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.

Raleigh Cary Newborn Photographer - Fixing Newborn Skin Photoshop

As a newborn photographer it is crucial to know how to use Photoshop to touch up baby's skin. Each newborn's complexion is different but overall the majority tend to have milia, dry skin, red blotches, and/or scratching from their sharp nails. Lets face it all these skin issues are real life and truly document what your baby looks like in that particular moment. However I have found as a photographer, parents seem to favor the touched up look. The first thing they often say is "oh just this morning he started breaking out, or he clawed himself on the way over" They are automatically worried about their newborn's photos being ruined by these tiny flaws. As a newborn photographer I have also noticed that my "finished" work sells hands down over the natural look. So it is pertinent that anyone photographing babies and newborns especially, knows how to use the clone stamp, patch tool,heal brush, soften skin. I also use a tool Portraiture that works wonders and saves me from a lot of manual fixes. Here is an example of a recent newborn straight out of camera. For this shoot I spent about 2 hours photographing and probably 6 hours editing skin. Its a time consuming job but the results are worth it.

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. 

Learn to Use Your Camera - Raleigh Cary Photographer

So you own an expensive camera, do you realize you're never going to find the time to sit down and read the manual?

Why not put your investment to good use and start taking better photos. Whether you want great shots of your children playing sports, portraits that really capture your subject and express emotion, or just the ability to take great photos that lack the fuzzy, blurry, dark look you're accustomed to - this class is for you. 

Learn To Use Your Camera Class 

Sunday March 25, 2012

1-4pm

Creative Clicks Photography Studio

$69 

includes class and take home training manual 

small class, one on one instruction 

For more details and to register email christa@mycreativeclicks.com 

Easter bunnies & child mini sessions - Cary photographer

 Happy Spring!

How can it be Spring already? I'm not sure if we've lucked out by the lack of a Winter season or not. Hoping this doesn't mean 90 degree temps for the next six months!

Wow only two weeks away Easter has crept up on me this year! Fortunately I scrambled this week and found two adorable Dutch Belgium bunnies "Boulder" and "Crystal" for our live bunny photos. Boulder looks similar to "Oreo" below and "Crystal" is a brown/white bunny, unique with one blue eye and one brown eye.  The kids are going to fall in love!
Can't wait to capture all the cuddly sweetness next weekend.

the details....  

Easter Bunny & Child Mini-Sessions

snuggle, pet and hang out with a super soft and sweet bunny. let us capture the excitement and those adorable smiling faces. dress in your fancy Easter outfit or Spring colors for photos that pop! 

        Where:     Creative Clicks Photography Studio 

 707 Cambridge Hall Loop
Apex, 27539

         

         When:                Sunday April 1st

                                         4pm-6pm 

             

       

         What's Included: 15 minute photo session
                                       with bunny
                                      1 ~ 8x10,
                                      2 ~ 5x7s,
                                      2 ~ web-sized images for    
                                            sharing online

                                       only $59*


*includes session for one child (9mths and up), each additional child is $20
**if time allows or if child does not take to bunny, session may include photos of child alone so dress in Easter fancy or favorite outfit


AVAILABLE SESSIONS


4pm     4:15     4:30    4:45
5pm     5:15     5:30    5:45

Our Friday Night Out at the Pound - Raleigh Pet Photographer

Yesterday my daughter had to go to the doctor. It wasn't a very pleasant experience for her so while she was going through the procedure I was playing the typical motherly role, bribing her. I told her after we left the doctor she could choose somewhere fun to go. She choose the SPCA! We'd never been to the SPCA but we had talked before a lot about volunteering there. She is a huge animal lover and if she had her choice would be surrounded by animals 24/7.
Unfortunately after we left the doctor and drove all the way there the SPCA was closed, on a Thursday, really? So today after the school bus dropped her and her sister off we raced over to redeem her prize. The SPCA in Raleigh is amazing. I must admit I was very hesitant about going for fear that I may end up feeling sorry for the animals and taking one with me. Already having two dogs a third dog is just totally out of the question.
Luckily leaving the place wasn't that difficult, the animals have a pretty good life there. Most of them have a big room with lots of toys and constant people cuddling and playing with them. The majority also seem to get adopted very quickly which is great.
The people at the SPCA were so sweet and let the girls play with lots of dogs and puppies. We picked up the info on volunteering and are excited to start our training and volunteering together very soon. If your children love animals like mine do consider volunteering, they really could use the help and its a great way to spend quality time with your kids. And of course make a difference!


I am not a cat lover but this was my favorite animal at the SPCA, a sleek looking Persian cat with a very cool hair cut.

 Firefly was a sweetheart we spent a lot of time playing and loving on her. She looked like she had a rough life, lots of babies and of course being a Pit she is automatically labeled. I would have adopted her if I could have. I hope she's found her forever home by the time we return.

 Felt so sorry for this guy, would have adopted him too. One eye and all

This pup got adopted before we had the chance to ask to play with her. She was a cutie. 

Logann's love......luckily she didn't make it into the car

John kept going back to this one, "Tina" I thought he was going to want to take her with us but thankfully someone else swooped her up too while we were there. She was beautiful and had such a sweet personality. 

Firefly asking us to come back. 

Saying goodbye to "Mr.Fluffikins" as Logann called him. 

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.

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.

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.