10 Sep

North Carolina Family Photographer | Ocean Daydreams

North Carolina Family Photographer | Ocean Daydreams

Earlier this Summer, I traveled down the Garden State Parkway to meet old friends for an extended family portrait.  I was contacted in December by a friend from elementary school that was looking to purchase a gift certificate as a Christmas present for her mother.  She knew right away that the ideal time for family portraits would be during the family’s annual vacation in Long Beach Island in the Summer.

It was a special treat to be reunited with a childhood friend, her mother and sister, and also to meet their entire family – husbands and children.  The weather was perfect and we began shooting right outside their vacation home before we journeyed down to the beach for extended family portraits as well as sweet moments with all the cousins having fun in the sand.  Some of my absolute favorite images are the ones that capture the giggles behind silly moments with a family.

Here is a little opportunity for you to remember those lazy days of Summer . . .

Enjoy!

North Carolina Family Photographer Beach Portraits Extended Family

North Carolina Family Photographer Extended Family Portrait Session on the Beach

06 Sep

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

I’m so excited to be featured again on The Indie Tot blog!  Last October, I photographed this adorable family in Metuchen and Edison, NJ.  I love Autumn days and looking forward to this year’s sessions.

Check out The G Family on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

 

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

 

 

09 Aug

Charlotte Family Photographer | Family and Fashion

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Family and Fashion

Earlier this year I was contacted by a Mom for a family portrait session.  She described her vision of what she wanted for a family portrait that included her own mother, her brother, her daughter and her.   They didn’t have a good family photo, and they were so excited about the opportunity to do this with me.  She helped find the ideal spot for her session which was the Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor, NJ, and she even brought her very own couch to include as a prop.  When your clients want to bring their own couch to the session, you know you are going to have some fun. And the ladies all had their make-up done in advance by the very talented Angelica DiGuglielmo.

My client had a vision in her head of the ideal family portrait, and I really wanted to help make that vision a reality.

And I just absolutely loved their style.  Based on her response to seeing her gallery, I believe I delivered the vision she was hoping to achieve.   There were so many images that I loved from this session, and here are just a few of my favorites.

Charlotte Family Photographer showcases Family and Fashion

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan loves sessions highlighting Family and Fashion

 

Make-up: Angelica DiGuglielmo

 

06 Jul

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer | Summer Sneak Peeks

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer | Summer Sneak Peeks

Summer is all about getting outdoors and spending time with family! Which also makes it a great time for a family portrait session.  Whether you are staying home or heading to the shore, think about booking your family portrait session during your break.  Since you are already relaxed and focused on having fun with your family, then a family session is an easy addition to capture those moments.

Here are a few sneak peeks from recent family sessions.  I just love that late afternoon Summer sun!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer shares Summer Sneak Peeks

13 Jun

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer | Down by the river . . .

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer | Down by the river . . .

One of the benefits and joys of my career is getting to watch little ones grow and capture some of their wonderful milestones, which is why I adore my repeat clients. I first photographed this little pumpkin when she was about 7 days old, and now she is just a little over one year.

I traveled about an hour south of my home to meet my clients at their home by the river. Their beautiful backyard includes a long dock that extends all the way through the reeds down to the water, providing a beautiful backdrop for our images. It’s hard to choose a favorite image from this session! I love her giggles, her smiles, and her serious faces. And then add in the sweet hugs and cuddles and moments with Mom and Dad.

But I honestly couldn’t stop laughing when Dad decided to play hide and seek with his little girl! The look on her face as he peeked out from behind the couch pillow, the giggles and squeals, and watching her run away, but quickly turn and come back to find him again was just so much fun! I love being a part of these precious family moments and I look forward to continuing to watch this sweet little angel grow!

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer photographs clients at their home down by the river . . .

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer shares family portraits Down by the river . . .

29 May

Waxhaw, NC Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Waxhaw, NC Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Happy Memorial Day Weekend

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I took a little time this weekend to update photos of my own munchkin and pumpkin.

I just love kids dressed in red, white and blue and always try to have special outfits that my kids can wear for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.  Yes, it often is the same outfit for all 3, and that typically works (as long as they don’t get destroyed by ice cream or bbq sauce during the first two holiday weekends).

I just can’t believe how fast they grow and how much they change, even at this age.  We really enjoyed our holiday weekend with the kids, and I’m looking forward to a fun summer!

So, this Tiny Tuesday, I chose my favorite images from this weekend of my own little ones.  They won’t be tiny for long.

 

Waxhaw, NC Children's Photographer shares Tiny Tuesday - Happy Memorial Day Weekend

16 May

North Carolina Childhood Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

I’m so thrilled to once again be published on The Indie Tot blog!!  This one is so very close to my heart, because it features my own munchkin and pumpkin along with our dear friends.  This past St. Patrick’s Day, our close friends came to spend the day at our home and I couldn’t resistant grabbing some photos of the kids running around the yard. Who would have expected it would be nearly 80 degrees in March!

My little man said it best when he told my friend, “we’re just family.”  They are like family to us and I just love these days.

Check out The McK and Ryan Families on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

 

03 May

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Earlier this year, on one of those rare snowy mornings, I was heading a little further south in New Jersey for an adorable baby and family portrait session.  It was a chilly morning, but these little munchkins brought all the sunshine we needed.  And I’m so excited to have this session published on The Indie Tot!!!

Check out The G Family on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

 

17 Apr

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Isn’t it just fitting that my first published family portrait session is with one of my absolutely wonderful clients that I have been working with for the last two years!

Today I have been published on The Indie Tot blog featuring an adorable Fall family portrait session in Historic Richmondtown. Everything about the session was just wonderful – the weather, the location, the family, and the giggly smile of their adorable little man.

Check out The B Family on the The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

07 Mar

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later – A Mom’s Review

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later – A Mom’s Review

Last night, I received the most amazing email from a client (and good friend) about the portrait session we did for her family last year when her youngest son was born. She wrote a detailed note describing what the portraits from her session have meant to her over this past year. I was in tears at the end of her note.  My goal as a photographer isn’t just to make you smile during your session, but to make you smile nearly everyday after just by glancing at the photos that hang in your home.  I know this feeling for myself, and I always aim to provide images to my clients that will make them feel the same way.

There is nothing better than knowing that your wishes and goals for what you hope to provide to your clients have come true.  Here is a note from Jen:

“I walked past my sons’ playroom and I smiled today.  A year ago, my dear friend, Carolyn, came over to take pictures of our family with our newest addition.   A few of the most meaningful images now hang in my playroom in a canvas cluster.

What strikes me now is not how much those pictures remind me of the past, but the reminder of all the moments that have taken place between then and now.  So much has changed, but those pictures also reveal pieces of my kids’ personality that are still true now.

Charlotte, NC Photographer receives letter from Mom describing what her Family Portraits mean to her

This beautiful boy has always had a “thing” with his pointer fingers.  He points at things before he clutches them in his little hands.  At 13 months, he points at every piece of cereal before he eats it.  This picture reminds me that characteristic was a part of him even when his age was only measured in days.

 

 

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later - A Mom's Review My older son lost his first tooth 2 months before this picture was taken (on Thanksgiving).  I love that I’m reminded of that milestone when I look at this picture.

 

 

Charlotte, NC Guest Blog:  A Mom's Review of her Family Portrait PhotographerHe lost his first top tooth a year after this picture was taken, and I have to say I’m grateful to have some great shots of him before his smile was changed forever.

 

But even more than the precious milestones and memories, there are new moments created by these photos.  My older son glanced up at the photo below and said, “Mommy is that your hand holding Owen’s?”  And I said, “No, honey.  That’s your hand holding your brother’s.”

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer - big brother and little brother handsI explained to him that they would always have each other.  It was probably the first time they held hands, but metaphorically it’s just the beginning.  To a stranger, it’s just two hands, but to me it’s the early moments of a lifetime bond.

This art is more meaningful to me than anything an artist could paint.   These photos make me smile everyday, and no matter how busy things get they remind me of what’s really important.

Thank you, Carolyn, for lending me your talent and your vision!  Your work means so much to so many people!”

 I absolutely loved reading Jen’s note, and it completely warmed my heart.   As she notes, life is busy.  I simply hope to provide images that will make you stop for a moment and remember.  I’m so thrilled that I could give that to Jen.

Thanks for reading!

 

03 Feb

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Displaying Photographs in Your Home

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Displaying Photographs in Your Home

Today’s Favorite Friday blog share is about one of my favorite things to do – helping my clients decide how to display their new family photographs in their home.  While I love photographing families and capturing wonderful moments and memories for my clients, I also absolutely love when my clients choose to display the images from those sessions in their home.

Did you know that displaying family photographs in your home can help improve a child’s self-confidence by giving them a sense of belonging?  Being a mother, that is almost reason enough for me.  But I also believe that adding family photographs to your walls adds a natural warmth to your home, and also just makes you smile more from glancing at the sweetness of the moments we captured that day.  Who couldn’t use a few extra smiles each day?

But I often find that my clients are not sure how to display these images in their home, and have difficulty deciding what to order on their own.  That is why I meet with all of my clients just a few weeks after their session for an ordering consultation, and I bring customized ideas for the best ways to display the images from their sessions on their walls.

Here are just a few examples of the beautiful gallery-wrapped canvas cluster ideas I have prepared for my clients.  There are many more options and layouts, and I would love a chance to work with your family to add happiness and warmth to your walls and home.

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer demonstrates ways to display family photographs in your home

 

 

31 Jan

Charlotte, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Expect the Unexpected

Charlotte, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Expect the Unexpected

What happens when you ask two adorable little girls to gather a pile of leaves and throw them in the air?   Sometimes, even the subjects in your photograph don’t know what to expect next.

I loved everything about this session with these two beautiful little girls.  The older sister has such a gorgeous smile, beautiful eyes, and she just seems to light up in front of the camera. The younger sister is full of spirit, energy, and a complete bundle of fun!

I also loved the colors here – their mom did a fantastic job with these adorable outfits. While the outfits are completely different, the colors pair nicely together and just pop against our late Fall backdrop.

So, these adorable girls gathered their leaves as requested, and stood really close together ready to toss them into the air.  The older one threw her pile up in the air immediately after the first image was shot and honestly before I was completely ready.

But the little one waited just a few seconds more and tossed her pile a little lower (therefore partially in her big sister’s face) – catching her sister completely off guard.  And then, this little munchkin was so excited with the leaves raining on their heads that she just starting giggling and running circles around her big sister.

The bottom picture captures a moment of sheer happiness and also one of surprise.  What I love most about the images though is how much they made their Mom giggle when we sat down to review them together.  Even to this day, everytime she sees that second image, she chuckles remembering the moment.  We didn’t expect what happened, but it makes us both smile (and laugh) to remember that feeling of happiness.

 

Charlotte, North Carolina Children's Photographer  shares Fall Foliage portraits with children

30 Jan

Marvin, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Smiles to Keep You Warm

Marvin, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Smiles to Keep You Warm

I love twinkling little eyes, especially from little boys that are just looking for a hint of trouble.  This little guy is just 3 years old, and is honestly such a sweet little man, but can you just see that glimmer in his eyes that he is looking for a little adventure?

I love the images of him, but also loved capturing this wonderful relationship between a big sister and her little brother.  Even with about 14 years between them, you can tell they are still best friends.  I loved watching them walk together down the road, and my heart just aches to think that she will be heading to college next year.  Time goes by so quickly, and she has grown into a wonderful young lady.

I hope these images will bring a little warmth, smiles and sunshine to your day.

Enjoy!

Marvin, North Carolina Children's Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares smiles to keep you warm

21 Jan

Fanwood, NJ Children’s Photographer | First Snow Day 2012

After last winter, it’s nice to be excited for snow once again.  This time is was just the perfect amount.  It was easy enough to clean up, but fun enough to let the kids play.

Believe it or not, this was our little guy’s first real time playing in the snow. He’s 2 1/2 years old now, and last year he was either sick for most of the snowstorms, or the snow was too deep to really allow him to go out and enjoy it.  That’s why I’m so excited to share these images, because he just loved playing with his Dad and big sister this morning.  He started out slow, but the smiles quickly turned to giggles as he played and tackled Daddy.

Our daughter had a brief timeout on the front steps for throwing a snowball down her brother’s neck.  As a parent, I hate these moments when we spoil the fun, but the photographer in me just had to capture it.  Honestly, I love the image, and she laughed later when she saw it. Don’t worry, it was a super short timeout and she quickly got back into the fun.  I turned to catch her sneakily tasting the snow and I loved the series of smiles and giggles.  Do you remember being 6 years old and eating handfuls of snow?

After a few more snowballs and smiles, it was time for me to put the camera away inside and really join in the fun – and yes we had a mini-snowball fight.

If you had snow this weekend, I hope you were able to enjoy it as much as we did.  Stay safe and enjoy this cozy weekend.

12 Jan

Marvin, NC Family and Children’s Photographer | From shy to smiles . . .

Marvin, NC Family and Children’s Photographer | From shy to smiles . . .

Not everyone starts out their session ready to go and have a great time.  And that’s completely ok.  When we started this session, this little man was shy and just wanted to be close to his Mom.  So, that’s what we captured.  We had plenty of time to get adorable and happy images, and we knew that our patience would win and help us get there.  I have seen him many times running around and having fun, so I knew it was only a matter of time.

But honestly, one of our favorite images from the session (both for his Mom and me), is from those shy moments.  I featured the images a few weeks back for Tiny Tuesday, and it’s included here again in black and white.  There is so much emotion in that one photograph.

And now I’m happy to share a few other images from the session to show the transformation from shy to smiles to outright giggles and laughter.  This sweet little boy kept me running the rest of the afternoon.

Enjoy!

Marvin, NC Family and Children's Photographer shares photographs highlighting a child going from shy to smiles