What sets Sarah Sloboda apart?

Sarah’s photos contain joy, humor, honesty, optimism and a hint of the unexpected. Like a good French film, her best photos are little bit surreal. Sarah has traveled the globe on assignment, shooting documentary style, and making human psychology her visual study. Her acclaimed portraits have appeared in Citibabes and Disney’s Wondertime magazines, amongst others. Her series “Happiest Day in a Girl’s Life” was runner-up for the prestigious Prix de la Photographie, Paris. Her best asset for photographing kids is her personality. She takes delight in them, and as the brilliant beings they are, they take notice.

Read testimonials here.

When is the best time to schedule a sitting?

Consider a Sarah Sloboda portrait session any time you wish to commemorate your joys, milestones and successes as a family:

• Pregnancy
• Newborns
• 9 months (a sweet age for a baby portrait!)
• Starting to crawl, walk, and other baby milestones
• 1st Birthday
• Moving to a new home
• Starting a new school
• Graduation
• Holidays
• Parties
• Performances
• Competitions / Sports

How long is a shoot?

“Longer than the dentist, but shorter than the psychoanalyst.” –Henri Cartier-Bresson

Shoot duration varies depending on the scope of the package. Package options can be viewed here. Sarah recommends allowing yourself an hour before and after the shoot, so that you can be fully present for the shoot itself.

What should I expect during the proofing process?

Every, single shoot is unique.  From one day to the next, moods shift, people mature, the sun moves, the clouds move; literally nothing is exactly the same as the day before.  Sarah works in tandem with the natural rhythms of life, so you can expect that your photos will be unique to the circumstances of your shoot day.  She’ll take advantage of the best natural lighting options available, and work with the background as best is possible.  No matter the moods of the day, Sarah will be alert to moments of authentic expression.  When you see your proofs, you will see unique images that could have only been created at that exact point in your life — truly, something to cherish!

You will have 10 days to proof your images, inclusive in your sitting fee.  Should you wish to extend the time, you may do so at $20/10-day-period.  Sarah recommends scheduling a phone call to go over any questions you may have before placing your order.  You may certainly forgo the call if you are decisive about the photos and don’t have any additional questions.  In that case, you’ll just send an email with image numbers, sizes and quantities to rsvp@sarahsloboda.com for immediate processing.

How much does a session cost?

Sarah Sloboda package options can be obtained by sending an email to rsvp@sarahsloboda.com.

Sarah will help you custom-tailor a special package to tell your family’s story fully in a way that’s convenient and fun for you.

Are the photos film or digital?

While digital rules the market, Sarah Sloboda’s background enabled her to master shooting on film. She offers both with equal fervor. Lovers of the classic aesthetic are encouraged to book using black and white or color film. Digital provides stunning colors sharpness. If you’re unsure of your preference, Sarah will recommend a style based on your needs. Below are some available formats to generate ideas, if you feel like experimenting:

• Black and white film
• Medium and large format film
• Slide film
• Negative color film
• Glass plate tin-types
• Video
• Digital photography

Will Sarah come to us?

Yes! Sarah’s appointments regularly take place in the areas of New York City and Cleveland, OH.  In the New York area, she also shoots in the Hamptons, New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester, the Catskills, Woodstock, the Berkshires, and other upstate and Tri-State areas.  Near Cleveland, she shoots all around North Eastern Ohio, Akron, and Cincinnati, and often finds herself up into Michigan (especially Ann Arbor, home of her alma mater), and over to Chicago and Pittsburgh.  She is available for travel worldwide.

How do we schedule a session?

Mornings are often the best time for a child mood-wise. Luckily, they also provide excellent  light.  Your child’s schedule is the first factor we’ll use to determine the time.  Ideally, we want them to be fresh from a good night’s sleep or nap, fed, and ready to go! Seasonal evening shoots are available to take advantage of “magic hour,” the filmmaking term for when the sun is going down.  The lighting effects are simply spectacular. Saturday appointments may be booked at a premium rate. To schedule, send an email to rsvp@sarahsloboda.com. Please include preferred dates and timing.

How do you pronounce SLOBODA?

It’s pronounced Sluh-BO-duh.  Some people remember this by singing, “Slow Boat to China.” Sarah got married in May of 2011, so you may also call her by her married name, Sarah Crispino.