Childhood Archives - Charlotte Family Photographer

13 Sep

South Charlotte Photography Workshops for Parents

Is your DSLR stuck on Auto? Are you missing amazing shots of your kids? Not sure how to capture them best? Unlock your camera’s full potential with Carolyn Ann Ryan’s Photography workshops! Designed specifically for parents (and grandparents) these workshops will teach you how to use your camera and capture better images of your kids.

Photography Workshops for Parents in Charlotte by Carolyn Ann Ryan

Details:

Capturing stunning, authentic images with your DSLR takes more than the push of a button.

In our Level I workshop, we’ll cover:

Fundamental DSLR elements
Exposure, aperture, & shutter speed
Depth of field & background blur
Essential lenses & focal length
Tack-sharp focus
Essential lighting techniques
Compositional strategies for exceptional images

Dates/Times for Level I Classes:

Thursday, October 5, 2017 10 am-12 pm
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 10 am-12 pm

Location: Carolyn’s Home Studio, Marvin, NC 28173

Class Size: Limited to 6 Participants

Investment: $99

Click Here to Register

Spread the Word!

The only thing better than taking a Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography workshop is taking it with a friend! If you know of someone who might like to join you, we would be so grateful for your referrals!

Questions?

Feel free to call the studio office at 704-256-7270 or email carolyn@carolynannryan.com to get more info and sign up

10 Apr

Classic Charlotte NC Family Portraits – National Siblings Day

As you may have heard, today is National Siblings Day and I love taking a few moments on this day to share some of my favorite portraits of siblings from the last year. Siblings are your 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.

Having a sister myself, I have always loved the song “Sisters” featured in the movie White Christmas. ‘Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted sisters . . .”

While many of these are classic portraits of siblings, I think the last image at the bottom may be one of my favorites showing the silliness of siblings working together in opposite of their parents. That image was not posed or requested and was just a natural moment from an adorable family session.

And below, here are some favorite images of my family members. On the top left is my four beautiful nieces, which my daughter jumping in. On the top right is a photograph from a family party showing my father with his eldest brother along with my aunt and my mom. The brother two images highlight the sibling goofiness and friendship of my own two children. The bottom left photograph was taken by my talented friend, Annette Goodman, from Annette Goodman Photography during our family portrait session last year.

03 Feb

North Carolina Family Photographer | Valentine Gift Idea

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer’s Valentine’s Day Gift Idea

Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. It’s amazing to realize that we are already into the second month of 2016, and I just finally started remembering to use 2016 instead of 2015 on my checks. But now it’s time to think of Valentine’s Day presents. While I’m not ready yet for myself, as a Family Photographer in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, I do have an amazing idea for all the Dads and Husbands out there, and I’m so excited to share it!

What does a Mother love more than anything else in this whole word? It’s not chocolate, jewelry, flowers, and it isn’t even wine (although, wine can sometimes be a good friend).

It’s her family!

So, this Valentine’s Day, give her a gift that will surprise and delight her. Give her the gift of Memories. Give her the gift of Family with a gift certificate towards a Family Portrait Session.

This is a gift that won’t just last this year, but when she orders beautiful family portraits for the walls in your home, she will see them everyday and always remember the Valentine’s present she loved so much!

Now, 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?

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 reducing the stress of a family portrait session. We’ll discuss everything to help you and your spouse 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 packaged gift certificate all ready to present (no wrapping needed)
a $100 print credit to use towards your print order (special offer valid now through February 120th)
on the day after Valentine’s Day, your spouse will receive an email with our online booking calendar to select her session date

How do you get one?
Simply call me at 704-256-7270. I look forward to working with you and your family!

21 Jan

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer receives International Awards at WPPI Competition

Charlotte, NC | Award Winning Family and Pet Portraits

I am beyond thrilled to announce that Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography recently earned four Silver Awards in the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) Second Half 2015 Image Competition . Each year, I submit a handful of my favorite images to the top Image Competitions in order to have my work reviewed and critiqued by some of the most talented photographers in the industry. And I’m not alone in this effort as thousands of entries are submitted by photographers around the globe and every entry is critiqued and scored by the panel of judges.

I’m ecstatic to have multiple images recognized by the judges, and with these awards I have earned the title ‘Associate of WPPI‘. All of the images below were created during portrait sessions with my clients, and I am truly honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to create each of these images. Whether photographing an adorable family of six or a family’s new puppy, I have truly loved being a part of each of these moments.

Charlotte NC Award Winning Family Photographer wins silver award from WPPI

Together is All We Need

Charlotte NC Family Portrait Photographer Award Winning Cat Photograph earns silver award from WPPI

Lost in a Sea of Green

Charlotte NC Family Photographer Award Winning Mother and Son portrait wins silver award from WPPI

Sharing Secrets

Wanna Take Me Home?

28 Oct

Charlotte NC Family Portraits | Focus on the Moments

One of my favorite wedding photographers is constantly reminding photographers that photographing a wedding isn’t about capturing and documenting the shoes, rings and table cards, but it’s about capturing the moments of the day. I think the same can be true in family portraits. It isn’t about photographing a styled session and showing photographs of children holding berries or pinecones (while I will admit these can be beautiful images and wonderful accents to a gallery), but it’s about documenting a family together for an afternoon. It’s about the squeezes and hugs, the way they look at each other, the giggles and laughs, and the stolen moments of pure adorableness. And it’s about remembering the couple of hours they spent together just enjoying each other’s company and being happy. But sometimes, my favorite part of these sessions is remembering the moments that triggered that perfect giggle or smile and what might have been happening behind the scenes to create those seemingly perfect moments. If the viewer of the photographs only knew how we did it. Because yes, maybe the giggles were generated by the tiniest family member singing a song about poops while the family walked together holding hands. As you can imagine, that might just cause the rest of the family to crack up with real, genuine laughter and for me – it becomes the perfect moment. I just love those moments. They are my favorite.

19 Oct

Charlotte Family Photographer | The Gift of Memories

One of my favorite things about this session is that Dad had purchased a gift certificate for Mom for Mother’s Day. He knew she had wanted family portraits for awhile, and he knew she loved my work, so he took a phenomenal opportunity to surprise her and give her the gift of memories for a very special present! Not only did he make her happy when she opened the gift certificate, but I know she was thrilled with the results from the portrait session and the beautiful prints that are now displaying in her home on her walls. This is such a beautiful family and the boys had so much personality!

This is truly a gift that Mom will treasure for many, many years to come! Great job, Dad!

16 Oct

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Beauty Multiplied

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Beauty Multiplied

I really have a special place in my heart for families that have four girls. While I also love families with 1, 2, 3, 5 or more girls, there is just something about the magic number 4. Maybe, it’s because my only sister has four beautiful daughters and my nieces are some of the most awesome kids I know. There is something so amazing about their sisterhood and friendships – words can’t even describe it. It is so evident in the way they support each other in everything they do. And well, my sister is the equivalent of a superhero in my eyes. I absolutely have no idea how she does all that she does, and in the midst of what could be chaos for some, has created an incredibly loving and crazily fun home and family.

And so, I have a crazy amount of respect and love for parents with four daughters, and I have so much spending time with their families and seeing the family dynamics. This family was no exception, and I saw the same crazily awesome feeling of sisterhood existing in this four beautiful girls, and it was such a pleasure to spend an afternoon with them. But I think all in the family would agree, that the littlest munchkin absolutely STOLE.THE.SHOW! We just couldn’t stop giggling at the amazing and sometimes hilarious expressions she provided. It became evident that she just didn’t love sitting in the grass, especially as she would hold her legs up in the air while Dad was trying to sit her down. And then, she just kept us smiling throughout the day. These images not only gave us beautiful photographs for wall portraits and holiday cards, but we were also able to create the most perfect Thank You card for the littlest first birthday party!

I hope these make you smile today!

18 Aug

Marvin, NC Photographer | Back to School Portraits

Marvin, NC Photographer | Back to School Portraits

Tomorrow will be the first day of school for my oldest child. As we relocated from New Jersey to Charlotte, North Carolina earlier this Summer, tomorrow’s Back to School brings excitement and a little nervousness. We are entering a whole new world tomorrow, including the world of school uniforms. We were so excited that we couldn’t wait for the official first day (tomorrow), and took advantage of last night’s beautiful light to capture these Back to School Portraits.

Wishing this girl a wonderful day tomorrow and can’t wait to hear about all her new friendships and the adventures that await her this year.

Mom Photographer Tip: Some of the best smiles and giggles from our brief session came when a fly buzzed my ear and I jumped around in a circle trying to get away from it. I’m sure it was an amusing and entertaining sight and I’m happy it wasn’t caught on video. My daughter thought it was hysterical! But that is definitely something that can be faked while photographing your own kids that is bound to bring a few giggles.

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!!

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!

21 Feb

Childhood Photographer Charlotte, NC – What are you wishing for this year?

If I asked this question right now, most people in the Northeast would answer with warmer weather, sunshine, Spring, Summer, etc.

Have you ever wondered what a child was thinking when you asked them a question? I just love the sweet expression in this first photograph when I asked her “What are you wishing for this Christmas?” You could tell there was a long list running through her head, and her eyes twinkled and sparkled with happiness as she thought about Christmas morning.

The rest of the session was filled with happiness and giggles as we spent a beautiful afternoon in the Fall enjoying the outdoors. Here’s hoping your wishes come true this year.

09 Feb

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer – Best of 2014 Portraits Winners

Westfield, NJ Family Photographer – Best of 2014 Portraits Winners

The Best of 2014 Portraits Contest is closed and we are so thrilled to announce the winners! Thanks so much to everyone that took the time to vote in our contest and we loved reading all of your comments too! This was a very close race, and I received so many compliments on all the beautiful images of these wonderful families, and in my eyes you are all winners!!!

The Top 3 Images with the most votes are:

First Place: 16×20 canvas print (valued at $445)

Charlotte NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Best of 2014 Portraits winner first place

Thumb Wrestling Champion

Second Place: 11×14 mounted print (valued at $175)

Marvin, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Best of 2014 Portraits winner second place

Christmas Jams in Christmas Jammies

Third Place: DVD Music Video Slideshow ($175)

Union County, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Best of 2014 Portraits Third Place

Little Minion

I will be in touch with each of the winners today to help claim your prizes!

Thanks again to all of our wonderful and amazing clients – it has been a pleasure working with you!

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.