Tang and Tsang Families | Raleigh Family Photographer

I have known the Tang family for several years and they have been great friends. We lived in the same town in Florida and now, years later, we're living in the same city in North Carolina. The world truly is so small : )
They wanted to have some pictures done for the holidays and we did these right in their beautiful neighborhood!

Collinson Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

I was really afraid that the skies would open on us for this session. First it was a 30% chance of rain, and then it changed to 70% the day before. Then somehow it went back down to 10% that morning but the rain was due to hit us right during the session. Thankfully, though it was quite cloudy, it didn't rain.
This family was a lot of fun. And who agrees with me that the older son, Trevor, looks a bit like a younger version of Liam Neeson's son in Love Actually?

I loved how they were both gently playing with each other's sleeves.

Thanksgiving 2009 | Raleigh Family Photographer

I have so many things for which to be thankful. These pictures show just a few of them.
I love how Jacob and Talah almost have the same expression in the picture below left. She thought it was awesome to have the leaves fall all around her when the wind blew.

It was sort of strange to set a Thanksgiving table for only three people, but it was still a good and relaxing day. We definitely missed all of our family in Florida, though!

Pumpkin trifle.

Savory pumpkin pie/tart (recipe at the bottom).

Turkey breast cutlets and root potato smash. I have to say, these turkey cutlets were no where NEAR as good as the whole bird my dad cooks, but I thought I'd give them a shot.

Some of Jacob's latte art. Even though I don't drink coffee, I truly appreciate his artistry.

My favorite thing we ate was the savory pumpkin pie. It was very easy to make and I just adapted it from a recipe I found online. If you're feeling ambitious you can roast pumpkin instead of using the puree.

Savory Pumpkin PieIngredients:1 can pumpkin puree1 pie crust (pre-made or make your own)2 medium onions2 T brown sugar2 T butter1 T oil1 cup grated cheese (I used English Coastal Cheddar but Gruyere would be good)2 eggs2 T milkSalt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg to taste
-Brown the pie crust at 375 degrees until lightly golden.-Slice the onions into thin half-moons and sautee in the oil and butter for 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar and cook until caramelized.-In small bowl, mix pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, and salt/pepper/thyme/nutmeg to taste.-Scrape pumpkin mixture into the pie crust-Cover with the cheese (you may not need a whole cup but I was using a deep dish pie pan)-Mix the eggs and milk in a small bowl-Pour egg/milk mixture over the top of the cheese
Bake at 375 degrees 25 minutes or until set.

The Kuehn Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

Diane and Gary are part of the awesome team at VisionPoint Marketing, where Diane is President & CEO. They do it all, including marketing strategy, online marketing, and design. I highly recommend getting in touch with them if you'd like to take your business to the next level (and also if you just want to know great people)!

We went to the NC Museum of Art trail for their family session. Enjoy!

Jacob's Afternoon at Phoenix Tattoo | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer

Jacob had been talking about getting a tattoo for years and yesterday he finally got one. He got it done at Phoenix Tattoo in Raleigh. Colby, his tattoo artist, did an awesome job. The tattoo he got is of St. Michael, the patron saint of paratroopers (what Jacob was in the Army). It took three hours, but he loves it and it's meaningful to him, so I guess the pain was worth it : )

















Takin' it like a man!






Below is the final result. The actual tattoo is black and grey, but it looks red because, well, it's traumatized skin. I'll have to post another picture sometime after it's healed.