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.

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. 

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. 

Lars 8 mth old - Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham NC photographer

So so behind on my blogging. Facebook is such an faster way to post previews but I much prefer the blog. Luckily I am headed to NY for a 3 week vacation and no sessions so I can play blog catch up.

One of my favorite families came over for their 3rd baby plan session. Baby Lars is now 8 months old and more adorable than ever. I could shoot this little guy all day! We lucked out with the weather and were able to take some photos outdoors on the greenway trail in my n'hood. So happy we decided to do it as I love family outdoor shoots.
We also dressed Lars up in a traditional Norwegian outfit for a few photos. Mom is from Norway and they had just returned from a 2 week trip there. Thankfully the outfit just barely still fit!

Waverly - Durham Newborn Photography

I had the chance to spend a few hours with the beautiful Williams family yesterday at their home in Durham. Little Waverly was absolutely perfect, perfect size, perfect skin, perfect little baby rolls, ....she was even the perfect host, she didn't want to fall asleep on me! Eventually she tired out and we rolled through the rest of the session. Mom and Dad were complete naturals with their first baby so sweet to watch them cuddling with her. One happy family. Thanks for having me over.

My big babies - Raleigh Newborn Portraits

My Weimaraners are definitely my most photographed subjects. I'm still haven't figured out how William Wegman got them to do so many crazy things, but they are sweet just laying around, what they do best.

Becoming a Mom - Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Just read this full article and had to share some with all you moms. So true!
Dont Lose Yourself When You Become Mom

The First Time Mom



While you're thrilled to have a baby of your own, you'll be shocked by how this tiny being will consume every moment of your life. The realization will make you kick yourself for never having fully appreciated the freedom you once had. Other changes: Your childless friends won't understand why you don't return their calls and emails. Your home will become less tidy. You'll neglect the beloved pet you once doted upon. You'll continue to wear maternity clothes for a while -- since your real clothes don't fit and, besides, you're getting spit-up on so often.
Some advice: Try, as best you can, to live in and enjoy the moment. Your first child's first year is a fascinating journey. Take pictures on his or her monthly birthdays and you'll be awed by the changes occurring so quickly before your eyes. Try not to agonize too much about your career, your body, your social life, your "To Do List." At least once in a while, nap when the baby naps, and enjoy cuddling your sleeping son or daughter in your quiet home.

Waiting on a girl - Durham Maternity Photography

This super cool couple came over the other day for the first session of their Baby Plan Package (Maternity,Newborn,6mths,1yr). They are expecting a baby girl in June and Mama had lots of great ideas/props for the maternity session. Dad won brownie points with me from the get go as he showed me the Canon camera he bought for his wife, her "push present." Unfortunately I was not up on such term when I delivered my little girls, no exciting gifts from my hubby.

Lets hope the baby gets dad's eyes/eyelashes!


She was still small at 37 weeks


I feel privileged as I'm the only one who knows what those initials stand for : ) We did another pose with blocks and the baby's full first name, but my lips are sealed. I will say though I love the name.

the girl already has a bunch of shoes! cute ones.

playing around with my new wall templates.