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Edna, such a sweet soul. This pup was one of 33 that were rescued from a hoarding situation in Oakland. They were being kept in a home stacked in crates. This particular dog has clearly been used as not only a breeding animal but also used in fights. She has a bit of mange and is recovering from being rather malnourished. It is hard to believe she was used in fights, her demeanor is so kind and unassuming. I think that she was used as bait rather than an fighter. Her eyes tell her story and it nearly breaks my heart. 
If you know of anyone with a open home and a kind hand, Edna is in serious need of some love. She may not be the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes upon, but she has a story and will make a wonderful companion if someone would just give her a chance.
Contact Oakland Animal Services if you are interested in giving a loving home to this sweet critter.
Contact Oakland Animal Services if you are interested in giving a loving home to this sweet critter.
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Hoarding Case: 33 dogs in need | Oakland Pet Photographer
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A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure to document a day in the garden with OBugs of Oakland, CA. Obugs is an organization that educates disadvantaged families about nutrition, health and sciences starting at a young age. This years harvest festival took place in their gardens and included butter making, face painting, a trivia challenge in the garden, time with one very friendly chicken and more. It was a beautiful day in the garden and it was a joy to see so many happy faces.
Concentrating hard at the seedling planting station.
Butter making was a hit! The kids really seemed to love it, despite all of the hard work it required.
Cassie Ray:
Beautiful photos as always Sara. You always really seem to capture the moment perfectly.
(10.28.10)
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Giving Back: Obugs | Berkeley Portrait Photographer
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It was a warm (scorching actually) day in Atherton. The ladies of the Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority invited me to come to their annual Wine, Food and Croquet event. They had a special request for on site printing, I had never actually done this before. I figured it would be a good learning experience and agreed. Thankfully, Shelly decided to come along for the day. I don't think I would have survived without her there to print the images for me! So, what I learned is that for charity events you do indeed sell more images if you print on site. The downside is that the printing process takes FOREVER and is pretty labor intensive. It is definitely not a one person task. Here are a few of my favorites from the day...
Future Perfect was back again this year and kept the party going with their wonderful music. Having good music around is great, but I must say, it makes shooting a bit more difficult...I just can't keep my hips from moving to the music!
The day would not have been complete without the line dancing, I love it when they all get up and moving to the music. Jackie was having a great time!
And congratulations to this years croquet champions!!
Thank you so much for having me come back this year, I had a blast and it was great to see everyone again! If you would like to see all of the images available for purchase please visit the shopping cart at: www.SaraAtkinsPhotography.com
Thank you so much for having me come back this year, I had a blast and it was great to see everyone again! If you would like to see all of the images available for purchase please visit the shopping cart at: www.SaraAtkinsPhotography.com
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Giving Back: Wine & Croquet | Atherton Event Photographer
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I am always honored to be asked to do a littlest hero's photo session.
This one was particularly fun, I got to photograph two little ones. Oliver and his big cousin Mila.
Oliver's parents found out that he had Down Syndrome when Mari was just four months pregnant. "We felt very anxious throughout the rest of the pregnancy but as soon as he arrived we fell in love and the fears dissipated. Oliver had to spend a few weeks in the NICU because he had pulmonary hypertension and wasn't able to keep his oxygen levels high enough. He has a heart defect that will hopefully resolve on its own without surgery. He is a delightful baby. He just started smiling and cooing and we are enjoying every moment with him."
This is about the time that I was paid one of the best compliments EVER. I am not sure where it came from, maybe her mom was trying to bribe her into the kitchen so I could get some images of Oliver by himself. But Mila said that I was better than Pancakes. That's right, Pancakes are no match for me. I am better than Pancakes. It was nice to hear, I have a new mantra.
I can't get enough of those freckles. Mila is such a cute little munchkin!
Sweet little Oliver. He was such a good sport. He seemed to be perfectly happy to let me photograph him. No fussing, a totally happy baby. It is no wonder his parents fell in love.
Oliver and family, thank you for an amazing session! Mila and Oliver, you two are just beautiful. A delight to be around and of course, I think you are better than pancakes too!
Mari:
Thank you so much Sara! We love them!
(08.26.10)
Lana :
This series with Oliver, Mila and Mari is so well done. You've captured some amazing expressions. Beautiful!
(08.26.10)
Rick:
As the proud grandpa of the two beautiful kids, I have to say your art is itself a wonderful addition to the world. Thank you much. Rick
(08.26.10)
Karyn Hinkle:
Mari's friend Lauren passed this link on to me -- I love love loved seeing this set! Sara, your photos are beautiful. Ollie and Mila, you are gorgeous!!!! Mari, I think you are so cool :) xoxoxox--Kh
(08.27.10)
Sara Atkins:
Wow, Rich that is so nice to hear. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for having such a wonderful family!
(08.27.10)
Sara Atkins:
Thank you Karyn, it is so nice to get feedback. I love what I do and when other people appreciate it, it makes it that much better. And I agree, Mari is pretty cool.
(08.27.10)
Elizabeth S.:
What wonderful pictures. I'm sure they will be treasured for years to come.
(08.27.10)
Phokham:
Hi Sara, I'm Ollie's dad. These photos are better than we could have imagined, but of course we don't possess your considerable talent! Thank you so much for being involved with Littlest Heroes, we wouldn't have found you otherwise. - Phokham
(08.27.10)
Sara Atkins:
Hello Phokham, you have a darling little boy. I am so happy to have had the chance to spend time with him and your sweet wife too. Congratulations on your beautiful family!
(08.27.10)
Jenny McKeon:
I love your work and Oliver and his cousin are just absolutely precious in your shots! You have captured the love of all and the beauty of simplicity in your works. God Bless!
(09.02.10)
Anonymous:
Sara, my friend had a baby with downs. He is seven months old. Iwanted to share some of your photos with her. Could you send to her at Casslong@gmail.com. How can I send her othersmom
(04.26.11)
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Oliver and Mila: Better than Pancakes
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Just before I left on my trip to Italy I was contacted by Dandelion Magazine, a local magazine for parents with children that have special needs. I was asked to do a photo session for the cover story on a very special family. It was basically the last session that I shot before leaving, and the magazine was going to come out while I was away. The editor promised to send me a copy and when I finally got home I rushed to my pile of mail to find it. The images came out great, but it is the story behind the images that really touched my heart. You can read their story HERE.
We met in Golden Gate Park, it was a beautiful afternoon. We walked and chatted, I got to know them and enjoyed capturing the love that they felt as a family. It is amazing the mountains that they have had to climb together, and that is just it. They did it together and they seemed to be pretty strong because of it. You see, when Lily as just two years old she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a chronic disease that causes joint swelling, stiffness and bouts of severe pain. The family overcame the heartache and devastation of this painful disease, they learned how to cope. When Lily was four years old Miriam and Ronan welcomed a second child into their family, Frankie. By the time Frankie was born Ronan and Miriam had learned how to cope through writing and letting themselves accept help. Something they struggled with in the beginning. Miriam even became a life coach to teach other parents how to manage when dealing with crisis. She has a website called Cope and Thrive and has taken everything she has learned to try to help others in similar situations.
The family was strong. They each played an important role and while life was still difficult, they were happy. In May of 2009 any resemblance of normalcy faded. Frankie was diagnosed with Lymphoma. The family was tested once again and had to be strong and help their little boy through painful treatments while continuing to give their little girl all of the help she needed to deal with her disease.
Frankie did well in his treatments, he was in the 'maintenance phase' which had him taking several pills everyday. But his hair had grown back and he was in school and thriving. Frankie was supposed to complete his last round of treatment in June. I was in Italy at the time and although he wasn't quite in remission yet, he seemed like a healthy, normal boy. I was pretty sure that he was going to be just fine. I couldn't imagine anything but good things for this family. They had been through enough. It was time for them to breathe.
When I got back from Italy I contacted Ronan to set up their viewing session. It had been a few days since I had heard from them but I assumed that life had just gotten busy. When Ronan finally contacted me my heart about sank with the words that I read in his email. Frankie had relapsed. This poor family had been through so much and now, after everything they were back in the hospital. It is hard to make sense of it, it just does not seem fare.
Nothing in this life is more important than the people around you. Love them as hard as you can. Don't let life pass you by without showing your family and friends how much you care about them. Be present in your life. Do not let the mundane business of everyday let you get lazy. Be thankful for what you have been blessed with. These are the words I said to myself as I fell asleep that evening. These are the words that I hope to never forget.
Nothing in this life is more important than the people around you. Love them as hard as you can. Don't let life pass you by without showing your family and friends how much you care about them. Be present in your life. Do not let the mundane business of everyday let you get lazy. Be thankful for what you have been blessed with. These are the words I said to myself as I fell asleep that evening. These are the words that I hope to never forget.
Anonymous:
FABULOUS!
(08.17.10)
Autumn:
Positively amazing and touching story. Thank you (and the family) SO much for sharing!
(08.25.10)
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Lily and Frankie
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She looks beautiful! That 2nd picture, the head shot, is my favorite.
(01.19.11)Thanks Emily!
(01.19.11)