Raleigh Cary Child Photographer - Our Visitors

The girls had so much fun this afternoon hanging out with two soft and sweet bunnies. I have lost track of how many times they have asked me how much a bunny costs and if they can buy one for Easter? Funny how they think decisions are made based upon expense. So I exaggerated the truth a bit and told them probably a couple thousand dollars! They finally stopped asking! Luckily these bunnies live very close by so maybe they will settle for another playdate. Two dogs is two too many pets for me right now. They were cute to borrow though for a couple hours. Thank You Julie!

I was in a vintage mood when I edited these.

Another Adventure with Avery - Raleigh Child Photographer

We ignored trespassing signs, braved snakes, got covered with pollen and cob webs, laid in itchy weed fields and sweated up a storm last Thursday afternoon. It was all worth it though for these gorgeous photos of Little Miss Avery. She cooperated so well and played along with all my tricks to get her doing what I wanted. We even brought along her super sweet little puppy Mia, an Imperial Shitzu, for her first photo shoot. When we realized she was getting lost in the tall grass and not easy to photograph we took her back to the studio for some closeups. I have been photographing Avery since she was a baby and each session is more fun than the last. 

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

Mommy's Free | Cary Raleigh family photographer

The first time I met these handsome dudes the little one was being carried around by mom in a sling. Fast forward 5 years, the little one is now starting Kindergarten. Where did the time go?Thankfully Mom and I were able to coordinate a shoot to document this exciting milestone. I'm pretty sure mom is looking forward to some extra alone time to concentrate on herself and her thriving small business, YES Career Services(Personal Branding, Executive Coaching, Resume Writing, etc).
During the shoot I made certain to capture some " well-behaved,ideal" looking shots for the wall and then of course we got a little silly singing the diarrhea song which led to some cute and true to life photos of Nolan and Jonah. The best ones were captured when I made mom sing the song. I think that may have been a first for her though she did know all the words, hmmm, surprising!
Tip of the day: Parents should never hesitate to get a little crazy during the shoot. Your kids will get a kick out of it and its 100% guaranteed to eliminate those god awful "cheese" faces.

Look at their faces as mom starts singing : ) much better!

Nolan just loves his dog Shayla. Wanted to make sure we got a few with the two of them snuggling. Love this one!!

Raleigh Durham Cary NC family photographer

My Weimaraners - Raleigh Cary NC Pet Photographer

Two peas in a pod, love them

Edgar - Raleigh Pet Photography

In early Dec. we rescued Edgar a 3 yr old Weimaraner. He had been living in a shelter much of his life. To this day I just don't understand why, he is such a sweetheart and the perfect pet for us after the loss of our last Weim, Jackson.
Some of you may know that Weims are known for being subjects of photography. William Wegman has published countless books where he dresses up Weims like people and animals. Its amazing how well they cooperate. I don't see photography in Edgar's future. Unlike Jackson he won't even look at the camera, nor will he sit or stay on command. But he is one handsome dog!