Photos By Sonja

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by! A little about me; I have enjoyed taking pictures since grade school. I got my first SLR film camera in high school, went digital in 2001 and haven't looked back. A perfect day for me is not only experiencing a wonderful moment, but capturing it with my camera.

Tools of the trade: Canon 40D with a Canon Rebel XT as backup.
My glass: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II, Canon 50mm f/1.8, and a couple of extras as back up.
My help: 430EX Speedlite flash, a backdrop with a stand for studio pictures.
Software: Adobe Photoshop 6.0, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Adobe PhotoDeluxe, & Canon Digital Pro.

Scheduling a Session

Please contact Sonja to schedule an appointment, I can be reached at (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 different versions (black and white, sepia, chocolate tone, and many 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 - $500  ($100 deposit required to schedule and $400 on the wedding day)
*Will travel to anywhere within the Tri-Cities, WA area and up to 20 miles outside of 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 Portraits - $150
Individual Portraits - $50 (add $25 for each additional person)
Engagement Portraits - $75
*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 20 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.

I have my own backdrops in black and off-white and a stand which is portable. I can set this up anywhere. I prefer not to use my home as a studio as we are in transition.

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 edit them so that there are black and white copies along with the original color photos. 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.

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.

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.