WE ROCKED!!

We cleaned house at the Atlantic Professional Photographer's Association Print Competition, taking home a bundle of ribbons! I've included a little history of each image. Take a look to see if you are one of the stars that made our awards possible; if you are, we will give you a complimentary 8x10 of the award winning image! Just contact us to let us know you read this blog!

"Peeking In On Mother"

Portraiture 3rd Place

This extraordinary print was captured while the mother calmed and soothed her baby for us to continue their Fine Art Session. As I sat there waiting and watching this most intimate time between mother and child, I was moved and captivated at the beauty of both of them and knew I could not let this precious moment slip by. This is, by far, one of my most beloved prints of all time.

"No Luck Today"
Portraiture 2nd Place
Caught on the fly, running after this delightful 2 year old and---WOW! Did we ever capture incredible images of Nick! Michelle stood by with a reflector and an outstretched hand ready to catch him if he leaned forward a little to far! We knew he was cute but he surprised us with a wide variety of fantastic facial expressions. Just look at this pout! The judges and audience loved it!

"God's Promise"
Portraiture 1st Place
How could we not title this "God's Promise"? For everyone is, and when we saw Mia in this perfect pose as if she were listening to God's whisper from the Heavens, we knew it was perfect. This portrait was praised by the judges as unique in infant portaiture: they were awed and surprised at the use of deep, rich colors and the ability to evoke the art era of Renaissance and Baroque.

Winning Best of Show is quite an honor. A Best of Show print is chosen by the judges as the top print of ALL categories, of ALL prints.

"Earth Goddess"

Best of Show and Art Tech 1st Place

This portrait was captured during a Senior Portfolio Session in Annalise's Sun Room. She is a vibrant and absolutely beautiful young lady who enjoys an active lifestyle as well as the arts. She agreed to do artistic posing and portraiture during her session and we obtained rockin' imagery! This print was altered for competition to be entered into the Art Tech Category. You should see it in person!

Affordable Style: Our Specials

Reorganize, redecorate, revive your home deco with personal art. We have special events of impressive value throughout the year. Be inspired, watch us!

Ongoing through 2007: Awaken slumbering walls with a complimentary 16x20! Your dedication to our business could pay off for you! Refer 5 clients to us who hold a Lifestyle or Fine Art Session this year and you recieve a Canvas Heirloom and a studio portrait session, FREE! (after the completion of all sessions). Go on, talk us up! And if you need business cards, please let me know!

A splash of color adds instant style when you bathe your walls with hand tinted portraits of your child. Be sure to watch for our specials! Our Signature Children's Portrait Packages begin at $145., or try our new Single Pose Packages that begin at $49.00. These packages are exclusive offers only during Special Events!

Looking to add a little glow to your relationship? Well, watch out, this leads to blinding brilliance! Call for your Intimate Portraiture Session and recieve a free 8x10 during the month of March. We promise to make you feel good, look good and give you distinctive images that will light up your life! Just watch them smile!

The Milestone Sessions

The Milestones Sessions is $350 and includes 3 sessions documenting your baby's first year of life. Sessions take place at 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months. Our plan covers the first 2 sessions in studio and the 12 month session on location at home.
You receive access to exclusive Milestones Collections, and 10% off any a la carte prints and a
10x20 Panel with an image from each session at the conclusion of your plan.
Want to add another studio session during the year to include siblings or grandparents? You can add extra studio sessions throughout the year for just $55 !

4 months: this is a really fun time since your baby is most likely to starting to smile, Has lots of great eye contact, and has probably found his/her toes! For this session, a simple outfit will be nice but we'll also photograph your baby in just his/her diaper.

8 months: by this session your baby should be sitting up on his own very well. Bring several outfits for different looks. Consider having your baby in just their diaper again. I have a few "props" to help contain babies who are great crawlers!

12 months: your baby will be standing and most likely walking by this session. We'll definitely get a good workout chasing them around! Your home is a perfect location because your toddler is most comfortable in their enviornment! We can change outfits for different looks, play with all their favorite toys,or consider a small cake for the end of the session and let them dig in!

Once your Milestones Collection has been completed we highly recommend annual professional portraits of your children. You will be thrilled that you captured natural and artistic imagery of your child on location each year of their life as they change and grow. Collect our priceless DVD's and Albums annually---we promise you will be forever grateful that you did!

The Location Session

Our Lifestyle Sessions are the hallmark of PhotoArtWorks. Family Sessions are$250.00 and a Child's Session is $150.00. These inviting sessions are relaxed and fun; where everyone can be their true selves. Here is where the intimate interaction of love, laughter and play is captured .......where memories are made.

Locations are chosen to portray the story of you best! We are glad to assist you in decision making during your consultation session. Consultation sessions are where we will discuss clothing options, as well as location settings, things to do or bring during your photo session and suggestions for the best possible outcome.

In-Home Portraiture creates the true family heirloom: we bring our studio lights to you while you remain relaxed and comfortable in your personal environment. Home is where the heart is , and creating a family heirloom within your home will be a pricless treasure to you, forever.

Materity and Newborns

Having a baby is such a big decision and forever changes your life. Having a maternity session is a great way to document this special time in your life. Whether it's your first pregnancy or your fourth, each time is different and very special and having portraits is a great way to remember how it was.

The first step is to decide what to wear but, more importantly, what not to wear. After arising the morning of your session, do not put on any underware, pants or items that will leave an impression (indentation) on your belly. If you're wonderingif certain clothing will work, just bring it and we will figure out what works best! most often clients choose to use the beautiful wraps here in the studio. I work to each persons level of comfort from partial to complete nudity. Look through pregnancy portraits and magazines: if there is a pose or a look you would like to try, please bring it! Beautiful jewelry can enhance your portraits but do not wear a watch. Wear make-up and make sure your fingernails and toenails are well manicured.

Your baby changes so much in the first few weeks of life that you will forget how he of she looked after those first few days. Although getting out and having portraits made is probably the last thing you want to do, you will be forever grateful that you did! A pre-session consultation is required before any Newborn Sessions. I recommend Newborn Sessions be conducted within the first 10 days of life. Because my work is in high demand, it is best to arrange your pre-session consultation appointment before birth. The Newborn Session may take from 1-3 hours. Newborns are photographed in just their diaper and /or without their diaper (with all important parts covered!). It is important to wear solid color clothing, preferably black.

Seniors Update!

Hey, all 2006 Seniors-----I want you to advertise for me so I will give you an image for your personal blog or myspace space! The image will have my web address on the bottom so that those who view it, know where to get great images done! Just let me know which image you want me to resize and email to you!

Suggestions for Exquisite Portraiture

1. Harmony in colors is vital to your portrait. Dress everyone in the same tones, either all dark or all light. If one person has a light

2. Wear solid colors. Stripes and patterns are distracting. You want the viewer to be drawn to the subject, not the clothing. An exception is seen in the sample above where the infant twins are wearing a red & white patterned dress. This works because they are small and dressing them this way, sets them apart from the other family members. Harmony & balance remains. However, if only one person would have been in a pattern, harmony & balance would have been lost. And, if everyone was in a pattern, our eyes would be drawn to the clothing first.

3. Heavy turtlenecks give you a NO-neck look, V-Necks give you a slimming effect. Crewneck sweaters and an open white shirt are great for the casual look.

4. Do remember that your feet are important too! Wear socks in similar color to your shoes and avoid having logos on them.

5. Wear makeup for a flawless finish. Avoid frosted makeup.

6. Wear sleeves, as they are most flattering. Sleeveless blouses make the arms look heavy.

7. Do not use glitter on your body or hair: no lotion with glitter.

You must consider what you want to portray in your portraits: a formal or casual look. Easy casual looks are a solid colored shirt, and kaki pants or jeans. If you are holding your session at the beach, you do not wear shoes (one less thing to worry about).


Colors that blend well together:
Brown Group:----tan---rust---beige---gold---brown
Blue Group:----navy---purple---light blue---plum---blue grey
Red Group:----cranberry---plum---purples
Summer Colors:----off-white---gray---cream---beige---pastels
Fall Colors:----earthy tones---greens---rust---brown---gold---dark shades

You say it best!

"I am thankful everytime I see my photos that I chose you and Kendra!"
----Ashley P.
"You are just the gift that keeps on giving! We are so blessed to have you photograph the first steps of our lives together."
----Lisa A.
"Your pictures are beautiful, and I really feel you 'captured' not only Annalise's beautiful face but her special fun spirit as well."
----Andrea W.
"I just recieved my pictures from the wedding and I LOVE them! Thanks again for all your hard work. I heard so many compliments about how great Sharlene was from all of my guests and our parents. You were just so easy to work with and you did everything so quickly."
----Terry T.
"The tears are still falling. Unbelievable...inspirational, moving, incredible and beautiful. Just wow. I knew you were going to create an amazing album, but you continue to surprise us.
Thank you once again!"
---- Bev D.
"Oh my gosh Sharlene!!! I don't know how I'm going to choose pictures! Thank you once again for the beautiful images of Alyssa. You captured her different looks and expressions in a most artistic way."
----Beatriz P.