How’s that for a grand title? Parenting has been on my mind for a minute: certainly years ago when I realized the sacrifices of my own parents, and absolutely again when becoming a parent myself with Ryan, my partner in all things.
Parenting is a full library. It contains every journal about how to do it, parenting magazines showing it in all its shades, every map of potential adventures with a child, every poem or bit of wisdom from the Kahlil Gibrans, and every scrapbook showcasing the memories of parenting. I imagine rows of volumes about life with a child – in good times and bad, on bikes, on camping trips, in boredom, during downtime, at holidays, recitals, studying, first days of school, and all the random but well-captured calamity that “just happens.” The layers of thought, work, imagination, terror and self-analysis that go into the concept of genetically forming a child and then physically raising that child, while trying to impart and protect them are frankly endless and would fill shelves – and do.
But honestly, especially these days of division and acrimony on cable news 24/7, what is most valuable to me as a new mom of a nearly one year old are the examples and illustrations of parenting with LOVE. I read and seek counsel, believe me – from the doctors and psychologists and from the Bible, but when I have nothing left to metabolize mentally, I return to simply providing love for Finley and looking to my friends, and clients, for proof of it. It’s not over-intellectualized or over-wrought, it’s easy and natural and primal and perfect.
Seeing that love through my lens is restoring me, ya’ll. Thought I’d share.
Listening. Spending time. Including them in preparing for the new baby. Picnics and time together. We’re photographing memories, but we’re also watching our friends and clients be “show up” parents. We’re watching them be present.
Parenting through showing others how to care for the least among us, including adoption dogs.
Parenting through some friendly competition.
And being the protective parents during some much needed downtime.
Our time with these families gave us some insight into what we might expect with Finley, and looking back at some of the photos I’m reminded about what matters most: sticking together and showing love and grace. Starting at home.
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 weddings, brides, 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.
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.
The Minicks are family. Literally. We’ve been shooting photos of them since before Pixels was Pixels. This latest shoot was extremely fun, because the family grew by one when Matthew – Matt Matt – arrived and we all met up at a park to celebrate older sister Amelia’s first day of school. She has been the cutest little bug since birth and is now getting some competition from her little brother.
“Siblings: Children of the same parents, each of whom is perfectly normal until they get together.” – Sam Levenson
Even though we shot after a first day of school – and sweet Matt Matt is trying to overcome his desire to ride on the school bus with his big sissy, he was not forgotten. The Minicks brought along a quilt featuring characters from children’s author Eric Carle and Matthew’s current favorite book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The family took a break to rest in the shade and read it together.
I love seeing the long legs on these kids, the complete passion for playtime and a family that hangs together. We adore this family.
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 weddings, brides, 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.
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.
It’s true. We love them. So many elements come into play when we take portraits: the location, the purpose, the subjects and the weather if it’s an outdoor session. Ultimately though, it’s about capturing the faces of those we see through our lenses. We want to showcase characteristics, expressions and even the smallest attributes that really shine through.
Years from now, when they look back, we want them to feel connected to that person, to smile, to remember and to feel seen.
We just LOVE FACES.
We also love feet.
But that’s another blog.
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 weddings, brides, 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.
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.
Our photography foundations series continues with bridal portraits. Ladies……… we love doing these. You look beautiful – ALL OF YOU. You’re hair and makeup are done and you’re wearing one of the most glamour dresses you’re ever going to own and in the right setting, it’s magical.
We’ve taken bridal portraits months before the wedding, weeks or days before and even after the wedding has taken place. Sometimes, the timetable doesn’t work out and we are more than happy to see the bride again in the same or a different setting after she’s a Mrs.
Autumn in North Carolina is pretty gorgeous and while we’re a little ways out from leaf season (it’s still August for Pete’s sake), it’s good to get a jump on scheduling outdoor portrait sessions for your seniors in high school and for your family.
Our lenses have focused on too many rocks and trees and rivers to count, but we love the fall for that reason. We love the changing seasons, the shock of cool air, the wool sweaters, the boots and the memories created that AREN’T beach, sea and sand. Get out your calendars, choose your location and clothes and give us a call! We’re ready when 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 weddings, brides, 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.
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.