Rest in Peace Shayla - Raleigh Pet Photographer

I spent last night with a very good friend Kelly and her sweet doggie Shayla. Shayla had had some unexplained illness for a couple weeks and then two days ago the vet found a large tumor on her spleen. Her prognosis was days. Kelly asked me to come over to take some photos of her as she didn't feel like she would make it through the night.  We spent a lot of time laying with her, petting her, and remembering her silly spirit. I feel blessed to have been able to capture the special bond between Kelly and Shayla. In her last hours as she laid with her mama she was so peaceful and accepting of the love that surrounded her.
Only those that have lost pets know the depth of pain an owner experiences.  Cherish each day with your best friend!

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates

and call St. Francis

to come escort this beloved companion

across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,

for she has been a faithful servant

and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,

for they are doing so in love and compassion,

freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.

Help me remember the details of her life

with the love she has shown me.

And grant me the courage to honor her

by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well

and let her know that I will always love her.

And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,

please allow her to accompany those

who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,

for the gift of her companionship

and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,

for granting me the strength

to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

Raleigh First Birthday Photographer - Evan vs. the Cake

Another fun cake smashing session with a sweet little guy, Evan. He was a bit shy at first not wanting to show off his smile too much, but once he got sight of the cake and a little sugar in him he perked right up. Oh and the crazy singing, dancing show his grandparents and I put on for him might have helped a little too. Love his big eyes and cheeks and his understanding of Portuguese conversation. Every child should be bi-lingual! His mother & grandparents are from Brazil. Unfortunately I was only able to pick up one Portuguese word throughout the whole session, "lindo" only because it's meaning is the same in Spanish.

such a beautiful pair! love this photo. 

Chocolate toes anyone? 

Raleigh-Newborn-Photographer-Baby Emery

Yesterday Baby Emery and her family came to the studio for her newborn session. She was 15 days young and just a few days too old in newborn photography standards. I don't know what it is but once the babies hit about day 10 they are wide eyed and ready to party. I used all my baby whispering tactics to settle her and was able to get some of her sleeping but boy she gave me a run for my money :) Of course anyone who knows me knows I don't mind these tricky newborns. I could hold a newborn and fuss with them all day! They are my favorite, favorite things. Mom and Dad on the other hand have things to do and in this case another daughter to attend to, who luckily was so extremely well behaved and patient, just playing in my playroom with her own baby dolls most of the session. Needless to say after 2 hours and 45 minutes we got some pretty sweet photos.

This one melts my heart two adorable little girls

She was not crazy about being unswaddled and put down but she did it just long enough

 to capture a few  

One beautiful, patient Mama

Maternity Photographer Raleigh - Hurry Dad!

One of the best parts of my jobs is meeting new people. Its especially great when the people I work with are fun, relaxed, and super excited about their photo session. Jen came over to the studio the other day to capture her maternity portraits. During her consultation call she mentioned that she was getting the photos taken as a surprise for her husband who is currently working in Iraq. She wanted to be able to email him the photos while he is away. Her due date is Feb 8 and Dad is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on the 2nd, lets say our prayers this little girl doesn't come early.
I advised Jen during our talk to look online for poses that appealed to her. Maternity photography can vary greatly as you can imagine. Its important to get to know your clients and their likes/expectations.
Jen not only came over with ideas she came with props and her iPad with a bunch of photos she wanted to mimic.
Instantly I could tell her style and and best of all she was so relaxed and casual that I knew I could try out a few new poses on her too.
The session was a lot of fun we cranked up the music, and just played around.

i'm not sure i have ever seen such a perfect round prego belly. 

Year in review - Photographer-Raleigh-Cary-NC

2011 was an amazing year for me all around. My blessings were great I couldn't have asked for anything more. My photography business grew by leaps and bounds. I am so thankful for all the beautiful clients I was able to work with last year. Getting to know each and every one was as much fun as photographing them. As I've said many times before I have the best job in the world. Many thanks to all my clients who make it possible. Happy New Year! And hope to see you all again soon.

I put together a slideshow of some of my favorite photos from last year. Its also a great way to get a feel for my photography style.

Click here to see video