The H family and I met Sunday morning at a local historical farm. We had to reschedule for the morning because heavy storms were headed our way in the evening. It’s a good thing that we were able to meet in the morning because the storms came right on schedule. I’ve been photographing little Miss M since she was a tiny baby. I can’t believe how big she is getting. She was so clever during our session. She kept finding where we were hiding the cheerios and goldfish crackers! Miss M is absolutely adorable and I had so much fun playing with her during our session. Here are your sneak peeks. Enjoy!

I met the M family again this past Saturday. I cannot believe how much Miss F and Mr. G have grown since our newborn session. These two cuties were such a delight. They really enjoyed looking at the water and hiking through the woods with Mommy and me. I love doing babies outdoors. I think the babies like it too.
I’ll see the M family in a couple of weeks to finish this session and do some family pictures for Christmas cards. I can’t wait. Here are a couple for now. Enjoy your sneak peeks!

I was so happy to go and see the W family again. They are such a fun family and little M is darling! She was all smiles for our session. I can’t believe how much she has grown in the three months since our newborn session. I’m behind on a few galleries, so here are two to share for now.

Hi everyone! I am very happy to officially announce that I have been accepted as a photographer for the Pictures of Hope Foundation. This amazing organization provides complimentary photography services to families with a child in the NICU. If you know of anyone in this situation please refer them to Pictures of Hope

The following comes from the Pictures of Hope website

What is the Pictures of Hope Foundation?

Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization of professional photographers who provide complimentary, documentary-style, photography sessions to babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families. The Pictures of Hope Foundation is comprised of photographers (many of whom are “NICU mothers” themselves) from across the United States and Canada who are dedicated to donating their time to a cause they believe in, and sharing the gift of photography with families in need.

Why Pictures of Hope?
Throughout pregnancy most parents don’t anticipate the possibility of their baby needing to stay in the NICU after birth. Whatever that reason may be, time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration, and unfortunately, at times grief. Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these precious moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road. In some cases, a little extra TLC from the NICU is needed to be sure the little one gets off to the best possible start, for these families on the road to well being, photographs are a wonderful reminder of just how far their little one has come, however, photographs also play a necessary and very important role in the healing process for other families. In the most heart breaking circumstances, photos may be the only tangible keepsakes some parents have of their precious little one. All Pictures of Hope participating photographers are dedicated to providing NICU families with invaluable images you will cherish forever, captured in a sensitive and caring manner.

What is provided in a NICU session?
Families with a child in the NICU receive a complimentary photography session, using the available light in each room, and a complimentary set of 4×6 photographs from their session (approx. 25). Upon request, images can also be posted to a private online gallery to share with family and friends who are unable to visit. Sessions can take place immediately upon entering the NICU or parents may opt to wait until closer to their dismissal date. Sessions are entirely accommodated to the needs of the individual family. Sessions include individual images of the baby (including any attached wires/monitors, nothing will need to be disconnected), as well as relationship type images with mom and dad (if possible), captured with a more photo journalistic approach.

What is the cost?
There are no fees for our services. The session and set of 4×6 photographs from your session are entirely complimentary. Should you decide to place an additional order, you will receive AT LEAST 25% off your current photographer’s pricing, however you are under NO OBLIGATION to purchase any additional images.

How do I know if I qualify?
There are absolutely NO pre-qualifications or fees for the services provided by Pictures of Hope photographers (many of whom are ‘NICU mothers’ themselves). Any family with a child in the NICU qualifies for one complimentary session for the duration of their stay.

What if my baby has tubes and wires?
Most NICU babies do…..DO NOT let this discourage you from having a session! Our photographers will talk with you before the session and ask some questions about your situation. All sessions are individualized to the family’s needs. You can discuss with your photographer whether your baby can be moved, held, or “unhooked” for a small amount of time. If not, the photographer will work around your needs.

Please spread the word about this amazing organization!

Hi everyone! Now that the family season is winding down, I’m looking to boost my portfolio in the area of maternity portraits. If you know of anyone who would be interested, they get a free session, a gift 8X10 and 50% off prints. They must sign a model release allowing me to use their images in my portfolio and advertising. In addition they should be willing to follow artistic direction and be willing to travel to the location I have chosen (it’s a fantastic location, by the way!). Anyone interested please contact me at sharon@sharongartrellphotography.com or call 817 788 8776.

This offer is limited to the first three people who respond. Thanks so much! I’m so excited!

My girls are still at those ages where they experience the holidays with wide-eyed wonder and anticipation. I love that. I will miss it when it is gone. This year, we had a lot of fun playing around in our Halloween costumes role playing our characters. It makes me smile that my three year old asked me to take her picture and “make her magic”. I hope when they are old and I am gone, this is something that they will remember that we did and that they enjoyed. Here is my woodland fairy and my Snow White.

This is a rare moment, she never hams it up for the camera:

I met up with T and S for a quick Halloween Mini-Session this past Friday. Aren’t they too cute? Mom and I got our exercise chasing this little monkey around the park, but he sure is a sweetheart. I just had to share some from this session.