I have done so many Shasta updates that I feel like my boys have been feeling a bit neglected. They have grown so much since they were kittens and it is high time they make an appearance on the blog. This is Frankie with his game face on. He is 15 pounds of purring perfection and is mad about playing fetch. 

And this is Linus, a svelte twelve pounder. He is the mischievous one, almost always causing trouble. These shots were taken when I got my new light stand and was playing with off camera lighting it in the house. It isn't easy to convince a cat to sit still long enough to pose for a photograph, but I manage to get a few. 

One of these days I would love to have the space to set up a studio. Not only would it be nice to have the option of bringing clients into the studio, but the pet photography would be so much fun! The furry critters in our lives become so much a part of the family that it just makes sense to include them in the family photographs. And animals are so quick to move around that it would be great to have a space where I can control the lighting and be able to focus more on capturing each of their unique personalities. Yes... one day. 

November is one of my favorite months. The year is drawing to a close, and people are mindful of giving thanks and are looking forward to another holiday season. And to show my thanks to you , I am offering a new freebie. Every month, with the update, I will be providing a desktop image to the first 10 people who leave a comment (on the blog, not via email or Facebook). I will send you the image for your own personal use after I see your comment on the blog. So be quick, leave a comment and get your free image... after you finish reading the update of course! This image comes from of the Point Bonita Light House at the Marin Headlands taken last November. It is amazing how quickly the year has gone!!

Friends, family, previous clients and the rest: please consider recommending Sara Atkins Photography when you hear of a friend or relative planning a wedding. I love to photograph weddings and provide beautiful portraits that will record those very special moments.

Do you know any cute kids? I'm looking for children ages two to 12 years old. I'm in the process of testing new locations, props, ideas and techniques and need some little models. The model session is an easy, 15-minute TEST session. For your participation, you'll receive a free portrait session and a free 8x10 portrait (a $300 value). There is no obligation to purchase additional portraits. Models may be called back for an additional planning interview and clothing consultation. Images from the free session may be used for studio samples and marketing materials. Additional fees may be paid to models based on image usage. Please call for more information.

Do you regret not ordering a wall portrait from a previous session? My Winter White Sale is going on, and now you can purchase that wall portrait you always regretted not buying. Order a wall portrait from any session taken in 2009 or earlier, and receive 15% off your wall portrait order. Need a frame? I can help you pick out the perfect frame for your image and have the print delivered to you ready to hang on the wall!

If you missed the deadline for ordering a custom, portrait holiday card, don't fret. You can still send your greetings, warm regards, and wishes for a wonderful 2010 to family and friends with a beautiful New Year's card. Call 530-902-6684 for details. And we do still have a little bit of time if you would rather purchase your cards through my affiliate, tiny prints. Click on the tiny prints banner below if you are running late!

Sara Atkins Photography has a fan page on Facebook! You can become a fan by clicking on the fancy new button at the top of the blog.   I will start posting discounts and specials on the fan page a few days prior to when you will see them on the blog posting. So if you just can't wait to see what is coming up, the fan page is for you! 

And one last announcement: I will be in South Africa for Christmas! I will be in Cape Town from December 17th until January 11th and I would love to set up a few photo sessions while I am there. If you or someone you know would like to set up an appointment, just let me know. I am available for family portraits, last minute weddings (slackers), family events, whatever. If you want it documented I will be there camera in hand.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my LONG but informative update. Now, leave a comment and get your freebie!

This is Bella. She is 10 years old and hopes to one day be a veterinarian, an adventurer and a traveler. Come to think of it, she sounds a lot like myself when I was her age. Bella is a complete treasure, and a joy to photograph.  It was wonderful to capture the relationship between her and her four legged friends. We went up to the Metropolitan Horseman's Association's Sequoia Arena in Oakland. We had to reschedule a few times due to the rain, but that rain put a beautiful layer of green on the forest floor so it worked out perfectly! I love these images.  They say so much about the relationship between a girl and a horse. It is such a special bond and I remember that feeling...