Julia Stotlar Photography Blog

letters to our daughters | april

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:25:55 EDT

My sweet girl, my littlest love, my Mina Bean; as I sit down to write this, my first letter to you, words are failing me. How do I describe to you how I feel? Which words will be powerful enough to convey what you mean to me? How wonderful you are, how precious, how strong. I will simply write what is in my heart and hope that someday, when you read this, you will feel it in yours.

Your energy and spirit delight and captivate me; I watch you grow, play, sing, laugh, learn, cry, change, evolve, love; and I feel deliriously blessed to have been chosen to be your mother. What an honor, what a gift I've been given. When you touch my cheek and press your face to mine, when you whisper "I love you my mama", when you beg me, giggling like crazy, to kiss you "100 times", I make a silent promise to always drink you in - every ounce of you, every little bit of the essence of who you are. I see you, I see your light; it is brilliant, and blinding, and magnificent. I dreamed of you, but I never knew, how sweet...how lovely.

I love you Wren Alice

Love, mama

I hope you'll follow along our circle of letters, starting with the incredibly talented

Stephanie Beaty | Lifeographer | Tampa Bay-Area Photographer

letters to our daughters

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:29:55 EDT

Thrilled, honored, excited, overjoyed, humbled, nervous, giddy; this is how I feel about being invited to join an amazing group of fellow photographers on a personal journey called "Letters to Our Daughters". Recently, I was invited by Amy Lockheart, of Amy Lucy Photography, to embark on this wonderful monthly project dedicated to our daughters. Of course, I answered immediately with an emphatic "YES!!!!". Each month, we will write a letter to our daughter(s) and share it, along with photographs, on our blogs. We will also share a link to other participants in the group so that you can follow along. I am truly humbled to have been asked to join this wonderfully diverse group of incredibly talented women. I hope you'll take some time to check out their work and follow us along as we begin this very special project for our girls. Look for our first posts on the 25th of this month!

Amy Lockheart

http://www.facebook.com/AmyLucyPhotography

http://www.amylucy.com

Jess Sandager

http://www.facebook.com/oliveavenuephotography

http://www.oliveavenuephotography.com

http://www.oliveavenuephotography.com/blog

Sarah Lynn Cornish

http://www.facebook.com/myfourhens

http://www.my4hensphotography.com

Kirsty Larmour

http://www.facebook.com/KirstyLarmourPhotography

http://www.kirstylarmourblog.com

http://www.kirstylarmour.com

Val Spring

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-red-balloon-photography/168468423191170

http://www.theredballoonphotography.com

Emma Wood

https://www.facebook.com/pages/EmmaWood-Photography/156674371043751

http://emmawoodphotography.com/

Jody McKitrick

www.jodymphotography.com

www.jodymphotography.com/blog

Rashmi Pappu

https://www.facebook.com/RashmiPappuPhotography

http://www.rashmipappu.com/

Stephanie Beaty

http://www.lifeographer.com/blog/

http://www.lifeographer.com/

natural

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:10:49 EST

real. natural. true. A little peek at a wonderful newborn session I did yesterday.

Imagine...

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:58:22 EST

Finally getting around to posting this wonderful Imagination session I did in the fall. These two, R and J, were incredible to work with. She is an artist with a twinge of a dark side (LOVE that) and one of her signature pieces is of an owl. For her portrait, she wanted to be in the midst of a great storm, her owl perched strongly on her arm. J wanted to be in outer space and took great care with his renderings of the planets. They were creative, fun to work with, and delightfully engaged in the project. They remind me why I love to make these portraits!!

Our Own Backyard

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:36:05 EDT

As a photographer, I love making portraits. It's a wonderful challenge to find beautiful locations, set up sessions and plan out what I might want to capture. It's just as wonderful (and much preferred by me) however, to just throw out any formality and just shoot. Sometimes, something as simple as kids playing outside on a couple of beautiful fall evenings...right in our own little yard, makes for the most cherished of images.

Three

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:07:04 EDT

My daughter, my muse. She is growing up faster than I can stand and remains one of my favorite (and most difficult!) subjects to photograph. I don't normally process a whole session in one tone but as I went through these images, the look and feel of this particular black and white really spoke to me.

Brand New

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:40:03 EDT

I love newborn sessions and my time with baby E was no exception. There's something about capturing this time that draws me in; the newness of this little person, their soft, tiny bodies, their sweet little sounds, the way their parents look at them as they start to get to know each and fall in love. It's a part of life that I feel privileged to be asked to capture. Thank you S family, for a wonderful session.

Finally!

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:10:13 EDT

Finally, after three weekends of rain, a perfect evening for my session with these four gorgeous kids. We had a blast! Mom and dad took advantage of the beautiful grounds at one of my favorite locations and took a walk while the kids and I stopped here and there to shoot away. These kids were AMAZING subjects; they were happy, sweet with each other, excited about the session, full of great pose ideas, and as respectful and polite as you can possibly imagine. I love the images we ended up with and hope to work with this wonderful family again and again!! Many thanks for such a fun session Z family!

Portrait Collections are here!!

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:28:24 EDT

You've asked, and I've listened! I'm proud and excited to introduce my new Portrait Collections! With three types to choose from, there's sure to be a collection that will be perfect for both your portrait needs as well as your budget. My collections are a wonderful way to satisfy the "I love them ALL!!" dilemma that so often happens after a session, while still providing you with the same luxury quality and customer service that I'm so proud to offer each and every one of my clients. With the gorgeous spring weather fast approaching, now is the PERFECT TIME to schedule your portrait session.

PLUS

Schedule your spring session (April through June) before April 31st and receive a 3x3 mini accordion album with any Portrait Collection order! These fun little albums are a perfect way to show off up to 12 of your favorite images from our session and makes a cherished gift for someone special.

Portrait Collections begin at $630. Please contact me for detailed pricing information and to schedule your session.

Imagination Time

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:50:38 EDT

It's that time of year again; shining sun, singing birds, a hint of green...spring is in the air. It's a time for warmer winds and soaring imaginations! Now is a perfect time to book your Imagination Portrait session; the season for making these amazing art pieces is upon us and before we know it, the time will come to put our chalk away again until next spring.

During an Imagination session, your child is fully immersed in the experience; laughing, creating, dreaming, and becoming part of their own art as well as mine. Each resulting image is met with wonder, pride, and, on many occasion, a resounding "This is the COOLEST thing I've EVER seen!!". The ultimate compliment.

Here are a few Imagination sessions I did at the end of last season; Flower Fairy, Explorers, and Dragon Slayer. Contact me, or visit my Imagination Portrait website (link in the menu to the right) to book your session; it will likely be the coolest thing you ever did... :)

9|52

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:48:38 EST

I had a different plan for this week's image but plans changed when my little one contracted RSV. I figured that this project can be filled with both creative challenges and life chronicles and this needed to be chronicled.

She has come through it really well but spending two full days watching her labored breath, listening to the constant crackling sound coming from her little lungs, and being on ER alert was rather unsettling. It made me think about all of the parents that deal with disease and illness on a daily basis; whose children don't get to come though things so quickly. Giving thanks that my children are otherwise healthy and lifting up prayers for those whose children are not.

I couldn't help but capture her here; in a rare moment of rest during this time and with her faithful little companion "finja".

8|52

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 12:19:30 EST

For one of my creativity assignments this week, we were simply given the words "express yourself". I don't know anyone more expressive than my middle child. He exudes joy and can never, ever contain his excitement or happiness and absolutely loves to dance. He was excited about being featured in my weekly image and had little reservation about busting out some of his best moves. The only catch was that he felt shy in front of the camera so I had to do this session with my back to him (again...LOVE my remote!). I love what we captured and he had a hand in choosing which moves made it to this composite.

My favorite moment though, was when he turned down the offer to use my ipod/headphones; he didn't want any music. When I asked him how he could dance without music, he told me, "mom, there's always music in my mind!".

So here he is, my beloved boy, dancing to the music in his head... <3

I had to add this...taken right after I told him that because he had been such a good sport, we would go home, get his brother and sister, and come back to play at the playground.

See what I mean? :)

52 week project

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:00:58 EST

As many of you know, I'm embarking on a fun photography project this year. A photo each week for 2011. I've been asked to post this project here and am happy to oblige :) I'm also doing some fun creativity challenges and will post those as well. Last year, I tried to do the very challenging "365; A Photo A Day" project but didn't make it past February...so far, this 52 week project is proving to be much more fun and managable. The images can be of absolutely anyone/anything...the only rule is that I have to set-up and take the photo myself (LOVE my remote!). I strongly encourage anyone and everyone who is interested in photography to pick up your camera more often. The more you use it, the more you know your equipment, the more you are able to "see", and the better you get at capturing all those things in life that mean something to you. Thanks for checking in...here are my weekly photos so far, enjoy!

Wishing You All These Things and More

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 06:12:56 EST

Happy Holidays to my family, friends, and clients. I can't thank you all enough for your support, encouragement, and appreciation for what I do. It means the world to me! Many blessings for peace, love, and joy to you all.

My Snow Angel

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:29:12 EST

I love snow photos. There's something so soft and quiet about freshly fallen snow and I love the light it brings to even the gloomiest of days. Winter sessions are so much fun; cozy scarves, rosy cheeks, little footprints, eskimo kisses...it's a wonderful and magical time of year for portraits.

Baby H.

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:41:45 EST

So his gorgeous announcements have been sent...and now I can post some more of the images from his session! This is baby H; he is near and dear to my heart as his mommy, my cousin, is like a sister to me. I traveled to their home in Indiana for his newborn session and, true to form, his mom and I spent 90 percent of the time talking and nary a photo was taken on my first day out. Sunday rolled around and I ended up with approximately 10 minutes to make his portraits before they all had to head out for church. It was all I needed :) I was even able to capture some wonderful family portraits for them before I left but I will have to save that post after the holidays!

Sisters

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:17:34 EDT

Whew! To say that I've been busy this fall would be an incredible understatement! I'm thrilled to be so booked up but my poor blog has suffered the concequences of a combination of "too busy to blog" as well as wanting to keep some sessions under wraps for holiday cards.

Here is a sneak peek from a recent session at one of my favorite locations. I love that I can share these; I adore these girls and we had such a fun session. There was a lot of laughing, posing, climbing, and chatting; a perfect way to spend a beautiful fall evening!

large print

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:07:37 EDT

I love large prints. Love them. My largest is a 36x25" Gallery Canvas Wrap that I could sit and stare at all day. There is something so striking and so special about a large print; they catch the eye and make you take pause; they're a beautiful testament to a special time in the life of your child or family.

My latest big print just arrived a couple of days ago. My favorite image of my daughter's two-year-old session; a 13.5x20 mounted print that is now waiting patiently to be custom matted and framed. We're going to be turning her nursery into a "big-girl room" over the winter and I wanted this piece for the space over her sleigh bed (for those of you wondering, I will not be putting glass in the light-weight frame and would strongly recommend against doing so for any image going over a child's bed or crib). I can't wait to hang it, I know I will always love looking at it; a reminder of this precious time in her life. A time that is going by far too quickly.

As you think about your order, consider a large print or two; it's an investment in a piece of art featuring your very favorite subject. Priceless.

You've asked and I've listened! I'm proud and excited to introduce my Portrait Collections! WIth three types to choose from, there is sure to be a collection that will be perfect for both your portrait needs as well as your budget. My collections are a wonderful way to satisfy the "I love them ALL" dilemma that so often happens after a session, while still providing you with the same luxury quality and customer service that I'm so proud to offer each and every one of my cleints.

With the wonderful spring weather fast approaching, now is the PERFECT TIME to schedule your portrait session.

PLUS

Book your spring session (April through June) before April 31st, and recieve a 3x3 mini accordion album with any commection order! This fun little album is a perfect way to show off up to 12 of your favorite images from our session and makes for a cherished gift for someone special.

Portrait Collections begin at $630. Please contact me for detailed pricing information and to schedule your session.

IMAGINATION PORTRAITS

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:41 EDT

I am beyond excited to introduce my Imagination Portraits! In addition to my beloved portrait work, I'm thrilled to offer these unique, one-of-a-kind, art portraits to my clients. Your child will love creating with me and you will love the results! Come take a look www.imaginationportraits.com

7 days

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:46:48 EDT

This is sweet baby H. He is very near and dear to my heart and I was delighted to be able to photograph him in all of his glorious new-ness. I find myself having trouble finding words to describe him; I'll simply say that he's 7 pounds of soft, tender, sweet-smelling, tiny little newborn-noise making perfection. I wish I could show you more but we're working on a birth announcement and are keeping our favorites under wraps for a bit. Couldn't help but post at least one image though...he's just too beautiful not to share!

Indiana Mist

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:08:12 EDT

My 2 year old daughter and I took a road trip together this past weekend to visit my cousin's brand new baby boy. It was our first long trip together as just "the girls" and we had a wonderful time. I won't soon forget our many duets (Down By The Bay, Baby Beluga, and Elephant,Elephant to name just a few) and snuggling together in the big bed on our exciting adventure. It had rained all day on saturday and finally, late in the afternoon the sun came out. By the time evening had arrived, a beautiful fog had begun to blanket the front yard. The colors of the sunset and sky, the bright cresent moon, and the haunting softenss of the fog were absolutely breathtaking. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and I had to grab my camera. So here she is, my sweet little travel companion taking a walk in that magical, beautiful, Indiana mist.

Beautiful Bride

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:34:25 EDT

You may remember Sara from a post I did last year. My mom and I photographed her wedding and Sara and I had always planned on getting together after the big day to do some fun and special photographs of her in her dress. We had a wonderful time during this session. She loved getting to put her dress on again and I loved the ease and relaxed atmosphere that came from making these portraits on a day with no time limits, no fear of "mussing" her dress, no rush. We both loved the experience as well as the images that came from it.

Engaged/Bridal Casting Special

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:25:49 EDT

Newly engaged? Recently married? I'm looking for engaged couples and brides/grooms who are excited about modeling for me...

What I'm looking for: engaged couples and/or brides/grooms for engagement and bridal (you may have heard them called "trash the dress") sessions. Must be willing to sign a release form for all images from our session. What you get: complimentary 2-hour session, private online gallery of images, 1 complimentary 8x10 print from this session.

Please contact me for more detailed information if you're interested in one of these sessions and feel free to share this with anyone you know that might be intrested as well! Looking forward to adding more images of the beautiful bride featured in this post in the next few days...

baby love

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:36:36 EDT

This baby. She makes my knees weak. Just look at her! Those beautiful bright eyes, those sweet little lips, her peaches and cream skin...I'm finding it difficult to type. She has a wonderful, contented, peaceful little countenance and her parents are every bit as delightful. I had such a fantastic time chatting with them about the trials, tribulations, and pure, unadulterated bliss of being a brand-new parent and was lucky enough to watch her fall asleep while snuggled in my arms once our session was over. Thanks J and J, that was one amazing baby fix!

Newlyweds

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:53:42 EDT

Ok, so they're not really newlyweds, but if you met them, you'd think that they were! Meet Peggy and Phil; their granddaughter recently turned 10 and the whole extended family was getting together to celebrate. Peggy called me to do some casual portraits of herself and Phil as well as some of each individual family so that she could put together a family portrait collection. What fun! Let me tell you, these two were like giddy teenagers throughout the whole session; giggling, laughing, smooching...they were wild! I absolutely loved it. That kind of happy energy spreads like wildfire and makes for a priceless set of images. So here you have it my friends, proof positive that you don't have to be in your 20's to be young and in love...

Two

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:20:02 EDT

This sweet little lady is very special to me; she is a bright light in my life and breaks my heart in the very best way every single day. She recently turned two...and boy did she! This short session was wrought with squeaky voiced "no"'s and many, many requests for "mommy, run...uh'mon!". She remains one of my most difficult subjects to photograph, she absolutely refuses to look at my camera (the one image I have of her looking is here...and it's the ONLY one from the whole session!) and will do just about anything other than what I suggest she do...she simply delighted in running away from me the whole evening! I walked away from this session a bit disappointed; I had a very specific idea in mind of what I wanted to capture and knew I hadn't been able to get the shots I wanted. Once I got home though, and looked through the images, I realized that I had caught exactly what I needed to. A beautiful little two year old doing just what two year olds do. So here she is, my girl, in all of her politely defiant glory. Perfect.

New Blog!

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:14:54 EDT

Welcome to my new blog! I hope you enjoy the changes. I've been able to really make it mine and I am so excited to share it with you. I'm now able to post larger images and even videos (keep an eye out for some in the future) so that your viewing experience will be even better than it was before. I still have my old blog up so if you would like to see posts from past sessions, just click on the link to your left.

Thanks and enjoy!

First Communion

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:37:16 EDT

This beautiful young lady is Miss E. I can't believe it's been 8 years since the day I had the incredible honor of watching her come into this world. It was an unforgettable day, and she is an unforgettable girl. She recently made her first communion and I was thrilled to photograph her; not only is she gorgeous (those EYES...oh my goodenss, absolutely stunning) but she emanates peace, sweetness, poise and grace. I was in awe of her during our entire session.