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!!

Twins | Southport Children's Photographer

I'm not sure what I was worried about. We had this session scheduled for June - with the hopes that the twins would be sitting up - but as luck would have it - this beautiful setting, Orton Plantation, is scheduled to close on June 1st - so we had to improvise. The twins are not sitting up quite yet - so I was really worried about how I could prop them in such a big outdoor setting. Well, these are the most laid back babies you will ever meet. So happy and content.
Meet Ava
And Eli
And I had to share this one - Eli was so tired by the end of the session - he just conked right out while he was in this bucket. So - with a quick repositioning - of the baby and the bucket - I got one of my favorite images!!!
Thanks mom, and grandma, and great-grandma for all your help and hard work. I can't wait for you to see them all!

A new tradition | Wilmington Family Photographer

This beautiful family received a gift certificate for a portrait session from their employees for Christmas - they must be some amazing folks to work for. Dad had a cool idea for a portrait tradition: take a yearly portrait in the same place that will mark their family's growth. They suggested a local boat dock - and there were some amazing trees that would work perfect!!! I love that the youngest is reaching up to hold onto that first knot!
They really are a stunning family too look at - these all just make me smile.
Then to end the session - we went out on the boat. Sometimes I love the outtakes as much if not more than the "portraits". This was the end of the boat ride - the boys were pretty much done with the session.

Eden's 7-months old | Wilmington, NC Children's Photographer

Still as beautiful as ever - this whole family just shines. I met Eden when she was just 3-weeks old - http://danajacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2009/11/celebrating-eden-3-weeks-old-holly.html and I just couldn't wait to see her in this new phase in her life.

We met at the arboretum - which never disappoints me in it's beauty - no matter what time of year it is. Eden has this new thing - now that she has two bottom teeth - her smile has changed - she kind of holds onto the bottom teeth with her lip and it is so incredibly cute!!!
Of course - you get her flying in the air - the that mouth goes open!

Thanks for such an awesome session!

Little Miss P - Wilmington, NC Children's Photographer

Little Miss P is visiting her grandparents for a couple weeks and I couldn't have asked for a more delightful session. This little girl is a gem - and I'm sure her parents and grandparents already know that - but WOW - what a great session. She was full of smiles as she adventured all over her grandparents' beautiful yard. Yes - all these were done on the family property. The color and beauty were amazing.

Her grandpa had a special present for her - she was showing it off!
And this is her pointing to the beloved grandpa - love, love this!
Ummmm - I love this dress.
And yes - this little one was quite the trooper - 3 outfits and still full of smiles. Here she is playing peek-a-boo with me. I could just eat her up!
Thanks for such an awesome session.

Lucky Winner - me or them?! | Wilmington, NC Family Photographer

I really love family sessions - especially when the family is all about having fun! This family was the lucky winner of a family session that was raffled off at Silas' preschool a couple months ago. But really - I'm not sure who was more lucky. I had so much fun at this session - it was so refreshing. It doesn't hurt that they are all absolutely beautiful to look at, too!





Anyone else feeling refreshed after that? This is what family is supposed to be! Laughter, crazy, fun, beautiful. Sigh.