models in the sense you think I mean (no super skinny waifs, do they really exist anyway) but I am looking for REAL people. You know, people like you and me.

I am ideally looking for people with a story. Maybe you have had a life changing experience, started a successful business, battled an illness, met the man of your dreams. The list is endless. The project will eventually be supporting Breast Cancer Awareness with a proportion of the session fee going to support their fantastic work. So, if you have battled breast cancer or know someone who has then I would especially like to hear from you.

Young, old, voluptuous or petite, it matters not. You maybe have a group of girlfriends who would enjoy a touch of pampering for an hour or so. You may even be a couple who are up for some original ideas.

All I will say is that this will not be your usual point, say cheese and shoot session - that's just not the way I work. I want to create images that show the real you, your real expressions and your personality. You need to be comfortable with a bit of creativity and happy to go with my (what may seem like odd) ideas. I will say now, for the record, "I HATE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN" so I will be gentle with you, promise.

So, what's in it for you? I will not charge you a bean, not one single one. I will post all of your edited images online after the session and you can pick your favourite 2 images to have as digital files. You must be happy for me to use the images in my portfolio and website (you will need to sign a model release form). All of the sessions will take place in South Wales so you must either live in the area or be happy to travel.

I am also looking for a make-up artist and hairdresser in South Wales who might be interested in assisting in this new project - if you know anyone then please send them my way.

If you would be interested in taking part or would just like a chat about my plans then please either give me a call on 07852 255 766 or drop me a line by clicking here. Please be sure to explain why you feel you would be perfect as a model for this project, perhaps telling me a little about your story. Closing date for applications is 31st December 2010.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cardiff Family Photography { Limited Gift Voucher Special Offer }

It's been a busy few months here at Sarah J. Thomas Photography and with sessions now fully booked for 2010, I thought I would offer out a very special limited opportunity - just perfect in time for Christmas.



I have 10 gift vouchers available for purchase. Each voucher is valued at £50 allowing the recipient an on location photo session and a FREE 10" x 8" print of their choice. The vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of issue giving plenty of time for scheduling in the perfect family portrait session in 2011*.

Vouchers are a great gift and truly unique; allowing the recipient a fun experience and the choice of some beautiful images they are sure to treasure forever.

To purchase a voucher simply click on the shopping cart below and your voucher will be sent out to you by Royal Mail recorded delivery within 3 - 4 working days. There are only 10 vouchers available so be sure to order early. To guarantee pre-Christmas delivery please be sure to place your order before 11th December 2010.

If you need any more information about the vouchers or any other services offered by Sarah J. Thomas Photography, please contact Sarah on 07852 255 766 or email: sarah@sarahjthomas.com.

••• Update December 12th 2010 ••• special offer gift vouchers are now sold out •••

*Session vouchers include travel within 25 miles of CF64 only. Other locations will be subject to additional charges to cover travel.

**Standard gift vouchers are also available in any denomination you choose. Standard vouchers do not include free 10" x 8" print offer.

My Little Star!

You may remember a while back I ran a contest to find a Little Star. The winner was picked by the public via Facebook and it was an amazing success. Over 800 votes in total, an astounding 207 of those were votes for one boy in particular - my little star of 2010!

After a few chats with Mum we arranged to meet half way between their home in Carmarthenshire and my home in Cardiff - Swansea seemed to be the perfect place.

I can honestly say that this little chap certainly is a star! He was so cool and calm for a 3 year old. We played hide and seek, a bit of footie, leaf throwing (all be it a bit soggy!) and finally over to the beach for some treasure hunting.

Mum and Dad were super organised with about a trillion outfit changes which was just as well as we all got a bit muddy round the edges. Congratulations little man for coming in first place - you certainly proved that you are a very worthy winner.

" No! THIS is how you do it!"




Big sister came along too for some moral support. I love shooting teens and she was absolutely amazing with the camera.





Thanks to all for a great morning session! Many more to come ...

South Wales Baby Photography { Prop-tastic }

Goodness, I've neglected this blog over the last week. It's been a busy old time what with the Facebook Contest, booking the diary up for Christmas, getting orders together and I've got the builders in revamping what will eventually be my lovely new office (ehh herm - playroom).

Spent the weekend over on home turf. I'm a Somerset girl at heart although luckily have lost my accent after 12 years in sunny Wales. I do however slip back into old habits if I spend too long over there and am sure I have a touch of the Wurzels sneaking back in - must deal with that pretty sharpish!!

Let's talk props - I love them and have to admit to being a little addicted to rummaging for vintage goodies to use in my sessions. So, when I had the chance to do some early morning scavenging at a quaint little antiques centre in Chedder, I just couldn't resist - credit card? Check. Space in the boot of my car? Check. Look what I found ...



A 1950's toy pram - isn't it lovely?? It needs a bit of a tidy up but perfect for a newborn or toddler session. I might in fact save it for a very special session coming up with my new baby niece who is due any day - hurry up and arrive so I can photograph you!!!

However much I love a bit of vintage; when I turned up on Friday at the most simply stunning house I just knew that the props could stay put in the car. Beautiful furniture, sumptuous colours and fabrics, period features, gilt frames; every detail thought through with so much care and attention. I decided then and there to move in! Thanks to mum for a great session, baby was marvelous (although he didn't want to sleep!) and thanks for letting me gush unashamedly about your beautiful home. A couple of previews while I edit the rest :)





Did I mention that mum was stunning too??

Little Star Contest 2010

I really wanted to do something special to launch my new Facebook page - an offer or discount just wasn't good enough, I wanted something a little more interactive. Ta da - The Little Star Contest was born.

The contest is a search for a Little Star - not necessarily the most beautiful or cutest child but one who has something a little extra - that spark in the eye, a cheeky smile, bags of personality. The winner is to be chosen by you - yes YOU, the general public and voting will take place over on my Facebook Page for 2 weeks (Monday 13th September to 10pm on Sunday 26th September). The winner with the highest number of votes will receive a photo shoot to the value of £120.

Here are all 25 of my Little Stars ...

Wonderful aren't they?

Voting started yesterday morning and I have been astounded by the number of votes cast in the first day alone - a whopping 171 votes!!! If you would like to vote, please click here to view the gallery and write the word VOTE in the comments section below your chosen image. If you aren't already, you need to be a 'fan' of the Sarah J. Thomas Photography Facebook page before you can register your vote. I am glad I am not able to vote - they are all so lovely that I just wouldn't be able decide - I'll leave that task to you guys ;)

Good luck to all the Little Stars!!!

Win a FREE session valued at £120 { Little Star Contest 2010 }

Would you like to win a FREE photo session with Sarah J. Thomas Photography along with two high-resolution digital files of your favourite images from the session (total prize value £120)?

Do you have a Little Star? If you have a child, of course you've got a star. Each one so very different but just as special. Well, this contest is their chance to shine!

I wanted to do something really special to launch my new Facebook page. So many ideas have been running through my head but in the end I've decided to keep it simple and focus on the children (after all that's what I'm good at).

Not only will you have the chance to win this fantastic prize but each entry will receive 20% off the creative session fee for any session booked before 31st December 2010!

To enter is simple:

• Complete an entry form which can be found by clicking here and upload one simple snapshot of your child, ideally one that shows their unique personality but any image you've taken is fine. All entries should be received by the end of Sunday 12th September 2010.

• The images will then be uploaded to a dedicated Facebook album on the new Sarah J. Thomas Photography page and voting will be opened for one week only (from Monday 13th September the end of Sunday 19th September 2010).

• Become a fan of my Facebook page (if you aren't already!) which can be found by clicking here.

• Invite people (your friends, family etc.) to join my Facebook page and ask them to vote for their favourite picture by clicking on 'like' underneath their chosen image. A person must be a fan of my page to be able to vote for an image.

• The winner will be announced on Monday 20th September based on the highest total number of 'likes' for each entered image.

If you would like any more information then just give Sarah a call on 07852 255766 or email to sarah@sarahjthomas.com.

Let the fun begin!

Terms and Conditions

1. Entries are open to the parents of any child from 0 to 16 years of age.
2. The contest will be open to entries from 27th August 2010 to 12th September 2010.
3. Only one entry per child.
4. Only one vote per person.
5. Voting will begin from Monday 13th September for one week only.
6. Entries should be a family snapshot. Professional images will not be allowed.
7. You must be happy for the image of your child to be posted on Facebook. Sarah J. Thomas Photography will not associate names to any images in the album and images will not be used for any other purpose.
8. Voting will close at the end of Sunday 19th September 2010. The winner will be selected based on the highest number of 'likes' for the individual image.
9. The prize must be redeemed within 6 months of the contest closing date.
10. Vouchers and prize may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
11. A signed model release form must be signed prior to the winning session.
12. Sessions will take place in your home or on location. Sessions must take place within 25 miles of CF64.

South Wales Child Photography { Changing Seasons }

Well that looks like Summer all over and done with for another year! The kids are almost back to school so it's time to look forward to Autumn. It has to be my favourite time of year to shoot locations sessions. Crisp mornings, beautiful low light, colourful wooly hats and wellies and best of all - fallen leaves in the most beautiful colours imaginable.



It can be a little unpredictable weather-wise but I am quite happy to reschedule if it's tipping down with rain. Apart from that, other weather conditions don't really cause too much of a problem. It doesn't need to be sunny in fact a nice overcast day is perfect for those bright colours to really POP!



It really is the colours and textures of this season which make it a wonderful time for me to photograph little ones ...



And everyone has so much fun, getting messy in the leaves ...



Now really is the time to think about booking a session before Christmas (sorry but it is). September and October are filling up fast and pre-Christmas sessions finish at the end of November (December will be dedicated to newborns and maternity sessions exclusively). Spaces are limited so give me a call soon on 07852 255 766 or email me at sarah@sarahjthomas.com to secure your date.