Portraits in Raleigh: Stephanie

This lovely client found her way to me by inquiring about real estate photography for one of her clients. I referred her to someone else, and shortly after received another e-mail from her… this time asking me to take her portraits. :) When she told me about her company and products, I was so excited. Stephanie Wetzel is the brains and beauty behind Trading Pounds, a business centered around her recent weight loss (she’s lost over an amazing 170 pounds so far since January 2010!). She’s already written and published one cookbook and is in the process of writing her second. Trading Pounds includes a blog, free e-books, and other personal coaching tools. Stephanie wanted some new photos to show her kick-butt new look and I was more than happy to help. She’s a ridiculously fun girl who has two cats, is a self-described nerd, and whose favorite recipe is pot pie with rosemary. :)

Along with her entourage (manager Elise and best friend Travis), we went into the naturey parts of a local park per her request to photograph Stephanie looking gorgeous. This was my first shoot of 2012… held on one of the coldest days in Raleigh I’ve encountered in a long time… and we all had very limited motion in our extremities by the end of the shoot. :D Thank you for your bravery, Stephanie… and for your awesomeness and help, entourage! 

 

Raleigh Portrait Photographer: Amanda+Chris Anniversary Session

Hey there! I’ve been on vacation in the Outer Banks for a week and now I’m back and ready to head into the second part of wedding season in the south.

Happy one year anniversary to our beloved Amanda and Chris! They were married a little over a year ago on June 23rd and we’ve missed them. :) Way back a few months ago when Amanda contacted me to do their anniversary pictures, I was super excited to see them again. Then we all became even more excited a few months later when we found out that Amanda is pregnant! It’s a great feeling seeing previous clients again, and a greater feeling when you get to see their happy little family expand… whether by cat, dog, or baby. ;) They chose to do their photographs at Oak View County Park where they frequently visit. They really love old-timey era things and have told me before that they’re probably living in the wrong decade, and they find that they love this park due to its old buildings and land. We met up on one incredibly hot evening last week and, while we all almost melted, we survived to bring you beautiful summer evening pictures. Enjoy!

Happy anniversary, Amanda and Chris! Good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and stay out of this heat!!…unless it’s to do photos with us. ;)

Raleigh Engagement Photographer: Brittany+Garrett

Brittany and Garrett are a great couple! We had a lot of fun on their shoot this past Sunday. :) I first met them at Mary Ann and Daniell’s wedding where Brittany was a bridesmaid! So I knew we’d have a lot of fun. When Brittany and I spoke about where they’d like to do their shoot, they wanted to have some in a bookstore or a library as her and Garrett both write and are very into books (i love that people still read… and actual bound books!). Brittany went to school for creative writing and wants to be an author, while Garrett writes for recreation. But we were doing this shoot on Sunday evening, so I had to think about a place that would be open on both Sunday evening and on Memorial Day weekend and… of course… it was Reader’s Corner on Hillsborough! :)

They were only open for a half hour, so we took few pictures inside, and did the bulk of our shoot outside. For those who don’t know, Reader’s Corner is that store that has books outside all night. They are only a few cents, and you pay for them via a little slot in the door with all proceeds going to NPR. It’s really pretty rad. We took some pictures. Brittany and Garrett bought some more books. It was all good. :D

We then moved on to a pretty park behind their house that they walk to quite often. It was a gorgeous summer evening, but hot! But they were great sports and put up with the heat, mosquitoes, and our ideas. ;) And Brittany has the most gorgeous blue eyes!

The light was greaaat. Thanks, end of spring!

Yay!! We love this session and it already makes me go, “Ahhhh, summer” even though it’s still spring and I’m sure I wouldn’t say that if I weren’t inside the air conditioned comfort of my house. ;) Thank you, Brittany and Garrett! We had a wonderful time working with you and wish you the very very best on your wedding and married life!