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.

Meet Axton Part II | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

I'd been wanting to do this shot for months and it finally came together with little Axton and his big brother Stone. It was inspired by old depictions of boys carrying their sticks like this with the little handkerchief tied on at the end. Remember Axton? This shot is one we tried to do during the first session, but it didn't work out that time. Mom Wendy liked the idea so much that she wanted to try again, so we did! I'm so glad we got it, Wendy!

PLEASE NOTE: Depending on your screen resolution/monitor size you may need to click on the image to see the full version. Some screens cut off parts of the horizontal photos on this blog.

Sweet siblings Macy and Stone


Stone's intense face in this one makes me smile : )

Schwenk Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

The Schwenk family wanted to have their session done at a place with character and I think we found just the place! Ryan is finishing his MBA at NC State and Andra is an interior designer. And Grayson is just cute : ) Andra reminds me of a country singer--not the old kind with tassles and rhinestones (although I sure love Dolly)--but the new singers who are super stylish and hip. Anyway, enjoy the sneak peek!

EDIT: I just published this post and took a look at it and saw the my pictures are STILL getting cut off on some monitors even though I sized them down for this post. Schwenk family, if you have a smaller monitor, please know that the real pictures are not cut off on the right. I think I officially need to switch blogs.

I wish I could take credit for this idea (below), but it was all Andra's. I think it turned out really cute!

Meet Jack | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Jack is the newest addition to the Williams family. They had waited to find out the sex and little Jack was their reward. Congratulations on your beautiful baby!