Mama & Me Mini Sessions by Boone Photographer Wayfaring Wanderer

Keeping your family healthy and happy is super important to you, and while I've heard that it's the most fulfilling job in the world, I know it's also a full-time job that can leave you feeling depleted on occasion.

What happened to the "me" time you've been meaning to take? Did it get put on the backburner again? It's no secret that you're willing to make sacrifices for your loved ones, and the thought of self-care makes you want to roll your eyes as you think, "I wish!" or "It must be nice!"

But you know better than to take the little things for granted because the everyday adventures are just as precious as the epic ones and that's something that should be celebrated. Y-O-U should be CELEBRATED for all that you do to "keep it together!"

JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY!

I offered last minute Mama & Me Mini Sessions this past weekend, the same day the Watauga County Farmers' Market opened for the season. The weather was gorgeous and it was jam packed with excited shoppers on opening day. We avoided the crowds and photographed the sessions nearby at Horn in the West in the Hickory Nut Ridge Living Museum area.

There were a total of 6 mamas and 10 kids that I got to photograph. The kiddos explored with gusto, not stopping for one second to take a breath. Demonstrations and tours were happening at the same time that also had them occupied. They kept me on my toes with their running, climbing, jumping, and playing— the 20-minute sessions seemed to fly by!

A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Some mamas bought a Mama & Me Short & Sweet Session for themselves, but there were also a few folks that get kudos for buying a session as a Mother's Day gift. Husbands bought early presents for their wives, and one session was purchased by a daughter as a gift to her mama who has never had pictures taken by a professional photographer!

I loved capturing all the patient mamas as they carefully guided their little ones during our time together. Watching them support and protect their little ones along the way filled me with the warm and fuzzy's.

There's nothing better than capturing the connection between mamas and their babies. It's a special bond that will stand the test of time, and I'm honored that folks choose me to photograph the love that is shared.

Thank you to everyone for entrusting Wayfaring Wanderer to photograph your growing families. I'm so grateful that past clients have turned into friends, and I'm thankful for the new folks that found their way to me as well. Connecting with adventurous peeps like you is what it's all about, and I feel beyond lucky to have to opportunity to serve you!

Big shout out to, Maggie, from Maggie Mills Photography who was a super awesome assistant! I greatly appreciated all her help making silly faces and funny noises on Saturday. It was a special treat to have this up-and-coming Boone photographer working with me! Thanks again for all your hard work, Maggie!

SHARING IS CARING! "LIKE" this post :-)

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» 11 Tips for Taking Awesome Family Photos
» Pennington Family Adventure at Valle Crucis Park 
» Scott Family Hiking Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mama & Me Short & Sweet Mini Sessions | Boone, NC Family Photographer

On those days when you feel overwhelmed and under appreciated and you’re ready to rip your hair out, you gracefully find a way to ‘keep it together’ all while a raging storm is brewing just below the surface.

Other days, well, you’re lucky if you manage to change your undies and brush your teeth as you tend to everyone elses seemingly endless needs. It's easy to forget why you do all the things you do for those you love when you're exhausted and worn out beyond belief.

You're an everyday hero, and I think ALL mamas deserve medals because I know how hard you work to make motherhood look manageable. I don't have any kiddos and yet I struggle just keeping a two-person household afloat at times.

It’s all part of the adventure of having a family, right?!

You attempt to savor every last second shared with the people that you hold so dear, but fleeting moments are gone in a flash. Sadly, no matter how many memories you attempt to collect and keep locked away they aren't always there to stay.  

Because I am grateful for ALL of the mama’s out there (and because I had a cancellation this weekend), I decided to offer Mama & Me Short & Sweet Sessions to help you document your adventurous life. I'll be there to capture the type of images that your family and future generations will treasure forever!

WHEN & WHERE:

» May 2nd (Sat) & May 3rd (Sun) at Horn in the West in the Hickory Ridge Living Museum area—the same weekend the Watauga County Farmers' Market returns!

» Sessions will take place from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on May 2nd.

» Sessions will take place from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm on May 3rd.

» Each session will last for at least 20-mins.

» In case of rain or other inclement weather cancellation will be at the discretion of the photographer. Rain dates will be offered.

online
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST:

» The Mama & Me Short & Sweet Sessions are valued at 249 + tax, but you can book NOW for only 149 + tax (save $100!). I will not be offering mini sessions again until Oct/Nov/Dec.

» BUT WAIT! The first 10 spots are $50 off! (ONLY $99 instead of $149!). USE CODE: MAMASRAWK (CLICK IMAGE ABOVE to BOOK NOW)

» Space is limited! RESERVE NOW through the shop and BOOK ONLINE today!

» The sessions are NON-REFUNDABLE, however, they are transferable so you can offer to a friend or family member if you aren't able to come for any reason.

» Not in the budget? Payment Plan available for 149 + tax, only 75 is due up front. The rest is due 10 days after the session. The balance MUST be paid in full to receive your final images. Otherwise, you forfeit your photographs and reservation fee. (Email me at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com to get this set-up for you!)

WHAT’S INCLUDED w/ the MAMA & ME SESSION:

» 20-minute session in an outdoor location for 1 mama and up to 4 children.

» 10 high-resolution digital downloads in an online gallery for viewing, ordering, and sharing.

» Lighting fast turnaround time (w/in 48 hours) so you have images in time for Mother’s Day!

» 15% off your next FULL family session package.

There are limited spaces available for these short & sweet sessions on a first come, first serve basis. 

Purchase your space through my online shop before they sell out or send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com and I will get you set-up!

Would you like to purchase a Mama & Me Short & Sweet Session as a gift for someone special? Give that well deserving Mama a session as a Mother's Day present. She'll love you forever because it's a gift that keeps on giving! 

Subscribe to the Weekly Wander if you’d like to be notified of future flash sessions!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» 11 Tips for Taking Awesome Family Photos
» Pennington Family Adventure at Valle Crucis Park 
» Scott Family Hiking Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Share the Wander Photo Contest | Mama & Me Mini-Session Giveaway | Boone NC Family Photographer

We're starting to come out of hibernation here in Boone and as a result I'm already feeling the spring spirit, so I've decided to host a fun giveaways this year to show my appreciation for all of the amazing supporters I have in this community. Your referrals and kind words mean so much to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, so this is my way of giving back! Want to WIN a session with Wayfaring Wanderer? Keep reading!

This contest will be for a 20-minute Short + Sweet Session (valued at $249)

STEP 1 - Share an image of you and your kiddos on an adventure whether it’s a spring hike that you took recently or the snowman you built during the last storm, and post it directly to the Wayfaring Wanderer FB page. I want to see what you enjoy doing as a family!

STEP 2 - Include a sentence or two about the photo and why you love being an adventurous Mom because I’m a sucker for a good story. 

STEP 3 - Tag @wayfaringwanderer and use the hashtag #sharethewander with your Facebook entry so that I can keep track. Your entry will not be accepted if both are not completed.

If you want to receive a second entry you can post an image on your Instagram account and tag @wayfaringwanderer in the description along with the hashtag #sharethewander. Step 2 is also required for this entry as well.

DEADLINE  to enter is May 1st at p:00 pm. WINNER will be chosen by Wayfaring Wanderer and announced that same evening at MIDNIGHT.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

» Session is for 1 mama and up to 4 kiddos.

»  This contest is open to ALL individuals.

» Short + Sweet Sessions will be photographed on May 2nd & 3rd at Horn in the West in the Hickory Ridge Living Museum area here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, NC.

» This is non-transferable and cannot be used toward another session in 2015.
» Subject to availability at the end of the contest. 

I am currently offering “SHORT + SWEET” sessions as an affordable option for mamas who have always wanted to have professional images captured with their cute kiddos.

The mini-sessions are 20-minutes long and you will receive 10 high-resolution digital downloads in a online gallery within 48-hours of your session. All images will be ready well before Mother's Day so that you may use them to display or give as gifts.

I'll tag along on your mini adventure and capture real moments of you and your kiddos as they naturally unfold. No posing necessary, just good ol' fashioned fun without the fuss!

online

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST:

» The Mama & Me Short & Sweet Sessions are valued at 249 + tax, but you can book NOW for only 149 + tax (save $100!). I will not be offering mini sessions again until Oct/Nov/Dec.

» The first 10 spots are $50 off! (ONLY $99 instead of $149!). USE CODE: MAMASRAWK (CLICK IMAGE ABOVE to BOOK NOW)

» Space is limited! RESERVE NOW through the shop and BOOK ONLINE today!

» The sessions are NON-REFUNDABLE, however, they are transferable so you can offer to a friend or family member if you aren't able to come for any reason.

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» No More Boring Family Photos! | Choose Your Adventure Family Photography
» Pennington Family Adventure at Valle Crucis Park 
» Hersey Family Reunion Adventure on Lake James, NC
» Scott Family Hiking Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Scott Family Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway | Boone, NC Family Photographer

“I haven’t reached my daily number of hugs yet today,” Grayson proclaimed, “but I’m almost there!” 

I was so intrigued when he shared this that I prodded him for more information. I responded, “You mean to tell me that you have a HUG QUOTA to meet every day?!” He proudly countered with a resounding, “YUP, 12 a day!” 

Still curious to learn more about this charming custom, I asked, “Where did that rule come from?!” Without hesitation, he shouted, “My DAD!” 

I was so enamored with this idea because I’d never heard of a daily hug requirement before! Although I have read plenty of articles about how hugging is healthy for you, so it made perfect sense to me! 

In fact, I’m going to do my best to increase the number of hugs I get on a daily basis because of this happy discovery. I love {{{ HUGS }}}! 

I have to admit, I was slightly nervous about photographing a family with older kids (11 & 8) because, so far, I've only worked with families that have children in the toddler stage or younger. While I wasn't sure how they would behave, I was ready and willing to stretch myself and experiment a little! 

The Scott Family Adventure took place along the Blue Ridge Parkway on the 2.3 mile Green Knob Trail Loop. They were one of the families I selected that WON a Choose Your Adventure Session in the flash GIVEAWAY I did last month!

Didn't know I was doing that?! Well, it was exclusive to those who are subscribed to the Weekly Wander! Click the link to join the list for news about future giveaways and freebies!

I selected them because I really enjoyed reading the responses given to describe their family in the survey I asked people to fill out. There were all sorts of neat things I learned about them before the session that had me excited to work with the family of four!

The location was chosen because this adventurous family loves to spend time playing outdoors. Since they like to go camping and hiking, naturally, the Blue Ridge Parkway was suggested. 

I offered the idea of this hike for their adventure because it takes you through so many different environments in a 2-hour period, and it’s not technically difficult or too taxing!

Hiking with Jeffery (Dad) included frequent stops to identify and reveal the splendor of nature. It was a lot like going on a trek with Cody (my fella) because he does the same thing! I've learned a lot of names for different plant and tree species as a result of our adventures.

As they examined a variety of specimens, the boys asked countless questions that Dad happily supplied the answers to. 

A small sampling of Indian cucumber that grows wild in the woods was also shared!

At one point, Grayson got caught off guard by a crawdad that pinched his palm. That was immediately after Jeffery explicitly assured him that it WOULDN'T bite if he inspected it further. OUCH!

But he laughed it off and endured the sting like a champ and we continued on our course!

It was refreshing to see Zeb (11) & Grayson’s (8) willingness to soak up his wisdom. The boys were so engrossed in what he was teaching them.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how attentive, friendly, and courteous the boys were. 

It didn't take me long before realizing that I had nothing to worry about and I could just “be me” and joke and cut-up with them. I'll do practically anything to get a laugh!

It was awesome that they had their own ideas for photos to capture, too. “Hey, will you take a picture of me doing this ____________!”, was heard numerous times! I enjoyed capturing Grayson’s jumps and handstands. This image of him and his Dad looking at one another from around the tree was his idea and I loved it!

As we walked, talked, laughed, goofed off, and got to know one another more, this family continued to dazzle me with their unique dynamic. These four are definitely some of my new favorite peeps! I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to capture their adventurous family!

Using adventure is my sneaky way of getting folks to have fun so the camera feels less intrusive. They might feel uncomfortable or “weird” about it at first, but that soon fades away once they are in the midst of an adventure!

My goal as a family photographer is to make having your portraits made fun for everyone, even Dad who hates "posing" for family photos! That's why I focus on helping you make new memories with an adventure that is made just for you! 

Join The Adventure

Choose Your Adventure Sessions include: 1-hour session for up to four people at the location of your choosing in the Boone or Blowing Rock, North Carolina area, you'll receive up to 25 high-resolution digital downloads with printing rights, a website for viewing/ordering, and a smartphone app to quickly and easily share images with friends and family for 299 + tax.

Ready to book your exclusive Choose Your Adventure Session?

Simply send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com or message me through my website contact form and I'll get you on the schedule ASAP!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» No More Boring Family Photos!
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

No More Boring Family Photos! | Choose Your Adventure Family Photography | Boone, NC Photographer

You just returned home from another super awesome family vacation where you laughed and played and enjoyed each other's company all the livelong day! The entire trip couldn't have been any more perfect even though you experienced a few hiccups here and there (of course).

Your #1 goal was to soak up as many of the fleeting moments as you could, ensuring that you savored every last second shared with the people that you hold so dear. Isn't it amazing how quickly that time passes while you’re in the midst of an adventure?!

Before you know it, vacation is over and it’s back to “real life” and the daily grind.

The only regret that you have after returning home from the much needed time off is that you kind of forgot to take any photographs while you were away. None of those happy faces were captured, nor were any of the goofy looks that your partner always makes when you point the camera in their direction. The enchanted experiences you encounter reside only in your faulty memory now.

Or, maybe you did manage to capture a few decent iPhone snapshots of your loved ones, and that’s great! But there's still an element that's missing from the cheerful family photos that you’d love to display at home.

Can you guess what that might be? No clue?

Well, it's Y-O-U! If you're the one capturing all of the family photos, chances are you don't find yourself in very many of them. Am I right?!

It's as if you weren't even on the vacation when you look back through the photostream on your phone or social media. I have a hunch that Dad’s not really one to take too many photos either, so that’s not going to help you create precious keepsakes of your ever growing family!

That’s where Wayfaring Wanderer comes in with Choose Your Adventure Sessions and I’m declaring war on boring family photos!

My goal as a family photographer is to make having your portraits made fun for everyone, even Dad who hates "posing" for family photos! That's why I focus on helping you make new memories with an adventure that is made just for you!

Family Photo Shoots For Non-Fussy Folks

As you may have gathered, I like to work with couples and families who live adventurously and are committed to travel.

I tell stories using a photojournalistic approach that requires minimal posing because I like to capture real moments as they occur naturally.

So, I will keep things simple and fun to ensure that the photoshoot flows and unfolds organically without allowing stuffy, posed photos to take up too much precious time!

Let The Adventure Begin

I had the opportunity to photograph some amazing families here in Boone, NC last year. It was such a blast doing outdoor family portraits for everyone!

The Choose Your Adventure Holiday Sessions were so well-received that I thought I’d bring them back for the summertime!

I don’t offer family photosessions all year long because my focus is on wedding photography but I truly enjoy photographing adventurous families!

While I am still currently looking for fun locations that will allow me to host my special weekend of affordable Choose Your Adventure Sessions, I am offering a unique opportunity for families who want to get photographed in any environment of their choosing for FREE!

Yep, that’s right! And I’m not just giving away one session, I’ll be hand-selecting 5 lucky folks on my newsletter subscriber list to receive a complimentary 1-hour session at the location of their choosing within Boone or Blowing Rock, NC that’s valued at $299!

Want to WIN?! Yeah you do! Keep reading…

Join The Adventure

Choose Your Adventure Sessions include: 1-hour session for up to four people on location in the Boone or Blowing Rock, North Carolina area, you'll receive up to 15 high-resolution digital downloads with printing rights, and a website and smartphone app to quickly and easily share images with friends and family for 249 + tax.

To see examples of my most recent Choose Your Adventure family photoshoots, visit http://wayfaringwanderer.pass.us/sneakpeeks/

After the official launch on June 15th, the price will go up to 299 + tax. The early bird discount of 249 + tax is only available to the first 10 people who reserve their date so book today!

Ready to book your exclusive Choose Your Adventure Session? 
Simply send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com and I'll get you on the schedule!

Start Your Adventure

I’m hosting a giveaway for 5 Choose Your Adventure Sessions for those that are subscribed to the Weekly Wander.

To receive giveaway details, please sign-up for this week’s newsletter ASAP if you want to be eligible! LINK - http://bit.ly/weekly-wander

PLEASE NOTE: details on how you can WIN will be released on Thursday (06.05.2014) late in the afternoon (4:00 pm) via email! Good Luck!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Logen & Nick's "First Date" LGTB Friendly Engagement Session in Downtown West Jefferson
» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)
» Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions