Meet Elsa - just 8 days old

You saw the maternity pictures of this family not too long ago - mommy was absolutely glowing and the kids were so excited http://danajacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2009/11/yep-shes-beautiful-wilmington-nc.html. Well, she's here - and beautiful! Born at home - to one awesome family that has been so patient waiting for the blog! I photographed her 2 days before Christmas - and then took some time off. But I'm so glad I got in early - newborns really do photograph best in their first 10 days of life.
When I got there she was ready for a nap - perfect for me!

Do you see her sweet smile?

Then she woke up - and mom was feeding and settling her - and I turned around and saw big sister. It has to be hard to have a new baby in the house and to no longer be the only girl. I had to snap and share this picture!

And then - I turn around - back to mom and baby - and sweet Elsa has the biggest grin!!!

And now, in daddy's arms - she is gazing right at him.

Getting 2 siblings with a newborn isn't always an easy task - but these kiddos were so good. Normally I wouldn't try this with a baby that was awake - but Elsa didn't seem like she was going to sleep anytime soon. I'm glad I tried!

Meet Julia - 2 weeks old | Wilmington, NC newborn photographer

She may have been the best newborn ever. Really - simply amazing. She was asleep when I got there - so I was able to get right to work.
She didn't sleep long - but I quickly found out that she was just fine hanging out. I moved her around, and around, and around - and she just looked around at her new world! I've never had a baby awake that long and be so content.

Still awake!

Then, finally - she decided she needed to eat - so we took a break - she got a little snack - and then -well, you can see what she thought.

Could she be any sweeter?

Meet Vivian - 10 days old | Wilmington, NC newborn photographer

I've known the M family for a couple years now, so I was so excited to hear they were expecting #2. Mom told me that big sister loves to have tea parties - I couldn't have been happier! I look forward to photographing the two sisters having a tea party in a couple years!!



This one just melts my heart.

In case you were wondering.....she's going to be a strong girl - she's just making that clear right now.

Big sister giggles right before I left!

I knew I loved this image right when I took it - I don't know what it is about it really - maybe the way the light is coming in - maybe how peaceful she is sleeping - I don't know - but I could look at it all day long!

Congrats to you on a healthy, beautiful, baby girl. Can't wait to watch her grow.

Cousin Fun | Rocky Mount, NC Children's Photographer

Since I know my sister-in-law is stalking my blog - waiting for this post - I figured I better get it up! Over Thankgsiving - Silas and his cousins got together to work on their Christmas present for Meme. These kids LOVE being together - it's so fun to watch them. Meme is blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren. It was a tough session - starting at noon - sunny with spotty clouds here and there - just to throw a kink in things. No the most optimal shooting conditions -but we made it work!

I'll start with the youngest - Jefferson just turned 1 a couple months ago - you guys have seen him on my blog several times before. He has the best smile!


And then Emma

And her twin brother, Jacob

And Silas even cooperated with me for a few minutes (which is a lot to ask of him - he hates me taking pictures of him!)

And the oldest, Jackson - I love, love his expression in this one - I had to go black/white!

And believe it or not - this was one of the first pictures I took - right out of the car. I went into this shoot thinking that I might not have much success getting all 5 of them in one portrait - but, they proved me wrong!

I miss everyone already - and so does Silas - it was great seeing everyone.

My Rocky Mount Family | Rocky Mount, NC Photographer

This session was so full of laughter - I hated to see it end. My husband's Aunt asked over the summer if I would be available to photograph her family over Thankgiving holiday. Both her boys are now married - and they need a new family portrait in their living room. The weather couldn't have been more perfect!

So, Aunt Pete -here's your portrait!


And of course I coudn't just get the one family shot - I had to spend a little time with everyone! The oldest son with his wife and beautiful daughter. And the younger son with his new beautiful wife. And she couldn't be any more perfect for Justin.

And since S is the only grandchild right now -I had to spend some extra time with just her. Actually we were getting ready to leave - and I saw these beautiful colors surrounding her. I had to change lenses and start snapping. I'm glad she wasn't a toddler that would have been bored with this area by the time I got all my stuff together!

I really had a great time - and can't wait to share the rest with the family.

Yep - she's beautiful! | Wilmington, NC Maternity Photographer

It's a good thing pregnant women are usually pretty hot natured - because everytime I try to photograph this family - it's cold!!! We are 3 for 3 now - but they never back out - and we always get beautiful images! #3 on the way!

This one makes me giggle - I was asking them to NOT smile - but they are just like kids - can't NOT smile - of course you guys know me - I like this better than a serious face any day!

I went back and forth on this image - trying to decide black/white or color - for whatever reason I've been in a big color mode lately - so color it is! I think it's his blue eyes though!

She has a perfect belly. And due in less than 4 weeks.

Does it get much sweeter than this?

Well, maybe just a bit!

A quiet moment - mom won't get many of these in a few weeks - wait - I don't think she gets many of those now!!!

Thanks Rica for bringing me into your world. I can't wait to meet your "peanut".

Look who's 1! | Carolina Beach Baby Photographer

I can't believe P is already a year old. It seems like just yesterday she was just 4 weeks old - and this summer I saw her again as she was just starting to sit up (as she modeled for me in my new studio). And now, wow - unbelievable!

Little miss P loves to read - and while in the house pretty much had a book in hand.

Now, this one really is an out-take - but I had to share it - because it cracked me up when it happened - and cracked me up even more when I went to process the portraits from this session. That face!!!

Then we went into her room for a few minutes - she wasn't really having it - and I really didn't think I got much of anything from her room. Well, what a surprise when I started editing - to see this ballerina in training! She has the toe point and everything!

And then the real fun came. We went outside and mom found a flower for her. P LOVES flowers.

And then we went to the park - because what new 1yr old doesn't love the SWINGS! I could have taken pictures of her on that swing all day long. Just seeing her made my heart smile.

And yes - I know you just saw this picture in the collage above - but I love it so much - it might just have to be a new studio sample - so I thought it deserved to be repeated so you could just soak it all in. Ahhh - am I crazy - what do you think?

Oh, and did you see those shoes?!? I love them!!!!!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Celebrating Eden - 3 weeks old | Holly Ridge Newborn Photographer

What a beautiful, beautiful little baby. She is absolutely perfect! When I got there mom and dad had her wrapped in this awesome blanket - it made for the perfect backdrop.

Look at that little curl on her forehead - I love it!

She was knocked out! Well, for a little while, anyway!
The light was so beautiful coming in the window - you could really see her eyelashes so well - I had to take a shot!

Mom and Dad are simply stunning!

And this one just melts my heart!

Thanks for inviting me into your home to capture you beautiful new baby girl!

State Park Mini-Sessions | Holiday Pictures in Wilmington, NC

Another round of beautiful families! Again - it was a bit cold - but everyone kept on a happy face and we had so much fun!
I would say that the mini-sessions were a success!

Boardwalk Mini-session - so fun! | Carolina Beach, NC Photographer

It was a cold morning - but everyone came out with the best attitudes! The families were full of energy and full of smiles! This is just a quick share of Saturday's families - I plan to showcase each family in a few days. The boardwalk was a perfect place to go - lots of texture, color, and fun!

Check back tomorrow to see the families from the State Park!!

Holiday Mini-Sessions - Wilmington, NC Holiday Portraits

If you're still interested in Mini-sessions - please contact me for available weekday spots.




Oh, and if you haven't check out the holiday cards this year - you're missing out! Go to http://danajacksonphotography.com/proofs
click on "holiday cards" and enjoy the cards!

Meet Vance | Wilmington, NC Baby Photographer

What a beautiful family! Dad had to go to work, so we got a couple family shots for their Christmas card - and got scolded because we weren't really supposed to be there - oops! It was a beautiful location, anyway! I love sweet look on Vance's face here - about as close to a smile I got the whole session! Guess you know what makes him happy - being super close to mom and dad!

Mom was really looking for some timeless portraits. Although we did it in her house - she really wanted the full focus to be on her sweet boy. Luckily there was some BEAUTIFUL light in her bedroom - so that's where we set up shop! With his favorite blanket - he really does love it - and loves to chew on it - I love his little glance here.

I love this one!!! Even though we tried and tried for smiles - he kept giving us the sweetest looks - how can you not love it! I love his little ringlet! When we first scheduled the session, we were worried that he wouldn't be sitting up on his own very well. Ummm - little did we know he'd be crawling and pulling up and fully on the move! He was FAST! I love the way his little dimple shows up as he's smiling at mom!

Sometimes serious is ok, too. I love, love, love this one!!!!

Thanks so much for such an awesome session! I can't wait to go through the rest!