Painting has never been a media of choice for me. Light, on the other hand, is quickly becoming my new paint brush.

This lovely lady is fellow photographer Melissa Surprise of Surprise Photography in NY. She was my teammate for a little “light painting” fun. Thanks girl!

With his mother wrapped around him, he shares an expressive face. I appreciate expression of all kinds in young children. Smiles are like jewels, but all the others feelings are worthy as well. You’ll find no one more honest than a baby.

Big sister was eager to get the attention, typical of her age. When they want to lay down, I let them. I don’t fight with children. Sometimes the best images emerge when you go with the flow. She laid down and I playfully spread her hair across the canvas below. Somewhere between her silliness and laughing appeared this soft, serious expression. It was my favorite. Traditionally, this would be a very improper pose. Why fight it? She gave me something beautiful! I wasn’t about to scold her and ask her to sit on a stool and hold her hand up to her chin. Lying like this, she was angelic.

I remember a phrase I heard once…”if you listen, people will tell you who they are.” I try to be in the moment when photographing people. They say a lot. Even when there are no words involved.

Tip: If you are not able to view the galleries, try “clearing your cache” and then restart your computer. Google that phrase to learn how.

This little man slept snugly in dad’s service helmet. A piece of protective equipment that has traveled quite a bit. Dad serves with the National Guard, and has been on active duty at times. This little man has a big hat to fill.

Men and women are still on active duty, all around the globe, serving our wonderful country. And remember that many of them leave behind a spouse and children. They too sacrifice for our freedoms. As a civilian, it is easy for me to go on with my life and not think about our uniformed friends over seas. This image has really stuck with me. It hits me in the heart. In this tiny new baby I see peace and calm. And the men and women wearing these helmets abroad helped to make this moment possible.

Hello color! I just had to try something new. He was so very cooperative.

And sleepy.

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She was already six weeks old before I met her for the first time, yet she already knew her place in the family. It was usually in mama or daddy’s arms.

She’s healthy, and happy, and she’s part of a special minority group. Less than 1% of babies in the United States are born at home with a midwife, and she is one of them. Just one more reason why this on-location home session was meaningful to the parents.

SPECIAL: My next high school Senior is going to have a portfolio to die for! I’m eager to get a few in front of my camera, so here’s a deal…BOOK a Senior session for March 2010 and receive an extra $100 print credit. Good only if your session is in March.

Model #1: College student in Atlanta, GA. Sweet as sugar. Up for anything.

I love to capture motion in a photograph. “E”motion too.

Model #2: Originally from Uganda, Africa. Currently a Hospice nurse in Atlanta, GA. Previous experience modeling in London & Paris. It showed.

While she looked stunningly beautiful like this. I was wearing a wool coat, heavy scarf, insulated boots, and you could see my breath coming out of my nose. She was totally professional. Even keeping on her barely there heels.

It wasn’t cold in the studio, but we still captured some smokin’ images.

This is my new favorite girlie-girl chair. Her little red bloomers were perfect for it.

I consider this image one of my masterpieces! She was the 5th newborn with whom I’d attempted this complicated display. There are a LOT of variables to perfect to actually make it work. With the 5th attempt, I was still up for the challenge. And finally, for a few short minutes, I was able to capture something I’d envisioned for months. My special delivery to you…

This image was part of a wall gallery grouping I had chosen for Open House a few weeks ago. The lab that printed it has since called and asked to use it, along with two others previous shown here on the blog, for one of their own displays. I was very honored. Thank you baby Abby.

Newborn Session Info: Newborn images are best taken in the first 10 days of life. Please schedule newborn sessions before the baby is born. We allow for some schedule flexibility with newborns and will be prepared to provide a newborn session in the few weeks before or after your due date. Days 5 to 6 of life are the best time to capture your tiny new baby.

Here are the details…

Session Cost: $53.88 (Includes 7.75% NC Sales Tax)

Session fee is due when scheduling your appointment to reserve your time and date. It includes the following:

-        30 minute studio session, 1-2 outfits

-        The photographers time and talent

-        Focused session on 1-2 individuals, OR one pet and owner

-        Post processing of each indivual image for the best color, contrast, and composition

-        Basic retouching of your images which include removal of scars or blemishes and cropping

-        Approximately 5-10 proof images to choose from

-        Shared ordering session with online previews

-        Standard prints available at 20% OFF regular prices (prints begin at $30)

-        1 week to place your order

-        Special deals on CDs

Why have a Mini Session?

If you’re looking for a short and sweet session to capture a few updated images of your children, grandchildren, or pet, then this session is perfect. This session will not include the large variety of images you’d get from an Authentic Portrait Session. Also, because of the time constraints here, these sessions work best for children who can at least sit up independently.

Here are a few ideas: the first lost tooth, birthday portrait for invitations, new puppy, grandma & me, just before braces, a new haircut, cousins, big brother/sister & me, OR just because they are so cute. If you’ve never had professional portraits taken and you want to get a glimps of how rewarding it can be, then this is also a good opportunity for you!

This handsome little fella was a recent visitor to the new space. He came with quite an interesting story. The christening gown he’s wearing has been worn many times before. It’s made of cotton. Cotton that was grown on the family farm about 140 years ago. A fine, talented woman, his very great-great (maybe greater) grandmother, spun that very cotton into thread and carefully crafted it into this very gown. It has been handled with care for many generations.

When you come to the studio, bring something special with you!

Hats are great on little heads. This one came with him. Like a bonus of cuteness.

A little silliness is always allowed and encouraged.

At 7 months old, babies can, and usually do, play with their own feet. We were waiting for that moment. Often I take the cuteness in whatever form they are willing to give. This little white shirt and curled posture worked for me.

Babies communicate in every way they know how. Making funny faces comes with the catalog of expressive tools. Handsome little stinker.