Baby Ollie-Art Of Innocence-South Shields Baby Photographer

March 10th, 2012

Recently had the pleasure of photographing baby Ollie.  His personality was amazing, all he did was laugh through the entire portrait session.  His mam wanted “Arty” which is always music to my ears.  Love his beautiful hair and expressive eyes.  What a wonderful day!

Pastel tones, stunning eyes and beautiful wavy hair.

Those eyes, giggly expression and wonderful hair.

Textured hair, giggles, pastel tones and detailed eyes.

To book or enquire CLICK HERE-http://www.sarahkirkphotography.co.uk/contact.html

The Persistence Of A Spider

December 23rd, 2011

Most people have times in there lives when we know we need a change of direction.  Deliberation on which road to take when there is a road sign with numerous options (metaphorically).

So we eventually decide on a path but we are not sure it is the correct one, once again we change our mind trying to decide which the correct cause of action is for us.  So what is the solution we ask ourselves?

I am going to tell you a story about such a simple everyday creature, a garden spider. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . One day I felt particularly inspired by nothing more than a little spider I was photographing in my garden.  Here is the little fellow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a normal garden spider.  At first I photographed him in his web on the side of my wheely bin in different natural light, on numerous days, to make a “pretty picture”-As I became bored with this, I thought to myself, “why not do a creative assignment which tells a story”, so I started watching his behaviour.  He built his web, nothing unusual for a spider, but as I started watching him create his web section by section, I admiringly noticed the beauty of the construction.  I appreciated the aesthetic quality, it’s photographic beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day I went outside and his web was destroyed so what did he do?  He had already started constructing a new web immediately, no deliberation and in a different location.  I saw him enjoy eating a fly but a few hours later I returned and noticed his fine work must have been destroyed by wind.  What did he do?  Of course this spider had an immaculate brand new web the next day, that’s what spiders do.  Only problem was his web was across my front door so I knew it would be broken as soon as I got a visitor and a few hours later it was demolished but the next morning a new web was gleaming in the sunlight!

If only things were that simple for us.  Of course things are a lot more complicated for us but if there is one thing I will take from watching nothing more that a spider doing spidery things is his consistency. How important consistency is in every aspect of life.  If you build your life somewhere and it is not working build it some where else and be persistent with that decision.  You wouldn’t catch a spider building half finished webs everywhere in indecision.  If things don’t work out that’s o.k. The spider fed on a fly because he built that web.  Without that web he could not have eaten and his survival instinct give him a meal.  You don’t see a spider giving up when his web is destroyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am now inspired to create the name of my new website Art Of Life Photography and guess what the next step is?  I am creating the first “strand” of my new “(web)site” in my own time when I am feeling most inspired with heart and passion.  We creative types may speak metaphorically and some of us may be a little quirky but inspiration is what drives us all to create something new and exciting.

 

Customer Feedback-Abigail Creel

October 12th, 2011

Real reviews from Facebook!

Abbie Creel Said:  (Five Star Rating)  ”

I was booked in for a consultation with Sarah so that she could find out exactly what I was looking for in my porfolio. This service had never been offered to me before – other photographers expected me to turn up on the day and do the photo shoot – so this was a breath of fresh air.The photo shoot was done in the comfort of my own home (believe it or not – in the living room). I was a bit nervous to start with but Sarah put me at ease and I had a lot of fun changing into different outfits and even found myself twirling around. I even chose the ‘twirling’ picture as one of my images!One image I did ask for in my consultation was a discreet topless photograph. Sarah was very professional as I got ready and directed me into different positions. I was unsure if I would choose it as an image but when I saw the final image during my viewing, it was the first image I purchased.As an actress and performer, images are important. I originally paid for 5 images along with the poto shoot but I ended up buying 10 images – the standard was that high. I even had to call my friend over to help me narrow down the possible images.I look forward to working with Sarah again in the very near future. I am very pleased and happy with the end results.

Sarah, thank you.

Which Editing style do you prefer?  Abbie Chose the bottom portrait editing style as she wanted a natural “look.”

Customer Feedback-Sanders Family

October 12th, 2011

So what do customers think of Sarah Kirk Photography?  REAL reviews from real people on Facebook.

 

Cath Gollan Was Boukfil (Grandparent and Mother) Said:

(Five Star Rating)  ” Sarah took some photos of my grandchildren Evie and Poppy and daughter and son-in law at their home.I can honestly say ive never seen such beautiful photos, some of the shots were simply amazing. I treasure them very much, her work needs to be seen to be believed”.

Samia Sanders (Mother and Daughter of Cath) Said:

(Five Star Rating)  “Sarah came to my house to do some family pictures and we were overwhelmed with how fantastic they were.
I have two girls Poppy and Evie who were 4 and 2 at the time of the shoot and keeping them focused was no mean feat . Sarah showed tremondous patience and stayed for about 3 hours – through tantrums, a quick costume change for the girls and an embarrassed mum and dad at having our piccies done.
I wanted the pictures fairly quickly so I could use some for Mothers Day and Sarah worked really hard at getting the final Photo’s in time for this.
The pictures were Beautiful and really captured the spirit of the girls – so much so that we ended up buying a lot more pictures than we had originally planned because they were all too good to eliminate any 🙂 .
One of the images was so great I had it blown up onto a huge Canvas for my living room.
I will definately be using Sarah again in the near future and would recommend her to anybody” !!!!!

 

 

 

Kirk Ancestry

September 29th, 2011

We all want to know where we come from.  This is Wilfred Kirk In India.  He was a Seaforth highlander http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaforth_Highlanders.  In the 30s-40s roughly.  I’ve never met my grandfather unfortunately.  He died long before I was born.  My research is on going.  Wonder if he had similar personality traits to me?

Choosing to see beauty

August 14th, 2011

Sometimes beauty seems to be absent, missing, the glass is half empty. Then something happens, a conversation, a decision, a moment happens. Nature provides. You can block out the world then all of a sudden you don’t notice the bad stuff, just for that moment you see. Postivity is present, you have a goal again.

I love when it happens unexpectedly. Sometimes someone else points you in the right direction. Hope is the most important word in the world.

Seahouses-Farne Islands

May 15th, 2011

I lived in South Shields most of my youth, then off I went for 10 years, moving all over the U.K. and even abroad learning my photographic craft and living life to the fullest-always photographing nature out of enjoyment.  

You sometimes forget what is on your doorstep.   I’d be lying if I said that I did not miss the thrill of the race sometimes, not knowing how long I would be in one place, the excitement of planning my next move, my next adventure. . .

So what is on this “doorstep” of South Shields?

My family who I rarely saw for 10 years, wow, that’s a long time.  -Every time I visited each year dad and I discussed how we should visit  Seahouses and see the Seals at the Farne Islands now we’ve done it.

These images won’t win awards and are not photographically anything special but they remind me of our day together.

We saw yellow fields on the way home and stopped so I could photograph it!  Dad calls this “Fields of Gold”

I was envious of the guy with the £2000 long lens but hey ho. . .gotta love this little Grey Seal !

Guillemots and a single Cormorant

What’s on my doorstep?  A lot more than I thought IF I CARE TO TAKE A DEEPER LOOK.

Hallimond Family

May 7th, 2011

Recently had the pleasure of photographing a genuinely lovely family.  They were an absolute joy to photograph, organised and cooperative.  I always give tips at the consultation on how to get the best out of the portrait session, especially when small children are involved to make sure we get the best from them on the day-I could not have asked for more from Sarah and Brian.  After seeing this dedication I knew  how much the experience and more importantly the resulting portraits meant to them.

The whole family

Charlotte-love the texture and tones in her hair.

Daniel-loving his beautiful little pout.

Charlotte and Daniel-love their expressions.

Charlotte again-a delicate strand of hair and her stunning eyes!

Sarah said: ” ” (FIVE STAR RATING)I wanted to have some photos taken of my children and after looking at some of Sarahs work, I knew immediately I was going to book a session with her. Her service is fantastic, from the consultation through to the shoot and then the viewing and even receiving the prints by hand!
She really listened and understood exactly what I wanted… from her. Being a mother of a 2 year old and a 7 month old, I had my worries how my children would be on the day and whether they would keep still long enough to have some good photos taken. I needn’t have worried as Sarah was brilliant with them, she really knew how to entertain the little ones and made them laugh, you would think she had children of her own! And we didn’t just get good photos of them – we got AMAZING photos of them!
Sarah was at our home a few hours and I never once felt hurried or pressured, as she was very patient and reassured us that there was no rush.
And on top of all this, the shoot was done in the comfort of our home which also helped the kids be more relaxed.
Overall a fantastic experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Sarah again in the future and I would recommend her to anyone!
Excellent value for money!

TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK A PORTRAIT SESSION-Please follow this link and fill out the form: http://www.sarahkirkphotography.co.uk/contact.html

Scared to have his photo taken?…Not today!

March 8th, 2011

When Leighanne and I spoke on the phone how she’d love some portraits of her children Talia, Will and Evie she explained that little Will wouldn’t sit or smile for the camera.  That did not surprise me and I explained how that is totally normal and that we’d have fun and capture some great portraits.

At our consultation she explained she’d taken little Will to a local portrait studio in the past and recently tried to have his school photo taken both without success.  I met Will that day and what a lovely little boy.  We talked about Fireman Sam, Peppa Pig and how we were going to have such fun when I came back to see him.

I always allow plenty of time at the portrait session at my clients homes so they do not feel rushed and can make the most of the quality service.  Talia, and Evie did fantastic and little Will took to it like a duck to water in record time!

Will enjoying himself

Look at those eyes

Talia, love the tones in her hair

Children together

Art Of Innocence-Childhood Portraiture

February 2nd, 2011

Many photographers are a “Jack of all trades” and this was certainly true of myself until recently.  This does not mean that I would turn down particular enquiries or subjects, however I do feel that it is important that a professional photographer should highlight the field of his/her expertise.

I choose to specialise in Childhood Portraiture as I see this chapter in a persons life the most important in terms of recording memories, especially as changes happen so rapidly!

Let me use the metaphor “flower” to expain how I see it. . . From the seed of a baby bump to a newborn bud, through to a blooming toddler.  These stages of physical and mental development are YOUR MEMORIES which will be frozen in time when you glimpse at your portraits 3 years down the line, you will remember those little expressions your baby used to have before they became your little man or little lady.

Amy-Beth is now three years old. . .how time flies. . .

Donnelly Family

March 6th, 2010

One thing I relate to as a woman is needing portraits of myself looking fabulous and also of myself and my man together.  Katie and Paul wanted just that, to celebrate their marriage.

Donnelly Family (4)

Katie and Paul holding hands

Donnelly Family (15)

Katie looking elegant

 

Facebook Review-

Katie Donnelly Said:

(Five Star Review)  Sarah is fantastic! My husband and I had some wedding photos taken in our home and viewed the final shots last night and I am amzed how anyone can make me look that good! Can’t wait for next week when Sarah brings the prints! Yippee! x

Quality time with my man in Egypt

February 7th, 2010

 Escapism…everyone has something that has them move away from reality and relax.  One of my favourite forms of escape is travel, always surrounded by the sea.   Must needed time to recharge my batteries and spend quality time with my boyfriend.   You know what it’s like…not enough time in the day to find time to relax so I consider this time together a good investment.

This was our view as the sunset.  Notice the tiny moon.  Enjoyed every second of our time together this day. 

IMG_0286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed following these fish swimming through and jumping out of the water.   I see this as a piece of art. 

IMG_0104

And why not capture a portrait of my man in this beautiful light?

IMG_0150

I love the oranges and blues in the waves.

IMG_0227

A boat in the distance and a blue-green sea.

IMG_0145

Subtle shadows and vibrant blues and mountains fading into the distance.

IMG_0078

 

 

Longleat Safari Park, Somerset

November 9th, 2009

Flamingos

Flamingos were soaking up the sun, wanted to go for a watercolour feel

 

Sanders family

October 18th, 2009

Poppie

Poppie

Beautiful little girl

 

 

Evie 1

Evie

Such energy and personality

 

Poppie and Evie

Poppie and Evie

Sisters have a special bond, they were playing “row..row..row your boat” and then had a little kiss

 

When was the last time you had your family portrait taken?

Watching Amy grow

October 18th, 2009

 

I’ve lived away from home for years…..I usually visit  in January for around a month, always with a new venture in mind but carrying the sadness of knowing I will be leaving soon once again.  This time is always short, squeezing in time with family and friends but even more so in January 2008…….

I was in Egypt, sat in my hotel room when I recieved a text message on 7th January “Hi. Emma had a baby girl, Amy-Beth 7lbs 13oz, mother and baby are fine”   I was an aunty!  I could not wait to get home.  When I held her in my arms she looked so new, tiny little features, and seeing my sister with her own little baby girl, amazing. 

It will soon be January 2010 and Amy-Beth will be two years old, I’ve missed so much of seeing her grow and now she’s a little girl.  I  managed  to visit home and capture a few precious moments with her, each time seeing changes, beginning to bond and knowing that next time I visited she would not remember me. 

Recently the whole family visited….it makes you rethink a few things.  She called me “aunty Sarah” in her sweet little voice and ,oh my god, I can not describe how that makes me feel, it’s pretty special.

Here are a few of my memories since she was born

 

Amy Beth stages

Portraits are important