Happy 2011!

A rare white Christmas in Atlanta!

While growing up in Eastern Europe snow was to be expected during many days in December, today's white Christmas in Atlanta is a rare treat. It seems the city has not seen snow on December 25th since 1882!

Still snowing at night fall -- maybe a snowman is in our future!

 

Warmth and light to you and yours!

During this time of the year, I reflect upon the wonderful 12 months that are ending, with love and gratitude. Thank you for being a part of what made 2010 a special year for Oana Hogrefe Photography and for me personally.

May you delight in your own life, embrace your journey and reach your full potential!

Christmas Eve one day sale - photography certifcate at 50%

Christmas Eve one day sale: today ONLY: buy a gift certificate for any Oana Hogrefe Photography services or products, face value of $200, for $100 Save 50%! Must email oana@shutterview.com today to claim yours; I will email you an electronic printable certificate tonight to use for gifting, after receipt of paypal payment!

Our CHOA-benefitting Childhood Calendar in the news!{atlanta charity fundraiser calendar}

Our Childhood Calendar, which this year benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (100% of profits go to this very worthy non-profit which helps a quarter million kids every year!) was featured on CBS last week.

The Better Mornings Atlanta show recommended the Childhood Calendar as one of their Great Gift Ideas! Thank you, Better Mornings Atlanta!

See the video segment here, and come by the calendar's website to get your copy and make a huge difference in the life of a child in need!

The moon in shadows{solstice eclipse images}

Tonight's eclipse was a special one.


Atlanta's midnight skies were cloudy, with only an occasional opening allowing a super brief peek at the diminishing crescent.
Maybe the moon feels vulnerable when overshadowed in such a way?


Here are some images (handheld, so not the best technically) I took of the bashful, beautiful moon:

Bundle of boy!{birth doula and photography Atlanta}

Abby and Eli welcomed their delightful baby boy today at 5:06pm. He weighed 5 lbs 11oz and measured 19in, and is simply perfect!

Abby was in early labor for a couple of days, and after I joined them at their home, she worked hard for 14 hours before moving to the hospital for another 7 hours of unmedicated labor.

She birthed their son with grace, strength and so much joy, I am honored to have witnessed his arrival as their doula!

Here is a quick image, I will add a few more tomorrow!

Fall Families{atlanta family portraits}

Fall (more so than any other season) is when I get to photograph my little friends' grown ups too!

My passion is for creating individual portrait that speak about who each person is at this specific moment in their lives -- however I strongly believe that having periodic pictures of themselves with their parents and siblings, helps anchor children as they grow, and reminds them they're safely part of a circle of love.

Enjoy these beautiful images!

About Lucy{child photographer Decatur}

Where do I start? Photographing Lucy and her familiy is more fun than words can say. I absolutely love watching her grow each year, and being able to see her become more and more wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to play a part in creating your family's visual history!
Lucy is also a Four Seasons plan member, so I look forward to seeing her again before too long!
You might remember her from last years's photoshoot (which I just noticed I also entitled "About Lucy"!!)

More mini session previews!{atlanta themed photography}

More previews from our mini sessions earlier this Fall, enjoy! So. much. cuteness.

Your image, your message -- come to our Headshot and Bio Extravaganza!

On December 4th from 9am to 1pm, Oana Hogrefe Photography together with writer Nicole Bazemore, in partnership with Ladies Who Launch Atlanta and Authentic Beauty are holding a unique event! We are offering professional headshots and bio writeups for business and personal use, as well as additional services, such as image consultations, hair and makeup.

Click here for details (or see below). Half of the available spots have been filled already, to claim yours email oana@shutterview.com

I hope to see many of you there, and help you create a custom image that does justice to your beauty and your style!

Happy birth day, baby James!

Little James Robert entered the world this morning at 6:02am, weighing in at 7lb 4oz, and measuring 19.25in. His mommy began labor with gentle contractions, then bravely worked through a very intense latter part of her labor. She found her rhythm beautifully, kept talking to the baby, and moved through labor with strength and grace.

Congratulations, Mom, Dad, big sister and big brother! It was an absolute honor to be invited to be part of this unique time in your lives, as your doula!

And thanks to doctor Tate for enabling, guiding and supporting a VBAC birth once again!

Themed mini sessions previews (part 1 of many) {atlanta photography mini sessions}

Between the tutu/hats minis earlier in the fall and the more recent family mini school benefits, there are quite a few galleries needing my attention, loving working on them all!

Here are some sneak peeks of some of the earlier sessions, enjoy!