Charlotte Photographer // Mommy & Me Session at Midtown Park

Mommy and Me Wearing Matching African Print Dresses

I couldn’t wait to share this super cute mommy and me session from this week. How cute are they?! Their dresses were absolutely perfect (made by mommy) and I am in LOVE!  I actually met Ashley a few months ago.  I ordered an African print dress from her for a styled photoshoot I planned and fell in love with her work.  I've been ordering from her ever since.  I was ecstatic when she wanted to book this mommy and me session.  We had the session here in Charlotte at Midtown Park.  It started to rain just as she arrived and as soon as we started the session the rain stopped.  I did a little happy dance and we got started.  Mommy and me sessions are sooo much fun.  Nothing like having your very own "Mini Me".  Here are a few images from their session.

Charlotte Newborn Photographer // Newborn Sessions

The joy of holding your tiny little baby for the first time! But they grow up so fast and you do not want to miss this chance to capture portraits of them so you can cherish this moment in life forever. 

I would recommend booking before baby arrives so you can discuss how you can make your session unique to your family.  I like to photograph newborns when they are between 6 and 21 days old.  While they are still flexible and posable.  The sessions do last about 2 to 3 hours long to make time for feedings and extra snuggles.  

I like to work in family and sibling shots if requested.  These are easily some of my favorite shots.  Its often the very first family photo with the new family addition.  

We can also talk about incorporating family heirlooms.  Just another way to make your session unique and special to your family. 

CharMarie Photography studio is filled with props and outfits for your baby.   

Let's talk newborn safety.

The safety of your newborn is the most important thing to me. I am willing to make any accommodations for your baby that may be necessary for its safety and well-being. If you have any special needs, please feel free to talk to me about them when booking your session and I will be sure to do my best to accommodate. Thankfully, I can provide stunning and creative photos of your newborn while being sure that both you and your newborn are comfortable and safe the whole time.  

I would love to be your photographer.  It would be such an honor to capture these special moments and memories with you.

Newborn Portfolio // Newborn Pricing

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Charlotte Child Photographer // 5 Tips on How to Prepare Your Child for a Photo Session

1.  Mentally Prepare.  Let them know a week or so a head of time they are going to get their pictures taken.  Maybe even practice a little at home.  Talk about it and get excited together.  Make it something they look forward to. 

2.  Schedule.  This is no secret.  Children are happiest when their bellies are full and well rested.  I like to schedule children in the morning right after breakfast or after their afternoon/evening nap.  Always consider nap time when scheduling your session.

3.  Stranger Danger.  Show them a few pictures of me.  Head over to my ABOUT ME page and let them know a little bit about me.  I have a few pictures with me holding my camera and smiling.  That way when they see me with my camera they know exactly what I am going to do and I am a familiar face.  

4. Bribery.  A little bribery goes a long way.  Set aside a special treat or adventure for doing well during their photo session.   It could be as simple as letting them have their favorite dinner or spending time at their favorite park.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

5. EXPECATION.  My goal is to capture the true personality of your child.  With that being said... let all expectations go out the window.  I will have a plan set but for the most part I allow children to have fun and be themselves.  That's what makes capturing the milestones memorable.   

Blush Pink and Navy Blue Chic Wedding Styled Shoot - Charlotte NC Photographer

Who doesn't love a good LOVE STORY?  Ever since starting in this industry I've wanted to be on the wedding scene.  I've gravitated towards small weddings and elopements.  There's a beautiful intimacy to them and I love that.  My husband and I chose to elope 13 years ago.  I can honestly say if I had to do it again I would but would love a small and intimate vow renewal in the next couple of years.  

Let me know in the comments what is your dream wedding?  Would you prefer a large wedding, intimate or elopement?  

I recently had the privilege to style a wedding with a group of talented female photographers in a small town Bailey, North Carolina.  To say the least... it was magic.  Our models (Real couple, Elliot & Tywanda Hansen - married 4 years).  Take a look at a few of my favorites below.

Special Thanks to:

Concept: Charmekia Bias, Nikia Williams, Elena Lewis,  Shanita Dixon, Niada Cradle - Photographers              

Adra Campbell - Makeup, LaShawn Smith - Hair, April Florals - Bouquet, Kendra Scott Jewelry - Jewelry  

Venue - Bobby and Shirley Thorne's Home (Bailey, North Carolina)

Charlotte, North Carolina Child Photographer: Queen Things

Session Fit for a Little Queen...

Two year old, KeMylah rocked her very first photo session at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC!  She wore a beautiful custom gown from Queen of Zion Clothing.  My goal was to make her feel like the princess or a little queen she is.  She has such a big personality.  We had so much fun.  She had me cracking up with her little faces and poses.

She was the perfect little princess.

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Charlotte Photographer: Hungry Caterpillar Cake Smash

Oh my goodness… how cute is Dakotah?! He is such a sweet and happy baby! I am so blessed that his mom trust me to capture his memories because our littles grow so fast. Just six months ago I had him sitting in a bowl and now he’s sitting in a big boy chair! I love his birthday theme so much ❤️❤️❤️ Let me know in the comments which is your favorite!

Cake smash is such a fun way to celebrate your baby's first year!  We provide the cake and decorations.  Book your cake smash today!

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Charlotte Family Photographer / Hansen Family Session: Happy New Year 2018

So happy to be starting out the New Year with this lovely couple. Wishing them love and prosperity! They truly brought it this year! Such a beautiful family. I am so happy to have them in my life!  They were my first clients of the year for 2017... 1 Jan 2017 to be exact and they were my first this year.  I am sure we will try to make this a yearly tradition.  I hope you enjoy their session  as much as I do!  This year we went for a New Year Glam.

Book your session today! 

North Carolina Birth Photographer / Hansen Family Birth Story: Welcoming Luke Elliot

Birth is so beautiful, raw and emotional. Many mom’s would describe it as time warp!  By having a photographer present, not only can your partner, family, & friends be more helpful to you, but they can also be more fully present in the experience itself.  You as the mother often times cannot see all that is happening because you are so focused on the task at hand. I am able to carefully document each step of the way, and heirloom you will treasure for a lifetime.

I was so honored to capture Tywanda's birth.  She called me at 11:30pm on 22 Oct 2017 to let me know its go time.  I live in Charlotte, NC and she was to deliver in Raleigh,NC so it was about a 2 hr and 30min drive to the hospital.  Needless to say I said a prayer that I would get there in time to capture Luke's arrival.  I arrived at the hospital right on time.  Her active labor began just as I walked in the door.  It was intense... it was raw emotion that filled the room.  Elliot was by Tywanda's side every step of the way.  Waiting in anticipation for his son's arrival.  The Labor and Delivery team at WakeMed Raleigh Campus were amazing in making sure she was comfortable and very attentive.  At 2:24pm on 23 Oct 2017, Tywanda gave birth to be beautiful and healthy baby boy. 

Here's a glimpse of Tywanda and Elliot's birth story.  Enjoy!

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Thank you so much for stopping by and please browse the rest of the site for more information and check back often to stay tuned with what’s going on at CharMarie Photography.

CHARLOTTE FRESH 48 Photographer | Ava, 1 Day New

I've worked with Syan since the beginning of my photography career.  I captured her wedding, gender reveal, maternity and now her Fresh 48 with Ava's newborn session scheduled for next week.  I was so excited to capture Ava's first days.  When I came into the hospital room she was skin to skin with Syan.  Just as content as could be.  Once she was finished feeding I began to photograph her.   Photographing her just as she was and all of her little details.  

It was so precious to see her big brother interact with her.  He was so gentle and careful with her.  He already has so much love for her. Such a wonderful connection between them.

If you are pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime.  Book your Fresh 48 today!

Equine Maternity Session

Syan loves horses (all animals really).  She fell in love with Bachelor at first site.  I found it fitting to do her maternity session on the farm with the open fields and rustic feel.  Her glamorous gown and the rustic feel of the farm worked.  It complimented her very well.   I loved the connection Syan and her family had with Bachelor.  It was beautiful.  It's funny how animals can sense precious cargo.  I truly enjoyed this session with her and her family.  Maternity sessions have a special vibe that I love. 

Contact me today so we can discuss how to make your maternity session special and unique for you!  

Dirty Thirty

ISSA CAKE SMASH

Who said a cake smash is just for one year olds?!   Tywanda Hansen and Erica Quinteros, best friends for 17 years celebrated their 30th birthday together this month.  Can we say "best friend goals"??!!  

Unicorns and sparkling cider!  

Turning 30 is a milestone that many fear.  Tywanda and Erica truly embraced it and had fun with this shoot!  I mean ... who doesn't love unicorns and cake?  

They absolutely loved their cake from Cheeky Cakes here in Charlotte, NC.  Not only did it look good... it taste soo good!

Ended the shoot with family!  Nothing like celebrating your special day with close friends and family.  Dirty Thirty shoot was a success!  

Click here to >>> BOOK YOURS TODAY!

Stay Magical

Meet Breonna Blakeney

She's a force to be reckoned with! I had the pleasure of shooting her 18th birthday photo session. She's absolutely beautiful inside and out. Such a humble and goal oriented young lady.

18 year old Breonna is a sophomore at South Carolina State University. Yes, you read that right a sophomore in college. At the age of 15, Breonna was set on her goals and knew exactly what she wanted to do as a career. Breonna and her family took the necessary steps to complete high school early. With hard work and determination she was able to complete 11th and 12th grade in one year! All of this to start her college education to become a pediatrician.

Breonna's excellence landed her the HOPE scholarship with South Carolina State University. This opportunity is only awarded to those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. She says her nephews inspire her. She aims to be a role model for them but little does she know she is inspiring us all!

We wish you nothing but the best Breonna Blakeney! Stay Magical!!!

Family Photo Session: What to Wear

More than any other question, I am always asked by clients what they should wear to their family session. Coordinating your outfits can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! I know for many people this can be a challenge so I wanted to offer a few tips in choosing your outfits.

1) PLAN IN ADVANCE

The more time you allow yourself to decide what you would like everyone to wear, the more calm you will feel. Waiting until two nights before your shoot is bound to make you feel panicked. Just give yourself time. 

2) TIMELESS

Fashions and styles come and go. You want your family photos to be timeless, so it is best to aim for more of a classic look, not one that instantly dates you. Your goal is to have this year’s photographs blend right in.

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3) KEEP YOUR LOCATION IN MIND

Are you going to be on the beach? Surrounded by beautiful foliage? Sometimes you can choose what you are wearing to accent the location. During the fall when the leaves are changing you want more colors like navy blue, burgundy, burnt orange and yellow.  If you are taking photos on the beach you'll want more of a softer palette.  With the photo below my family chose creams and browns to not get lost in the greenery of your background.  (Photo Credit: Javon Craig)

 

4) COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH.

Choose a color scheme – mix and match colors so that everyone flows and coordinates.

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5) START WITH ONE PIECE AND BUILD

When I don’t know what colors I want to choose for a photo shoot, I choose one piece and build around it.  

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Good luck and have fun!  Remember if you still have trouble ask your photographer.

First Photoshoot of 2017

Photography pretty much fell into my lap.  Needless to say it was a blessing.  I would consider myself a creative person and its funny how all the things I've done and all my skills have led me here.  

My very first official photoshoot took place 1 Jan 2017 with my sister and brother in law.  I am blessed to have such supportive people in my life.  I enjoyed this photoshoot so much and I am happy to have captured the love they share in photos.  

My wish for 2017 is to improve in all aspects of my career and to create as many memories as I can for myself and others.