Meet Alaric - Newborn Photo Shoot in new home studio!

Speaking of which, these parents were so much fun to get to know. From the way that they picked out this super unique baby name to swapping life stories, our time together flew by.

As for baby Alaric, he was a little angel but only slept peacefully through the a few minutes of our session. I'm not gonna lie. When he showed up bright eyed and active, I thought the session might have turned out a little tricky, but the parents were super helpful and were able to rock him to sleep.

Time for a little aww moment: When Alaric was born, what was your first thought? “How cute his little nose was and how happy I was he was finally here.,” says Sheena. Isn't that precious? Alaric is such a lucky kiddo.

How was your experience having your newborn photographed? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

“We were a little nervous since he is our first, but after being there and all of us working together it turned out to be a really good shoot with really great photos.”

NewbornSara BakaySeptember 6, 2021Newborn, Baby, Photography, Photographer, Lexington, Lex, Photos, Photoshoot, KY, Kentucky, Louisville, Home Studio, Winchester, Paris, Richmond, GeorgrtownComment

Graduation Pictures at UK - The Arboretum and Campus

I was contacted by a lovely family from out of state about taking some graduation pictures for them. As the event got closer, they also decided to grab some family pictures while we were out and about. The arboretum has a relatively new policy that you have to pay a $26.50 fee to take pictures there, so we filled out the necessary paperwork and mailed a check to cover that cost. It is well worth the money, as we got some great pictures!

Engagement Pictures at Masterson Station! Interview with Shannon.

In my 5+ years as a photographer, I’ve been extremely lucky to get to work with all kinds of amazing human beings. As you’d expect, every couple is different from the next. Some are all about the PDA, some are all about keeping it sweet and romantic, and some people… well, some people are just downright hysterical!

Meet Adam and Shannon, two of the goofiest people I’ve worked with in a while. The session took place at Masterson Station Park, which was a great backdrop for our time together. The fun they had during the shoot helped us to get some great pictures! The entire time these two were cracking jokes and picking on each other, and I was there to catch it all on camera.

I love asking how people meet. “Adam became friends with my father through being a sales representative for a local parts store and my father had an interest for working on older cars in his free time. Once Adam and my father became friends, we met through my dad at his shop. We had known each other for years before we decided to give dating a shot.”

When Should I Book My Maternity Session?

We suggest contacting us as soon as you know your due date. We can then decide on a time that is best for your photos. We like to schedule your maternity session around the time you are seven to eight months along. This way, you are far enough along to show off your baby bump, but not to the point where you are going to be miserable in your photos.

As you go along your pregnancy, things may change with your due date, or you may start showing sooner and want to do them earlier. Just contact us and we can discuss this and help you find a new date.

If you’d like to add on a gender reveal session, we typically do those photos shortly after your 16 to 20 week ultrasound when the baby’s gender is discovered.

What Do You Mean? Photographer Wedding Terminology 101

Traditional – Traditional wedding photos are the standard portraits, poses, and events taken at weddings. These are the images that we get at every wedding, no matter what. For example, bride and groom standing side by side looking at the camera, or the exchanging of rings and kiss during the ceremony.

Candid – Candid images are photos that are not planned, but are taken as they happen. They are very much in the moment and are different for every single wedding. They aren’t posed or forced.

Pinterest – This is when a photo is posed via a style that can be found on the popular website, Pinterest. We often have clients show us Pinterest boards they’ve created of different images they like.

Romantic – These are images that are based on the couple and shows them interacting with one another and being lovey toward each other. They are sweet and more natural poses.

Fun – Fun photos are spontaneous, in the moment photos where the couple or bridal party acts silly and loosens up as opposed to the sometimes stiff feeling of formal photos.

WeddingSara BakayJuly 6, 2021Cozyshoppe ProductionsPhotography, Terms, Tips, Tricks, Kentucky, Lexington, Richmond, Versailles, Winchester, KY, Lex, LouisvilleComment

So Why Should I Book Cozyshoppe?

Why book with Cozyshoppe:

If I were a salesman, I'd have an entire pitch ready to throw your way complete with facts, data and impressive information to sway you in my direction. But I'm not Sara the salesman; I'm Sara the friendly photographer!

So here's what I'll tell you: photography is my thing. I've been doing it for years and not only am I good at it, I have a great time working with clients and delivering pictures on a regular basis.

Sara BakayJune 22, 2021Cozyshoppe ProductionsCozyshoppe, Lexington, KY, Kentucky, Photography, Videography, Photographer, Wedding, EngagementComment

New Company, Who Dis?

I was contacted by Jimmy on Alignable (check out my link here). He had started his own computer repair company and he was in need of some good headshots for his website and social media presence. He expressed to me that he would feel a little uncomfortable and he was hoping to find a reasonably priced photographer that would be non-judgmental and hopefully friendly enough to help his comfort level. I assured him that my assistant and I would help to make sure he had an enjoyable photo shoot.

We met in the downtown area of Lexington to try to capture a more corporate look. I could tell he was a little nervous, but it wasn’t very long until we were laughing and Jimmy was camera ready. The sun didn’t always cooperate with us during the shoot, but Jimmy showed great patience as we walked around and looked for appropriate backgrounds. Throughout the shoot, I could see his confidence growing and his smile showing more as well. He left a glowing review (below). All in all, I think we got some great shots that he will be able to use for his company!

New Puppy Family Photos

Family pictures are usually very high energy, but not quite as high energy as a new puppy! When Nicole asked me if we could do a shoot for her brand new family member, there was no hesitation. I love animals! They had previously used me for their engagement pictures, and eventually, their wedding photos as well. Naturally, when they got Blue (yes, named because of his beautiful blue eyes), they wanted me to capture the joy and love they had for him.

Marriage, Christmas, and COVID!

WeddingSara BakayJune 10, 2021Wedding, Highlight reel, Photo shoot, Photographer, videographer, video, videography, Photo, Photography, Lexington, Richmond, Kentucky, KY, Versailles, Paris, Louisville, LexComment

Surprise During the Maternity Shoot!

Maternity pictures are a fun way to remember the beauty of pregnancy without remembering the aches and pains that come along with it. Typically, a shoot lasts 45 minutes to an hour and the mother is anywhere between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant. During that stage, the mother usually has a very visible baby bump, but isn’t too uncomfortable to participate in the shoot.

When Beverly arrived for our scheduled Maternity shoot, she was running a little behind. I definitely have grace for pregnant women in these situations because they are taking on a major life change. It’s worth noting that this is going to be the FIFTH child for this couple and she deserved extra grace on that particular day… because she was in active labor!

Should I Do a "First Look" at My Wedding? 3 Reasons We Say Yes!

Many of the couples I work with ask me whether or not they should have a first look. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering the same thing. In my professional opinion, I think there are a lot of benefits to this idea. I love first looks. I know that they are a tad bit ‘untraditional,’ but let me take a minute to explain the benefits of a first look.

How Many Hours Should I Book My Photographer For? How about Videographer?

What do you want covered?

First, you need to decide what important details you want covered. Do you want a lot of getting ready shots prior to the ceremony? Do you want us to stay for the entire reception? These details will affect the length of time you will need us there. If you want us to stay until your reception exit, and you want a lot of candid, getting ready shots, you will need full day coverage. If you just want a few getting ready shots, that will knock off some time. If you want us to stay for just the main events in the reception and not until the last guest leaves, then this will also shorten the day. By deciding on a start and/or end time, this is the first step to booking your package.

Photography and Videography