Childhood is fleeting.

One day they’re clutching a favorite stuffed animal.
The next, they’ve outgrown it.
One day they’re full of questions.
The next, they’ve moved on to an entirely new obsession.

As parents, it often feels like every stage is our favorite—until suddenly we’re standing in the next one, wondering how it all went by so fast.

That feeling is what inspired The Story of You, a limited-edition offering of personality portraits in Raleigh, NC, created to capture children exactly as they are in this moment.

What are personality portraits?

Unlike traditional children’s portraits that focus on perfect smiles and stiff poses, personality portraits are all about authenticity.

They capture:

• Expression over perfection
• Presence over posing
• Personality over performance

These portraits celebrate who your child is, not who they’re asked to be for the camera.

Quiet or bold.
Shy or silly.
Playful, thoughtful, mischievous, tender—or all of the above.

Why personality portraits matter more than ever

Childhood is made up of tiny details we don’t realize we’ll miss until they’re gone.

The way your child tilts their head when they’re thinking.
The way they fidget, wander, observe, or burst into laughter.
The favorite toy they carry everywhere.

Personality portraits in Raleigh, NC give families a way to freeze time—just for a moment—and preserve these details in a meaningful, timeless way.

These images don’t just show what your child looked like.
They remind you who they were.

A playful, child-led photography experience

One of the most important parts of The Story of You is how relaxed and playful the sessions are.

Children are never asked to “say cheese.”
There’s no pressure to perform or behave a certain way.

Instead, I meet kids exactly where they are—using play, curiosity, patience, and connection to build trust quickly and naturally.

Children are encouraged to:

• Dress like themselves
• Come barefoot if they’d like
• Bring a favorite lovey, toy, book, or quiet activity

These elements aren’t distractions—they’re part of the story.

Personality portraits for children in Raleigh & Wake Forest

As a mother and a professional children’s photographer serving Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding areas, I’ve learned that the most meaningful images happen when kids feel comfortable and seen.

That’s why The Story of You sessions are:

• Short and gentle
• Completely child-led
• Designed to feel easy and pressure-free

Some children arrive ready to explore and talk.
Others take a few quiet moments to warm up.
All of it is welcome.

Freezing time in this season of childhood

Personality portraits in Raleigh, NC aren’t about milestones or perfect moments—they’re about this version of your child.

The way they move right now.
The things they love right now.
The expressions that feel uniquely theirs.

Because while childhood keeps moving forward, photographs allow us to pause—and remember how it felt.

What to expect from a Story of You session

The Story of You is a limited edition personality portrait event for children.

Each session includes:

• A 10-minute, in-studio portrait experience
• A calm, playful, child-led approach
• A private gallery to view and select images after the session

An exclusive Story of You album, available only with this event, is a client favorite that offers a beautiful way to preserve this chapter of childhood in a tangible form.

Sessions are intentionally limited to keep the experience relaxed, personal, and unrushed.

Who these personality portraits are for

This experience is for parents who:

• Feel time moving a little too fast
• Want to remember this stage of childhood
• Value authenticity over perfection
• Love images that feel emotional, timeless, and real

If you’ve been searching for personality portraits in Raleigh, NC that truly reflect your child’s spirit, this experience was created for you.

A story worth remembering

Years from now, when childhood feels far away, these portraits will bring you back.

Back to the favorite toy.
The missing teeth.
The big feelings.
The quiet moments.
The playful ones.

Not just what your child looked like—but who they were.

Because every child has a story.
And every story deserves to be remembered.

Learn more about personality portraits in Raleigh, NC

Click to learn more about The Story of You personality portrait sessions and reserve a spot for your little love today!

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Family photo sessions don’t have to feel stressful, rushed, or overwhelming. In fact, the most meaningful images—the ones you’ll love more as the years go by—are created when everyone feels relaxed, connected, and at ease.

After photographing families for many years, I’ve noticed something important: the most successful sessions aren’t about perfect behavior or perfect outfits. They’re about energy, trust, and letting go just a little.

Here are my top ten tips to help your family photo session feel calm, natural, and genuinely joyful.

1. Start with Your Energy (Why Calm Parents Matter Most)

This is the most important tip of all.

Children take their cues from you. If you arrive tense, rushed, or worried about how things will go, they feel it immediately. If you arrive calm, open, and present, they do too.

Before your session, take a breath. Remind yourself that nothing needs to be perfect. Your job isn’t to manage every moment—it’s simply to be with your family. I’ll take care of the rest.

2. Trust your photographer (that’s me 😊)

You don’t need to direct the session, ask for specific poses, or coach your children on how to behave.

I’ll gently guide you, read the room, and adapt as needed—whether that means slowing things down, switching gears, or leaning into a moment that’s unfolding naturally. When parents step back and trust the process, children relax, and the images become more authentic.

3. Set expectations low (and intentions high)

Rather than telling your kids they need to “smile” or “behave,” frame the session as something positive and simple.

You might say:
“We’re going to spend some time together, and someone is going to take pictures while we hang out.”

No pressure. No performance. Just connection.

4. Choose Comfortable Clothing for Family Photos

Beautiful outfits are wonderful—but comfort always wins.

If a child is itchy, too hot, too tight, or constantly adjusting clothing, it shows in photos. Soft fabrics, easy movement, and shoes they can walk in comfortably make a big difference in how relaxed everyone feels.

5. Don’t save “good behavior” for later

Many parents say, “If they don’t cooperate, we’ll just try again at the end.”

In reality, kids usually start out at their best. That’s why I work efficiently and follow their lead. Trust that we’re capturing what we need as we go—there’s no single “moment” everything has to fall into place.

6. Bring snacks—but keep them simple

A quick snack can be a lifesaver, especially for little ones. Think easy, non-messy options that won’t stain fingers or mouths.

And don’t worry—pauses are normal. Sometimes a short break is exactly what helps a child reset.

7. Let kids be kids

Quiet, shy, silly, energetic, observant—every child brings something different to a session.

There’s no “right” personality for photos. Some of the most meaningful images come from moments of curiosity, movement, or gentle connection rather than big smiles.

8. Resist the urge to correct or coach

It’s tempting to say things like:
“Stand up straight.”
“Smile nicely.”
“Look at the camera.”

But those little interruptions often pull children out of the moment. If you can, let me do the prompting. Your role is simply to be present and engaged with your family.

9. Focus on connection, not the camera

Instead of worrying about how things look, focus on how things feel.

Hold hands. Lean in. Listen. Laugh when something goes off-script. The emotion between you is what creates timeless photographs—not perfect posture or eye contact.

I photograph family sessions in my Wake Forest studio and throughout the Raleigh area, creating relaxed, meaningful images that reflect real connection rather than forced perfection.

10. Remember Why Family Photos Matter

Family photos aren’t about capturing perfection. They’re about preserving this chapter—exactly as it is.

The way your child leans into you. The way your family fits together right now. These details change more quickly than we realize, and they’re worth remembering.

A final note

When you show up calm, trusting, and open, you give your children permission to do the same. And that’s when the magic happens.

If you’re considering a family session and wondering if it will be “worth it,” know this: the images you treasure most won’t be the perfect ones—they’ll be the honest ones.

And I’d be honored to help you create them.

Contact me to learn more about working together here or complete the form below to be notified of upcoming child and family photography specials and events!

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If you’re expecting a baby, there’s a good chance you’ve found yourself wondering: How much does newborn photography cost?

It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complicated answer – especially when you’re navigating exhaustion, excitement, and a hundred other decisions before your baby even arrives. Many families don’t know where to start or how to compare photographers, and it can quickly feel overwhelming.

Let’s untangle this together.

As a newborn photographer with 17 years of experience working with growing families across Raleigh and Wake Forest, my heart is to make this season easier, calmer, and more meaningful for you. Consider this your clear, straightforward guide to understanding newborn photography pricing: what influences the cost, what’s truly worth investing in, and how to choose the experience that aligns with your values.

Why Newborn Photography Costs What It Costs

To put it simply: newborn photography is expensive because it’s both highly specialized and deeply meaningful.

You want to hire a professional to safely handle your tiny baby, create timeless portraits, and preserve a chapter of life that lasts only a few weeks. The level of training, equipment, studio setup, time, and experience needed to do this well is significant – and it all factors into pricing.

But underneath all of that is something even more important: these are the first photographs that tell the story of your child’s life. Parents want them to be exceptional, and for good reason!

So… How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost?

Here in the Raleigh area, you’ll find three general pricing tiers.

1. Budget / Digital-Only Photographers

($150–$600)
These photographers typically provide:

• A short session
• A small set of digital files
• No guidance on printing or artwork
• A DIY experience – meaning you handle everything after the session

This is a fit for families simply wanting a handful of digital images and who will figure out how to print/what to print/where to print these special memories on their own.

2. Mid-Range Photographers

($600–$1,200+)
You’ll find:

• A longer session
• A mix of digitals (sometimes prints)
• Some styling guidance
• Moderate editing
• Limited help with choosing artwork

Good for families who want more variety but still prefer the DIY approach after the session.

3. Full-Service Newborn Photographers
(this is where my studio sits)

($1,500–$2,500+ total investment)

Full-service studios offer a completely guided experience before, during, and after the session – including the artwork. This includes:

• A planning meeting
• Wardrobe guidance and access to a studio wardrobe
• A fully stocked studio so you don’t have to worry about the just-had-a-baby mess
• A relaxed, baby-led session focused on connection
• A Design & Order appointment afterward so you don’t have to figure out printing alone
• Heirloom artwork + digital images

My own newborn sessions begin with a $250 creative fee, and artwork collections start at $950. Most families spend $1,500–$2,500 on the collection to get the digital images and artwork they desire.

If you want someone to walk with you from the planning phase all the way to the finished artwork in your hands and on your walls, a full-service photographer is the best fit.

What’s Included in a Full-Service Newborn Experience

When families compare photographers, they often focus on the final images, but so much of the value lies in the experience.

Here’s what a full-service approach looks like in my Raleigh/Wake Forest studio:

A Thoughtful Planning Meeting

We discuss your vision for the session and the resulting photos, figure out wardrobe for everyone, and prepare for the session so you feel confident and supported.

A Cozy, Convenient Studio

No cleaning your house when you’d rather be snuggling with your newborn. No prep, no stress! My studio has everything we need so you can simply arrive, exhale, and settle in to enjoy your baby.

Guided, Natural Posing

Nothing stiff, nothing forced. Your session will feel like connecting with your baby, not performing for the camera.

A Full Studio Wardrobe

Beautiful dresses for moms, soft neutral options for babies, and shirts for dads so you don’t need to worry about what fits postpartum or wonder what photographs well.

Optional Hair & Makeup Recommendations

So you can feel pampered and cared for on a day that can otherwise feel hectic.

A Design & Order Appointment

This is where families breathe a sigh of relief. Instead of navigating dozens of digital files alone and worrying about printing quality, we sit down together for about an hour to choose your favorites and create gorgeous, heirloom artwork.

You’re a busy mom. You don’t need one more thing on your plate.

This is the heart of being full-service: ensuring your photographs become treasured pieces of art rather than files that get lost in the cloud.

Digital Images Matter – But They’re Not the Whole Story

I absolutely see the value in digital images. They are important for:

• Family archives
• Long-term storage
• Sharing with grandparents and close friends
• Keeping a visual history of your family

But here’s what concerns me as both a photographer and a mom:

Our children won’t grow up seeing these memories on a parent’s phone.

Studies in developmental psychology show that when children see photographs of themselves displayed in their home, they experience:

• stronger self-esteem
• a deeper sense of belonging
• increased confidence and security

Printed artwork reinforces identity in a way digital files simply cannot. This is why all of my collections include printed artwork and digital images – because both matter, but they serve different purposes. Digital files belong in the archive; printed artwork belongs in your everyday life.

Is Newborn Photography Worth the Investment?

Only you can decide what’s right for your family. But here’s what I know after nearly two decades of photographing newborns:

Parents never regret investing in newborn portraits. But they do regret:

• not booking early enough
• choosing a photographer who didn’t guide them
• or letting their photos sit unprinted

A full-service experience ensures you walk away with something tangible … something your child will see, hold, and grow up with.

From Overwhelmed to Confident

My goal is simple: to help you feel completely supported from the moment you inquire to the moment your artwork is hanging on your walls.

If you’ve been feeling unsure about pricing or how the process works, I hope this guide has given you clarity and excitement instead of overwhelm.

Your baby will only be this tiny once. Let’s create the images that will tell the beginning of their story.

Ready to Learn More About Newborn Sessions?

I’d love to guide you through this beautiful chapter.

Click to explore my newborn photography experience, see portfolio examples, and learn more about the artwork options available.

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