As an added bonus, this mom had a local florist, Nomadic Blooms, create a stunning fresh flower crown. I am now never going to be the same after seeing that! Just stunning. 

Both dresses are part of my client closet. 

Gold Dress and earrings: Sew Trendy

Green Backdrop: Intuition Backdrops

Black Dress: J & L Designs

Beige Texture Backdrop: Intuition Backdrops

White crop top: Ambercrombie 

Jeans: Gap...not part of my client closet. 

This year, I have decided to get out of my comfort zone and work on my skills in the studio...don't worry, I will still be out on location getting into all sorts of crazy positions and prickly places to get those fun, playful family photos...but it's time for me to learn more. 

My first attempt was this December. My super fun, cool, and talented cousin and his equally skilled son visited from Nevada this winter. While they were here, I asked them to sit for a portrait for me to practice with some new skills. They are both so chill and silly in front of a camera I figured it was a safe place to start for me.

I am excited to share these and to learn and grow this new part of my skill set. I am having fun (and lots of frustration) learning about studio lighting and more camera "stuff".  I have a ways to go but it is so good to remember to never stop learning and growing. 

So, here is a peek at my first attempt at it. 

For those super sleepy, curled up photos, the sooner the better as younger babies tend to stay asleep longer and are less responsive to stimulation. But sometimes this is just not ideal...due to health issues, delivery issues, or just the overall state of the household...have a new baby enter the scene is hard for brand new moms and veteran moms. 

For photos of your new little one when they are filled out more (chubbier cheeks and parts), little smiles and eye contact, an "older" newborn session is ideal. You have had time to recover from delivery, bonding has occurred and your household has started to adjust to the newest arrival. The session below is of an almost 3 month old...3 mos is my cutoff for sessions to be considered "newborn" and I LOVE them. Have a peek

My cottage out behind the studio is going "All Fall" for some fun themed photos of your little ones. Bring them in their best fall attire or costume. Pets too. 

The link to sign up with all the details can be found here Sign up Link

First up are Beach Minis (For Park Minis scroll down)

15 minutes, $225, 10 digital files. More details are at the sign up link. Sign Up Link

In October, I have 4 dates for mini sessions at the park, which provides a wooded, natural backdrop you can see in the samples below. The sign up for the park minis is here. Fall Minis at Wade Park

Here's a peek of what we came up with! 

I have been photographing the talented students from Evolution Dance Complex since 2017. This year we kicked things up a notch by renting the beautiful Brooklyn Arts Center...mainly for the big window shot...and even had custom skirts designed and made by J and L Designs. The shoot is a yearly tradition and the staff of the dance studio and families put so much work into getting ready and getting the students to the locations. 
 

I have been photographing the talented students from Evolution Dance Complex since 2017. This year we kicked things up a notch by renting the beautiful Brooklyn Arts Center...mainly for the big window shot...and even had custom skirts designed and made by J and L Designs. The shoot is a yearly tradition and the staff of the dance studio and families put so much work into getting ready and getting the students to the locations. 

I have been photographing the talented students from Evolution Dance Complex since 2017. This year we kicked things up a notch by renting the beautiful Brooklyn Arts Center...mainly for the big window shot...and even had custom skirts designed and made by J and L Designs. The shoot is a yearly tradition and the staff of the dance studio and families put so much work into getting ready and getting the students to the locations. 

When the day finally came for the shoot...well...lets just say that the powers that be blessed us with gorgeous skies, perfect water and a sunset perfectly timed with all we had to accomplish. We began the shoot in the woods to capture the drama of the dropping sun piercing thru the trees and tall grasses to create that fairy tale, dreamy look. We then headed/hiked to the water to catch the sunset over the Cape Fear River. With the help of a good friend of moms and my daughter, we captured so many amazing images. 

After viewing our captures, I realized I wanted to push the limits and get more for this momma. So, the unthinkable happened....I GOT UP FOR PHOTOS AT SUNRISE. Yep, me...the up late, nap-taking creative that I am was so motivated by this opportunity that I actually was up before the sun and functioning. If you know me, you know how rare this is. The results were so worth it and I hope to get the chance to do it again. Huge thanks to this mom for entrusting me to capture her vision. 

Hope you enjoy! 

For the first time ever....I am hosting Beach Mini sessions!!! I am also shooting fall sessions at a local park AND another super-custom, one of a kind holiday set, outdoors for families and pets that has been under construction all summer!!!! Below you will find info on each offering I have coming up EXCEPT THE HOLIDAY SET. I do not have that sign up ready but to give you an idea, I will list the dates and info. 

Up first...Beach Mini's

Here is a link to the sign up with details and some photos from the time of year we will be shooting: Fall Beach Minis Sign Up

Next, Fall Minis at the Park.

Here are some samples from the spots I shoot at the park depending on the time you book. The earlier spots are in the wooded areas (first series of images) and the later sessions are more down in the field and near the pond (last set of images). Fall Minis at the Park Sign up HERE

AND, last but not least...the "Christmas Cottage" set will be available for preview and sign up soon...but if you need to know some of the details, here they are...

The location will be on my property on the weekends of November 13/14, Nov 27/28 and Dec 4/5. Spots will be 15 minutes, $125 includes 3 images with the option to buy more upon gallery delivery. The set will be holiday themed, outdoors and pet friendly. They will run in the mornings and afternoons on the dates mentioned. Stay tuned for more details. 

Update...here are some test photos from the "Christmas Cottage". The sign up has been sent to current clients for early access..it will go public, Thursday, October 7th with the link posted here. Christmas Cottage Sign Up

As the popularity in maternity photos has increased, so has the popularity in beautiful choices in what to wear for these sessions. In order to provide my clients with a memorable experience, create timeless, yet modern images, I have built a collection of dresses of my own. I am excited to finally showcase my beautiful collection of maternity dresses available exclusively to my clients.

My collection is not available for rent. Access to the dresses pictured below is only available to expecting mommas who book with me. Many of the dresses in my collection are custom made. A few are from more popular, commercially made retailers. I also have flower crowns, sashes, sweaters, belts, fur wraps, hats and other accessories. Check back now and then because my collection changes and grows! 

And remember, some of these dresses can be worn for your photos at your newborn session with me. I also have a collection of dresses and tops to wear for "after baby".  

Gold Sequin	White Cropped Button Down
Pastel Floral Top shown with Long Pink Skirt	Lace Overlay with Nude Liner
Red Print Kimono/Wrap	Yellow & Green Print Crop Top shown with boho skirt and hat.
Sweater Dress	Two Piece in WHITE Can be worn to show your belly or can go over your belly.
Ivory Sweater	Feather Dress (S, M, L)
Puff Sleeve Top shown with Blue Skirt	Free People Boho Skirt with Bralette
Classic wrap in mocha. GREAT after baby too. (also in off-white...catalog image)	Champagne long sleeve, off shoulder with full skirt. (catalog image)
Long sleeve, off shoulder black with full skirt. (catalog image)	Champagne Bishop Sleeve with optional Diamond Sash or Faux Fur Wrap
Gold Bishop Sleeve with Slit	Fuschia Bishop Sleeve Fit and Flare
Off-white Bishop Sleeve Fit and Flare (catalog image)	Black Bishop Sleeve Fit and Flare (catalog image)
Travelers Dress shown with Optional Liner	Beige Faux Wrap with Ruffle (Perfect for Newborn Session) 3 sizes
Cream or Rose Tiered Off Shoulder Maxi	Cream Tiered with Optional Accessories
Ivory Linen	Blue Linen
Free People Dress with Blush Open Kimono	Beige, Blush or Cream 3/4 Sleeve Slouchy Cardigans to go Over Any Dress to Add Texture or Hide Arms.
Faux Fur Wrap in Cream with Brown Accents	Faux Fur Wrap in Brown with Black Felt Hat
Faux Fur Wrap with Grey Felt Hat	Cream Boho Button Down with Optional Bralette and Slip or without Slip. Also available in rust and olive green.
Black Drama	Black Body Suit
Blue Free People shown with available accessories.	Periwinkle Free People with available duster.
Free People in Blush with optional sweater (Also in dark blue and lilac)	Textured wrap for cold days.
Rachel Pally in pale blush (Medium)	Lace Top with wine skirt and optional floral crown and vintage fur coat.
Blush Skirt with Ivory Top	Charcoal V-neck (Also in wine)
High Neck Black Fitted with Train  Shown with optional accessories.	Navy V (XL)
White V (Large)	Deep Red V (Large)
Embroidered pink top shown with wine skirt. (Skirt is also available in blush, blue and gold).	Purple V with Bishop Sleeve, Full Skirt and optional Accessories
Romantic off-shoulder blush fit and flare.	Indigo Blue Free People
Skirt in wine. Also available in blush and soft blue. (shown with optional flower crown)	Skirt in Gold with Lace Trip Top. Also available in blush, soft blue, wine, periwinkle.
Green fitted Flutter Sleeve with Optional Accessories	Charcoal dolman top (also available in ivory)
Pink Criss Cross Top, Long Sleeve, Fitted Dress (size small)	Lavender Tulle Skirt (also available in blush)
Embroidered blue strapless	White Shirt Dress with Ruffle
Gold Lace (Medium. Also available in blush)	Ivory Criss Cross (Also perfect for your newborn session)
Ivory Dolman Sleeve with Optional Accessories	Blush V-Neck with Sparkle
Blue Skirt with Long Sleeve Top	Blush Lace (Medium. Also available in gold)
Pale mint gauze	Pale Pink boho with buttons (also available in ivory)
Rachel Pally Dress in cream	White Boho (Also available in pale pink.)
Black tossing skirt shown with black puff sleeve top and cheetah belt.

This is an opportunity to have any type photos you want taken at this location...family, engagement, grandparents, children, maternity, seniors and even your pets!!! There is nothing set up as far as themed props, etc. and we will move about the property as I see fit for the light and time of day. Therefore, each session will have its own look within the variety of backdrops the property has to offer. 

I have included some photo samples below from sessions I have had there in the past. The courtyard has received a major renovation since I last photographed there to include a stone patio and beautiful plantings. But for now, here's a peek.......and you can sign up here at this link SIGN UP .... spots are $265 with a non-refundable $65 due at sign up and the remaining $200 due at the session. 

Carrot backdrop by Hazy Sky Backdrops

Bunny prints purchased and printed by photographer. 

Hair and Makeup by Dalisay Hair Salon and Bridal Suite

Maternity Dresses from the photographers exclusive collection. 

 The following information was provided by her mom. 

Juliana was diagnosed in utero with congenital heart disease (unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta) and heterotaxy syndrome. Knowing in advance gave us time to prepare for her arrival and we carefully made the decision that she would be delivered and cared for at the Medical University of South Carolina. Fortunately, we were able to relocate to Charleston and wait for her arrival. Our girl was born on August 24, 2019! Throughout the first year of her life she endured 2 open heart surgeries and spent 114 days in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit under the expertise and loving care of her team of doctors, nurses and support staff.

Juliana is our HEART WARRIOR! Despite all of the battles she fought, she radiates JOY!  She is trusting and sweet and loves to play, laugh and make people smile. We hope to reach as many as we can with Juliana's message - no matter what you are going through, you can always choose to be joyful. #joyforjuliana

Beads of Courage is an arts-in-medicine program that partners with hospitals to create a visual way for a child to document their illness. Juliana’s beads are a reminder of what she endured while receiving treatment; each bead represents a part of her care - yellow for an overnight hospital stay, red for a blood transfusion, black for a needle poke, etc. Since she was a newborn when her heart journey began, these beads will be a tangible way for her to tell her story.