The Downtown Raleigh Alliance Annual Convention at the Raleigh Convention Center

As some of you may or may not know, I am an on-site photographer for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance… meaning that when they host an event or activity, they frequently call me to do freelance work for them. They use my photographs in publications for the city and various Raleigh magazines. They do an amazing amount of positive work for downtown Raleigh and I’m always more than happy to work for them! On February 23rd, they hosted the Annual Convention at the Raleigh Convention Center and I was on-board to photograph it. It was an excellent convention with stylish decorations and an amazing speaker. Awards were given out to several prominent members of the community, including CAM and other downtown businesses that have made a positive impact on the community this year. The guest speaker was Roger Brooks, President of Desintation Development International and author of author of several books about how to turn your city into a destination.

And if you get a chance to stop by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance office on South Wilmington, pick up a copy of the 2011 Annual Report, a Raleigh Map & Guide, or a Year in Sponsorships (2012-2013) booklet to see my photography featured! *End of shameless self-promotion* ;)

Schedule your portraits now or forever hold your peace

Hi, everyone!

I usually don’t do posts like this, but based on what happened last year and the amount of weddings we have this year, I know that I should. :D

I have gone through my schedule for the year and blocked off weddings and sessions and set aside time for editing, orders, rehearsal attendance, travel, etc. With all of that included, I have anywhere from about 1-3 slots left for portraits per month for the remainder of the year (except December, which is always open!). So if you’re thinking about booking portraits for sometime this year, I suggest doing it soon/now/ASAP! No amount of tears or begging can open up an extra slot, so planning is key here. :) I have very specific days open, so it would kind of be like setting up a doctor’s appointment. :)

If you are owed a session with your wedding package but have not scheduled it yet, you need to do so also as soon as possible. That takes slots away that could otherwise be gobbled up by other portrait people. :)

Portraits are taken on a first come, first serve basis. This means that you actually have to have the contract signed and back to me in order to be booked – sometimes multiple people request the same dates, or the same time frame, and only one of them can have it, so if you want it you must sign the contract. :) Unfortunately, inquiring doesn’t count. :( Please plan accordingly and as soon as possible. Thank you! :D

xoxo – Carolyn

Tarsha’s Senior Portraits in Raleigh

I received my first e-mail from Tarsha back in August. A blog stalker, she wrote me an adorably flattering e-mail and asked if I would take her senior portraits this February. I was very excited to do just that as it would be my first senior portrait session. Tarsha wanted them at NC State where she had seen pictures I took there before and liked the variety. :)

Tarsha has quickly become my most special and meaningful session. Not only is she graduating high school, but she wasn’t supposed to. Two years ago, a tumor was found on Tarsha’s brain. Upon operating, they found that the tumor extended through her spinal chord. It couldn’t be completely removed, and her spinal chord was nicked in the process. What was supposed to be a few hours in the operating room turned into over 9 hours, and her parents were informed that Tarsha was unlikely to make it. In the unlikely chance that she did survive the operation, she would most likely not be able to walk, speak, or perform normal functions again… let alone graduate high school on time.

Miraculously, Tarsha survived her operation despite the doctor’s predictions and despite an infection in her brain that was a result of the operation. Not only did she survive, but through her OT team at the hospital, Tarsha was able to regain all of her functions and walk two months later. She has no noticeable outward signs that this ever occurred except for a scar and her therapy dog, Pastry. :) She is, despite every obstacle, graduating high school on time.

Her family (who tagged along for the session and who were AMAZING and have two ridiculously adorable pups) are so proud of Tarsha and everything that she’s accomplished. These pictures were very important to them to celebrate her outstanding and inspiring accomplishments. I feel honored to have been picked by Tarsha and to be honest, I was probably a lot more nervous than her. :) I wanted to make these pictures everything great so that she’d love them… and I hope I did her senior portraits justice. :) Here is some info on the gorgeous Ms. Tarsha… class of 2012. On time. :)

Favorite Band: The Beatles

Favorite Movie: The Hangover

Favorite Book: The Hunger Games Series

Plans After High School: Attend college at Appalachian State for business in order to open her own dance studio in the future (Tarsha does Modern dance!)

What She Loves About High School: English

What She Won’t Miss About High School: Math and waking up early