Please go to my NEW WEBSITE!

Big news, big changes! I am so excited finally be able to announce my brand spankin', shiny new Blog! All future blog posts, session and updates will be done through www.captivatingbysarahwest.com. It has been a work in progress and I'll have to ask you forgive the missing links and information, but I am so happy to be able to take this next step with you!
This new site marks the beginning of a new stage for me and for Captivating. It's the place I hope to share my life, my passion and the stories and photos from my most recent escapades. I have so many dreams for this business, so many places I want to go and ideas I want to see come to pass. I am so thankful to all my friends, family and wonderful clients who have brought me this far. You have have believed in me, trusted me and inspired me to continue following my heart and to stay true to who I am and what moves me. I hope to be able to show my thanks and appreciation with some fun contests and promotions throughout the year!

I know there is so much more that I want to learn and ways that I want to improve, especially on the business side of things. I feel so much gratitude for the welcoming and loving arms of the photography community. There is such a wealth of information and kindness both in the local St. Thomas and London network I have the pleasure of being in, as well as online. The women especially who I have met have been absolutely imperative in my journey and their help has allowed me to bring my craft to a place I am proud of and my business to where I am finally starting to see the forest for the trees.

Please feel free to, at any time, comment, share, tweet, pin or just drop me a line to let me know what you think about the new digs, or for any reason at all! I love hearing from you and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your support and encouragement!

Here's a glimpse at the new design, but don't take my word for it, come check it out for yourself!  I'll see you over there!

{photo challenge} hey, girl

This month's i heart faces photo submission for their "hey girl" challenge.

mother's day mini sessions! {st. thomas and london ontario | family photography}

Announcing Mother's Day Mini Sessions! 

Psst!  Rather surprise her with a gift certificate? I will honour this mini-session special on any gift certificate bought as a mother’s day gift!

Sessions will take place at the beautiful location of Dalewood Conservation Area in St. Thomas. The wooded area has such a great assortment of scenic and picturesque spots that photograph wonderfully!

{st. thomas and london ontario | newborn and family photography} i'm forever blowing bubbles

Adorable Miss Lauren Hope was another one of the babies we were waiting for just before Christmas.  She came into the world on December 22nd and made a big sister of sweet Delaney Lyn.  This newborn and family session took place right in the Gilbert's home with the highlight (for Delaney anyway!) being the bubbles!  Congratulations Gilberts, you have been twice blessed with your two beautiful girls. <3

Title credited to Jaan Kenbrovin

{st. thomas and london ontario | photo challenge} happiness

*UPDATE: I am so excited to tell you that this photo received 2nd place in this month's challenge!! Thank you so much to the I Heart Faces team and to Amy Wenzel, the guest judge, for choosing my photo!  Check out my photo and the other beautiful entries here.

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I Heart Faces' photo challenge theme this month is 'happiness'.  Cailyn and Savannah exuded happiness and joy at their March session.  Happiness is a best friend.

{st thomas and london ontario | newborn photography} a child is a beam of sunlight

Elyce Danielle was one of three babies of friend's of mine due around Christmas 2011.  Elyce was the first to show and made it into the world well in time for Christmas on December 11th.  What an amazing gift for her big sister and proud parents.  Love you, little Lavertu!

*title credited to Lyman Abbott

{st thomas and london ontario | family photography} kiss me with rain on your eyelashes

Wet. Cold. Miserable.  That was the weather exactly on the day the Sheldrick's family portraits were scheduled.  The forecast called for breaks though, and because they were coming from London and really wanted some portraits before Christmas, it was hard to know whether rescheduling would be the right thing to do.  Sophie is also a fellow photographer (check out her work here) so her creative and spirited nature won out and we went ahead!  The Dalewood Conservation Area session, although fun, unique and special, also came with wet, soggy hair clothes.  We re-booked a second, smaller shoot at Pinafore Park the following week and were able to capture some additional, this time dry, photos with some amazing light. Two completely different atmospheres + one adorable family = a one of a kind family photo session. Thanks for being up for anything Sheldrick family!

*title quote credited to Edwin Morgan.