Uplugged Adventures: Fall + Holiday Family Photos | Boone NC Photographer

“Unplugged Adventures” are for couples and families that are looking for a fun alternative to formal family photos. Instead, you want something that’s focused on capturing natural photographs that showcase your familIes’ unique dynamic. These sessions are exclusively for adventurous families and couples that enjoy spending time connecting in the great outdoors!

If sitting in front of a camera and putting on a smile sounds downright dreadful. Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you. It feels unnatural and weird to most of the folks I photograph. I can relate because, I, too, don't like being on the other side of the lens. That's why I focus on helping you create new memories with an adventure that is made just for you. I’ll capture real moments of you and your family as they naturally unfold. No posing necessary, just good ol' fashioned fun without the fuss!

Whether you want to go on a family adventure at your favorite local park or have me venture to you for an “At-Home Adventure” where you can get cozy and comfortable with the people you love, I will work with you directly to create an experience that fits your family perfectly. If you don't have a special place in mind, we can work together to come up with the perfect spot for your portraits. There are endless options available up here in the mountains!

WHEN & WHERE 

» October + November Dates Available.

» 60-90 minute “Unplugged Adventures” are photographed at a location of your choosing within the Boone or Blowing Rock, NC area. Don't have a special place in mind? No worries! We can work together to come up with the perfect spot for your portraits. ONLY 8 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE! CLICK HERE TO RESERVE!

» 30-40 minute "Short + Sweet Adventures" will also take place in the Boone and/or Blowing Rock, NC area. I will have several options available that participants will get to vote on. As a group, you will choose where the photo sessions are going to take place! In case of a tie, I will select the location(s). ONLY 8 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE! CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW!

These shoots are only available for couples and families that want photos for personal use. The images can be used for holiday cards, save-the-dates, etc.

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// OCTOBER DATES \\

12th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - BOOKED

13th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

18th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

20th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

25th @ 2:00-2:45 PM - BOOKED

25th @ 3:00-3:45 PM - OPEN

25th @ 4:00-4:45 PM - OPEN

25th @ 5:00-5:45 PM - OPEN

25th @ 6:00-6:45 PM - OPEN

27th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

// NOVEMBER DATES \\

3rd @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

8th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - BOOKED

10th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

14th @ 2:00-2:45 PM - BOOKED

14th @ 3:00-3:45 PM - OPEN

14th @ 4:00-4:45 PM - OPEN

14th @ 5:00-5:45 PM - OPEN

14th @ 6:00-6:45 PM - OPEN

17th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - BOOKED

24th @ 6:00-7:30 PM - OPEN

» In case of rain or other inclement weather cancellation will be at the discretion of the photographer. Rain dates for Unplugged Adventures will be offered based on availability. Rain dates for Short + Sweet Adventures will be NOV 1st & NOV 22nd.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

» 60-90 minute session in an outdoor location for up to 5-people + 1 pet.

» 30-40 high-resolution digital downloads + web-sized images

» 8 10 SPOTS LEFT! BOOK NOW!

or 

» 30-40 minute photo adventure in an outdoor location for up to 4-people (no pets).

» 10-20 high-resolution digital downloads + web-sized images

» 8 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE! BOOK HERE!

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:

» Images delivered in an online gallery for downloading, viewing, ordering, and sharing.

» Lighting fast turnaround (w/in 48 hours) so you have images back in a flash!

» Online backup for 10-years so you can rest assured that your memories are safe for a decade.

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Reserve your space through my online shop by clicking the image(s) below or send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com and I will get you set up!

online

SPACE IS LIMITED! BOOK NOW!

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» 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 make it for any reason.

» Not in the budget? Flexible payment plans are available. Email me at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com and I'll be happy to get you set-up! $100 due to reserve.

Know any friends, family, or colleagues that are in need of new family photos? Please share this offer with them! I would greatly appreciate it! :-)

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

Connell Family Adventure in Blowing Rock, NC | Maternity Photography | Boone NC Photographer

Ali & Stu have a tradition of escaping to the mountains of North Carolina every year after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season. They travel all the way from Jacksonville, FL (my hometown) to Blowing Rock, NC because it is one of their favorite places to getaway together.

Last year, I photographed them for their one-year anniversary and this year I had the honor of being their maternity photographer as they transition to becoming a family of three. I met up with the couple in downtown Blowing Rock again where we roamed around Main Street for the first half of their maternity photo session.

There's no better backdrop for photos than a place that you love to spend time when you're away from home on vacation. Working with adventurous families is something that I love, so it's a special treat when I have the opportunity to photograph a family while they are on an adventure in a place that they love!

This year, it was a whole lot warmer than the weather we experienced in December of 2013. There was zero snow lingering on the ground this time, but I'm not complaining because the weather we did have was incredible! Too bad I dressed all wrong for the temperature. I was burning up because I wore too many layers, although I was happy that we didn't have to deal with bitter cold and wind again.

The last half of our session took place at Bass Lake where the three of us took a leisurely stroll around the loop. I was surprised to learn that the couple had never been to this spot before during their annual trip to Blowing Rock, but I'm glad I got to take them on a new adventure to stretch their legs before the 7-hour car ride home.

It was a beautiful day for a walk in nature which, of course, made such a lovely setting for their outdoor maternity pictures. I'm pretty sure that in the pic below that Stu was whispering to Ali that he was DONE taking pictures. hehehe

CONGRATULATIONS to Ali & Stu! Y'all are just too cute together. You are going to be phenomenal parents and I am so happy about the adventures that are ahead for your growing family! You guys were such a blast to work with. Thank you so much for choosing me to be your family photographer again this year. It means the world to me that you entrust me to capture these precious memories.

In other news: I have LAUNCHED my new wedding photography website (http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com)! If you would like to see the transformation, I encourage you to visit the page AND also sign-up for the Weekly Wander to get notifications because I’m hosting some fun giveaways for the holidays over the next few weeks! Subscribe here » bit.ly/weekly-wander

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 Holiday Photos
» Snider Family Adventure on the Greenway Trail
» Johnson Family Adventure at the What Fir Tree Farm
» Hersey Family Reunion Adventure on Lake James, NC
» Scott Family Hiking Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Pennington Family Adventure at Valle Crucis Park | Boone NC Family Photographer

“Blueberries! I see blueberries!”, Everett began to shout and point from the lofty view on his Daddy’s shoulders.

“Where?!”, the rest of us asked puzzled. Between the four of us, we hadn’t yet spotted the wild berries, but as we continued to walk closer to the area he was leading us toward, he became more insistent that they were there.

We finally walked up and saw the bush that he was steering us to. Everett had a good eye, although what he spotted from afar were blackberries not blueberries.

Still, it required a pit-stop so that he could sample nature’s sweet treat! Naturally, everyone else joined in to savor the tangy-sour fruits, too! It was such a tender moment to witness them pick the berries and then share with one another.

The Pennington Family Photography Adventure took place at the Valle Crucis Park. It’s a gorgeous outdoor area not too far from Boone that offers walking and running trails, a playground, covered pavilions to have picnics, fishing on the Watauga River, and they also host live music every weekend during the summertime as free entertainment for families!

When these four are looking to have an adventure close to home it’s one of their favorite places to make memories as a family, so they frequent this outdoor area pretty regularly, which is why they wanted to have their family photos done at this magical place!

The Pennington’s were one of the families I selected that WON a Choose Your Adventure Family Photo Session in the flash giveaway I did a while back.

Didn’t know I was doing that? Well, it was exclusive to subscribers of the Weekly Wander!

Click the link to join the list for updates, news about future giveaways, and other exclusive offers! It's also where I share behind-the-scenes tidbits and secrets about me that you won't see/read anywhere else online.

We had to reschedule on two different occasions due to the unpredictable Boone weather.

It’s always tricky when you’re doing outdoor family portraits because the weather can change in an instant here in the mountains, so flexibility is key.

Our back-up plan was to do an “At-Home Adventure” if it rained this time, but the sun finally cooperated on our third attempt!

As we continued to make our way around the perimeter of the Valle Crucis Park, the sun played a game of hide-and-seek. I was hoping that it would keep shining because I was looking forward to shooting during “golden hour.”

Halfway through our session we set-up a blanket tucked in a shady, wooded area where light filtered through the trees when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. It was a secluded spot where the family of four cuddled up and played airplane with the kiddos.

The little daredevils even did back-flips with the assistance of their parents, it was a lot of fun watching this playful & silly family interact with one another.

When we were done hanging out amongst the trees, we made our way to the stretch of Watauga River that hugs the park to continue the adventure.

Landon showed Everett how to skip rocks along the creek.

Everett hurled them as far as he could.

Cassie and Maya slipped away for a potty break, so the boys daringly rock-hopped across the river while carefully avoiding missteps on the slick rocks.

Maya and Everett were both brave, adventurous little souls.

We started and ended our adventure at the Valle Crucis Park playground.

The parents pushed the siblings in the swings to kick off the fun.

Everett kept yelling, “Higher, higher, Daddy!”

He was so tickled to be gliding through the air alongside his sister.

Two-and-a-half year old, Everett, also had no qualms about climbing up the ladder alone to go down the slide all by himself.

I was nervous watching him do this on his own, but his parents were laid-back and allowed him to be as playful and independent as he wanted to be.

Of course, they were also supportive and helpful when he needed them, but they also gave him his space and room to roam while they watched from a distance.

The swings, slides, and other playground equipment were a great way of getting them warmed up for the photosession and then wearing them out at the end!

As daylight began to fade, we wrapped up the family photography session with some quick portraits of the happily married couple.

I love how at the end of a shoot people usually look so relieved.

My question is usually along the lines of, “Was it as bad as you thought it would be?!”

They tend to chuckle and tell me that they had fun, surprisingly enough.

That’s when I hand out high-fives because infusing fun into photosessions is my sneaky way of helping people become comfortable with being in front of the camera.

When you are enjoying yourself and having a good time, you don’t worry about me playing paparazzi—I'm a stealthy ninja like that!

My goal as a family photographer is to ensure that having your family portraits made is a fun experience for everyone, even Dad who hates "posing" for family photos!

That's why I focus on helping you create new memories with an adventure that is made just for you!

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! Availability is limited, only 10, 8, 5, 3 spaces left for family photos in 2014!

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
» 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