19 Dec

Charlotte, North Carolina Maternity Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

Charlotte, North Carolina Maternity Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

In just one week, I was published twice on the The PoppyCat blog – once again for Twins Week!  This feature shows images from the gorgeous late Summer maternity session with Abby & Scott in Stamford and Old Greenwich, CT.   And once again, special thanks to Pamela Harayda for assisting with this session. We had a phenomenal time with Abby & Scott, and as you can see from the photos – there was lots of laughter during the session.

Check out Twin Week – Day Six on The Poppy Cat here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Poppy Cat:  The Poppy Cat features beautiful photography with infants, children and families.  “We hope the readers of our publication will see the beauty in the everyday life of being a mother”.

13 Dec

Fanwood, NJ Newborn Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE POPPY CAT}

I’m so excited to be included in The PoppyCat blog’s Twin Week!  I had such an amazing time with this adorable little brother and sister, as well as their Mommy and Daddy.  And stay tuned for later this week, when their Mommy’s maternity session will be featured too!!!  Special thanks to Pamela Harayda for assisting with this session.

Check out Twin Week – Day Four on The Poppy Cat here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Poppy Cat:  The Poppy Cat features beautiful photography with infants, children and families.  “We hope the readers of our publication will see the beauty in the everyday life of being a mother”.

10 Dec

Waxhaw, North Carolina Family Photographer | Childhood Enclosed

Waxhaw, North Carolina Family Photographer

Wow, it’s been over two months since I have had an opportunity to blog my family portrait sessions and I have a long list of sessions to add to the blog!  It’s been a busy holiday season, and I’m so grateful for all of my wonderful and amazing clients!

So, now we are jumping all the way back to August to begin a marathon of family portrait session blog posts!

This sweet family requested a downtown session right in the beautiful town of Basking Ridge.  I absolutely loved having an opportunity to just wander up and down the main street and find different backdrops and settings for creating family images.  After walking up and down the main road, we ventured off to a side road and down to an open park area to complete the session.  This sweet little girl loved being photographed and might just be a model someday! She has sweet eyes and a beautiful smile, and I just loved her dress, side-ponytail, and the beautiful blue ribbon with her curls.  OK, so maybe I just loved everything about this session.  And I hope do you as well.

This is the perfect way to kick-off the upcoming marathon of blogs and family photos!  Enjoy!

Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan captures portraits in Basking Ridge

Family Portrait Session in Basking Ridge, NJ

23 Oct

Waxhaw, NC Child Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Munchkin and Pumpkin

Waxhaw, NC Child Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Munchkin and Pumpkin

This is a special day in the history of my family, and so it just seems fitting to share photos of my own munchkin and pumpkin on the blog for Tiny Tuesday.

I love these photographs simply because these guys are mine. They are mine, they are sweet, they might drive me nuts at times, but when they are at their best – they bring an incredible amount of joy, laughter and happiness to my life.  I wish I could just mentally record all those silly and adorable moments, so I can play them back in my head over and over again twenty or thirty years from now. I hope my memory will hold all those treasured moments.

In the meantime, here are my favorites from their mini-holiday portrait session this year.  And special thanks to my husband for being a great Dad to these two stinkin’ cute little kids.

Waxhaw, NC Child Photographer - Fall Portraits

03 Oct

Charlotte, NC Maternity Photographer | Getting ready for baby

Charlotte, NC Maternity Photographer | Getting ready for baby

A couple of months ago, I received a phone call from a former co-worker.  As soon as I heard her voice on the phone, I knew exactly why she was calling and I was thrilled – she was pregnant!  But even better, she is expecting twins!!! I was so excited that she wanted to do a newborn portrait session, and she also requested that I travel out to see her in Connecticut for a maternity session.  What could be better than an opportunity to show everyone how beautiful she looks while awaiting the arrival of her little munchkins?

Absolutely! So I traveled out to Connecticut and we visited a couple of locations in both Stamford and Greenwich.  It was such a beautiful day with gorgeous light and an incredible sunset that I almost wanted to move there by the end of the session so I could shoot in those locations all time time!

It was extremely difficult for me to narrow down her session to just a few favorites! And I can’t wait to photograph her little ones when they arrive.

Enjoy!

 

Charlotte, NC Maternity Photographer Getting ready for baby

Charlotte, NC Maternity Photographer

Charlotte, NC Maternity Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

 

 

02 Oct

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Life’s Most Beautiful Season

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Life’s Most Beautiful Season

“Childhood is life’s most beautiful season.”  – Author Unknown

When I first read this quote, I fell in love with it. It inspires me.  When I photograph children, I want to capture those amazing moments of childhood. The awe and wonder that can be found in something as simple as leaves falling from the trees on a crisp, Autumn day.  Today’s Tiny Tuesday photograph was created last November and is one of my favorites still, because I just LOVE the expressions and happiness on the faces of these children.  I can feel their giggles and the warmth of the sun.

They each grabbed a pile of leaves and stood together.  And then the leaves went up into the air and the fun began.  It was that easy, and yet it feels that magical.

Do you remember the fun of jumping and rolling in the leaves?  Last week, when I picked my daughter up from school, we each counted how many leaves we could “crunch” as we walked back to the car.  It was easy and simple, but she giggled with delight with each leaf that really crunched and crackled under her shoes.

Don’t forget to take a few moments this season and enjoy the simple moments that Fall can provide and bring warmth and smiles to the faces of our little ones!

What do you think of when you see this photograph?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of your favorite things about Fall.

Happy Tiny Tuesday!

 

Marvin, NC Family and Child Photographer photographs children throwing leaves

18 Sep

Fanwood, NJ Child Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Inspiration from Art to Childhood

Today’s Tiny Tuesday image is a photograph that was inspired by an artist whose work I saw many years ago.

In 2001, just a few weeks after September 11, my company’s offices were relocated to a building on the corner of Hudson and Spring Street. Thankfully, we had a mild Fall and early Winter, and I spent many mornings simply taking the 6 train straight down to Spring Street from 96th St, and I would walk across town to the West Side.  I often chose this version of my commute instead of the alternative – a three subway (two transfer) version.

On those mornings, I would leisurely stroll with my Sony discman listening to my favorite mix CD. On the way, I would pass Gallery Revel, an art gallery on Spring Street, and in the window for many months was the work of an artist – Tony Magner.

Tony had a nostalgic style with paintings of couples reminiscent of the 1940s and I noticed that in the background of most of the images was The Empire State Building. Maybe it was the timing of the events occurring that year, but something about these images moved me. The images reminded me of old movies, perfect love stories, good romantic novels and everything I loved about living in Manhattan.  And I found I had a new affection and place in my heart for the Empire State Building, looming tall above our city.  I wanted one of those paintings, although it was definitely out of my budget.

About six months later, my boyfriend (now husband) and I signed a lease for our first apartment together located on the corner of 23rd Street and 6th Avenue.  While looking at apartments in that building for rent, we were shown one that had a perfect view of the Empire State Building from the living room. It was gorgeous. But, as is often the story in NYC apartments, this particular apartment did not have a single closet and had less than 450 square feet of space.  It was a very difficult decision, but we chose to be practical, and selected a slightly larger layout in the same building that included three closets for the same rent, but did not have a view of the Empire State Building.

While I was unable to see The Empire State Building from my apartment window, it still became a large part of my life that year.  Every evening, when I would exit the subway station at 23rd Street and 5th Avenue, I would walk up the stairs and turn to see the beautiful lights on The Empire State Building.  Her place in my heart grew larger. Now that I am living in New Jersey, and no longer commuting to Manhattan, I miss seeing that beautiful view on a regular basis.

And then one day, this image happened.  We had spent a rainy morning visiting the Liberty Science Center with our children.  But when we left that afternoon, the skies had mostly cleared and the sun was shining.  We took a short drive to visit the historic Central Railroad of NJ station located in Liberty State Park.  And there she was, the view of the NYC skyline and my favorite building.  And I was thrilled to have my camera with me to not just capture the view, but capture my children enjoying the view.  As I sat on my computer later that evening processing images, I had a moment of inspiration.  I remembered Tony Magner’s artwork from Gallery Revel, and now I had an image of my daughter with the NYC skyline and the Empire State Building looming in the background. I spent a little more time processing this image to capture that nostalgic feeling that I saw in Tony’s paintings.  I absolutely love this image of my daughter enjoying the view of the skyline. And seeing The Empire State Building standing tall in the background just warms my heart.

While you can find some images of Tony Magner’s more recent work online at MDH Fine Arts, the only image I could find of his works that I saw that year was from this link.

I hope you enjoyed this story of inspiration.

06 Sep

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

I’m so excited to be featured again on The Indie Tot blog!  Last October, I photographed this adorable family in Metuchen and Edison, NJ.  I love Autumn days and looking forward to this year’s sessions.

Check out The G Family on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

 

Weddington, North Carolina Family Photographer | PUBLISHED! {THE INDIE TOT}

 

 

09 Aug

Charlotte Family Photographer | Family and Fashion

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Family and Fashion

Earlier this year I was contacted by a Mom for a family portrait session.  She described her vision of what she wanted for a family portrait that included her own mother, her brother, her daughter and her.   They didn’t have a good family photo, and they were so excited about the opportunity to do this with me.  She helped find the ideal spot for her session which was the Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor, NJ, and she even brought her very own couch to include as a prop.  When your clients want to bring their own couch to the session, you know you are going to have some fun. And the ladies all had their make-up done in advance by the very talented Angelica DiGuglielmo.

My client had a vision in her head of the ideal family portrait, and I really wanted to help make that vision a reality.

And I just absolutely loved their style.  Based on her response to seeing her gallery, I believe I delivered the vision she was hoping to achieve.   There were so many images that I loved from this session, and here are just a few of my favorites.

Charlotte Family Photographer showcases Family and Fashion

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan loves sessions highlighting Family and Fashion

 

Make-up: Angelica DiGuglielmo

 

06 Jul

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer | Summer Sneak Peeks

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer | Summer Sneak Peeks

Summer is all about getting outdoors and spending time with family! Which also makes it a great time for a family portrait session.  Whether you are staying home or heading to the shore, think about booking your family portrait session during your break.  Since you are already relaxed and focused on having fun with your family, then a family session is an easy addition to capture those moments.

Here are a few sneak peeks from recent family sessions.  I just love that late afternoon Summer sun!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

North Carolina Family Portrait Photographer shares Summer Sneak Peeks

13 Jun

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer | Down by the river . . .

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer | Down by the river . . .

One of the benefits and joys of my career is getting to watch little ones grow and capture some of their wonderful milestones, which is why I adore my repeat clients. I first photographed this little pumpkin when she was about 7 days old, and now she is just a little over one year.

I traveled about an hour south of my home to meet my clients at their home by the river. Their beautiful backyard includes a long dock that extends all the way through the reeds down to the water, providing a beautiful backdrop for our images. It’s hard to choose a favorite image from this session! I love her giggles, her smiles, and her serious faces. And then add in the sweet hugs and cuddles and moments with Mom and Dad.

But I honestly couldn’t stop laughing when Dad decided to play hide and seek with his little girl! The look on her face as he peeked out from behind the couch pillow, the giggles and squeals, and watching her run away, but quickly turn and come back to find him again was just so much fun! I love being a part of these precious family moments and I look forward to continuing to watch this sweet little angel grow!

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer photographs clients at their home down by the river . . .

Marvin, NC Child and Family Photographer shares family portraits Down by the river . . .

16 May

North Carolina Childhood Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

I’m so thrilled to once again be published on The Indie Tot blog!!  This one is so very close to my heart, because it features my own munchkin and pumpkin along with our dear friends.  This past St. Patrick’s Day, our close friends came to spend the day at our home and I couldn’t resistant grabbing some photos of the kids running around the yard. Who would have expected it would be nearly 80 degrees in March!

My little man said it best when he told my friend, “we’re just family.”  They are like family to us and I just love these days.

Check out The McK and Ryan Families on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

 

03 May

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Earlier this year, on one of those rare snowy mornings, I was heading a little further south in New Jersey for an adorable baby and family portrait session.  It was a chilly morning, but these little munchkins brought all the sunshine we needed.  And I’m so excited to have this session published on The Indie Tot!!!

Check out The G Family on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot:  The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

 

17 Apr

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Isn’t it just fitting that my first published family portrait session is with one of my absolutely wonderful clients that I have been working with for the last two years!

Today I have been published on The Indie Tot blog featuring an adorable Fall family portrait session in Historic Richmondtown. Everything about the session was just wonderful – the weather, the location, the family, and the giggly smile of their adorable little man.

Check out The B Family on the The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

07 Mar

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later – A Mom’s Review

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later – A Mom’s Review

Last night, I received the most amazing email from a client (and good friend) about the portrait session we did for her family last year when her youngest son was born. She wrote a detailed note describing what the portraits from her session have meant to her over this past year. I was in tears at the end of her note.  My goal as a photographer isn’t just to make you smile during your session, but to make you smile nearly everyday after just by glancing at the photos that hang in your home.  I know this feeling for myself, and I always aim to provide images to my clients that will make them feel the same way.

There is nothing better than knowing that your wishes and goals for what you hope to provide to your clients have come true.  Here is a note from Jen:

“I walked past my sons’ playroom and I smiled today.  A year ago, my dear friend, Carolyn, came over to take pictures of our family with our newest addition.   A few of the most meaningful images now hang in my playroom in a canvas cluster.

What strikes me now is not how much those pictures remind me of the past, but the reminder of all the moments that have taken place between then and now.  So much has changed, but those pictures also reveal pieces of my kids’ personality that are still true now.

Charlotte, NC Photographer receives letter from Mom describing what her Family Portraits mean to her

This beautiful boy has always had a “thing” with his pointer fingers.  He points at things before he clutches them in his little hands.  At 13 months, he points at every piece of cereal before he eats it.  This picture reminds me that characteristic was a part of him even when his age was only measured in days.

 

 

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later - A Mom's Review My older son lost his first tooth 2 months before this picture was taken (on Thanksgiving).  I love that I’m reminded of that milestone when I look at this picture.

 

 

Charlotte, NC Guest Blog:  A Mom's Review of her Family Portrait PhotographerHe lost his first top tooth a year after this picture was taken, and I have to say I’m grateful to have some great shots of him before his smile was changed forever.

 

But even more than the precious milestones and memories, there are new moments created by these photos.  My older son glanced up at the photo below and said, “Mommy is that your hand holding Owen’s?”  And I said, “No, honey.  That’s your hand holding your brother’s.”

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer - big brother and little brother handsI explained to him that they would always have each other.  It was probably the first time they held hands, but metaphorically it’s just the beginning.  To a stranger, it’s just two hands, but to me it’s the early moments of a lifetime bond.

This art is more meaningful to me than anything an artist could paint.   These photos make me smile everyday, and no matter how busy things get they remind me of what’s really important.

Thank you, Carolyn, for lending me your talent and your vision!  Your work means so much to so many people!”

 I absolutely loved reading Jen’s note, and it completely warmed my heart.   As she notes, life is busy.  I simply hope to provide images that will make you stop for a moment and remember.  I’m so thrilled that I could give that to Jen.

Thanks for reading!