Meet Jack | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Jack Elliott

Born January 18, 2010

10:09pm

7lbs, 9 oz

19 inches

I'm so thrilled for our great friends Tina and Dave on the birth of their sweet baby boy! Jack is their first child and, as you can imagine, they're completely in love with him--as they should be.

Dave called us from the hospital that night and told us how the delivery went. He said that before he called us, Jack held his finger and they just looked into each other's eyes for twenty minutes. I said to him, "Isn't it the greatest thing in the world?" He responded, "Yes. There's nothing outside this room right now." I thought it was so sweet and completely sums up the way we feel as parents. Congratulations, Dave and Tina! We're beyond happy for you : )

I love little baby bottoms : )

Dave plays hockey (goalie) and wanted to get a picture with Jack in his hockey glove. So cute.

Meet Anna Gray | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Anna GrayBorn January 22, 20102:11am8lb, 2oz20 inches
The Thomas family made this session really easy for me. They are all so sweet and so photogenic. Anna Gray slept perfectly during the session and they had great props that we incorporated, including this stool from Ghana. Ben and Carmen, congratulations on your beautiful family!

All You Need Is Love Contest | Raleigh Engagement and Couples Photographer

It's that time of year. The stores are flooded with all things pink and red. Hearts are everywhere and commercials blast reminders to men (flowers! diamonds! chocolate! spa packages!). Hearts are on every card and it seems completely appropriate to go buy yourself a cupcake...or two. Restaurants are booked solid. Yes, it's the season of love.

In honor of just that season, I'm pleased to announce the All You Need Is Love Contest!!!

One lucky couple will win a FREE photo session and three high resolution digital files. Digital files are normally only sold as a full set for $1200, so this is a value of $1350!!!

Here are the rules:

-In 200 words or less, email me the reason why you are a unique couple. What makes you tick as a couple? What are your favorite things to do? What are you passionate about together? Are you fun? Are you opposites that attract? Do you finish each other's sentences? Tell me!

-Include the couples' names and contact information (email, phone, address)

-Attach a photo of the two of you together in your email

-Submit your entry by Friday, February 12th at 5pm EST

I will announce the top three couples by 3pm EST on February 14th. Then it's up to YOU to vote on the winner!

Voting will end on February 21st at 5pm EST. The winning couple will be announced on February 22nd.

2nd Place Prize: FREE photo session ($150 value)

3rd Place Prize: 50% off session fee ($75 value)

Good luck!


Terms & Conditions

-Couples do NOT need to be married. The contest is open to couples dating, engaged, or married.
-Closing date for entries is Friday, February 12th at 5pm EST.

-Grand Prize includes a 1-2 hour photo session with Jen Arthur Photography + 3 high resolution JPEG images. Additional prints may be purchased at regular price.

-Second Place Prize includes a free 1-2 hour photo session with Jen Arthur Photography. Prints may be purchased at regular price.

-Third Place Prize includes 50% off a 1-2 hour photo session with Jen Arthur Photography. Prints may be purchased at regular price.

-The top 3 couples will be chosen by Jen Arthur Photography and will be on the Jen Arthur Photography blog for voting from February 14-21.
-The photo session will take place in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
-Only 1 entry per couple.

-Photo sessions for all three winning couples must take place by October 1, 2010.
-Winners must be willing to be featured on the blog and website of Jen Arthur Photography and may be used for promotional purposes and press.
-Copyright of all images belongs to Jen Arthur Photography.
-Prizes may not be exchanged or transferred and no cash alternative will be offered.
-Winners will be contacted with the contact information they provide. If they cannot be contacted, or are unable comply with these terms and conditions, Jen Arthur Photography reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant.

Henley Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

Rhyanne was my roommate at Rollins while we were getting our MBAs. She put up with a lot of my quirks and weird ideas and "projects," and I'll always feel indebted to her for that. I feel like I learned a lot while in school, but I often got distracted by other things (some legitimate--like the business I was running with my sis-in-law--and others not so legitimate, like making bracelets, watching Felicity, etc.). Rhyanne, on the other hand, had her head on straight.

I remember one day when I was making a bit too much noise while getting my breakfast ready. You see, I went through a phase where I would take Nature's Valley granola bars (the kind with the green wrapper) and crush them up to make cereal for breakfast. Yes, I know you can buy granola cereal but I truly thought what I was making was delicious (and I'm sure I'd still think so now if I tried it). I would crush it each morning on the kitchen counter with a full wine bottle because it was accessible and heavy. Poor Rhyanne finally came out of her room one morning, after I had woken her up, confused about why I was always hammering in the kitchen every morning. After that I always took the granola bars to my room to smash them : )

Now she's married (Jeff is such a great guy!) and has two beautiful boys. They all live in Nashville, which is where I was for the Imaging USA conference. I'm so happy I had the chance to see Rhyanne again and spend some time together. While I was there we took some pictures of the family on the Vanderbilt campus. Here are just a few.

Rhyanne, I hope you come and visit soon! I'll have Anne of Green Gables and Indian food ready to go : )

Visual Art Exchange | Raleigh Fine Art Photographer

If you are looking for something to do Friday night, consider going out to First Friday in Raleigh! It's a great opportunity to visit local galleries, listen to good music, and have some wine and appetizers. It starts at 6pm on the first Friday of every month.

One gallery that participates is Visual Art Exchange. It's a wonderful gallery in downtown Raleigh and I am so excited to be one of their February featured artists! I have a few fine art pieces that will be on display this month. I hope to see you there for First Friday!

Jeremy Cowart Workshop

A few weeks ago I went to one of Jeremy Cowart's workshops. If you aren't familiar with his work, you should be. Not only is he an amazing celebrity photographer, he's also someone who seeks to change the world for good--and not just through photography, but in any way he can. He founded Help Portrait and, as I type this, he's in Port-au Prince loving and helping the people of Haiti. Follow him on Twitter to get updates on the projects he's working on. Here is an image of a newly married couple he shot in Haiti. The sign reads, "Love Conquers All" in Creole.

During part of the workshop, we divided into groups and photographed a model. Our group got Kasey Reed and she was fantastic! Anyone in Tennessee looking for a model should get in touch with Kasey. She is represented by MAX|AMAX.