Letting out my inner geek | Charlotte Portrait Photographer

So, let’s face it, photographers are all a little geeky.  I mean, really, how long do you really want talk about things like ISO, f-stops, exposure, focal points, optics except photographers (and maybe astronomers)?  30 seconds?  2 seconds? Never?  Well, I could talk about this all day, as my loving husband can attest.

As a result, on the weekends, you can often find groups of photographers with various amounts of equipment and a model or two out and about experimenting with different lighting and posing techniques.  Studying composition, proper exposure, and all the rest of the elements of a good photo that all photographers find totally fascinating.

And yes, these shoots provide us a chance to try some fun editing stuff, go beyond what we might normally do for portraits and work on something more stylized and larger than life(not that you have to do much editing when it comes to Miss. C, who is absolutely lovely!).

And I'm just as geeky as the next one.  Not only do I know too much about Asimov's rules of robotics, and may be a little too in love with Joss Whedon for my husband's comfort, but I also spend much of my 'spare' time pouring over books on natural light vs. strobe lights vs. continuous lights.

So this weekend, when two mentors of mine, who happen to be one of my favorite Charlotte area fashion photographers as well as a fabulous strobist (who happened to be responsible for my current profile picture) invited me to join them at a steampunk-themed shoot with one of my favorite models, who was I to say no?  (Ok, well, maybe I begged them incessantly until they finally agreed to let me tag along!  Thanks guys!!!)

And so we met at the studio and had a great time putting together her outfit, makeup and accessories before deciding to head out to the Mint Museum, one of my personal favorite places to shoot (introduced to me by another amazingly talented photographer friend – hey, we’ve got a lot of talent here in Charlotte). 

So these images may be a little different than my normal collections, but I really do enjoy these photo shoots and hope to do many more of them in the future (in fact, dear clients, you may be asked to help me out with one or two!).  Of course, I still absolutely love all my families and babies, but it's always fun to get away and try something different!

Thankful | Charlotte Child Photographer

I am thankful this Thanksgiving for so many things.  This year has brought a new business, a new house, and many new friends and I am so excited to see where next year takes us.  

But, I must admit, I'm particularly thankful for this little guy.  Light of my life, joy of my heart.  Corny?  Perhaps.  But true.  How can I not be?  He has made me dream, kept me young and stolen my heart.  I am so glad he is in my life.  

It's a rare moment that I can get him to sit for a minute and pose for the camera, but the other day I took him out into our yard under the pretext of throwing leaves, sneaking my camera out behind my back.

Boy, did we throw leaves.  Many many many leaves.  Also grass, and dirt, and, at one point, sticks (we did put an end to that one quickly, however).

But it was worth it, because who couldn't love this mischievous smile?  Those twinkling eyes?  That unruly hair?

I know, it's not my normal type of post, but bear with me and let this mama brag a minute!

I am constantly amazed by watching him grow and learn.  Hearing him go from the tiny newborn he used to be to creating imaginary worlds for his trains, thinking of new songs for his mama, and dancing to his favorite TV show-of-the-moment (Pocoyo; available on Netflix, FYI).  

Thank you, my handsome boy, for coming into my life!

May all of you and your loved ones have a 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Newest Cousin | Charlotte Newborn Photographer

You may remember this beautiful photo of Mr. G; one that happens to be my Facebook photo.  

This family (cousins of my family) lives in Mooresville, and we were very excited when we found out that they were welcoming their newest arrival.  This family now has FOUR beautiful children and they are the most fun, sweet, relaxed, happy family to hang out with.  When I bring my child over, the three older kids all play with him as though he has been there forever.

So when we met Mr. G we weren't too surprised to find the cutest newborn on the block.

Or perhaps this one of that elusive newborn smile?

At ten days old, his newborn skin was absolutely perfect, smooth and softer than silk.

And who can resist this ball of cuteness!!

And, as always, my favorite; the ever-classic black and white images that make the heart skip a beat.

Of course, I can't forget his cousin, Mr. C, new big brother and my super lighting assistant (his older sisters helped too, but his was the only photo I managed to snap while setting up).  He was so helpful that I am considering having him join me at all my sessions.

Two is better than one | Charlotte Family Photographer

Two and a half.  It's a great age.  My son is two and a half, active and full of seemingly endless energy.  He keeps me young and fit, constantly on my toes.  It is also a notoriously difficult age to photograph.  I love it.  I love playing with kids and families and pulling the camera out and clicking at just the right moment.  It's a great challenge, and often has great rewards.  

So when the J family came to me with their two and a half year old twin boys, I was very excited for the opportunity.  This family is wonderfully fun, the boys are wonderfully active (my son can play with the two of them for hours!), and their parents are wonderfully patient.  As a result, we got some great photos!

See what a beautiful family I got to work with?  So precious!

The boys were perfect models!  Check out the cuteness!

Mrs. J had some impressive Cars II impersonations up her sleeve to keep the boys entertained.  I'm going to have to learn these voices or take her with me to every session...

We took many photos of the boys together, but they needed some individual photos as well.

And of course, Mr. and Mrs. J got a little 'alone' time themselves!

What an afternoon!

Here Comes the Bride | Charlotte Portrait Photographer

I haven't had much experience doing weddings.  I know, I'm not supposed to admit it on a public blog, but my general expertise is in newborn, child and family photography (and I'm working more and more on fashion photography).  So when a friend asked me to photograph her wedding, I first replied with some trepidation, and told her that I knew a lot of people around town more suited to that particular job.  She was persistent, so I asked a friend and fellow photographer to come help me, and we took on the case.  I'm so glad we did.  I had a lot of fun, she was an absolutely fabulous bride, and the entire wedding was beautiful!  

Mr. and Mrs. W only had eyes for each other.  It was such a pleasure to watch them together.

The bride's daughter was just adorable; sweet and sparkling.

They are such a beautiful family!

And we all know the wedding should spotlight the beautiful bride.  This bride radiated glamor and joy.

Doesn't she look like a classic Hollywood star?

 

How about now?

This family is fun.  Always.  I have enjoyed every photo shoot I've done with them and I can't thank them enough for giving me this opportunity.

So, are there more weddings in my future?  Well, let's see what the future brings! 

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. W!