Posts Tagged: Boone

the love of parents – portraits of grace in the 21st century

Arnold family outdoor spring peach orchard photos by Pixels On Paper Portrait Photographers photoHow’s that for a grand title? Parenting has been on my mind for a minute: certainly years ago when I realized the sacrifices of my own parents, and absolutely again when becoming a parent myself with Ryan, my partner in all things.

Parenting is a full library. It contains every journal about how to do it, parenting magazines showing it in all its shades, every map of potential adventures with a child, every poem or bit of wisdom from the Kahlil Gibrans, and every scrapbook showcasing the memories of parenting. I imagine rows of volumes about life with a child – in good times and bad, on bikes, on camping trips, in boredom, during downtime, at holidays, recitals, studying, first days of school, and all the random but well-captured calamity that “just happens.” The layers of thought, work, imagination, terror and self-analysis that go into the concept of genetically forming a child and then physically raising that child, while trying to impart and protect them are frankly endless and would fill shelves – and do.

But honestly, especially these days of division and acrimony on cable news 24/7, what is most valuable to me as a new mom of a nearly one year old are the examples and illustrations of parenting with LOVE. I read and seek counsel, believe me – from the doctors and psychologists and from the Bible, but when I have nothing left to metabolize mentally, I return to simply providing love for Finley and looking to my friends, and clients, for proof of it. It’s not over-intellectualized or over-wrought, it’s easy and natural and primal and perfect.

Seeing that love through my lens is restoring me, ya’ll. Thought I’d share.

Listening. Spending time. Including them in preparing for the new baby. Picnics and time together. We’re photographing memories, but we’re also watching our friends and clients be “show up” parents. We’re watching them be present.

Parenting through showing others how to care for the least among us, including adoption dogs.

Parenting through some friendly competition.

And being the protective parents during some much needed downtime.

Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoOur time with these families gave us some insight into what we might expect with Finley, and looking back at some of the photos I’m reminded about what matters most: sticking together and showing love and grace. Starting at home.


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

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best of 2016 wedding day photos

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! As we ease into 2017, we thought we’d share some of the best of our wedding images from 2016. Looking back at these, it really was a great year to get married and we loved being a part of these and many other important occasions in your lives. CHEERS to all and for those of you tying the knot in 2017, we cannot wait!

What’s a little rain and snow with the right lighting?

Gorgeous views and gorgeous couples.

 

A pirate-themed wedding for a couple who’ve been together long enough to really celebrate.

Autumn weddings outdoors!

 

A church wedding in Fort Mill SC and fabulous reception (above).Amanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NC

Bonnie & Amanda Walling
Our first but hopefully not last same-sex wedding. Truly beautiful. (above)

Outdoor wedding with a cigar bar at the reception (above).Caudill / Orozco Elkin wedding photography by Wilkesboro NC Photographers Pixels On Paper

Ashley & Oscar Orozco
Our last wedding of 2016 with this couple who met on a youth activity trip.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

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Portrait of a Young Woman | Quinceanera

 Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photoIn 2015, young actor Lily James lived many girls’ dream by playing Cinderella and donning a gorgeous blue dress and glass slippers. On September 17th, Vanessa celebrated her own enchanted evening surrounded by friends and family: her Quinceanera, or coming of age. We’ll share photos from the event in a blog to come, but for now, let’s just revel in how absolutely lovely she is.
 Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photoYouth, the promise of the years stretched out ahead of her and that dress all came together that day.
We adore this girl and loved spending time romping around in the fields with her. It gave us an opportunity to explore the juxtaposition of the gauzy fabric with the setting’s natural elements.  Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photo Quinceanera dress pictures Pixels On Paper photograpers Wilkesboro, Boone, Winston Salem NC photoThis shoot was a true departure from her Quinceanera announcement photo session, where she seems more of her time in urban settings and street clothes. These images capture a moment in a Vanessa’s life, but they are also timeless.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

The Pirate Party Wedding of Edith and Kirk

If we had a golden doubloon for every time we were asked to attend or photograph a pirate wedding – we’d have a single coin and a million pirate jokes we’d be tempted to make. But this was no joke and the ceremony itself was filled to the brim with pirate references and joy that only the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. It started as a party but this year, the host couple added a new element: they got married, …. on their property ……. dressed as pirates and surrounded by their friends, many in costume. It was a blast, down to when the last sword was sheathed and the last lantern was out.west jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photoThe couple are in beverage distribution, so there was no shortage of beer and ale for the party and their first dance as man and wife was to Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey. west jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photoEdith and Kirk have been a couple for 21 years and a dozen of those ago, they started hosting a pirate party on their gorgeous wooded property that boasts a stream that runs through it and a pirate ship. Their place is called: the Piratez Cove. If you find yourself suffering from poverty of imagination for a party or a wedding (or both), take note:
Edith’s processional music was AC/DC’s Highway to Hell. They said their vows on a bridge that Kirk built. No walking the plank. Before the ceremony, they had a parlay party where the bride and groom laid their weapons out on a table. Kirk had a few, but Edith had quite a few more. Peace was established.west jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photowest jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photoThe party lasted late in the evening and a chef pal of the couple made Japanese rice hibachi for those staying up and hanging out. We had the best time. These 2 and their friends are a fun bunch of pirates and pirate-loving peeps. Here’s to doing it your way, with your theme!west jefferson nc outdoor wedding photographers pixels on paper photography photo

Whether your wedding is conventional or as non-conventional as Edith & Kirk’s we would love to be part of it as your wedding photographers. Contact Pixels On Paper Photography so we can discuss your celebration and specific needs.

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newborn portraits taken in the comfort of home

So much can be translated through a simple black and white photograph. There’s something about them that conveys more with less.

Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoWe love photographing in color and black and white depending on the setting, the subjects, the mood and desired results. We didn’t take every single image during this shoot in black and white, but my favorites just happen to be those. When you take away the color, there isn’t less life, there is actually more. The distractions are removed and you have a more documentary feel, more emotion. Your eyes go to the subject, place and story. And because most of us have family photos in black and white of grandparents, there is something universal and timeless about the look.
Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoWe joined parents Anita and Mitch, big brother Rohan and grandfather Bhushan at their home in Boone, NC for an intimate family photo session to celebrate their newest member, Anya. She landed in warm arms, surrounded by those waiting for and excited by her.
Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoAnya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoIn-home sessions are less about posed photography and more about capturing a family’s lifestyle. Images tend to be candid moments shared in the home during daily life and interactions with each other. I try to focus on emotion and finding moments of connection. Babies, newborns especially, are sort of mesmerizing because they’re so new. The world was one place and then – BOOM – it changed with a new member of the human race. Molecularly, chemically, socially, emotionally, naturally – the planet shifted.
Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photos Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoAnya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoI loved watching the way Mitch held Anya in his lap and talked through her crying and comforting her. Daddy love is real. Another sweet moment was when mom Anita held Anya and softly explained to Rohan why he needed to be gentle with his little sister. Rohan gently explored Anya’s fingers and toes while she was in his lap and locked eyes with her when she was wide awake and taking in her new world. The entire family gathered together on the couch and read a book together (mostly in an effort to get Rohan to sit still long enough for a family photo). It was so beautiful and simple that the black and white just seemed to capture the day.
Anya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoAnya Parry Newborn Portrait Photography photoWe don’t do too many in-home newborn sessions because there is no control over the environment, what natural light is available vs. the lighting we can transport, backdrops and props, temperature, etc. But I bend to families in situations such as a C-section or tough schedules or when a baby’s health prevents them from coming to me. I’m more than happy in those cases to go to them. While I let parents know that I may not be able to capture what I can create in the studio, it’s a fun challenge and often the elements of home and comfort shine through. This was true of the Parry family and sweet, sweet Anya. We look forward to watching her grow up.