Beijing | Raleigh Travel Photographer

Okay, I'm finally getting around to posting the Beijing pictures. Where does the time go? After this, I'll post pictures from Japan--hopefully with less of a lag between posts!

The first picture you'll see here is the Beijing airport. I was in Beijing in 2005 and I can attest to the huge difference between then and now. This is an amazing airport. Truly.

We had a bit more free time in Beijing than in the other cities and one of the things that I wanted to do was a sidecar tour. My parents had done this in Shanghai and had such high recommendations, that I had to try it. The company is Beijing Sideways and you can do tours of varying lengths and in different locations. The commonality is that you're on a motorcycle with a sidecar and you can ride on the back of the motorcycle or in the sidecar (or alternate, which is what I did). I might have felt rebellious, except my parents were the ones who told me to do it! This method of transport allowed us to weave in and out of traffic and go down some narrow alleys and into the hutongs of Beijing. You'll see a few pictures below.

Here I am, looking awesome (not). My contacts ripped the first day I arrived in Asia so I had to wear my glasses the whole time, which was sort of a pain since I don't normally wear them all day and hold my camera up to my face--to be met with glasses.

I loved this girl holding the rooster. I wanted to get closer, but we were riding and I took the only shot I could get.

Lounging and waiting for the next rickshaw passengers : )

Lay Flat Albums | Raleigh Portrait Photographer

I am often asked about albums and what they look like. And, really, there are so many choices and possibilities that it's hard to do them justice! I always have good intentions about taking pictures of albums, gallery-wrapped canvases, portfolio boxes, etc. before they leave my hands and go into yours, but it rarely happens. I took these images months ago and am finally posting them : )
These are just a couple of examples of some of the lay-flat albums that I offer. The cover options are many, but the images below show a metal cover (image printed directly on metal) and a ripple glass cover (first page of the album can be seen under the glass cover). These are really special albums with a definite wow factor. The pages lay flat when open so that the image isn't interrupted. The spine is leather and they come wrapped in beautiful paper packaging, as seen below. Other cover options include fabric, leather, vegan-friendly pleather, smokey glass, wood, photos on canvas, and more.
If you don't have much wall space, need a gorgeous gift, or just want something different for yourself, albums are a great way to go! I also offer press-printed books and will post some images of those soon : )









Below is the metal cover option. You can tell from the image that it has a very cool sheen.



Here is an example of the benefit of lay-flat pages when using an image across the entire spread.






This is the ripple glass cover. And, yes, this book is a bit heavy! : )



Super soft leather spine...

Caira Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

These were taken at a location that was special for this family. This property has been a constant since they've lived in Cary and they have always enjoyed seeing it when they drive by. In a town where the landscape is changing quickly, this house and barn has remained. The owners were kind enough to let us use it for the session..and so we did, bringing games and wings along.

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.

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.