Posts Tagged: baby mountain family photographers

Family Reunion Portraits – Pick Your Spot and Let’s Go!

We know that the temptation with family gatherings, especially with the vacation season already here, is to use your phone to grab little candid moments in photos that are impromptu and casual. They don’t always turn out that way though. Not everyone ends up being happy with the results. As pro photographers, our instinct is always to be capturing memories where people really do feel like they look their best. We make our subjects feel comfortable, we love to laugh, learn the little relational connections and inside jokes, and we absolutely – ABSOLUTELY – understand the family dynamic.

This is our case for scheduling a family portrait session this summer season. Pick out your duds, your location, who you want included (WE LOVE A FULL ON FAMILY REUNIONS) and let’s create a moment on film where everyone looks and feels awesome. You’ll be glad.

Here’s to families!

Family: A social unit where the father is concerned with parking space, the children with outer space, and the mother with closet space.” – Evan Esar 

My family is really boring. They have a coffee table book called Pictures We Took Just to Use up the Rest of the Film.” – Penelope Lombard

Some family trees bear an enormous crop of nuts.” – Wayne Huizenga

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family… in another city.” – George BurnsThe other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.” – George Carlin

Obviously, if I was serious about having a relationship with someone long-term, the last people I would introduce him to would be my family.” – Chelsea HandlerSo, the jokes are because laughter is ultimately what keeps us together, but we seriously love day in the life photo shoots, posed portraits and outdoor gatherings of family. Tis the season to get everyone around a place or a day you love and let us capture some images of 2018 that will last long after this season is over.


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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License

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

newborn portraits | what really happens?

Earlier this week, I wrote about how setting realistic expectations for your newborn portrait session is important. And it is, but don’t let that deter you from scheduling and having a portrait session when they are so young. Some of the most beautiful portraits we take are not always of brides, but of the newest creatures to join us on this spinning planet. More importantly: we’re ready! We know what we’re doing and we’re ready to go. Don’t worry!
So, what really happens during newborn photo sessions?
Well, for starters, the sessions don’t flow from pose to pose and set to set, as I’m sure you’ve already imagined. We’re dealing with fresh little beings who have been breathing on their own for only about 10 days. They don’t know about lighting, where to look or to remain still, because they are little tubes. Breast milk or formula goes in and poop comes out. In the middle they stare, cry and sleep.

A newborn session can take up to four hours. During that span, our camera is not up with the shutter clicking away, because, as mentioned, newborns babies are entirely unpredictable. We never know when or how often they will cry, sleep, eat or need a diaper change and all those things tend to take the most amount of time during our session. A fraction of the 4 hours is spent capturing images, but don’t worry, we tend to get the magic because we know what to look for and when to seize a moment.
Flynn Lundy Newborn Photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography photo

To get those cute cuddly curled up newborn photos, our portrait session needs to take place within the first 10 days after birth. An exception to this would be premies and Moms who are recovering from a c-section. While there are breaks for diaper changes, feedings and tears, newborns at this early, early stage, do tend to be more receptive to cuddled and curled poses and will drift off to sleep while we orbit around them.

Inspiration & Props
At our Pixels studio, we have lots of props, wraps, hats, bows and head bands. New parents have enough to think about without having to bring a lot of extra stuff with them. You don’t need to bring any special outfits or props unless there is something specific you want incorporated. We ask that parents send us photos of the nursery or any other part of the house where they will be hanging the portraits so that we can coordinate props to match. All of our studio props and wardrobe items are cleaned after each session. 
Conner Tevepaugh Newborn Photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography photoAaron Schlinsog Newborn Photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography photo

Studio Space
Our studio is also clean, cozy and extra warm for newborns. We have a convenient changing table and if you’re a nursing Mom, we’re prepared for that as well with a clean boppy and a private comfy chair for you. Ryan and I have been doing this for a long while and have been prepared since the beginning. Now that we have our son Finley, I’m proud of the accommodations we provide for newborn portrait sessions.

We fully expect and are prepared for your baby to cry, pee, poop or spit up on us or any of the items we use in photos. Please don’t feel bad! We’re use to it, it’s natural and happens with each one.
Pixels On Paper newborn photographers. Wilkesboro NC portrait studio baby and harrison family portrait photoHere are a few tips and suggestions that I email our clients prior to the session:
  • Give your baby a bath and lather him or her in lotion and bring the lotion with you. This will help condition any peeling skin.
  • Keep your baby awake before the session if possible. We know this can often be tricky during the car ride, but do your best.
  • We want you to bring us a hungry baby! When you arrive he/she will be ready for food and a nap. Those sleeping angels make the best portraits. Try not to feed for a few hours before arrival. Feeding when you arrive at the studio will ensure that he/she will drift off to sleep and be most cooperative to being posed and photographed.
  • If you are nursing, there is a list of foods that we recommend you avoid for 48 hours before your session that will help keep your baby from being gassy or fussy during the session.

The most important thing to us is that you get photos of your sweet child that you will cherish. That only happens when we make you feel comfortable, free to move around depending on what the baby needs and completely supported. Believe me, you are!


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.

Newborn photos : pinterest vs. reality

Our recent blog about brides who come to us with Pinterest boards, some with nearly impossible shots or ideas that belong to someone else, prompted me to write one for moms of newborns. You’ve been dreaming about this amazing new creature and addition to your family and dreaming about how she or he will change the world. Getting great FIRST images of your precious child is also something we know you dream about and we’re in an age that tells us that if we saw it online, then someone was able to do it and so I should be too.

pinterest.com/pin/232357662001291228/

In the case of newborns, babies often dictate what poses are possible. Each baby is completely different and that’s the way we want it! As with brides, where we want their wedding day to be about who they are in that moment surrounded by what and who matters to them the most, copying someones else’s newborn portraits is not only difficult – it’s inauthentic.

With babies, we cannot necessarily duplicate what comes from your inspiration board, but the difficult part also has mostly to do with their temperaments….., and their flexibility, whether they are heavy sleepers, are comfortable no matter what, need to eat often, hate to be naked, don’t want to be moved multiple times, have upset tummies…… You with me? There are lots of variables.

Wilkesboro, Boone, Blowing Rock, NC Newborn Photographers Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography photoAaron Schlinsog Newborn Photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyMoments with babies don’t necessarily occur naturally and we are happy to look at your Pinterest board inspirations, but parents should not get their hopes set on any particular poses. Safety is a major concern. Some Pinterest favorites are composite images (several images combined to make one) and involve a lot of photoshop work. Most newborns do not naturally have the strength to prop themselves up on their elbows.
DO NOT let that keep you from getting newborn photos!
We will absolutely to do our best to capture your little lamb and all of his or her little features, smiles and sweetness. We have been professional newborn and baby photographers for a long time. We know when to engage and snap the shutter, how to help swaddle and pose and make them as warm, cozy and comfy as possible. We also know when to let them just be and see what happens in a setting.


Mathis Newborn Photography, Family portrait photography by Wilkesboro NC Photographers Pixels On Paper photo

To note: there are some poses to be aware of in advance of hiring a newborn photographer. These are the hardest and most uncomfortable poses for most babies:
We will do everything we can to create the best versions of the inspirations you bring to us, but we also want you to be flexible along with us as we take into consideration the setting, props and the various needs your baby may have that day as we work. Stay tuned! Our next blog is about how to prep your newborn for their first portrait session and….. how to be ready yourself. No drama!!


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.

arnold family maternity portraits ~ a surprise gift

The Arnold family is special and so is the impulse behind this photo session. We had the pleasure of photographing Meghan and Jeremy’s wedding and capturing the first photos of their daughter Berklee as a newborn and 6 month old. Our newest session with this family was in February of this year and was engineered on the down low by husband Jeremy. Wife and mom, Meghan is due with their second child, a little boy they plan to name Wyatt and Jeremy decided that he wanted to surprise Meghan with the maternity photo session as a Christmas gift.

Arnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photoArnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photo

[Note to husbands: Mother’s Day is coming – May 13th. So if your mom needs family photos or your pregnant wife would love some maternity photos – you have time to get in touch with us to schedule a session.
Note to wives: I know you know how to drop a hint. Enough said.]
Anyway, Jeremy contacted me in October to begin planning. We collaborated on everything and it was a lot of fun. Jeremy purchased both Meghan and Berklee’s beautiful outfits after sending me lots of web links with ideas. He wanted to make sure they would look perfect for photos. He then wrapped them up for Christmas. The session was so much fun and the results are spectacular. Perfect colors and venue and Jeremy’s ladies looked gorgeous.

Arnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photoArnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photo

I’ve gotta insert a flashback here. We sort of recreated a moment we captured in an orchard photo session from a couple of years ago. I love seeing Berklee’s little hands touching Meghan’s belly in between her parents. It’s perfectly reminiscent of her seated between them when she was just about a year old.
Arnold family outdoor spring peach orchard photos by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photographers photos

As we approached the holidays, Meghan wanted to schedule fall family photos and of course Jeremy and I had already begun the planning, so we had to come up with a variety of delaying tactics to keep her at bay. I’m so glad it worked.

Arnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photoArnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photo

As they prepare for the newest Arnold to show up, he was included in the shoot – beyond Meghan’s belly. The baseball with Wyatt’s name was one of Jeremy’s while he played baseball for UNC Chapel Hill. We look forward to meeting this little man and seeing his resemblance to his sister and parents and what parts of his personality shine.Arnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photoArnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers photo

It’s hard not to include another photo from the orchard where we tied the two sessions together. Although Berklee is bigger, she can still be tossed in the air and loves it! I saw the same sweet smiles and same crazy joy on their faces.

Arnold family outdoor spring peach orchard photos by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photographers photo

We just LOVE having them as clients and cannot wait to meet new addition Wyatt. We feel confident that Berklee is going to be a wonderful big sister. Thanks, Arnold family! See you soon, we hope, with member number four.

Arnold family outdoor maternity photos by Pixels On Paper Wilkesboro NC Portrait Photographers 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.

Fatherhood ~ portraits and musings

A few weeks ago, I wrote a bit about adjusting to all the new things that have been a part of becoming a new mom. There are many. Finley has brought us more of a sense of unconditional love, more reminders about life’s greatest joys, reminders of our core values, more exhaustion and a greater community in his tiny frame than all the movies and books and experiences ever could have. Now, my beloved partner in business, parenting, adventure and life, Ryan is weighing in with his responses and of course we want to share them with you!
Ryan: “The biggest surprises for me are that diapers don’t stink that much YET (LOL!), but there are lots of them. Changing them is no big deal and, like Misty, I’m finding it pretty amazing that I can do so much on so little rest. He’s so wonderful though to look at. His cheeks are chubby and hiding dimples at the moment and don’t get me started on baby farts… HILARIOUS!”
“When he is awake, every source of light is something to stare at in wonder: windows, ceiling fans and chandeliers are all AMAZING to stare at. He is just starting to show signs of smiling, but its few and far between at the moment. I’m loving the awake times with him; they are always best when you can see him soaking it all in, just looking all around. But the times where he’s zonked out and I can manage to get a couple hours of solid work done are equally good.”
“Beyond the need for sleep, my frustrations come from not knowing what makes him cry. He can be clean and fed and still fussy, and it’s hard as a guy to not be able to fix it. Patience is still top of the list for what we need for both parenting and photographing OUR newborn. You’ve got to be ready at any moment for that one thing to be amazing and on your toes when its time to capture it, whether with a camera or with your memory which will last just as long or longer. Having cameras to capture is great, but sometimes just being in the moment is way better.”
 Thanksgiving was a thing for us! Our first real holiday as a family with the new guy. Ryan helped in the kitchen (like me, he loves it and is great at it, if I may say so), we all gathered in Asheville with the Case family who spent time holding little bug. I loved dressing and passing him around in his turkey jimmy-jams!
Those of you who follow us on the regular know that Chelsea was our first child. She is still an important part of the mix and we know that she knows it. Ryan: “She just loves her #tinyhuman Finley. Every coo and cry results in some sort of alert for her, barking or even running to kiss him on the head vigorously. She does love him. We’re not surprised.”
It’s hard – even when sleeping in ridiculously small increments – we’re drowning in grace and gratitude and constant epiphany. This parenting thing surpasses every other thing we’re doing. To Daddies out there – we love you.

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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License

All photos are ©2017 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.