Remove Holiday Stress w/ Short + Sweet Family Photo Sessions | Boone & Blowing Rock, NC Photographer

"You must have the patience of a saint!" Alyce proclaimed. "I promise you, it's not the first time I've had to deal with something like that! It happens pretty often." I assured her.

We both couldn't help but laugh as we recalled the full-body tantrums that their two-year-old toddler, Kelby, was having during our family photo session earlier this week at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, NC.

I got to see the kid-free couple the next night at Speakeasy Tattoo's Annual Beard & Moustache Competition so we recounted the ups and downs with beers in-hand.

In all honesty, I'm used to headstrong youngsters that have a mind of their own. It's rare for kids to cooperate without some (or a lot of) coaxing, which is why it's imperative to have some tricks up your sleeve.

You're doing good if you can get them to comply whether it's through bribes or turning it into a fun game. Even then you still might not be lucky enough to get them with a smile on their face!

No matter how crazy the session might feel during our time together, I always manage to walk away with authentic images that will bring you happy memories regardless of how effortless the photoshoot was. It's the reason I have a system and why I like to spend time helping my clients plan and prepare for their family pictures beforehand.

Of course, we ALL want the session to run smoothly without any hiccups but that's not the reality most of the time. Adventures don't work like that, but that's why they are fun!

The family and maternity photography I did for the Miceli family (pictured below) on the Greenway Trail in Boone, NC was another session that presented some obstacles because the weather wasn't agreeing with us. 

You would never be able to tell by how graceful this mama looks but there was a whole lot of craziness going on while this maternity photo was being taken. We were enduring some super strong winds and frigid Boone weather. Fingers were frozen and tears were turning to icicles (pretty much). 

Just before we were getting ready to cut the session short by 15-minutes and retreat to the warmth of our vehicles, I urged her to let me take a couple more shots by herself since Dad and toddler weren't having any more of it. I'm happy to be the "just one more shot" person when I need to be because she looks so lovely!

It's true, your family pictures might not go according to plan because there are a ton of factors that could potentially affect the outcome, but I can guarantee that it will be an adventure and that afterward I will deliver images you will love even if they aren't "perfect!"

Outdoor family photography sessions can be unpredictable when it comes to how your children might react or how the weather will affect the photoshoot, but I *am* incredibly patient and extremely flexible, and it's my job to do whatever I can to make the most of any challenging situation we're dealing with whether it's super high winds and bitter cold or temper tantrums.

Short + Sweet Sessions are geared toward adventurous families that enjoy spending time together outdoors making new memories. I'm taking the fuss out of getting your pictures made, 30-minutes is just enough time to capture the family and keep things simple. And with my lightning fast 14-day turnaround, you'll have your family pictures in time to use for holiday cards and photo gifts.

SHORT + SWEET SESSIONS are 299 + tax and you get a 30-minute session for up to four (4) immediate family members—$25 per person after four, minimum of 10 high-resolution digital downloads, & all images will be posted in an online PASS gallery within 14-business days of your session. This package is part of the portrait marathon that will run until December 7th, 2014.

ALL ADVENTURES INCLUDE:

» Location of your choice in Boone, Blowing Rock, or Valle Crucis, NC (depends on availability)

» Minimum of 10 high-resolution digital downloads

» A lightning fast 14-business day turnaround time

» Website to share with family and friends for viewing and ordering

» A mobile (iOS or Android) app so you have access to your photos on and offline

» Instant access to high-resolution digital downloads—no waiting for a DVD in the mail

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

The dates I have available in Nov & Dec are extremely LIMITED and are on a first-come first-serve basis, so you must ACT FAST! Keep in mind, too, that the longer you wait, the colder it gets! You have until December 7th to book a family holiday photo session with me before I close down until January 2015.

Visit the session shop for more pricing details. » BOOK ONLINE

I'm hosting a few fun giveaways this week for the WW Friend of the Week (details were released in last week's newsletter), and a special Geocaching Giveaway that will be announced in this week's Weekly Wander. Weekly Wander subscribers will get the details first. I recommend that you get notifications so you don't miss those announcements! » GET NOTIFICATIONS

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 }

» NOVEMBER PORTRAIT MARATHON
» 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

Kim + Dennis' Linville Falls Engagement Adventure | Boone NC Engagement Photographer

Just one day after Dennis proposed, I received an email from Kim inquiring about engagement photos. They wanted to go back to the spot where he popped the question and was wondering if Linville Falls was a place I would consider going.

I eagerly emailed her back with a response and told her how much I love hiking there myself, and that working with adventurous folks is what I do so this type of engagement photography was right up my alley!

We couldn't have asked for better weather on the day of their engagement pictures. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year but it made for a beautiful Fall day! Even though it was past the peak of the season, that didn't stop vacationers from visiting Linville Falls to catch a glimpse of the popular waterfall. There were so many people there that day that it was nearly impossible to find a parking space!

Normally, when I meet with a couple I haven't had the opportunity to see them face-to-face since they aren't from the Boone area, so it's kind of a game to guess who it is I might be looking for sometimes. I was up at the visitor's center searching faces, trying to find someone else who was also looking around. I finally spotted Kim and Dennis after I noticed them studying the folks walking by. They were also a dead giveaway once I saw that they were wearing matching Panthers jerseys!

After a change of clothes, we started their session at the bridge behind the visitor center since there was still a little fall color left on the trees. As I mentioned earlier, this place was packed so there were tons of people walking by and watching us. Yep, it was a little uncomfortable and awkward for them to be looking into each others eyes and smooching in front of complete strangers but they carried on and laughed a lot despite the curious onlookers!

The next stop was to hike to the spot where Dennis proposed which was a smaller trail called Dugger's Creek. There was a small cascade there where a narrow bridge crossed the gentle stream. It's where he stopped Kim in the middle of the bridge and got down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. I totally had him reenact the scene, of course!

Our original plan was to then hike down to the bottom of the Linville Gorge and finish out the rest of their engagement photos on the river, however, time got away from us with the hiking back-and-forth and multiple outfit changes.

Once we were done taking photos up top near the parking area, we weren't going to be able to hike down to the bottom. I feared that we wouldn't make it back up before losing light, and I didn't want to take that chance, especially since the ranger told us that it took 1-hour round-trip and that was all the time we had before the sunset. It was a little disappointing but we came up with another idea instead.

The Linville Falls Winery was just around the corner, and it was also a place that they visited the weekend they got engaged, so we quickly hiked back to the vehicles, huffing and puffing all the way, and headed over to the winery before they closed.

We almost didn't make it because they were closing in the next 6-minutes, but that gave us just enough time for Kim and Dennis to grab a glass of their Blueberry Wine, so they could sit and enjoy a sip or two before we continued their engagement shoot.

The grapevines made for a perfect place to traipse around for their engagement portraits! I'm really glad that its where we ended up even though it wasn't part of the plan because I love the images that I captured of this fun-loving couple bathed in golden light.

It was funny that on my way to meet Kim and Dennis for their session that I passed by the winery and though that it would be a nice place for engagement pictures. I didn't realize at the time that that's where were would end up!

That's what going on adventures is all about! Sometimes things don't go according to plan so you have to go with the flow and that's what Kim and Dennis did.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kim + Dennis on your engagement and upcoming marriage. I wish you two lovebirds epic adventures in life and love, and I hope that your relationship and connection will grow stronger as you continue this journey together! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your adventurous engagement at Linville Falls. I had such a blast with you two! Hope you enjoy this sneak peek while I work on your full gallery.

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 engagement photos in 2014!

I'm hosting some fun giveaways in November for the Fan of the Week and a special Geocaching Giveaway that will be announced in this week's Weekly Wander if you want a chance to WIN a FREE session. Weekly Wander subscribers will get the details first. I recommend that you sign up for notifications so you don't miss those announcements! GET NOTIFICATIONS

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 }

» Choose Your Adventure Portrait Marathon (Nov ONLY)
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Casey + Sarah's Valle Crucis Anniversary Adventure
» Ali + JB's Engagement Adventure at Grandfather Golf
» Logen + Nick's LGBT Engagement in Downtown West Jefferson

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