Patricia | Fine Art Model
Muse. This is exactly what I wanted.
I would not say it was the ideal shoot. Between traffic, mosquitos, and losing a pocket wizard in the tall grass at the beginning… well, the millions of mosquitos that landed on us never bit either of us, apparently, but still.. that’s a mood killer.
Patricia is completely gorgeous. You wouldn’t know that mosquitos just seriously could not stay away..
Working on my own projects is much more difficult, honestly, than working a wedding or family session. Or maybe it’s just new.. but the ideas were all in my head and every model I’ve spoken with wants to know what I want. Finding a way to convey that but also still feel creative freedom has been tough. Patricia wanted to know.. but she let go and let me do my thing regardless of whether I was able to convey it well to her or not.
Patricia is also an artist, and if I was to commission a painting, I’d go to her. I actually.. well, I have brought it up. Her abstracts are really lovely, soft blends of color and line.
Most of what I do in camera mood making— either with my camera or lighting. Because I lost my pocket wizard, I threw out the idea of using extras lights and pushed forward fast. I think we spent about a quarter of the time I normally would, because of those crazy mosquitos. Oh, disclosure, the first image lightly combines another ghostly image I shot of her.
Wood sprite.
Danielle & Ben | Lake Gaston Wedding Photojournalist
The storm of the century turned out to be FOR US NEAR RALEIGH hardly a thing. A friend of mine said she wouldn’t have known it was a hurricane if not for The Weather Channel. Well said, Summer!
We are very lucky and I hope everyone fared well.
Bride and her mom getting ready.
I would get married again for this ring. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RING I have ever seen. They had to tell me how to stack it because I have never been able to do puzzles of any kind (ha!) but for all seriousness, the fact that it was custom made and seems Art Deco style to me needs not be said. I love this ring.
So, just a week before the storm we had similar rain at Danielle and Ben’s wedding on Lake Gaston. Oh man, it’s a good thing they didn’t listen to me. When I heard they were moving to plan b, I was like, oh no! The pretty spot they’d set up by the lake for the ceremony and not yet a drop? Who cares if there’s thunder?! We can just run for cover if it starts to rain. The groom politely declined my advice, and his dad said we should probably get some pictures of the site anyway, all a great way to let me experience shooting that site AS IT STARTED to DOWNPOUR on my head. Yes, so I got my wish and I got to run for cover from the rain to Plan B site. When I got there, guests had taken shelter, for the most part, under a variety of umbrellas and tents (and sometimes both) and I found out that my plan of putting an umbrella in my top was not, in fact, better than those little baggies they make to protect cameras from rain and did not actually work. I’d have been better off wearing an umbrella hat.
When I got there they’d taken shelter, for the most part, under a variety of umbrellas and tents (and sometimes both) and I found out that my plan A of putting an umbrella in my top was not, in fact, better than those little baggies they make to protect cameras from rain. Plan B of someone shadowing me with a camera likewise didn’t work out. Turns out I need to practice holding an umbrella with one elbow, camera in other. I even managed to switch out lenses, eventually. Pretty not-bad.
Nike!
First hug should be a thing.
Fun family wedding photography. I adore them.
I like this, although it’s not my usual style. It’s awfully posey-posey. I try to give a variety to the couple, and if I had to guess this won’t be their favorite but someone in their family will love it.
1 part of a Trio.
My favorite thing to do at a wedding is “find” moments like the last few. No one needs to pose, people are being themselves, there’s something poetic about it. I’m grateful when I’m given time to do my thing and get these images.
First dance lakeside! Love Lake Gaston.
I love the laughing! I think I thought Canoe’s were more like in Lord of the Rings and you could lie down easier. There are two more from this portion of our day in the post below… Sorry I made you work so hard on your wedding day, Ben and Danielle! And special thanks to the family that helped us maneuver the canoe. This is a canoe right? (hah, jk…)
Posting this for the dog that looks very Eeyore like in this photo. Too funny!
When adults just can’t hear the real beat.
awww.. cake so sweet they kissed. <3
I admit.. this photo would have been impossible to take, so I made it. I don't often wish I’d worked with someone else but this time I did— there was a lot going on, a beautiful couple, sparklers, boats, fireworks, dogs, kids, tents, rain. A pig roast… .
There were so many moments that didn’t happen, like the dog jumping in while we photographed at the lake, and those that did, like your sis being concerned you’d topple in the lake yourself, and I missed her expression while posing you in the boat! There are a million ways a wedding can go, and I think yours was beautiful and perfect.
Thank you so much for choosing me to be your wedding photographer! I should have your gallery ready early next week! xoxo ~L.
And last but not my least, my own favorite image.
Oh! Huge shout out to Exquisite Events who did all décor, florals and catering! Beautiful job ya’ll (plus they were really sweet and got me a salad! yay!)
Danielle and Ben | Teaser Image | Lake Gaston Photography
So… not that I’m worried, but with the approaching storm I haven’t had much time to get a blog post ready. I had so much fun at their wedding last weekend on Lake Gaston.. more on that later. But as you can see, the bride and groom were totally cool with getting in a canoe for me.. even though a lot of people were worried they’d tip… Danielle and Ben just said yes, let’s put a towel down and do it.
So chill.
Bonus image.. this is what happened when I suggested Ben do something with his hand. He waved! I like to see what couples do naturally before I tell them what to do, but this was funny and I like it. :)
More soon.. hopefully next week, because what else will I have to do when the storm hits but edit your wedding pics?! <3
Kat and Jason | The Cotton Room, Durham, NC
I feel like the celebration of Kat and Jason's marriage at the Cotton Room in Durham was a great success.. I had so much fun working with them, their families and friends. The Cotton Room is a cool venue, if you've never been.
We also went to the American Tobacco Campus via a shuttle rented to haul all the bridal party (and me, too!). I realized this was one of those instances that I could have used an assistant or second shooter to message and have them instruct the couple and bridal party because they seriously couldn't hear me well over the falls. BUT, we must have had a connection because it all worked out via motioning and shouting direction, and general common sense (not always mine).
I liked the part where Kat tried to cut the fondant luggage on top of the cake.. those will not slice really nicely folks. Fondant doesn't usually taste great, anyway. Stick with the cake! And the dancing was superb.
Anyway, I only wish I could do it again and again. <3 kisses to all.
Ashley & Greg | 128 South | Wilmington Wedding Photography
I don't often get the luxury of clients that are laid back, gorgeous, trusting, and allow me to just be creative. I love it. What a beautiful bride! Thank you Ashely!
Hey it's me!
Adam and Ashley | Grand Marquise Ballroom
Each wedding at Grand Marquise Ballroom looks like this-- the space is just perfectly elegant. But the personalities I've worked with at the venue have all been so unique! This is, in fact, the only wedding I've had here or anywhere with a Duck's Donut Cake.
The couple wasn't really into portraits.. but loved donuts, so here we are. Ha! Just kidding, we did do a few inside, but this is my favorite and I think shows their personalities best.
Also I felt I wasn't totally at my best for a little bit.. I may have knocked something loose.. but that's ok when it turns out fun. So, confession time.. worst on the job accident I've had to date! See that photo of the bride and her maid of honor squinting at me in horror inside the limo? Well, I had just picked myself up after I TRIPPED on the wheel well climbing inside. I then face planted into the stereo because of course I wasn't going to drop my camera stuff. It was really quite painful and makes me completely wonder at how resilient I am. I had a bit of a scratch on my forehead, and was a tiny bit shook up. After a few awkward pictures in the limo and trying to find a replacement photographer for about 5 minutes, the show had to go on! In the end it all turned out ok, and I am determined to never do that particular injury again. ;)
Brickhouse and me! Selfie portraits are hard! What. an amazing live band!
You may notice below... they were extremely receptive to the idea of letting the guests and bride and groom play on their instruments. The kids loved it! I was impressed :)
And yeah, that was a food truck at the wedding! Dayum! Yeah, it was pretty good ;) Check out Cousins Maine Lobster truck next time you see it.
Concert Photography | Father John Misty and Jenny Lewis
Even I, one who loves rain like nothing else, had to be grateful for a reprieve as forecasted storms receded into clear blue skies with thin smoke clouds, which, too, gave way to a sea of stars.
And in the left over humidity, oh how we danced, and swayed, a happy crowd of compatriots. I had the most fun, out of everyone, I am entirely convinced. If you were there, I was the chick in the 50s flowered dress dancing and prancing everywhere. Life is for loving and living!
My personal favorite image.. why do we raise limbs and voices, turn our noses to the skies and call with long syllables overlapping and do things collaboratively?
Sometimes, mid-dance, I'd bend with my camera just so and shoot, and man, did I have fun! I'm pretty sure Mr. Tillman saw me, and he didn't tell me to put my camera away, so I think we're good.
Boring crowd shot, but tells a story. But I couldn't put it at the top. Sorry. This should be the first picture!
Jenny Lewis. Happy.. So happy...
In the core of chaos
soft wind meets wet limbs and cheeks stretched
grinning with praise, inventing dimples
the whirring thunder of voices, the echo of breaths expelled
we step away, a bit, seeing high and illuminated
pleased at our streaming, appeased at an encore
each ride the best we will ever be
I love photographing events! If you need a photographer or have interest in purchasing these images, please contact.
LinkedIn Couples Portraits | Chapel Hill, NC
This guy asked for LinkedIn Portraits the other day, for he and his girlfriend. They attend UNC and just finished their first year of undergrad. I'm so proud-- of course I said yes. This is my son :)
And this is his girlfriend. They met when they were like 9, but took a few years to grow up before they became a "thing".
And this is the two of them together. We had a lot of fun, I think! Another photographer was nearby at Centennial Park and loaned us her bug spray-- thank you, whoever you were!
They are near and dear to my heart! I had a ton of fun and we knocked out about 50 usable images in 30 mins. Message me if you need some portraits for LinkedIn or other social media headshots.
Gina + John | Wedding Photography at The Longhouse
many daughters, much love, so wow! This spontaneous moment had such a Little Women vibe, this got my tear ducts touched right away. Ugh, I'm such a sap.
This is one of those weddings. The kind where everyone was feeling feelings. I, myself, got misty eyed. Darnnit! It's true. Frequently teary at weddings, admiring everyone loving and being in loved.
It's official. I love flowers. Also Lambsear is my favorite ornamental. Also all the other ones. :) I am trying to think what I don't like.. um, pinestraw? That would be weird. But inexpensive. ;)
Groomsmen putting his multi-tool to work. Ha! I love my job. People are so funny
Such pretty light! <3
Funny story. Probably no on reads these things and I need to vent.. so I made a new friend recently. We decided to meet for dinner and we're sitting there and she goes, so people still pay for photography? And I'm staring at her with my mouth open and she goes on, picking up her phone, I mean, everyone has these now.
And here is where I really wanted to say, oh you're a therapist? Don't people just read Psychologytoday.com? Why do they need to talk to you? But I didn't say that because just then my mojito arrived, thank goodness. Worth staying for.
To be honest, YES! Our phones are awesome these days. And to be honest-- above that-- lots and lots of people are into photography and own gear. However, I promise you that a/ never mix business with pleasure (or love or family or friends). And b/ not everyone is trained to get the same things-- I'd venture to say every photographer has a different eye. I'm eyeing for unexpected moments, great light, ability to be creative. Your phone does not give one the capability to control light (not as quickly as I can anyway, with my DSLR) and your guests probably aren't going to be watching the moments as much as being in them.
OK, lecture over. Ha! She's a cool chick, by the way, glad I made a new friend. :)
Shot from above, first dance! Love it.
Guys are so fun. I think that's his crying face.
Oh! This couple was so fun. They met later in life, but felt that they were made specifically for one another. It seemed everyone was in agreeance.. and I heard one was a better dancer and one was a better singer, but I could not personally tell which was which. They complimented one another so well!
My favorite bit was a story where the groom was pranked by one his step daughters over a haunted house bit where she hid and moved things. Just too funny because no one let the cat out of the bag until the reception!
And if you are wondering about the Longhouse, I'd recommend! They were very accommodating with lovely grounds to move around on. Loved it! I hope to be back soon.
Serena and Omar | Middle Eastern Marriage Reception | Renaissance
Serena and Omar's Middle Eastern celebration included acrobats, dancers, musicians, a parade of children, a Coldstone Creamery Ice-cream bar, middle eastern snacks and desserts, an amazing cake, gorgeous family members, glittery backdrops, blue up lights.. and of course lots of love and fun.
