Hi friends. So I’ve been having a heck of a time with my blog lately, and I know that a lot of the functions aren’t working properly, like the ability to share comments, or to view an individual post. After a good week of struggling with it, I’ve decided to give up on this version of my blog and start over with a new, more fabulous (and functional) blog! I was hoping to get that up tonight, but (believe it or not) I’m having problems with the new one too 
I’m hoping to hear back from some people who know what they’re doing tomorrow, and get everything up and running. In the meantime, thanks for hanging in there with me….. I’ve got a TON of new stuff to share with you!
techno-troubles.
marrianna | minneapolis children’s photographer
Until our session, I had never even heard of Cordelia de Lange Syndrome. Marrianna was born August 4th, weighing just over 4 pounds. She had heart surgery before she was 2 weeks old. She has been in and out of NICU, breathing with and without help, getting intestinal surgery and a feeding tube. Her parents are anticipating additional surgeries as she gets older, including cleft palate surgery, hand surgery and tubes in her ears. One of her outfits she wore for our session said “little trooper” and she is definitely that and beyond. Marrianna’s mom is one of the sweetest, most caring people I’ve ever met. I feel so blessed that they chose me to be their photographer. This first one is my favorite. Her mom made the quilt.
This is her smile…. isn’t she cute! Plus, her crazy hair cracks me up every time =)
A friend made Marrianna and her mom matching hats!
Like many new parents, they had a couple of “forgotten children” in the house as well….
February 1, 2010 - 5:31 pm - Beautiful photos of my granddaughter and grandkittys. Thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2010 - 1:33 pm - The photos of Marrianna are beautiful! Thank you. (A grateful gradnma.)
January 23, 2010 - 4:21 pm - Great shots! My favorite is Kelly and Marianna in the matching hats!! Adorable!!
giving back | Rescue of the Month 2010
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and finally figured out how I want to do it. Each month of 2010, Sarah Beth Photography will be donating 10% of every Pet Session Fee to a different local animal rescue, shelter or advocate. I have some favorites in mind, but if you have any suggestions for who should be a Rescue of the Month, I’d love to hear them…. I’ve got 12 whole months to fill!
Since my last session of 2009 was a rabbit, January is going to kick off the year by giving to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society. I’ve had a couple sessions so far already, so keep them coming! Tell your friends and family about this simple way to help give back to your community. And, if you feel so compelled, please make an additional donation to the Rescue of the Month, or any other nonprofit that catches your heart.
**UPDATE** Ok, I’ve got every month filled for 2010 AND most of 2011! Giving Back will be an ongoing program, so keep the suggestions coming! I have my favorites that will be featured the same months every year and I’m excited to see who YOU want me to give back to as well. Let’s work together to provide awareness and support for the many rescues, shelters and organizations who have done and continue to do amazing things for homeless, abused and neglected animals!
January 11, 2010 - 11:27 am - Don't forget about the birdies. Midwest Avian Adoption and Rescue Service is out of Minnesota and they don great work with abandoned and unwanted Parrots and other birds.
January 11, 2010 - 11:19 am - You are so amazing!!! Twin Cities Pet Rescue is my favorite local rescue group.
January 11, 2010 - 11:18 am - You are doing such great work.....I am proud of what you do to help save animals. Keep up the good work. Love you
January 11, 2010 - 11:17 am - Grand Companions.....Champion of Homeless Pets...Is a wonderful group of people in Fort Davis, Tx who are trying to finish their new facility they have a grant they need to match. The facility is awesome. Each office with have a pet in it so when introduced back into the world they are wonderful pets who have not been caged but have had human contact and love. There is a network of volunteers who run a thrift shop to fund the pets, also a group of people who check out a pet and walk it, groom it, etc. It is take a look...www.grandcompanions.org or Grand Companions P.O. Box 1156 Fort Davis, Texas 79734.
January 11, 2010 - 7:52 am - I would like to suggest Save Our Strays. They are out of Iowa. My Phoebe came from there. http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IA133.html Also my sister and I walk every year in the Animal Humane Society with my Phoebe and my parents two dogs. We make every effort to collect money to support it. Please consider supporting the AHS through our walk efforts. We don't have our website set yet for 2010 but if you are interested in this option let me know and we can get it set up early. Our goal every year is to try to raise $1000 between the two of us. The walk is in May. I think this effort is generous of you! Good for you!!!!
petland protest | people against puppy mills in minnesota
I participated in my first ever protest this morning! Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the nation, yet Minnesota has no State laws to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry. Petland is a known reseller of puppies and kittens from inhumane mass breeders. This type of retail encourages the mass production of puppies and kittens, where thousands of adult dogs and cats are kept caged their entire lives to be bred repeatedly. Purchases at these type of stores must decrease for business behaviors to change. Consumers must become aware of the problem. Protests help create awareness.
A friend and I bundled up and drove down to Shakopee to stand for an hour in the cold in an effort to help raise awareness about puppy mills and Petland’s policies. I was only there for a couple of minutes, when a family pulled up in a car and asked what was going on. Another protester gave him a short rundown of why we were there, and they were very surprised. They honestly had no idea that this type of thing goes on.
Education is the most powerful tool in sparking change. Many people don’t even know about puppy mills, and many who do aren’t taking action against them. I’m guilty of it myself. I see the Kathy Bauck stories on the news (it’s practically in our backyards) and I know that these conditions exist, but I’ve never done anything about it. I think I’ve always had the “what can I do?” mentality, coupled with the “someone else will take care of it” laziness. I didn’t know how to help, and never took the time to find out. When I heard about this protest, I felt compelled to participate. To add one more voice to the cause. Did we make a difference? I like to think so. We had many people slow down, read the signs, honk, wave…. I guarantee that family who stopped is now at least thinking about it, and aware of it. Will they take any action? Who knows. Maybe they tell a friend who tells a friend who feels compelled to come to the next protest.
I encourage you to check out the Animal Folks MN website or the Humane Society’s Stop Puppy Mills website and learn what you can do to make a difference. Maybe it’s as simple as reposting the information to your friends and family. Maybe you make a sign and stand up with others who share your beliefs and goals. Maybe you write a letter to your local lawmakers and congressmen. Educate yourself, and “Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” – Albert Schweitzer
Another good informational website: prisonersofgreed.org
Click here for he Animal Ark’s listing of commercial breeders in Minnesota, and to read other people’s experiences.
A story from wcco in 2008 about Kathy Bauck. Complaints have been filed against her since 1996, and it wasn’t until December of 2009 that she had her license taken away.
Another great informational website: Companion Animal Protection Society
January 13, 2010 - 3:14 pm - great of you to share all this info, sarah -- all we can do is educate and hope people pay attention. good for you!!
January 11, 2010 - 7:25 pm - I hate petstores that sell pets. It's horrid what they do. The ones in malls are the worst! So happy to see people taking action! I just wish people would actually EDUCATE themselves!! Then these places wouldn't exist in the first place. The problem is that americans are so far behind. Many places in Europe don't allow pet shops to sell animals. Which I think is a GREAT thing! Thanks for taking action Sarah!
January 10, 2010 - 9:50 pm - I remember visiting Petland thinking they may have large dog beds... but when I walked in I saw all the puppies... and thinking how horrible that pet store was for caging these puppies in, and thinking that all of them came from puppy mills. It upset me greatly and I had to get out of the store.
January 10, 2010 - 9:38 pm - That's awesome that you went out for what you believe in! I just can't comprehend why there aren't more stringent laws against this stuff. Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2010 - 7:43 pm - I'm super proud of you!!
January 10, 2010 - 7:06 pm - Yay! I'm glad you did this for the puppies. A LOT of people don't know where pet store pups are coming from. Thanks for helping more people learn the truth!
January 10, 2010 - 6:29 pm - Thanks for firing me up! Letters have been sent to our legislators. Hummmmm, I'm thinking maybe I'll send them a letter every month!
January 10, 2010 - 5:44 pm - I love this. I think it's so awesome that people are so active against puppy mills and that you participated! I didn't know about Animal Folks but I'm going to get involved with them now! Thank you for posting about this!
January 10, 2010 - 5:37 pm - I hate Petland. Years ago, before I knew anything about puppy mills, we shopped there. Now I can't stand the sight of the place. The puppies in the stores don't even look good, and I felt miserable when I saw them. Glad you were able to participate in this!
January 11, 2010 - 10:38 pm [...] to Sarah Beth Photography for providing this photo from yesterday’s protest outside Shakopee’s Petland, a store [...]
coen {6 months} | minneapolis children’s photographer
I first met Coen when he was poppin’ fresh. He’s an awesome baby, very easy going, and a rockstar at sitting up on his own. He was 6 months old on Christmas, and we’ve got one more session to go, when he turns one. {I’m secretly hoping he’ll be a Sarah Beth Photography “lifer” ….2 years, 3 years, 4 years, school pictures….} 
I seriously couldn’t stop smiling while I was editing these, and I dare you not to smile too! He’s gorgeous {looks just like his mom} and has the best expressions. I could have shared a lot more, but here’s a good sampling of our amazing session. I think there could be a Baby Gap model in there somewhere….
This next one cracks me up…..
Oh, and Chloe was slightly more excited this time, and she even donned a scarf!
January 11, 2010 - 7:19 pm - I hope he becomes a "lifer" too! Cause he is just too cute!! Lovely shots Sarah!
January 10, 2010 - 10:45 pm - HAHA!! What a clown! Love the second shot.
January 9, 2010 - 12:24 am - Sarah Beth strikes again! I swear, I have been staring at my computer screen for 3 hours scrolling through the gallery over and over and over again...you are amazing. My little guy has NEVER looked more handsome (and that's sayin' something). Thanks again for everything! Lifers we are!
January 8, 2010 - 9:47 pm - What a doll!! I love em!
oldie but goodie | minneapolis children’s photographer
Found this gem today from July. I’m digging the kid photography this week, I guess!
January 7, 2010 - 2:32 pm - Hi Sarah! This is so cute! I love her curls! This looks great in b&w. Funny how you won't even notice an image the first time around but then you'll go back and love it. I do that all the time. :) I just love you new banner!!! It makes me happy. Very happy indeed. Just adorable.
spririt + bella | minneapolis pet photography
Many of you may remember Spirit from his Studio Session and Location Session, and Bella from her Studio Session. We finally got the two together for a little brother/sister Studio Session! They were more interested in playing together than having photos taken, but we definitely got some good ones!
I love a good yawn.
I really L.O.V.E. these kind of shots…. you can’t plan for it, you can’t predict it…. it just happens.
I’ve got alot of new exciting things to show everyone, and hopefully in the next week or so they’ll all be unveiled. My Christmas vacation wasn’t as productive as I was hoping so I’ve got alot of catching up to do! BUT I’m trucking along and getting everything put together…. look for updates over the next few days
January 13, 2010 - 1:47 am - awesome. i particularly love that smile up top! looks like you had just told a really good joke..!
willie {dutch rabbit}
Nine year old Willie was the proud winner of a Gift Certificate I donated earlier this year to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society. He was my very last session of 2009, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end this year. I love photographing dogs, but it’s so exciting to photograph the more unusual creatures! From turtles to ferrets to geckos to rats to sugar gliders to rabbits, I love them all, and this year I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to shoot them. {photographically speaking, of course}
This has been an amazing year of growth for Sarah Beth Photography, and I owe it all to you, my awesome clients, colleagues and friends! I’m very excited to start 2010 off with new session and product offerings, ideas and tools to make your client experiences smoother and {hopefully} more fun, continued and expanded efforts to help local animal rescues and shelters, plus tons of energy and love to pour into my work!
I’m off for a few days…. on a real live vacation! {it’s been a while} Dustin and I are heading up to a cabin in Lutsen {read: luxury log mansion in the northwoods} with 8 other wonderful friends for food, drinks and relaxation to ring in the new year.
With Willie’s images, I bid you adieu…. see you next year!
January 7, 2010 - 8:55 pm - that third one looks like it could be the front of a vintage easter card - love it :)
January 5, 2010 - 10:06 am - Willie is a handsome bunny! His first photo shoot is a success. Maybe he has a possible modeling career ahead of him?
January 4, 2010 - 8:42 pm - Willie is my baby and we had so much fun doing this photo shoot! It was his first professional photo shoot, and he was very well-behaved:) The photographs turned out great, which doesn't surprise me because Willie is so handsome! I can't wait until the prints come in. Thank you so much to Sarah Beth for donating the gift certificate!
January 1, 2010 - 9:16 pm - Adorable. I love the different colors.
December 31, 2009 - 12:34 am - I love the purple-y backround color!
summer {revisited}
Tonight I came across this little beauty from early this spring. Seems like so long ago…. just wanted to share this, it’s one of my favs. Also, I’m trying out a new watermark…. any thoughts?
January 3, 2010 - 5:01 pm - I agree, the watermark is definitely a keeper. Looks great:>
December 31, 2009 - 8:26 am - I agree with Renee. I really like this new one!
December 30, 2009 - 10:23 pm - The watermark is a keeper. I noticed it was different right away. I love it!
keith + trycia + roxy
I was excited when my good friends from Pampered Pooch wanted to throw a scarf on Roxy, their {gorgeous} Bernese Mountain Dog, and take some Christmas photos! It’s so great meeting other young business owners, helping each other out and having them on your side. These guys have been amazing. If your pup needs some great daycare while you’re at work or a place to stay while you’re out of town, this is the place to go. And, no lie, Gracie got the best haircut she’s ever had from their groomer.
January 6, 2010 - 3:42 pm - Wow! I love these! What a picture perfect trio!
January 3, 2010 - 2:26 pm - ohhhh I love the photos! Very unique shots of you guys and Roxy. And yes, Roxy, you are so cute!!
January 3, 2010 - 12:27 am - Adorable! Totally off-pet-topic but I had to do a double take going through the pics - the woman in the photos is wearing the same boots that I wore to our session with you! Guess that says something about your clientele ;) Happy New Year and best of luck in '10!
January 1, 2010 - 9:44 pm - I love these photos. I can't chose my favorite. I would love to have a dog!
December 31, 2009 - 11:25 am - What a fun session!! Looooove the last shot!
December 30, 2009 - 9:23 pm - Fabulous! LOVE the snow throwing shot.
December 30, 2009 - 12:42 pm - i love that last shot sarah!
December 29, 2009 - 7:59 pm - Thanks for the love!
January 1, 2010 - 11:17 am [...] I was just lounging around looking at websites, and I went to Sara Beth Photography’s blog, and guess who is on the front of it? You guessed it, Sarah finally edited the photo shoot that [...]
January 3, 2010 - 9:57 pm [...] is the real dog? By keithppp Trycia took this picture of Sarah Beth’s dog, Gracie….. Can you tell which is the real dog and which is the fake [...]
by sarah
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