An attempt to capture the love between these two best friends in one of their favorite settings. We truly don’t deserve dogs and the unconditional love they bring into our lives! A few favorites of these two from the beautiful time we shared together in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
OLD SALEM PAINTINGS | WINSTON - SALEM ARTIST, BILL EDWARDS
In March 2017, we strolled through the streets of Old Salem. He would point to the buildings that interested him, and I happily photographed them. He had a vision to create a calendar of Old Salem buildings. Fascinated by the history, array of colors, and mostly the challenge, 98 year old artist Bill Edwards had dreamed of putting together a calendar of his watercolor art. He explained to me that every true to life detail of the buildings needed to be represented in his paintings, with the only added liberty being to remove vehicles out of the background. This is to ensure that Old Salem is authentically represented in his work.
Born in Alabama in August 1919, Bill Edwards has story after story to share of his colorful life. With a special knack to grow anything, his picturesque art studio is nestled in his back yard garden, currently boasting blooms of a camellia named after him - The Japonica 'Bill Edwards' Camellia. Bill Edwards traveled the world aboard the USS Memphis Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet in World War II. Some of the many places that he visited surround him in beautiful paintings in this studio. Bill Edwards moved to Winston - Salem in 1957, and opened his art studio in Clemmons, NC in 1982. After chatting it up with my mother in the produce section of the grocery store, he has been welcomed into my family for Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations for many years.
I put together a gallery of photographs for Bill Edwards to choose from our day at Old Salem. He narrowed them down, and then had them transferred to slides. He then projected the images onto a screen, and began to sketch. Over one hundred hours went into the watercolor paintings for his calendar, and a countless number of foot taps as Bill Edwards loves to listen to jazz while he works. He even sang while I photographed him in his studio.
I'm proud to have played a small part in this beautiful masterpiece.
BERKELEY | SUNSET IN THE FIELD
Berkeley celebrated turning one with photographs in the field at sunset! She is the sweetest little girl and such a princess - she even wore a crown. This was the first time she experienced bubbles, and she was in awe! Thank you to Berekely and her beautiful mother for the opportunity to photograph this special time.
MADISON | SENIOR PORTRAIT
From rock hoping through a peaceful stream, to walking through a pasture with the most friendly horses I've ever met, to climbing a boulder to catch the last bit of sunlight - my evening with Madison was perfect! We had the best time and she is such a natural beauty. It's always a pleasure to photograph her!
INDUSTRIAL STYLE | THE FOLEY FAMILY
A smile filled my face so far my cheeks hurt, and my heart filled with joy. That's how I felt when I received a text from Teigan after sending her the gallery of images from their family session -
"Jenni, these are incredible. I cannot thank you enough! This is ten million times more beautiful than I ever could have imagined!"
We spent a rainy evening together running through empty halls, peeking through oversized windows, dancing with bubbles, story time, and puddle jumping. The girls are free spirits and their awesome parents invited me to capture this fleeting stage of their lives.
"Some people feel the rain - others just get wet." The Foley family embraced our rainy evening and weren't the least bit worried about getting wet. Letting go and embracing the elements makes for the best memories.
SUNSET FIELD | CHRISTINE MATERNITY
Christine greeted me with a hug and arms that felt like ice! She had blasted the AC in her car ride to the field to prepare for the heat! With temperature predictions of close to 100°, I thought for sure Christine would prefer to postpone our session together. Not only did she eagerly agree to continue as planned, she showed up with ice packs, bottled water for days, and a cooling towel! A smile never left her face - even when fire ants decided to join in our session.
Christine and Zach cuddled and danced effortlessly in front of the camera. I have no doubt their new addition will have a fun and joyful life with these two for parents!
Christine has an amazing eye for vintage must-haves. Check out her collection available for rent at Carolina Charm!
SENTIMENTAL BRIDAL PORTRAIT | DAUGHTER WEARS MOTHER'S WEDDING DRESS
Nine years ago on a hot summer day, I had the privilege of watching a dear friend of mine marry her sweetheart. When she reached out to me with an idea for me to photograph her six year old daughter wearing her wedding dress, I jumped at the idea! Ironically, the day we chose to photograph Ali was almost just as hot as the wedding day was! It brought back so many special memories. Ali was the perfect little model, so excited to play dress up in her mother's wedding dress. Ali will display one of these portraits on her wedding day.
UPTOWN CHARLOTTE FAMILY PORTAIT SESSION AT THE WESTIN
A morning with this fun, extended family at The Westin in Uptown Charlotte! Filled with beautiful light, giggles, and snack time.
Thank you for spending the morning with me!
ROMARE BEARDEN PARK | LACEY + OLIVER ENGAGED
Charlotte, North Carolina holds a special place in the love story these two share. We made a point to photograph their engagement in meaningful places in Charlotte to capture this special time, and to reflect on the ten years of memories they've made together. They are engaged to be married this month, and they couldn't be more in love!
"Home is wherever I'm with you."
- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
OPEN FIELD & TREE FOREST | PAIGE MATERNITY SESSION
This sweet family will be welcoming a boy in May! We had the perfect winter day (that actually felt like Spring) to capture this special time.
We traveled to a grove of trees that I have been eyeing for years! It was the perfect location for this stylish family. We read Where the Wild Things Are in the woods and then frolicked in a nearby field before the sun set.
Everette is going to be an amazing big sister.
The only thing better than one flower crown is two!
AMELIE'S FRENCH BAKERY | ONE YEAR OLD WITH FAMILY
Spending time with Sweet Lacey is like hanging out with a real-life-gerber-baby doll. She is beautiful! We spent a lovely evening sampling Amelie's delectable pastries and testing out their eclectic variety of furniture. Lacey just turned one!
So many choices!
Lacey's brothers adore her!
We made our way to the park just in time to catch the sunset.
Quick snack break!
Happy Birthday, Lacey!
CAROLINE | FAMILY OF THREE AT THE PARK
Freedom Park is one of Caroline's favorites spots! She is full of life and energy- she gleefully ran all around the park and showed us the best spots. We were lucky to have pops of colors on this beautiful fall evening.
STERLING | FAMILY SESSION IN THE PARK
Sterling has the sweetest little personality! She greeted me with a big smile and eagerly chased and popped bubbles. We spent the morning together strolling through the park, sitting by the water, and duck hunting. Sterling found a few favorite leaves on the ground which she carried around for most of our morning together until she found the perfect home for them! It was a pleasure meeting Sterling and her mom, and capturing the sweet age of two.
KENNA | PORTRAIT SESSION
Kenna joined me for a Portrait Session at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens to capture her 25th year. A talented Stylist and Makeup Artist at Kenna Kunijo, Kenna looked stunning walking through the woods in the early hours of the morning.
