Inspiration!

I wanted to share these sites with you...I try to take time now and again to really look at work that is outside the wedding and portrait realm. I think it's important to stay up on what wedding a portrait photography is doing, but find it really inspiring to look at work that is in a totally different direction, as it often inspires and encourages me to think outside of my little box...it keeps things fresh for me. I don't get to as many photography shows as I would like to, but am thrilled that the web can give us access to them. Enjoy!

http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/ - a beautiful and sad documentary project of one man's journey with his father as he ages.
http://www.scouttufankjian.com/main.php - no matter what your political views, it's hard not to appreciate these stunning photos of our new President from the very beginnings of his campaign right up to the end
http://www.parkeharrison.com/slides-graydawn/index.html - this work is just so cool! a totally beautiful syncing of humans and nature. any brides out there want me to grow some trees out of their arms? i kid, i kid...

Dress Shopping - Mission Accomplished!

Dress shopping was the part of wedding planning that I feared the most! I had horrible flashbacks to sequined prom dresses with puff sleeves that never looked quite right. Thank goodness for my mom and good friend Katie, if they weren't with me it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun as it was! They were total troopers, lounging by the dreaded three-way mirror and watching me parade around. When I finally found the right dress, it was here at the Country Bride.



It was such a wonderful place to be, Laura was so helpful and patient. I just wanted to give them a shout out, anyone looking for a dress I really recommend going here. They really made me so comfortable and were SO PATIENT with us! Thank you!

Another Obsession

I used to tell eveyone that I was going to marry James Taylor...sigh... Instead I will just watch this over and over again...my favorite song in the whole whole world, by my favorite singer, in my favorite hometown. :) There's nothing like James Taylor at Tanglewood on the 4th of July!



And here's another version, a better recording, because I know you just can't get enough:



Ok, back to work...

The Twilight Saga

Ok, so it's been a while since I've had the time to chillax with a good book at night. And I must admit, I am OBSESSED with the Twilight saga. I saw the author on Ellen one day and knew I wanted to read the series, and when I realized that the movie was coming out soon I decided it was now or never. I sat down with it one night when John was coming home late, and was done with it the next night! Now I'm almost done with the second one... Anyway, I really recommend it. It's page turning reading, a little romance, a little fantasy...handsome, smooth-talking vampires...haha Good stuff.

Our Turn

John and I met up with the amazing Cindy Patrick last week to have our own engagement photo session! We went to Valley Green, back to the very place where John popped the question. It was so eye-opening to be on the other side of the camera! It took a while for us to get used to it, but Cindy was great and we ended up with a FABULOUS collection of photos. Here's one of our favorites. I had to just post it because we keep going back and finding other great ones! Wanna see more? Check out her blog!

Days of Luke's Life

One of my favorite things about being home during the day now is that Luke is happy because he gets all kinds of extra attention - walks, treats, cuddles under my sweatshirt. I've begun to notice all his funny little habits too, like this one. He will be happy as a clam sleeping in his bed or buried in the couch pillows. As soon as the boiler kicks on, his head pops up and he looks around, like "Could it be?!?" Then the blower starts, and this silly dog is on the floor with his stomach facing the vent, completely sprawled out and panting because he is so ridiculously hot. As soon as it shuts off, he drinks a bowl of water and goes back to his former spot. Silly dog.

Sea Isle and Personal Work

One reason I am so thrilled about my switch to full-time photographer is that I have time to do personal work now! I was drawn to photography first and foremost because I am an artist. It's important to me to keep that side of my work active along with the portraits and weddings that I shoot. I love to incorporate that artistic influence into every job, but need some time to do it for myself as well. I recently had an early morning family portrait shoot down in Sea Isle. We were done shooting by 8AM, so I took my camera back to the beach and just walked and shot for a while. I found it SO rewarding, and am pleased to share some of the results.

Justin and Jillian, Explorers

Our neice and nephew came to spend the night last week, and the latest and greatest thing that they like to do when they visit is go exploring. We went down to the trail behind our house, normally we go to the right and this time we went to the left. We discovered this great stream that runs down there! The water is much cleaner to the left, and gets quite deep. The kids had a great time, exploring and playing with sticks and splashing in the water. It amazes me how much a little nature can inspire kids to be creative.

Striking a pose with their Uncle John!

Yay for water!

Who Do I Work For?

Oh, that's right. ME! Today I woke up to Day 2 of my official life of Self-Employment. My big news is: Sarah Schulte Photography has officially gone FULL TIME!!! YA-HOO! I never thought that this would happen so soon, so thank you to everyone that made it possible and encouraged me along the way, including my fabulous clients (every single one of you!), my parents (thanks for buying me first camera!) and John (thanks for putting up with my long hours and occasional stressed-out grumpiness!). And the Academy, and my goldfish...etc. SO, what does this mean for you? All kinds of great things! It means that I am now open for more portrait shoots during the week (family, boudoir, engagement, anniversary, maternity, baby...the possibilities are endless!)! It means that I will have more time to educate myself and stay on top of the latest and greatest! It means that I am generally a HAPPIER person because I no longer have to juggle and I can just do what I LOVE to do. Basically, I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be living my dream and want to give one more HUGE thank you to everyone. You are all the best!

Manly Men, Part 2

And it goes on! Ian has blessed us with another week of manly help. And the elves are back...the firepit is in, the gravel has been delivered and sits in our driveway waiting to get hauled to the back. I have resigned to the fact that the house will be full of dust until this is done - sorry to anyone who is coming by, I'll do my best to have one clean room!

Day 4 - Digging the Wall

Day 5 - Sasha needs a lift!

Day 5 - Ian's "French Victorian Bathtub" aka our firepit...

Day 5 - Oh, that's me. I carried 1/4 of these bricks from the driveway.

Day 6 - Firepit is complete! And half of the retaining wall. We christened it last night!

Such Manly Men

So my brother Ian came to town this week to help John install a patio off the back of the house. An ambitious undertaking to say the least, and I am convinced that they have little neighborhood elves helping them while I am gone during the day. Technically, we are on Day 4 right now but those photos are still on the camera...here's Day 1 and Day 2! Wowza!

Day 1 - Carrying Pavers

Day 2 - DIGGING

Poison Oak

This is Poison Oak. It's all over my yard. And all over me. Itchy itchy itchy!!! Watch out for it, and if you touch it take a shower right away!!!

Photo Adventure

John and I decided to take a little time away from yardwork this weekend to go on a photo adventure at Washington Crossing. Yup, the real place where Washington crossed the Delaware. We are HBO John Adams junkies, and felt inspired... Here are some photos, I think we are ready for wedding season to start!



John is waiting for the perfect shot...

Of this goose snacking on grass!

It must be Spring!

Daffodils...

and Pansies! It must be Spring!

In my next life I will be a gardener.

My turn!

Well, here's some exciting news from my world! John (my fabulous second photographer and NOW fiance!) have decided to take a walk in your shoes. We got engaged on Good Friday (GREAT Friday!) and are about to embark on our own little journey of wedding planning. Any advice?

Sarah, Welcome to Blogging

Well...this is my first attempt at a blog...I figured I'd give it a whirl. I'll post great wedding stories, sneak previews, and other fun facts. Like right now, I'm sitting here sipping some wine, thinking about making a huge leap in my career and doing this gig full time - a little frightening but I think it's time! I leave you with a photo of Luke.