Buy Local this Holiday Season!

Why is it important to buy local? Everyone always talks about buying local, but do you know why? It saves money, creates jobs, boosts local economy, and makes your gifts this holiday season more special because they have a story. A story Walmart cannot provide! I love to employ local vendors at every opportunity throughout the year and appreciate my customers who do the same.
So... Are you interested in saving and creating jobs in your local community? The 3/50 project is built on that idea, and the national media has given it a lot of attention this year. "Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy." How do the numbers add up?

3 - Pick any 3 locally owned, independent businesses.

50 - Spend $50 a month in each business.

68 - For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

The 3/50 project organizers say that:

If half the employed population spent $50 a month in locally owned, independent businesses, it would generate more than $52.6 billion in revenue. Employment statistics courtesy U.S. Labor Department 2/6/09 report; 68/43 stats courtesy Civic Economics 2008 study.

A lot of people have witnessed this intuitively with small town business. Thanks to Cinda Baxter, 3/50 project founder, real evidence and real suggestions are now available to help.

All this aside, when you purchase something from a local business, the gift has more meaning, more story and a life beyond the price tag. I love the look on someones face when I give them a custom made local gift, or a certificate to a business downtown. So this Christmas( even if its not at Sarah Moore Photography) I challenge you to purchase 3 gifts at local small businesses, the effects will go father than you think! Here are a just few of my favorites....

Tami Bertelson, Cozy Trends, Handmade Children's Hats, www.cozytrends.com
Monica Carpenter, Moe's Crochet,Garters/Snowflakes www.etsy.com/shop/moescrochet
Erica Brown, Erica's Custom Murals, www.ericasmurals.webs.com/
Kings Christian Bookstore, www.KingsChristianBookstore.com
Natural Feeder, Natural Horse Care, www.thenaturalfeeder.com
Big G's BBQ, 720 8th Street Boone, IA 50036-2705 - (515) 432-2162
Boone Theatre, 818 Story St Boone, IA 50036(515) 432-5207
Mollys Mutt Hutt, 819 Division Street Boone, IA 50036-1930 - (515) 432-0736

AND OF COURSE....

Sarah Moore Photography, www.SarahMoorePhoto.com
Whats your favorite locally/independently owned Boone business? Whatever it is buy local and have a Very Merry Christmas!

Sarah
Sarah Moore Photography
906 9th Street Suite 208
Boone, IA 50036

515.230.8965

WHATS HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER?

NOVEMBER SPECIALS! 100 CARDS $100 or $50 CARDS and $50 print credit $100 INCLUDES THE SITTING FEE!

UP ON THE ROOFTOP SITTINGS! DECEMBER 1st and 3rd ONLY! 4:30pm - 7:00pm $5.00 for a 5x7 print! Special Event Pricing Applies! No appointments needed!

TIMELESS SANTA PORTRAITS! Capture the magic for your child! Don't go to the mall! Don't stand in line for an hour and be rushed to see Santa! Don't be satisfied with inferior photos! Make an appointment for a special 1 on 1 visit with Santa! 15 minute sittings, a CD with all your images within 24 hours, and a sheet of wallet sized prints for only $40.00! This is a one day only event! Book Early to avoid disappointment! Saturday, December 11th . 9am-1pm and 4pm- 7:30pm

My Philosophy of Photography

I don't know everything about photography, sometimes I don't care what my ISO speeds are, and its true that most of my best days are spent with my children without a camera in sight. The flip side is no one loves their job more than me. I love my job, I love everything about it! There are things that I know about my business without any question..

#1- I love taking pictures. Even if every person in the world was a photographer I would still be a photographer, but a lot more of my photos would have cameras in them I guess. I would still be a photographer even if I never made any money. I love catching moments, but I also love creating moments. I like having people do things they may not normally do, and capturing the authentic emotions it creates. I love making babies fall asleep. I love making duck noises at 2 year olds. I love tickling tiny piggies. I love making people stand uncomfortably close and watching them burst into laughter. I love being a witness to a lifelong commitment. I love shooting outdoors, and I know God can create a better backdrop than I can buy. I never use a tripod because I feel buckled down! I prefer natural lighting and think shadows make things look real! I think people are way more beautiful than they think they are.

#2- When people choose my photography they are not only choosing me, but they are supporting local causes and community building. I always want my clients to know that I care about my community and everyone living within it. When people patronize my business they are also supporting my ability to do free work for many local non-profits. My customers have afforded me the ability to give back to the community and for that I am truly thankful!

#3- When I am photographing your wedding, event, or family I give myself completely. I pride myself in my ability to adapt to any situation and group. I think its from living in a military family for so many years. I will do anything to get the right shot. I often find myself lying on the ground, climbing unstable structures, and wading through freezing water to get the right shot! I am willing to do anything to make sure you have unique and fun photos that truly reflect your personality. When I am not shooting, my family life will always come first. One of the main reasons I love my job is because it affords me the ability to be a stay at home mom still. I can go to hockey practice, story time, and make homemade dinners. My customers appreciate this about me and in turn I make sure they are thrilled by their final product.

#4- No man (or woman) is an island. I have always been a highly motivated person, but my business would not be where it is today without so many people. My parents who taught me that being what you want to be is as easy as deciding who you want to be. My husband who has always supported this endeavor even when we had to eat spaghetti for a month when I bought my first camera. My kids who inspire me every day that the world is full of beauty and endless possibility. To my customers who bought my work when I was setting up in my living room with shop lights. To my customers who appreciate the value of a beautiful portrait. To the other professionals who guided me along the way. I can never say thank you enough. I can truly never say thank you enough.

So enough with my late night ramblings, but I just wanted to give my customers and future customers some insight into my life and why I love what I do.

Thank You Gracie & Henderson!

I love shooting on location, mostly because it offers an endless pallate of colors and new backdrops I don't even have to pay for!! This shoot was at their family farm! They wore just the right outfits and had adorable little personalities! Thank you to two adorable pumpkins! I am pulling all the stops and using all my fall keywords and I ran spell check twice in honor of thier mommy who is a teacher! Thanks for making me feel so at home! :)

Thank You Baby Selena & Crew!

A beautiful day out at Don Williams Lake in Ogden, Iowa with a beautiful family!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Hutt!

Congrats! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

Paint Brownville Autumn Festival

A great weekend shooting events in Brownville, Nebraska!

Thank You Bryant!

Thanks so much for being a good sport and putting up with all those mosquitos! Holy Moly am I bit up!

Thank You Szatko Family!

Thank You Keith!

Thanks Keith for being such a good sport and laughing at all my surprising antics! Here is one for all you Hawkeye fans who think I only post Iowa State stuff! I love this photo! Can't wait for you to see them all!

Thank you Jessi!

I rarely get the chance to do senior photos, but when I do I always have a blast! Jessi was so much fun following me all around Boone! This is at one of my favorite downtown spots at Ericson Public Library! Thanks Jessi, I know you will LOVE your images!

GO STEELERS!!

Book and appointment to cheer on your favorite team!

Purtle Family!

What a great way to celebrate the purchase of a dream home with a family portrait! I can see this photo going out on thier family christmas cards this year! What a great family to work with! Congratulations Purtle Family!

Almost Dark!

I have been shooting all summer well into the evening! This is the photo that almost didnt happen! At 7:15 it was almost too dark! Thank goodness we snuck in a few shots before nightfall! October is filling up fast! Call today to avoid disapointment! Thank You Darby family for being flexible!

Iowa Arboretum Weekend!

From time to time I offer discounted weekend photo shoots! The best way to find out about them is to become a blog follower or become my facebook friend! I did 30 minute sittings this last weekend for only $100.00 to include a CD of the images! Thank you to little Cayden for being such a good little boy for his photos!

Kissin in the corn!

Congrats to Shane and Michelle! Cant wait till the big day!

Sarah

TWINS TAKE 2!

I offer a customer satisfaction garuntee! My goal is that you walk away from each sitting completely satisfied with your experience. These little guys needed a second chance for thier 6 month shoot and I was more than happy to oblige!

Three Lovely Ladies!

A great evening shooting out at the Iowa Arboretum! It was a great way to end a very long day! A super fun family sitting with three lovely ladies! They were more than willing to put up with my cazy antics and now I know they will LOVE thier images! I forgot how beautiful it is out there in the fall! In a few more weeks all the leaves should turn! Cant wait! Book today to avoid dissapointment!

HY-VEE BRIDAL SHOW!

I am so excited about tommorow's bridal show at the Hy-vee Conference Center! I have a brand new display set up that I have been working on for months! I have new promotional materials, new albums, hundreds of new images! Now all I need is some 2011 and 2012 brides! Dates are filling up fast, a deposit of $500.00 assures you have me for your special day! I promise its a choice you will not regret! Come check out my brand new studio space and see what it means to have a personal and custom experience at Sarah Moore Photography! Brides to be, become a blog follower and you can earn free lifetime shipping and a special gift!

Twins TAKE 2!

My favorite twins came back for thier second photo shoot today! They were a little sleepy, thier animal friends must have kept them up super late last night!

Happy Birthday Kyra!

This sweet little girl is celbrating her birthday princess style! I love photographing first birthdays! Kyra was excited about this cake from the second she laid eyes on it-- and boy did she let loose when we took it away! Don't worry I sent it home with her-- we all know I can't stand to see a sad baby-- I am a pushover! Happy Birthday Kyra!

Congrats to Bill & Ruth!

One of the most unique and personalized events I have ever attended! What an amazing way to join two families! Thank you for letting me be a part of it!

Sarah

Thank You Curcillo Family!

What a beautiful family on a lovely fall day! Thanks for making my journey so enjoyable!

Thank You Kelli & Josh!

What I loved most about this couple is the contagious laughter! They were so adorable and so obviously in love! Can't wait to do thier outdoor fall wedding!

What the world needs now is love..sweet love...

Time for a Change!

( Photo by Photos Anywhere)

www.fosterasmile.com

Foster A Smile is all about local photographers (see a current listing on the gallery page) giving back to their community by providing free senior photos to Iowa High School Seniors living in foster care.

It’s about doing good things―every teen deserves to be recognized for such an important accomplishment. For those of you who know me, you know that I have a soft spot for foster youth because of my involvement with the group Elevate.

“Children & Families of Iowa’s elevate is a youth-driven program that inspires change, compassion and connection for foster and adoptive youth in Iowa. elevate members are youth ages 13 and up who have been involved in foster care, adoption or other out-of-home placements. We are young people who want to make a difference in the child welfare system. We come from every background and we all have stories to tell. elevate's mission is to inspire others to new levels of understanding and compassion to the life connection needs of foster care and adoptive teens by sharing their personal stories of hope.”

To put it simply, they have inspired me. They have inspired me to realize that while in the grand scheme of things senior photos are fairly small thing, they can make a difference to a youth who has graduated against all odds and that is a BIG thing. And that is where I can help and where so many other local photographers have enthusiastically agreed to help too!

This website is a work in progress so I encourage photographers, seniors and foster parents to give feedback about their experiences to sarah@sarahmoorephoto.com .

Happy Birthday Charlotte Rose!

Thank You Baby Samuel!

Thank You Baby Samuel for coming to see me today! He is just as sweet as can be! On another baby side note, my baby turned ONE today! So one year ago today I was in the hospital having the best girl in the world!

Vacation Days!

I am now home and relaxed and better than ever! Thanks for all your patience! This photo was taken in Hole in the Wall, WY. Near the hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!

Happy Birthday Elevate!

As many of you know ELEVATE is one of the causes nearest and dearest to my heart! Today I had the privlidge of hsnging out with them again for thier 5 year aniversary party in Des Moines! I cant wait to share with you all whats in the works for the upcoming year! For more information on how you can change a life forever just ask!

Romance is in the air!

This is one of my last few weddings this season and it reminded me of how much I love shooting outdoors!. It was so beautiful at Reiman Gardens, the white chairs, the fountains, the rose petals, and of course the gnomes! I had such a wonderful time photographing Megan and Jordan's wedding this weekend. The thing that really struck me about them is how many people in thier wedding party were long time friends. They knew most of them from the time they were children. I love friends like that. Friends that you never have to explain yourself too, that are there for you when you are growing and changing, its a real blessing! There couldn't have been a more beautiful bride!

Thank You Brianna & Matthew!

I was working with some cool shadows here, someone commented that it looks like a CD cover! I like it! Can't wait to do it all over again this weekend!

Sarah

Sisters!

Today was girls ONLY at Sarah Moore Photography! Thank you to Emma and Macy who came to the studio today showing off thier matching jerseys and pettiskirts! I love this photo because Emma looks so feminine and Macy is on her tip toes! What an adorable pair, I think this should be the next Gymboree Ad, so if anyone out there has a great uncle who owns Gymboree give them my number!

Thank You Lily & Anna!

Today Miss Lily came in to show off her new little sister Anna! I get lots of requests to do the t-shirt photos that say "big sister/brother" "little Sister/Brother". And its usually a pretty tough shot because the wording on a little onesie is so small and most times the sibling is not so good at holding without help! This is one way to photograph a under 3 with a baby. Lie them both on thier backs, bring them by a nice natural light source( i.e. window) and have the camera directly above them! Shows off the shirts and it shows off their faces, and it shows off Miss Lilys sparkling eyes and personality!

Congratulations Leah & Mark!

What a beautiful day for a wedding! Today I did a wedding on the beautiful campus of Iowa State on the campanile lawn. I always cry at every wedding, I can't control it and anyone who knows me knows this about me. The minister said the most beautiful but simple words today. She said that every wedding you attend as a married person is a renewal of your own wedding vows. Then it hit me-- that is exactly why I cry at every wedding! I cried through my vows ten years ago and I cry at some point every time I am at a wedding because I am renewing my own promises internally. How beautiful and lucky I get to do it so many times a year! Thank you Mark and Leah for letting me share in your special day-- it was truly unique and meaningful! Congratulations! My advice to the rest of you married folks is to attend as many weddings as you can! The image above makes me laugh, mostly because you couldnt get further from a Bridezilla than Leah, but she is a good sport, along with the entire bridal party! Thanks for the laughs!

Sarah

A little sad...

Today I got the opportunity to photograph CJ and his daddy! It was bittersweet in that I was so pleased to capture thier images, but so sad to know that he will be leaving soon and these photos will likely be placed next to this little boys pillow for months to come. I can seriously picture him hugging the frame at night before he goes to bed. I can imagine his dad looking into a similar fram into those gorgeous eyes and offset grin and knowing that he does what he does so his little guy can sleep safe and warm. It give me goosebumps, It makes me so happy and so sad all at the same time. It seemed fitting that I get the chance to do a military shoot today since today marks my families LAST day in the US ARMY. Thinking about our military life which was ever changing, full of craziness was also full of so many wonderful people and places that I well up just thinking about it. 8 years flew by and my gratitude for my husband and for all the brave men and women who serve will never come to an end. I offer free sitting and a free 8x10 for every military family who is preparing for deployment. I Thank you, I really thank you on my last day as Mrs. Sgt Moore.

Thank you Holly!

I photograph my friends pretty regularly. I sometimes get my feelings hurt when my friends and family do choose another photographer. I often compare it with my father in law. He owns a car repair shop and I always wonder if he gets upset when one of his relatives or friends goes to jiffy lube for an oil change. Tonight I had the great pleasure of photographing my friend Holly and her family out on their Farm in Ogden. The property is lovely, there is no shortage of backdrops. I love to photograph my friends, but there is something different when your friend is a photographer too. I always get a little nervous before I take another photographers photo. There is an expectation there that is unspoken and a little intimidating. I get asked a few times a year to do a pro or semi-pro's photos and that anxiety never goes away. However I have an ease with Holly that made tonight's shoot more like family! This image was one of my favs and an Iowa classic! CORN CORN AND MORE CORN! Thank you Holly I hope you Love them too!

The Newest News at Sarah Moore Photography!

Hello All!

Today I am proud to introduce the newest product in the Sarah Moore Photography line. These nifty little pen drives will be replacing my discs. So when you purchase the rights to your images, they will be given to you preloaded on this pen drive. It will also include a photo slide show set to music that will play on any HD TV, PC, or MAC. They are protected and presented in this beautiful tin keepsake box. The drive itself clicks in and out like a pen to protect the flash drive. Its the first of several big changes here at Sarah Moore Photography which will keep me on ahead of the curve. This is just one more reason why Sarah Moore Photography is the choice for your family, wedding, or infant session! Stay tuned to the blog for all the newest products! Call today and preserve your memories!

Boone County Fair

One of my main missions in life is to promote the protection of children. Many of you know I spent last year in the AmeriCorps which is basically a proffessional volunteer. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet so many amazing community members, political leaders, and mini-celebrities. I got the opportunity to work with several community welfare programs and taught sexual abuse prevention in every elementary school in the county. I feel like one of my life's main purposes is to help other people,its my way of saying thank you for all the beautiful things I have in my life. This year Sarah Moore Photography is teaming up with Community Partnerships for Protecting Children to make Child Safety Cards at the Boone County Fair. The cards are free and will help law enforcement in helping to find a your child should they ever go missing! Sarah Moore Photography will be at the fair THU-SUN 4pm - 7pm each day! Cards are easy and can be picked up in as little as 30 minutes. Also you can get information on CPPC, and how you can help to make Boone a better place! HELP keep children safe! GET INVOLVED!

Happy Birthday Karma!

Pella is Bella!

Ok... I know its super cheezy tagline! But Pella is so pretty! I spent the afternoon there with the kids and did a family sitting with a bride and groom from last year!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dudley

What a fun group of people! Adam and Emily had so many unique things about thier special day! I loved thier cakes-- they were showstoppers! Another unique thing was I got to dance with the groom! At every wedding I go to there are two or three moments where Its very hard for me to not be a guest. The first is that I cry at almost every ceremony, something is so beautiful about two people making a committment to love each other forever. The second is the father daughter dance, I always keep the camera set on autofocus during this dance because I always well up. The third is I have to control my feet from joining in the dancing! I LOVE to dance even if I have two left feet! Tonight I got my wish! Thanks guys! What a great night! Congratulations!

Thank You Tucker!

I would like to thank Brandon for coming into the studio today with his lovely little son Tucker! What a beautiful family! This is a sitting that I did as a thank you for his service to our country. I am so glad you came back home safe to your family! As most of you know I will always have a special place in my heart for those who choose to serve so bravely. What an honor to be able to give something small back.

Thank You Bill and Ruth!

What a treat go out on a shoot and come home with 4 dozen farm fresh eggs? My job has so many amazing perks! Looking forward to your big day!

The Truth About Two...

Two year olds are particularly hard to photograph because they have decided without reguard that for the rest of thier life they will do exactly as they please. Take for instance this adorable blond haired little boy! Oh he looks angelic.. as if he just popped up on the ottoman and smiled with that seriously heart melting smile. What is not shown was the 20 minutes prior that his mother and I tried to coerse him to even step onto the backdrop. The time it took to re-tie his shoes, tuck in his shirt, and try to cover the big gooseegg on his forehead with that gorgeous hair! Two year olds are amazing becuase they typically don't care what you have to offer them, they remain unbribable as they were just a few months earlier. The best way to photograph them is to do WHATEVER THEY WANT! I do not reccommend this in ANY other capacity, but in photography a meltdown means its all over. I have seen countless parents try to punish thier two year old in a session and in each and every scenario-- the session is OVER, eyes get red, tears flow, kicking and throwing begins. I use the do whatever you want scenario from about 18 months to three. I try to get them to play with me, by carrying furniture, playing with toys, catching things. If we are outside I get them to chase me, or play hide and seek, or climb up things. It may sound silly but they are the boss! They control the session and it takes a very strategic plan to get a good photo! A lot of times I even try to catch the attitude-- simply because thats who they are at that moment in thier life. This little guys mama may want a re-shoot or she may not! Either way it is never a boring job! I love this kid! Thank You QUINN-- until we meet again! lol

Fathers Day Gift!

Purchase a $20.00 gift voucher and receive a $25.00 one! No limit! Valid on new sittings only! Celebrate fatherhood and give a gift that will last a lifetime!

Thank You Olivia!

This is adorable little Olivia who has officially won the poop/pee on mom and dad award at my studio! As always she earned her parents a free photo!