August 31, 2023

Wake Forest Family Photographer

Yesssss! What an honor to work once again with the amazingly talented Amanda of Raleigh Birth Photography. If you’re pregnant and looking for someone to document the day you give birth, Amanda is it. She’s not only an amazing talent, but an extremely calming presence – even when she’s shooting Nerf guns the size of a bazooka at her own children. AND SHOOT NERF GUNS WE DID! I have quite literally never seen so many Nerf guns in my life. When I arrived, they were laid out in an impressive arsenal on their couch. According to local lore, Amanda has refused to participate in any family Nerf Wars – until now. Yes, this was Amanda’s very first Nerf Wars, which she valiantly fought alongside (or against?) her husband Joe and three children, Michael, Lucien, and Fiona. That’s right – I’m not really sure who was on who’s team, or if there were any teams at all. It was just kind of a free-for-all of styrofoam ammo flying and me ducking for cover between shots. A good time was had by all, and afterward there was costumed dancing (Lucien [skeleton tutu] dances with the Carolina Ballet, and I actually saw him in last year’s Halloween program when he performed in Dracula!), Lego building (Michael is a skilled and esteemed Lego builder, and he has the multi-level McCallister’s house from Home Alone to prove it), and sorting through a Caboodle full of miniatures (Fiona has an entire Caboodle [yes, a Caboodle!] full of miniatures, and it’s my DREAM. Mini Reese’s Cups. Mini boxes of chicken tenders. Mini sodas. Mini cats. Mini bottles of Red Hot. I had to drag myself away). We ended the day with a good old fashioned “Draw on the Garage Door with Chalk” session, and it could not have been better. Love this vibrant and always fun family.

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August 25, 2023

Madison+Tyler+River // Family Photographer in Durham, NC

I’ve known Madison and Tyler for many years through Janice at Big Dog Little Bed and have photographed Tyler a few times for his videographer work there. But this was my first time photographing Madison and Tyler not only has a couple, but as parents to their sweet little boy River. River is SO CUTE and also VERY COOPERATIVE AS A BABY MODEL and also LOVES TO SHOVE SWEET POTATOES IN HIS FACE. He’s fun. He smiles a ton. We taught him how to play a tambourine. He did some swing dancing. He hung out on a backyard hammock. River’s living his best baby life over there. And who can forget Margie the Dog? I painted a portrait of Margie once for my Familiar Dolls side business along with her brother Vernon, and while Vernon is unfortunately no longer with us, Margie is thrilled to have River around. She is an incredibly sweet pup who loves attention and cuddles and insisted that I take at least 5 minutes out of my working schedule to sit with her on the couch (I did). Really she insisted on more than 5 minutes but I had to work and she’s still not over it. We had such a good time together in their beaaaautiful home (that yard!). And now that Geoff’s joined Tyler’s baseball team, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to make up for lost Margie time.

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August 22, 2023

Katie+Tony+Caroline+Zelda // Durham, NC Photographer

You guys! I’ve been trying to win over Caroline for years and I’m proud to announce that it’s finally happened! That’s right. Carolyn the Photographer and Caroline the German Shepherd are finally BFFS and open to start negotiations for our own buddy comedy series on Netflix. Caroline and I have both worked very hard on ourselves and our relationship and finally neither of us are afraid of the other and now we’re best friends. Last time I photographed her, I used a 200mm telephoto lens from the yard as she barked at me, and this time I used a 24mm wide angle as she showed me her belly. We’ve made such strides and I’m so proud of us. Part of Caroline’s success can be attributed to Zelda, who is Katie and Tony’s younger and newer dog, who is absolutely in love with everyone. I think she’s softened Caroline’s heart a bit (either that or Caroline uses Zelda as a canary in a coalmine). Either way, whatever they’re doing is working. Zelda is extremely, extremely cuddly and friendly and gives adorable, unintentional side-eye. And Caroline comes in a bit later and brings you her toy moose and sweetly asks for pets, receives the pets, then leaves to spend some alone time with the moose before coming back again. They’re both very loved. And also there is Katie and Tony, who are both very loved by ME and also their dogs. They are some of the very best delightful folks and it’s 10/10 being friends with them.

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