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  • Travel, Food & Small Business Photographer

    Hi there! My name is Sarah Roos-Essl and I'm a travel, food & small business photographer based in Berkeley, California. I also work with restaurants, wineries, boutiques and other companies to enhance their creative online presence .

    I've been a photographer for over 6 years and have owned Handful of Roses Photography since 2011. I'm available for projects in Northern California and am happy to travel on request.

  • Blog & Portfolio

    I often blog about recent photo shoots and favorite places, people and things in my everyday life. The blog below showcases my most recent musings and creative interests. All photos posted were taken by Handful of Roses Photography unless otherwise noted.

    For a more complete look at my professional photography samples, be sure to also visit the portfolio section of this site, located in the menu bar above. Please drop me a line on my Contact Form for more information and pricing.

Sweet Camille

Last weekend, our friends’ daughter Camille turned two and they had a lovely party for her in Golden Gate Park. She was so amazed that people were there to see her…and especially thrilled when we sang “Happy Birthday” and she got to blow out a candle. Sweet little children like Camille make my job so easy (and so fun).

Matchbook Magazine Feature

I’m so honored to be a part of the June issue of my favorite online publication – Matchbook Magazine. You can view the full issue here (see page 72-81 for the shoot I did for Kendall Wilkinson). Working with the Matchbook team and meeting all the wonderful gals at Kendall Wilkinson was a real treat (and totally inspired me to redecorate my entire house)!

A Sunset Stroll

One of my favorite bloggers often talks about her love affair with “sunset walks.” I think striving to be outside at sunset each day is a wonderful goal to have. It doesn’t have to be a complicated event – a simple walk around the neighborhood will do. There’s perspective and inspiration that can only be found during this golden hour. It seems that’s when all the magic is revealed.

These are a few images from a recent solo sunset stroll in my neighborhood. Someone practiced a piano near an open window. The cats came out to play. Glasses clinked on an upstairs balcony. Friends set up a simple picnic with spectacular views. It was a perfect Berkeley night.

Florence

Sunset strolls across the Ponte Vecchio. Dinners by candlelight in the Oltrarno. Our little apartment overlooking the Duomo. The best gelato we’ve ever tasted. Tiny alleys. Huge sculptures. An ancient perfumery. A cameo ring. A dozen cappuccinos.

One of my favorite towns in all the land.

Rome

Although I’ve traveled extensively throughout Italy in the past, for some reason, I never made it to Rome. It was worth the wait – the city completely enchanted me. I loved how huge, ancient ruins were speckled throughout a bustling modern downtown, I loved that everyone looked so chic whipping around on their Vespas, I loved the secret alley ways and bright flower boxes and sparkling candlelight. I loved our time sitting on the steps of any ol’ fountain, snacking on gelato and watching people go about their lives. Most of all, after years of seeing this country through just my own eyes, I loved sharing it with my (finally-found) missing piece.

Serena - Fantastic photos! Rome is one of my favorite cities in the entire world. It’s just magical.

Aunt Megan - Loved the beautiful pictures! So glad you had a nice trip! You two are such a cute couple! xxxxxxooooooo

Kelly - I have very fond memories of Rome, thank you for taking me back – beautiful.