14 Oct

Charlotte Metro Area, NC Family Photographer | A New Family

Charlotte Metro Area, NC Family Photographer | A New Family

It’s true, when a child enters your life, everything changes!  Sure there are 3 a.m. feedings and countless diaper changes but it’s all worth it and these photos capture the essence of a young family.  I just love the tender moments they share together not only between the three of them but especially between mom and dad – you can feel the love and connection they share.  I think it’s so important to remember where all the love started and this young couple certainly took that time to focus on that too!

 

Charlotte Metro Area, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Westfield NJ Baby Portrait Session Charlotte NC Couple Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan Charlotte Metro Area, NC Family Portraits

10 Oct

Darling Charlotte, NC Family Photography | Red!

Darling Charlotte, NC Family Photography | Red!

What does the color “red” mean to you?  For some it means love, for others it means fire or power, but for me it means “redhead” as in this sweet little boy!  How cute is he?  I just love how his red hair compliments the background and brings out the warm colors.  I had such a fun time with this family – the kids played in the grass and traded leaves and we enjoyed the last few days of summer.  It tickles my heart to see how much this big girl loves her lil’ brother, and you can just see how much he absolutely adores his big sister.  And you can’t miss the last photo at the end – it’s one of my absolute favorite sibling photographs!

 

Darling Charlotte, NC Family Photography - Portrait Session photographed by Carolyn Ann Ryan Darling Charlotte, NC Family Portrait Session in Summer with Carolyn Ann Ryan Darling Charlotte, NC Family Photographs

 

03 Oct

The Carolinas Family Photographer | Christmas & Holiday Cards and Your Clothing Selections

The Carolinas Family Photographer | Christmas & Holiday Cards and Your Clothing Selections

Yes, the Christmas music is already playing in my car.  About two weeks ago, as we drove home from a doctor visit, my 4 year old little man wasn’t feeling well, and I needed to cheer him up. So I asked Siri to play “The Chipmunks”.  Now every morning on the way to school, I get to listen to The Chipmunks versions of “O Christmas Tree”, “All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” and “Jingle Bell Rock” along with a few other classics sung by the high-pitched little animals.

But Christmas and the holiday season have been on my mind for many months already.  As a portrait photographer, one of my favorite products to deliver to my clients is beautiful Christmas and Holiday cards.  I’ll start designing card ideas for clients in April and May, because the photographs from their portrait session can always make a beautiful card to share with their friends and families.

Recently, a client was curious about her outfit selection, and wondered if their holiday outfits would work nicely with the Fall Foliage in the parks during this time of year.   So, I thought it would be a great idea to share a few examples of holiday card designs from previous sessions as inspiration for future portrait session clients.

While some clients specifically choose to dress in holiday outfits for their portraits, I have found that almost any selection of coordinated outfits will pair nicely with the variety of Christmas and Holiday Card templates I have acquired over the years.  My clients have even used images from their Spring and Summer portrait sessions for their cards, and most of the colors in my templates can be adjusted to match the color palette of my clients’ outfits.  And honestly, I personally love traditional holiday outfits photographed outdoors with the beautiful Fall Foliage.  The colors work well together and complement each other nicely, especially when you included the beautiful, golden Fall sunshine.

After completing one session last year, one of my clients clapped her hands with excitement and said, “Yay! I can’t wait to have my very own Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography Christmas cards this year!”  It seriously makes me smile every time I think about that moment and realized my cards were “a thing”.

 

The Carolinas Family Photographer shares samples of Holiday Card Designs

The Carolinas Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, shares samples of Holiday Card Designs for clients

 

And I just love cards that include images on the front cover, inside and even the back of the card.  While I will include my logo on the back of all of my cards, I still love including a sweet and storytelling image on the back of my clients’ cards (and my own too).  Sometimes, the back of the card is my favorite.  Here are a few of my favorite Back Covers from last year’s holiday cards.

The Carolinas Family Photographer shares samples of the backs of Holiday Card Designs for clients

 

Hope these cards help to inspire your next portrait session and I continue to look forward to creating more cards for my incredible clients!!!

Vendors: Christmas and Holiday Card Templates from Design Aglow

 

02 Oct

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer | A cutie pie!

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer | A cutie pie!

OMG!!  This one year old boy is such a cutie pie!   I don’t know what I love the most – the red shoes, the images of his hair blowing in the breeze, the cute vest or the checkered bow tie!   He is clearly a budding model already demonstrating he can handle  multiple locations, wardrobe changes and props!  This family is as sweet in person as they look in these photos – I’m smiling right along with them.  Oh and let’s not forget this all takes place in my favorite city, New York City.

Wait til you see these images, you’ll be saying … “OMG!”

Enjoy!

Vendors:
Bowtie and Tie: William & Sally on Etsy

 

 

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer photographs adorable cutie pie and his family

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer features urban uptown family portrait session

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares cute family portraits

06 Sep

Charlotte, NC Pet Photographer | Family Moments

Charlotte, NC Pet Photographer | Family Moments

You have to love a family that loves their pets.  Meet Whiskey and Moonshine.  They came from a rescue home in Tennessee.  They may be fully grown, but they are still just puppies at one year old.  They are beautiful and sweet dogs and are treasured members of their family.  When asked if we could include them in the session, I absolutely agreed.

We had a gorgeous afternoon at their home and in Watchung Reservation.  Hope these adorable puppies bring a smile to your day.

Enjoy!

Charlotte, NC Pet Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, photographers a portrait session Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs and family with their two golden retrievers for a family portrait session in Charlotte, NC

04 Sep

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer | Growing

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer | Growing

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph one of my 2012 newborn clients for his first birthday!  I just love watching my little clients grow and photographing them with their families.  This one year old man was just adorable and astounded us with all his words and we loved watching him walk, giggle, and play with his parents.  And seriously, how adorable is his tuxedo shirt?

Enjoy!

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs an adorable little man Weddington, North Carolina Child and Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan captures portraits of an adorable family Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

07 Aug

Marvin, NC Summer Family Portraits | Everybody

Marvin, NC Summer Family Portraits | Everybody

I just love Summer Family Portrait sessions.  We photographed this adorable family locally right in a local park and had a great afternoon with the kids exploring the area.  At this time of the Summer, there were still a few cicadas around, and the two littlest ones had no fear and loved looking at them and even picking them up to get a closer look.  They tried to give me a few to bring home as presents, but I explained that the cicadas would be happiest at the park.  🙂

Check out these images of a sweet local family.

Marvin, NC Summer Family Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan
Summer Portraits in Marvin, NC with North Carolina Family and Child Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan.

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer photographs a Summer portrait session in Marvin, NC

 

16 Jun

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father’s Day

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father’s Day

Just wanted to wish all of my wonderful clients and friends a very Happy Father’s Day!  I’m so blessed to have met so many wonderful Dads and Grandfathers while photographing families, and I can’t thank each of you enough for jumping into the photos with your family and children.  Here is just a sample of the amazing images I have been able to create thanks to all these great Dads and Grandpas that just love to have fun with their children and families!

Marvin, NC Family Photographer Father's Day Images

 

And this wouldn’t be complete without sharing images of my absolute favorite Dads and the most important Dads in my life.  Special thanks to George Buhl from Black Thumb Studio for photographing my husband’s entire family at a wedding last Christmas, and to Jessica Wernes from Dewdrop Photography for photographing my entire family this past Mother’s Day.  I love family portraits and so grateful to the wonderful photographers that photographed my family so I can be in the portraits with them!

And thanks to my husband, my Dad, my father-in-law and my two brothers-in-law for being the best Dads that I know.  You are all very loved and we are lucky to have you in our lives. These little munchkins are blessed to have amazing fathers and grandfathers!

Marvin, NC Family Photographer Happy Father's Day

03 Jun

Charlotte, North Carolina Communion and Family Portraits | Formal and Casual

Charlotte, North Carolina Communion and Family Portraits| Formal and Casual

When parents contact me for Communion Portraits, I always suggest booking a day separate from your actual Communion Day and turning the portrait session for your child into an opportunity to also capture family portraits too.  On Communion Day, families are often hectic and can feel rushed.  There is usually a tight schedule, and not as much time as they wish they had for photographs. When we book a separate day, we have all the time we want and need.  We have a chance to photograph the child that received their Communion, as well as their siblings and the entire family in their formal attire, but then as special treat, everyone can change into casual clothes, and that’s when the fun really begins!

And so I loved my Communion sessions this year, especially this one.  We started out with our formal portraits, and then the family changed outfits and drove to one of my favorite spots in Watchung Reservation. I love the outfits Mom selected, and the pop of color against the early Spring backdrop of the park.  I know Mom can’t wait to see their adorable images on her walls, and they’ll be arriving at her home very soon.

Enjoy!

Child Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, photographs Communion Portraits in Charlotte, NC

NC Child and Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, captures beautiful family portraits in Charlotte, NC

 

22 Feb

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Trendy Ties

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Trendy Ties

As a North Carolina child and family photographer, I often find adorable, little online stores for clothing for children, as well as cute props and accessories!  My latest find is this adorable online store, Trendy Ties!

As you might imagine, they make adorable ties and bowties for our favorite little men! But now they also make cute little skirts for our favorite little ladies, as well as matching hair ties!  I just received my order today of a sweet tie for my son in the Spring Blue Gingham with a matching skirt and hair tie for my daughter for Easter.  I cannot wait to photograph my children in their coordinating set, and will definitely share photos when I do!

These sets will also be adorable for your children for your Spring Family Portrait Sessions, so I recommend checking out their site and placing your order soon, as these are custom made.

For today’s Favorite Friday, I wanted to introduce my clients, fans and friends to Trendy Ties, as well as let you know that I have a special coupon code that I can share with clients.  So, if you are a current or past Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography client, and would like to place an order with Trendy Ties, then please email me at carolyn@carolynannryan.com for your special coupon code.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer shares trendy ties web site

 

 

21 Feb

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Pretty in Pink

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Pretty in Pink

I absolutely loved this family portrait session and could not have asked for a better day with more beautiful light.  It was mid-October, and the foliage was just a little early this year. The beautiful yellow leaves in Watchung Reservation were the perfect backdrop for this family session.  And I loved how the Mom pulled all the colors together for the session and gave a beautiful color pop with the pink dress her daughter was wearing.

But nothing was better than the beautiful giggles and smiles of this sweet little girl!

Enjoy!

 

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer capturing Fall Family Portrait Sessions

Charlotte Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, capturing adorable giggles

Charlotte Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, captures sweet family moments

28 Jan

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Best of 2012 Portraits: And the Winners Are . . .

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Best of 2012 Portraits: And the Winners Are . . .

The Best of 2012 Portraits Contest has come to a close and I’m so excited to announce our client and voter winners!

Thanks so much to everyone that participated and voted during the contest!

Here are the adorable client winners:

 

  • First Place: Sweet Dreams wins a 20×30 canvas print Marvin, NC Family Photographer  Best of 2012 Portraits

 

  • Second Place: Falling Leaves wins an 11×14 wood print
    Family Portrait Marvin, NC Fall Portrait Session

 

  • Third Place: Happy Family wins a DVD Music Slideshow
    Marvin, North Carolina Family Photography Portrait Session with boys

 

  • Fourth Place: Future Rockstar wins a wood gallery cube decor
    Marvin, NC Child and Family Photography

 

  • Fifth Place: All Smiles wins a 12 month calendarCharlotte Child Photographer Mother and Son Portraits

 

 

And a special congratulations to our voter prize winners: Christina McCormack, Cecilia T. DeGennaro, and Frank Pernice!  They will each receive a gift certificate for a family portrait session!

Thanks again to everyone that participated!

19 Dec

Charlotte, North Carolina Maternity Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

Charlotte, North Carolina Maternity Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

In just one week, I was published twice on the The PoppyCat blog – once again for Twins Week!  This feature shows images from the gorgeous late Summer maternity session with Abby & Scott in Stamford and Old Greenwich, CT.   And once again, special thanks to Pamela Harayda for assisting with this session. We had a phenomenal time with Abby & Scott, and as you can see from the photos – there was lots of laughter during the session.

Check out Twin Week – Day Six on The Poppy Cat here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Poppy Cat:  The Poppy Cat features beautiful photography with infants, children and families.  “We hope the readers of our publication will see the beauty in the everyday life of being a mother”.

13 Dec

Fanwood, NJ Newborn Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

I’m so excited to be included in The PoppyCat blog’s Twin Week!  I had such an amazing time with this adorable little brother and sister, as well as their Mommy and Daddy.  And stay tuned for later this week, when their Mommy’s maternity session will be featured too!!!  Special thanks to Pamela Harayda for assisting with this session.

Check out Twin Week – Day Four on The Poppy Cat here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Poppy Cat:  The Poppy Cat features beautiful photography with infants, children and families.  “We hope the readers of our publication will see the beauty in the everyday life of being a mother”.

10 Dec

Waxhaw, North Carolina Family Photographer | Childhood Enclosed

Waxhaw, North Carolina Family Photographer

Wow, it’s been over two months since I have had an opportunity to blog my family portrait sessions and I have a long list of sessions to add to the blog!  It’s been a busy holiday season, and I’m so grateful for all of my wonderful and amazing clients!

So, now we are jumping all the way back to August to begin a marathon of family portrait session blog posts!

This sweet family requested a downtown session right in the beautiful town of Basking Ridge.  I absolutely loved having an opportunity to just wander up and down the main street and find different backdrops and settings for creating family images.  After walking up and down the main road, we ventured off to a side road and down to an open park area to complete the session.  This sweet little girl loved being photographed and might just be a model someday! She has sweet eyes and a beautiful smile, and I just loved her dress, side-ponytail, and the beautiful blue ribbon with her curls.  OK, so maybe I just loved everything about this session.  And I hope do you as well.

This is the perfect way to kick-off the upcoming marathon of blogs and family photos!  Enjoy!

Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan captures portraits in Basking Ridge

Family Portrait Session in Basking Ridge, NJ