Happy Thanksgiving!

November is a peaceful, pretty time of year. The lush greenery of summer has faded to muted shades of nature, and clouds hover above us and speak of the coming winter-not a warning so much as a word of advice from a trusted friend. The seasons are changing, and the pace of life has moved into a different rhythm.


We've entering into the holiday season and I'm sure the majority of you are celebrate Thanksgiving today. This time of year summons up many warm memories of gathering around the family table (or being sequestered to the kids' table) enjoying a special meal surrounded by family and friends.


Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday. It's marvelous to have a day set apart to be grateful for all we enjoy. My good fortune overwhelms me with gratitude, and I want you to know that you are included in my list of blessings. Your friendship and patronage has warmed my heart. I love to see my clients' smiles and hear the laughter of a family posing for a portrait that will be cherished for decades. Touching the lives of friends and neighbors with my portraiture is my dream come true.


I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love, sweet moments shared with someone special, gratitude, and laughter. I hope you make memories to cherish forever.


Have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with goodness and joy. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. Warmest Wishes!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Megan

Allie Grace, 2 1/2 years old, Thanksgiving 2011

Be Inspired | Photo Displays

I've been collecting a lot of images to compile a few posts for you so you can see how other people display their photographs. Some of the images in my list are of how my customers have chosen to display their images and then some are photos of displays that I've found on the web or mainly my new love, pinterest! :)

Sometimes clients think an 8x10 is a fairly large image. Want to know how small an 8×10 REALLY looks on a mantle or above a couch? Remember if you want an image to be a focal point in a space remember that bigger is better! See the following image as an example:

Image from: Wall Display Guides

Original location unknown, also blogged by: Laura Winslow

Image from: Studio B Portraits

The next image consists of: 1-20x24 1- 21x19 1- 21x11 1- 11x25 1-13x19
1-11x14 1- 10x10 and 3- 8x10's
All are gallery wrap canvas with white edges!

Image from: Jon and Leslie

Image from: The Savvy Photographer

Why not use an old window as your frame? Isn't the next image just too cool?

Image from: Hammers and High Heels

#65 Complete: Pick Grapes

#65: Pick grapes in Gum Neck

Please excuse the cell phone photo. All of my equipment was off getting tuned and squeaky clean when my family and I went to pick grapes down in Gum Neck. This was actually the only photo that shows proof that we went. I didn't take any photos while we were there because we had to pick quick or the mosquitoes would have picked you up and carried you away! :)

{This Moment}

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Whitney | Raleigh Bridal Portrait Photographer

Whitney and I met each other our freshman year at Meredith College. I was excited and honored when she called last year and asked me if I'd be interested in photographing her bridal portraits and wedding. We met for lunch after not seeing each other for sometime and had time to catch-up and talk weddings!

Fast-forward a year later and her big day has come and gone. She married her prince, Richie, last Saturday, and today they're frolicking in Jamaica as Mr. & Mrs. Clayton! Now that she's married, I can show you her bridal portraits. We started her session off at the Raleigh Little Theatre in the Rose Garden. The first photo is one of my most favorite bridal images.



Whitney has a doggie, Gabel, that she wanted included in some of her images.







After some time at the Raleigh Rose Garden we went to Meredith College for the rest of her portraits. The following photo is the one she chose to display as a framed 16x24 at her wedding reception.









Stay tuned for images from their wedding!

#68: Complete | Jones Reunion

#68: Attend the 2011 Jones Reunion

Each year my paternal grandfather's family gets together for a small reunion in May. This year I was able to attend. It was great to see everyone, but I really enjoyed seeing all of the photographs that my cousins had brought. I learned while at the reunion that my Uncle Sam, my grandfather's brother, loved photography too and took lots of photos. I guess that's where I get it from?!





The next picture is a photo of my Grandaddy as a young boy! Isn't he handsome? :)


My grandad and one of his sisters.



Lots of pictures but I decided to focus on the center image of some of Dora & Ashby's grandkids. I think that picture is too cute of them all piled in the boat!

Belly to Baby Press Printed Book

Press Printed Books are a great way to showcase images from a session (or two, in this case). If you have a lot of favorites from your sessoin(s) and want to have a special keepsake, an album or press printed book is a great product to look into!

This particular book was designed from Amy's maternity session and newborn session.











Press Printed Books are available in many sizes and with many paper type options. Choose from different cover material options including a variety of fabrics, leathers and suedes, or a custom photo cover. Photo covers are made with a photographic print that is laminated and adhered to the masonite cover. The photo cover allows for complete customization on the front, spine, and back of the book using your own images and designs (as seen in the example above).

Growing too Fast...

My Child

Author: Unknown

I hope that my child looking back on today,

remembers a mum who had time to play.

Children grow up while you're not looking,

there'll be years ahead for cleaning and cooking.

So quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep,

I'm rocking my baby because babies don't keep.

Happy Two and a Half Years, baby girl! Mommy loves you to the moon and back!

{This Moment}

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.