Carolyn Ryan, Author at Charlotte Family Photographer | Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography

19 Jan

Future Charlotte, NC Family Photographer – The Road Ahead

Getting ready to move to Charlotte, NC

Carolyn Ann Ryan, Family Photographer from NJ, gets ready for relocating to Charlotte, NC

As we have been packing away the holiday decorations (and yes, we are definitely delayed on that task), the reality of the next six months is sinking in more and more – and our upcoming move to Charlotte, NC is almost here. If you are a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, then you probably already saw the news a few months back that my family and I will be moving to Charlotte, NC in June 2015. My husband is being relocated for his job, and so while we are excited about this opportunity, we are also going to miss our family and friends in NJ, and I will certainly miss my wonderful clients.

I’m definitely a sentimental person, and therefore with each holiday and milestone, I can’t help but realize that this is our last Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s in our NJ home. When we purchased this house, we thought it was just a starter house and we would probably only live here for a couple of years. And here we are, 10 years later, and this house has truly been our home. We have loved this town, our friends, neighbors and this whole community.

But I also have been keeping my thoughts focused on the road ahead. These will be exciting times for our family with new home construction, new schools for the kids, new friends to make, warmer weather to enjoy (really happy about this one), and many new adventures for all of us.

What does this mean for Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography? I’m still in business in NJ until the end of June, but the last sessions in NJ will be held around mid-May to ensure that all images are processed and all ordering appointments are complete before we move.

I will unfortunately be unable to donate gift certificates to Tricky Trays and Silent Auctions in NJ this year, but if you know schools in the Marvin, Weddington, Ballantyne, Matthews, Wesley Chapel, and Pineville areas in North Carolina that will be hosting fundraisers in the late Spring, please let me know and I may be able to provide a gift certificate.

Additionally, if you have friends in the South Charlotte area, near Marvin, Weddington, Ballantyne, and surrounding neighborhoods, then please let them know that Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography will be re-launching in the Fall and I’m looking forward to working with families in the area!

We still have six more months to go, but just wanted to give a special thanks to all of our wonderful NJ and NY clients! It has been a privilege to work with you and your families, and thank you for making me part of your moments and memories! If you are ever in the Charlotte, NC area, then please get in touch!

08 Jan

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer – Hearts Galore

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer – Hearts Galore

Isn’t it bizarre how a simple outfit can change your mood and make you so happy? Isn’t it true that when you feel good about the way you look in a particular dress or pair of jeans, it can make your whole day? This adorable young lady looked so sweet and happy in this perfectly pink and red dress. We just had to capture this moment. As a parent, there are times during your children’s youth when you want to be able to remember how adorable they are and this was one of those times. It was around Valentines Day when we photographed these images (hence the jewelry and hearts!) and Mom wanted to capture that feeling – when she saw her daughters smile in the most perfect little dress. Transforming you back to those special moments – PRICELESS!

10 Sep

Warmhearted Charlotte, NC Family Photography – Outdoor Happiness

Like so many others, when I’m outdoors and the sun is shining and the light is just so perfect, I’m a happy lady!! These cuties and their parents were all smiles that day and I was so incredibly glad to have found a new, fabulous location to capture this family’s beautiful images. The kids especially loved peeking through the old tree and playing with the crackling leaves in the field. My excitement is building knowing that the weather is turning soon, the sun will be setting earlier, the air will be getting a chill and the leaves are going to start falling. I am so eager about my upcoming fall sessions!!

Marvin NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs an adorable Fall family session Photographs by Marvin NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Warmhearted Charlotte, NC Family Photography by Carolyn Ann Ryan

08 Sep

Union County North Carolina Family Photographer | Quiet Moments

No doubt about it, life is busy. Careers, kids, spouse, friends, family – sometimes it seems like there’s not enough time to fit it all in. But once in a while, when you least expect it, life gives you a quiet gift. Sometimes it’s in the form of a warm hug, a silly giggle or sweet kiss that keeps you grounded and reminds you what life is all about. These images remind me that in a fast paced world of go-go-go, there are the moments with our families that we want to hold on to and cherish as we tackle the day to day.

31 Jul

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!!).

30 Jul

Cheerful Charlotte, NC Child Photographer – Smiles, and Laughter and Minions- Oh My!

Cheerful Charlotte, NC Child Photographer – Smiles, and Laughter and Minions- Oh My!

Any photographer will tell you that you need to be prepared for anything, and for the first time in a long while, I was taken off guard by this little man. The reason why is simple – I didn’t know I could fall in love more than I already am with this little Minion. I had prepared a day for my son and I to capture a few special moments for his upcoming birthday party invitations designed around his favorite character. I have to admit I was prepared with the outfit and hat, but what this little guy did for me when it all came together, was remind me of how NOT so little he is anymore. And that took my breath away for a moment. He is truly “one in a minion!” The beauty of capturing images of your family is that you can look at a photograph and you are instantly takes you back to that moment and you feel the rush of love all over again. THAT is why I love my job!

28 Jul

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. 🙂

25 Jul

Graceful Charlotte, NC Child Photography – Holy Communion

Lovely and Graceful Charlotte, NC Child Photography

Not only do these smiling faces bring happiness to every single day for this family, but on this day I was lucky enough to be a part of the sweetness and joy of a precious milestone. We captured some beautiful moments, together with her and her brothers. Everything we captured was as symbolic as the special milestone itself. I especially love the moments that she seems to be reflecting on her accomplishments as she gazes at her flowers, and maybe, just maybe, she is thinking how proud she is on this special day. These are the sessions that remind me how lucky I am to be able to provide families with memories that will be a part of their child’s journey.

17 Jul

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!

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

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 National Sibling Day Portraits shared by Charlotte Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

28 Mar

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.

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!

09 Mar

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!

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!!!