Bisharat Photography Blog - 916.974.0664 » Portrait Parties

Favorite Photo Friday {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:10:25 +0000

It is Friday {already} and time for our Favorite Photo Friday.

Wow…did Friday seem to come around quickly this week or what? Things are picking up around here and although we haven’t had much of a winter, it occurs to me that spring is right around the corner. This week we were full with sessions and to start it off we did a great Valentine session on location with Kathryn (one of the adorable owners of (Koukla Kids) and her family. Kathryn is due soon with a little boy and she looks adorable with her little baby bump. Here is our pick for our Favorite Photo this week, it is The O’Connell family.

Speaking of Valentines photos we also had a wonderful time doing a Valentine themed Portrait Party at Koukla Kids this week along with some commercial photography for a wonderful local company and a “Meet the Family” session for KidAround magazine which will be out next month. Here are a few samples of our Koukla Kids portraits. We always have such beautiful children for our sessions and we were so lucky to have great weather this week.

Here are some additional updates from Bisharat Photography, this first week in February 2012.

Kristene and I have taken on the art of Bikram Yoga…getting addicted is a better description. If you cannot reach us by office phone/cell/email/text/face book/twitter, most likely you can find us at Arden Hot Yoga hating our very intense and sweaty work out and loving how awesome we feel when we have actually made it through the 26 Bikram poses in the 100+ very humid atmosphere.

I had a wonderful dinner-meeting with my good friends and partners, Anna and Selena of Annie and Isabel Hospital Gowns. We had the pleasure of enjoying a delicious meal at Fabians Bistro in Fair Oaks. Fabians is a wonderful restaurant serving an amazing Italian cuisine. Annie and Isabel have had some fantastic giveaways on Face Book and Twitter. Click here to “like” their FB page and check out their contests and amazing products. They are going to have some exciting new announcements coming soon. If you could please keep Anna in your prayers, she was recently diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and will be undergoing surgery and a regimented treatment plan soon. We <3 you Anna!

Kristene and I also had the pleasure last night, of attending a “Guest Chef Dinner” at Plates Cafe and Catering. What a mouth watering, artfully presented meal prepared by the amazing chef, Matt Woolston of Matteo’s. I have had the pleasure of volunteering my time and photographing several of these events at Plates and last night was exceptionally fun for me attend as a guest. If you have not attended a guest chef dinners at Plates, I highly recommend you giving one a try. Plates has had some amazing chefs volunteer their time to benefit St. John’s Shelter for Women and Children, giving back to the community while enjoying a delicious and delightful meal is a win, win for all.

A busy weekend is planned for me, starting of course with Bikram Yoga, setting up for a crab feed, an intense Volleyball tournament, attending the yummy crab feed, followed by more Volleyball and then the Super Bowl.

I certainly hope our update finds you happy and healthy. Have a great week, unless I’m inspired to share more before Friday ;0)

Seems I am on a roll……Cheers!

FPF and PP {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:20:28 +0000

What is FPF and PP you might ask. The month of January is sort of a whew month for us. Whew we made it through the holidays and whew we can go to yoga and take a deep breath now. We got off track around the holidays and were not blogging and doing our Favorite Photo Friday’s. We love posting our Favorite Photo or Photos on Fridays so we are back on track starting today. YEAH!

Here is our favorite this week and I know someone who has been waiting to see it up here. tee. hee.

So, that answers the FPF question, now for the PP…. The PP stands for Portrait Parties and boy do we have an agenda for those coming up. About 5 years ago we formed a very unique partnership with the wonderful children’s clothing store Koukla Kids . If you have not been to Koukla Kids you will have to stop by there, it is a real treat *bonus-next door to Starbucks. Upon deciding to work together, I introduced my idea of Portrait Parties to them and boy oh boy has Bisharat Photos loved doing these special little parties with Koukla Kids. The idea is that we photograph your child during a 15 minute block of time. We find that the child typically is fully engaged for about the period of time and then they are over it, therefore we get the best expressions possible. Our next Portrait Party is this coming Wednesday, February 1st and we are hosting the theme of Valentines Day (of course). You can book your time with Koukla Kids by calling 916-254-5437, emailing info@kouklakids.com or by stopping by their store, 3809 J Street, Sacramento, Ca 95816. They would love to meet you. Here is a small sample of some of the types of photographs we will be taking at Koukla Kids.

Remember you don’t have to use our theme, you can bring your own ideas along with you that day too.

Looking forward to seeing you soon. XOXOXOXOXOX

A Special Birthday @Ramekins {Sonoma Area Event Photography}

Brenda — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:32:39 +0000

I was recently so excited to be a guest at the most fabulous 40th birthday celebration, held at Ramekins in Sonoma! Ramekins is an amazing culinary school, events venue and inn, located in Sonoma. Now I can’t say I take my camera with me everywhere all the time, however, I would not miss taking photographs of this special event for sure! My very generous and amazing friend insisted that I come celebrate camera-free. “Really?” I said, “you know I can’t do that!” So, husband and camera in tow, off to Sonoma I went. If you have not heard of Ramekins, you will have to check it out! I was in awe of all the many different things to do at Ramekins. Caroline’s birthday started in a room with a cozy fire and candles everywhere. All of the guests visited with each other over a few glasses of wine and then proceeded to the large commercial kitchen, where we all shared duties preparing the most delicious full course meal. It was a “private cooking class” consisting of chopping, stirring, filleting, and assembling our much anticipated full course dinner. Our mouths were watering as we prepared prosciutto wrapped appetizers, butternut squash soup, Caesar salad, pork tenderloin and molten chocolate cake for dessert! Ramekins prides themselves on creating custom designed menus featuring local and seasonal ingredients to make your party, wedding or event unforgettable.

You can like Ramekins FaceBook page here. Please check out their website — they even offer cooking classes for children!

How cool is that?

The Winner {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 03:45:30 +0000

What a fun contest we held recently! We had lot’s of wonderful comments about the delicious Esther’s Cupcakes. With great anticipation the noon hour came today and Kristene had the pleasure of choosing “the winner” of this yummy contest, the name chosen out of the bucket was Angela Sagaral. Fun story about how I know Angela, her stepmother and I were roommates many moons ago when she was just a little girl. Now all grown up with a house full of her own children I’m lucky that she and I have been able to stay in touch. My oh my how time flies by. Being the lucky winner of this giveaway, Angela receives a gift certificate for one dozen yummy cupcakes from Esther’s! She chooses the date and she chooses the flavors. Although I wish everyone could have been a winner, please feel free to stop in and give Esther’s a try when you can, I’m sure you will not be disappointed. Stay tuned for our next giveaway, here at Bisharat Photography, we just love hearing from all of you! Congratulations Angela and let us know how much you enjoyed your winnings!

more valentine gift ideas {Sacramento Child Photographer}

Brenda — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:47:20 +0000

February is almost here and we have some more great gift ideas! Here at BISHARAT PHOTOGRAPHY we understand there may not be a lot of shopping time in your lives, so we try to think “Simple”. Although there is still time to book your MINI PORTRAIT SPECIAL or BOUDOIR SESSION….We thought we might give you some other Valentines Day Gift ideas as well.

First off we are offering our annual 2 for 1 portrait enlargement special! This is an amazing offer! You can buy an 11×14 , 10×20, 12×24, 16×16 or 16×20 from a session we have previously done for you, from a print you have previously purchased and we will gift you the second photograph of the same image, same size for free. That’s right you will receive the duplicate print at no additional cost. This can also apply to a previously purchased storyboard as well. And to top it off mounting is included. Act quickly on this offer, because this is once a year offer!

Secondly, of course we have the easiest idea ever and that is a GIFT CERTIFICATE. Especially for the pregnant gals, who’s husbands really, really, really want to make them really happy right now….she really wants great photographs of her newborn baby…get her that GIFT CERTIFICATE and see her really light up!

And don’t forget we have a large selection of some very adorable Valentines Day Cards….still time for that too!

Gracie Mae Spring Wear {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:33:53 +0000

A couple of days ago, we had the pleasure of photographing a very fun group of children, who obviously love the camera! Gracie Mae Kids, an adorable line of clothing just for kids already has their spring wear out and are ready for the beautiful weather that is coming soon. I love spring, with all of the beautiful colors, smells and fresh air. We have some great specials coming this spring and shopping at Gracie Mae Store to have your kids dressed for spring would be perfect for pictures. If you want to keep up on the happenings of Gracie Mae, you can friend her on FaceBook.

I would also love to mention that the children were styled by the most wonderful and talented stylists SisterBrother. This company is amazing and has a variety of talents and jobs they take on and do….

You can also find Gracie Mae clothing at my FAVORITE boutique for children…Koukla Kids. Grabbing a Starbucks and browsing around Koukla Kids is always great fun! By the way you will see us down at Koukla Kids from time to time doing our infamous portrait parties in the alley. We have a special knack for finding the perfect little nooks and crannies for photographing little ones there.

Thanks for another fun shoot with a great group of mini models, Gracie Mae and SisterBrother!

Calling all Ghosts, Goblins and Princesses {Sacramento Child Photographer}

Brenda — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:41:12 +0000

That’s right we are opening up our studio this Friday, October 29th from 10:30 to 2:30 to photograph your little Ghost, Goblin or Princess. Appointments are every 15 minutes and we will have a little pumpkin scene to enhance any adorable costume. Please email Brenda@bisharatphotos.com or Kristene@bisharatphotos.com to schedule your 15 minute session, or you can call 916-974-0664 to schedule as well. Can’t wait to see all the little “Trick or Treaters” and their adorable little costumes….(Please note these photographs were not taken at our studio location, the scene will vary from the above example)

Grateful Today and Everyday {It’s My Birthday!}

Brenda — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:58:04 +0000

I’m not really one to announce and make a fuss about my Birthday, but geez with Facebook, I guess I put it out there and I’m so happy that I received so many generous Birthday wishes. Thank you very much! Boy, do I have some wonderful friends and for that I am grateful today and everyday!

In addition, I’m very fortunate to have a load {and I mean a load} of wonderful family. We are a close knit family and we have done a fair amount of traveling and vacationing together. We realize how beneficial this can be for creating wonderful traditions and memories for all of us as. I’m so grateful for such loving parents and family. In addition I must make special mention of how grateful I am to have such a wonderful and supportive husband. He never waivers in his support and has been putting up with me and my love of photography for about 28 years now. He is a loving partner, father and friend. Recently, I heard him described as a big, burly, handsome man, that will cry in a second. This is true, he has a heart of gold and anyone who knows him would agree I’m sure, I’m so lucky to have him in my life.

As many of you reading this probably know, photography is not just a business to me. I’m truly passionate about what I do and the idea that I have been able to make a living at and do what I love for nearly 30 years now is truly a blessing to me. I cannot be more grateful than to wake up in the morning knowing that I’m off to {work} to document something that may be of the up most importance to somebody…be it a wedding, a pregnancy, a birth, a newborn, a child, a family, a high school senior, an event or may I make mention of, a struggling homeless person or a very sick or ill person struck with cancer or a disease. No matter what it might be, I realize when I get behind the camera, it is not to be taken lightly, I must do the best I can at documenting this important moment in time because we will never have that moment again……

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking a little time away and venturing over to Pacific Grove near Monterrey for the annual September Pac Grove Triathlon. No….I did not participate in the tri itself this time :0( however I still had so much fun being there with all of my close friends and the wonderful family members of “Team Trevor.” I have to say “Team Trevor” and the Kott family has changed my life forever. I feel strongly that things happen for a reason and I know I was meant to be a part of Trevor’s short life here on earth. I cannot feel more grateful for the things I learned knowing him and how I continue to enjoy life more because of my relationship with them.

OK…..getting a little wordy here, so I will close with just one last thing and that is how grateful I feel to have Kristene, my wonderful little associate who treats our business as if it were her own {maybe it will be someday} and how she keeps things positive and upbeat all the time {NO MATTER WHAT}

Thanks Kristene, you ROCK!

SO…I would love to hear why you might be feeling grateful on my special day, please comment here if you feel inclined ~

Happy Birthday to me!

Life is GOOD~

Our Cupcake Winnner is… {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:14:35 +0000

Kristene Chose the Winner

We chose our winner of our Esther’s Cupcake Giveaway today. This was a fun contest and we heard from a lot of people about what kinds of cupcakes they would like to have and taste. We will be running another Esther’s contest soon, so if you didn’t win this time, stay tuned to our blog updates and you will have another chance soon.

Just a reminder the easiest way to get our posts on a regular basis is to subscribe to our blog if you don’t already. It is easy! You will get an email when we update, so you won’t miss a thing!

To Joan and Mike enjoy your delicious cupcakes, and thanks for joining our contest!

Win A Dozen Cupcakes {Sacramento Portrait Parties}

Brenda — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:34:03 +0000

We will draw our winner on Friday, so you could have a delicious dessert this weekend! That’s right, we are having a giveaway and it is “Yummy”. Here at Bisharat Photography, we really like L-O-V-E, Esther’s Cupcakes! They are mouth watering delicious. Esther’s cupcakes is conveniently located at 2600 Fair Oaks Blvd next to Fins and kitty corner to Loehmnas Plaza. Their handcrafted cupcakes are freshly baked every day in small batches through out the day.

Cupcake Break

Esther’s uses only the finest ingredients including Madagascar bourbon vanilla, ghiradelli chocolate, fresh local strawberries and other produce. There is no artificial flavoring or coloring. Some of our favorite flavors are coconut, peanut butter, carrot and meyer lemon….my mouth is watering as I am typing. Click here to see Esther’s full menu of cupcake flavors. Oh and did you know that our local Esther’s cupcakes is trying out for cupcake wars on television? This is the link to her try out video, check it out, so cute! As I mentioned we just love Esther’s cupcakes and we know you will too, that is why we are Giving Away 1 Dozen Free Cupcakes This Friday.

Here are some of Esthers delicious flavors

It is easy to be in the drawing for your free dozen cupcakes. All you need to do is click here and “like” Esther’s Fan Page, and then leave us a comment below as to what kind of cupcakes you might like to have in your free dozen. We will be drawing a winner in a couple of days, soon you could be enjoying any 12 of these delicious flavored cupcakes. Yum, yum!

Esther's adorable little shop

We sure think that Esther’s cupcakes are perfect for any occasion….why not serve them when you host your next Portrait Party?