The magic of home | Raleigh Family Photographer

When you think back to your childhood, do you think about your house and neighbors and toys? I betcha do. Home is magical, and while we all grow up and become adults who have to pay for said home, to children, home is THE place. Home is comfort.

Lifestyle family sessions are purely magical. And shot on film makes them more magical (if that's even possible). The Lewis family happily invited me into their sweet little house to capture them together as a family of five before they packed their boxes and moved to a new home. This is their FIRST home, though. The place where they brought their babies all swaddled from the hospital. This is the place where those babies learned to crawl, learned to walk. There are so many memories in your first home and capturing your family in your own element here is so priceless.

And I bet you're saying ...."But Stephanie, my home is so not photo worthy."

And I'm here to tell you, you are SO wrong. In-home lifestyle sessions aren't about beautiful houses fancily furnished with the best of the best. You don't need to live in a mansion full of modern art and fancy decor to have a HOME. Home really is wherever your family is. These beautiful lifestyle sessions are all about your life right here, right now - whatever that may be. 

And with that, I know that you want to book a session immediately, right??. : ) Here's the low-down for ya. Family sessions are done in your home + fave places...we usually always venture outside around your home to play (weather permitting). Some folks like to do just their house and yard, some folks like to do just one room of their house and their favorite park up the road. We're not meeting in some random park or place you've never been before. These are the places that matter most to you. This stage/house/moment you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your right now. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

One on the way | Raleigh Family Photographer

Life as they know it will soon change so very much. I love that the Fry family wanted to capture their moments as they are NOW before bringing a new baby home. Little Miss Kelsey was the star of the show and I she will make the best big sister ever. 

There's no day or time in your life too ordinary to be recorded and saved. Email or message me if you are interested in scheduling an in-home family session. They have all the feels, love, squeezes and everything in between. xo

Hey friends! Your day matters and these moments matter too. The stage you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your right now. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

A mother's day | Raleigh Family Photographer

You know those days where you don't get out of pajamas and feel like you have someone tugging at you all day long? That's a mama's day right there.

As I was rushing around like crazy to get my daughter to finish her homework and off to gymnastics on time, I saw this frazzled mama of three trying her best to keep up. She was carrying one in a baby Bjorn, the middle one was trying his best to peddle his big wheel down the street and the oldest was up pushing away at his strider bike. I about pulled my car over and cried. I wanted to hug her and tell her to enjoy every single second of this craziness and that it all but passes too quickly. I wanted to reassure that sweet mama that she will SO MISS these small, stressful moments one day as she's whisking away another child to another after school activity. When you're stuck in the everyday cleaning up messes and wiping away tears, you often forget how simply amazing the mundane truly is. It often seems like time stands still during these moments and bedtime won't come fast enough. But oh mamas, it does. It's moving SO fast that often you can't even see it. You can't see how much or how quickly your babies have changed and grown all the while you were cleaning messes and feeling maybe a little bit lost. The job of a mama is the greatest job there is  and whatever you are doing RIGHT now is exactly perfect. It doesn't matter that the laundry is going on cycle three through the wash....it doesn't matter that the dishes from last night are still in the sink....and it doesn't matter that you maybe haven't showered in a day or so. What matters is your babies and the love they feel from you.

Hey you! Your day matters and these moments matter too. The stage you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your right now. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

Home is where the heart is | Raleigh Family Photographer

I have no problem admitting I'm a home-body. I could pretty much stay at home all the live long day, maybe venturing out around my house for some fresh air + sunshine and be totally fine. I'm pretty sure I've created two home-bodies too, because I literally have to drag my kids away from the house. And true story - when we vacationed in the Bahamas a few years ago, Drew broke down and cried alligator tears on the last day of our trip because he missed his bed AND his EGGOS so much. 

So I guess that's why in-home sessions have my entire heart.

Home is where the love lives. Home is where kids feel safe and playful and truly themselves. I love getting a peek into the real life of my sweet clients and I 100% feel that photographing a family at home makes everyone take a deep breath and relax. There's no more "stiff posed" photos. No more everyone just standing together by a few trees unsure of where to look. Being in home kind of gives everyone a break. Kids are in their own element and are free to roam. Mom is super excited because she's getting these photos that truly represents her day. And dad is just so happy that mom is happy (and the fact that's he's in his own home and can have a glass of champagne or even sneak away to watch the game....).

Spending the morning with the Barbaro family was a dream. Their love for each other was palpable and their home had so much happiness within it's walls. The stage that they are at right now is ever-moving and I know it can feel exhausting some times. I've been there....and I often wondered when I would be able to come up for air. Now, I would give anything to go back to those diaper-wearing, barefoot, chaotic days at home. My hope for these types of sessions is to give you the real, the raw and everything in-between. To capture your life as it is RIGHT NOW. Before you know it, time will have moved on and you'll be craving these moments again.

Hey you! Your day matters and these moments matter too. The stage you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your right now. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

Packing my bags - 2018 Travel Dates

I'm a t-t-t-travling! I'm packing alllllll my cameras and am hitting the road this year. And I wanna come to YOU! There is absolutely nothing better than being invited into someone's home and being allowed to document the sweet people that are most precious to you. 

So here are my travel dates as of right now! Don't see your city?? Send me an email and let's get ya on the books!

Amelia Island, Florida: February 15-18th

Salt Lake City, Utah: April 26-29th

Topsail Beach, NC: July 23-25th

Emerald Isle, NC: August 20-23th

NYC: September (dates TBD)

Booking a travel session is simple and easy! It's one FLAT RATE that includes my time, travel and allllllllll of your gorgeous images for you to download and print as much as you wish! That's pretty  much it. No crazy add ons. No strings attached (other than me coming to ya to take some ah-mazing photos).

So if you want to grab a session in your city during one of these times or if you want to add your city to this list, drop me an email for the magic flat rate cost! stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com (or click here for my contact page)

oh and p.s...... i'm really nice + kinda silly and you should hire me. ;)

(Please note that prices may vary somewhat between locations based on travel cost estimates)

Brand New | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

It's amazing how just one sound, one sight or one smell can take you back to a certain time and place. Every single time I walk into a home with a sweet newborn baby, the emotions come rushing back and I remember all those teeny-tiny details about my sweet babies. My babies keep growing and growing, but I remember these moments like they were yesterday. I'm pretty sure I wasn't as cool, calm and collected as I am during my newborn sessions, but that makes it even that much sweeter. I get to relive my days while showing others just how precious their life truly is. My ultimate goal at every single newborn session is to capture those details and memories that fade so very quickly with time. It's to preserve the here and now and document all the bits and pieces, no matter how small or how trivial at that moment. The snuggles, the curly toes, the flaky skin....it's the in-between moments that count the most. 

Sweet baby Anna was as darling as she looks and it was a dream to capture her and her parents during these first few magical days together. This new life is amazingly precious and words just don't do it justice. You have to BE there to see it, feel it, experience it. If you're a mama, either with tiny babies or big grown babies, you know exactly what I'm talking about, right?? The coos, the noises, the smells and even those sweet baby cries are what these sessions are all about. I am forever grateful to all my clients who invite me into their home to document this time together. Here's a little peek at sweet baby Anna.

Are you expecting soon and looking to record these first few moments together as a new family! I'm currently booking lifestyle newborn sessions through June 2018! I'd love to chat with ya about how very important it is to have this time preserved! Email me and I'll send ya more info lickety-split! 

Why you should book an in-home session

There is something so very special about an in-home session. The walls of your home hold SO many memories and so much love. This is the place where you come to be together. Home is where you can shut out the world and focus on what is most important. And capturing your family in those moments is so incredibly priceless.

I know most of you probably don't feel like your home is "picture perfect" or "photo ready" and the good news is that it doesn't have to be. An in-home session isn't about taking photos in a perfectly organized, newly decorated home. It's about capturing your family in the here + now. It's recording your everyday and home as they are today......all which will change way too quickly.

In-home sessions are slower paced and give you time to do the things your family does together naturally - read books, cuddle, make snacks, bake, paint - whatever it is that makes YOU you. These sessions typically last about 1-2 hours and I truly love these types of sessions because I can literally sit back and watch your family interact and capture you as you are. 

And let's not forget about your house and the surrounding areas (backyard/parks/trails). These places are the heart of your family and are always included in the process. What I wouldn't give to have photos taken when my babies were both under 2 in our home in Maryland. Time changes so quickly and I would have loved to have those memories/rooms/toys recorded. 

So, yes! In-home sessions are where it's at folks. It's a true glimpse into your everyday and that truly can't be beat. If you're interested in scheduling an in-home session, I would absolutely LOVE to chat with you!! Email me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com.

Film + the magic of light leaks

Film is magical to me. It has completely changed how I photograph both my own family and others. I see the world differently with a film camera. There is just something about film that moves me in ways that digital never ever did. I still have a hard time finding the right words to actually explain it to others who don’t shoot film, so I'm sure most people probably think I'm a little weird (and obsessed) but it has completely stolen my heart - (and don't forget, 2018 is all about embracing my weirdness, so.....).

One of the things I love most about film is that it gives me the ability to get creative without initially having to worry about the end result. With digital, I was often so disappointed with the images I was seeing on the back of my digital camera and that always put me in a negative place. Now, I'm giddy excited about WHAT I am creating and am not really worried about the finished product. The process has FINALLY become more than the end result, and to me, that's what photography is all about. 

Light leaks are an awesome way to experiment and play with film! I love the haze, light, color and just plain randomness of light leaks. No two are really ever the same and you can't really plan what you're gonna get. Basically you're leaving it up to the film gods.

To achieve a light leak, all you have to do is open up the back of your camera while you have film in there! Or you can use a loosely sealed toy camera (like a Holga or Sprocket Rocket), which will often result in various light leaks around the edges. I suggested opening the back of your camera in a darker area (rather than in bright overhead sunlight). I usually open mine either shielded closer to my body or in a darker room of my house. I find the result is less harsh than in bright overhead light. But again, it's film...and anything can happen! I've also had good results by trying to hand roll an exposed roll of film in a super dark (but not completely dark) closet. I kinda did this by accident because my camera wouldn't rewind, but the results were magical and now I try it every once in a while just for the heck of it!

So go grab your camera and experiment! Film is purely magical and the process is always the best part!

A new year. A new start.

A new year. A new start. 

I know we all feel ready to conquer the new year and all that it holds. I always try to reflect on what I might be able to give the new year and how I want to approach the months in early January. I usually struggle quite a bit because I always end up thinking about what others may expect of me or what path I'm "supposed" to take. I wish I could remember at what age I found my “comfort zone” because I would totally go back and say "peace out" to that.

After really thinking about the year and what I may like to accomplish, I decided 2018 is all about stepping out of said “comfort zone” because, honestly, following rules and worrying about others expectations are so last year. So.....2018 is allllllll about being different, seeking out weirdness and embracing whatever the heck I want...whatever that might be. So expect some weird stuff here.

And in no particular order, here are some things I'd love to accomplish in 2018:

-Be a better mama and wife to my kids and husband.

-Be present and truly focused on what is going on around me.

-Stop worrying about rules and others expectations.

-Read 100 books.

-Meal plan.

-Exercise more.

-Travel for family sessions + connect with clients who want what I can give them.

-Blog more personal stuff.

-Rave on and on and on about film because it has changed my life.

Baby Vivian | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Sweet baby. 

I had the incredible honor of documenting the birth of baby Vivian, so it was so wonderful to see her again a few days later. It always amazes me how quickly babies change - even during those first few days. Vivian was beyond precious and was just a little angel. Congrats, Laura and Brett, on your beautiful baby girl.

The Burr Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

If you schedule a session with me, I'm probably gonna try to talk you into meeting me at sunrise. Sunrise is the absolute most PERFECT time for a session....especially with those little ones who are up bright and early anyway. The Burr Family met me one CHILLY CHILLY morning and we had the most perfect light and the entire park all to ourselves. We explored, cuddled and had the best time. Thank you, Burr Family, for braving the cold and for trusting me with your memories. 

For your film peeps, this session was shot on Pentax 645n with Portra 400 + HP5.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun | Raleigh Family Photographer

This mama and her FIVE girls are what dreams are made of and my time with them was simply amazing. Their energy was so calm and relaxed and their mama, Brooke, was the center of their universe. I will admit that I was quite nervous when I read Brooke's questionnaire about her FIVE girls. Some days I can barely handle my own two, so I wasn't really sure how chaotic and crazy our session together would be. BUT - Brooke is simply amazing and carries herself with such calmness and grace, which is apparent, because her girls are the exact same.

It was so wonderful to capture Brooke and her girls together. Being able to show a mama how much her children love and adore her is my very favorite thing about this job and I am so very thankful Brooke trusted me to capture her family.

The Kentner Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

My heart. This session is what my heart longs for more of. Gorgeous light, open fields and family who shows up ready to love on one another. My goal during every single session is to not only catch those moments of tenderness and love, but those silly smiles, craziness and goofy laughs. The Kentner's were a dream to photograph and their love for one another shines through.

The Hanner Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

This sweet family just makes me smile! We had the most beautiful night for their session (back when Fall was still treating us like Summer) and the light and soft breeze couldn't have been more perfect. Nicole is an amazing photographer herself and it is always a pleasure to meet and photograph others who have the same passion for photography. Thank you, Hanner family, for letting me capture you together! xo

Holiday Style | Tea Collection

Only 46 days until Christmas! Time to get your holiday dress on! Our family had the pleasure of trying out some of the latest holiday styles from Tea Collection a few weeks ago and these photos alone have me so excited for Christmas! And of course I will do anything to get my two kids together in front of the camera! 

Tea Collection offers special occasion styles for every party, every family dinner, and every family photoshoot so if you're looking for the perfect holiday attire, check out their newest line. You can purchase Tea online or at a local retailer in your area! Visit www.teacollection.com/shop-locations to find a store near you.

Laura + Her Babies | Raleigh Family Photographer

I truly don't even have words to describe how much I love this sweet mama and her dear babies. This was the third time I photographed this beautiful family (minus dad this time), and watching them grow and change over the year is THE BEST. Laura is the most amazing mama and her babies love her so much. Thank you, Laura, for trusting me to photograph your family. It is ALWAYS an honor to show you how awesome your life is through the lens. 

The Smith Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."

All the smiles and giggles from this sweet family! You would never know it drizzled for most of our session, which is why I always say that magic is made by YOU, not by beautiful sunsets and glowing light. Bring your family. Hug, smile, cuddle and just make your MAGIC. Thank you Smith family for letting me capture your love for each other. xo

Arika + Amelia | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer

Oh how I love when I get to see the babies I photographed as newborns again! I had the pleasure of capturing sweet Amelia when she was just a few days old and photographing her again at 6 months was just awesome!

Amelia and her mama, Arika, are gorgeous both inside and out! Here's a little peek at our colorful session!

Baby Knox | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

Oh sweet baby.

My heart just wants to burst at every single newborn session. New life is just so precious. This is how every day should be spent....cuddling babies and smiling non-stop. Congratulations Farina family on your sweet baby boy.

The Abel Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer

My favorite thing about this family is DAD! Yep! You heard that right! When the Abel's booked me for a session, I'm pretty sure mom had the idea to just photograph the kiddos. But Dad.....he thought it would be a great opportunity for them to have pictures as a family. I know it gets SO much harder when the kids are grown and your schedules are all over the place, but capturing you as a family NOW is just so important. This stage and age will soon fade and evolve into something different - and looking back on these images will be priceless for years to come.

So, yep. I gave Dad a great big high five and told him he was my favorite person ever. Here's a peek at our dreamy session.