Posts in Category: Portraits

Leo Orozco newborn photos

“Babies smile in their sleep because they’re listening to the whispering of angels.” – Author unknown

This little angel is Leo Orozco and we had the pleasure of not only photographing his parents – Ashley and Oscar – for their engagement and wedding portraits – but his first portraits just about a week after he was born in April.
And yes, he is feeling his developing bicep.
Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait Photo

Leo loves to keep his hands near his face at all times – it’s like he knows to pose or he’s preparing for the Peek-a-Boo chapter that is on his horizon. And while he appears to be much older in these photos than he is actually, he also loves to snuggle. I thoroughly enjoyed having him in my arms, cuddling him into props or holding him to give his parents a break. He is Ashley and Oscar’s first child and they are exhausted. Just IMAGINE THAT…. hee. We could relate for sure. This dapper little charmer was so easy during the portrait session – he was a dream.
“When my baby is asleep, that’s when I think, ‘WOW, I made that!'” – Maria Jose Ovalle

Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait Photo

I love creating these little videos for families, because this early time in their lives really does pass so quickly. A friend of mine with older kids reminded me recently that the days may seem long but the years are short.


Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait Photo“His little hands stole my heart,
his little feet ran away with it.” – Joshua RileyPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait Photo

It’s going to be so much fun watching this multi-cultural little man grow up surrounded by his loving family and the strong community within their church. 

Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait PhotoPixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Photographers Orozco Family Newborn Portrait Photo


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

Amber’s prom in sizzling red

So, this is Amber Souther, a Junior at West Wilkes High School and for prom season, we photographed her and her date in our outdoor portrait garden a couple weekends ago. A few years ago, we photographed Amber’s sister Laura, who is equally gorgeous. It’s prom season and the gowns in the 21st century are incredibly elegant, original and unique.
Amber’s gown got me thinking: women, even young women, in red is a pretty striking thing. Red is known as the color of power, the color of hearts, Valentines and love. It’s also the signifier of danger, daring and certainly glamour. This child PULLED IT OFF. She looks amazing.

Pixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photo

“When in doubt, wear Red.” – designer Bill BlassPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photo“There’s a shade of red for every woman.” – actress and icon, Audrey HepburnPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photo

“You know a woman means business when she puts on red lipstick.” – anonymousPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photo“Your eyes will always go to red, which is why there is a lady in red in all my shows.” – American costume designer, Florence KlotzPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Amber Souther prom portrait photography photo


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

Sydney and Cherokee’s prom

Sydney Chambers and Cherokee Church (tell me those aren’t the names of heroines in a really great novel!) have been besties for more than 12 years. I’ve literally watched the two of  them grow up from babies. These days, they are juniors at West Wilkes High School and a few weeks ago we photographed their prom portraits in our outdoor portrait garden at our studio in Wilkesboro.

Pixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoWatching these two grow up has been such a blessing and pleasure and gives me hope for the future, honestly. They are beautiful young women – inside and out and here at the beach – and are two of my favorite portrait subjects. I love you ladies to bits!! Pixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photoPixels On Paper Photography Chambers prom portrait photography photo
See more prom photos!


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

The Parker Family’s Day in the Orchard

Recently, we blogged about a newly engaged couple – Courtney and Cody. They were engaged in this very orchard and on the very same day that we shot photos of the now bride-to-be’s family. The Parkers were all part of the “engagement plan” that allowed Cody to get down on one knee while Courtney was distracted.
This family not only cheered when she said yes, they wanted us to get photos of them as well. It was a gorgeous day, the right occasion and the perfect setting. I love it when a plan comes together!

Parker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photo

The Parkers already planned to have us photograph their family portraits in the Tevepaugh peach orchard, and Courtney believed that was why they were all present. After Cody popped the question and got a YES, we were also able to celebrate and get the groom-to-be and family portraits as well. Mom Kim especially wanted to carpe diem because all of the lives of her kids are going in different directions. [Aside: You guys know how this story goes… and it’s why family portraits – from first birthdays to reunions decades later – matter so much.] With Courtney’s engagement, they are gaining another son in Cody; they have a son who is away at college, and the youngest daughter just turned 16 and is now driving and will be the next out of the house. What better time to capture everyone together!Parker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoWe will have the pleasure of being Courtney and Cody’s wedding photographers in the fall when they tie the knot and we’re already so excited. Between the planning and anticipation, we’re encouraging these two to take time to enjoy all the elements of this chapter of their lives. Courtney is going to be a beautiful bride and these photos below are the proof. Parker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoMom is happy to have recent portraits of her other two kids as well and we were happy to oblige. It doesn’t hurt that this is a very photogenic family.Parker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photoParker Family Pixels On Paper Photography portrait photography photo


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

8 Photographer Tips: What to Wear for Portraits

More from our mini-series of expert advice, and by the way, for those of you with score cards at home,… we don’t run around referring to ourselves as experts. We try to live humble lives where we work hard to be good at what we do. We just happen to have done this for so long, we know “some stuff.”

So today, I’m giving the 8 key pieces of info about what to wear to a professional portrait session. When it comes to what to wear for portraits, pretty much anything goes. But we know lots of Moms and teenagers stress when it comes to planning what to wear when in front of the camera.

1. Don’t be afraid to wear color. Colors in outdoor portraits that coordinate with the season look better than a wardrobe of black and white.
Arnold family outdoor spring peach orchard photos by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photographers photoThe Arnold family dressed perfectly during their spring, orchard portrait session. And the Church family’s autumn session is coordinated perfectly too.

pixels on paper, portrait photography, family portrait photography, outdoor portrait photography, family portraits, wilkesboro, north carolina, photo

 2. For adults, stick with wearing solids rather than prints. Leave prints, stripes and florals for young kids.
Pixels on Paper Photography outdoor portrait garden photo
 3. Not everyone needs to wear the same color. Write that down! Hee!
Complimentary colors and shades work great especially for large families.

4. Wearing black or white along with khaki or denim are best in studio portraits or outdoors if you want a classic, traditional and timeless look.
Keeping it neutral allows personalities to shine through.
Allen Outdoor Family Portrait PhotographySticking with the white, here is sweet Sawyer in his 6 month portrait session.

5. Shoes can most often date a photo more than any other piece of wardrobe. If the weather and surroundings lend itself, considering going with bare feet or stick with classic solid leather styles for adults and children. Children’s tootsies are so delicious (Ryan and I routinely munch on Finley’s….. his are just right for snackin’), if they can be outdoors and shoe-free, do it!
pixels on paper charlotte nc outdoor family portrait photographers photo

6. Women, don’t forget accessories such as scarves or fashion jewelry. These items work great to tie in your color choices.

Parker Outdoor Family Portrait Photography

Allen Outdoor Family Portrait Photography photo

7. We prefer to have a consult to discuss your portraits prior to when they occur. We can help you coordinate your wardrobe taking into consideration where the photos will take place as well as where you will be hanging portraits in your home. Don’t hesitate to lay out your clothing options all together and send us a cell phone photo. We will help approve or make suggestions!

8. We also have a helpful “What to wear” Pinterest board for inspiration. Bear these in mind and you’ll look brilliant!


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.