The Way We Were

The Way We Were is a nostalgic celebration of childhood's simplest joys. Inspired by long summer days, tire swings, fireflies, laundry lines, bare feet, and the moments that become core memories, this children-only event is designed to preserve the wonder, imagination, and innocence of growing up. Timeless, playful, and beautifully unhurried, these portraits capture childhood just as you want to remember it. These sessions are ideal for clients seeking magical, colorful summer portraits with an effortless appeal.

WEEKDAY EVENINGS
THROUGH SEPTEMBER
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

A Very Vintage Picnic

Picnics have long been a way families slow down and spend time together. Antique details, vintage lace, and open space create a setting that feels relaxed but refined. This event features a thoughtfully curated picnic scene with heirloom-inspired props, layered textiles, and special treats prepared for the children to enjoy. Sessions balance gently guided portraits with candid moments, allowing interaction, curiosity, and connection to unfold naturally within the setting. These sessions are ideal for children and families who value imagery inspired by tradition, storytelling, and shared experience.

JUNE 6 & JULY 24
RALEIGH, NC (27603)
FULLY BOOKED

Lakeside Sailors

Whimsy and imagination shape this unforgettable experience on the banks of Jordan Lake. Set sail, keeping your eye out for mermaids and buried treasure, as the sun creates a masterpiece of color and light over the water. This children-only event is inspired by classic adventure stories, encouraging play and genuine excitement. Sailor and pirate props are all provided, and I'm happy to help with wardrobe selection. These sessions are perfect for celebrating the creativity, curiosity and freedom of childhood.

JUNE 27 & JULY 31
JORDAN LAKE, NC
FULLY BOOKED

Midsummer Blooms

The summer flowers fields are full and vibrant, layered with the colors and textures of sunflower, zinnia, larkspur and more. This event features a variety of vivid seasonal blooms, offering ever-changing beauty to showcase the finest of a southern summer garden, where Mother Nature is in charge. These sessions are ideal for families, children, and seniors who want colorful, light filled, timeless portraits. Reserving with flexibility is essential to accommodate best blooms.

JULY 11, 12, 17 & 26 and AUGUST 5
RALEIGH, NC (27603)
FULLY BOOKED

Butterfly Kisses

Join me at the Museum of Life and Science, surrounded by hundreds of tropical butterflies, in an atmosphere of movement and wonder unlike any other setting. This exclusive greenhouse rental offers a rare opportunity for portraits in one of Durham’s most loved and iconic locations. These sessions are ideal for families and children seeking a memorable and immersive portrait experience.

AUGUST 9
DURHAM, NC
FULLY BOOKED

Old-Fashion Splashin’

Bubbles, breezes and babies… a perfect combination. Join me on my vintage laundry line set with your littles to celebrate the nostalgia of a warm bath in the summer sunset glow. This antique inspired set will include tub and basin options for babies and toddlers up to age 3. Older siblings and parents are invited to join in as we splash, explore, and interact to create portraits that balance gentle posing with carefree summer memories. These dreamlike sessions are designed for families with young children, focusing on connection and ethereal storytelling rooted in tradition.

JUNE 20 & AUGUST 21
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Old Train Yard

All aboard! Train enthusiasts of all ages have joined me for more than a decade, making this my longest running annual event. Brightly colored trains and glowing summer golden hour set the scene as we capture memorable moments. This children-only event returns to a long-time favorite setting, focusing on thoughtful composition and genuine joy in the experience. These sessions are perfect for families and children who want to highlight character, confidence, and imagination.

AUGUST 29
NEW HILL, NC

The Warehouse District

Historic brick, visual contrast and character galore set the scene for charming portraits with an urban flair. This location features depth and texture with an editorial feel, perfect for families, children, seniors and graduates wanting elevated edgy portraiture.

AUGUST 30
RALEIGH, NC (27601)

September Shores

September Shores brings the fall calendar to the North Carolina coast with Labor Day weekend portraits in Atlantic Beach, a final farewell to the summer season. This event is a beautiful opportunity to preserve the sunny, salty, easy connection of a beach weekend before the rhythm of fall fully begins. With open shoreline, soft coastal light, and the natural beauty of the ocean, these portraits offer a timeless way to remember the summer of '26.

SEPTEMBER 5 & 6
ATLANTIC BEACH, NC

Lakeside Sunsets

Colorful evenings by the water unfold from bright and crisp to soft and colorful. Warm air, open skies, and shifting light set the scene across the beaches of Jordan Lake. This event centers on lakeside portraits created during the final moments of daylight, focusing on both the perfectly posed and genuinely candid moments. The light changes quickly at golden hour, leading to different experiences from one session to the next. Earlier appointments can expect bolder, brighter images, and later appointments can expect softer, moodier images. These sessions are ideal for families, children, and seniors seeking light-filled summer portraits with an effortless appeal.

JUNE 25 & AUGUST 7 & SEPTEMBER 20
JORDAN LAKE, NC

Whispers of Fall

Whispers of Fall begins the autumn portrait season from late September into early October, when the first hints of foliage color begin to mingle with lingering summer warmth. This event is a beautiful choice for families who love the softer transition into fall, with mixed early foliage, golden sunset light, and a little more flexibility before the busiest part of the season arrives. It is especially loved by early planners and clients hoping to preserve the last of that sun-kissed tan.

OCTOBER 3 & 11
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

The Golden Season

The Golden Season takes place from mid-October through mid-November, when the real foliage color begins to unfold and the cooler weather brings a richer sense of autumn to every portrait. This is the time of year when the light becomes especially beautiful, with golden sunsets, warm leaves, and the classic seasonal backdrop so many families wait for each year. These sessions are a favorite for clients who want portraits that honor the heart of fall, with timeless color and a polished, heirloom quality.

OCTOBER 18 & 25 and NOVEMBER 1 & 14
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

The Copper Grove

Copper Grove celebrates the bright, joyful colors of late autumn, with portraits centered around vivid leaves, movement, play, and the simple beauty of children enjoying the season. This event is designed to capture the warmth and energy of fall in a way that feels natural, nostalgic, and full of life. From leaf piles to glowing color, Copper Grove is a beautiful opportunity to create portraits that feel playful while still maintaining the refined, timeless quality clients expect.

NOVEMBER 22
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Autumn’s Embrace

Autumn’s Embrace is my longest-running fall foliage tradition, created for the most vibrant autumn colors November has to offer. Year after year, this event has become a cherished part of the season for many families, with portraits that mark the passing of time against a backdrop of deep, beautiful fall color. This is the event for clients who wait for peak autumn richness, when the leaves, light, and season come together in the most stunning way.

NOVEMBER 11, 15 & 28
RALEIGH, NC (27605)

Santa’s Kitchen

Santa’s Kitchen returns after becoming last year’s most beloved new event, selling out in minutes. This children-only event invites the naughty and the nice to help Santa make cookies and core memories. The mess only adds to the magic for the sweetest kind of Christmas chaos. Hosted inside a beautiful, professionally designed historic farmhouse with a dreamy, vintage inspired kitchen featured on the cover of Southern Living. Each child will receive cookies and a letter from Santa to take home as part of this annual tradition. This event is a wonderful choice for families who prefer painterly candid portraits with a heavy dash of whimsy and wonder.

OCTOBER 17 & 18
GARNER, NC (27529)

Santa Traditions

Santa Traditions, formerly Classic Santa, is my longest-running holiday event. An outdoor set among lush live evergreen trees brings the focus to Santa, the children, and the magic of the season. For many families, this event has become part of the rhythm of Christmas, a tradition that grows more meaningful with each passing year. Santa will be in his classic red suit, and while the heart of the event is centered on the children, the whole family is welcome to join in, pets included. Each child will receive a customized ornament from Santa to bring home as a treasured keepsake. This event is perfect for families who value annual classic portraits and timeless settings.

NOVEMBER 7
RALEIGH, NC (27603)
FULLY BOOKED

Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s Workshop is a longtime favorite, created around an elaborate holiday set filled with antique tools, vintage toys and the coveted yearly Nice List. This event has become a treasured tradition for many families who return year after year to step into a world of nostalgic wonder. A printable 2026 Official Christmas Wishlist will be sent to each family for children to fill out and share with Santa during their visit. Each child will receive a special gift from Mr. Claus to bring home as a keepsake of this annual tradition. This event is wonderful for children and families who love a richly detailed Santa experience in a playful, story-filled setting. Families and pets are welcome to join in.

NOVEMBER 8
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Santa’s Sweets

Santa’s Sweets is a new children-only event filled with cheerful holiday color, Chinoiserie charm, and a playful sense of Christmas delight. Featuring a palette of pink, red, green, and blue, a traditional motif, a tastefully decorated tree, and a vintage brass trolley filled with sweets and treats, this set is whimsical and wonderfully unique. Each child will receive a special treat and a letter from Santa to make the experience even more memorable. This event is a wonderful choice for families who want something more whimsical than a classic Santa portrait while still keeping the aesthetic polished, preppy, and worthy of displaying year after year.

NOVEMBER 14
RALEIGH, NC (27603)
FULLY BOOKED

The Sugarplum Parlor

The Sugarplum Parlor is a new event for the whole family featuring the same festive setting as Santa’s Sweets, but without Santa. With its cheerful mix of pinks, reds, greens, and blues, a tastefully decorated tree, Chinoiserie charm, and a vintage brass trolley filled with sweets and treats, this set offers a playful yet elegant holiday portrait experience. Each child will take home a special treat, adding extra holiday joy to the memory of the session. This event is perfect for families who want polished holiday portraits in a beautifully styled setting without a Santa visit.

NOVEMBER 14
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Storytime with Santa

Storytime with Santa is a new children-only event created for cozy, meaningful moments beside the fireplace with the big guy. A bright and traditional set brings the focus to connection, wonder, and the sweetness of snuggling close while sharing a Christmas story. Santa will be in his classic red suit for this event. Each family will take home a special new book signed by Santa as a keepsake from the experience. This event is perfect for clients who want annual Santa portraits rooted in childhood memories and storytelling magic.

NOVEMBER 15
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Winter Elegance

Winter Elegance is a new addition to the calendar, featuring my favorite modern setting in Downtown Raleigh. This event is designed for families who want more sophistication than a traditional holiday set for a refined, editorial feel. With the glass architecture, clean lines and golden glow, these portraits are elevated and distinctive while still carrying the color and beauty of the season. The perfect choice for families who love dressing up and want polished, stylish, and timeless portraits for holiday cards and heirloom wall portraits. Formal attire is strongly encouraged.

NOVEMBER 27
RALEIGH, NC (27603)

Hometown Holidays

Hometown Holidays brings the warmth of the season to a quaint Main Street setting in late November, surrounded by the charm of storefronts and small-town holiday nostalgia. After two years in Downtown Apex, and two years in Downtown Cary, I'm looking for my next destination! Will you help decide? This event is perfect for families who love classic holiday portraits that feel seasonal without being centered around Santa or limited to a studio set.

NOVEMBER 29
RALEIGH, NC (27603)