I was recently roaming our local mall with Evelyn when I spotted a Christmas display in the Hallmark store. Are you serious? Already?! We’ve only just entered August! Well, I am eating my words because now I will be guilty of promoting the holiday season while it’s still summer. But, in my defense, I wanted to get the word out early for a couple of reasons. One, I want you to be able to plan a session in the coming months, and believe it or not, sometimes it is hard to find a time slot that will work for both you and I. Two, due to my hubby’s profession, it’s possible we are only going to be in the Raleigh area another two to three months. So, I wanted to give those who are local the heads up that if you would like to book, the time is now! Lastly, and it happens every year, but the holidays can just creep up on you. Why not take care of your cards early?:)

Below are some designs I’m super excited to share with you! They are thumbnail size but can easily be viewed larger, just click on them:) I recently ordered the templates and have been working to put together what the finished product will look like once the photos are inserted into the designs. There are five 5×7 designs and one 5×5 design. They can be ordered as either flat or folded cards, and must be ordered in addition to booking a session. I will possibly be offering abbreviated sessions at a discounted price for the sole purpose of getting 5-10 good shots to use for the holiday cards, details to come on that:) For now, check out the pricing info and designs below! If you have any questions, feel free to email me:)

*The last set is the 5×5 set, called the Holly Jolly design, and is available as either flat or folded cards.

*The second to last set is the Sweet Cover design and is the only design that is available solely as a flat card, all of the other sets can be ordered as either flat or folded cards.

Set of 5×7 flat cards (25/set, envelopes included): $40

Set of 5×7 folded cards (25/set, envelopes included): $50

Set of 5×5 flat cards (25/set, envelopes included): $35

Set of 5×5 folded cards (25/set, envelopes included): $40

In between getting the family shots and  chasing MJ around, Tiffany and I were able to snap a few simple headshot and portrait shots for her to use in marketing herself in her new venture as a real estate agent. In fact, she is taking the test right now to get licensed! Tiffany is a born saleswoman, I’m sure she’ll be selling houses like hot cakes in no time:) If you are in the Raleigh area and need an agent, she’s your woman!

Besides the ones we took during their family session, we also wanted to use this great chair she has in her apartment to get some less formal, more fun shots, but at the same time still professional. It was kind of a last minute thing, but we had about 10 minutes where we basically threw our kids over to Michelle, who so kindly offered to watch them with no warning from us, so that we could try and get the shots. I really love them, I think the contrast of the chair in the street in so fun…but when we have more time I definitely want to do a whole shoot centered around that chair and take our time with it!

For now, though, I have these to share with you. Pretty darn gorgeous and striking, no?

It was Easter weekend. Since Matt’s job involves a lot of other people who are far from family, we easily were able to plan a relaxed barbeque at our friend’s pool, whom you’ll recognize them from this post:) Little did I know that I would also meet another family of three that day, with a little boy only three or so weeks older than Evelyn, who were also new to the area. Tiffany, Michael, and I just started chatting, talking about our little ones and what it’s like to move to an area where you know no one. While that’s new to me, Tiffany grew up with a military dad, so moving often is nothing daunting to her. I was struck first of all by how nice this family was, by how cute their little boy, MJ, was, and how genuine they came across. As I’ve gotten to know them over the past several months, I have come to see that this, and many more good qualities, are true of them. Not to mention, they are a gorgeous family! Absolute photographer’s dream to photograph!

Thanks so much for having me take your family photos….enjoy!