Friday, December 26, 2008

I've moved

From now on follow my photos and stories at my new location: sarahmccoyphoto.com/blog.

Stop by and say hello :)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Giving Back in a Small Way


This year I've partnered up with GivingIsAwesome to award a deserving family (or couple, or individual) the gift of photographs. This is for all the people who might not have the resources to pay for professional photographs and the people who know of someone who fits that description. So here's the deal...

Connecticut residents can e-mail me at mccoyphoto@gmail.com with a nomination for someone really deserving of a portrait session with me and $500 worth of prints, albums, canvases, etc. The only rules are:

1) You can't nominate yourself

2) You must be sincerely incapable of purchasing my services

If you know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to pay their bills, is making great sacrifices for their kids, or is giving back in extraordinary ways- I want to hear about them. I want to meet them and have an opportunity to share my gift of photography. The people who nominate the winner will also receive a Christmas present of their own- a portrait session with me and $300 credit towards any photo related product.

***To any photographers reading this, visit www.GivingisAwesome.com to join me in providing lasting memories to those who may need a little extra cheer this Christmas.***

Monday, December 8, 2008

Dan and Stephanie

Last Saturday I had the honor of photographing Dan and Stephanie's wedding day down at The Woodwinds in Branford. We had a wonderful December day- chilly but bright. The bridal party were all wonderful and were up for going outside. Thank you guys! And you couldn't have asked for a sweeter bride. Stephanie had a smile on the entire day and was always asking her friends and family what she could do for them. I wish you guys nothing but the best.

P.S.- The woman in purple gets a shout out for performing the original dance to the classic "The Right Stuff" by New Kids on the Block.































Thursday, December 4, 2008

WAAAAAAAAY Behind

One of the best parts about my church is the people. I have made some wonderful friendships with kind, genuine, and loving people. Another added bonus is so many of them have little kids. Over the past few months I've had the privilege to photograph a whole slew of the little kiddos. So much fun!

So here's a catch-up on the last few months :)
















DONE!!!!!!

I LOVE this time of year. Yes, it's Christmas and I get to see lots of family and really reflect on all the blessings in my life. Yes, it's Michael's birthday month which means I can shower him with even more love and presents. Yes, it's time to stop counting calories and enjoy all the wonderful food. All those things are great.

However, this year is EXTRA special because...drumroll please...my semester is over!!!! My last paper is done. My classes finish tonight. I am one semester away from being done and then they'll release me to the school system where I will try to impart all my wisdom on your kids :) Yes, it's a good time in the McCoy household.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Heblers and Company

A couple months ago I had the absolute pleasure of shooting my friend Leah's family photos. We had a BEAUTIFUL autumn day and her family had me in stitches the entire time.

After seeing the photos, one of Leah's friends called me to photograph she, her brothers, and all of their significant others as a present to their parents. Great. I was really excited to shoot both a family and couples at the same shoot. HOWEVER...it's December and in New England you never know what that'll bring. Last week it was freezing, yesterday it was 55. Unfortunately our portrait day was accompanied by a cold, miserable, rain. It was the kind of day that made you want to stay in your pajamas not go outside for photos :(

Plan B was to meet at one of their houses for indoor portraits. Now this is always a challenge for me to a) light the room properly 2) think on my feet and come up with a good location in a home I've never been before. Plus, I had three different couples that I wanted to have different photos so that's 3x the amount of creativity. After a deep breath and remembering all the helpful portrait advice from Carla last month, I went to work. And, if I do say so myself, the photos aren't too shabby :)




Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Cutest Baby (Seriously)

So one of the best things about being a photo-nerd is the community of other photo junkies. A couple years ago I came across the work of Gabe McClintock from Perspective Eye Studios. His work is stunning.

However, that is not what this post is about.

Gabe's best work is undoubtedly Aisha, his adorable 1-year old daughter. Aisha is in the running for the Cutest Kid in Calgary and she needs our help. Please go to http://www.vibemorningshow.com/gallery.html?page=28#thumb and vote for #1401. You can vote once each day and the contest runs until the 20th. So go. Vote. Be Merry :)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Carla Experience

Yes, it was quite an experience.

Last week I had the pleasure of being 1 of 3 students at Carla Ten Eyck's Tuesday workshop. It was my first ever time being at a workshop and, let me say, I'm hooked. It was such a kick in the pants, get back to basics, wonderful time of shooting, editing, and understanding what truly makes a good image. Not to mention the ladies in the class were fabulous and Carla's cooking is top notch :)

All in all, it was a wonderful day!

However, during the shoot we got busted by the po-po for being at a train yard we had permission to be at. One of our subject's, Jack, is a train engineer. It made me giggle to hear him say to the cop, "This is my office" when the cop told him we were all trespassing. No worries though, we made it out without too much of a hassle and headed over to the UConn law campus.

The day was wonderful for me to shoot without having to think about all the other things going on in my life. It was great to look for light, wait for moments, and create great photos. But, more than anything, it was an awesome time to connect with local photographers who share my passion for photography. I walked out of the experience feeling challenged, motivated, and with a new group of friends. Without further ado, my favorites from the day...






More Melanie

I can't believe it's been soooo long since I last posted. Life has gotten crazier than usual and I've seem to have forgotten about keeping you posted. Sorry.

This past weekend Michael and I took off to PA to visit friends and his family. It was so great seeing a bunch of my college friends that I only get to see like once or twice a year now. Plus I caught up with Betsy and Dan on Saturday afternoon. Betsy is one of my husband's closest friends and she's getting married next August :) I'm going to be shooting their wedding and I couldn't be more pumped!

Late Saturday night I hopped the train from Philly to Slatington to stay with my in-laws. This trip included the end of my shoot with Melanie for her senior pictures. I posted some from the summer awhile back but here's some more in case you didn't get enough :)