Celebrating Liam | Newborn Photographer, Wilmington, NC

Just 8 days old and absolutely perfect. I couldn't have asked for a more cooperative baby. He slept (and if anyone knows big brother - can you believe the resemblance?)
and slept
and slept
and slept some more!
Woke up - and let me know what he thought of me disturbing his sleep.....
And then looked into my soul. Just amazing.
Thanks Melissa for allowing me into your home! You are juggling a lot with baby #3 - I don't know how you do it!

Celebrating Fast Moving Boys | Wilmington, NC Child Photographer

Well, after many rainy days causing us to reschedule and reschedule, I was finally able to meet up with this beauiful family. We started at the Arboretum - and if you haven't been there in a while - it is absolutely beautiful right now - and ended up at the beach. I'll tell you - Mr. J gave me a run for my money - and emphasize the word RUN! He was busy, busy, busy - the whole time. I know his parents are tired at the end of the day. We had a great time - and I hope the family had as much fun me!
Can you say heart breaker?

See how happy he is? He's running away from his Daddy!

What a fun session! I can't wait to get through the rest!

Celebrating Generations | Kure Beach, NC Photographer

I love it when families remember to capture the now. This beautiful daughter and granddaughter contacted me because she was going to be visiting the area with her mom and grandmother and wanted to have a session done. She did not tell them in advance. They drove from Topsail - and it was a beautiful day (though pretty windy - but what can you expect at the beach!) These really are three beautiful women, and I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to meet them.

I'm very close to my grandmother - so this picture warms my heart!

Celebrating Moms - Contest Winner! | Wilmington, NC photographer

When Betsy said, "She deserves to be celebrated because she would never acknowledge that who she is and what she is, is extraordinary" she really was describing Dana. I met up with Dana and her family over the weekend. Unfortunately, her son and daughter-in-law were not able to make it. I asked Dana what makes her a "mom" - what kinds of things she does that I could photograph that would tell the story. She said, "I'm pretty boring. I like to iron and bake. I spend a lot of time with my daughter dressing Ken (barbie)" but during my time there - I found she was just perfect - and a very deserving winner of my first contest - you guys did good!

She said her apron is a normal part of her wardrobe.

Her daughter, now married, was able to come over - and I could tell that brought her a lot of joy. They usually have Sunday dinner together - they work out together - go shopping - and just generally enjoy time spent.


Dana spends a lot of time with her daughter. Ken is a member of the family - in many ways. I was happy to capture this time spent with her daughter.
I love this picture of Dana, she loves being a mom.
This family isn't boring, they are real. They remind me of "home". As I left - they were sitting down to lunch.....grilled cheese and tomato soup. Yum.

Thanks to everyone that voted. I couldn't have done this without you. I hope to do more. If you have any ideas - please drop me a line!

Celebrating Addison | Newborn Photographer, Wilmington, NC

I've been looking forward this session for a while. I feel like I've known Nancy (mom) forever - and I'm so happy for her new family. At just 5 days old - she slept and slept and slept. So sweet. I could have hung out all day. They def. challenged me, though. Those of you who know me, know I try to stay away from flash if possible - those of you who've been in Nancy and Jeff's house - know that just isn't possible! So these are all with flash - and I'm very happy with the results.


I was getting some shots of Dad with his new princess, and I could see the shot I wanted. I turned off the flash - moved them closer to the door - and went for it. And just when I did - she looked up at daddy - awww - just melt my heart. I love this shot.
When Nancy and Jeff got married, she wore her mother's pearls. So on their first wedding anniversary, Jeff bought Nancy her own set. So, here's their brand new baby girl - already holding on to the family heirloom.
Ummm.....what to say.....early attitude? I could just kiss those cheeks over and over again!
I can't wait to go through the rest of the set. Thanks Nancy and Jeff for letting me come early, while she was all squishy and curly and new. You're the best!

Celebrating Family Fun | Wilmington, NC Photographer

I met with the J family last week after getting several weather reschedules. It was worth the wait. This family is just awesome. Three perfectly beautiful children. This was actually at the end of our session - we went downtown - hoping to get some fun stuff by the water - but it was really so bright still - it was tough to work with. I did manage to get this shot of the 3 kiddos. This one was def. calling for black/white - but you won't see much more from this session - the color was drawing me out!
If you've been thinking about calling to schedule a family session - but have been worried that it would be too stressful - that the kids wouldn't cooperate - please - just relax. Family sessions done the right way are really fun. The kids should have a good time and should laugh a lot! This session was full of laughter, running, and more laughter!

I haven't brought the bubbles out in a while - but with a 1, 3, and 5 yr old - I thought it might be just the time! Plus - usually I'm on the beach - and the wind is often blowing too hard to make it fun! This image is why I love being a photographer.

I don't know which I love more - his sweet smile or the way he has his hands clasped. Melt my heart.

And you know what - even when you are trying not to smile - trying with everything you can - it's still almost impossible to not have a good time!

I can't wait to get through more from this session! Keep a look out for more this week - it's going to be busy here!