Cheeky Little Chappy

This week I've mainly been ill ... yep, feeling very sorry for myself. I think I should in fact have been a man as I felt incapable of doing anything this week but press on I must. Any other mums reading this will know that there are no days off - no sickies - no duvet days. Couple this with running a busy business from home then there's no wonder it's taken me almost 2 weeks to shift this darn thing but there's no rest for the wicked! Moan over ... all better now :)

Obviously sessions this week have had to be postponed. I am always very conscious of passing bugs onto little ones and would rather stay away until it's cleared. Gutted as I am not ill very often but I am blessed with very understanding customers. So, this week I have been concentrating on editing, filling up the 2011 diary (only 5 weekend slots left before Christmas!) taking orders and packaging up lots of lovely art blocks and frames. One of the trips to the post office this week contained a disc full of lovely images for the mum and dad of this amazingly cheeky little chappy.


We took a stroll along the canal just outside of their beautiful home one sunny Sunday morning a few weeks back. Although initially a little gobsmacked at the strange lady poking a camera in his face, he soon got into the swing of things and we got some amazing smiles.



This was taken just before dad took a tumble into the canal - joke! Although we had a couple of hairy moments!!


Such a lovely family and a pleasure to work with you. I really look forward to seeing how your little man grows and blossoms.

Now ... where did I put that Lemsip? Have a great weekend everyone ...

That Magic Sparkle

This is a people business - there's no doubt about that. I love the interaction I have with all manner of models, both parents and children. It so makes up for working by myself and the longing I have for the banter of an office life long gone. These relationships are crucial - not only for my sanity but for my business. You have to be natural. You have to be you. People buy from people at the end of the day and that's always at the forefront of my mind. What really makes my day is not only that people recommend me to their friends but when customers come back for more. It's a bit like a domino effect - the longer I am in business the busier I get - can't complain in fact THANK YOU!!

I first photographed this family back in August 2009 not long after the arrival of beautiful son number two into the household. I was struck, even then by the pure cheekiness (in a good way) of both of the kids. I totally love kids with strong characters. I love a challenge. It keeps me on my toes. Just check out their eyes in the images below - they've got that magic sparkle - LOVE IT!

For session number two we tried something a little different and headed off to a local park in Newport early on a Saturday morning before it got too busy. Great location, great kids, weather - hmmm, bit wet but nothing we couldn't deal with.

Thank you so much to Mum & Dad for being such sports with this session. I had a blast and the kids had me in stitches. A few of my favourites to end the week ...







Have a great weekend everyone.

Simply Love

I often wonder whether holidays are a little counter productive. Yes, a break is good but the mountains of work that you often return to leave you longing for yet another break. Well at least I've returned to glorious weather and my tan isn't fading into obscurity ... not!

Anyway, much blogging to catch up on and I thought I would start with some images of pure love. I was privileged to visit this wonderful family in a beautiful small town close to Abergavenny a few weeks back. Their beautiful home was the perfect backdrop for some intimate images of their precious new arrival.

What I totally love about these images is the pure love that is so evident - natural, un-staged emotion.

I am so looking forward to seeing how this little one grows and simply can not wait for her 6 month and 1 year session which are already scheduled. Such an honour to be a small part in the history of this lovely family ...

A Father's Love { Cardiff Family Photography }

I'm not sure I need to add any words to this blog post. I am just so totally obsessed with these images captured at a recent baby session. For me it's the total love and devotion in the eyes of Dad. What a beautiful family, thank you for letting me share these magical moments.



I have 2 sessions available for Father's Day weekend - a great gift for the man of your life. These are the last session slots available until August so contact me on 07852 255 766 if you'd like to secure a slot.

Memories { Penarth Child Photography }

Having kids does something to your memory ... at times mine is truly awful. If you're a mum then you'll empathise I am sure. Saying that, I have a good knack of remembering my sessions, my clients and their children's names. I suppose it's because I totally throw myself in to each session, spend such time with them and then take my time studying their lovely little faces to get the pictures just so! But this session will stay with me much longer for a few VERY good reasons.

Firstly ...

... Upon arrival, I had banter with Grandad. I like banter. We were due to take some images in the garden but the mower had broken and he had popped out to buy a new one. I secretly think that the old one was broken 'accidentally on purpose' so he could have a new toy but don't tell anyone! This was a very good start. This was going to be fun!

Secondly ...

... Well just look at this face.


And finally ...

... I always go back to my customers to help them choose their favourite images, show you products and discuss displays. When did I choose to do this ordering session? At 10.30am on Royal Wedding Day. So, when my grandchildren ask me where I was when William and Catherine married, I will proudly say ... sat on the floor of a customers house drinking coffee and ooohing and ahhhing over that stunning dress.

{ This is going to look so stunning big! Can't wait for it to arrive!!! }

Thanks so much to this fab family for a truly memorable occasion and allowing me to meet your cheeky little monkey :)

Cardiff Family Photography { Fun in the Leaves }

Gosh, I'm behind on this old blogging business at the moment. So many lovely family sessions to showcase, a girl doesn't even know where to start. I thought I would start with a session I've wanted to shout about for a while and some gentle autumnal sunshine is just what I need right now as I can't feel my toes and my fingers are so numb that I can hardly type :(

We met in Thompson Park in Cardiff one Saturday morning. The girls were great and SO creative. The eldest of the two spent sometime giving me the synopsis of her impending novel whilst her younger sister entertained me with a conversation about Harry Potter.

The best bit about sessions for me is taking the kids off on their own (if that's OK with Mum and Dad) for a chat to relax them whilst I take some candid shots which capture their natural personalities and avoiding unwelcome forced smiles. Cheese? No thanks!



We finished the session off by calling Mum and Dad away from their game of frisbee for some family shots. I just LOVE these images - to me it just shows the natural fun of this family.

South Wales Baby Photography { simply beautiful }

Those are the only two words I can use to describe this family, simply beautiful! We kept it nice and simple for this session to really emphasise the beautiful eyes of these great little sisters.

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of my recent customers for their patience over this very busy period. I am working through my editing as we speak and look forward to showcasing all of your portraits very shortly.

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 Family Photography { Barry Island? Tidy! }

Barry Island - love it or hate it; it's one of my favourite locations for a funky photo sessions with older children and families. We arrived at 6pm, just as the lifeguards were going home and the holiday makers packing up after a day of sun, sand, sea and ice cream.

This session was a gift from an uncle who was looking for a unique gift for his niece. She was apparently dramatic by nature and a bit of a star so I just knew we were going to have some fun.

Accompanied by her older brother and sister; we ventured to my favourite 'secret' spots and ended the session on the deserted beach save a few seagulls looking for some tasty late evening snacks.

With a memory card full of great shots and sand in my shoes, I headed home to an evening of X-Factor (yes, I am sad!) and the odd glass of wine. The end to a great day.

Thanks so much to this great family who made the session so much fun. Here are a few previews as promised ...

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.

Brecon Baby Photography { Pure & Simple }

It was one of the sunniest days of the year when I photographed the September wedding of a fantastic couple in Trecastle. Ten months on and I had the privilege of revisiting them for a very special session - to welcome their baby son into the world. These are some of my favourites from the session - nice and simple ...

Penarth Family Photography { More Six }

Do you know, I think my sessions are a bit like buses - I will long for older children and along come two in the same day and likewise newborn sessions all seem to come in at the same time too - odd!

Enough of my rambling ... This session was touch and go yesterday. After various nervous texts and calls between myself and mum we decided it was worth risking that the grey clouds would shift. It paid off and was a stunning evening and SO hot. Cosmeston was the destination and we surprisingly managed to avoid the crowds in fields a bit off the beaten track.

Like I said, more six. Lots of chatting about Clone Wars, Austin Powers and finally, girlfriends was in order to get some more relaxed facial expressions. Perfect example below at the mention of girls :)



Let's not forget the bouncing baby brother. Four months old and full of character ...



And last but certainly not least - Willie the Pug but images of this little monster will have to wait for the moment whilst I re-build my energy this really was a session the kept me on my toes! Thanks mum for a lovely late afternoon stroll - lots to go through before I'm finished but I thought I would give you a sneaky peek! Enjoy your holiday and I will be in touch when you get back :)