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.

Baby Pyper - Cary Newborn Photographer Raleigh

Trying to catch up on all my session posts. This little Raleigh newborn girl was an angel to photograph. She was petite and slept so well for me. She didn't even make a peep when I repositioned her. Loved the way she constantly curled her lips so cute. Thanks for bringing her over Jen. 

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.

Raleigh Baby Photographer - baby's skin and photoshop

I'm not sure if people realize that newborn photos don't come out of the camera looking flawless. Very rarely do I get a newborn with perfect skin. Usually they have lots of milia those tiny white bumps and often peeling skin. Because their skin is so sensitive they are also prone to red blotches and scratches from clawing at their face with their sharp little nails. Here are two photos that demonstrate what the photos look like straight out of my camera and the improved photo after lots of photoshopping and tweaking. Digital photography is wonderful for many reasons but a curse as well. Photographers are now consumed with perfecting photos. We live in front of our big Macs and play and play (a.k.a) work.

Cary Newborn Photographer - FREE newborn photos

Just realized this is a leap year (yes where have I been? ) Know someone expecting a baby on Feb 29 or right around? Have them contact me at christa@mycreativeclicks.com, I am giving away a FREE newborn session & brag book to one lucky baby born on Feb 29th.

*Baby must be photographed by March 10th.

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 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

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).

Newborn Maternity Photographer Raleigh Cary - Best prop for the newborn photo session

New parents are anxious to show off their newborn baby;  display the happiness they share about their new gain with friends and family. The most prevalent way of sharing this special time is through newborn photography. While candid photos are always an option for sharing through social media sites there’s a special touch when done by a professional; one that creates a product with far more value and an at times even stronger emotion. 

Of course, there’s a certain standard that comes with such professional newborn photography. The price you pay includes more advanced equipment (most professional cameras cost about $5K), up to date technology (processing software can be another $1K+), as well as pricey props and backgrounds. In a field such as this, any photographer knows that without that certain prop for an infant, you may never get the especially unique photo that you and the parents are looking for. Most every client asks "what kind of props can we use". Props give an atmosphere to the photo and can help to convey the emotion that you as a new or upcoming mother are feeling especially when the prop is YOU.

A Prop You Can’t Buy
Though it seems uncanny, the best prop that any photographer could ever hope for in their newborn photography is the parent. 
A baby feels most content when in the arms of their mother or father, so it makes sense that with a parent in the picture, the baby would display its most content and relaxed face. Say you’d rather not be included in the photo, something and simple as your hands holding the baby produces a loving and gentle atmosphere and exemplifies the affection within the relationship that you have inherently established with your child. 

Raleigh Newborn Photographer | Albums,Wall Portraits

somebody's gonna love their goodies. Maternity/newborn album, Mounted Wall Portrait and mini accordion albums.