Morgan is 3! | Wilmington, NC birthday photographer

I love getting the call mid May that it's time to schedule Morgan's birthday session. Mom is such a smart mom - and she hires me to be there for the party day to capture all the fun. Even one less task to do on birthday day is a treat. I have loved watching Morgan grow up. I wasn't able to make it to the party at Monkey Joes - but I was able to be there for the small party at her house on her actual birthday.

As usual we spent a little time together before the guests arrived. Oh, I could just eat her up!!! She looks so grown in these portraits to me.
And then it was time to PARTY! They had some water play outside - I love her sporting the shades (she wasn't really keeping out the sun - she didn't like the water splashing in her eyes) - a few crafts, and then of course cupcakes.
A fun day for all involved!

Oh, and if you want to see quickly how much this beautiful little girl has grown - here's her first birthday: http://danajacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2008/06/lets-party-with-morgan.html

and her second birthday: http://danajacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2009/06/celebrating-birthdays-happy-2nd-morgan.html

8 Months of pure Joy | Wilmington, NC Baby Photographer

Lillian is 8 months old - and she has the most infectious smile. We met at the arboretum - and I'm glad we met early - it was hot!!! She made us work for those smiles - but boy was it worth it!
Now - mom and dad were not planning on being in any portraits - this was supposed to be all about Lillian - but at the end of the session - I sprung it on them - after they had been sweating for an hour (thanks, right!) I love watching parents play with their children. So we had a quick play session!
There was no way I could share one of these without sharing the whole series. Usually my goal is to go through and eliminate those that are so similar - but I just love this whole series!

It was so fun - and I can't wait to share the rest of the gallery. Lillian was absolutely perfect!

Meet Asheford - 13 days old | Wilmington, NC Newborn Photographer

Oh - what a sweet, sweet baby! Just one day shy of 2 weeks old - and she slept and slept. Let me move her, mold her, snuggle with her.

You know my friend Janice - from the following post? Well, while she was here - she knitted me this adorable hat. I was supposed to learn to knit - but we couldn't stop talking enough to get out the knitting needles. Thanks Janice!
Sweet sleeping newborn baby. Her daddy was rocked to sleep in that rocking chair when he was a baby.
This little princes is loved. And it is obvious.
And it's not just the parents that are already wrapped around her little finger - big brother Will is in love.
Will you look at that laugh!
And as much as I love sleeping newborns - I love, love, love being able to capture them wide-eyed.

On the other side of the lens | Carolina Beach Family Photographer

When people look through old photo albums, they see a lot of themselves when they were little - playing with brothers, sisters, cousins, probably quite a few with grandma, grandpa, and dad. But I'm sure there are few with mom. Because she's always behind the camera. It's a terrible plight all mom's face. They love to capture these fleeting moments in their family's lives - but are rarely captured themselves. For the average mom, it's bad enough - but for a photographer - it's even worse.

When Janice of http://www.belladreamsphotography.com/ told me she was coming to Carolina Beach on vacation - I was overjoyed. And not only was she staying at CB - but the condo she rented was just right down the street from my house! She kept assuring me that her husband was ok with constant guests while they were on vacation - because I think I went over there every day! And then she asked me if I would photograph her family while they were here - and I was so honored. Since she's an amazing photographer and has no problem getting stunning portraits of her own children - I spent my time focusing on family - and on Janice's connection with her family.

Meet Marco - almost 1-yr old - I can't believe it. He is a mama's boy for sure (but I'm proud to say he let me hold him quite a bit - and even when I didn't have cheese puffs in my hands as bribes).
And big sister Bella - man I fell in love with her.
Janice's family is so beautiful. I loved their outfits (thanks Lindsay and the whole OG crew!) it was the perfect color combinations.
And some of my favorites from the session.
When you are having so much fun - it's hard to stop - but you can usually take the cues from the little ones as to when the session is over. Marco had the last word. Can you hear him saying, "enough of the love."
Janice (and crew) thank you so much for the opportunity to share in your vacation memories. I can't wait to see you again!!