26 Feb

Charlotte Child Photographer | National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Charlotte Child Photographer | National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Today, February 26th, is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day!  So, to help inspire you to tell your children a fairy tale this evening, I dug through my photographs to find a few that just might have a story behind them – but I challenge you to decide what that story might be and share it with your loved ones this evening!  Have fun and enjoy!  And feel free to come back and comment here with your fairy tale ideas and let us know which image inspired you!  We would love to hear them!

Charlotte Child Photographer Fairy Tales Charlotte NC Child Photographer fairy tale 2

 

24 Feb

North Carolina Family Photographer – Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

North Carolina Family Photographer – Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

It might be cold outside, but inside the studio, the smiles and giggles can just warm your heart!

This smiling munchkin made us giggle so much during this session.  Little guys are always very curious, and that was true for this baby in blue, intently taking in the new surroundings, new people and new things to get his hands on.  Mom was prepared and brought some of his favorite ‘loves’.  These photographs can be such a special keepsake for the little ones when we incorporate their favorite toys and books and truly capture their personality at this stage in their life.

the size of his smiles that we had a wonderful time!!Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography captures  children smiles in her studio

23 Feb

Charlotte, NC Child Photographer – Communion Portrait Season

Westfield NJ, Child Photographer – Communion Portrait Season

Thoughtful. Beautiful. Thankful. Peaceful. Loved.  These are just a few of the words that came to mind when I was processing the images of this young lady on her special day.  I was lucky to be able to capture some of these images in our studio, as well as outdoors.  I can’t help but think that she and her family were also feeling some of the same sentiments, as well.

Communion season is almost here (and hopefully warmer weather to go along with it), so don’t forget to book your child’s Communion Portrait Session or a full family Portrait Sessions and we can also capture your little one in the Communion dress/suit on that same day!

first communion special moments captured by Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography Communion Photographs captured by Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography

 

31 Jul

Dreamy North Carolina Childhood Photography | Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Dreamy North Carolina Childhood Photography | Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

It’s Christmas in July!!!  Or maybe it’s just me trying to catch up on sharing some of last year’s portrait sessions.  I do love twinkling lights in the backdrop of a portrait session.  I also love capturing the bond between sisters – one that is truly irreplaceable. My sister and I have a bond that no other could replace, and the same is true with these two special ladies.  I’ve had the privilege to watch these little girls grow over the last 4 years through my lens and photographs.  This was our 5th session together (and I’m looking forward to their sixth session already booked for this Fall!).    These girls came prepared, as they always do, to show me their stuff- their sassy sister poses, their giggles, their hugs, and especially their fabulous dresses and accessories (thanks to mom!!).

Dreamy North Carolina Childhood Photography Charlotte Uptown Session Dreamy North Carolina Childhood Photography Park Session by Carolyn Ann Ryan Dreamy North Carolina Childhood Photography Urban Session by Carolyn Ann Ryan

28 Jul

Darling Charlotte, NC Child Portraits – Growing

Darling Charlotte, NC Child Portraits – Growing

Do you wonder what your little one will be when he/she grows up? How will their mannerisms and qualities change when they are not so little anymore. I often think about that as I look through the lens at the little personalities jumping and playing around right in front of me. This little one was incredible to watch, as she playfully grasped at her dress one minute and then the next minute looked inquisitively at the colors jumping off the pages of her books. Through the wardrobe changes and the images we captured with only a diaper cover, I was filled with happiness as I watched this little girl show us her stuff – the big beautiful smiles seem to pop off her face, even the ones with the two little teeth peeking through. 🙂

Darling Charlotte, NC Child Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan of a 1st brithday portrait session in her studio 1st birthday portrait session photographed by Charlotte, NC child photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Charlotte, NC Child photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs a 1 year old in darling first birthday portrait session

 

 

09 Jul

New Jersey Child and Family Photographer | Walking in Sunshine – Promise Walk for Preeclampsia – Cranford, NJ

For the second year in a row, I photographed The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ.  After photographing last year’s event, I heard from numerous friends and client Moms that had also been impacted by Preeclampsia during pregnancy.  And while many of the stories I heard do have happy endings, unfortunately there are still too many that do not.

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia – Cranford supports The Preeclampsia Foundation, and their mission to provide patient support and education, raise public awareness, catalyze research and improve healthcare practices.  This organization holds a special place in my heart for the help they have provided to dear friends, and so I continue to support and contribute to this organization and donate my time to their events.

Thankfully, the sun was out this year for our event organizers, volunteers and walkers, and it was another amazing day!  Once again, I met a ton of wonderful people as well as reconnected with good friends.

I created this slideshow with my favorite images from the day and shared it with the race organizers.  I invite you to take a couple of minutes to watch the slideshow, but I also ask that you take some time to learn more about Preeclampsia and its symptoms from the Preeclampsia Foundation.

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia – Cranford has raised over $32,000 for this cause, with donations still accepted through August.  If you would like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.  Thank you for your time.

 

10 Apr

Charlotte, NC Sibling Photographer | National Sibling Day 2014

Charlotte, NC Sibling Photographer | National Sibling Day 2014

Siblings. They are instant best friends, biggest supporters, shoulders to cry on, and they will be a special part of almost all of your childhood memories.  And yes, they are also the people you will likely fight with the most, but regardless of the fights, teasing, or competing, they are the people that will always be there for you when you need them. They will be in your biggest cheerleaders in life, and even your defenders should you ever need them.

There is just something amazing that comes with being and having a sibling, and it is definitely something to celebrate. It is unconditional and everlasting.

For National Sibling Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite photographs from recent years of siblings just being siblings. And I wanted to give a special thank you to my sibling, my big sister for always being there for me when I needed her.

Charlotte, NC Sibling Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares favorite sibling portraits Charlotte, NC Sibling Photographer shares adorable portraits of brothers and sisters National Sibling Day Portraits shared by Charlotte Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

28 Mar

Classic Charlotte, NC Fall Family Portraits

Classic Charlotte, NC Fall Family Portraits

Fall seems like a distant memory especially after this past winter.  Thankfully I have these warm photographs to remind me that winter will soon come to an end!  As I look back at these images, I’m reminded that there is nothing better than family.  Through thick and thin and for better or worse, your family is always with you. What a joy it was for me to be a part of this day, I got to witness and experience the true happiness of family.

Classic Charlotte, NC Fall Family Portraits with beautiful autumn colors Classic Style for Fall Family Portraits in Charlotte, NC area Classic Charlotte, NC Fall Family Portraits by Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

 

Fall seems like a distant memory especially after this past winter.  Thankfully I have these warm photographs to remind me that winter will soon come to an end!  As I look back at these images, I’m reminded that there is nothing better than family.  Through thick and thin and for better or worse, your family is always with you. What a joy it was for me to be a part of this day, I got to witness and experience the true happiness of family.

17 Mar

Sunny Marvin, NC Family Photographs | I need spring!

Sunny Marvin, NC Family Photographs | I need spring!

I don’t know about you but I’m just about done with winter.  We’ve had snow, the temps have been in the single digits and the holidays are over so I’d be very happy if we could just fast forward to spring. We are so close to it and I can’t wait!

That’s why I had to post these colorful, bright, cheerful photos of this beautiful family of 4!  I can just feel this warm sunshine on my back, smell the green blades of grass and hear the sweet giggles of these two sisters.  Oh spring time, you can’t come fast enough!

 

Sunny Family Portraits by Marvin, North Carolina Family Photographer Sunny Marvin, NC Family Photographs by Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Sunny Marvin, NC Family Portraits

09 Mar

Delightful Waxhaw Family Portraits | Brothers

Delightful Waxhaw Family Portraits | Brothers

Brothers have a special connection – they are playmates, partners in crime and  best buds.  I’ve photographed this special family for several years and nothing gives me more joy than watching these brothers grow not only taller but closer!  I’m so thankful that this family of four has allowed me to capture these special family moments year after year!

 

 Delightful Waxhaw Family Portraits by Charlotte Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Waxhaw Child Photogapher Carolyn Ann Ryan Waxhaw North Carolina Family Photogapher Carolyn Ann Ryan share Autumn family portraits Staten Island Family Photogapher

Fall Family Portrait Session by Waxhaw area Family Photogapher Carolyn Ann Ryan

 

 

 

24 Feb

Union County, NC Family Photographers | Tickled Pink

Union County, NC Family Photographers | Tickled Pink

Photo sessions with babies can sometimes be unpredictable.  We have to coordinate meals, snacks and sometimes naps!  Some days you just never know what you’re going to get, but this sweet little girl was a true pro – she posed, giggled and laughed.  We did photos indoor and outdoors, had wardrobe changes and even the dog looked picture perfect.  Can’t get much better this!  And I just can’t get enough of the beautiful dresses and headbands that her mother coordinated for this day! This little lady is truly pretty in pink (and purple too!)

 

Union County, NC Family Photographers

 

Union County, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Union County, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Dec

Charlotte Photographer shares The BEST Christmas gift idea ever for your wife!

Charlotte Photographer shares The BEST Christmas gift idea ever for your wife!

Dads & Husbands of all generations,

When it comes to Christmas shopping for your wife:

  1. Are you still trying to think of that amazing gift for your wife for Christmas?
  2. Do you want to give her a gift that will surprise and delight her?
  3. Do you want a gift that will show her what an amazing woman and mother she is for your family?
  4. Do you want something that will make her smile nearly everyday for the entire year and many years to follow?

Then look no further, I have the answer for you.
What does a mother love more than anything – more than jewelry, vacations, food or even more than coffee?  The answer – her family! So give her the gift of family by giving her a gift certificate for a family portrait session so that together we can create absolutely beautiful images of your family spending time together.

Still not convinced?
I know what you might be thinking.  Are you envisioning a torturous family session where you are desperately trying to get your kids to smile? Why would you sign up for that? But that’s where I come in and make that part of the process as painless as possible. With years of experience, I have the secrets to successful and painless family portrait sessions, and we’ll discuss everything to help you and your wife prepare for the day during our pre-session consultation call.  When you arrive at the session, the goal is simply to have fun while spending time with the ones you love the most.

What comes with your gift certificate?

  • a beautifully wrapped gift certificate all ready to present on Christmas morning
  • a $100 print credit to use towards your print order (special offer valid now through December 23rd)
  • on the day after Christmas, your wife will receive an email with our online booking calendar to select her session date
  • your session fee will be booked with the 2013 session rate (session fees will be going up in 2014)

How do I get one and finish my Christmas shopping TODAY?
Call me at 908-889-5416 and you enjoy the rest of season stress free!

Charlotte Photographers shares the BEST Christmas Gift Idea ever from Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography

07 Nov

Vintage Charlotte, North Carolina Extended Family Portrait Session | Props!

Vintage Charlotte, North Carolina Extended Family Portrait Session | Props!

This vintage Charlotte, North Carolina extended family session is special for two reasons.  First, I love when extended families get together and share the love and second, I absolutely love and appreciate when they bring props!!!  Working with props is always fun, it not only helps me understand their personality but it just brings a great energy to the session.  These hats are the perfect example!  The kids had such a great time and their own creativity just shined through as well.  One of my favorite images is the tango, and it’s even better because it was THEIR idea!!!  I love when the kids join in and help plan the photographs, because then their smiles are just that much bigger in the images!

 

Vintage Charlotte, North Carolina Extended Family Portrait Session Extended Family Portraits by North Carolina Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

31 Oct

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Halloween!

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Halloween

Halloween is a time to together with your friends, dress up in costumes and get as much candy as you possibly can.  Today the costumes are more elaborate and creative as ever, gone are days of clowns and witches – now you have kids dressed up as a bowl of spaghetti or a bag of groceries.  But the one costume that has always been popular and will probably always be popular are your superheroes!  Spiderman, Batman, and Superman – I think every boy dreams of having those super powers and there’s no better time to fulfill that dream than Halloween!

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer

28 Oct

Charming Waxhaw Family Portrait Session| USA

Charming Waxhaw Family Portrait Session| USA

It is so important to teach our children the how lucky they are to live in the United States.  We live in a place of opportunity and freedom.  I doubt this little girl realizes or understands what our flag represents that but I love how her parents have embedded their patrioism in their family photos.  I’d be very curious to see how the meaning of this photo changes for her as she grows up; something tells me our flag will be as important to her and it should be to all of us!

 

Charming Waxhaw Family Portrait Session| USA Patriotic Portrait Session

Charming Waxhaw Family Portrait Session by North Carolina Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Waxhaw Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs charming portrait session in home