Athens OHIO Photographer | SARA PATTON photography | Custom Portrait Photographer

King Family (Athens OH Children's Portrait Photographer)

2011-08-15T16:54:00.000-04:00

I could not have been more pleased when I pulled up at this family's home! Their property is incredibly beautiful, overlooking a serene lake surrounded by weeping willows and fields of wildflowers. We had to work quickly because of an oncoming storm, but we made the most of it, and once it passed we were left with a beautiful sunset and fog rising out of the trees :)

Nina {part one} | Native American Inspired | Athens OH Photographer

2011-07-22T10:52:00.002-04:00

This shoot came together so perfectly. I had been visualizing doing a Native American conceptual shoot in honor of the culture, there's just something 'right' about their beliefs, being one with the earth, and I wish more of us could be in tune with that line of thinking.

Anyway, I couldn't find a model in my area with the right look. But then I heard Serina was coming to our model shoot that weekend and that she had been wanting to do a similar themed shoot in honor of her heritage! She had even been working on a hand made deerskin outfit! So I went antique mall hunting a found a few things I could make some feather jewelry or accessories out of. By the time everyone showed up at my house to go out shooting, we found that the other model, Rachel, had brought with her a poncho and a bow and arrow! How perfect is that?

We started out at the Adena Indian Mounds in my neighborhood in order to feel truly inspired, though we were interrupted by a rude old woman telling us we needed permission from the Humane Society (what?!). I think we may have scared her with our crazy looking weapons and outfits! Haha Afterwards we just went exploring for areas to shoot and were pleasantly surprised to find a perfect location with sandstone rocks against a forest :)

I'm so happy with how this shoot literally just fell together with such minimal effort. We have a secret part two in the works in the next month or so and it's going to be incredible!

rework.

2011-07-19T21:13:00.002-04:00

summer goodness. (athens ohio childrens photographer)

2011-06-29T20:21:00.002-04:00

Eliza - Sneak Peek {Athens OH Childhood Photographer}

2010-11-15T08:37:00.005-05:00

Almost 2.
Adventurous, curious, and completely adorable.

Meet Eliza:

Garith - Senior 2011 {Athens OH Senior Portrait Photographer}

2010-11-06T11:08:00.002-04:00

MY LITTLE BROTHER!!! Man time flies.. I cannot BELIEVE how grown up he is!

This shoot was alot of fun.. we explored all over Athens, including The Ridges, Psycho Wall, Fox Lake, and the old train depot in Nelsonville. I am LOVIN' this town and the endless photographic possibilities :)

Here's a few of my faves from this session..

They Grow So Fast! (Athens Ohio Child Photographer)

2010-10-04T19:52:00.005-04:00

A few new images of my darling little ones :)

And our new rescued kitty Marlowe :)

A Beautiful Country Wedding | Athens OH Photographer | Sara Patton

2010-09-16T11:03:00.005-04:00

Last weekend I photographed my very first wedding where I was the main shooter. I was anxious and nervous but as soon as I saw the bride in her gown I felt right at home. It's so important to have a second shooter at a wedding and I thought it might be fun to have my husband (also an artist & musician) help me out with this one. I was so impressed by how well we worked together and what a great job he did!

So I'd like to share with you a few sneak peek images of Bride & Groom from Whitney & Ryan's beautiful country Ohio wedding. Ceremony was held at Grace Chapel Church in West Liberty, and reception at the lovely quaint Winner Harvest Farm in DeGraff Ohio.

I wish this darling couple a very happy ever after in their new life together in Texas!

News & Other Updates...

My how I'm missed computer time! Though I must say how nice it's been being off the grid, working our butts off on the new house, and spending the summer playing with the kids :)

We're finally (mostly) settled in our new home in Athens. Such a beautiful town! I love how cultured it is here. So many more things centered on the Arts Community, healthy living, all with that small town friendliness :) And the scenery is just GORGEOUS here! We actually live just a few miles out of Athens in a nice little neighborhood where everyone knows your name and looks out for your kids. It's like when I lived in Oklahoma, except way more populated. A perfect mixture of the two :) The kids are loving it here and adjusting very well. It's also nice to have my husbands family so close.

Although it's been nice focusing all my energy on the kids and the new house, I've missed my camera like crazy! I'm almost ready to get back to doing sessions, though in order to focus on quality and produce my best work, they will be limited, and pricing will have to be restructured for 2011. I am a portrait artist and storyteller, and to keep up with the high standards I've created for my work I will be taking on less quantity and give each session my all, also alotting time for personal projects and growth. If I am unable to provide what an inquiring client is searching for, I will be more than happy to refer them to one of my many photographer friends :) Each photographer has their own unique style and I'm lucky enough to have a great relationship with many of them in Ohio :)

I am currently booking for Spring 2011 (Mar-Apr - when the weather starts getting nice again). All sessions will be on location (in the Athens, Logan, & Hocking Hills areas) with the exception of Newborn Sessions. Our new home has a separate wing on it we've designed specifically for my photography and my husband's music recording, and I'm setting up an area for newborns. It's really just become too difficult for me to bring all my gear and props to a clients home (I can fill up an entire SUV!!) Very limited sessions will still be available in the Columbus area at my convenience. All details will be explained further in the INFO section of my website within the next couple weeks.

In the meantime... I'm Back! :D

Lensbaby Love Affair {Athens OHIO Photographer}

2010-06-05T09:26:00.005-04:00

Occasionally I'll attempt a self portrait series, most of which I don't publicly share, for personal growth and self expression.

A few weeks ago I attempted a series in my backyard with my Lensbaby Composer (a rather difficult feat!) and really liked how the focus and colors turned out :)

Misled Storybook Lullabies {Athens OH Photographer}

2010-05-28T15:21:00.004-04:00

Another collaboration with my dear friend, and favorite model, Nicole Miller.

Not only is Nicci a fantastic model, but she's also a writer and has graciously sent me a few of her poetic words to add to this blog post :)

-------

Every seed that has grown profoundly into even the tallest of a tree is eventually broken apart by the lust of a lumberjack and his saw.

Some indescribable beauty, feet folded under and I'd give anything because I'd want to revel in things. In this manner, love, like a tattoo embodied; in front of a map city, slipping in and out of lanes at steady pace. We crisscross like punctured veins across town.

"I still talk to your shadows on cold nights, because they don't pause breath," he said. "They aren't mistakes made along traveling when the world seemed timeless."

"But you're no longer alive," she said, "and all my problems aren't redefined by misled storybook lullabies."

I am the stairs to the attic at which god exists quietly above your crashed party.
Wishful witness to watching eyes close slowly with the satisified smile of arduous adoration.

Rise from mysterious being, arrested heart. For soon we will meet and I, completely driven by the fashion for legacy cold, will outrun alongside even your exquiste exterior. Charming conversation always wanting when we are unable to love in vain no more.

Falling down from the pinnacle, she writes of hand squeezes and fingertips that knowledge a gentle cliched head-over-heels sense of movement.

Pan out and my fingers are poised. Rain is merely a cowardice stranger to the frail heart that talks backwards in dreams. Taking the chase, the colorless sky seems bruised in comparison to autumn leaves intertwined. Desensitized, to see is almost to believe. And so when the hour is quiet, I walk into walls. I walk against walls that feel as though the sky may cave.

All that is sentimental, all that is left unsaid is safe poetry for our cynicism.

Across town, they have risen before the sun. Silence has sung it's savior to sleep until daylight plays prey to the fever.

With just a gist of hope, I pray that perhaps the stars will finally line up.

One doesn't need the words of a traveling man when you're the words that everyone else sings along to.

****

Bridals with Sherri {Athens OHIO Photographer}

2010-05-20T15:03:00.006-04:00

As part of a standard portfolio building process, I recently photographed a friend of mine in her gorgeous wedding gown at a beautiful flowery greenhouse :) Aside from babies and children, women in white dresses are my absolute FAVORITE subjects to photograph. There's just something so timeless and elegant about it, the way a woman wears her wedding gown, the memories and feelings it brings back from her special day, and the beauty that resonates within her... it's all just so dreamy :)

Here are a few favorites from our shoot:

Motherhood. {Athens OH Maternity & Child Photographer}

2010-05-09T22:15:00.006-04:00

In honor of Mother's Day, I want to share a session I had Friday morning. This session was my very first maternity shoot, and I must say, it went pretty well :)

This was one of those sessions where as the photographer you feel like you really connected with the family, and upon going through the proofing process the next day you get a little teary-eyed at some of the beautiful touching family moments you were lucky enough to document for them! So, I would like you guys to meet the "M" Family... I have sooo many more to process, but I'm excited to share their photos today, on Mother's Day, so here are a few that Ive got done so far :)

Beauty and a Barn {Athens OH Photographer}

2010-04-21T16:25:00.006-04:00

Saturday was such an amazing day :)

Some of my photographer friends and I got together, rounded up a few models, and had a photo playdate at an old abandoned barn in Hilliard. It was so much fun and a much needed creative escape. I think it's important to keep things fresh and periodically step out of your "usual" routine to continually grow as an artist, and individual.

Models pictured: Casey, Lillie, and Bree.

Thank you to the lovely models and my fantastic friends for such a beautiful day :)

Awaken. (Athens Ohio Photographer)

2010-04-10T20:37:00.004-04:00

I think I've changed my mind about my favorite season of the year. Although autumn is completely gorgeous with the beautiful colored leaves changing and cooler breezes, it's also an intro into the coldest deadest season of the year, which I really don't like much. So, I've decided Spring is it. The new growth particularly, and the rains, and the birds and butterflies breathing life all over again. It's quite heavenly :)

So I took my 50mm and my Lensbaby out in our yard one day last week to try and capture a bit of nature's awakened beauty...

Live & Love
<3
xoxo

Julia {Athens OH Childrens Photographer} The Plains, OH

2010-04-09T17:51:00.001-04:00

Meet Julia!

Isn't she darling?! My son calls her his girlfwend and best fwend. It's so adorable to watch them play together :) I am in love with her curls too :)

And her big sis and cousin..

Little Preston & Family {Athens OHIO Children's Photographer}

2010-03-25T00:12:00.020-04:00

Sneak Peek time!

Sunday I had a shoot with a repeat client and some of their family members. I just love this little kid, he reminds me so much of my little Levi. I think they are about 6 months apart in age, but equally difficult to chase around with a camera ;) Such a fun and rotten age for a little boy! And I love every single minute of it.

I was also asked to do a few shots of Preston's older cousins to update Aunt Tre's walls :) Here are a few of those:

Uprinting - Blogger of the Week

2010-03-23T21:18:00.002-04:00

I recent found out that I was named Blogger of the Week by the uprinting sponsorship team! Wow! What an honor!

Here is the post featured in the blogger of the week section:

UPrinting Blogger of the Week

Posted by Jarmaine (UPrinting) on March 22, 2010 at 3:33pm

When I was in college, I took up a required photography course. Needless to say, it was no easy feat, especially with a difficult professor! But I learned how to appreciate photography more because of that. I always love and appreciate so much the hard work that photographers put into their craft.

This week's featured blogger happens to be very good at capturing those special moments. Photographing babies and toddlers is not easy, but you wouldn't be able to tell from her photos. You'd think those adorable little cuties were pros at posing in front of the camera. I couldn't help but gush at them; with their teeny tiny toes and hands, and their innocent smiles, perfectly captured by an amazing photographer.

Armed with her photography skills and tools, and of course her passion for her craft, she brings magic to life in her photographs. Congratulations Sara, you are our Blogger of the Week!

Check out Sara's profile here: http://uprinting.ning.com/profile/SaraPatton
Her Photo Blog: http://www.sarapattonphotography.blogspot.com/

Lil Miss Alivia {Athens OH Childrens Photographer}

2010-03-18T19:48:00.008-04:00

Last week I received some new cute and girly props and needed an adorable little cutie to come over and help me test them out. Of course little Alivia was first to come to mind :) I worked with her mother for over 9 years, we've watched each other's kids grow from infancy to double digits, so nothing pleases me more than to be able to provide her with timeless memories of those adorable children!

It took a little bit for Alivia to warm up, but once Levi came in to "help", turned on his charm, and scared her half to death with his boyish destruction, she became a little more comfortable. I'm sure that cupcake helped a bit too (hey, i'm all for bribery at the right times;)... Oh, and my husband helped too.. I think she has a crush on him ;) Haha. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy, so we had to shoot indoors, but I'm still pretty pleased with the results... take a peek!

Mr. Rylee {Athens OH Childrens Photographer}

2010-03-10T21:41:00.007-05:00

Last weekend I had a family over to my home in my makeshift studio area , where I had another shoot with Baby Rylee, now 6 whole months old! Our last shoot he was just a teeny tiny newborn. It always fascinates me how much a child grows between shoots, especially that first year. I just love being able to watch a them grow through the various momentous stages of their early years. It happens so quickly, they're almost teenagers in a blink! I'm so happy to be able to record these moments for parents and their precious little ones :) It's almost like some of my clients have become family to me! I just love that!

So, here's Mr. Rylee, now 6 months old! So much more personality since last time I saw him!

How I Spend My Days...

2010-02-28T17:44:00.006-05:00

You may already know that last month I left my job of 9 years...

and this is why:

This is my little man Levi. Man this kid is so much fun! I can't believe he'll already be 2 next month, although he's acted it for quite some time now. I just feel so incredibly lucky to be able to catch all his new tricks as they happen, I wish I would have been able to do this when my girls were little too.

Levi is hard to catch in pictures, as he's always moving soooo fast! I tried getting a few boyish props to attempt to some new photos of him, but that lasted, oh about 30 seconds. So busy, and so much personality, I swear this kid needs his own show, he's already an entertainer/rockstar/comedian! And I think he may be becoming a mama's boy too ;)

Connor Turns One! {Athens OHIO Photographer}

2010-02-25T11:04:00.006-05:00

Last weekend my cousin Evan's son turned one! I just love watching (and photographing) the icky sticky mess of cake splattered all over their adorable little faces :) (especially when I'm not the one who has to clean it up! lol)

Baby Quinn {Athens OHIO Newborn Photographer}

2010-02-22T21:52:00.006-05:00

I had a lovely shoot yesterday with the cutest little family, a brand new baby girl and two big sisters! The fabulous Michelle Black came with me and we had so much fun (and toned our big muscles carrying in all those props)!

Meet Baby Quinn, only 5 days old! Isn't she so sweet?

And these gorgeous little ladies are Miss Quinn's big sisters...

Every time I have a newborn shoot I find myself saying "Awwww, I want another one!" So so sweet and cuddly and that brand new baby smell. It just melts my heart :) And then I come home to MY three ROWDY kids! LOL

6 days old [athens oh newborn baby photographer]

2010-02-09T15:27:00.007-05:00

Meet Jacob .. six days old. Isn't he so precious?!

Become Part of Something Special

2010-01-27T17:59:00.002-05:00

Photographer Friends:

Please take a minute to visit the below website, and if at all possible, apply to become part of a great cause.

Be part of something special…

There are thousands of children out there waiting to share their stories and their faces with the world, we are here to help them. The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization made up of photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. Through the power of photography we are banning together to bring to light the beautiful faces and stories of our nations smallest heroes. Because of the wide reach that the Little Heroes Project covers, we are always looking for new photographers to join the team. Taking the time to photograph a hero can be both humbling and rewarding. Photography has given us all a lot, and this is a great way to give back!

The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization founded in January 2008 by Felicia Reinhard, made up of professional photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. Through the power of photography we are giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.

If you have a child, or know a child, who suffers from any type of serious illness or life altering disability we are here to help. The Littlest Heroes Project provides you with a complimentary photo shoot for your hero and family. Please read the information on this site and be sure to contact us so we can help pair you up with a photographer from your area. The whole family … Super Sibs and the Brave Parents are welcome to participate in the session as well!

Our mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Littlest Heroes our photographers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. Our photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come.

JOIN THE CAUSE!

Playing Dress-Up! [Columbus OH Childrens Photographer]

2010-01-24T11:28:00.004-05:00

Fashion Show!

Friday night my daughters, Lia & Hannah, and I decided to play dress-up with makeup and dresses and all things girly! I convinced them to "model" for me so I could play with some indoor lighting and practice a few techniques I'd been wanting to try. I could NOT believe how grown-up they looked with all that make-up! They are so beautiful, and it scares me! My oldest is only 4 years away from becoming a teenager! Yikes!! lol

Ray Fuller - Local Blues Musician [Columbus OH Photographer]

2010-01-23T09:46:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to do a photoshoot for a local Blues Musician, Ray Fuller, and design his "One Sheet"

(In the entertainment industry, a one sheet is a single document that summarizes a product for publicity and sales.)

Here are a few faves from that shoot!

And the "One Sheet"

Holiday Mini Sessions [Columbus OH Child + Family Photographer - Canal Winchester OH]

2009-11-16T18:37:00.007-05:00

Holiday Mini Sessions

My style of photography is to capture life's simple moments, a more free and candid approach of documentation of the human spirit. But last month I was approached by a few of my clients asking about Holiday Mini Sessions, for their family so that they can order Christmas cards.

So last week we put together a one day only session in my home, alternating between many different families at a quick "Wal Mart" type pace. It was a bit chaotic, totally posed, but turned out pretty well. I can't say I will do these types of sessions often, as it's a bit soul sucking for an artist to sit a child on a seat and make them smile, but my main focus is to please my most loyal clients, so I did just that :) And it was fun too :)

So here are a few results:

and of course I did a few of my children too :)

Happy Holidays!!

Lovers in Love [ Athens OH Engagement, Couple, Family Photographer- Westerville, Ohio]

2009-11-11T22:31:00.005-05:00

Sneak Peek!

What a super fun couple these guys were :) We went to Inniswood Gardens in Westerville for their Engagement session, had lots of laughs, and even a leaf fight with freshly fallen Autumn leaves!

Devin, Sr2010 (Athens OH Senior Portrait Photographer - Athens OHIO)

2009-11-05T22:31:00.004-05:00

I had a super fun session this week with this gorgeous Groveport Senior! We went exploring at a 100 year old monastery! It was so much fun!

8 Days Old. ( Athens OH Newborn Photographer - Canal Winchester Baby Infant Child Portrait )

2009-10-26T22:26:00.005-04:00

Baby Layne - 8 Days Old.

Meet Miss K and Family! Sneak Peek [Child + Family Portrait Photographer - Columbus OHIO]

2009-10-18T15:19:00.005-04:00

This weekend I had an in-home session with this beautiful family!

Little Miss "K" is such a gorgeous blue-eyed little lady, definitely makes my job simple to work with children this beautiful!

Two Cute Boys [Athens Ohio Child Photographer]

2009-10-13T22:15:00.002-04:00

Meet little Owen & Ethan!

Sneak Peek! Three Weeks Old (Athens OHIO Newborn & Childrens Photographer)

2009-09-20T19:26:00.007-04:00

I just LOVE babies! Although he wasn't as sleepy for as long as I'd hoped, this little guy was so sweet and snuggly. Photographing newborns is definitely challenging, but probably the most rewarding afterwards. I realized I tend to edit most baby photos into black and white's. I suppose it just gives it more of a timeless feel :)

Sneak Peek!

Mr. Personality. [Athens OH Children's Photography]

2009-09-14T23:21:00.010-04:00

My son is already a little heartbreaker. We go to the store, and he flirts with all the women, and tries to hang out with the men like he's a "good ole boy". He's only 18 months old (almost) and knows most of his body parts, says a ton of words, can countdown from 5, runs faster than any little kid under 2, and has the biggest personality of any child I've ever seen. We've got our hands full with this one. Of course, we pretty much already knew that since he began walking at 7 months, which I didn't even know was possible. And the fact that he head bangs and "drops it like it's hot" to any and every song... lol

I never thought I'd want a little boy, til Levi came along. My god he is so much fun! The stank of cheesey poofs and popsicle stickiness is so completely worth it. <3 src="http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac288/sarapattonphotog/sarapatton-155.jpg">

Fun Love - Athens, OH Portrait Photographer - Love, Couple, Engagement

2009-09-11T08:09:00.006-04:00

Fun Love

Sneak Peek!
I was approached by this fun couple a few months ago, and they wanted some photos of them together for their one year anniversary. We went to Inniswood Gardens in Westerville and took some! They were alot of fun to work with and the gardens were just beautiful :)

Twins! (Baby, Infant, Twins, Children Portraiture - Athens, Ohio)

2009-09-05T22:26:00.006-04:00

I LOVE babies. And I got to work with TWO precious little 3 month old babies and their gorgeous big sister last week!! Look how cute!

Gift for Grandma (Family, Children Portrait Photography - Athens Ohio)

2009-09-04T22:07:00.005-04:00

A Gift for Grandma

(Shh! Don't tell!)

Here are a few sneak peeks from a recent client session. They wanted a memorable gift for grandma's birthday next month, what better way to preserve memories of all your grandbabies than getting a beautiful custom album of all of them?!

This session was tons of fun surrounded by all the energy of the children in such a beautiful park, Inniswood Gardens, in Westerville.

Little Preston - [ Children's Portraits - Athens OHIO Photographer ]

2009-08-24T23:20:00.007-04:00

A few images from Sunday's child shoot. This child is so beautiful and energetic! I had my son Levi with me, who's about 6 months younger than Preston, and they played together rather adorably toward the end of our shoot :)

I'll have to say this is one of my favorite shoots to date, probably because I stood back and took a more photojournalistic approach, capturing mostly candids, my favorite technique.

August Updates - Athens Ohio Photographer & Indianapolis IN, Wedding, Babies, and Model Photography

2009-08-18T22:04:00.021-04:00

August has definitely been a busy month! We spent the first weekend of the month in Indianapolis for my cousin Becky's wedding. I was not the paid photographer, but I did photograph bits and pieces, mostly for practice sake, as I've been considering getting my feet wet, so to speak, in this side of photography. Such a beautiful wedding that was!

The next day my aunt asked me to do a little mini shoot with her grandson Connor, and being a big lover of little babies, of course I was thrilled to do it! Last February Connor was my very first newborn I photographed, (which you can view here), born prematurely, his mother and I worked with cheesecloth and the photos turned out beautiful. Tragically, his mother passed away unexpectedly at the end of May. Here are a few recent images of him. Even after having three of my own, it still amazes me how fast they grow. It's heartbreaking he will never know his mother.

The very next weekend I was in Cincinnati for another wedding! The amazingly talented Nicole Dixon asked me to be a second-shooter for her, and I was completely honored at the opportunity. It was a gorgeous wedding and beautiful day and I'm so thankful to have had that experience with such a talented wedding photographer. You can view a sneak peek of her images from that day here.

My favorite model Nicci Miller and I met up for a little photo playdate. She has a million concepts in mind but we only had time to work with one that day. I'm not finished processing them all yet, but you can check my flickr site for updates.

The end of summer is near. This, in itself, makes me both super excited and totally anxious. School starts next week! Eeek! Where has the time gone?! Time to turn mommy mode into full throttle and photography mode down a notch, which means I'll only be scheduling sessions on weekends from now until next summer. Keep a look out for fall specials coming next month :)

Fall is near, so that makes me a happy girl :)

And I have lots of new projects in store for the winter months, so check back often for more info!

xoxo

Photo Playdates :) -Athens Ohio Photographer

2009-07-28T23:34:00.003-04:00

I have some of the most amazing photographer friends. Occasionally we get together and shoot each other (with our cameras) lol

Here are a few from recent playdates, with Jessica Price, Tina Dolin, and Claudia Bodington. Check out their work, they are all three incredible artists.

Liv & Curtis {Athens OH Children Portrait Photographer}

2009-07-03T23:28:00.007-04:00

Photoshoot for Alivia's 1st birthday :) Isn't she darling? And look at her big brother! So handsome!

Candace (Athens Ohio Photographer - Model Shoot)

2009-06-25T23:59:00.003-04:00

During my Oklahoma visit, I met up with an old classmate, Ryan Steers, and we traveled to a wildlife refuge in Lawton to meet the lovely Candace for a model shoot. I am super pleased with the results. She has such a pure natural beauty, and was great to work with :) And my god the scenery was INCREDIBLE.

South Canadian River - Camargo, Oklahoma (Athens OH Photographer)

2009-06-21T23:20:00.010-04:00

I remember visiting Oklahoma when I was a kid and we'd always go down to the river, ride horses there, swim, catch minnows, dodge snakes, get sunburnt, and just have a great time. Once a year we even went on the Trail Ride, where you ride the river on horseback for 3 days straight following a covered wagon and stay at camp sites at night. It was so much fun!

It was a whole new experience taking my own children there. It brought back so many childhood memories, and to watch them live it the same way I did was just awesome. My three kids, my husband, my sister and her kids all went for a fun day in the sun. They had such a blast! Of course, I photographed the whole thing.

Photographic Expression (Athens Ohio Photographer)

2009-06-21T23:10:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it takes going away from somewhere to truly appreciate the beauty you've been missing.

A few self-portraits taken in Okie, assisted by my wonderful husband.

A few of my sister Rachel out west of town..

The Kids in Okie {Athens OHIO Children & Baby Portrait Photographer}

2009-06-20T22:50:00.007-04:00

Since I took thousands of images on our recent family vacation to Oklahoma, I'll try to only pick a few of the kids to share here :) ..but I should warn you, they are pretty darn cute and it might be hard to narrow it down!

Woodland Widow - Athens OHIO Fine Art Model & Children's Portraiture

2009-05-01T19:50:00.004-04:00

Finally got the chance to work with the gorgeous Nicci Miller and her charming son Lennon. We went to Slate Run Park and took a few photos. She dressed in an old vintage wedding gown for part of them. I really love how some turned out so fairytale-ish. We plan to do another shoot in a couple weeks. Can't tell the details ;)

And her little Prince Charming. Isn't he just perfect?

Finding Your Style - Sara Patton - Athens Ohio Fine Art Portraiture Photography

2009-03-29T19:52:00.007-04:00

I've been trying to pinpoint my style for months now. I think it's the most important thing in finding yourself, as an artist. To know what makes you tick, what moves you, what inspires you to do better, create more.

For me, it's mainly the beauty of nature, outdoors, and femininity. I'm going for emotive, artistic, and dreamy. I like all things vintage and aged. I want my photographs to be compelling and to invoke deep thought in the viewer. I want it to be felt, as well as seen. And I want a story to be told in each photograph.

That is my style.

I work and act on beauty. It's that simple.

Anyway, as far as style goes, I knew what I liked, what I wanted to do, but couldn't master it how I wanted to after the fact.

But I think I'm getting closer.

And I feel I nailed it with these:

A mix of nature, beauty, emotion, and whimsical dreaminess. THAT is what moves me :)

Angel Boy (Athens OH Children & Baby Portrait Photographer, Canal Winchester, OHIO}

2009-03-20T10:22:00.008-04:00

My son Levi. Testing out my new Angel wings.
He loves playing outside, so I stripped him down to nothing but wings,
and let him roam the yard. :)

Country Girl {Athens OHIO Fine Art Portraiture Photographer}

2009-03-09T23:49:00.009-04:00

Meet Melissa.

She's new where I work, and the second I saw her I wanted to get her in front of my lens. Something very natural about her, a true classic beauty, and a genuinely sweet girl. She hadn't really modeled before, but sometimes that's better, because it appears more intimate, and emotional.

Models

2009-03-01T21:35:00.011-05:00

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I've had the pleasure of meeting a few absolutely stunning models this month. Models are much different to work with than children. Children are not so conscious of the camera until they turn about 6 or 7, which makes it pretty easy on me. All I have to do is follow one around and I'm sure to get something precious. I love capturing their innocent spirit and the feelings they wear on their sleeves.

On the other hand, models are quite conscious of the camera, and if you get someone you instantly bond with, it makes it that much better. Working together to create some magic is just so much fun! My favorite models are bendy ones, women who can twist and turn to show off their feminine curves. And who aren't afraid to jump up on something (katie) and do some tricks! One more trait that makes a good model, in my opinion, is the ability to transform moods, and look/be authentic. Emotion is what I thrive on as a photographer. Well, that and lighting of course.

Here are a few faves of my lovely models I've had the pleasure of working with recently. To view more, add me as a friend on my myspace page (where I post the most)

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Topsail Island (Athens OH Photographer)

2009-02-23T10:30:00.008-05:00

I have fallen in love with Topsail Island.

{more pics to come soon}

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My Wedding

2008-08-29T20:29:00.015-04:00

August 16 2008, I married my best friend.

It was absolutely beautiful.

Nicole Dixon was our photographer, and she did an amazing job.

To view more of her work, visit www.nicoledixon.com.

If you'd like to see more of our wedding day,
all 500 of our wedding photos will be in her gallery for 30 days.
Just visit www.nicoledixon.com, click on Galleries, and open Sara & Chris Wedding.

Our ceremony was held at Dawes Arboretum - Japanese Gardens in Newark Ohio.

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Vision (Athens OHIO Childrens Portrait Photographer)

2008-07-27T16:07:00.005-04:00

Athens Ohio based Fine Art Portraiture Photographer, specializing in Childhood, Senior, and Conceptual Photography.

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” -Elizabeth Lawrence

Photographic Style:

True life is experienced in its most unplanned moments. The emotions that follow are a testament to our genuine selves, a canvas of reality.

With my camera and my love of the arts, I will document this experience for you. I strongly believe that practiced moments in a studio setting do not capture the genuine spirit and expression of the childhood experience.

I invite you to come with me to places that will bring wonder, comfort, and excitement to your photographic session.

See your children as the magical beings they truly are, unaware of the camera, natural, free, innocent, and not yet molded by society. Children fascinate me, just to sit back and watch a child discover the world around them. That is what I aim to capture, the true essence of childhood in all it's moments, both full of joy and wonder, tears or pouts.. real life childhood moments.

Please keep in mind that I am not a traditional family portrait photographer. I consider myself a portrait artist and specialize in children, newborns, seniors, and conceptual work.

During a children's session I might capture a child interacting with a parent, mom kissing baby, or dad chasing a toddler, but I typically do not intentionally pose for "say cheese" family portraits.

I tend to treat my senior portrait sessions more like creative model shoots as opposed to the standard cheesy studio shots you see in advertisements.

No matter the subject, I strive to create artistic emotion that is different than a conventional photographic session, and to capture timeless and emotive memoirs of real life moments.

To catch my subject's true personality is of utmost importance to me and my work.

~Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of your lives through my camera lens, and in return I'll provide you artful nostalgia to be looked back on for many generations to come.