Monthly Archives: November 2015

Mr. & Mrs. Shumate ~ a wedding of authenticity, beauty, intimacy and family

Authenticity is a word so entirely overused, and poorly I might add, that its meaning and importance have been pretty much hijacked. As with other things of value, authenticity can become diminished and ultimately ignored. In an effort to take it back (“she said, shaking her fist in the air”), we present Amber and Andy Shumate and their August wedding photos.
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photo

Rather than put down the many ways we falsely refer to things and people, causes and characteristics as authentic, here’s a quickie review: authentic means true. It means real. It’s not something that needs to be self-important or self-referential, or high end to make a statement or low end to make a statement – it just is undeniable. That’s who Amber and Andy are – they are real and they don’t pretend to be anything other than themselves… happy to be together, solid, and in love.
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photo

They said their vows in Rendezvous Mountain State Park in Purlear, NC where the views are amazing and seemingly endless. The chapel in the forest is a naturally secluded backdrop with a large picnic shelter just steps away that accommodates a reception. Honestly, it is one of Wilkes County’s best-kept rustic wedding locations.
Andy is a fireman and works for the NC Forestry Service and he and Amber spend a lot of their time together in the great outdoors. Photographing them in the forest and overlooking the mountains seemed – pardon the pun – only natural.
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoWe photographed their engagement in June and their wedding was quite similar because of their desire to include family and focus on the people, faith and values that ground them.

Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoAndy’s daughter Ashlyn is central to their lives.
While she is Amber’s step-daughter, the two are already incredibly close and because of this, Ashlyn’s role in the wedding was primary… and particularly tender. Together they were all creating a new life, a new thing, a new family.
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photo Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoThe details at the wedding were also perfect for the day and the couple: they were hand-made, heart-felt, creative and deeply personal.
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoCannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photoIs there anything more powerful than seeing families blend? Than seeing a couple come together after beating life’s odds, and then make a plan not just for themselves, but for the next generation?
Isaiah 43:19See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Congratulations and nothing but love and joy to you guys!
Cannon/Shumate Pixels On Paper Photography Wedding photography photo

Christmas portrait sessions from Pixels on Paper

… are nearly full, but we have some openings on Saturday, November 28th and Saturday, December 5th.
Call 336.990.0080 or email us to grab one of the last slots.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. As we put our arms around each other, our families, pets and friends, please know that we are incredibly grateful for YOU, and we’re grateful for health, love, opportunities to serve, mid-night left-overs, warm hugs, goofiness, kisses from our dog and a roof over our heads.
We are blessed. We hope the same for all of you.
Pixels on Paper Christmas Portraits 2015 photosPixels on Paper Family Christmas Portraits 2015 photos Pixels on Paper Christmas Portraits 2015 photosPixels on Paper Christmas Portraits 2015 photoPixels on Paper Christmas Portraits 2015 photosPixels on Paper Christmas Portraits 2015 photos

christmas pet portraits with Waggles Pet Supply & Dog Wash

Saturday, December 12th, Pixels will be taking photos of your favorite family members.
They don’t talk over others.
They don’t bring some unidentifiable gelatinous “food” item to the holiday meal.  
They don’t scan you from head to toe and remind you of weight gain, or exes, or dreams deferred or the time they did you a HUGE FAVOR and [you fill this in yourself ….. or with the help of your therapist.]
We photograph your pets.
They show us the best of what we want to be – loving, friendly, forgiving and fun.
And they tend to be more photogenic when it counts.
Our pet sessions are FREE for all who bring a minimum 20 lb. pet food donation and the food will go to the Wilkes County Animal Shelter. Donations of bleach, towels and blankets are also welcome. We will provide a digital image of your pet, with a usage release and option for you to purchase prints at a discounted rate. Photos are taken at our Wilkesboro studio and we welcome all pets. 

If you are looking for a place to buy the pet food – for this event and for ANY time you need – our friends at Waggles Pet Supply and Dog Wash, a favorite place of ours, will be happy to help! And as an added bonus (for the fur babies, let’s be real…) Waggles has provided us with vouchers for a special treat you can redeem at their store after the session!

Call 336.990.0080 to reserve a time.

Pixels On Paper Photography Christmas pet portraits photographers fund raiser photoPixels On Paper Photography Christmas pet portraits photographers fund raiser photoPixels On Paper Photography Christmas pet portraits photographers fund raiser photo

one year in the life of a one year old girl – 1st birthday lemonade stand (and the vendor is a diva…)

It started here. She hit the planet in a cute bomb. We added the feathered head band and props, but she brought the pout, the languid body language, the laser-focused eyes and bored expression. Someone 20 times her age could never have pulled off that look without some coaching. Miss Ivy would have shaken it out of her sleeve – if only she’d had one.
Ivy Myers Newborn Photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyAnd then THIS happened. 6 months passed and her cuteness turned to a pensive longing for a purpose in life. Just look at her expression. What on earth is she dreaming about? What is she plotting? Or is she remembering the good times …. all 6 months of them?Ivy Myers 6 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyAnd this.Ivy Myers 6 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyThen Ivy crept up on her first birthday and her parents, Kim & Justin Myers, had a plan. They designed a lemonade stand themed birthday party complete with stand, sign and big jar of lemons. When we heard their plan and saw cell phone photos, I insisted that we also use it in Ivy’s one year portrait session. We moved from our indoor portrait studio to our outdoor portrait garden in order to grab the best lighting and have fun with all the props. The kid is a natural.
Quick aside: Please know that we don’t mind if parents bring their own props. We want you to get as much use out of them as possible and coordinating is always fun. Ultimately, I bought the lemonade stand set up. It had to be done. It was just too cute and I know some of you parents out there can picture your babies and kids playing in it for their upcoming portrait sessions.

Pixels On Paper Photography One Year Birthday Cake Smash Child and Family Photographers Photo

Ivy Myers 12 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyIvy Myers 12 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait PhotographyThis kid is all about pink AND sugar AND dress up. The tutus have become sort of expected with little girls and with Ivy, the headbands. She also loves pop music, but don’t we all? The lemonade stand theme was perfect for her personality. You sort of want to dip a big ladle into a bowl and come up with this little creature floating in pink sugar and tart pulp.

Ivy Myers 12 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography

Ivy Myers 12 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography

Still Life with Ivy & Cake

Ivy Myers 12 months child and family portrait photography by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photography photoYear one is in the books. Actually, it is. We created a custom photo book for the Myers to enjoy, share and show Ivy when she’s older. We had five (5) sessions with Ivy during her first year, and we are already planning and have scheduled year number 2.

Christmas Portraits are booking now at the Pixels on Paper studio

It’s the most wonderful time of the year ….. to check stuff off of your never-ending To Do List.
Believe me, we get it. We run a business, we’re married, we have family we want to plan holidays around, we have hobbies and community work we care about and suddenly October has moved to Thanksgiving. December feels essentially like being shot out of cannon. This task, however, this SUPER easy item you’ll check off, is valuable. It lasts. It’s time to book your portrait with us at our festive and festooned studio.

Pixels on Paper Christmas Holiday Portrait Sessions 2015 photo

Pixels on Paper Holiday Christmas Portrait Session 2015 photo

Call us, set a date, choose your favorite holiday clothes, show up and we’ll make you look and feel like celebrating.
The details: For only $100, we will provide 5 digital images for families with up to 3 children. This includes the printing rights along with the option to purchase prints, cards, and gifts. Pets and additional children or family members are welcome for an additional $25.
Our fee is due when you make your reservation.
The Pixels’ studio is located at 1198 Curtis Bridge Rd. Wilkesboro NC 28697.
Call 336-990-0080 to reserve or email inquiries to mail@pixelsonpaper.net.
More examples of portraits! 

Pixels on Paper Christmas Holiday Portrait Studio Sessions 2015 photoPixels on Paper Holiday Portrait sessions photosPixels on Paper Christmas Holiday Portrait Sessions 2015 photoWe spend all year thinking about this season and what to do with our studio. For 2015, we’ve moved from the classic red and green to silver, gold, winter white, natural green and then we’ve added rustic elements like wood and pine cones, gilded frames, mountain themes and the baubles and sheen that are more urban and chic. We cannot wait to create portraits of you and your family – this includes friends who are much family to you as your relatives – your babies, kids and even your pets.

Pixels on Paper decorated Christmas studio 2015 photoPixels on Paper Holiday Christmas Portrait Sessions 2015 photosPixels on Paper decorated Christmas portrait studio 2015 photoWe will also be scheduling FREE CHRISTMAS PET PORTRAITS for 2015. The last time we did this was in 2012 and it’s time, gang. We’re planning on Saturday, December 12. Bring your pet and a 20 lb. bag of food. More details to come.
Questions? Call 336-990-0080 to reserve or email inquiries to mail@pixelsonpaper.net.