17 Jul

Playful Charlotte, NC Family Portraits | Ready, Set, Leaves!

Playful Charlotte, NC Family Portraits | Ready, Set, Leaves!

I just love how the fall season creates a beautiful backdrop for a family portrait session. It’s the combination of colors, lighting and cool breeze that make it my favorite time of year, and this session highlighted everything I love about the season.  Mother Nature provided all the fun we needed.

While I am so excited that the summer is here and we get to have great beach days, lots of ice cream cones and have the kids stay up way past bedtimes, images like these remind me that just around the corner is my favorite time of year.  After the hot and humid weather disappears, there is still so much more fun and excitement to look forward to and so many fun sessions on the way!  And now is a great time to think about booking that Fall family session!

Playful Charlotte, NC Family Portraits in Autumn Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs Playful Charlotte, NC Family Portraits Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs playful and fun family portrait sessions

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

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

 

 

 

07 Mar

North Carolina Senior Portrait Photographer | Class of 2015 – Recruiting Senior Ambassadors

I’m very excited for the upcoming Class of 2015 Senior Ambassador Program Are you ready for your REAL high school senior portrait experience?

If you want an opportunity to truly have fun with your HS Senior Portraits and if you want senior portraits that capture your true personality and don’t look the same as everyone else’s – then welcome to Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography’s Senior Ambassador Program!

Our Senior Portraits focus on capturing the real you – different locations, multiple settings, multiple outfits and styles – all customized with you. We want to set a completely new bar for high school senior photography — and this is your opportunity to be a part of it.

And we want you to be a representative for Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography for your high school. Help us spread the word about Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography HS Senior Portraits.   And see your amazing portraits used in our marketing materials for the coming year!

Have questions? Keep reading for answers to some of the most common questions about the program.

NJ Senior Portrait Photographer

What exactly does being Senior Ambassador or representative mean?

I need high school students in the Class of 2015 (current HS Juniors), that are outgoing, fun and comfortable in front of the camera, and looking to have an incredible experience with their high school senior portrait session.  Modeling experience is absolutely NOT necessary. The goal is to have fun, and create images that show your true personality!

What’s in it for you?

Participants selected for the 2014 Ambassador Program are eligible to receive over $850 worth of products and services, starting with your own custom senior photo session.  Want a chance to feel like a model for a day?  We will coordinate hair and make-up for your session as well to enhance the experience and ensure that you do feel like a model for your session!

How do I get involved?

High School Senior Ambassador Sessions are available for the following dates during High School Spring Breaks.  Sessions will take on place location at local parks and downtown areas.  Possible locations include: Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Summit, Chatham, Berkeley Heights, and Metuchen. While most sessions will be outdoors and on location, if the weather doesn’t cooperate for that day, we can do an indoor studio session at our new studio in Westfield, NJ located at 7 Elm Street above Eileen Fisher.

 

Senior Ambassador
Session Scheduling By School

School Name Session Dates
Bishop George Ahr (Edison, NJ) April 21, 2014
Kent Place (Summit, NJ) March 19-20, 2014
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (Scotch Plains, NJ) April 16, 2014
Union Catholic High School (Scotch Plains, NJ) April 17, 2014
Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (Scotch Plains, NJ) April 14, 2014
The Wardlaw-Hartridge School (Edison, NJ) March 24 & 28, 2014
Westfield High School (Westfield, NJ) April 18, 2014

 

What if my school is not listed?  

We can still coordinate a session date for you and you can help us start the High School Ambassador program at your school.  Just call us to learn more and we’ll get a date scheduled for you.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have an amazing, customized portrait session with the opportunity to earn a few perks including prints and a chance to compete for $1000 towards your college education!  To learn more about the program, call me at 908-889-5416 or email carolyn@carolynannryan.com. I’m happy to speak with you and/or your parents about this program, and I highly encourage bringing a parent along for your session. These sessions are lots of fun, and we want your parents to love these portraits too! And there is no minimum order requirement for any of my portrait sessions.

I look forward to hearing from you!!!

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 Dec

Enchanting Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | A Picnic

Enchanting Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | A Picnic

These sweet angelic sisters make my job very easy; their blond curls and innocent blue eyes look beautiful at any angle. When I look at these images, it’s as if I’m peaking through a window in their house.  Their graceful, playful and lovable personalities come through so clearly.  I feel like I can hear their giggles and laughter as they twirl through the grass and share an afternoon picnic.

 

Enchanting Waxhaw, NC Family Photography by North Carolina Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Enchanting Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan North Carolina Child Portrait Session by Carolyn Ann Ryan

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

12 Dec

Stylish Uptown Charlotte Family Photographs| Big Sis

Stylish Uptown Charlotte Family Photographs| Big Sis

Having an older sister is a gift – she’s a friend, a partner in crime, a teacher and sometimes a second mom.  This big sister is not only a confident young lady but she has a fun, silly side which allows her to be that quintessential big sister.  This younger brother is so lucky to have her to look up to and one day their roles will reverse and he’ll return the favor.  Siblings, what a gift!

 

Stylish Uptown Charlotte Family Photographs shares sibling portraits
Uptown Charlotte Family Photographer shares stylish family portraits

Stylish Charlotte family portrait uptown city portraits

 

 

 

10 Dec

Playful Marvin, North Carolina Family Photographer | A Wish

Playful Marvin, North Carolina Family Photographer | A Wish

Throughout our lives we wish for different things.  As children it’s typically a toy, as we get older it’s a car, then as we become adults, it’s a family.  Family is where we feel the safest and can truly be ourselves.  I was honored to capture these special moments where mother and son could let loose, be themselves.  There is such a special bond between these two, and I enjoyed watching them have fun together – isn’t that what family is all about?

 

Playful Marvin, North Carolina Family Photographer | A Wish Staten Island Child and Running Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Playful Marvin, North Carolina Family Photographer Smiles Giggles and Fun with Mom and Son Staten Island Family Photographer

28 Nov

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits | Give Thanks!

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits | Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving is about eating, laughing and most importantly spending time with your loved ones.  It’s a time to GIVE THANKS for all that we have.  Life is busy and sometimes we forget our greatest treasures are the people right in front of us.  During this session, this beautiful family of four took the time to celebrate their family and give thanks for each other.

Today, I’m so thankful for my amazing family and friends that support me, even through the busiest of seasons, and also thankful for every moment that I get to spend doing something I love.  Thank you to my husband, children, parents, sister, sister-in-law, my entire family and all of my friends and clients!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to be with the ones you love!

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan with Thanksgiving Theme Waxhaw NC Child and Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Wahxaw NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares dreamy family portraits

13 Nov

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet

Feet are funny! In those first few years they are so adorable and cute.  I love how babies and toddlers are always fascinated by their feet but what makes me smile about these twins is how he seems more interested in his sister’s feet than his own!  It was just instinct for him to grab his sister’s foot as soon as she kicked it forward.  It speaks to the connection between them, and I really I hope that connection simply grows, as they grow up together.

 

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography Twins First Birthday Portraits Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography Twins First Birthday Portrait Session

11 Nov

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer | My Wish

No matter who I’m photographing my wish is always the same, to take images that will make you smile and remember! Sometimes it’s hard to remember how things once were so my hope is that your family portraits will transport you back in time where you can relive some of those happy memories.  Family photo sessions are special because it can include everyone – even your pets.  And these images aren’t just about the moments when you are smiling for the camera, but it’s the interactions and special moments you share as a family that you will treasure for years to come.  It’s the secret a daughter tells her Mom, or the airplane ride a child gets from Dad, or the giggles that are shared between siblings. And sometimes, I can just step back into the distance to capture those precious moments of a family together.

 

New Jersey Family Photographer Scotch Plains Family Portrait Session 1 Scotch Plains Family Portrait Session 3 Scotch Plains NJ Family Photographer Autumn Session 4

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

05 Nov

Sweet Marvin, NC Family Photography | Fall Memories

Sweet Marvin, NC Family Photography | Fall Memories

Toddlers are special little people, they notice everything and are so easily amused by the littlest things.  I love how the fall background enhances the warmth and love of this young family.  This session reminds me of when my kids were toddlers, they were very much like this sweet girl and had to examine each and every leaf!   We, too, would spend warm fall days taking long walks and creating special family memories.

 

Sweet Marvin, NC Family Photography Sweet Marvin, NC Family Photography with Autumn Family Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan Sweet Marvin, NC Family Photographs by North Carolina 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