I'm beyond embarrassed about my lack of blogging! Thankfully its only because I have been so buys taking pictures that I've been too buys to breath let alone blog! My first love is photography and my clients, after that comes my blog! I'm so sorry little blog that you have been ignored!

I thought not only should I blog some of my work but that I should also give you the stories of my clients. Everyone has a story!

This family that I photographed were just amazing! They loved each other so much and I fell in love with their love! They were always reaching out to hold each others hand, or rub a shoulder, or just give a little squeeze! At one point, I joked and said "mom and dad, get close and act like you like each other" and with out a beat, the oldest daughter said very seriously "oh, they do!". Children see and hear everything and they know what is really going on, and when mom and dad are madly in love with each other, the children are so secure. Again, I fell in love with their love!

Believe it or not, we shot these in the middle of October. I could not believe all the flowers that were in bloom! In October!! That's okay though, I'll take gorgeous weather and beautiful flowers any time of year!

He Chose ME!

He saw it in the bottom of the treasure chest, it was so shiny and big that it caught his eye, and he knew he had to have it! He saved his tickets-making sure to do everything in his power to earn them. The day finally came when he had enough tickets saved up. With nervous anticipation he asked his teacher if she would try in on, to make sure it would fit.

When I picked my son up from school, he came running out at full speed. As luck would have it, all the other children had after school activities so it was just he and I. We were going to run errands together and just have some good one on one time. As soon as he got in the van he exclaimed so excitedly "Look what I got for you!" And there it was, his prized treasure, he was choosing to give it to me, not the cute little red head who sits across from him, or the adorable girl with the pony tails that he plays with, but me-his mommy! My heart burst with love and admiration for my sweet little boy. What I would give to bottle him up, keep him at this age-when I'm his number one!
We ran our errands that day, and I wore my beautiful shinny ring for all the world to see. Now I display it proudly by my computer so that I will always be reminded of our connection and love.

The Essence of who I am

Whenever I'm asked "what type of photography do you do?" I always reply-"people, all people!". Well, that's not all that I photograph. For me, it capturing emotions. That special bond between a parent and child, a little touch here, angle kisses here, a couple so in love that they can't stand to not look at each other, giggles and laughter of a family. Its all about showing the love that speaks for itself. So that's what I strive for. I want my portraits to speak of love, energy, and beauty. For example, this picture is one of my favorites! It was not posed, it just happened. It was natural and real. Yes, I give you a great posed picture, one that will be wonderful framed or put on a Christmas card, but I also want to give you the unexpected. I want to give you...you! The real you, the one that loves with all your heart. The one that captures you relaxed, laughing and living life to the fullest. That in my opinion, is art!

Go WolfPack!

So, I just go in from the NC State game. It was my first time going to a college football game...pick your jaw up off the floor! I know, I pride myself in being a good southern girl, yet some how have never embraced college football, which here in the south is pretty big! Anyway, while at the game, I was reminded of JP. JP is probably one of the biggest Wolf Pack fans I know. You know that t-shirt that says " I bleed black and red"? Well, in JP's case, I truly believe it! So, it was no surprise when we did his senior pictures at the football stadium. Here are a few from his session-and I promise to make it to more college foot ball games!

How Did I Get So Lucky?

I love what I do! And to be able to go to the beach and do what I love is just amazing to me! I have been very blessed to have such wonderful clients that have wanted beach pictures this summer. It has been so much fun to leave the city and drive to the beautiful NC coastline for photo shoots! When you go to the beach you just never know what you will get. This day it was overcast, but the way that the light reflected off the water was nothing short of breathtaking! It made the water look aqua, like we were on an island in the Caribbean! I have so many more beautiful pictures that I plan to be posting soon! Thank you Jacob and Erika and everyone else who traveled with me this summer!

Crystal and Anthony's Engagement

I had the wonderful pleasure of another engagement session! Crystal and Anthony's wedding is actually right around the corner in September. They were so sweet to take time out of their very busy schedule for some portraits.

I hope you two enjoy them! It was a pleasure meeting you!

Lisa and Ricks Engagement

I met up with Lisa and Rick and the beautiful Duke Gardens to take their engagement pictures. They were absolutely adorable! There is so much laughter and love between the two of them that is was contagious!

It had been so hot and humid all week, but right before we met, it had rained and cooled things off. Right after we finished up the humidity and heat came back!

They are planning a spring wedding in Richmond, Va, and I have no doubts that is will be filled with love, laughter and family! Congratulations you two, it was so wonderful meeting you both!!

Jonathan and Amy's Engagement Session

I love hearing the stories behind the couple. This couple is very unique-they met in Sunday School at a very early age. Little did they know that many years later they would meet up again and fall instantly in love! We met up at their soon to be home for their engagement session. Their home is very special-it was built by Jonathan's grandparents in the 1940's! It is a beautiful farm house and one of the prettiest hills you have ever seen. There are old barns and buildings, wild flowers and a pond. Johnathan has spend most of this year completely renovating in for his bride to be. He has done an amazing job and they are both so proud of it! Jonathan and Amy-it was a privilege to do your engagement session and I can't wait to photograph your wedding!

Summer in Raleigh!

Words can not express how sweet these three are! They were having their pictures made for their Daddy's birthday and they could not have been more excited! They enjoyed running and playing and I enjoyed capturing them. They were so full of life and energy that is was contagious. I can't wait for their Daddy to get these for his birthday!!

We shot these at Haywood Hall in Raleigh. It had been a while since I'd been there and it was such a joy to shoot there. I remembered just how much I loved it!

Happy 4th of July!!

I absolutly love this dress! I love it for all it stands for, for all the possibilities that it holds!

I have partnered with Diamonds Bridal http://www.diamondsbridal.us/ and when I walked into thier store this week, this dress stopped me in my tracks! I would give anything to photograph a bride wearing this dress. Can you just picture a beautiful bride with her husband in a military uniform, saying their vows as the sun sets during their beach wedding. I could dream all day!

I must say, Diamonds Bridal was such a pleasant surprise! I didn't know we had stores like theirs here in Raleigh. It is such an adorable boutique and their dresses are amazing. They make me want to get married all over again! If your in the area, go check them out! Especially in a couple of weeks as I'll be putting some of my bridal portraits in their store!

Standing my ground

It has taken me a while to get on board with blogging, but I'm finally here! This is where I hope to share who I am and what I am about. I love photography-especially photographing people. There are plenty of photographers who enjoy photographing trees, mountains, lakes, but I enjoy people. Everyone from tiny little babies to beautiful brides. I've been told that I need to focus on one particular type of photography-familes, children ect., or weddings. I've never really been one to follow the rules (yes I colored outside of the lines) and I'm standing firm on the fact that I won't choose. That's the good thing about running your own business, you get to make up the rules :) If you would like me to photograph your children, I'll be happy and delighted! If you are a bride, then I would be overjoyed to photograph your wedding. In whatever you ask me to photograph I will be grateful that you trusted me enough to capture and preserve your memories. It is an honor to photograph and share my art with you. To show you the world through my camera lens. I truly believe that life=art, and what I want to give you is your own art!

I just wanted to share one of my favorite images ever! The reason it's one of my favorites is because its of my four beautiful children. They are my joy and inspiration!

www.yourstilllifephotography.com