Sarah Fantom Photography

It's here...

2011-07-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

...the middle of July. And I did it, I chose to "run away" for a few days last week. I left this beautiful scenery at it's peak time of year and went to NYC. Summer on Cape Cod is the time of year I long for. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the scheduling challenges, it's similiar to fitting the pieces of a puzzle together. I love the energy on these teeny tiny dark streets. The quite of the very early morning, the blazing sun in the late afternoons.
I share with you my NYC get away because as I was walking down Madison Avenue one afternoon, I got a call, I didn't answer it and let voicemail pick up. You would as well if you ever walked the noisy streets of New York. Answering your phone while on the streets of this city is bordering plain rude. No meaningful conversation can be had that way! I listened to my messages a bit later and responded accordingly. I checked emails and found myself caught in a place, wishing maybe time could stand still, for so many reasons. I had received 2 messages from past clients, one goes back to my first year in business, 14 years ago. This particular family is coming back to their family home in Chatham for the last summer and wants the kids photographed again! The house is going on the market.
The next message was from a woman, again a family I have photographed numerous times at Wequassett Inn. She was sharing the news that her oldest daughter is to be married and they would love to have me come down and photograph the wedding in Short Hills next summer! I couldn't think of another family whom I would be delighted to work with again as I have photographed the extended family so know them all.
As I dialed the phone I started thinking of how things change. The natural ( and some unwanted) occurrences in life. For some I am sure the sale of an old family home would be very hard to endure,it is the end of one chapter or in this case many chapters.
A wedding for many is saying "goodbye", which I simply do not understand. However can you only imagine what lies ahead? The possibilities are endless. The new places you may visit and explore. The new people who are now going to be in your life, at your holiday table, on family vacations. I do tend to see the positive side of things, well I sure try to at the least!
To look at where I just came from, what occurred and what thrilling adventure will eventually be at my feet.
In this bustling world, New York City reminded me just how busy it is for so many people. I wonder how many are present and living in the moment. Realize in this world how fast things change, be open to change! Teach your kids to be open to changes as we are living in a society that is forever evolving.
Always remember when one door closes another door opens. Endless possibilities lie ahead when you are willing to open your eyes to them.
~ Cheers~
Sarah

good or evil wolf?

2011-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend posted the following story on the Pictage Forums. It is attributed to Cherokee tradition, but has roots in many cultures. It offers an interesting perspective...

One day an old man and his grandson were sharing some time together and the old man told the boy a story about two wolves that wage a battle inside of us all.

He said, “One wolf is evil. It is anger, jealousy, false pride, greed, regret, self-pity, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego.

The other wolf is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, generosity, truth, compassion, benevolence and faith.”

The boy thought about the story and asked his Grandfather, "Which wolf wins the battle?"
The grandfather smiled and said, "The one you feed."

When you choose which wolf YOU will feed keep in mind it will reflect in all you do, every step of the way.

Yes the sun will shine again!

2011-05-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

If you are experiencing the same weather pattern as those of us here on Cape Cod, then you are waking up wondering:

a: is it groundhog day?

b: has mother nature finally decided to treat us as too many people treat her?

c: will the sun ever stay out for more than 10 minutes ever, ever again!!

While the weather certainly helps most of us motivate on a daily basis. . Maybe it's time we each start waking up and realizing what it is we have to be happy for and acknowledging one thing a day, one day at a time. In doing so you will realize that nobody else is responsible for your own happiness, just YOU. It is actually a really great feeling and you will come to know you have a million things to be grateful & happy for.

Yes, the sun will come out again and summer will be here. I will be busy photographing your families and children at various beaches. We will all be able to enjoy the usual full day on the beach, cookouts, late afternoons with friends watching the sun go down and the kids play. I can feel it just thinking of my boys running around laughing, splashing, boogie boarding, and jumping waves with friends they may have just met on the beach that day!

Hopefully this picture brings a smile to your day and you too can think of what memories this summer will hold for you.

I used this picture 2 years ago as part of my Christmas Card, it was my favorite holiday creation thus far. My boys have grown so much since this but they for sure still race for anything and everything!

~ XO Sarah~

Who's the Boss?

2011-05-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

It's been over 13 years since I have had to work for someone else, I mean having a boss to report to.

I work for hundreds of people a year who I pretty much consider my "bosses". However I do not check in with some one everyday nor do I punch a time clock. Thankfully I am a planner through and through, I think it is the only way I have been able to juggle two businesses and three boys. All the while keeping my sanity, alright, some may beg to differ and say I have lost my sanity!!
When we work for other people, having work hours, weekly meetings, and daily tasks is practically expected. However, when working for ourselves, it’s very easy to let time slip by if we don’t create a daily schedule. The great thing about working for ourselves is that we can create a schedule that works with our own peak productivity and distraction times. If we know that we are most productive with post-production late at night, and we have the freedom to wake up later in the day (not with 3 boys) than we can create a schedule that allows us to focus in this way. If we know that we’re most alert to responding to emails first thing in the morning, than we can create a schedule that works with our peak alertness. By simply planning out when we will deal with our regular tasks for a typical week, we can increase our efficiency. I know my shooting schedules typically far in advance so I just need to plan my actual days off. That, I find is the hardest in having my own businesses...I am doing much better with it though. Technology doesn't want anyone to have a day off. Will it's advancements slow down a little bit so we can catch on and master one new operating system before the new edition comes out??

Cheers to what will hopefully be a sunny day Cape Cod..soon? ~S

The 2011 season has begun....

2011-04-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to share in the vows of Cheryl & Paul at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club during a rainstorm this past weekend! I love that they joined me outside to highlight the weather, you might as well make the best of a rainy day and use the fabulous umbrella as a prop! It was a very intimate affair in the main dining room, 28 Atlantic, my favorite location at the Resort. There were flowers designed by a friend of the bride's with birds of paradise as the centerpiece in memory of the groom's mother.
Weddings like this past weekend with couple's as wonderful as these 2 make me appreciate and enjoy my job so much! I am welcoming 2011 with open arms~Sarah

Cape Cod Celebrations - Featured Link Of The Week

2011-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

For every celebration, birthdays to weddings, Cape Cod Celebrations can take care of every aspect. Whether you need a consultation to get you started or full planning services, we can work with you.

Click here to visit their web site.

Top 5 Web Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make

2011-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Web Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Wedding Day Timeline Suggestion....Part 1

2011-04-13T05:07:00.001-07:00

After working in this fabulous industry for over 13 years I have watched so much change month to month in the photography world! One part of weddings that has not changed too much is the actual day! I share with you my thoughts from a professional point of view as to what typically lends itself best for capturing some of the most candid moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.

About one-two hours before the ceremony, I prefer to meet the bride and her bridal party at the venue where she is getting ready. This could be at a hair salon, hotel room or her home. I typically ask the bride not to start getting ready until I arrive so I can capture images of her having her hair and make-up being done.
I also use this time to collect the must-have significant details that she’ll want to remember for years to come, for example around the room there will be an array of bags, shoes, jewelry, mother of the bride’s hat, make up, tissue paper and even a champagne bottle. All of these are details specifically chosen for this day and deserve to be captured!
At some point the flowers will be delivered so I take the time to shoot the bouquets individually as well as candids of the mother of the bride or bride herself fastening the father of the bride’s or young page boy’s buttonholes, as well as the bride’s maids as they collect their bouquets. I will capture all the details available at this time! While the girls are all getting ready to depart we will take some group shots before the ceremony to alleviate being in any rush at all after, getting the wedding party to cocktail hour is a must on my list!

They say it is becoming more common for the groom to have an equivalent ‘getting ready session’ with his best men and ushers, my assistants have been doing this for years! We will collect the candids and if need be ‘staged’ images of the groom having his tie adjusted, laughing with his friends, having a celebratory drink or cigar, fussing in the mirror and even applying cologne. Shooting candids not only of the groom but of his group such as the best man rehearsing his speech will occur, his mum brushing off his shoulders and perhaps his dad looking on full of pride. As with the bridal party, the smaller details such as button hole flowers, cufflinks, shoes, hats and ties are captured.

Chatham Wayside Inn - Featured Link Of The Week

2011-04-11T13:45:00.001-07:00

Chatham Wayside Inn offers stylish accommodations, comfortable dining and outstanding service creating the perfect Cape Cod experience year-round. Chatham is a wonderful location for a destination wedding, and here at the Chatham Wayside Inn, we can offer you one, two or three events with which to celebrate your wedding!

Click here to visit their web site.

Chatham Bars Inn - Featured Link Of The Week

2011-04-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Chatham Bars Inn has been a world-famous Cape Cod vacation retreat noted for its excellent service, fine cuisine & beautiful surroundings since 1914. The Inn is nestled in the heart of Chatham on 25 beautifully landscaped acres overlooking the ocean.

Click here to visit their web site.

Featured Link of the Week - Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

2011-03-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Chatham, MA

Cape Cod resort with one of the most romantic, sophisticated and memorable settings in New England for your wedding.

Click here to visit their web site.

2010 Wedding Season has come to an end....

2010-11-07T03:40:00.001-08:00

I cannot tell you the stories I could share, all so intriguing. The love, the relationships, the bonds and well the not so bonded...

Watching a wedding unfold is such an experience. I get to see faces, expressions, emotions like no one else. Some are more than worth capturing and tell a story within themselves while others are not my moments to capture, like I am intruding almost! That may seem ridiculous, one might say "you are here to capture everything", well yes but my better judgement takes over sometimes to remind me that it is not my moment to be part of every once in a while. So I look away and let the moment happen without me. I never feel as though I have missed anything!

I will continue to design albums, create custom holiday cards and photograph family and children portraits now and through the Holidays. New 2011 marketing pieces will be designed, wedding bookings for 2011 are being contracted, new ventures discussed (yes I am always up to something new) and new friendships with my clients will continue to be made.

What a blessed job I have and wonderful people to share it with, thank you all~S

Nauset 2011

2010-09-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

I've been lucky to meet some fun faces from NRHS this summer...this photo was taken at Skaket Beach - at prime time as the sun sets and the tide is mid point so we see that fabulou sgreen grass.. gorgeous girl and location!

WOW- that was a very fast season...

2010-09-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was told if I want to have a blog then I best BLOG!! I am failing at this terribly, I don't fail.

SO I am on my adventure at keeping up with this- Let's see how I do.

I will blog with photos, quotes or words of thought, you may find them wisdom or not. Take them for what you want and move forward. Staying up with the new networking tools out there has allowed me to be introduced to so many daily updates from many walks of life. I will hope to share some of their words as well as my own through this tool of communication.

I have met & photographed well over 1500 people this summer season alone! Showing you some of these captures will take some time.. so to begin you will be enjoying a few high school seniors I was fortunate to meet & enjoy! I love hearing where they are looking and at what schools. There is an innocence to them that I see, I am sure their parents may not agree to that innocence as much.

Enjoy. Live. Laugh.

Yes, I still love my job!

2010-06-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Every day I think of how fortunate I am to be a photographer! I get to capture the moments that become your memories. I get to watch families unite & grow. You allow me to watch your spirits and families. You let me in on some of the most intimate times of your life.

All of these events are what makes my "job" so worthwhile. As I begin my 5th season on Main St in Chatham, I am grateful with the clients that become my customers and vice versa at Three Buoys. I get to watch the ebb and flow of my 2 businesses and I have you to thank.

Just a few weeks back my season began. It is an ever changing economic world and I am thrilled to be thriving in both businesses. This is not to say it comes easy- I certainly have to put the extra effort forth to sell a unique product in my companies. This is challenging and I have always had a competitive side, thank goodness!

Keep an eye out for all the fun photos you may find here, on my site or on facebook. Yes staying on top of technology that is another challenge~ Enjoy the weekend I am off to photograph Katie & Ryan's wedding and the sun is just about peeking through the dark grey sky.....

Jim Collins CEO of Pictage

2010-06-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

I made the long haul(just joking) off Cape to Concord MA this week. Jim flew in from California for a PUG meeting. I heard him speak in New Orleans in November at Pictage's Partner-CON and loved the enthusiasm he delivered. I was so fortunate to attend and I just booked my ticket to go back again this year!!!

This week he was talking about supply vs. demand in the photo world as well as standing out amongst the crowd. He gave great advice on being out there shooting, creating and as well as being accountable for all your actions in the work place and personally. With each conference I attend I like to walk away with at least one thing that will help improve my business, there is always at least one new thing to learn!

I will leave you with this quote from Jim:

" There is nothing anyone knows that they did not learn from someone"

So get yourself out there, talk to people, network, get to know who you are in your field. At home. In life. Continue to be that person no matter who you surround yourself with.

here is a recent picture of myself & my "three buoys" who continue to inspire me every day!

FUNDRAISING EVENT

2010-06-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

One of the best perks to having my own business is that I get to choose whatever charity, cause etc that I want to donate my time & energy to. This year I am hosting a "fun"draising event in honor of a most courageous little lady from Chatham. Emily Coughlin has been fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma for over a year and in June will celebrate her 5th birthday! I am fortunate to know her family and I could not be more pleased to be able to offer any amount of time & support to this beautiful family! You can view the photo promo piece attached and contact me if you would like to be involved in such a fantastic event.

This Blog is moving...

2010-04-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

The new address is http://blog.photographybysarah.com. Please update your bookmarks, RSS readers, etc.

Thanks for keeping our information up-to-date!

27 Days until Spring!!

2010-02-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Well that is of course after this week's snow comes! I must admit to feeling as though winter really has gone by fast. It may be my least favorite season for so many reasons. I love what I do and Cape Cod in the winter does not allow me the opportunity to photograph as much as I like.

I do however get the chance to create marketing pieces, revamp my websites, blog and network.

I am getting ready to head to PPAM this weekend to learn some more about teaching photography, I figure maybe that is what I can do in the "off "season. I enjoy attending these events, it's a time to meet up with some photographers I have known within the field for the last 12 years.

I also have the Well Wed Wedding Affair at Ocean Edge. It is going to be a fantastic event on Sat March 6. If you are currently a bride for my 2010 season and would like a FREE pass - call or email me I have a few I would be happy to share.

I am looking forward as well to bringing in a new assistant, maybe 2, this season who was with me in the past. When I am working with large families on the beach it would be a huge help to have someone "entertaining" while I capture the images.

On a personal note I attended the Running of the Bride's in Boston on Friday. I was with my best childhood girlfriends. It was an adventure to say the least. What a scene. I will upload a few pictures to give you a feel. Personally, I would rather make an appointment and sip champagne while shopping for a wedding dress. This is the time in life when you do what others want, and we were victorious! a $1700 dress for $500! That is worth it! And the memories that went along with it, priceless.

Enjoy the sunshine(well it is sunny on Cape Cod)~

Think Spring!

~Sarah

I've been "locked" out....

2009-11-16T14:53:00.001-08:00

There are WAY too many passwords to remember in this world. I am finally updating, I don't like not being caught up so I apologize.
I was on Main St Chatham this weekend at a private home for a beautiful wedding ceremony. Then we made our way ( just as it started to pour rain) over to the private dining room in 28 Atlantic at the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club.
Partice Milley decorated the home & the room at Wequassett. What an amazing job she did.

A few pictures from some photo events lately..

2009-10-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Alexis called me hoping I would be able to relax her enough to get her new author picture! Well I was thrilled with the array of images she has to choose from, this is just one.

Last year I photographed Michael's brother for his senior picture and now it's his turn. I love to see the different family dynamics, it resonates within my own boys and it makes me realize we all need to appreciate the individuals our kids grow up to be.

What a fun Day!

2009-10-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

The RFK Golf Tournament was this past Friday. I believe it was my 7th year photographing and every year it is even more impressive and fun! The event helps raise funds for human rights which is what the RFK Memorial stands for. Check out the link to learn more about this organization. www.rfkcenter.org

Once again I was amongst the likes of some very admirable folk! Enjoying viewing some of these silly photos. I will also try to upload a video of Bill Murray singing- it was classic. Amazing that he can sing, play golf and entertain at the drop of a hat...I was unaware but my husband told me he actually sang the song in STRIPES.

finally! My blog was down and I couldn't post...

2009-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

As the fall has happened upon us, I think we are welcoming winter as well....BBBRRRR.
I am keeping busy with photo shoots, weddings, events, seniors a little bit of everything. I have also begun my email marketing with constant contact. I feel I can better communicate what I am offering with all of you! Yes it is another thing to keep up with but it's actually very fun, just like this!
Holiday cards are available in so many fun & creative styles. Please inquire and I can send you the links to view all the options.
As the Holidays approach let's be sure to think of all we have to be thankful for.
~Sarah

Sometimes the years just pass~

2009-09-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I was able to work with this beautiful family in Chatham. 5 Years ago when I had my youngest son Charlie, I received a call from this adorably sweet lady. I was torn whether or not to continue my business as I had 3 boys under 3 years old and considered that enough work. However after talking with this bride I decided why not, I love what I do and people like this couple make me love my job even more. SO here we are 5 years after the wedding and I got to meet and play with their 2 beautiful children. Halley & Steve, thanks again for letting me be a part of your life and capturing some of life's most memorable occasions~

I love what I do!!

2009-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

AN adventurous week for me! My baby off to Kindergarten, working at Three Buoys and lots of photography! It's just the way I like it.
Kelly & Jeremy may not have had the ultimate day for a Cape Cod wedding but WOW! Loved every minute of this wedding a beautiful couple