My fall sessions are in full swing and I have loved spending time with all of the amazing families I've been able to photograph so far this year. The Kane family was such a delight to capture together and I still can't get over the sweet expressions from their little guy! Here's a little peek at our time together!
The Bunn Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
I mean....what's sweeter than a toddler with a gummy smile? I really don't think anything. Toddlers are probably my favorite because they really could care less about me. All they want to do is explore, cuddle mama and dad and giggle. They make my job pretty easy. It was such an honor to meet and photograph the adorable Bunn family. Here's a little peek....
The Wilgus Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
I love my sweet little guy something fierce, so I can only imagine how full this mama's heart is with her three little boys. They were all a delight and so full of energy during our session - and they definitely kept me on my toes.
The sun was shining (and it was crazy warm), but you could feel their love for each other regardless. Thank you, Wilgus family, for letting me capture you all. xo
Baby Collins | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
These first few moments of life are just so unbelievably precious. The Crabtree family and their sweet baby girl, Collins, were just so amazing. There was SO much love between these three and it was pretty awesome to watch. The absolute SWEETEST part was that Dad had refused to take off his bracelet from their time in the hospital. I mean, how sweet is that? Sweet Collins was a dream and slept for almost the entire session (which really RARELY happens with an in-home session). There's something about these lifestyle sessions that just warms my heart.
Thank you, Crabtree family, for letting me capture you together.
Simply stunning | Raleigh Photographer
Claire is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met and working with her over this past year has just been so fun. Most of our time together is spent shooting editorial work for her blog and website, but sometimes I bribe her to stand in front of my camera for portraits. Her beauty is inside and out.
The Fitzpatrick Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
A few weeks ago, I hosted charity photo sessions for hurricane relief and I got to photograph THE BEST families. It was so much fun and my heart kind of loves mini sessions. They're short and sweet and just long enough to capture that love and connection of a family (without kiddo meltdown or fussiness).
When I scheduled these, my hope was for pretty fall weather with those cool, crisp breezes. Unfortunately, NC is still on a summer schedule, but we made it work anyway. The Fitzpatrick Family were my first of 12 families and even though it was hot, they still showed up, loved on each other and let me capture them together.
Here's a peek at their sweetness. (And the mom, Sara, owns the best cupcake shop in downtown Raleigh! The Cupcake Shoppe is simply divine and if you're local, you just have to stop by and grab a cupcake (or 6))!
Baby Collins | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
Welcome to the world, baby Collins.
It was such an honor to spend some time with Allison, Chris and their sweet new bundle of joy, Collins. She was just a dream and so perfect in every single way. These moments are so raw, but so tender and being able to capture a new family will always be a great privledge to me. Thank you, Crabtree family, for letting me document this most precious time for you.
Our summer on film: Ektar 100
Last week I mentioned my love for film and how I would be sharing some of the stocks I've been shooting just to help anyone else out who might be interested in film. Today is all about Ektar 100!
Ahh....Ektar 100 is just amazing. It has minimal grain and is just so vibrant! I started off with a love-hate relationship with Ektar but I was determined to figure this stock out because the colors are out of this world. I still don't have it down to a science, but after practicing and changing some things up I feel way more confident shooting this stock. I shot a few rolls of this when we were in St. John, USVI and the pictures were EXACTLY as the island was - bold, vibrant, clear, colorful! My biggest struggle with Ektar is the skin tones. Ektar has a red undertone and if you under or overexpose, skin tends to get super red/orange and scary looking, lol. My daughter has more red/orange to her skin tone in general, so I really noticed this if I overexposed/underexposed with her (vs. my son who has a little more peachy-pinky skin tone).
The key with Ektar is to expose it properly. When I first started practicing with Ektar I'm pretty sure I was overexposing by a stop or two (by the way I was metering - bulb in, facing down at 45 degrees). In the Virgin Islands, I didn't take into consideration the light reflecting from the sandy beaches, so I probably added on at least another stop of overexposure there....whoops!
Now I meter (using my external light meter) bulb in, racing my camera, at 90 degrees....and typically, the skin tones are perfect! The amazing Wendy Laurel has an article on her blog about shooting with Ektar that is definitely worth checking out!
Here's some of my favorite Ektar 100 images!
Maxton is one | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
I mean, what is better than a first birthday?
Maxton turned one right before my session with his sweet family, so we HAD to incorporate a cake smash into our time together! This little buddy LOVES cake (don't we all, lol), and I absolutely loved watching him pensively taste-test the cake and then proceed to dive right in. Such a cutie. Cake smashes are where it's at, y'all. Happy 1st birthday little man!
To book your first birthday cake smash session contact me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com or via my Contact page.
Baby Carter Lifestyle Session | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
You guys! There is seriously nothing like the air in a house with a brand new baby. There's nothing I love more than spending time photographing a family as they welcome their newest bundle of joy. I love how even though new parents are tired, their eyes have never seemed brighter. Thank you, DuPont family, for inviting me into your home and allowing me to capture this fleeting time.
To schedule your newborn session contact me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com or via my Contact page.
Our summer on film: Fuji Superia 400
If you've been following along with me on Instagram, you've probably heard me raving non-stop about film. This summer I was kind of burned out with my personal work. I was struggling BIG time with creativity, motivation, ideas, self-doubt, weirdness and on and on and on. I am a creative person by nature and I ALWAYS have to be doing something, whether it be photography, sketching, knitting, dreaming, etc... But my creativity has to bring me joy. And excitement. And giddiness. There is a spark in me that has to ignited for me to love and enjoy it. And if that spark isn't there, well, then I'm basically just wandering around mopey and sad.
Enter film.
Film was my summer challenge to myself. All of the cameras I had growing up were good old film cameras but I honestly knew NOTHING about film. And I was SO incredibly terrified of film. It was so different and way scarier than digital. I couldn't see what I was shooting. I couldn't change my angle if the first shot didn't work out. I couldn't make sure I was able to "recreate" what I had in my head. But I love learning new things, so I bought a Canon 1V from eBay, called up everyone I knew who shot film (thank you Ashley, Jamie and Jennifer) and basically just threw caution to the wind.
What happened was magical. It saved me. It brought back my creativity. It let me get out of the rut of staring at the back of my camera and overanalyzing the image I created. It made me shoot for ME. It made me slow down and actually enjoy the process of "waiting" for the right moment to click that shutter. And that's just the photography side of things.
Film has made me a happier creative. It's made me a happier person, in general. I spend more time with my kids. I enjoy shooting and capturing them WAY more than I did with my digital camera. Film brought magic to the art for me. The unknown is magical. The process is magical. The moments are magical. Our life is magical.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still terrified of film. I break out into a cold sweat every time my scans come through just waiting for disaster. And yep. Some images are absolutely awful. But most are magical. They may not be technically perfect. The composition may be all off. I might have chopped a limb off. But you know what, the magic is still there....
Now usually when you start out shooting film, it's recommended to pick ONE stock of film and shoot with that so you get a good understand of exposure, how the stock reacts to light, yada yada yada. But yeah, I hate rules, so I basically threw caution to the wind and have shot every stock I could order from Amazon and B&H photo. I thought it would be fun to share some of our summer FILM photos here on the blog and decided to break them down by stock to maybe help out anyone who might be interested in shooting film/learning more about film.
First up is Fuji Superia Xtra 400 (35mm)
-This is a consumer stock and you grab it at Wal-Mart and a few other local places (pharmacies, etc..).
-has only 24 exposures (which I kind of love because I'm always jones-ing to finish a roll)!
-It has an ISO of 400, so it's a pretty good choice when it comes to most any type of daytime lighting.
-Kicks BUTT in full sun (but seriously, all film rocks in full sun)
-Pretty saturated colors
-Gorgeous skin tones when overexposed (it likes overexposure)
-Little grain
And here's a look at some of our summer shot with Fuji Superia Xtra 400!!
Callie Senior Session | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
"Appreciate the moment. Stop and look around you. Be thankful for all you have and where you are because this time next year, nothing with be the same."
I had SO much fun at this senior session with sweet Callie. We ventured around JC Raulston Arboretum searching for all the best spots. It was hot and sticky, but this girl made it look effortless and easy. Best of luck with your senior year, pretty girl! xo
To book your senior session, contact me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com or via by Contact Me
Baby Henry Lifestyle Session | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
Sweet Henry.
This dear babe and his adorable family are the best. His mama, Laura, and I chatted for what felt like YEARS before I finally got to hug her in person (and yep - when you meet me, I WILL hug you. I'm a hugger.).
Nothing better than a brand new family settling into their new routine at home. Thank you, Harkin family, for allowing me to capture you all together during this amazing time. xo
To book your family session, email me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com; or contact me via my Contact page! xo
Baby Carter | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
Brand new.
I wish I would have known how precious and fleeting these moments were when I was in the hospital with my babies. I had good intentions of taking my own pictures, but if you've had a baby, you probably know that moving furniture around and setting everything up just takes so much effort! I took plenty of photos the week or so after mine were born, but not too many when they were this BRAND NEW. There are SO many details that change after just a few days and wish I would have captured more of those sweet wrinkly baby feet, the clamped cord, the hospital bracelet, the content little faces. Stepping into a hospital room with new parents is just priceless. There is so much love, but exhaustion in the air and it's so easy to let my mind drift back to when I was in that place. Baby Carter was an angel and it was such an honored to photograph him and his sweet family during this precious time.
To book your hospital session, email me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com; or contact me via my Contact page! xo
The Warren Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer
Gosh I love family sessions. I love sitting back and watching a family love, hug, laugh and cry with each other. It's purely magical to watch the connection between a family and I always find myself seeking out those little details and moments that make that family who they are.
The Warren Family with all their blond hair and blue eyes stole my entire heart. The night was gorgeous and their love was palpable. Thank you, Warren family, for being so amazing.
To book your family session, email me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com; or contact me via my Contact page! xo
Baby Henry | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
Brand new and so perfect.
I will admit that I was a little teary-eyed after this hospital session. To be welcomed into a room so full of love and joy at such a vulnerable time is something I definitely do not take for granted. To be able to hold, cuddle and capture a new brand new life and growing family is such an amazing honor.
The Harkin family opened their heart and arms and welcomed me into their hospital room shortly after sweet baby Henry was born. So much love. So much emotion. Thank you allowing me to capture this priceless moment of your life. These days change SO quickly. Never underestimate the power of a photograph. xo
Contact me today to book your hospital or newborn session. I still have a limited availability for newborns through December. stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com
The Gregg Family | Charleston, SC Family Photographer
A few weeks ago I took a little trip to Charleston and it was purely magical. The city is quaint and perfect and it's just stunning in every direction you look! I had the opportunity to meet up with the Gregg family early one morning we had the streets of Charleston all to ourselves. I know sunrise sessions seem CRAZY early and maybe even impossible, but I promise you it's worth it 100% of the time.
Thank you so much, Gregg family for letting me capture your sweet family together! And Charleston - I'll be coming back for sure.
The Kammauf Family | Charleston, SC Family Photographer
My visit to Charleston was just AMAZING and I was so fortunate to meet up with the Kammauf family early squirrely one morning. They braved a "before sunrise wake-up call" and met me at Folly Beach for a family session.
These boys and their stunning blue eyes stole my heart. Being able to capture the love and joy of a family (even through all the chaos) will always be my favorite. The hugs, tears and yes, even the sad faces. These are part of YOUR story and need to be recorded. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kammauf family, for letting me capture you all together. xo
To book your family session, email me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com; or contact me via my Contact page! xo
Fuji 400H
Fuji 400H is an amazing film stock. It's definitely one of my favorites and I find myself gravitating towards this stock often for newborns and family sessions. This is also my go-to stock for most indoor photos. The stock is incredibly soft and delicious and skin tones are always amazing. The film itself has blue/green undertones, which I think always makes whites and skin tones seem more neutral and natural than some of the other film stocks out there. The key to this stock, though, is that it LOVES light. Like for real loves light. It might be rated at 400 ISO, but I feel like Fuji could change that to big ole 100 and be just fine. I have rated this stock anywhere from 100-800 and have loved my results each and every time. If I can rate at 100, I totally will, but I feel like you have to live on the sun to rate it that low, lol. My happy place is usually between 200-400 ISO. When I'm rating between 400 and 800, I typically always have my lab (Indie Film Lab) push my film 1 stop (which basically means they leave the film in the developer a weeeeeee bit longer so the highlights are a bit brighter).
Below are some of my favorite Fuji 400H images!!
Small Business Spotlight | The Cupcake Shoppe
Being a small business owner myself, I love to connect with others and hear their story. Each person always has their own unique path and finding out the whys and hows of a business has always been so fascinating to me! Over the next few months, I'll be sharing local small business that I've crossed paths with and love. Hope you enjoy this fun series!! And if you have a small business you'd like to be featured, let me know!
Today's small business spotlight is Sara from The Cupcake Shoppe. I came across Sara's amazing cupcakes at a wedding one evening and it was love at first bite! The Cupcake Shoppe is located in downtown Raleigh and if you are anywhere in the US, it's worth the trip! From the french aesthetic and design, to the treats themselves, a visit to The Cupcake Shoppe is an experience in itself! I may or may not have left with (and eaten) a half-dozen of my own yummy cupcakes. Let's take a trip to The Cupcake Shoppe!
Tell us a little about your business. What do you do?
We are an independently owned/operated custom boutique bakery specializing in small batch, scratch baked confections including custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, breakfast pastries and more! We source local ingredients for our menu items which are baked in house each morning by our team of bakers and proudly serve Joe Van Gogh coffees and espresso in our cafe which are locally roasted as well. We bake a large selection of cupcakes (including some Gluten Free options), cookies, brownies, breakfast pastries and seasonal goods each morning to fill our bakery case for our walk in clients and also design and decorate custom cakes for all occasions including birthdays, weddings, baby/bridal showers, and corporate events. We also host private parties and events in the shop on Sunday afternoons which is a beautiful space to host an event! When we opened 10 years ago I was doing a little bit of everything....baking, helping customers, icing cupcakes, bookkeeping, etc. but after 10 years I spend more of my time marketing and handling the day to day logistics of the business and have built a great team of women who assist with the baking, cake design, and customer service.
What makes your business unique/special?
I started the bakery just over 10 years ago from a passion to bring the highest quality sweets and an impeccable customer experience to our clients. At that time we were Raleigh's very first cupcake bakery and have established ourselves as one of Raleigh's finest in a time where many have come and gone. When I first started dreaming of the shop I knew I wanted to invoke the feeling of a slower time with a bit of a vintage feel to the space and pulled from a slightly french aesthetic when designing the space. I wanted customers to feel like they were really treating themselves from the moment they stepped in the front door and smelled the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen to the last moment when they selected their pastry and sat down in our cafe or on the patio with a cup of coffee and took their first bite! The "overall experience" is of utmost importance today even ten years later when we still strive to win over each and every person that walks through our doors. In a time when everything is moving so quickly in life and much of what we do on a daily basis is impersonal we wanted to remind people that it's important to slow down, eat the cake, enjoy the coffee, and every bit of what we do here is personal! We live by the motto that "Life is short...eat dessert first!"
How do you stay inspired?
With all the resources available at our fingertips these days there is no shortage of inspiration out there.....we pull lots of recipe inspiration from seasonal food trends and the "local" movement. When it comes to design we seek inspiration from some of the most unusual places like the artists and designers who work with other mediums like paint, watercolor, fashion, and even sometimes interior design. You just never know what might strike a cord but travel also inspires me to see what is happening in other corners of the world. While we love to embrace whats trendy and hot in the food market we also stick pretty closely to our original mentality of "doing a few things really well versus trying to be everything to everybody". We feel like the most important thing is to put out a good product and sometimes that means seeking out something a little different than what everyone else is doing.
Who inspires you?
My father and grandfather both ran a small business growing up and while it wasn't in the food arena I was always inspired by their hard work and drive to grow it for our family and commitment to their community and the people that lived in it.
What do you love most about running a small business?
The people! From the staff who works by my side daily to the sweet customers that grace us with their presence each morning it is definitely about the people and the personal experiences to me. I have built amazing relationships with my team and have always felt like "you build the team of people and the people on your team build the business". My girls are the best and I wouldn't be able to do it without them.....in terms of our clients it is such an extreme honor to be part of their daily lives and their celebrations. There are some we just get to know and chat with each morning over coffee when they pop in and share a little bit of their day with us and then there are those we get to help celebrate birthdays, retirements, anniversaries with, those we get to see on their wedding day as they start a new life with their love, and those we get to help with revealing the gender of their new baby to their families. These are such personal and tender moments and I feel blessed and honored everyday to get to be part of them.
When did you know you wanted to go into this business?
I went to work for a corporate company right out of college and about 5 years in started to realize I was just "missing something" creatively. While the corporate experience was wonderful for me I started to think I just wanted something more....I had always loved baking growing up but had never really thought of it as anything more than a hobby. In 2006 I knew I wanted to make a change but was still unsure as the jump from the safe corporate world to running a small business seemed uncharacteristically risky for me but I also knew I wanted to get back to the triangle area and was very intrigued by the "slow waking up of the downtown area" that seemed to be on the cusp of happening. I was visiting a friend in NY and wandered into a small bakery for a coffee and just thought "I COULD do this!". I started putting together some ideas and when I was home for Thanksgiving spent some time driving around downtown with it's vacant storefronts and warehouse spaces and came across the space we are in now. I truly felt like the big windows and "neighborhood feel" spoke to me......the space got me and I was hooked.....even though it was a dirty, dingy antiques refinishing warehouse space I could see the potential and my wheels just wouldn't stop turning. I could smell the cakes in the oven, the coffee brewing, and a mother/daughter enjoying our sweets on a sunny day outside after school....and then the "real work" began ;)
What else do you love to do?
Outside of work there is nothing better than spending time with my boys (5 and 3) and my husband Paul. Travel is my therapy and I would visit a new city each week if time/funds permitted :) I also love to run and do hot yoga when the stress of running the business gets hectic and on a typical Saturday night I love to try out new restaurants in the area as both my husband and I are big "foodies".
Describe your perfect day.
The perfect day would start with hot croissants and coffee on a sidewalk cafe in Paris! (well you asked so I'm going to dream big right!!) Then spending the day just wandering the city taking in the sights, smells, food and artists with no real schedule at all (that is the ultimate luxury in my eyes is just having the time and freedom to go where the day takes you). I would probably sneak in an afternoon nap and then cap it off with a dinner with all my closest friends and my family of course because whats the point of all the great stuff in life without the special people to share it with! ...and of course a great slice of chocolate cake before bed ;)