28 Nov

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits | Give Thanks!

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits | Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving is about eating, laughing and most importantly spending time with your loved ones.  It’s a time to GIVE THANKS for all that we have.  Life is busy and sometimes we forget our greatest treasures are the people right in front of us.  During this session, this beautiful family of four took the time to celebrate their family and give thanks for each other.

Today, I’m so thankful for my amazing family and friends that support me, even through the busiest of seasons, and also thankful for every moment that I get to spend doing something I love.  Thank you to my husband, children, parents, sister, sister-in-law, my entire family and all of my friends and clients!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to be with the ones you love!

Dreamy Waxhaw, NC Family Portraits by Carolyn Ann Ryan with Thanksgiving Theme Waxhaw NC Child and Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan Wahxaw NC Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares dreamy family portraits

13 Nov

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet

Feet are funny! In those first few years they are so adorable and cute.  I love how babies and toddlers are always fascinated by their feet but what makes me smile about these twins is how he seems more interested in his sister’s feet than his own!  It was just instinct for him to grab his sister’s foot as soon as she kicked it forward.  It speaks to the connection between them, and I really I hope that connection simply grows, as they grow up together.

 

Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography | Feet Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography Twins First Birthday Portraits Delightful Waxhaw, NC Family Photography Twins First Birthday Portrait Session

31 Oct

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Halloween!

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Happy Halloween

Halloween is a time to together with your friends, dress up in costumes and get as much candy as you possibly can.  Today the costumes are more elaborate and creative as ever, gone are days of clowns and witches – now you have kids dressed up as a bowl of spaghetti or a bag of groceries.  But the one costume that has always been popular and will probably always be popular are your superheroes!  Spiderman, Batman, and Superman – I think every boy dreams of having those super powers and there’s no better time to fulfill that dream than Halloween!

Engaging Charlotte, NC Family Photographer

30 Oct

North Carolina Family Photographer | Moms

North Carolina Family Photographer | Moms

Moms have the hardest job on the planet.  We are constantly pulled in different directions and feel such pressure to be great at every role we are given.  We strive to give our children everything and as a result our lives become one big complicated schedule.  As I look back on this misty, rainy, cold day what I remember most is not the pink beach, the wet sand or the deserted boardwalk but this special mom and her strong bond with her adorable son.  She’s raised a boy who loves to play, explore and be free!  I love how we put those schedules aside and just enjoyed the day and each other!

 

North Carolina Family Photographer NC Beach Portraits Carolyn Ann Ryan Family Photographer 2 NC  Family and Child Portraits Carolyn Ann Ryan

 

 

16 Oct

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Game On

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Game On

Little boys are just awesome!  I don’t know if it’s the animation in their face or the inhibitions they display, but I just love it when they let loose and wear their personality on their sleeve.  This little dude did not disappoint,  he came to the session with his game face on!

It must have been contagious because his brother and sister played right along with him.  And I can’t forget to send a special  thank you to mother nature for supplying us with the leaves.

This session was filled with all kinds of family moments and I loved every moment of it – from photographing the family to preparing the slideshow, I couldn’t stop smiling.  I was even a bit giddy as I placed the order for a few beautiful canvas prints with my lab, because I just know the awesome folks at my lab are going to love these as much as I do!

Enjoy!

 

Family Photography, Charlotte NC Westfield NJ Childrens Holiday Portraits Charlotte, NC Family Photographer Fall Family Portraits

04 Oct

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer | Giggles and Smiles

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer | Giggles and Smiles

This sweet family of four is full of happiness and giggles!  We spent this beautiful afternoon enjoying nature, smiling and lots of exploring.  As I sat back watching this family interact with one another, I wondered what were they thinking about as they laughed and whispered in each other’s ear.  What were these boys smiling about as they sat in the warm, green grass?   I just love to see the awe and wonder in young faces ; it always reminds me that I need to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life!

Enjoy!

Professional North Carolina Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

Professional North Carolina Family Portrait Session with Carolyn Ann Ryan

03 Oct

The Carolinas Family Photographer | Christmas & Holiday Cards and Your Clothing Selections

The Carolinas Family Photographer | Christmas & Holiday Cards and Your Clothing Selections

Yes, the Christmas music is already playing in my car.  About two weeks ago, as we drove home from a doctor visit, my 4 year old little man wasn’t feeling well, and I needed to cheer him up. So I asked Siri to play “The Chipmunks”.  Now every morning on the way to school, I get to listen to The Chipmunks versions of “O Christmas Tree”, “All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” and “Jingle Bell Rock” along with a few other classics sung by the high-pitched little animals.

But Christmas and the holiday season have been on my mind for many months already.  As a portrait photographer, one of my favorite products to deliver to my clients is beautiful Christmas and Holiday cards.  I’ll start designing card ideas for clients in April and May, because the photographs from their portrait session can always make a beautiful card to share with their friends and families.

Recently, a client was curious about her outfit selection, and wondered if their holiday outfits would work nicely with the Fall Foliage in the parks during this time of year.   So, I thought it would be a great idea to share a few examples of holiday card designs from previous sessions as inspiration for future portrait session clients.

While some clients specifically choose to dress in holiday outfits for their portraits, I have found that almost any selection of coordinated outfits will pair nicely with the variety of Christmas and Holiday Card templates I have acquired over the years.  My clients have even used images from their Spring and Summer portrait sessions for their cards, and most of the colors in my templates can be adjusted to match the color palette of my clients’ outfits.  And honestly, I personally love traditional holiday outfits photographed outdoors with the beautiful Fall Foliage.  The colors work well together and complement each other nicely, especially when you included the beautiful, golden Fall sunshine.

After completing one session last year, one of my clients clapped her hands with excitement and said, “Yay! I can’t wait to have my very own Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography Christmas cards this year!”  It seriously makes me smile every time I think about that moment and realized my cards were “a thing”.

 

The Carolinas Family Photographer shares samples of Holiday Card Designs

The Carolinas Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, shares samples of Holiday Card Designs for clients

 

And I just love cards that include images on the front cover, inside and even the back of the card.  While I will include my logo on the back of all of my cards, I still love including a sweet and storytelling image on the back of my clients’ cards (and my own too).  Sometimes, the back of the card is my favorite.  Here are a few of my favorite Back Covers from last year’s holiday cards.

The Carolinas Family Photographer shares samples of the backs of Holiday Card Designs for clients

 

Hope these cards help to inspire your next portrait session and I continue to look forward to creating more cards for my incredible clients!!!

Vendors: Christmas and Holiday Card Templates from Design Aglow

 

02 Oct

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer | A cutie pie!

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer | A cutie pie!

OMG!!  This one year old boy is such a cutie pie!   I don’t know what I love the most – the red shoes, the images of his hair blowing in the breeze, the cute vest or the checkered bow tie!   He is clearly a budding model already demonstrating he can handle  multiple locations, wardrobe changes and props!  This family is as sweet in person as they look in these photos – I’m smiling right along with them.  Oh and let’s not forget this all takes place in my favorite city, New York City.

Wait til you see these images, you’ll be saying … “OMG!”

Enjoy!

Vendors:
Bowtie and Tie: William & Sally on Etsy

 

 

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer photographs adorable cutie pie and his family

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer features urban uptown family portrait session

Charlotte Metro Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan shares cute family portraits

04 Sep

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer | Growing

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer | Growing

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph one of my 2012 newborn clients for his first birthday!  I just love watching my little clients grow and photographing them with their families.  This one year old man was just adorable and astounded us with all his words and we loved watching him walk, giggle, and play with his parents.  And seriously, how adorable is his tuxedo shirt?

Enjoy!

Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan photographs an adorable little man Weddington, North Carolina Child and Family Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan captures portraits of an adorable family Weddington, North Carolina Child Photographer Carolyn Ann Ryan

16 Jun

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father’s Day

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Happy Father’s Day

Just wanted to wish all of my wonderful clients and friends a very Happy Father’s Day!  I’m so blessed to have met so many wonderful Dads and Grandfathers while photographing families, and I can’t thank each of you enough for jumping into the photos with your family and children.  Here is just a sample of the amazing images I have been able to create thanks to all these great Dads and Grandpas that just love to have fun with their children and families!

Marvin, NC Family Photographer Father's Day Images

 

And this wouldn’t be complete without sharing images of my absolute favorite Dads and the most important Dads in my life.  Special thanks to George Buhl from Black Thumb Studio for photographing my husband’s entire family at a wedding last Christmas, and to Jessica Wernes from Dewdrop Photography for photographing my entire family this past Mother’s Day.  I love family portraits and so grateful to the wonderful photographers that photographed my family so I can be in the portraits with them!

And thanks to my husband, my Dad, my father-in-law and my two brothers-in-law for being the best Dads that I know.  You are all very loved and we are lucky to have you in our lives. These little munchkins are blessed to have amazing fathers and grandfathers!

Marvin, NC Family Photographer Happy Father's Day

03 Jun

Charlotte, North Carolina Communion and Family Portraits | Formal and Casual

Charlotte, North Carolina Communion and Family Portraits| Formal and Casual

When parents contact me for Communion Portraits, I always suggest booking a day separate from your actual Communion Day and turning the portrait session for your child into an opportunity to also capture family portraits too.  On Communion Day, families are often hectic and can feel rushed.  There is usually a tight schedule, and not as much time as they wish they had for photographs. When we book a separate day, we have all the time we want and need.  We have a chance to photograph the child that received their Communion, as well as their siblings and the entire family in their formal attire, but then as special treat, everyone can change into casual clothes, and that’s when the fun really begins!

And so I loved my Communion sessions this year, especially this one.  We started out with our formal portraits, and then the family changed outfits and drove to one of my favorite spots in Watchung Reservation. I love the outfits Mom selected, and the pop of color against the early Spring backdrop of the park.  I know Mom can’t wait to see their adorable images on her walls, and they’ll be arriving at her home very soon.

Enjoy!

Child Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, photographs Communion Portraits in Charlotte, NC

NC Child and Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, captures beautiful family portraits in Charlotte, NC

 

14 May

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Cuteness

Marvin, NC Child Photographer | Cuteness

I love watching my little clients grow.  I’ve been photographing this family since their older little man was just a tiny newborn baby. And last year, we welcomed their second little guy. It was so wonderful to meet my clients at Historic Richmondtown in Staten Island once again this Spring to photograph their oldest child’s 3rd birthday portraits along with Easter portraits of both little guys.

During our consultation, their Mom and I talked about how much we love Janie & Jack outfits and I just can’t resist a little boy in a hat, so Mom made sure to get some adorable little hats for these munchkins.  Their outfits were just perfect for the day, the season and location.

While we were wandering around Richmondtown in Staten Island, I noticed a few new buildings. These new additions are part of the set for Boardwalk Empire which occasionally films in this area.  We loved incorporating the buildings into our photographs.

I hope you enjoy the irresistible cuteness of these little brothers and I can’t wait for the little man’s 1st birthday session later this year!

Enjoy!

Marvin, NC Child Portraits Brothers Marvin, NC Child Portraits of Brothers by Carolyn Ann Ryan

22 Feb

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Trendy Ties

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Trendy Ties

As a North Carolina child and family photographer, I often find adorable, little online stores for clothing for children, as well as cute props and accessories!  My latest find is this adorable online store, Trendy Ties!

As you might imagine, they make adorable ties and bowties for our favorite little men! But now they also make cute little skirts for our favorite little ladies, as well as matching hair ties!  I just received my order today of a sweet tie for my son in the Spring Blue Gingham with a matching skirt and hair tie for my daughter for Easter.  I cannot wait to photograph my children in their coordinating set, and will definitely share photos when I do!

These sets will also be adorable for your children for your Spring Family Portrait Sessions, so I recommend checking out their site and placing your order soon, as these are custom made.

For today’s Favorite Friday, I wanted to introduce my clients, fans and friends to Trendy Ties, as well as let you know that I have a special coupon code that I can share with clients.  So, if you are a current or past Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography client, and would like to place an order with Trendy Ties, then please email me at carolyn@carolynannryan.com for your special coupon code.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

North Carolina Child and Family Photographer shares trendy ties web site

 

 

21 Feb

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Pretty in Pink

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Pretty in Pink

I absolutely loved this family portrait session and could not have asked for a better day with more beautiful light.  It was mid-October, and the foliage was just a little early this year. The beautiful yellow leaves in Watchung Reservation were the perfect backdrop for this family session.  And I loved how the Mom pulled all the colors together for the session and gave a beautiful color pop with the pink dress her daughter was wearing.

But nothing was better than the beautiful giggles and smiles of this sweet little girl!

Enjoy!

 

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer capturing Fall Family Portrait Sessions

Charlotte Family Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, capturing adorable giggles

Charlotte Photographer, Carolyn Ann Ryan, captures sweet family moments

28 Jan

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Best of 2012 Portraits: And the Winners Are . . .

Marvin, NC Family Photographer | Best of 2012 Portraits: And the Winners Are . . .

The Best of 2012 Portraits Contest has come to a close and I’m so excited to announce our client and voter winners!

Thanks so much to everyone that participated and voted during the contest!

Here are the adorable client winners:

 

  • First Place: Sweet Dreams wins a 20×30 canvas print Marvin, NC Family Photographer  Best of 2012 Portraits

 

  • Second Place: Falling Leaves wins an 11×14 wood print
    Family Portrait Marvin, NC Fall Portrait Session

 

  • Third Place: Happy Family wins a DVD Music Slideshow
    Marvin, North Carolina Family Photography Portrait Session with boys

 

  • Fourth Place: Future Rockstar wins a wood gallery cube decor
    Marvin, NC Child and Family Photography

 

  • Fifth Place: All Smiles wins a 12 month calendarCharlotte Child Photographer Mother and Son Portraits

 

 

And a special congratulations to our voter prize winners: Christina McCormack, Cecilia T. DeGennaro, and Frank Pernice!  They will each receive a gift certificate for a family portrait session!

Thanks again to everyone that participated!