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

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

 

16 Oct

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Game On

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Game On

Little boys are just awesome!  I don’t know if it’s the animation in their face or the inhibitions they display, but I just love it when they let loose and wear their personality on their sleeve.  This little dude did not disappoint,  he came to the session with his game face on!

It must have been contagious because his brother and sister played right along with him.  And I can’t forget to send a special  thank you to mother nature for supplying us with the leaves.

This session was filled with all kinds of family moments and I loved every moment of it – from photographing the family to preparing the slideshow, I couldn’t stop smiling.  I was even a bit giddy as I placed the order for a few beautiful canvas prints with my lab, because I just know the awesome folks at my lab are going to love these as much as I do!

Enjoy!

 

Family Photography, Charlotte NC Westfield NJ Childrens Holiday Portraits Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Fall Family Portraits

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

 

04 Oct

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer | Giggles and Smiles

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer | Giggles and Smiles

This sweet family of four is full of happiness and giggles!  We spent this beautiful afternoon enjoying nature, smiling and lots of exploring.  As I sat back watching this family interact with one another, I wondered what were they thinking about as they laughed and whispered in each other’s ear.  What were these boys smiling about as they sat in the warm, green grass?   I just love to see the awe and wonder in young faces ; it always reminds me that I need to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life!

Enjoy!

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

Professional North Carolina Family Portrait Session with Carolyn Ann Ryan

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

 

26 Sep

Classic Marvin, NC Family Portraits| Extended Family Celebrations

Classic Marvin, NC Family Portraits | Extended Family Celebrations

Could you imagine a better gift for a 40th wedding anniversary?  Three thoughtful sisters wanted to provide their parents with beautiful images of the entire family together – parents, children and grandchildren all together.  I love these sessions, because this is what family is all about.   It is so important to have these images.  While Grandma and her girls will treasure these images today, they will also create beautiful treasured gifts for the three little ones in front in another 40 years.

 

 Classic Marvin, NC Family Portraits of an extended family for an anniversary celebration

 

 

 

Marvin, North Carolina Classic Extended Family Portrait Session

 

 

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

14 May

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Cuteness

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Cuteness

I love watching my little clients grow.  I’ve been photographing this family since their older little man was just a tiny newborn baby. And last year, we welcomed their second little guy. It was so wonderful to meet my clients at Historic Richmondtown in Staten Island once again this Spring to photograph their oldest child’s 3rd birthday portraits along with Easter portraits of both little guys.

During our consultation, their Mom and I talked about how much we love Janie & Jack outfits and I just can’t resist a little boy in a hat, so Mom made sure to get some adorable little hats for these munchkins.  Their outfits were just perfect for the day, the season and location.

While we were wandering around Richmondtown in Staten Island, I noticed a few new buildings. These new additions are part of the set for Boardwalk Empire which occasionally films in this area.  We loved incorporating the buildings into our photographs.

I hope you enjoy the irresistible cuteness of these little brothers and I can’t wait for the little man’s 1st birthday session later this year!

Enjoy!

Marvin, NC Child Portraits Brothers Marvin, NC Child Portraits of Brothers by Carolyn Ann Ryan

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

 

 

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

15 Jun

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father’s Day!

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”  ~Author Unknown

For all of you amazing Dads out there, I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of hugs and sweet moments with your children!  Enjoy your day!

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father's Day!

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan celebrates Father's Day!

 

 

 

01 May

Marvin, NC Communion Portrait Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – A Moment of Reflection

Marvin, NC Communion Portrait Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – A Moment of Reflection

This past weekend was my niece’s Communion Day and this was my absolute favorite image from the day. It was after the ceremony and we were in the lobby of the Church. I had brought her near the door to make some portraits using the window light when all of a sudden, I caught a glimpse of her bouquet in the marble wall.  I took a few steps back, and there she was – the beautiful reflection of my sweet niece.

I had a photographer’s moment of glee as I made these images. I truly felt like a kid in a candy store. It was just pure happiness for me to capture a sweet moment like this.

Special thanks to my beautiful niece for all her cooperation and modeling for the day. Many more images to share, but for today, just sharing my favorite.

Enjoy.

Marvin, NC Communion Portrait Photographer shares A Moment of Reflection

09 Apr

Waxhaw, NC Child and Family Photographer | Family Life is . . . .

Waxhaw, NC Child and Family Photographer | Family Life is . . . .

If you visit and read my web site, you’ll find that I describe family life as “sweetness, love, craziness and chaos all rolled into one.”  Well, that statement comes directly from my experience with my own family – my kids, my nieces, cousins, and more.  Sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and chaos and just have fun with it.

I love taking Easter Portraits of my kids and my nieces, and I typically hunt for the perfect Easter outfits for my kids.  But taking portraits of my own children can be quite entertaining.  But I absolutely love the images we made yesterday.  The craziness, chaos, sweetness and love are all here.  It was completely nutty, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Enjoy!

PS Special thanks to my cousin, Billy, for his willingness to participate in the chaos.

 

Waxhaw NC Child and Family photographer - backyard shoot

Outfits:

Shannon – Dress: Gap Kids. Headband: Kids Kuts in Westfield
Jack – Shirt, Pants and Hat: Janie & Jack