Sweet and Serious | Wilmington, NC Child Photographer

When Dawn contacted me about portraits for her daughter before she started losing her baby teeth - I knew that this was a mom that got it. It's so important to document these moments with our children since we all know they grow up way too fast. I can't tell you how many parents I've met that have teenagers and tell me they haven't had any portraits done of their kids since they were toddlers.

Now, I wasn't expecting this beautiful 6-yr old to be such a tough one to crack! Luckily mom did say she does have a serious side - and to capture that is also really capturing her. Whew! I do look forward to our next session when her little brother is with her - because I have a feeling I'm going to see a whole new side of Little Miss A!

Cooper's Morning | Lifestyle Photographer in Wilmington, NC

Yes - I'm going to blog a whole session - how can I not? There is so much story to tell in this one little post.

A little back story - 5 years ago, Megan was pregnant with Cooper when Silas was just a tiny baby. She would stay after her prenatal yoga class to help hold/comfort babies during my mommy/yoga class. She held Silas a lot. Then when Silas started crawling - we didn't see or hear much from each other until I ran into her 2 years later when she was pregnant with her second. I was a budding photographer then - eager to get my name out. We all get our "start" from somewhere and Megan was mine. She agreed to a maternity session and then spread the word like wildfire. Before I knew it I had a whole new circle of friends and an amazing client base. Many, many of my clients I can string back to this circle - to Megan. For that I am truly thankful.

I also just recently met up with 20 AMAZING photographers - and boy was I inspired. Just seeing all that talent in one room is a bit to swallow. I came away from the weekend knowing that I had made lifelong friendships - and that it was time to embrace what I LOVE about photography. For me it's all about LIFE. Sure - I capture the essence of it in every session - but I've been longing to do a WHOLE session that really celebrates where someone is right now - their amazing life right now. Sure I could do it with Silas - but really - even if you aren't a professional photographer - you know how hard it is to really capture your own children. So I started thinking about WHO would be a good candidate. I'm sure there are many of you on the other side of the screen with your hands waiving in the air, "me, me, me - why didn't you pick me?!" And aside from the above info on how Megan really helped me launch my business - there were a few other factors. I knew without a doubt that Megan would have no expectations of me. She would LOVE it if I got ONE image of Cooper being, well, Coop. That alone takes off some major stress in a session. And really - because next week, Coop will start Kindergarten, like my own son, Silas. And those of you that know me - know I'm not dealing with it well.......at all. I needed to pour a "starting school celebration" somewhere because I just can't quite celebrate it in my house!

Have you heard enough? Don't know how I got so winded!!! So, I hung out with Cooper yesterday morning. We decided that mom would leave - and I would just see where the morning took us. I walked away a very happy photographer! Now - looking at these - all in one place - my name font looks funny - the color is all over the place - and guess what - I don't really care right now. This session was for me - I can fix all that stuff later. For now - I just want to share. So, ignore some of the technical stuff - and just enjoy Cooper's Life!

We started off outside - Coop loves his scooter and bike - and he actually just completed a children's triathlon last weekend. That second image on top..... he was telling Megan "bye" as she drove to work! I knew it was going to be fun.
Then we went inside - and you can say Coop has a thing with wheels. Ramp building - remote control car driving - all boy! That last image - he was laughing because he ran into me with is car!
Here Coop is playing with his toys - giving them voices much like in Toy Story - telling stories - but his stories have one underlying theme - they all involve a bit of potty talk (thanks to Dad) - so that's what that second image giggle is all about. This is when I wish I knew how to use the video function on my camera better.
Then Cooper sat down at the table - for what started as art work - and it turned into a cutting and writing session. I love how hard he is concentrating. He's going to be great in Kindergarten! I love how he drew his own lines before he started writing.
Then a smoothie and some basketball - you know - you gotta have some good energy before you can concentrate on dribbling through the house.
And maybe one of my favorite images from the whole day - this ONE image made me so happy - that I'll probably frame it myself for my desk! This is what life is all about!
So, Cooper, Megan (and Nat) - thanks so much. To everyone that helped me get where I am - thank you, too. To my amazing photography friends that continue to inspire and push me - I love you more than you'll ever know. I feel renewed.

Now - if I can just muster up the energy to get Silas in front of the camera!

3 boys at the beach | Carolina Beach Family Photographer

I will admit - when mom contacted me about photographing her 3 boys, ages 7, 10, and 14 - I had a slight panic attack! I searched other photographer's blogs/sites, asked on the professional forums I belong to, and everything I heard scared me even more. The general consensus was that boys this age are difficult to get to relax, will often not get along with each other, and can be quite surly.

Well, everything I read couldn't be more wrong! These boys were awesome. They got along with each other - we nothing but respectful with me - and I think they actually had fun. I know I did!

So refreshing! Thanks boys!

Birthday Family on the Beach | Carolina Beach Photographer

I was so excited to do this session. When families contact me about beach portraits, I almost always recommend the beach in front of Ft. Fisher Museum because of all the different textures it offers. But this family has been coming to Carolina for generations and generations and they really wanted something different. They wanted something that would show them the beach how they remembered it as children. They also had 2 birthday's to celebrate. The baby is almost 2 and grandma's birthday was Monday (I'll not share her age). So, off we went to the north end pier. It's such a beautiful location - I really should use it more.

First you have to meet their 4 beautiful daughters. They were so delightful the whole session - and one thing they all have in common.....they love their little sister.
When you time it right - and of course we did - the water is so reflective in this area.
And like I said - I have to use this location more - this might be my new family portrait! I love the colors of the wooden columns and the blue ocean and how it really shows off this beautiful family!
Thank you so much for such an awesome session. It was so fun meeting you - I hope your vacation was awesome.

Beautiful and pregnant | Wilmington Maternity Photographer

What better reason to have portraits done than when you are vacationing at the beach AND you are pregnant! Although they knew it was a little early for maternity portraits (typically done between 32 and 36 weeks) - they were here and luckily I had a cancelation at the last minute and was able to work them in.

It was so fun working with working with them - and their love for each other is obvious.
It's amazing to me how different the belly looks with a different position and angle. Of course the first and the second portrait were taken at the beginning and the end of the session - so maybe all the up and down and up and down got that baby to poke out a bit more!

Isn't she stunning?
They are going to make amazing parents - I already know. My only regret is they live in Charlotte - so you guys won't be seeing this newborn on my blog - but hopefully they'll come back to the beach - and I can capture their baby's first beach experience (well, second beach experience.)