Happy Halloween!

Recently, we went to a local Trunk-or-Treat with some friends Aimee and her daughter Ava. For those of you who are new to this, a Trunk-or-Treat is when people park their vehicles in a parking space and open their trunks. They decorate their trunks in creative ways and stand there and pass out candy. It's a great way to get a lot of candy in a short period of time and meet a lot of people, monsters, goblins, and in our case . . . a Chicken, Dinosaur and Flower. We had a great time wondering through the maze of cars and saying 'trick-or-treat". Lydia really got into it this year. She loved reaching into people's buckets and taking large handfuls of candy . . . several times. Now, I know what you're thinking . . . 'Craig you taught her that', and no, I did not teach her that. She seems to instinctively understand that candy is delicious and she wants all of it she can have (although I was very proud . . . and there was only one time where I told her to go and get more cause they were giving away peanut M&M's). Caleb on the other hand seemed a little more star struck this year. He was a little more aware of all the Goblins, Cowboys, Witches . . . and SpiderMen out there with him. We had to help him along because most of the time he would just stop and stare at people to the point of drooling. I guess it was too much visual stimulation for him. So, we wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween! We hope it's a blast.

Meet the "Flying" Dinosaur.

Meet the Chicken.

Meet the Flower.

You can almost see the amazement in his eyes.

At the first stop Lydia was a little confused, she tried to give back the candy. I think she couldn't really believe what was happening . . . people were just giving her candy. She was in heaven.

In the end, we took some time to enjoy the spoils.

Let the sugar high begin!

They really do grow up so fast. So, don't forget your camera.

Stocks Family

Allen and Kara Stocks found out about CSM Photography through another family we photographed, the Stetter's. Kara contacted us shortly after Kaylin was born to inquire about some family photos. When she saw that we were running this Holiday Session Special she immediately e-mailed us to book a spot. They were our final family of the day and the sunlight was really beautiful. We love to shoot when the sun is beginning to set. Allen and Kara have two beautiful children, Christopher and Kaylin. Christopher was quite the ham and had been practicing his pretty smile all week. He loved the camera and the camera loved him! Those blue eyes sparkle and that curly blonde hair is adoreable. Kaylin is just as precious and happy as can be. She smiled and watched us work without making a peep. . . talk about a content baby! Seriously, she was very content and happy to just watch us.

Everyone, please meet the beautifully blue eyed Christopher.

Christopher loved finding bugs. Well, when you walk into the field on this Farm the grasshoppers jump everywhere. Like in the hundreds. Seriously, people. Making art can sometimes be scary for those who don't like bugs. Thankfully, Christopher was not afraid of bugs. In the image at bottom right, He found an enormous 'grasshopper' in the field and was so proud to have it in his hands.

Christopher is discovering so many things right now. At one point , in the image at bottom right, he was curious about his pants belt. Maybe it was too tight and uncomfortable, or maybe he just likes putting the belt through the loops, I don't know. I didn't ask him. But it got me thinking. So, I just have to say that I hate wearing a belt. I have to wear one, but I don't enjoy it. In fact, I don't think most men like to wear belts. Ok, most men probably haven't really thought about that. But, if they really did they would probably wish that pants just always fit. Christopher is just learning that its not such a blast to have a tight belt on. So, here's to you mister tight belt wearer-er . . . (can you hear the bud-light commercial?) ok, maybe this just got strange for some of you reading. Sorry. Now back to pictures.

In the image at bottom left Christopher had discovered a cricket in the grass. He got very excited about this. You gotta love children. They are so entertained by the aspects of life we just gloss over.

Oh yea, Christopher loved the tree swing too. So, note to parents: I found out that the swing is pretty much a home-run every time with children . . . just in-case you hadn't discovered the power of the swing yet.

To Allen and Kara: Thanks for choosing us to capture the smiles of your family. Enjoy these young and tender years. May these images be something you treasure as your kids grow up before your eyes. We hope they help you to not gloss over this season of your lives.

Ellis Family

We have been so privileged to have such AMAZING clients. It is always an honor when our clients trust us with their family memories and return to us season after season. Paul and Lisa are faithful clients of ours. They have been with us since the beginning of our business, and we have probably taken more photos of them than any other client. In fact, they were with us in the beginning when we were exploring some studio photography. Lisa had asked us to do her maternity pictures and then returned to us when her son, Caden, was born for his newborn pictures. You can see Caden's newborn pictures HERE. We have known Paul and Lisa for two years and they have become sweet friends. They decided to jump on board with our Holiday Session Special to get a few family pictures but wanted to mainly focus on Caden since he recently turned one year old. So, they came out to the farm not knowing what to expect. Lisa is originally from "up north" and lived in Arizona for several years after that. Lisa and Paul decided to give up the unbearable hot temperatures, the scorpions, and the rampant dust storms of Arizona in exchange for a more 'normal' life replete with sweet tea, green foliage, and MUCH cooler weather. They have been living here in Eastern North Carolina for two years now and Lisa is always learning something new about "our" food, and slang sayings ( . . . it's almost like Eastern North Carolina is a different country for them). So, doing a photo-shoot in a rural setting on the Farm was a great way to show that the South is now her home . . . (can you tell we kinda tease them a lot about this?). Ironically, Paul, is actually a good ole' boy from South Carolina who can sympathize with Pirate Fans since he LOVES the Clemson Tigers and is used to having high expectations that lead to severe disappointment and borderline depression when those expectations are far from realized. As for Little Caden, he was a champ and seemed to enjoy exploring the different parts of the farm. . . his roots are being planted on the firm soil of the South.

No matter your particular palate for photography . . . this is a very cool image.

I love the sun flare.

Kim rocked the image at bottom right.

Ok, this image below deserves an explanation. I really wanted to try a shot using one or more polaroid images. (So, a BIG thanks to Amy (you know who you are) who responded to my plea on this blog for a polaroid camera and let me borrow hers). So, Paul and Lisa, were gracious enough to let me try my idea. Now, I have mixed feelings about the image, but I show it to you because if you want to be a photographer . . . well, you have to try new things. ( This is me being vulnerable.) So, let me know what you think.

Caden is definitely adorable.

This one is my favorite.

To Paul and Lisa: your friendship is special. Thanks for your encouragement, love and support. We love "ya'll" and have enjoyed walking beside you in this season of 'parenthood'.

Wilkie Family

On Sunday afternoon we headed out to the farm for our first of several Holiday Sessions for the day and to meet the Wilkie Family. Bethann said they heard about us through the Woodlief family. We had just finished photographing their beautiful twin babies. You can see those HERE. Troy, Bethann, Jackson and Nora Kate looked as if they had just stepped out of a magazine with their coordinated outfits, cool accessories and beautiful smiles for the camera! Bethann wanted images that were colorful, candid and able to capture who they were in real life. So, we just followed them around as they enjoyed each other. It was fun to be a "fly on the wall" or should I say a "bee on the farm" as we watched this family run around, play and explore the beautiful farm. Jackson, who is six and Nora Kate, three, had lots of energy but I must say their parents were able to keep up. They were playing chase, throwing the kids up in the air, picking up bugs and taking their turns on the tree swing. Having children tends to bring out the kid in us all.

I loved Nora Kate's colorful stockings.

Jackson really enjoyed the tree swing.

Say it with me . . . awwww.

It wasn't until later, after the photo-shoot when I was sitting in front of my computer looking at this image at the bottom left and I thought . . . Wow! . . . Now that's an impressive toss. I'm thinking at least 5.5 feet at the peak. Dad's all over the world should be impressed by this.

Nora Kate is gorgeous and full of smiles.

To Bethann and Troy: We had a great time and hope you were able to create some memories with your family. Years from now, when they're grown, we hope these images help bring you back to now.

Woodlief Twins

Scott and Ashlie came to us a few months ago to do their maternity pictures. You can see those HERE. We had a blast getting to know them and hearing the story of their two blessings on the way, Hudson and Davis. Well, once the boys were born they gave us a call and asked if we would come over and capture them once again, this time outside of the womb. We photographed them on their one week birthday - just seven days old. It's hard to imagine both of these healthy baby boys being inside together. Scott and Ashlie are both so "natural" with their boys. They make a great team.

I love how they are cuddled up together - I'm sure there is some comfort for them since they did spend the last nine months together in "close quarters".

Then we tried to undress them . . . and they didn't like that.

When we got there Hudson was wide awake. He was mesmerized by the camera.

Proud Papa.

A beautiful nursery . . . double take on everything!

They are raising their boys right . . . as PIRATE fans!

Ashlie and Scott: We know you are tired and the nights and days are probably just running together right now. But we promise you - one day you will miss it because they really do grow up FAST! One day you will long for your child to raise his hands up and want you to hold them.

Christina + Anthony

Christina contacted us this past summer after they were engaged. She and Anthony were planning their wedding but hadn't yet decided on a date. We went ahead and scheduled an {e-session} for October. Both of them are lawyers. One works for the DA and one is a defense attorney. They haven't yet met in the courtroom and didn't expect that to happen. Anthony wanted their session to be in a more rural setting. I love the open fields and country farms. So, we had a blast just capturing their relationship through the lens.

I love the red barn doors.

I thought Christina had some really cool shoes.

Kim climbed a silo for this shot (bottom right). I loved it.

Christina and Anthony: We look forward to the wedding. Thanks for hanging out with us.

Holiday Sessions Are Here!

Ok, it is that time of year. it's time to start thinking about Christmas. I really love the Holidays. I enjoy getting gifts for friends and my family. I like to try and find a unique gift for each of them. But then there are the "hard to buy for". The "hard to buy for" are the people that have everything or just don't give you any clue what they want for the Holidays. You agonize over what to give them and talk yourself out of every idea for one reason or another. We all have someone on our gift list like that. It is challenging. . . it really is.

So, I want to offer a solution. Why not give the gift of photos, cards or photo books this Christmas? You know that Grandma, Gan-Gan, Nannie, Gram and Gramps (insert other favorite name here) will LOVE a new family photo. If asked they probably wouldn't prefer any other gift. I'm willing to bet that the 'hard to buy for' people would love this too. (at the very least it will end the stress and worry over what to get them . . . at least for this year).

So, we are going to offer a special session to produce those unique, colorful and captured images our clients have come to love. We have decided to call these sessions our "Hard To Buy For" Session (HTBF).

We are opening October 25th and November 1st, (SATURDAYS!) to launch our HTBF Sessions. In addition we are offering a rate that is gentle on the wallet (we watch the news too). A typical family session at CSM photography is $200 + tax. However, in the spirit of the Holiday's and on behalf of all of those who struggle to buy for the "hard to buy for" people we are giving you a great rate... a 45 minute session for just $120 + tax!

You pick the time slot (or take whatever is left) and we will photograph you and your immediate family for 45 minutes at a gorgeous Farm House property (more on that below . . . you had to know we had something cool up our sleeve).

Hurry up and book, we expect these session to sell out quickly. Deals like this don't come around very often. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A SESSION PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL US.

All session times below are for Saturday, October 25th and November 1st and are first come, first serve. Those who call the studio, pick an available time slot, and reserve with credit card to secure a session and we'll let you know where to meet!

All sessions will be held at a beautiful Farm House. This Farm House was completed in 1792 and is one of the most beautiful properties I have ever seen. It has it all. If you're thinking Red Barn Doors - yea, we have that. Looking for the old fashioned tree swing, - yea we have that too. Looking for horse stables . . . check. (no horses though). Looking for a field to run through . . . check. Wanting something rustic and representative of Eastern North Carolina? Then this is the place. Trust me . . . nobody's going to have Holiday images like this. Hurry, I only have eight spots.

Below are the times we have available. Each is a 45 minute slot.

OCT 25 SOLD OUT
Saturday, Oct 25. - 2:15pm - 3pm (taken)
Saturday, Oct 25. - 3:15pm - 4pm (taken)
Saturday, Oct 25. - 4:15pm - 5pm (taken)
Saturday, Oct 25. - 5:15pm - 6pm (taken)

Saturday, Nov 1. - 2:15pm - 3pm (taken)
Saturday, Nov 1. - 3:15pm - 4pm
Saturday, Nov 1. - 4:15pm - 5pm
Saturday, Nov 1. - 5:15pm - 6pm

Call 252.353.5688 to book today!

SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CALLING TO BOOK:

||All payments are due upon booking and are non-refundable upon cancellation. ||
||This is for individuals, children, and families only. Extended families will incur an additional charge.||
||You must select a time slot when booking this session. ||
||Each session is 45 minutes long.||
||Please do not be late for your session. ||
||We recommend talking about the session with children in advance and getting them excited, like a special outing. We also recommend bringing treats and snacks for younger children (and us, we like snacks too!). ||
||Each session will be edited and placed online for viewing. You will be provided a MINIMUM of 20 edited photos per family for viewing online. All prints and products should be purchased separately. ||
||You will be notified by email when your images are online. ||

Our First Kite

A few weekends ago we went to Myrtle Beach. The weather was perfect - sunny, low to mid 70's and breezy enough to fly a kite. We had fun laughing, running around and enjoying some time away together as a family. Here are a few of my favorite images. The first one captures my heart - there's nothing like seeing your husband have fun with your children:)

Caleb was intrigued with the kite and insisted on doing it "all by himself". We were both quite impressed that he didn't let it go.

Who says girls don't play hard? (I'm just impressed that she actually picked her hairbow up off the ground.)

They really do have fun together - I pray that they are best friends when they get older.

I LOVE her face in this picture. It makes me giggle inside every time I see it. You can see the tiny grains of sand on Caleb's hands here - and notice how he is looking a bit worried.

Howard Family

Amy emailed me wanting a fun family session after a referal from my good friend Mandy Hardy (a little shout out to Mandy!). Amy shared with me that they really enjoy spending time on their boat riding down the tar river. So, that's what we decided to do . . . go on the boat. The weather started to shape into a scene out of Wizard of Oz. The sky was grey and even turned dark at one point. We were all thinking it might rain, but the overcast sky actually made for some nice light. Amy and Ken have a beautiful daughter, Caroline. She is two and loves to be tickled, paint her fingernails and drive the boat. She is a gorgeous little girl and is full of energy and smiles. She was so easy to photograph. I'm afraid that her father, Ken, is going to have his hands full running the boys off in the years to come. Their other baby is Lucky, the family dog. I love dogs. Our family has had several family dogs that have practically had a seat at our dinner table for years. So I understand wanting a family pet to be in the photographs. Now, Lucky is just that . . . Lucky. He is 16 years old and pretty much runs things in the Howard house. Lucky kinda groaned and didn't like having to ride in the boat as it was being pulled behind the suburban headed to the boat ramp (I took his seat). He's used to riding on the leather in the suburban with the family. He was a gentle and friendly dog whom they love dearly, so Lucky joined in for the photo session. Amy told me that she wanted an image for her CSM Photography custom designed family Holiday cards. I have a few images in mind that I think would work well. I'm sure Amy would love your input. Which image should she use? Post your suggestion as a comment below. Enjoy!

I LOVED these two images!

Caroline really enjoyed being tickled! The smiles just kept coming!

Say it with me, "awwwww."

Meet Lucky.

The boat. All we were missing was a little Jimmy Buffett on the radio.

You gotta love the red shoes!

I told you Caroline liked to drive.

Howard Family: Thank you for letting me enter your lives for a few hours. It was so much fun "chill'n" on the boat with you. You guys were fantastic!