Raleigh Cary Apex Newborn Photographer - Owen

Owen's newborn session was perfect just like his mom's maternity session that we did in downtown Apex. So many sweet photos to fill up his album. Once in his milk coma Owen let me pose him anyway I wanted. Of course its always important to run a space heater to keep them warm and a white noise machine, just adds to the sleepiness. 

Newborn Owen - Raleigh Cary Photographer

Another awesome newborn photography session with a little boy from Durham. His parents brought this sign along to incorporate into the photos, what a great idea. Owen was an eight pounder and all cheeks. A good sleeper and so much fun to work with.

Cary Baby Photographer - Mini Album

Working on lots of orders this afternoon. Mini Accordion albums are very popular! A perfect item for mom's or grandma's purse, dad's desk or even the fridge as they have a magnetic closure. They are sold in sets of 3 and are a steal at only $99/3 albums.
Had to share this one with you another sweet little newborn and his family. This is how it looks in my ordering system, hence the red lines.

Referral Photo Gift - Raleigh Photographer Baby

Here is an example of one of my referral gifts. A 12 photo accordion mini album. Lauren received this album of her adorable little girl after referring a friend to me for her daughter's newborn photos. Thank you Lauren. Referrals are my best source of marketing. I truly appreciate my client's spreading the word.

Newborn & Baby Studio - Photographer Raleigh

Many photographers in the Raleigh area that photograph newborns and maternity work exclusively on-location, meaning they don't have a dedicated studio space. Because studio rental space is not cheap many photographers can not afford the overhead of their own studio.  I am very blessed to have extra space in my home that I have been able to convert into a studio and office. Having a dedicated space is important to me because it provides my clients with options.  If they are more comfortable in their own home and would rather not drag baby out, I can pack up my stuff and become a portable studio. However if they'd rather not have someone come into their home and set up shop, they can come to my in-home studio. About 75% of my clients choose to come to me, which says a lot.  Most people seem to prefer studio based photographers.

My studio is located in a development near the intersection of Ten Ten Rd & Holly Springs Rd. We have often been referred to as living in the "Bermuda Triangle of Raleigh" Our mailing address is Apex,NC however we technically reside in and pay taxes to Cary, NC.  We are about 10 miles from downtown Apex but can practically touch the city borders of Holly Springs & Raleigh. Not sure why they chose to map the area so strangely?

This morning I took a few photos of my new and improved studio and office space. I am so happy and so much more productive in my new workspace. Within my studio I now have an area dedicated to newborn photography, a few places I use for maternity photos and many options for baby photography.
I have several different canvas backdrops for boys and girls, and an area with a large backdrop for shooting families.

My office has moved upstairs right off the studio. The office is spacious and allows me so much flexibility. I can have a desk with my baby (27inch iMac) for displaying session slideshows, a comfy couch for parents to relax in, breastfeed baby,etc. during the session and another area for sitting and viewing all my albums and products during the photo ordering session. There is even a large closet to store my packaging materials and display items. Within the office is a full bathroom for clients to change and for the one year olds to wash up in after they've made a mess smashing their birthday cake. Best of all I have decorated the office in my logo colors browns and blues.

Newborn Photos Emery - Raleigh NC

Meet Emery - I had the opportunity to photograph little Ms. Emery and her big sis Ella a couple weeks ago. Emery was so adorable and much preferred to snuggle in someone's arms than be put down to be photographed. We let her roll with it though, of course I don't mind holding a newborn at all! Fortunately she did let me take some photos here and there between all the snuggles. Her sister was such a trouper and look at those eyes. Beautiful sweet girl.

Lawson Newborn Photos - Raleigh NC Photographer

Newborns like Lawson are the reason why I absolutely love what I do. She was the softest, smiliest, squishiest, most bendable, beautiful little baby. Mom said when entering the studio, "she doesn't cry", and she didn't, not a peep. I had so much fun posing and playing with her. I was really hoping Mom would take me up on my offer of keeping her for a couple weeks.

Raleigh Cary Maternity Photographer - Meghan & Jeff are expecting!

I had such a great time working with this couple and Meghan's parents who joined us for the session. We started in downtown Apex for the first half of their Maternity photos then moved to the studio for some more. Meghan is a planner and came with lots of wonderful ideas which made my job easier. Can't wait to meet their little boy very soon at the newborn session.

Raleigh Baby Photographer - Waverly and family

I met up with this family near downtown Apex, for their holiday photos. I must admit I was a bit nervous at first uncertain whether they were going to appreciate the location I chose. Thankfully they too loved it and were on board with my ideas. Unfortunately I did not anticipate the road noise and how distracted the 5 month old would be by the cars and noises of the outdoors. Because she was not yet sitting up we decided to head back to the studio after a few family shots to capture her in an adorable outfit her mom purchased from Etsy. If you haven't shopped on Etsy make sure to check it out but beware its pretty addicting.

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

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

Raleigh,Cary,NC Photographer -First Birthday Photography

It was such a beautiful November Raleigh day for this little guy's first birthday photo shoot that we were able to do it outside. We got off to a bad start though. Mom got his cake at Whole Foods and they messed up the colors. Then the weeds/grass kept popping his balloons, and when we pulled out his yummy cake he didn't like it nor did he want to smash it. So we bagged the whole cake smash idea and put his clothes back on to capture just him and his expressions. He is such a happy kid! And so cute in his little red chair and outfit

Raleigh,Cary,Photographer - Holiday Family Portraits

This was such an fun-filled work week for me. All the smiley, happy, babies came back to visit. Dustin, who will be turning one on Thanksgiving came over for a first birthday cake smashing session and family portraits. I am fortunate in my neighborhood to have a beautiful greenway trail and a few empty lots with evergreens and weeds(suprisingly a great photo backdrop).

Apex,Raleigh, Family, Child Photographer - Downtown Apex Fall Session

Saturday morning I met the A family for their Fall, urban, halloween photos. I was at first a little hesitant to show them my gem of a spot in Apex (back alley with lots of brick, funky doors, junk and walls falling down!) However when Avery stepped out in her urban chick attire I knew we were on the same page. The session couldn't have been more perfect. Avery warmed right up to my camera and got a kick out of all my new toys and tricks and her daddy too. Then we decided to hit the main street for an ice cream cone but happened upon a cotton candy machine and a joggling board instead perfect for a flying fairy.

how cute are they? three of my favorite people! one sweet family. so glad i talked them into this shot : )  

I asked her to stand on my rock to get her where I wanted her. I love this one where she is looking down, maybe my favorite but I have different taste in photos. 

Then we had a little tea party with the random things floating around our junkyard location. 

It might be hard to tell here but she has the cutest pouty lips! Angelina Jolie watch out. 

the street side view of our alleyway. the hardest part was overcoming the smell from the garbage cans. it was definitely worth it though to get the great backdrops. these urban-ish spots are hard to come by around here.  

Cotton candy....strangely we couldn't get her to eat it. But it made a cute prop and we didn't have a sticky mess afterward.