My husband Theodore is the proprietor of men’s clothing company Rifle Quality, providing custom suits, shirts, and accessories.  When he wanted to make a splash in our new Cleveland market, of course I wanted to make it a photographic one.

I shot these photos of him modeling his suits from February through April of 2012 on location in Cleveland, Ohio.  Our show, A Sartorial Exposition, opened on Saturday, May 5, 2012 (a year to the day from when we got married!) at Aperture in Tremont, Cleveland.  The crowd loved sampling suit wools and shirt fabrics, and they got to enjoy 20″ x 30″ prints of the images you see here.  The show will remain up at Aperture through May 20th, so be sure to stop by and see it in person.

Mediums included infrared black and white film, Impossible chocolate film, and Fuji slide film, printed on Kodak Endura paper.

See the 3D reel Sarah made for the Sawyer family, along with a fabulous collection of family portraits on display.  Show opening party details will be announced soon, so mark your calendar for 6/24/12 at Noodle Cat!

I had the best time working with Ria and her colleagues at Pomme!  We teamed up to create a photo day for Pomme’s loyal clients, who each received a mini-photo shoot with minimum purchase. 

Despite a drizzly-turning-to-rainy Sunday in Brooklyn, New York, we managed to take advantage of the fantastic DUMBO backdrops right outside Pomme’s door.  There was gorgeous portrait light inside, too, so even when the rain came down, the shots turned out great.

These are some of my favorite shots of the awesome, creative, fun-loving kids I got to meet that day.  Thanks, Pomme!  It was a blast!

These awesome girls know the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens like the back of their hands — they are growing up right down the street.

We caught the tail-end of cherry blossom season, and I loved capturing their smiles amongst the falling petals. I also included a stereo shoot with family photos in 3D!  Look for a post featuring their 3D viewer in the coming weeks.

These photos were part of my April NYC weekend this spring, and more photos can be viewed here.

During my spring visit to NYC, I had the pleasure of doing some wonderful family portraits, including both my traditional photojournalist-style portraiture, as well as my new 3D coverage.  Locations spanned Riverside Park on the Upper West Side to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and spring was abloom! 

I also had the pleasure of partnering with the gorgeous kids and family shop, Pomme, in DUMBO.  We did mini-photo shoots of their loyal clients who had made purchases the week prior, and they had the chance to order photos online.  This and my next two blog posts will feature photo highlights from my April trip to New York, so stay tuned this week.

The photos featured here are of a 9-month-old baby — 9 months is simply the best age for a baby portrait!  Look how wonderfully expressive she is, yet still snuggly with Mom and Dad.  This child melts my heart!

When I put together the Sawyers‘ 3D reel, I was sensitive to making sure the photos worked in the format.  It was a new and tricky procedure to shoot in stereo, as the subject of the photo needed to be relatively centered in not one but *two* slightly different frames.  With moving child and baby chick subjects, not to mention the added complexity of shooting on a telephoto lens (had to be further back from the action than I’d normally prefer), shooting in 3D had me stretching my compositional and timing skills to the max. 

What a thrill when the reel and viewer arrived and were a huge success!  I have included a couple of photos here to try to paint the picture, but nothing compares to having the viewer in your hand, pressing the lever, and having these vibrant images spring out before your eyes in 3D.  For those of you local to Cleveland, I hope you’ll join us for a special event on June 24th at Noodle Cat downtown, where you’ll get to try the viewer in person, and check out some of my other work.

You and your child will adore seeing your own custom 3D reel.  The vibrance and clarity of stereo photography is nothing like any kind of imagery you’ve seen before. 

When you book a regular session with me this spring, you’ll receive the requisite 3D coverage, 7-image reel, and viewer inclusive with your package.  Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com for a complete pricing brochure, or to request availability in your city.

WVIZ’s televised auction airs Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For more details, or to bid online, visit the auction’s website:

 http://www.ideastream.org/auction

Click here to view the photos.

Images will remain online through April 13th.

When you order by April 10th, take 15% off your order of $25.00 or more.  Use the code OHC2012EE at checkout.

Come experience the luxury of personally tailored clothing to express your unique personality.  Kick off Cleveland’s Fashion Week with this free event, starting at 6 p.m.

Perfect for grooms-to-be, and anyone looking for custom suits, the Sartorial Exposition will enable clients to sample the finest English fabrics, while viewing examples of completed designs by Rifle Quality.

Sarah Sloboda provided analog photography using black and white, color slide, and Impossible films.  Featured images will be on display with select suit samples.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Aperture – Tremont

2541 Scranton Rd. Cleveland, OH 44113

Starting at 6 p.m.

Light refreshments provided.

Sarah’s NYC sessions typically sell out!  Be sure to book early for the best selection of time slots.

Sessions will take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Sarah will recommend a cool location to show off in the background, making the shoot fun and the photos exciting.  Or, choose to have a sweet session in the comfort of your own home. 

Packages may be purchased a la carte, or to include the full collection on disk.  Please inquire about options to suit your desires.

Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com to reserve your time slot.

HOP ON OVER TO A CLEVELAND EASTER EGG HUNT!

with generous support from Ohio City.

Modern children’s photographer Sarah Sloboda will be there to document the fun & capture moments of discovery during the Egg Hunt. View & order photos online following the event. Stay tuned to this website.

Free and open to all ages!  Two age groups: 2-4, and 5+. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday April 7th, 10am

at Fairview Park in Ohio City (West 38th between Franklin Avenue and Woodbine Avenue)

BRING YOUR EASTER BASKET!

As I kid, I loved looking at Disney World images in 3D — pointing my viewer at a light-source, and experience the very satisfying CA-chunk, as I pressed the handle to move the reel.

Now, I’m shooting in 3D and offering my clients the same satisfaction.  Only instead of rides and attractions, my reels feature 3D images of your own kids (or your own wedding)!  If you’re a child of the 80s, or just love the 80s, this custom 3D viewer is for you.  Kids will love viewing their own photo shoot come to life in 3D!

For a limited time, when you book a family portrait session with me, you’ll get one 7-image reel and 3D viewer included with your package.  Yep, it’s free, with booking.  (Of course, you’ll also get my natural, spontaneous portraiture and photojournalism you’ve come to know and love.  The 3D coverage is a bonus!)

How does it work?

I use a special camera lens that captures 2 side-by-side images in stereo — that is, they offer a slightly different perspective.  Each of the two images is set at opposite sides of the real so that the images are shown one to each eye at the same time.  As your eyes signal to your brain to piece the images together, VOILA: you’re seeing in 3D.  So cool, right?

New Yorkers: Now is your chance! Book a session April 19-23, while I’m in NYC to claim your personal 3D viewer, commemorating your session.

Clevelanders: Take advantage of this special offer this spring, while supplies last.

Residents of elsewhere: Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com for availability — organize a group of parents and bring Sarah to your town!

The brilliant writer Kathie Zaccaria of SoCal Kids San Diego interviewed me about my creative practice and approach to photographing kids, as a corollary to my trip to California last month.  It’s included here in its entirety, and you can also view it in its original form on the SoCal Kids website. 

What kind of camera do you use?
I use all kinds of cameras.  I own both Nikon and Canon digital cameras, and actually still prefer to shoot film, when I can.  For that I have a Nikon SLR, and a Voigtlander rangefinder that I love — as well as all kinds of other random ones.  I love the look of film, and the artistry involved when you can’t “check on” the pictures to see how they’re shaking out.  I find it’s an exercise in being present, and the images end up reflecting something ethereal.

What is your favorite type of setting for family or child shoots?
As a photojournalist-style photographer, any setting with ample natural light is great by me.  I love the adventure of incorporating a sense of place at any location.  I have a profound appreciation of architecture (it was briefly my major back in college, before switching to Film & Video), so I love incorporating unique lines and structures.  People’s homes are wonderful places to record memories — particularly in an era where people tend to move relatively often; it’ll preserve their child’s first home in that magical way only the camera can.  And, of course, nature lends its own tender touch to imagery, so parks, beaches, forests, and gardens are all wonderful backdrops.

Who is hardest to shoot: pets or kids?
Ha!  This question amuses me.  Honestly, I know both children and pets have a reputation of being difficult to photograph, but completely stiff adults are actually the hardest subjects to shoot, for me.  I find it much harder to manufacture energy in a self-conscious subject, than to capture it flowing freely, even if the subject is in constant motion.  I genuinely enjoy the challenge of being in the moment, chasing kids and animals for that elusive glimpse into their realities.

What draws you to photographing families and children?
My love of photographing families and kids comes from my photographic memory; I remember my own childhood incredibly clearly and with great fondness.  Many people tell me I relate to kids so well because I never forgot how to think like one.  That’s probably true.  Kids come into the world thinking everything is full of wonder, everything is a miracle.  The eternal optimist in me still wants to believe in that way of thinking.  Photographing kids and their perspectives provides photographic evidence for my case.

How often do you travel for photo shoots?
Usually, shoots take me traveling anywhere from 6 to 10 times a year.  It’s always interesting to get a taste of different markets — every city is different.  Remarkably, though, there seem to be universal similarities between families — the clients I attract in any city all share the same love of photography and deep honor for their children’s life experience.

What is one of your funniest moments while photographing a family or child?
During a shoot in New York, I asked a mother where her daughter went to school.  She went on to explain in several sentences that it was a dual-language and cultural school, so that her daughter could experience both the roots of her parents’ heritage, as well as everything the United States has to offer.  Then, the five-year-old looked up at me sweetly and said, “I’m bilingual.”  In case I needed to understand what her mother had meant by all of that.

When did your love of photography come about?
My love of photography actually started out more vaguely as a love of recording.  When I was a little girl, I had a tape recorder, and I loved to record my siblings and I playing funny games, so I could cherish those silly moments again and again.  I would build grand cabins out of my brother’s Lincoln Logs, and then stand on tiptoe to get my mother’s camera off a shelf so I could document the creation before my brother knocked it down to build another.  It seems like I was born with a keen (and sometimes painful) awareness of how fleeting every moment is.  When I realized via the Sears catalog, while I was still quite young, that there were cameras that would record things as clear as they look in real life, I became obsessed with photography.  But it is secondary to my deep longing to record and cherish moments before they are gone.  I think that longing is what enables me to anticipate moments and capture them as they happen.  It’s always given me a little heartache when one moment gives way to the next, but I also think the twinge I feel is my greatest gift, since it now lets me know when to press the shutter.

Who is an inspiration to you?
My all-time favorite photographer is the late Henri Cartier-Bresson, who is famous for his candid, clever shots of French street scenes.  Several years ago, I had the thrill of meeting Danny Clinch who is a natural light photographer like myself, and who photographs a lot of music artists.  His style is very inspiring to me — he is amazing at using what is there in the moment to make a biography come to life in a single frame.  I’ve never met Anton Corbijn, but he inspires me for the same reasons.  And, David Lynch, too, for the dream-like cinematography in his films.  (Plus, David Lynch has an amazing charity that teaches kids how to meditate — how inspiring is that?)  I like imagery that has some honesty to it, even if it shows the flaws and shortcomings of the medium and the creator.  An expression of truth or an interpretation of truth is what is most important to me in photography.

What is the best advice you can give Moms and Dads who want their family photographed, but don’t know what to look for in a photographer?
It’s admittedly difficult to give people advice who don’t know what to look for in photography.  Any basis in art appreciation, wine appreciation, or any other kind of refinement of tastes would translate well, though.  So, using the wine analogy, think of it like this:

1) First and foremost, consider your own palette.  Does the work speak to you?  Do you feel an emotional resonance when you see the photos?  If you feel like it’s something you’ve seen before, it probably hasn’t really resonated.  Try again, until something makes you smile, or sink deeper in your seat as you view it.  An actual physical experience is a good sign — just like that first sip of a wine you love instills a certain physical excitement.

2) Read up on the photographer’s process, or call and ask how the shoot will unfold.  Does it seem like the person would work well with your family?  Do they seem flexible and easy to work with, or will you need to try to get your family on your best behavior?  Can they accommodate you as you are, as well as any special needs you might have?

3) Consider what options will be available to you.  For instance, if you have a substantial photo archive on your computer, it makes sense to want to have photos from your photographer in that form, as well.  Be sure the photographer offers digital file options, or any other preferences you might have.

4) And, finally, FUN: I’ve never met a parent who wouldn’t want someone fun and warm to photograph their child.  Be sure the photographer’s portfolio reflects those qualities.  If the expressions in the photos seem too stiff or unnatural, it’s probably a sign of tension of some kind.  Pay attention for subtle differences in expression — as parents you know what a genuine smile looks like.  Hire a photographer who shoots those; it’s a sign they know what real fun is.

California. February 2012.

Three months of overcast Cleveland skies gave way in a burst as I awoke from my flight in the California sunshine.  LA traffic was abysmal, due Oscar attendees and their support staff; a terrible weekend for drinks at the Chateau Marmont, it turns out, so friends and I climbed the hill nearby and I photographed their son in certifiable Hollywood golden hour. 

Old connections from so many areas of my life converged in this city, and I got to shoot portraits of many of them, sip coffee in cheery Brentwood with one, and obtain a pass onto the Fox Studios lot to visit another.  My film school past, film & TV career stint, early photography business launch and wedding clients from both coasts were all present in a conglomeration of energy, rivaled only by the traffic on route 1, on my way to get an Inn-n-Out Burger.  Did I mention there was so much sun I was blinded?  In a good way.

Shot down the coast the through San Jan Capistrano (a town that sounds like a fake name for a town, like Kalamazoo, or Nantucket), to settle down for some R&R in San Diego.  But first, a stop at the Salk Institute, where I shot an installment of Kids in Space.  Julie Gabrielli suggested this place, as a profound example of architectural achievement; look at how its research offices form a canyon, taking my eyes on a journey towards the sea.  And, the child subject had an imaginative approach — how genius it is to be 3!  I won’t spoil it by sharing her brilliance — wait for the photos.

Days of my parents’ hilarity, sunning myself, seeing the ocean, riding the ferry, experiencing a bit of the history and architecture of San Diego.  Walking, trolley, driving that enormous unenclosed bridge, the warmth of the sun adding pink and freckles to my cheeks.  Surely, just the tiniest bit of color.  Yet, transformed.

As a photojournalist-style photographer, I am enamored with real moments in time.  I love photographing kids because they’re so spontaneous!  We adults can learn a lot from their free-spiritedness.  I see a lot of moms who want their kids’ hair to be brushed just so, for their clothes to be perfect, and for their smiles to be practiced.  However, none of those things speak to me of childhood.  So, I encourage the kids to giggle, to run, and to explore.  Yes, I have to chase them around a lot.  But when they stop and catch their breath, I am ready with my camera.  And, they’re usually beaming.

If you want to take better photos of your family (and set your child up to be more photogenic for life), think of yourself as a documentarian.  Document what you want, yes.  But don’t manipulate.  Don’t ask for poses.  And, don’t fuss!  Let the kids enjoy themselves, and what you hold dear about this time in your life will show through in the moments you capture.

The iPhone is an incredible tool for moms, dads, and business owners alike.  I recommend you turn the flash off, and pay attention to natural light sources in the environment you’re shooting in.  Make sure to arrange yourself so that light is falling on your subject.  In other words, if you’re facing a lamp and the baby is silhouetted in between you and it, don’t expect the camera to give you a good exposure.  And, be sure you get low to the ground – you want to be on your subject’s level.

Plus, the iPhone is something you already take everywhere you go, so using it for social networking and marketing is a no-brainer.  It’s an invaluable tool for giving your audience that coveted glimpse behind the scenes.

iPhonegraphy tips for documenting your family and business marketing:

1. Get on Instagram!  If you haven’t already, sign up for an Instagram account.  It’s free!  Just go to the app store and install.  If you want to use it for marketing, select a username that corresponds with your brand.  For instance, my Instagram name is sloboda.

2. Apply filters to your images before you share them.  If you also install other photography apps, you’ll have a whole bunch of one-click PhotoShop-like settings at your fingertips.  My favorites include Hipstamatic, Snapseed, Camera+, Iris, and Filterstorm.  They range from $1.99 to $5.99, and can seriously enhance just about any image you take. 

3. Mix and match multiple filters from various programs by saving to your photo library and then opening in a new program.  When you’re pleased with your flashy new picture, open Instagram and click on “share,” to upload.

4. Get tagging! Hashtags are a great way to get followers of similar interests on Instgram.  Use @[username] tags to respond to someone who has commented on yours or another’s photo.  Link your profile to twitter and automatically tweet your photo (with capture and hashtags – up to 140 characters, of course).  To be really savvy, use twitter tags in Instagram so your intended audience sees your image across platforms.

5. Be yourself.  Share your interests, and your day-to-day.  Document moments with your family.  Get involved in an activity!  Frame your shot and be ready to snap when natural smiles (and all kinds of expressions) occur. 

Sharing photos of genuine moments goes a long way towards communicating your values to your audience.  A picture’s worth a thousand words, right?  That’s like 41 tweets!