A 6 year old + 5 minutes = MAGIC!
I told my niece, Ava Grey, if she would just give me 5 minutes to take her pictures I would let her go play with her cousins.
Dang...She's good.
Take 2..
So in my last post I told you about the "W" family and the fun session we did at Cape Fear Community College. You can't tell from the pictures but Molly was really not feeling well. She got a sunburn the day before and her throat hurt but she was such a trouper and pulled off some amazing shots for the family group photos. But when I did her individual shots, she was not feeling it. I could see it in her eyes. The next morning, she wakes up with PINK EYE and a major fever!!! I knew she was not being her normal, crazy, sweet self. So I told her mom that I would be back in town in a few weeks and I want to do a mini session with just Molly. We would go back to the same spot, same outfit and try again, this time with much happier, much healthier girl. Her session was amazing. This girl works that camera...just like I knew she could.
Seriously, after this can we get a fish taco at Islands?
I love when friends hire me to photograph their families because my day job turns into a hang out session while I take pics of their adorable kids. I've known Chandra since my time in Wilmington but I gotta tell ya, I really like hanging out with her kids. Like, in a, lets go get a hurricane at Kohl's Frozen Custard at Wrightsville Beach. We got to catch up on what everyone is up to: Shelby is in Utah, Hunter is deciding his next path in life after High School, Hannah is a Senior, Molly is killing it in Middle School and Garrett is still just a super sweet kid. Hannah and I have already plans for a Senior Portrait session in August. I can't wait.
Ladies and Gentleman...The "W" Family
PS. Stay tuned for my next post about poor Molly...
Kin...
I don't know what it is about cousins. There are some that you are totally fine with seeing once a year at Christmas and calling it good. But then you have cousins that you CRAVE spending time with them. You make special trips to visit. You align your schedules. You want your kids to hang out and become friends/super cousins. Guy is that cousin for me. I have always loved spending time with him since I was younger. And then he goes and marries an amazing woman who is super cool to be with and then he has two great girls that are so sweet...
Don't even get me started on my love for his mama, my Aunt Tinkum...
So when Guy texted me and asked to take his family pictures in their new house. I said yes! Then he told me that it had been YEARS since their last family portrait and I gased up the car!! We laughed through this whole session! I love my kin folk!!
Waiting in the wings...
Years ago my friend, Shelley, came up to me and told me about her idea to teach a ballet class for her daughter and her friends. She would have it in her living room since she has hardwood floors. We would have to move her furniture out of the way. A few months later we had a cute little dance recital at our church. We hung bed sheets on a string across the gym to make a curtain. Kelly made cute costumes for the girls to dance in. Parents came and the performance lasted for about 30 minutes and that probably included set up time. Fast forward 8 years and I got to attend To The Pointe Ballet Studio's Spring Recital. Eighty girls in 15 different classes were a whirlwind of costumes, dance shoes, and make-up at the Ragsdale High School Auditorium. While my 2 girls were getting ready for their turn on stage in KinderBallet and KinderTap for Brynn and Musical Theater for Caroline I took my camera for a spin backstage. I was so inspired by these talented dancers.
3 years...
We knew they would only be here for 3 years. They said so from the beginning. And in true Emily-fashion she made the most of every minute. But even with the knowledge that they wouldn't be here forever, it didn't make it their leaving any easier. After all the tea parties, school parties, gym classes, hugs at church, church hats, lunch dates and play dates I found myself not wanting to think about saying goodbye. So instead, I'm choosing the cheesy way out and saying "See you soon." Friends stay friends forever.
Before you go...
They sent the letter through email. And I don't blame them. When you have to tell the people that you have come to know and love over the past 10 years that you are moving away it might be hard to do it face to face. I get it. It was hard to read. But they did a really good job of explaining the future they have planned for their family. They will be closer to doctors for A. There will be more time for L and J to try their hand at extra curricular activities. Tom landed a great job with the State Department of Education in his area of expertise. And Kelly...well Kelly will bloom where ever she is planted. Bloom and thrive and grow and be awesome at everything. Just like she has been here in Greensboro. Ok, Ok, enough. I can't see the screen right now. Must be my allergies. And besides, Clayton is kind of like Stars Hollow or so I've been told.
Wilmington Sessions
I only ever need one good excuse to pack up and head to Wilmington. Having the chance to visit family and the beach and eat at PTs Grill is a motivating factor. I was looking over the kids school schedule and realized their spring break falls at the perfect time of year for family portrait sessions. The sunshine is perfect, the weather isn't too hot or too cold, and the flowers are blooming. Done and done.
I am excited to shoot in Wilmington again. I have sessions available on weekdays and weekends April 8-15. Here are all the details:
- Session Fee is $250 (You can pay using Google Wallet to secure your slot.)
- This includes:
- 45 minute session at a location of your choice
- 30-35 images
- hi-res download (up to 11X14) in an online album to share with friends and family.
Call or email me soon to reserve your space. I'll even share my PTs fries with you!!
