Carlie's Senior Pictures at the NC Arboretum

I've known Carlie since she was a small, small girl. I've seen her grow up from a distance, but I don't think I've ever gotten to spend as much time with her as I did last Saturday when we were taking her senior pictures. As I suspected, she's lovely, and hanging out with her and her mom was an awfully pleasant way to spend a Saturday evening.

Carlie and her mom chose the location, and I think the outdoor setting of the North Carolina Arboretum perfectly reflected her love of the outdoors. Any girl who wears her Chacos for her senior pictures is a girl who's ready to go on a hike! I loved her outfit choices and her casual attitude--she made it so fun to experiment with poses and locations.

Thanks for letting me take your pictures, Carlie! I can't wait to see what the next few years hold for you.

First Birthday Sessions

The past few months have been hopping with first birthday sessions. Using the small studio space at my house, I've gotten to take pictures of three of my favorite one-year-olds. The studio space is great during these winter months. 

I love how all of the babies are wearing special first birthday outfits. They're all so different, but so cute! The shirts and accessories are a great way to add personality to the pictures.

This little lady was all dressed up for her special day. I love the coordinating bow and skirt!

I'm a sucker for bow ties and suspenders and smiling baby boys.

The shirt, the hat, the cloth diaper! Such a great ensemble!

Sometimes the weather cooperates and we get to go outside for these sessions, too. As long as the babies are happy, we don't mind to get a little bit cold. In my experience, babies are much more tolerant of winter weather than most adults.

Sometimes the whole family joins in.

It was a little chilly, but he was perfectly happy hanging out in that basket.

Gabriel had a special announcement to make. He may be little, but he's going to be a big brother!

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from these sessions. I'm telling you, there is not a better way to spend an afternoon than taking pictures of a happy one-year-old!

Contemplating exactly what it means to be old enough to enjoy desserts.

I love that colorful cake.

Look how comfortable she is!

In conclusion: bring me all of your one-year-olds! I thoroughly enjoy these sessions, and not just because I sometimes get cupcakes out of them :-)

Adam's Senior Pictures

Adam is my third cousin. I think. He might be my second cousin twice removed, or once removed, but I'm not great with genealogy. Let's just say that we are cousins, but we only see each other once a year or so. We're related enough that I knew he was probably going to college soon, but I hadn't realized that he'd be going this fall.

I was thrilled when his mom contacted me about doing his senior pictures. I'm always thrilled when someone contacts me for a shoot, but doing senior pictures with family is about as fun as it gets. To familiarize myself with the kind of guy he's grown into, I sort of kind of stalked Adam on social media before the shoot, and I then proceeded to bombard him with all of the facts I'd learned. I was going for "hip and relatable" but I'm afraid I came off as "unsettling." Sorry, Adam. But I'm glad to know that we like some of the same TV shows. You clearly have excellent taste.

Did I mention that it was pouring throughout this whole shoot? I started seeing tiny raindrops on my windshield as I drove to Ridge Haven, and I hoped against hope that it was a quick shower that would stop any moment. But it didn't, and it was okay. We worked with the rain, and Adam and his mom helped me find some really great locations to use that were under cover. 

We took pictures and trampled on trails and chatted throughout, and I have to say that taking Adam's senior pictures was one of the most fun things I've done in a while. It helps that he was super photogenic and cooperative. He has been a camp counselor at Ridge Haven for the past few summers, so he knew his way around the site like a pro.

After we'd gotten a good number of pictures and the shoot was winding down, Adam suggested that we go to a nearby waterfall. I agreed, of course, because I never say no to waterfalls. We hiked down through the muddy woods, got a few pictures, and headed back up to the car.

As much fun as I had taking pictures (and trust me, I had a LOT of fun taking pictures), I have to say that rainy walk to the falls was my favorite part of the day. Sure, I walked back blindly because my glasses were completely fogged up and useless, but it was such a great experience to hang out with a cousin of mine whom I rarely see. Adam, I'm thrilled to see that you've grown (and grown and grown and grown) into such an awesome guy. Best of luck at school next year, and I look forward to seeing you at the family reunion in July!