Downs Family

Nate and Ashley have been dear friends of ours for . . . a long time. We have walked beside them through many sweet life changing milestones. We have watched them live out the joys of dating to the excitement of engagement, to standing beside them as they made vows to each other. We were honored when they asked us to take pictures of this season as they wait to meet their first child. We dusted off our camera equipment and gladly spent a fun evening together capturing the excitement they share in becoming new parents.

Nate and Ashley, thanks for trusting us to capture another new milestone in your lives. It's an honor. We look forward to meeting your baby boy and watching you grow as a family. Much Love!

Slockbower Family

Brandon and Erin are from California. They chose to move to North Carolina for Brandon's work and see how the other side of the country lives. They are super friendly and down-to-earth folks. We met them at our church and connected with them right away. To date, they are in the running for the most patient clients we have ever had. We asked them (including Erin, who is preggo) to climb what looked like a small hill from a distance but was actually a small mountain. They did so without complaint. We asked them to wander into tall grass and weeds. They did so without complaint. They calmly flicked spiders off their clothes and kept smiling. They brought props and thought through what to wear and coordinated like champs. I thought I might have asked too much of them. But they firmly believed that "art is pain" and worked hard for some family photos. These guys were such great sports. Enjoy!

Meet Parker

Meet Erin and Brandon

Brandon's grandfather served in the Marines and fought in major battles like Guadalcanal. He was a wartime photographer and also enjoyed art. At the completion of his military career he made a collage of his metals, papers, and patches. This is a family heirloom that Brandon treasures and looks forward to passing it down to Parker one day. As a collector of World War II items I found this to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Seriously. By the way, Erin is expecting Slockbower #2.

Erin and Brandon: We hope these images help you to preserve the precious memories of this season in your lives. Thanks for going above and beyond for these images. We hope you think it was worth it.

Sutton Family

Crystal called us months ago looking to book a maternity session. She was certain what she wanted and that was a maternity session in Bath, N.C. She and her husband, Brooks, love to be on the water with their boat. It only made sense to do their session in a place they loved. I'm sure their baby boy, Trent, will grow up wake boarding and skiing before he's in school. Trent is due to arrive in November. We can't wait to meet him. Enjoy!

Boo-Yaa. I love this image.

Baby Trent's room is decorated in a nautical theme; lots of sailboats and navy blue. So, we did our best to capture several images that were nautical in theme or captured the beauty of being on the water.

What is Eastern North Carolina without soybean fields and tractors?

Barefeet and Sunsets. Who says summer is over?

The sunset was gorgeous and the colors in the sky were quite captivating. We were on our way out of town and couldn't resist pulling over to get a few last shots on the bridge.

Brooks and Crystal: We had so much fun with you both. We can tell you are both going to be great parents. Thanks for trusting us with this precious memory. Brooks, you're hilarious! Thanks for keeping everyone laughing. Let us know when baby Trent arrives.

Woodlief Twins

When Ashlie gave us a call, she shared that she was looking for someone to capture her and her husband Scott as they both were about to be parents to twin boys. She shared that they had been wanting children for some time and that she was now finally a few months from delivery. It was a very special time for them and they wanted some special images to help them remember the excitement, joy, and in some ways . . . relief in being pregnant. Kim really hit it off with Ashlie on the phone and they talked about what they wanted in the session. I learned that Scott was an avid Pirate fan which endeared me to him immediately. They are young, in-love, and crazy excited about their twin boys, Davis and Hudson, due November 3rd. We spent some time in their home, and on the ECU campus. They were a lot of fun and their excitement and laughter was contagious.

Scott had requested some shots at the ECU football stadium, while Ashlie wanted some at the Cupola. As a huge fan myself, I wanted him to have an image that would combine two of lets say his . . . top three loves . . . ECU football, Ashlie, and (not pictured . . . but present . . . Hudson and Davis) . . . and not necessarily in that order :)

Every pregnant woman has what's called the 'pregnant glow'. It is a beauty all its own. Ladies and gentlemen . . . the next four images show the 'glow'.

I love the way Scott looks at Ashlie. He did it all day.

Once we were out on campus, I tried to insert a little of my idea of a unique CSM Photography Maternity Session.

Ok, I gave in and did the heart on the belly shot. Some types of shots are timeless and are just plain cute. Yes, I said cute.

To Ashlie and Scott: Kim and I had a blast photographing you both. Thanks for trusting us with this very special season in your lives. I'm always touched when our clients intrust us with their most precious memories and ask us to capture them. We can't wait to meet Hudson and Davis.