Photos By Sonja

The latest

I've been really busy with shoots, which is great. I am referring everyone to visit www.photosbysonja.net if you want to see my portfolio. I've removed all of the outdated albums from this blog. I used to keep my "angels" here, but I don't want it there without some warning. It's easier to do that on my other page.

I had 2 angels this summer (within a 2 week period) which now makes eight angels that I've met. Cadence was still alive and about 9 months old when I met her. She was so sweet and her parents were so strong. She lived for nearly 2 weeks after the shoot. Gannon was stillborn and his session broke me. It was successful in that I got all of the shots that I wanted, but his condition and the feeling of heartbreak all around me was hard to deal with. I will need a long break from angels, the other two photographers know I will call them if the hospital calls me within the next 6 months. I hope the parents of these sweet angels will find comfort.

New equipment!

I've upgraded my camera from a Canon 40D to a Canon 7D. It's an 18 MP camera and it's amazing! I've sold my back-up Rebel XT and now keep the 40D around as back-up.

I've also added new lighting equipment, I now use off camera flashes with an umbrella/stand so this adds portability to my outdoor work. The results are fantastic.

Angel Jayden & Jennifer

In the past week, I've had two angels from two separate families. One was a twin who was born with a fatal condition while the other twin was healthy (at least this family did not go home empty handed). The other was born severely premature and did not survive. I am so heartbroken for the families of these angels, I hope they will find comfort soon.

A new home!

Photos by Sonja has a fabulous new home! Visit www.photosbysonja.net to see what my friend did for me, she is so talented! Of course, this site will be active until January of 2010. I will decide then whether I want to give it another year just in case there are some clients with my old business card. Also, you'll find more up-to-date photos on my new site. I am deleting most of the albums on this site.

Angel Maria

I got a call yesterday morning around 5am because a family was in need of my service. Maria wasn't expected to live very long, in fact, she had passed away before I got to the hospital. The nurses are incredible to work with, they understand the importance of this work and are so helpful during my sessions. I have added three photos of this beautiful baby to my Angel album. I am praying for her family to find comfort, their hearts are broken from this sudden loss.

Angel JaXxon

I spent some time with this sweet angel, he was beautiful and I was able to capture some special moments with the family. My heart goes out to them, this was their first baby. They were blessed with a few hours of life before he passed away. I've added some new black and white pictures to the Angel album.

Angel Daniela

I met an angel named Daniela on Sunday, she was beautiful and I felt honored to be in her presence. My heart aches for the family, they were expecting to bring a healthy baby home and met tragedy instead. The nurse at the hospital told me that her death was sudden and unexpected. I spent some time with her and her family, I did my best to capture as many memories as I could for the family. I hope and pray that they will feel comfort soon. New photos have been added to my Angel album.

My First Angel

I was contacted by a person from the organization 'Now I lay me down to sleep' and was asked to take photographs for a family who was about to lose their baby. Rudy was born yesterday and the nurse told me he has something that is "not compatible with life" and he will die from it. He was born at 34 weeks. I went to the hospital to meet this precious Angel and take pictures of him with this family. It was sad to see a dying baby, but I felt honored to be able to do this for the family and I am hoping for a miracle.

Update: Rudy lived for 8 days, it was a miracle. The doctor said he wouldn't survive the night so his family got to spend a few extra days with him. They've also given me permission to share photos of Rudy and his family. I've added a few to the "Angels" album.

NowILayMeDownToSleep.org

I am a volunteer photographer for NILMDTS.org (Now I lay me down to sleep). If a mother gives birth to a stillborn child or one who will soon pass away, the hospital or parents can call me and I will do a free session for them and their Angel. The photographs are tactfully done and I create black and white copies images only (unless otherwise requested). Many parents feel that having pictures of their Angel is a part of the healing process. You don't have to contact me through the organization to schedule a free shoot, my contact information is here.

Scheduling a Session

Please contact Sonja to schedule an appointment, I can be reached at (509) 967-5863 or my cell (509) 302-9513

I like to make things really simple. After each photo session, I will edit all pictures for the best quality and give you a CD. You will be given a release and all rights to the pictures so you can copy, share, or print as you see fit. I like to play with photoshop so you will get your original images plus black and white (I may also add other fun enhancements which you may notice in my portfolio). I would be happy to make suggestions on where to get prints made.

Pricing (includes tax):

Weddings - $1000  ($100 deposit required to schedule and $900 on the wedding day)
*Will travel to anywhere within the Tri-Cities, WA area. I charge a modest gas fee for weddings that are more than 20 miles away from the Tri-Cities.
*I arrive 1-2 hours before the wedding
*Attend and photograph your wedding ceremony
*Photograph wedding party and family
*Attend reception for up to 2 hours
*Will provide a link to your proofs online
*Edit/Crop as needed
*You will get a CD with 4X6 full size images with all rights. I guarantee at least 100 quality images.

Family & Group Package - $200
Individual Portraits - $100
Engagement Portraits - $100

Economy Package - $15 per photo

*I am happy to take outdoor pictures anywhere within the Tri-Cities or at your home.
*I will edit/crop images as needed.
*You will get a CD with all of the quality full size images with all rights. I guarantee at least 10 quality images.
*I accept payment at the time of the photo shoot.

If you want something special and don't see that service offered, then please contact me and we can work it out. I do parties and events, just contact me and I'll give you a quote.

Photos can be done at my home in my photo studio or a public place (for example, a park). I have my own backdrops in black, cream. burgundy, forest green, chocolate brown, and gray.

Photo Prints:

If you see something in my portfolio that you could see in your home, then you can purchase prints. Feel free to contact me for a quote on prints.