John and I have discussed on numerous occasions why it is that photography, especially portrait photography, is barely (if at all) recognized as art. For me, photography is my art form; it is how I express my views of the world. Whether I am photographing a scenic landscape, abstract images, or portraits, I use photography to convey my thoughts on the subject. How the subject is captured can completely change the mood of the image. If you too, love photography as art and want to learn more, John will be teaching photography classes later this summer in our downtown New Bern studio (more on this to come).

A portrait of a days-old newborn peacefully sleeping can most definitely classify as art and be framed and hung in a prominent location in one's home. Why is it, that most people I come in contact with would prefer to hang impersonal, mass-produced pieces on their home walls as opposed to custom, personal photographic art? I think of portrait art as "art with meaning." I've also noticed a preference of purchasing more traditional posed portraits out of a feeling of obligation (to what or whom I don't know) while all the fun, original portraits are the favorites. Why not choose your favorites for the wall? I may never understand, but I will continue to create artistic photographs and portraits nonetheless and hope that one day they too will be classified as art.

I'd like to recognize Alfred Stieglitz for his photographic work and struggle to have photography recognized as art, before many of us were even born. He is one of the greats! Check out a quick bio here: http://www.leegallery.com/photographers/118-alfred-stieglitz.html

I was so excited to find this video online! It discusses some of the reasons why it is so important to hire a professional photographer for your wedding. So many brides try to cut their budgets by hiring a family member or friend to photograph without realizing that the photographs will be the only tangible part of their wedding left after that day. A professional photographer is the only photographer you will find with the skills necessary to capture every moment of your special day beautifully and preserve those priceless photos forever. The link, http://www.ppa.com/weddingphotographer/, also has a lot of helpful information for you such as questions to ask the photographers you interview and what to look for in a professional photographer. I hope this helps those of you still searching. ...and if you are still searching, give John a call at 633-3755 to discuss your wedding photography! He will answer all of your questions and concerns and provide a custom quote. HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!

We photographed Erin's bridal session a few months ago and just photographed her wedding recently. Her entire session took place at Fort Macon inside and around the fort. I love how the rustic fort setting contrasts with her formal wedding attire! We had a great time and definitely laughed all the way through this session.

I am always excited when I get to post bridal sessions! It seems like the longest wait ever between a bridal session and wedding! Now that Ashley and Stephen are happily hitched (as of Saturday) I get the pleasure of showing Ashley off! You may remember her and Stephen from their Ocracoke engagement session earlier this year. Ashley looks absolutely beautiful in her wedding gown (and we had tons of fun... but you can see that)! Keep checking back, I'll post a wedding preview soon!

We loved Stephanie the first time we met her; she is just so happy and fun to be around! Her bridal session was no different, we all had a blast! Pam DuVal, wedding planner for Promised Hearts, came along to assist Stephanie with her dress and veil (way to go that extra mile Pam) as well as her sister, Lisa. We wandered around downtown New Bern and photographed in some new areas. We even took some twilight images around the front gates of Tryon Palace (these were Stephanie's favorites)! All in all, a great evening. I've been waiting for her wedding so I could post these and not chance Thomas (the groom) seeing her in her dress pre-wedding. So, yay, the day has finally come!!!