In His Image Photography Blog

Sunflower Sessions 2011

2011-04-02T15:58:00.003-04:00

Please pardon our progress!

We are temporarily using this older blog site while we transition to a new website.

All the details regarding the Sunflower Session for the 2011 Summer Season are below.

Have a blessed day and I hope to see you in the fields soon!

My best,

Julie Staley

Owner/Lead Photographer

juliestaley@mac.com

704-287-7923

www.inhisimagebyjulie.com

Christmas Card Sample Designs

2009-11-30T17:14:00.002-05:00

Christmas Event in Waxhaw

2009-11-16T19:53:00.002-05:00

It's a down-home Christmas event you don't want to miss!

E-mail juliestaley@mac.com to reserve your family's spot today!

Beauty for MILES!

2009-11-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

This nice woman asked me to take a few headshots of her for her blog and other publications. She is a Christian author and felt her promotional photo presence needed to "freshen up a bit". HELLO! How can I even choose a favorite?? She is utterly gorgeous and so many of our shots turned out great. Feel free to chime in with your favs on the comment section since she told me she is also famous for being indecisive ;) This is for you, pretty Tracie!

Christmas Card Sample Designs

2009-11-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

From traditional to modern, I can help you design a unique card that showcases your family's favorite image perfectly! Scroll through these designs to get a feel for 2009's collection.

Hostess with the Mostest!

2009-11-07T15:34:00.003-05:00

How cute is this wee one?? Miss Mikayla was all smiles for our session today.

She is a very gracious host too who loved taking me on a tour of their home,

showing me her toys, her boots, her dog, etc.

Mom and Dad and doggy, Toby, did pretty well too, huh?

Enjoy the previews and be on the look out for your full gallery in just a few days!

Card Revision

2009-11-05T15:04:00.002-05:00

Sweet Card!

2009-10-30T07:51:00.000-04:00

Simple and sweet. How Christmas should always be!

NEW BLOG ADDRESS

2009-09-09T15:35:00.001-04:00

Don't forget, this blog will no longer be in use soon. Visit In His Image Photography by Julie at my new blog here. See you soon!

Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions

2009-09-07T20:41:00.003-04:00

Join us at Aw Shucks corn maze and pumpkin patch for this unique event. Bring your little pumpkin to the patch (costume and all) for some great shots!

$75 for one child
15 minute session
10-15 image ordering gallery
1 free digital image
20% off print orders

$125 for two-three children
30 minute session
10-15 image ordering gallery
1 free digital image
20% off print orders

Don't forget to bookmark my new blog at http://www.inhisimagebyjulie.com/blog as I will soon be leaving this one behind for good!

E-mail soon at juliestaley@mac.com for your chance at candy-coated fun!

Excitement is in the air!

2009-09-02T09:28:00.002-04:00

Please join me in celebrating a milestone in my business. After 195 posts, I have outgrown this blog and will be moving to a bigger and better blog address. Older posts will remain at the address above, but moving forward, all new posts will be on the new site.

I am so excited to show it to you all. You can always revisit this trusty old friend who served me well for the last 13 months. Now...onward and upward. New blog, new logo, new product lines and big holiday events coming soon...there is a lot to celebrate :) Wow! These clients seems just as excited about the change as I do!

Click here to come for a visit!!

October Sessions

2009-08-31T21:27:00.010-04:00

Staying true to my word and posting (like a madwoman!), here is the scoop on October's holiday sessions. This lake,bridge and stone pavilion location showcases fall at its finest.

With a limited number of days to capture those autumn leaves coupled with holiday demand, these sessions go quicker than any other event all year. There is a $100 session fee for weekdays and $150 for weekends. A minimum order of $200 is required. Please visit the website for complete information regarding pricing. Spaces in green are already booked (sorry! but I am updating as bookings come in).

The following dates are available:

Wednesday, October 21 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
Friday, October 23 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
Saturday, October 24 9, 9:30, 10
Sunday, October 25 4, 4;30, 5:00, 5:30
Tuesday, October 27 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
Wednesday, October 28 4:30, 5:00, 5:30

Sunday, November 1 3, 3:30, 4, 4:30

Tuesday, November 3 4, 4:30

Wednesday, November 4 4, 4:30

Friday, November 6 4, 4:30

Saturday, November 7 9, 9:30, 10 and rain makeups

Sunday, November 8 all other rain makeups

This is year number three at this location and it is so much fun to photograph your growing, changing families season after season. I can feel the holiday love already. Booking officially begins on September 7. Please contact me at juliestaley@mac.com with any questions.

September Sessions

2009-08-31T13:22:00.002-04:00

Can you believe it is time to book your Christmas sessions? This rustic barn location will make fabulous Christmas cards and gift prints for family and friends.

The Carolina Christmas sessions will be held September 20 and 27 at the location featured here. There is a slight change from a previous post so read further for more details. Remember, you can pass along that Christmas spirit early and order a free session for a family who has lost a job in 2009.

Sessions will be held on Sundays (20 and 27) beginning at 4:00 and are blocked in 30 minute increments. Sessions are $300 and include the following items:
7 day on-line gallery
DVD slideshow of gallery (non-reproducible)
1 digital image (fully edited and reproducible)
1 boutique item (click to learn more)

If you know of a family who has lost a job in 2009, your fee will extend your blocked time to 40 minutes (20 minutes/family) and all other items will be given to the recipient family as well. What a great way to get into the spirit of the season!

Custom Christmas cards are available by design.

Later this week, I will post details on my October sessions at the lake along with pricing to help you choose which session best suits your holiday needs. All Christmas orders must be placed by November 16 to ensure timely delivery. All fall scheduling will begin next Monday, September 7. First come, first serve so contact me soon at juliestaley@mac.com.

Christmas Session Items

2009-08-31T13:03:00.003-04:00

Here are some Christmas cuties for the gift-giving season. Both are valued at $50 and are included with the September sessions at the barn.

Bragbooks are 3 x 3 and come in sets of 3.
Coffee table books are 8 x8 and include 20 images from your session.
I heart Christmas.....Stay tuned for details on the September Christmas sessions.

Farm Raised

2009-08-31T08:23:00.002-04:00

This brother and sister feel right at home on the farm. Pretty G has a huge horse named Ransom and we got some cute pics of them together. Tough J wanted me to make sure I got some shots of him with his hound dog, cowboy hat and trusty gun. Funny! My favorite images though were the simple ones of their sweet faces. These two are quickly leaving childhood behind and will be teens before you know it. These are for you, W, to remember them just as they were.....barefoot, wild and happy!

By His Grace

2009-08-30T13:25:00.002-04:00

August 30, 2008. This is a date the woman above, Dee, will never forget. One year ago, this sweet church friend lost her precious daughter, Alex, in a terrible boating accident. There are no words to describe such grief. It is every mother's worst nightmare. An e-mail was sent that day to ask for assistance in planning the church service, meals for the family, etc. My heart broke for them and their loss but then, amidst the sorrow, God somehow reminded me of a picture I had that would mean so much to this family.

That May, I shot the Mother/Daughter luncheon at our church and took posed shots of each pair in attendance. After the formal pictures, there was a nice service inside and I put my camera down to enjoy the food, music and fellowship. I only took 3 pictures from my seat inside. This was one of them. I immediately knew God had me snap this forgotten shot that day just to be able to comfort Dee with it later. You see, Dee is such a faithful and devoted lover of Jesus. She sits front and center every Sunday with her hands in the air praising the Jesus she so dearly loves. I had in my possession an image of both her love for her Lord and her precious, precious little girl who had been so tragically taken from her.

I did not attend the funeral (served up a roast instead!) but my friends tell me, she walked straight up to this picture (which she had no idea was taken) and stared in utter silence. What a bittersweet moment.

I do not tell this story to pat myself on the back for shooting this image. No, quite the opposite. It was an after-thought on my part but a carefully planned event in God's book. At that point in my business, I had done several family sessions, had one preschool under my belt and had only shot 2 weddings. I often wondered if what I was doing was worthwhile. It takes considerable financial investment (and time) to start up a photography business and I wasn't sure if God wanted me to take on such a big task. This image was also his gift to me. He reassured me through this event that His blessing was upon my work and I should follow His lead with all my heart, all my mind and all my soul.

Dee and I attended a women's event this Friday night and He placed her so heavily on my heart that night. I decided to ask if I could use this image on my blog because I would soon launch a new blog and thought it would make a great posting. She stared right into my eyes and told me that today was the anniversary of Alex's death. I could not have aligned these events to coincide on that anniversary but God did. He continues to remind me that He is sovereign and orchestrates all things for His glory. Although my new blog is still a few days away from being launched, I just had to put this picture up and share the story. Dee continues to lift her hands to praise our Father in heaven instead of curling up in grief and assuming a life of bitterness. You see, both she and I know that sweet Alex went straight from her mothering arms to Our Father's strong arms in heaven. There will be a reunion for this mother and daughter one day.

So today, I thank you Lord for taking what Satan meant for evil and using it as a testimony through Dee, the blessing of a job I dearly love and the ability to remind others through my camera that we are all made IN HIS IMAGE. Thinking of you today, Dee. - Julie

Big Changes ahead....

2009-08-29T15:36:00.004-04:00

.....and I am so excited! I have been one busy bee preparing for all the Christmas card and fall sessions ahead. Please stay tuned next week for many announcements regarding fall sessions, Christmas card sessions, new boutique items plus other business news. Here is a preview of one of the many changes for the company this fall. Like any proud mama, I just had to show off my new baby!

Headshots

2009-08-24T21:30:00.002-04:00

You would never know that behind these gorgeous eyes and confident smile is a woman who told me she despises having her picture taken. She said she was a nervous wreck for days beforehand. I think she looks like a natural in front of the camera and I hope these headshots for her business will meet her approval too. Enjoy W!

Squishy Baby

2009-08-23T23:19:00.001-04:00

Don't let little Z's petite face fool you, those thighs are roly poly sweetness!! She was such a doll for my camera today and Mom looks fantastic too. Last summer we were focused on big sister, A, but today was all baby. I must admit, this mom (and dear friend) makes motherhood look amazing. She dotes on her girls and never ceases kissing, tickling and loving on her cuties. They are lucky to have a precious Mom like you, S. Enjoy the preview pics!

Southern Swag

2009-08-21T18:00:00.003-04:00

Introducing a wildly talented and creative duo and their fabulous products!! Nico and Lala is a Nashville-based company and they are specialists in Southern swag. These two take a theme (weddings, parties, baby showers, any soiree!) and RUN with it. After an outstanding launch to their business using good ol' word-of-mouth referrals, it is time to christen their new website. These shots will be incorporated into their party-planning site but for now, visit them at http://nicoandlala.com/ Enjoy the swag y'all and keep your eye on these professional party girls!

Island Senior

2009-08-20T22:22:00.002-04:00

Does this pretty girl look like something out of a Ralph Lauren ad or what?? She is a classic American beauty- sun-kissed skin, blonde locks and amazing baby blues. We had a great time running around the marina taking advantage of the beautiful scenery in Hilton Head. Miss P is a bubbly, sweet and friendly young woman and I think we captured her spirit (and classic good looks) in these photos. It was my pleasure to work with you and I hope the rest of your vacation was great!!

On Vacation

2009-08-15T14:08:00.003-04:00

As summer draws to a close, I am taking a much needed vacation. I need to get some sand between my toes, STEP AWAY from the camera (not completely but for work at least) and enjoy time with my family. So for now, I will be checking e-mail less frequently and all outstanding orders will be processed when I return on Friday, August 21. Hilton Head....here we come!!

Ink Baby

2009-08-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

A little imagination and creativity can go a long way in photography. It was so fun to work with this couple and their precious 5 day old "K". She still has that sweet wrinkly skin and new baby smell! The tattoo pictures turned out better than I dreamed and the cheer boots picture was for Mommy. She works in that industry and I know her girls will get a big kick out it. Your full gallery will be up within a couple of weeks. So for now, enjoy.....

Belly Laughs

2009-08-10T22:17:00.004-04:00

Isn't C just adorable? That big baby in such a tiny woman! We had lots of laughs tonight as we balanced poolside, swatted away the bugs, made Daddy P do some funny poses AND put up with one of the hottest days of summer yet. This couple was energetic, fun and creative. I can only assume their bundle of joy will be just as joyful when she makes her debut in the next few weeks. Thanks for a great night!

Carolina Christmas Sessions

2009-08-10T13:06:00.004-04:00

'Tis the season....well it is just right around the corner at least. I am very proud to offer this unique event in September. Booking families can bring along a family in need and get 2 for 1! For $300, both families will receive:

20 minute session

7 day on-line ordering gallery

1 DVD slideshow of gallery images set to music

Your choice of boutique items (details and pictures coming soon.)

1 digital image (high res for using in Christmas cards)

Booking will not begin until September 7. Contact me for more details!

Oh My

2009-08-03T16:40:00.003-04:00

How many variations of the word "pretty" can I write about this senior girl? Lovely, breath-taking, amazing, stunning, gorgeous.......OK, enough said. Let the pictures say the rest;) Thank you "J" for being adventurous and willing. It makes all the difference. Enjoy!

Studio Sweetie | Charlotte Baby Photographer

2009-07-25T16:03:00.004-04:00

How sweet is this little one? A is 6 months old and a very busy boy. He is rolling, scooting, smiling and melting hearts! We snuck in a few family shots too. It was a pleasure meeting you, B family. Kiss A's chubby cheeks for me too for a job well done today :)

Sunflowers- Last Session | Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-22T22:08:00.002-04:00

Isn't the G family just the cutest? Those girls were a crack up. Once they got going, you couldn't stop the giggling! I hope you enjoy the preview pics. Thanks for closing out the sunflower sessions on a high note ;)

Sunflowers- Last Sunrise| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-20T14:17:00.002-04:00

Boo hoo. My pretty flowers will soon be gone for good. This was my last sunrise appointment of the series and what a nice way to close out. The B family was a collection of modeling pros! In just 30 minutes, we captured some great shots. I hope to do some senior pictures of their oldest daughter in the very near future. It was nice meeting you all and I hope you had a yummy breakfast following our session. One last sunset session to go. What an amazing 2 weeks it has been!

Sunflowers-Day 12| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-19T23:01:00.003-04:00

I am sad to report that without the needed rain, tomorrow will be my last day shooting in the field. I will miss those happy yellow flowers...BUT, we did squeeze in a session for one very important person. This pretty lady was my oldest daughter's first grade teacher. Let me tell you, her celebrity status in our house is rivaled only by Hannah Montana! Miss S's lovely family made beautiful subjects too and we got lots of nice images at sunset. Enjoy S family.

Senior Portrait- Megan | Charlotte Senior Photographer

2009-07-19T16:02:00.002-04:00

This blonde beauty had a combo session with her friend, Ashlyn. It was great having them make one another laugh and giggle. Something about Swedish fish?? Anyway, it was a fun Saturday morning with lots of outfit changes, locations changes and even one unexpected, interesting character (yikes!). Enjoy your preview pics!

Senior Portrait- Ashlyn | Charlotte Senior Photographer

2009-07-18T23:20:00.002-04:00

Just look at that smile? Ashlyn is one happy and gracious young woman. Beautiful inside and out- it was a breeze to photograph this beauty!

Her good friend, Megan, had a duo session with Ashlyn. Her post is still to come. These 2 definitely make each other laugh!

Sunflowers-Day 10 Sunrise| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-16T11:29:00.002-04:00

I am a photography machine!!! I left the field at 9 p.m. last night and was back to shoot again at 7:30 a.m. You just can't let a beautiful opportunity pass you by! This family came to see me over a year ago (from abroad I might add) when mom was pregnant with little R. He is one now and boy, does he love his big sister, C. The ones of them on the bench are so cute to me. Don't you wish you knew what they were whispering about? Enjoy! I will get your gallery up ASAP before you head home :)

Sunflowers- Day 9| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-16T09:42:00.004-04:00

Another night, another beautiful sky and another sweet family to photograph. How did I get so lucky? All 3 of these double-named girls did great on their close ups ;) Dad deserves a medal for his awesome work in throwing those girls so high in the air. We had fun! I enjoyed seeing how much the girls have grown since last fall and it was a pleasure meeting little PG. Enjoy!

Sunflowers- Day 8| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-14T23:06:00.002-04:00

I cannot tell a lie. A session with 4 kids under the age of 6 is always a challenge. Luckily, the parents and I kept the atmosphere very low-key and laid back. I think our trick worked!! Just letting the kids play and explore the fields (while mixing in the occasional posed shots), created some precious images. The T family had been planning a session since Christmas and I think God knew all along this was the environment these kids would do best in. I adore so many from our session. Thanks for the fun!

Sunflowers- Day 7| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-13T22:48:00.002-04:00

It was a watermelon kind of day in the field! My good friend, Jenn, did an awesome job picking out coordinating colors for her family. I think the colors look fantastic! Great smiles from little E and AG made all the difference too. I hope you enjoy the sneak peeks. You will have a tough time choosing favorites when you see your full gallery soon ;)

Sunflowers- Day 6| Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-13T21:21:00.002-04:00

Oh happy day!! How excited is little R to be in this giant field of flowers? He is the sweetest boy with the biggest pair of chocolate eyes this side of the Mason-Dixon line. Love him! Mom wanted a vintage shot of him playing with his tractor and I really like the way it turned out. I co-shot this session with my very talented photog friend, Laura, and it was fun for all of us. Enjoy!

Sunflowers- Day 5

2009-07-12T21:36:00.002-04:00

What can I say? God's great artwork, plus one lovely family and a dash of puppy cuteness is the recipe for some great pictures. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek, H family. There are many more to come in your gallery :)

I still have available spots in the sunflower field until July 25. Contact me soon for yours!

Sunflowers- Day 4....Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-11T22:29:00.003-04:00

I cannot praise these little ones enough! Little C was a tough one to photograph last year and I was expecting her to be bashful and timid in front of the camera. Boy, was I wrong! She turned on that adorable smile at shot number ONE and big brother, J, was amazing too. Thanks to their outstanding behavior, we got lots of pretty images for Mommy and Daddy. I am still not convinced the ol' parents didn't slip something into their little sippy cups.....hmmmm.....

Sunflowers- Sunrise Session...Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-11T10:20:00.003-04:00

Not a bad start to the day! I met one of my favorite families in the field this morning and boy, did those girls turn on the charm. You can see where they get their good looks from, huh? Thanks W family for an enjoyable Saturday morning. There are many more great ones to come on your gallery too. Enjoy!!!

You are My Sunshine....Charlotte Family Photographer

2009-07-10T22:33:00.003-04:00

These precious three are truly my sunshine! Tonight was our family's turn in the sunflower field and I think my dear friend and fellow photographer, Laura Stikeleather, did an outstanding job. She captured the fun, silliness and love that makes up the Staley clan. I am so happy with the results!! Thanks to all of you who have passed your blog pictures on to friends and neighbors. I am getting more and more calls and e-mails from families who have seen these images and want a session here. There is such magic in this place. It is a little slice of summer sunshine :)

Behind the Scenes.....Charlotte Senior Photographer

2009-07-09T22:06:00.003-04:00

Here is the original shot. Below are the not so pretty pictures of what it took to get it!

Yes, I am that crazy girl lying in the road. I am passionate about photography and think absolutely nothing of getting dirty, climbing trees, balancing on porch railings, etc. to get the perfect image. I hope I have not spoiled the glamour you might associate with photo shoots. Glamour is on the opposite side of the lens from this cowboy boot-wearing girl.

Another pretty shot...

and the tiny shop we used to get it. Probably not what you were thinking!

This is one of my favs and the alley is so tiny you would easily walk past and never notice it. The light is always just right in this little slice of downtown!

This is the second senior who wanted to be photographed in the brick window.
Not much to look out with the naked eye but it sure looks cool through the camera!
Thought you might enjoy a glimpse behind the curtain :)

Senior Season Debut!

2009-07-08T23:45:00.002-04:00

What a great subject to kick off the beginning of senior portrait season. The lovely "D" was a natural in front of the camera. Thanks to her willingness to try some unusual locations (like that parked van with the rockin' flames!) and shoot in less than ideal weather, we got lots of beautiful images. I know this blog is rather lengthy but she took the urban theme and ran with it. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!! Now back to the sunflower fields tomorrow :)

Sunflowers- Day 2

2009-07-07T22:56:00.003-04:00

More families, more fun and more beautiful sunshine. Even the sweet owner who cultivates this field came out for a peek ;) I can't thank them enough for allowing me to bring clients out to trample on these huge flowers. I guess when some crazy photographer (aka me) hunts you down for 4 months, you feel flattered by her enthusiasm for your property....or stalked?....either way, thanks again to the S family!

Sunflowers- Day 1

2009-07-06T22:19:00.002-04:00

I am blown away by the beauty of this place. Oh, and the subjects are pretty easy on the eyes too! Day 1 was a huge success in my book. Two lovely families and countless beautiful images to come. I cannot tell you how much joy my job as a photographer brings to me. Being able to capture moments like these for families using God's own scenery is such a blessing. Thanks to all of you who have booked with me during the month of July in the sunflower fields. You will not regret it! Some spaces remain so e-mail soon if you are interested. I will be posting daily so check back often......

/div>

Surely the presence....

2009-07-05T00:05:00.002-04:00

of the Lord is in this place.

I love that song and it rang true for this sweet couple who married on the 4th of July. Brian has been called into the ministry and his lovely bride, Leslie, enjoys leading and teaching praise music. It was a joyous day and you could just feel the sweet spirit of the Lord at every turn. From the prayer given by a friend, the toasts made at the reception, the way Brian admired Leslie from afar while we took her pictures. There was a gentle peace surrounding it all. What an honor to be present and to photograph a love that has forever written all over it!

Sunflower Session

2009-07-03T12:53:00.003-04:00

These only bloom for 2 weeks so call or e-mail today for your family's spot.

$200- 30 minutes with 5 digital images

$350- 60 minutes with 10 digital images

Contact julie at juliestaley@mac.com to book a spot. See you in the flowers soon!

Its a Girl!

2009-06-29T22:23:00.002-04:00

It must seem like a piece of cake to have just one new baby after having twins the first go round. This family makes it all look too easy and what a beautiful group to photograph. The girls were certainly happier outdoors than in but we got some great shots in both settings. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek pics and congratulations on another precious little girl!

The Silly Committee

2009-06-24T21:25:00.003-04:00

Any family I have ever photographed knows exactly what the silly committee is. When I am focusing on one child, just mom and dad or any combination that leaves certain family members out of the shot, those on the sidelines automatically become my silly committee. Their job is to stand beside me and get their family members to smile and smile BIG! This mom asked for some unconventional pictures and I think we were successful. Thanks to M, A and M for making my job so fun and taking the silly committee to a whole new level. I get to play for a living!

City Style

2009-06-23T08:58:00.003-04:00

The corner of Trade and Tryon in uptown Charlotte is one of my favorite spots to photograph a bride and groom. That waterfall is amazing and when the shutter is left open long enough, you get a beautiful drag on the water behind them. Thanks to R and JJ for a fun time and I wish you and your new blended family a wonderful life together!

Riddle-Burton Wedding

2009-06-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

To view this wedding:

1. Log on to http://www.inhisimagebyjulie.com

2. Enter website

3. Click CLIENTS in lower right corner

4. Password is love

All orders must be place by July 4. Enjoy the slideshow. What a great couple!

Wedding Bells

2009-06-13T23:57:00.002-04:00

Shooting this wedding today reminded me just how small Charlotte really is. I took baby pictures for one of the bridesmaids who referred me to the bride. Once we met in person, we realized I sold pharmaceuticals with the groomsmen way back when. There were so many familiar faces in the crowd too which is another reason I love my job. I love capturing all the emotions of the big day....love, friendship, happiness, anxiety, tears of joy and many smiles. I wish Nichole and Joseph a lifetime of bliss and thank you again for allowing me to capture the beginning of your story together. Enjoy!

Here comes the bride...

2009-06-02T07:41:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed all of the behind the scenes shots we got at this wedding. There is such anticipation and expectation in that bridal room as the bride slides into her dress, becomes her most beautiful self and reaches for her Daddy's arm just before heading down the aisle. I am still amazed that my job allows me to witness such tender moments in people's lives. How cute is little A? She enjoyed catching our little bouquet. Kids today....they start earlier and earlier. Enjoy!

Daughters

2009-05-31T20:03:00.003-04:00

Just look at the blue eyes on these ladies! What a gorgeous group to photograph. I enjoyed spending time with the "K" family today. With daughter number 2 on the way to college this fall, Mom wanted some treasured photos of her beautiful daughters. Enjoy the sneak peeks!

Lake Reunion

2009-05-26T22:45:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day was a big celebration of family for this clan! Grandparents, 4 siblings plus spouses and 7 grandkids spending time together on the lake. I heard it has been 2 years since everyone was under one roof. Right after our photo shoot, we all (photographer and her family included) headed out on boats, jet skis, tubes or canoe to enjoy the lake. It was a wonderful time for everyone. Thank you for letting me capture this memory for your sweet family- enjoy!
HOORAY! The shoot is finally over. Should I be offended that I get this reaction a lot as I am leaving???

Urban Family- Part 2

2009-05-26T15:50:00.002-04:00

Uptown Charlotte has so many beautiful areas to photograph! We used fountains, courtyards and greenways for this shoot and everyone seemed to have a good time. The girls were just precious in that fish fountain. It took them a while to get wet (since they weren't sure it was REALLY OK with mom and dad), but once the fun started, they giggled and pranced in every direction. It was a very fun afternoon in the city! Enjoy!
a

Urban Family- Part 1

2009-05-25T14:03:00.004-04:00

This photo shoot had been planned for months and rain almost threatened to ruin it. BUT, these troopers met me uptown and we dodged in and out of showers until sunny skies arrived. My friend, J, told me her older boys weren't big fans of photography and liked the harder look of my urban work. So, we integrated their tastes into this interesting family shoot. Part 2 will focus more on her sweet twin girls but this one is all for the boys. Thanks for hanging with me and making mama happy!

Happy Little Boy

2009-05-23T16:14:00.002-04:00

Doesn't little A make you want to smile? He was such a sweetie during our photo shoot- all smiles and coos! 6 months is just an adorable age. I took this couple's maternity photos so it was a privilege to head back out to the field to photograph their new addition. Congrats on your little guy, S and F. I hope to see your family again in the near future.

Fun with a capital "F"

2009-05-17T12:17:00.003-04:00

This wedding was a blast to shoot! The whole bridal party was game for any crazy poses we suggested. That makes my job so much easier and ten times the fun. Of course a lot of that great demeanor was due in part to the groom sharing my own alma mater......GO DAWGS!! The reception was a throw down dancefest and we got many laughs out of the...err..."moves" of some of the guests. Thanks for allowing me to share in your special day, "A" and "J". May God bless you and your new life together!

Did you miss me?

2009-05-12T22:48:00.003-04:00

So sorry for the long absence, blog readers. I have been working on a very big project for the last few weeks and hope to share the great news with you very soon.

But until then, here are some shots of my babies. L and R are as opposite as left and right!! L is my oldest. She is pensive, moody, artistic and creative to the point of brilliant. Like her cousin said, "all she wants to do is art and watch TV". That sums it up right there. Her desire in life is to be an author and illustrator and I'd bet my money on it that she will achieve her goal. Like her mama, she is stubborn and will see to it that she gets her way. Watch out world, my mini me will be a big force to be reckoned with!! We butt heads like crazy around here.

Sweet R is very different. She is more of a Daddy's girl and loves hugging, snuggling and lovin' on her B (her blanket). She is thoughtful, social, very verbal and very physical. She is either clicking on all cylinders and running 100 miles an hour or fast asleep. There isn't much in between with this little spitfire. Her great desire is to work at the local grocery store and have 100 babies. Hmm....we might want to dream bigger on the career path and smaller on the domestic side here. Either way, she will scatter her little sunshine wherever she goes.

Enjoy. These are my sweet babies and I couldn't be more tickled by them!

Oh, to all my photog friends, did you know you could capture rim light in both hair AND a jelly shoe? Love it! Just look at the arch in that sweet foot. PLEASE be a dancer, R!!

Birthday Thursdays in May

2009-05-03T20:45:00.003-04:00

I am announcing a new concept for my younger kiddo clients.....Birthday Thursdays! I'll supply the balloons and cupcakes and you doll up your cutie for some photo fun! These mini-sessions include 20 minutes in front of the camera, posed and candid shots, and 1 digital image of your choice for $75. Keep the celebration going and order 5 x 7s or 8 x 10s at half price too! E-mail me at juliestaley@mac.com to reserve your birthday prince or princess' spot. Spaces are limited.

Canvas

2009-04-20T14:54:00.003-04:00

Just felt like showing off my newest baby!! This senior's grandmother ordered a lovely 16 x 20 gallery-wrapped canvas to grace her wall. See how the picture wraps around the frame? Just lovely :)

Three times a lady....

2009-04-16T21:03:00.002-04:00

well, little ladies that is! How precious are these triplets? I last photographed them at 2 months old and now they are 9 months of pure sweetness. I tip my hat to Mom and Dad after watching all of the switching and swapping that must be done to juggle 3 little ones with only 2 sets of hands. The math just doesn't add up! I found myself holding both camera and a little one quite a few times but we pulled off some sweet images just the same. How handsome does big brother, "J", look on that rock? He found some neat tadpoles and one beloved caterpillar on our outing today too. Thank you for allowing me to photograph your family again. It was a pleasure!

Carolina Bride

2009-04-11T08:12:00.003-04:00

This bride was still on an emotional high from her alma matter's big basketball win- go Tarheels! Marrying the love of her life in the same week was just icing on the cake!! Now if only God had given them Carolina blue skies to wed beneath instead of the stormy ones we endured. Despite the bad weather, we got some beautiful images and big laughs chasing down her veil just before it flew into the lake! Thanks for letting me be a part of your big day, "V" and "A". It was an adventure!

Mother's Day

2009-04-08T18:14:00.003-04:00

What a precious gift! This grandmother, her twin daughters and 2 granddaughters joined me for a beautiful day at the lake. One sweet little duck tried to get in on our photo shoot too! Thanks for letting me be a part of this memory, ladies. This is the Mother's Day gift we all really want :)

Still got it....

2009-03-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

after all these years! Mr. B wanted nothing more on his birthday than beautiful family portraits. Of course, we were after the big group shots which turned out nicely but I am most touched by the bond between these 2 love birds after 37 years of marriage. Even after 2 kids, 2 grandkids and a lot of life behind them, his eyes still sparkle when he looks at his bride. What a beautiful gift to their children. I absolutely LOVE the shot of baby "C" playing with his mustache while Grandma gets a big laugh out of the whole scene. It was a pleasure working with your family.

Southern Belles

2009-03-30T14:04:00.003-04:00

Aren't these cousins cute? They had a hard time keeping a straight face with the other watching during the photo shoot. Some of those chuckles made for great shots too! Hope you enjoy the pics, "C" and "M". You are two very charming Southern belles ;)

Bella

2009-03-29T20:26:00.004-04:00

By definition, a muse is "the source of an artist's inspiration". Miss K fit the bill perfectly. In just one shoot, we got a wonderful mix of classic, vintage images and vibrant,modern ones. I couldn't be more pleased with the final results. The wind in her hair, the sparkle in her green eyes, the delight in her laugh....truly beautiful.

Bringin' the Funk

2009-03-24T07:45:00.005-04:00

I know a lot of ladies who follow this guy around town! No, not in a stalker kind-of way. He is the man behind CardioFunk and this dance class has started a phenomenon in Charlotte. Over 1000 people take his classes EVERY WEEK and yours truly is one of them. He is also an actor and needed some updated shots for his portfolio and website. I hope your agent likes the shots as much as I do. That plane shot is so..."Bond. James Bond". It was fun working with you, A. Keep bringin' the funk!

Like the urban look? Contact me at juliestaley@mac.com to schedule your next family portrait, engagement session, senior portraits, etc. here. Planes and trains make an unexpected but cool backdrop for photos. Visit the main website at http://www.inhisimagebyjulie.com to see more of my work. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment if you like what you see ;)

Beautiful Blonde

2009-03-23T07:48:00.003-04:00

Is there a 12 step program for bloggers? I just might need one. I always set out with the ambition of posting only "a few" of the best pictures from my latest session, yet fail at my resolution evey time. How could I narrow down these gorgeous pictures? Can you believe she is only 15 years old? I told her mom that her daddy better get a shotgun NOW to fight those boys off! "A" was a delight to work with too. She got dirt in her eyes, put up with gusting wind at the runway, crawled in and out of airplanes, walked on very questionable railroad terrain in high heels and never stopped smiling for me. Thank you for being such a great subject. You made my job easy! Enjoy. (disclaimer: the opinions expressed by this blogger are not an endorsement for the NRA, just an obvious and necessary statement sparked by the extreme beauty of one aforementioned subject)

Great Expectations

2009-03-21T23:44:00.003-04:00

This cute couple has big changes ahead. Not only are they newlyweds, but they are also expecting their first baby in August. The lovely bride and groom chose to get married in one of my favorite little chapels. I will be back there again for the wedding of "N" and "J" in June. May God bless your new marriage and that sweet baby so carefully hidden under several layers of beautiful lace :)

Isn't she lovely?

2009-03-19T15:23:00.003-04:00

I am so happy with this Bits-n-Pieces baby collage. I took some pictures to show you the scale of these amazing 20 x 20 collages. Truly a conversation piece! Now if only I could keep it versus giving it to the Mom.......hmmm... Please forgive yours truly for being in the cheesy bathroom shot but I was using myself to show the scale. Lovin' it!

2 Little Monkeys...

2009-03-19T12:13:00.002-04:00

jumping on MY bed! Hey, I do whatever it takes to keep hyper little ones engaged in our photo shoot. I know Mom was worried that we wouldn't get many good ones, but I hope this post proves that we did. It was great seeing "E" and "L" again. I love repeat customers and these kids always keep me on my toes. Luckily, mama didn't have to call the doctor either on this one ;) Enjoy!

Sugar and Spice

2009-03-18T17:18:00.003-04:00

This little baby is sooo sweet. All smiles for Mommy and such a good girl. We took a short feeding break and she came back ready to model. I am so happy Mom jumped in a few shots with baby A. Priceless ;) Miss M will be the "spice" of our post! I have photographed her before so I know she is a very busy girl. But, somewhere between the jumping, twirling, playing dolls and hugging on her bunny, we got some great smiles! It still makes me laugh that she named her pink bunny.....Gary. Really. Gary. This is why I think toddlers are so amazing. It is their show and we are just living in it. Enjoy the preview!

M lovin' on Gary. She is a hoot!

April Premier Event

2009-03-17T20:44:00.002-04:00

As promised in my last post, I will be offering some exclusive and truly unique portrait opportunities in the coming months.

Drumroll please..............this month's premier event will be held at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens!

Tulips, daffodils, orchids and more will grace the lovely grounds in April and the colors will be outstanding!! I am offering (3) 30 minute spots to families (up to 5 people) on both April 5 and April 26. Cost is $200 and includes the 10 image CD. This would make a great Mother's Day gift too!

Please contact me at juliestaley@mac.com to book your spot today.

Looking ahead

2009-03-17T08:29:00.007-04:00

Just as this expectant mother sees big changes ahead in the future, my little business is changing too. After much customer feedback, I am changing my basic photography packages. No price changes- more of a structural change. ALL of you have told me (through conversations and your sales history) that you love getting digital images. So, I am now including the 10 image CD with all session fees. The following prices will apply:

$150- 30 minute session with 10 image CD (location of photographer's choice)

$250- 60 minute session with 10 image CD (location of customer's choice)

**$325 for 60 minute session with 10 image CD or $200 for 3o minutes and 5 images on CD(at photographer's PREMIER location- ex: sunflower field in July, airplanes in April, boats in May, etc.)

All changes are effective as of 4/1/09. I hope to see you in pictures soon! Oh, my little one is sending you her special smooch for St. Patrick's Day. ;)

Perfect Ten

2009-03-15T18:53:00.003-04:00

There is nothing sweeter than baby toes. I probably took 50 shots of her feet alone! Simply precious. Babies are such an incredible gift from our Lord. To think He would entrust us with such a tiny being to hold, love, nurture and cherish. You can sense that awe in this new Mom. She is totally smitten with little "A". Thanks for a peaceful and sweet afternoon.

Carrot Top and Cut Up

2009-03-14T16:24:00.003-04:00

You'll be able to tell "who" is "who" pretty quickly in this post! It is a nice change to photograph boys and these two were simply adorable. Little "W" has the sweetest combination of red hair and blue eyes. You will want to pinch his adorable cheeks right through your screen!! "L" is a 5 year-old flirt who showed off his karate moves and Indian men during our session. I love his messy hair and sweet smile. It was fun hanging out with the boys!

Easter Sessions

2009-03-13T14:13:00.004-04:00

Hippity, hoppity, Easter's on its way!! The weather is warming up and the flowers are starting to bloom. Dress those cuties up in their Easter best for some beautiful, outdoor portraits at my favorite park. 20 minute sessions are $175 and include the 10 image CD ($75 savings). Sessions will be held on March 21 and March 29. Limit of 3 children per session.

Call or e-mail me at juliestaley@mac.com for your appointment today.

Cousins

2009-03-12T21:56:00.004-04:00

How precious are little cousins, "G" and "S"? G is a very active 3 year old but we managed several cute shots despite her busyness! Little S grinned from ear to ear anytime his mama called his name. I love seeing a child's face light up like that. It was a fun morning!

Hollywood Heights Session

2009-03-11T23:29:00.004-04:00

You probably weren't expecting to see airplanes with that blog title, but that is what these amazing machines remind me of. I am sooooo fortunate to have access to not one, not two, but THREE awesome planes on Sunday, March 22. The owner formerly lived in L.A. and had them registered with the Hollywood studios. He even has Iceman's helmet from Top Gun that was given to him by the team who helped restore one of the planes. That crew also managed the planes on that set!! The vintage, restored Red Baron (red and white with open cock pit) has been used in several movies and ads. The sleek black one is edgy and stylish. The orange and white has a cockpit big enough for 4. It is so cool!! If anyone wants some very unique portraits (seniors, kids who LOVE planes or even a fun family session), please let me know. There are only 2 spots remaining. You can tell my 3 year old was a big fan! I think I won the Cool Mommy Award today in her book!

Wedding as Art

2009-03-08T14:32:00.002-04:00

Let me forewarn you, this post is going to be a little mushy. But I knew this wedding was something special even while I was shooting it. Maybe it was the unexplainable 70 degree day in March only one week after a big snow; maybe it was the purity of the blushing bride awaiting her many guests to arrive; or maybe its just the little girl in me who still believes in the fairy tale of love. Whatever the case, I am in love with so many images from yesterday. Weddings offer endless possibilities to create beautiful art for the happy couple to enjoy for a lifetime to come. I love these images for different reasons. The one above speaks to me of God's heavenly favor shining down on the love between a new bride and groom. We can only hope his blessings remain on all of our most treasured relationships.
These images are simple but honest and I am always a sucker for a good profile or silhouette shot.

This image shows how much I love lines. Shooting down bricks is one of my favorite backdrops because your eye is naturally drawn into the picture. An unexpected and more raw finish is fun to me too when shooting brides.

Bridal parties that include little ones are always more fun too. Children just infuse FUN into the day and I love capturing their spirited play at weddings. The sunglasses, the smooches and the simple game of Ring Around the Rosies remind us that this should be a day of fun and celebration and not just taking tons of boring, posed pictures.
I love shooting at odd angles and using fun color finishes too to bring more life into a wedding album. It doesn't hurt when you have a gorgeous bridal party either!

I challenge myself to see things differently at each wedding. Using foregrounds and different depths of field keeps me artistically engaged and I love surprising the bride and groom with unplanned shots.
The cake, the catering and small details of the wedding are fun to shoot too. But nothing holds a candle to a blushing bride. This image makes my heart beat faster for her. I remember what it felt like knowing your guests were arriving and soon you'd be walking down that long-awaited aisle. I am so humbled to share in these intimate events with couples and I continue to thank God for the passion he placed in my heart to do this job. May it never leave me. Or the belief that some people do live happily ever after.

Sweet Siblings

2009-03-05T17:19:00.002-05:00

This big sister was very sweet with her baby brother. She thought it was pretty funny when we put him in a doll bed too. That picture is timeless to me. The blue eyes in this family are simply gorgeous! Squeeze them tight, Mom and Dad. These first years go by in a blink. Enjoy!

Belly Beautiful

2009-03-05T12:04:00.002-05:00

This mom is one of the soap opera pregnant people. You know, they are still in 100% perfect shape with a small, adorable belly. She really is pregnant and she really is that beautiful. (I only hated her a tinsy bit for that but shhhhhh blog readers.....) Her adorable twin girls were giggly fun as well and we had a great morning together. I can't wait to meet baby #3 once she arrives.

Lil' Charmer

2009-03-04T16:39:00.003-05:00

This handsome devil is #3 in a family full of cute boys. Don't you just want to squeeze him? I guess the third time really is a charm or should I say.....charmer, Christine?! Flirting at such a young age. Tisk. tisk.

Little Boy Blue

2009-03-04T13:11:00.002-05:00

How adorable is little "L"? It took him a few minutes to warm up to my big camera, but once we got rolling, he was on one, big giggle roller-coaster. It was one belly laugh after another with this little guy. I could have photographed him all day long :)

Snow Pretty

2009-03-03T18:39:00.004-05:00

Doesn't this young lady look like a classic Hollywood starlet? She is very Anne Hathaway in a few of these shots to me. She was brave enough to plod through the snow and mud to get some great images. Hey, nobody said modeling was easy! Hope you like them "H". Remember me when you're famous.

Pretty as a picture

2009-03-01T15:53:00.003-05:00

It was fun meeting the lovely Miss "S" today. "S" is just as pretty on the inside too as she will soon be donating her long blonde hair to Locks of Love. My own niece lost her hair to leukemia and I know firsthand that gifts of generosity like this bring so much hope to families struggling with disease. Her family is very proud of her decision. She is pretty as a picture indeed!

Something Blue

2009-02-28T18:17:00.002-05:00

The dresses, the flowers, and the bride's eyes were all a gorgeous blue. Now, if only the sky had been so cooperative! We made the best of this rainy day and got some beautiful images despite the soggy weather. Thanks for the honor of capturing your big day, A and P. May God bless your new marriage.

Those lashes...

2009-02-26T15:47:00.003-05:00

...are just God-given precious! I told her mom that the ones I bought at the MAC counter aren't even that long! I have a thumb-sucker in my house too so I had to post that picture as well. I remember how my oldest loved looking at herself in the mirror and "S" was equally smitten with her reflection. She even plopped a few smooches on herself. Enjoy!

Little Ballerina

2009-02-26T14:11:00.002-05:00

Like mother, like daughter. I met little "B's" mom in dance class and her sweet daughter is equally graceful and feminine. She wore the tutu well and I am so pleased with her poses. A natural beauty!

That skin....

2009-02-25T11:45:00.002-05:00

...is just beautiful! Isn't Miss C the cutest? She was a busy little bee during our session but with enough help from the baby dolls, we captured some sweet shots. Don't you love how comfortable the baby doll looks in the rocking chair? Funny! It was great seeing C again. This is the third time I have photographed her in her 19 months of life and I consider it a great honor to capture her milestones on camera. Enjoy!

Bits and Pieces Collage

2009-02-24T14:20:00.001-05:00

Love her. Baby parts are so yummy!

Little Firecracker

2009-02-23T07:51:00.003-05:00

Oh no she didn't!! Little Miss "A" was such a ham for my camera. After the first few minutes of clinging to mommy, this little firecracker started babbling and posing for me like a pro. That expression just cracks me up. I am building her mom one of my Bits and Pieces Collages so stay tuned for a preview of that later in the week. You've got your hands full with this one, Mandy. Cute with a capitol C.

Growing Up Fast

2009-02-22T17:45:00.004-05:00

I had fun shooting a friend of mine's "almost grown-up" son today. "M" still plays a few boyish games (hence the Legos) but you can just see the teen years quickly approaching. Mom gets sad just thinking of it but we captured a few boyish ones on the porch. He won't always play toys like this but he will always be your little boy. No matter what shoe size he wears, right Michele?

Tricks are for kids

2009-02-21T18:15:00.002-05:00

Not really....but these new techniques do make me feel like a kid in a candy store! For every one hour I spend behind the camera, I spend another 2-3 hours at my computer editing. It takes lots of attempts and trials to find the right finish for that particular picture. Not to mention lighting adjustments, color casts, etc. etc. The possibilities are endless. Just a little behind the scenes info for you all!

His and Hers {more urban seniors}

2009-02-20T22:21:00.003-05:00

After the success of "C"s urban session, it was her sweet boyfriend's turn to be dragged all over town. We had lots of fun despite the frigid temps and gusty wind. Aren't they a cute couple? Thanks for being adventurous you two. There is one rather funny picture of him that I will be holding for ransom. He knows the one :) Enjoy

Urban Session- Part 2

2009-02-16T11:09:00.002-05:00

She is just too cool. I had to post more. Sorry for the blog overload!!

The Urban Session

2009-02-15T23:04:00.002-05:00

OMG! (that is teen text language for Oh my...well...ya know) I have been wanting to do an urban session just like this for some time now. Then I was introduced to this lovely teen and it just had to be done. Isn't "C" the perfect subject for this look? No, these are not your mama's senior pictures. This is current, edgy, hard and little bit rock-n-roll. I am breaking out of my usual routine and digging the results! Who knew a beautiful girl could make rust, scrap metal, broken down shacks and a laundrymat look sooooo good?? You rock, "C".

Studio Mini Sessions

2009-02-07T15:00:00.003-05:00

In His Image Photography by Julie now has a studio!!! I finally got all the equipment, backdrops, props, etc. together to offer indoor studio work to my clients. I am hosting a few kick off days with awesome deals for those who want to help me try out the new digs!

These Studio Mini Sessions are 15 minute spots designed for photographing 1 child and getting some classic, sweet shots in no time. The session fee is $25 which includes the digital negative of your favorite shot. You will have a 7 day ordering period when all CDs, 5 x 7s, 8 x 10s and wallets will be HALF PRICE!!! Can you feel the love? I am so excited to celebrate this milestone in my business.

If you have friends who want to book together, you can host a Portrait Party in the studio. We'll set aside one entire morning just for your group! Get 5 of your friends to book and as the host, your session will be free PLUS 2 additional digital negatives.

Contact me at juliestaley@mac.com for one of these sweet spots.

Thursday, Feb. 26- 10-12:00

Tuesday, March 3- 10-12:00

Thursday, March 5- 10-12:00

Thursday, March 12- 10- 12:00 Sorry...BOOKED