Photography by Sara Purdy

For Japan With Love

2011-03-16T22:06:00.001-04:00

Then Jesus said to his disciples : “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Luke 21:10-11

images via boston.com

"The Lord rules over the flood waters; The Lord reigns as king forever." ~Psalm 29:10

By now, you may have seen these images several times, or maybe its your first time viewing them. Every new image that is shown leaves me speechless. I can't even begin to fathom what is being felt in Japan right now. There are people, over there, right now who just like you and I have families, have children, pets, & friends..who could be missing, starving, or even dead. Their world has come to a screeching halt, all within the blink of an eye.

On Friday, March 18, I will be participating in a bloggers day of silence, in order to raise awareness and pay respect to what the people of Japan are suffering through.

This day of silence is being put on by two lovely blogging women over at Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours who have teamed up to start For Japan With Love. And theres more, they have started gathering donations to help the victims of these disasters. All the donations will be going to Shelter Box, which provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies to those who need it most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items. And Shelter Box is already at work in Japan! Each box costs $1000 and they are trying to raise enough money to buy 5 boxes. Could you please help spread the word?

I know that the blogging community has a HUGE heart. Whether you donate to Shelter Box or the Red Cross or any other organization, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is to donate! I know many of us are not in a position to donate a lot, but every little bit helps. Can you help?
If above all else, please, please PRAY. They NEED your prayers. I know God is with them there already in that dark desolate place right now, but they need to feel our prayers, they need to feel the power, and presence of God, and the love of the world around them.

If you are interested in participating in the day of silence, click here:
For Japan, With Love

Share the Joy Photography Workshops!!

2010-12-28T15:44:00.000-05:00

Alright Folks! Big Announcement time! Months and Months ago, God laid something on my heart about starting a mentoring session for other photographers, and after months and months of planning, and praying I would like to present to you...*drum roll please....*
The Share The Joy Workshop!

These workshops are meant for YOU! Professionals, Amateurs, Enthusiasts, Photographers of all kinds!

As a special bonus, all those who book will get 15% off the next session they book and a special gift ;)

Thanks so much! Can't wait to see you all out there!!

~ Sara

The Donato Family | Palm Coast Family Photographer

2010-12-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

Wow, what an amazing family I got to work with this past week! Ray * Anna have to be one of the sweetest couples I have met, and what an ADORABLE little girl they have! I can't wait to work with them again soon!
Here's a couple sneak peeks from their session :)

Giving IS Awesome! | Palm Coast Photographer

2010-12-01T11:22:00.004-05:00

You know someone.

Lets face it, times are tough. But, for some people, its even tougher. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of one of God's many gifts to them - their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone.

I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $250 worth, to be exact. This will include a complete session as well as all of the high-resolution digital files from that session, on a CD with full release, and an 8x8 leather bound layflat album, with an inscription on the cover. And as an added bonus, the person who nominates the winner will also receive a $50 credit and an 8x10 print credit to be used during a session!

The rules:
You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Sorry, not being able to pay the insurance on your super expensive Bugatti or Ferrari sports import does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

The nominee will receive either a newborn session, child session, family session or engagement/anniversary session. *Sorry but, Weddings are not included in this offer.*

The nominee must live within 45 minutes of Palm Coast, FL or be else willing to travel here for their session. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve a session. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

Comment on the FB page to let me know you’ve entered, and e-mail me the full story:
sara@photographybysarapurdy.com

If you live further away, and are still interested in participating, find a local photographer in your area by clicking HERE!

**Nominations are due by midnight, Monday, December 20, 2010 and the winner will be announced on Christmas Eve…so get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Thank you for opening your heart to someone

and Thank you for allowing me to open my heart

and give out to someone who is need this year as well,

Sara

Blogging update!

2010-10-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

Well, I have come to realize that I am desperately behind on my blog! I apologize - its been a crazy last few months, God has been blessing me with some serious business! Ive updated the website to a new look, and have been working on big things for 2011! Right now is also wedding season (fall weddings! woohoo!) and then immediately following wedding season is the Holiday Season (Christmas Photos! another woohoo!! :) So, the blog got pushed a little behind, BUT good news is, hopefully soon, a *NEW* blog will be up, and I dont have to worry about all the hassle I deal with through "blogger." So hang tight folks, the blog will be back in full swing here soon - but, to catch you up on all thats been going on, here are some photos :)


Misty & Travis had their lil baby boy, Kai, and I was lucky enough to visit him in his first few hours of life. :)

Ashley & Philip got engaged (their wedding is tomorrow by the way!)

I've been blessed to shoot some really amazing and gorgeous families:

And some really amazing weddings so far this season:

Mr & Mrs. Cottingham!

Mr. & Mrs. Koehlinger and their lil ones!

Stay tuned!

Janeen + Joseph

2010-08-19T12:31:00.001-04:00

Have you ever seen a couple and thought to yourself "they are undeniably head -over heels in love"? Take that thought one step further, have you ever seen a couple, who was expecting and thought "they will be awesome parents, because of how much and how strong their love is for each other"? Janeen + Joseph are that couple! Janeen and I went to high school together, and she called me up a few weeks ago and said she and her hubby Joseph would be visiting from SC and that she would really like to have some maternity photos done (can you believe she is only 6 months!? She looks GREAT!), but she also really like the idea of doing them out along an old dirt road out by where she grew up. I have always wanted to do photos in this setting, and I love the way they turned out!

Megan - Class of 2011!

2010-08-10T17:04:00.000-04:00

Megan is my second 2011 senior so far! 2011 Seniors are on the ball!!! I had a great time with her, she is such a sweet girl, and was so willing to let me destroy this gorgeous dress she brought with her! (well, not destroyed but very very wet!!) Her mother Joyce, and Megan were so great to work with, I love em' both so much! Megan will be graduating from Matanzas High School next year! Here are a few from her session.

Worlds Greatest Teachers! Kiera + Rob E*Session

2010-08-08T22:59:00.001-04:00

Today was an adventure, to say the least. I have always envisioned doing a shoot at a highschool, whether it be for an engagement or senior photos, something! There are so many places to take photos at a school, so its something I always wanted to do, so - Today was that day! Rob + Kiera are both teachers are Matanzas High School - and when we booked their session we all came to the conclusion that the best place to shoot their engagement session was at, none other than the high school :) I had been gearing up for this for weeks, and this shoot was awesome! I cannot wait to see what they have in store at their wedding in December! :)

(take a look at the scoreboard! its their wedding date! 12.18.2010!)

I realllly liked this one - and so I had to post the other one I did with the vintage touch. Because I love them both! :)

Jessica + Joe

2010-07-27T12:27:00.001-04:00

Meet Jessica & Joe! They are two very awesome clients of mine, and I have to say this had to be one of my most favorite sessions - Jessica is a firefighter, and Joe is a Marine - How awesome is that?! They both give their lives for others, and for each other and I just love them! Jessica wanted to get some shots of her and her man together before he deployed (sometime within the next few months so pray for his safety! & pray for her sanity! trust me, it can be very stressful!) They were such a blast to be with constantly smiling and laughing throughout our session at washington oaks :)

Thank you guys both so much for what you do! :)
(check out their slideshow!)

LiL' Liam Lowe

2010-06-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

Ahh, New babies. I love em'. They are so squishy, so adorable.. but also sometime so very hard to work with.

When doing newborn shoots both mommy, daddy + photographer need lots of patience...That was the case with Mr. Liam here, we originally were scheduled to shoot on Saturday, but all Liam wanted to do was be held by mommy, I still got some great shots, but really wanted to get some of Liam by himself and so I told Electra I would come back later in the week - the second time around was so perfect - He is so adorable! Almost 2 weeks old (or just over.) but hes still so very tiny! <3 him! Congrats on your newest addition Billy + Electra, and congrats on becoming a big bro lil' Ayden!

Mr. + Mrs. Johnson - May 8th, 2010

2010-06-04T15:04:00.000-04:00

A wedding? On my blog? Are you surprised to even see a blog? This is LONG over due, so I present to you,
Mr. + Mrs. Johnson!

Melissa + Ryan were married May 8th, 2010, in Vilano Beach, FL. I absolutely love beach weddings, and I love them. Melissa is such a gorgeous, sweet woman, both inside and out, and has an absolutely wonderful hubby!

Good Luck on your new adventure together! :)

Mr. & Mrs. Martinez - April 30th, 2010

2010-05-10T17:13:00.000-04:00

Well, I know I am WAY behind on posting blogs! - But, here are some photos from Natalee & Eric's Wedding - April 30th, 2010.

Natalee & Eric were married in Port Orange, FL, at Riverside Pavilion, right on the intercoastal! It was a gorgeous wedding! Congrats you guys! So happy for you guys- Enjoy your new adventure together! :)

Electras Baby Bump + 35 wks & counting!

2010-04-23T23:06:00.001-04:00

Wow! - What a day for a shoot! Do you remember Electra, her little one Ayden, & hubby to be, Billy? I did some family photos for them back in January:

But this time around it was all about Electra & her beautiful baby bump! I have shot some gorgeous mommas, and she is definitely one of them! Electra is 35 weeks & counting! In a matter of weeks little William who has been patiently growing and waiting in mommys belly will make his big debut - but hopefully not before he's ready - he's already given Electra & Billy a few scares with some contractions, but lets pray they stop until at least 38-39 weeks!
Today was a good day, baby William stayed pretty calm (at least I think so) while mommy posed for some portraits...There were so many good ones, I wish I could post them all, but here's a little peek for now! Electra - Billy, can't wait to meet William very VERY soon! :) Best of Luck! :)

Extravagant Elisabeth

2010-04-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Elisabeth is: A Christ - Follower; a photographer; a writer; a musician; - and shes only 15! Never have I met someone so young with a such a mature, well rounded heart. Elisabeth is one of our youth members at Lifecoast Church, and she is so amazingly talented! I loved taking these photos of her today; she is absolutely beautiful both inside and out and I think that shows through her in these photos! There was so many good ones, I couldn't decide which ones to post, because they were all just so great!

Kristy + Rich Engagement Session

2010-04-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

Originally we planned on shooting Kristy & Rich's engagement session at Washington Oaks, but because the park was so insanely packed for Earth Day, we moved our location out to Princess Place, and I am SO glad we did! We found a lot of neat and different places to take their photos and there was lots of shade - thankfully! Thank you Kristy & Rich for being so flexible with changing our location, I hope you love your photos, as I do, and cant wait to work with you again for your wedding in September! :)

Lizzies Bridal Shoot

2010-04-11T14:27:00.001-04:00

Walk down the street in a wedding dress, and you're bound to turn some heads; but walk down downtown St. Augustine in a wedding dress, and you may cause a full uproar of applaud... On Saturday, I met Lizzie and her maid of honor, Sara, on St. George St to take some photos of her in her wedding dress, little did we know there was an art festival going on, and two other weddings in progress at the other end of the street! Not only did Lizzie look like a gorgeous princess, but the crowd made her feel like one too - with continuing applaud, and congratulations, it was a very interesting and very fun photo shoot, and needless to say, it was a day I most certainly wont forget!

We are family! - Baker- Whaley Family

2010-04-11T13:56:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, was a time for celebration as lil' Lily turned 1, and on her birthday her mommy, Jennifer asked me to come out and photograph their family - 4 generations of family, to be exact! :) I loved working with them, and Jennifer & Brian both made me feel so welcomed into their home. Thank you guys for letting me be apart of the celebrations that day, and making me feel like apart of your family! :)

The Salgado Family

2010-04-11T13:36:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful family I had the privilege of working with - Corissa & Leo have two amazing kids, Noah (6 months) and Gabriella (3) who both loved having their photos done, but especially Gabriella! As we headed out to do photos, we were trying hard to beat the rain, and at the end of the shoot, it started to downpour pretty hard - but we made the best of overcast weather - can you really tell it was raining from there bright shining faces? :)

Misty's having a baby!

2010-03-15T18:44:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone, hope Spring is treating you all nicely! - the weather perked up this past weekend, and made for GORGEOUS photoshoot weather! My beautiful friend, and old roomie, Misty, came down to visit this weekend with her Hubby Travis - for her "progressive" maternity photos - photos each month as the belly grows, and then a maternity shoot at 8 months, followed by newborn photos after the baby is born. :) We headed out to Washington Oaks to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time, and the beautiful 70 degree weather, for some lil' baby belly pics - so here is Misty, at 3 months :)

Rachael & Roger

2010-03-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

If you have ever met Rachael & Roger, you wouldn't believe that they literally just got married the day before our photo shoot! - I was so totally blown away by their love for each other, that when Rachael said to me "yeah, we just got married yesterday" it didn't even register! Roger and Rachael have 4 kids together (2 each from previous marriages) and they are expecting their first child together, baby Aubrey who should be making her debut to the world here very shortly! I am very excited to see these two again with all their wee ones, and meet there newest edition! :)

Modeling Melissa

2010-02-15T10:29:00.001-05:00

Meet Ms. Henderson! - She is as spunky and wonderful as she is gorgeous and beautiful! Melissa is an up and coming actress - so we headed out to Washington Oaks to take some head shots for her portfolio. It was a beautiful day, though a bit windy, the temperature was bearable, and we stayed warm! She was so sweet and so much fun to work with! :) Thanks for coming out Melissa, and best of luck to you and your acting career, or should I say, break a leg? ;)

Kevin & Catrinas Engagement!

2010-01-27T00:14:00.001-05:00

Today I got to hang out with Kevin and Catrina while we ventured over to "Hammock Beach Resort" to shoot some engagement photos, and get a feel as to where their wedding will be taking place. It was such a gorgeous day outside, not to hot, and not too cold - perfect weather! I loved it! I have knownKevin & Catrina, since high school, Catrina and I used to play lacrosse together and at one point I think we might have been attached at the hip.. ha! I am so happy that she is getting married to such a wonderful guy. They were both so open to all the photos we took, and made it such an enjoyable experience for all 3 of us. Im really looking forward to continuing to work with them, and I can't wait for the wedding in May! Enjoy!

Electra, Billy & Ayden

2010-01-22T22:19:00.003-05:00

Does someone in these photos look familiar? You might remember Ayden - this gorgeous little man from a few months ago here...I had the privilege of meeting up with him today, to take some family photos, this time of his mommy, Electra, Billy, and his brother to be, William (still in mommys belly!) Ayden is a ham, and loves taking pictures...with my camera! So, this time I brought a camera for him to take some photos with, and low and behold - hes a natural! :) Im glad we were finally able to get you the pictures you wanted Electra of the family, and I can't wait to see you guys again in a few months when its almost time for little William to make his debut!

"A Night at the Races"

2010-01-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

This past friday was an absolute blast, I was asked by the lovely Rebecca DeLorenzo, VP of the Flagler Chamber of Commerce, to photograph their event "A Night at the Races".. A derby themed, installation banquet, that featured prizes, a wonderful dinner, and of course, a horse race... of sorts.. ;) There were many people dressed up in "derby attire" - so of course we had to take some portraits! ..Here are just a few! :)

Troy & Lizzie's Engagement Shoot...

2010-01-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

If it was cold outside (which it indeed was! 32 degrees!) you wouldnt know from working with Troy & Lizzie. There is so much love between them, and so much energy, its amazing. We ventured to the nations oldest city, St. Augustine today, and toughed out the cold to take some pretty amazing pictures of these too, and some of their best man, and maid of honor as well! (see the next blog!) I cant wait to work with these guys again in May!

Ayden & Josh...

2009-12-22T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have to say, hands down, Ayden is now one of my newest most favorite lil' guys to work with... He was such a good subject! Constantly stopping and posing! And, he really seemed to like taking pictures with my camera.. every few feet he would say "Take a picture!" and Id let him hit the shutter button a few times.. ha! Josh is someone Ive known since highschool, an all around wonderful person and he is just so loving with Ayden, he is a really amazing father, and you can definitely see how much they love each other! :)

Andrew & Sary Smith

2009-12-21T08:53:00.001-05:00

Okay folks, sorry its been a while! - Ive got lots of photos to post!

This beautiful couple here, are my lovely, wonderful and amazing friends Sary & Andrew. Sary & Andrew have been married just over a year - and for being in their early 20's they have accomplished a great deal - The greatest, finding love. :)

Elijah, Ilana & Nuno

2009-12-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Saturday I had another beautiful shoot at Washington Oaks, with this trio; Ilana, Nuno, and their son Elijah. It was a bit chilly outside, but you would never tell from the way this lil' guy was moving around! He was so fully of energy, to be honest they all were, running around chasing each other - I loved it!

Erika & Alex

2009-11-28T15:41:00.000-05:00

Today I got to hang out with Erika & Alex - I have known Alex & his family since highschool; I was so thrilled to meet his gorgeous girlfriend, Erika! - They have a unique story in a way that they both don't live here in Florida - Alex lives in Tampa and Erika lives in Boston, and they only get to see each other every few months - So I was so happy to be able to capture their time together this Thanksgiving - the good news is the Alex will be moving to Boston! Yay! It was such an awesome day for a shoot, and we took some really beautiful photos! P.s. - The weather here in Florida is finally turning cold!

New Changes to the Site

2009-11-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

The site has been updated! I thought it might be nice to add a little Christmas cheer & some upbeat music to the site! What do you think?

The Kingsley Family

2009-11-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

Today I had the pleasure of Photographing the Kingsley Family, I Absolutely LOVED working with them. I wish I had the energy that Brian & Jeannette had! God has definitely blessed them in many ways, and I was so happy to be their photographer! Aren't they such a beautiful family!?

Giving IS Awesome!

2009-11-19T20:09:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here, and with that comes a time for love, family and bringing joy to people's lives. I am unbelievably lucky to be able to capture the beauty of God's blessing in peoples lives - the blessings of family, love, birth, growth, friendship, etc.
I am so excited to be apart of THIS organization this year... (if you are a fellow photographer and want to do something special this year to give back, this is definitely something to look into!)

Let's say you know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances; You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty...

We all know someone, I guarantee you do -
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - the package includes a fully edited CD with full print release, and 20 prints - (totaling $150). Whether its for them to keep, for mom or dad, or prints for Grandma, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives HALF OFF their next session!!! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?
The rules:

* The Deadline for entries is 12.15.09
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing a photo session through me.
* The nominee must reside in the Palm Coast/ St. Augustine Area.
* Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve a photo-session. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* To nominate someone send me a message through the website (http://www.photographybysarapurdy.com) on the contact page - and leave a comment on the blog as well letting me know that you have entered!

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve... So what are you waiting for? Get nominating! I am so excited to be able to do this!

Click here to read about this wonderful wonderful charity. If you're a photographer maybe you could be a part of this? Maybe this is your way to give back this holiday season.

**Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.- 2 Corinthians 9:7**

Lil' Man Session..

2009-11-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

I went out and bought a suit for David the other day - my husbands cousin is getting married next month and we will be taking David with us to the wedding, so obviously hes gotta look sharp! I decided to grab the opportunity and snap a few photos of the lil' guy!

Tie the Knot

2009-11-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

Getting married and can't find a photographer?

small and intimate. $350...
for those that are having a small ceremony and just want those moments from the ceremony and some portraits together afterwards, your photos will then be put on a cd, edited with full release.

bare nessecities. $550...
includes, 2 hours before wedding, ceremony, portraits after, and 2 hours of reception. A 8x11 leather album with 20 pages of edited photos, an engagement shoot at the location of your choosing, a photo cd with all photos from the wedding day, edited, with full release.

a little more. $800
includes, 2-3 hours before wedding, ceremony, portraits, and 3-4 hours of reception (or until reception ends, if it ends before then). A 12x12 leather album with 20 pages of your favorite photos, edited,an engagement shoot at the location of your choosing, a bridal shoot (done before the wedding day or after if you prefer) and a cd with all photos from the wedding day, edited, with full release.

So what happens next?
Payment is due at least a week before the wedding day. - I try not to hassle the bride and groom too much on the wedding day, as I know it can be stressful enough planning up to the day of, plus its your wedding day! :)

After the Big Day, You can expect to receive your photo cd within 1-2 weeks, and if you order a package with a photo book, it will arrive in no less than 2 1/2 weeks. All photos will have an original copy and an edited copy on the disc, (incase you want a photo in color, instead of black and white for example..)
When booking packages with bridal /Engagement shoots, a payment of half the full amout is due at the time of shoot, the rest can be paid before the wedding.
If you wish to order photo prints as well (prints in sizes from wallet to 20x30), we can arrange to talk about that further once your date is booked.

Business Headshots

2009-11-16T16:49:00.001-05:00

Do you need a photo for a business card, brochure or for your website? Business Headshots are now available for a flat fee of $30 dollars :)

Senior Sessions - Kim Becks!

2009-11-16T14:58:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a blast - traveled down to Ormond Beach and shot some photos of Kimberly out along the beach and by the river, she was so fun to work with!