Liam ∙ Almost Senior Portraits ∙ New Bern

It was gorgeous last Saturday. Finally Fall is here. Now, North Carolina Fall is totally different from North East Ohio Fall (that’s where I grew up), but there was definitely a chill in the air. Liam, his mom, Linn and I were all a bit cold at the beginning of the session, but by the end we weren’t thinking about the cold at all. I think Liam broke a sweat. I had him climbing trees, a fence, a monument, and, of course, monkey bars. Liam hadn’t had his portrait made since he was a little tike (he’s a junior now), so we wanted to have some fun with this session.

Linn and Liam, thanks for coming down to New Bern for these. I hope you enjoy looking through them. I can’t wait to show you the rest. Liam, you could totally be a model! You're a natural in front of a camera.

JaLisha ∙ School’s OUT ∙ Kinston Senior Portraits

I have to say, this girl’s got some skills! Not just anyone on a flag line can do her routine flawlessly with a toddler running circles around her.

JaLisha brought her honey, Aj and their little man along for the session. What fun we had! When JaLisha got out her flags, he wanted to do the routine right along with her.  I loved trying to catch the little guy smile. It’s infectious. You can see he got his daddy to smile, too!

JaLisha did the pose in the photo on the right when I told her to do something that was “her.” Love it!

Aj, thanks for coming along. I just love that we could get all three of you together for the session. I know JaLisha has been wanting to for a while. JaLisha, I am so glad this worked out! I can’t help smiling when I look at your photos. You have so much kindness and joy bursting from within you that it pours out. (Call me about next June ;)

Dorm Room Design ∙ Kara Paslay Designs

When I was a sophomore in college, I had THE most awesome roomies! We got along really well, kept the place pretty clean and wanted a well-designed living space. We took a lot of time creatively pulling together our common room. Our “wow factor” was our feature wall covered in different shades of purple and black construction paper forming a geometric design.  We loved that room! It was fun and cozy. We spent a lot of movie nights and a few Bachelorette marathons in that room. 

Since the fall college semester is just around the corner for a lot of you out there, I thought it would be a great time to share some dorm room design tips. But, I’m not a designer. So take a look at this fabulous episode of Til Design Do Us Part by Tim & Kara Paslay from Kara Paslay Designs.

'Til Design Do Us Part© Episode 1 from kara paslay on Vimeo.

Kara has the answer for turning those drab dorms filled with not so chic furniture, old carpet, ugly tile, and plain yellowing walls into a place you and your friends will want to “study.” Check out Kara’s blog for more beautiful design ideas for your dorm room.

I want to hear some of your ideas, too! Leave me a comment sharing some of your ideas and email me photos. I will post my favorites!

Trash the Dress! ∙ Senior Portrait Session ∙ Eastern North Carolina Photographer

What better way to kick off the summer than going swimming in your prom dress? This “Trash the Prom Dress” session was pure fun. It was hard work, too. In the humid 90 degree weather, we adventured through a forest and murky swamps. Prepared with sneakers and galoshes, these girls were up for just about anything. They even took a dip in the Neuse River.

Lisa and Rachel have known each other since they were toddlers.  Though they attended different high schools in different cities, their bond has not weakened.  They love each other like sisters. And they are definitely too cool for school! (Especially with those shutter shades!)

Thank you, ladies, for being so flexible and cheerful for our session.  I had a blast! Good luck at Wake, Lisa 1 and Rachel!  Also, thanks, Zack, for hanging out and helping us.

APA Prom 2010 Session

Pardon me as I play catch-up.  Getting the new site and blog up has put me a little behind. About a month ago, I had the privilege of meeting a group of Prom-goers from Arrendell Parrot Academy. They were a charming and fashionable crowd, as you can see. We had some fun trying to get a Hollywood Red Carpet feel for the shoot. Thanks for your patience! I am super excited that I get to work with some of you girls in a few weeks for a trash it session! Looking forward to it! (Good luck with finals this week!)