Beach Fun x2 | Carolina Beach Family Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting two beautiful families at the beach yesterday for a session while they were on vacation in Carolina Beach. Meeting families from all over is one of the great perks of living in a tourist spot. They requested a joint family session - and although I said yes - I was a bit hesitant. Well, I shouldn't have!!! I actually think having two families there made it a bit easier at times. The girls were so busy playing with each other - I'm not sure they ever felt like they were at a portrait session!

Meet Ava - she has the most beautiful big brown eyes - that you can just sink into.

I can't tell what I like most about this portrait - Ava's sweet smile or the way daddy is looking at her. Sigh.

And then there came Caroline and Charlotte - oh my sweetness! I could eat them up. Caroline was very much aware of the camera - and didn't hesitate to stop and pose anytime she got a chance. Charlotte, a typical pensive 2-yr old, was a bit harder to crack. But the image on the right - I smiled so big when I was uploading my pictures today - here she is running from daddy!
My favorite part of family sessions is capturing families playing.
And if you haven't seen enough sweetness for 1 blog post - I couldn't resist sharing this one. I see this as a big canvas!!
You guys were so awesome to work with - I'm so happy I had the opportunity to share in your vacation memories.

He's 3 and full of smiles! | Wilmington, NC Children's Photographer

Well, he's almost 3 - just a couple more days! My dear friend, Heather, from way back in days of Richlands Elementary, came to the beach, again (2 years ago I photographed her family - and John was just barely walking!) Well, he's full of energy - laughing, smiling, making faces. Basically - a typical 3 yr old. And what a trooper he was because man was it HOT! Portrait session in July are tough for everyone involved - but I couldn't have asked for a more willing subject.

Since they had beach portraits 2 years - we decided to meet at the Arboretum this time. It's such a great place for kids.
By the end of the session - we were all sweating - but John wasn't too hot for some bubbles. I had planned on having him catch the bubbles - but he had much more fun trying to blow bubbles.
I love it when kids play with their parents - I love, love, love this series of portraits. I can feel the love between them all.
Oh, and if a birthday isn't enough to celebrate - we also had a couple other things to celebrate. The day of our session, Friday, was Heather and Chris' 5th wedding anniversary, AND.......
guess what John's pointing to? Congratulations you guys! Can't wait to meet the new little one!

Almost 2 - running free | Wilmington, NC Child Photographer

Sometime the most fun shoots are the completely unplanned ones. I was visiting some very dear friends of mine recently - and while we were sitting outside enjoying adult conversation while the kids ran around freely - the setting sunlight was just too beautiful to resist - especially with Lilly - almost two - running around being, well, two. Oh, how I wished I had a tutu with me - but then I might have missed the moments.
And this one - well, it had to stand alone. I love every single thing about this.
Sandy and Maggie (and the rest of the crew) - it was so awesome visiting with you. I only wish I could see you more often - and for longer periods of time. I think of you often - and look forward to our next visit.

Happy Birthday Hank! | Wilmington, NC Photographer

My nephew is 16, today. What a great day to be born, 4th of July. He lives in Texas - and I hope he's having a blast with his parents and friends. Until just recently I hadn't seen him in over 2 years when my brother called me and asked if it was cool if Hank came to NC for a couple weeks to start off his summer. I couldn't have been more happy. Let me first tell you - I was a little hesitant - since I hadn't seen him in a couple years - and really hadn't spent any quality time with him since he was here the summer he turned 10. So, I didn't really know if I was going to be faced with one of those kids that are moody and too cool for adults. But what a pleasant surprise (and really I know my brother and sister-in-law well enough to know there should have never been any doubts). I had so much fun with Hank. He really is an amazing kid (can you call a 16-yr old a kid?) - anyway - I had a lot of fun with him and I was sad to see him go. I so look forward to next summer.

His mom's one request was to get some good pics of him while he was here. Apparently he doesn't like having his portrait done - and has skipped out on the last TWO years of school pictures - so mom has nothing recent of him - and neither does the rest of the family. Well, we were too busy playing - and of course the day before he left we were scrambling to find time to fit some portraits in. I'm not sure why he avoids the camera - he's such a gorgeous guy and he was so easy to photograph - and we were only out there for 20 minutes!!!!

I can't wait to spend more time photographing him next summer - as he will be Senior material, then!!! Hank, Happy Birthday - I hope you have a great day - and thanks so much for coming out to visit - it meant the world to me.

Fast Mover on the Beach | Carolina Beach Photographer

You never know what to expect with a 1-yr old on the beach. Sometimes they love the sand and water and sometimes - well, they don't. Cole is a fast moving 1-yr old that LOVED the beach. I couldn't get enough of the water, sand, rocks, you name it. The only thing he didn't like was being still.

One of my favorite locations - because we have the beach - and then right next to it - a grassy area with trees. We moved here thinking it might be a distraction for Cole - but nope - he was just as busy. I love 1-yr olds!

Meet Brooke - 7 days old | Wilmington, NC Newborn Photographer

Brooke is baby number 3 for this beautiful family. They live in India most of the time - and this is the first baby born in the States - so mom was hoping to capture her newness. And as you can see - everyone is already madly in love with this little princess.
I love baby feet
Snuggling with Mom and smiling for Dad - and maybe one of my favorite family shots ever!
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful time with you and your family.