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 have some fantastic special events for Blue Bear throughout the coming year! We are excited to start photographing your little one(s) with our many new scenes and props (not cheesy, think a nice mix of modern and vintage)! See you soon!!!

When we opened our location on Glenburnie, four years ago, we wanted to be be downtown! Now we finally are!!! Please come see us anytime you are in the area: 228 Middle Street. We are so, so, so HAPPY with our new location and can't wait to see you here!

The portrait was taken by our good friends Julie and Kendra at Elizabeth Kay Photography!

Blue Bear Portraits is a division of Portraits by Angelo. It is founded on the idea that EVERYONE should have access to unique, high quality, affordable portrait photography. Our goal is to provide families a local alternative to corporate portrait studios. We offer outstanding studio photography of newborns, babies, children and families.

So... you may be thinking "Why would I choose Blue Bear Portraits?"
Here's Why!

• Authentic PROFESSIONAL Photographers. We hold degrees in photography and are members of Professional Photographers of America & Professional Photographers of North Carolina.
• We offer Fun, CREATIVE, and Fast Sessions!
• Same Day Viewing & Purchasing!
• Your child will be more comfortable always coming to the same photographer, so you will get BETTER portraits.
• Receive your order FAST, within 4 business days.
• High-QUALITY Photography!
• Personal One-on-One Service.
• A child-safe, FRIENDLY and peaceful studio. We are a family-run business.
  
• Your own appointment time... you will NEVER have to wait!
• Completely Customizable Packages!
• We CARE about your and preserving your family memories!
• Portrait Packages starting at only $20!
  
• 100% No-Hassle, No Nonsense, ALL Your Money Back Guarantee! We are VERY Proud of our track record!

Mention you saw this post and RECEIVE ONE FREE SESSION and ONE FREE UNIT (A $35 Value!) CALL 633-3755 TODAY to Schedule Your Free Session!

Stay in touch via our blog, facebook or both! We will have some AWESOME specials throughout the year, limited edition scenes as well as holiday scenes! Coming up soon... Ties & Tutu's (your little one will look adorable in Dad's tie or a pretty tutu on our unique scene). Also coming soon... Easter Portraits! More details to be posted later.

We are so excited about Blue Bear!!! I just can't tell you how excited we are to finally be able to provide fast and affordable portraits to New Bern and surrounding areas! We know parents have wanted this for a long time and are just beyond thrilled to be able to provide it to you! We can't wait to see you!

We had a wonderful time with Morgan and Jason at their November wedding! Morgan was so calm and collected, no stress at all (we love a chill bride)! They were married at Centenary United Methodist Church on Middle St. in New Bern and had they reception at The Chelsea. The upstairs reception area was decorated with fall flowers and dried fall leaves; very simple and beautiful!

If any brides are looking for a reception site or caterer, please check out The Chelsea... seriously you cannot go wrong! http://www.thechelsea.com/

We have had so many inquiries lately about wedding photography at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (http://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores/rent-the-aquarium) so... I created a short video to show an aquarium wedding from last year. If you have been looking around for a photographer for your aquarium wedding, you have probably noticed that most of the photos you see have bright foregrounds with dark or dingy backgrounds. What sets us apart is that John (I would say "we" but it would be a total lie) lights the whole area with strobes. This provides an even, flattering light in both the foreground and background of your photographs. If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll do my best to answer. Happy Wedding Planning!