why wall art matters, a reminder from my son

my boys serious black and white portrait my why Charlotte child photographer

A reel I created for fun watch to see my maternity portrait artwork in my home

Can I tell you a quick story?

The other day my son had some friends over. (They are 8) they came upstairs to see something in his room. I overheard this conversation from my home office. We have our family photos on the stairs and the first canvas is from my pregnancy with him. It s simple close up of my pregnant belly. Followed by a family portrait from the same session.

His friend: hey what’s this photo? Why is she naked?

My son: (super proud) Oh that’s my mom when she was pregnant with me! I’m a baby in her belly!

Friend: huh

Why do I tell you this? Why wall art matters

Because in that moment I was reminded of why I create artwork for my expecting moms. I do it for the children. My son was super proud to explain that to him that photograph reminds him that he was wanted and loved before he was even born. He was waited for with anticipation. The portraits I create are not only a work of art they are an expression of love.

my boys my why Charlotte child photographer — it matters to them

my handsome oldest child my why Charlotte child photographer — it matters to them

Motherhood is an amazing journey and while it’s never really easy it is so worth it. Reminding my children everyday that they are loved and cherished with a visual reminder in our home is a promise to them that I will never stop loving them the way I have since they were born.

Why does this matter to you if you are expecting a baby

I’ve been asked a few times this week why I offer maternity wall portraits. Things like “Will they want these portraits up in their home in 10 years 20 years? Wouldn’t they prefer to have them in an album so they can put them away?” My question to them is why would they hide this expression of love? Look I’m a realist I get that some times decor changes or you may downsize at some point when you are a grandparent and your maternity portraits may not need to be front and center. But right now when your children are young and living at home they need these visual reminders. When the world outside seems harsh. They need to know and feel without a doubt that home is a place they are loved and safe. They need to feel without a doubt that they matter.

It’s not for every mom

I get that some moms just don’t want to take maternity portraits and some don’t want them hanging on the walls at home. That’s cool no one is forcing this choice on you. But for me and my work if you want to have a portrait in your home showcasing your pregnancy. Reminding your babies that they are loved. I’m here for that. Give me a call 803-336-5125 and let’s create some amazing artwork for you and your home.

maternity portrait displayed in a bedroom, Charlotte maternity photographer, why wall art matters

Get in touch and learn more about my work here https://insleyphoto.com/contact-us/

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

Why Milestone Photography Sessions Are So Important During Baby’s First Year

Happy baby girl smiles during her milestone photography session

I know that it probably goes without saying, but the first year of your child’s life will go by so fast! From the day they’re born to their first birthday, your child will grow so much. In just twelve months, your sweet, sleepy newborn becomes a curious and energetic toddler. That first year is truly a beautiful blur, and it can be challenging to stop and enjoy each stage with your growing baby.

This is why milestone sessions are so important during your baby’s first year. Milestone sessions capture each major point during baby’s first year of life.

I’ll share each of the major milestone sessions, and which one(s) may be right for you!

Milestone Photography Sessions for Baby’s First Year

I’ll walk through the major milestone photography sessions during your baby’s first year, but know that all babies develop differently, and that’s totally fine.

Maternity – Of course, maternity is part of the milestone sessions! Documenting your pregnancy is a beautiful way to celebrate and remember this special time between you and your baby. Find out which maternity portrait session style is right for you here.

Newborn – Those sweet toes, long eyelashes, and precious sleep expressions are some of my favorites to document! Most importantly, I love capturing the love your family has for your newest addition. Learn how to prepare for your newborn session right here. And remember we try to create newborn portraits between 5-14 days old.

2-4 Months – between two and four months old, your baby is no longer a newborn! Your baby is now a happy infant. Baby is (hopefully) enjoying tummy time and learning more about the world. This session captures baby’s first real smile and movements.

6 Months ish- Also known as the “sitter” session, around six months is when your baby starts to sit on their own. This is a very exciting time for parents and baby as she or he starts to interact more with their world!

9 Months – On the move! Around nine months is when your baby starts crawling. Whether or not baby is crawling, they are definitely moving and grooving. It’s fun to document this time before baby starts walking and really talking.

12 Months – One whole year with your sweet baby! Some babies are walking by their first birthday, and some are not, and it’s all normal. No matter what, taking first-year portraits is an important milestone to capture for you to always remember your new toddler. This is a fun time to do that cake smash session if you are interested.

Which Milestones Sessions Are For You?

Now that you know the major milestone photography sessions that you can do during your child’s first year, you may be wondering how you can fit this all into your busy schedule. My goal is to make it as effortless as possible for you so that all you need to do is bring your child to the studio!

Charlotte, NC Milestone Photographer

Together, we can plan which milestones you want to document and schedule when it’s convenient for you. I’ll handle all of the planning and ordering so that at the end of your baby’s first year, you’ll have professional portrait artwork on display in your home without lifting a finger. Send me a message here to start planning your milestone sessions today.

November 19, 2021June 13, 2022

Fort Mill SC Child Photographer| Kids Joyful Holiday Photoshoot

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY KIDS PHOTOSHOOT NOW

ARE YOUR READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

I know these kids are ready, It’s time to update your kids photos with a kids holiday photoshoot here in Fort Mill, South Carolina. I’m offering limited kids holiday photo shoots December 8th, 9th or Saturday December 18th to celebrate your kids in a fun way.

Grab your matching jammies or holiday best! And let’s create some magic this Holiday Season.

BRING IN YOUR GOOF BALLS, YOUR PARTY ANIMALS & YOUR SHY LITTLE ONES, ALL ARE WELCOME!

Now is the time to capture this stage before they grow anymore! only 3 dates available. Remember you’ve only got 18 summers with your kids before they grow up and leave the nest.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY KIDS PHOTOSHOOT HERE

Christmas PJs Kids Fort MIll South Carolina, Fun Kids Holiday Photoshoot

Christmas PJs Kids Fort MIll South Carolina, Fun Kids Holiday Portrait

Christmas PJs Family Fort MIll South Carolina, Fun Family Portrait

Yes that’s me with my boys because I couldn’t resist jumping into the shoot with them. If you haven’t had an Insley Photoshoot before you and your kids are in for a real treat. We are all about capturing their true personalities and getting those great expressions for your walls.

How do I do that you ask?

Simple I’m going to ask you all about them and use that information to connect with them at the studio. It’s going to be me and the kids against you. And I mean that in the best way but it’s all about fun. We make break some normal house rules like standing on the furniture or jumping inside but it’s all in the name of a good time. Because the best way to get your kids to smile is by capturing them having fun. Now don’t worry if you have a wild child or a naughty little one. Those are my favorite nuts to crack. And trust me my youngest is a tough nut when he wants to be. As a mom of two boys with 14 years photographing littles ones, I’ve learned all the tricks to get the best expressions. Remember all are welcome. This isn’t a time to be serious, we can do that for a family shoot. This is a time for them to let loose and share with the world that child like JOY! Are you in?

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY KIDS PHOTOSHOOT HERE

Got questions give me a call or send me a text at 803-336-5125 Alicia

September 4, 2021September 4, 2021

A little magic to remind us to be thankful

I was introduced to this amazing girl by the Charlotte chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Talia was the 2021 Charlotte Girl of the Year Honoree and honored hero! They shared this about her story

“In June of 2018, Talia had her tonsils removed in hopes of fixing frequent headaches and Sleep Apnea. Her doctor sent her tonsils out for a biopsy that soon revealed that she had T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Now, when Talia isn’t doing treatment, she loves to read, play basketball, and spend time with her three younger siblings. We are so inspired by Talia’s bravery on this journey!”

a little magic will get her there, Charlotte NC, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC

Talia has an infectious smile. And man does she have plans for her future. She reads any chance she gets, she practices for her basketball career in the immediate future. Plus she’s already preparing for a future in medicine. This young woman is going places and taking names. Talia has a bright future and I can’t wait to see how she changes the world for the better.

When I asked about her favorite things and she mentioned a few book series she loves. You know I had to create a fun portrait with a little magic 😉 Might be my favorite book series also. Wingardium Leviosa

-alicia

May 14, 2021January 24, 2022

Charlotte NC childhood photographer| Cancer Has No Place In Childhood, Now Is The Time To Act

This month, we celebrate kids with fun portrait sessions and support Brandi Jansen. Brandi has been nominated for Woman of the Year with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This fight for her is personal.

Cancer tried to steal her little girl when she was just 3 years old.

Brandi shares “We were lucky we got to keep our girl, so I keep fighting back for our friends still fighting, those we lost and those yet to be diagnosed. I am incredibly honored and determined to raise $430,005 by June 5, 2021, for the 43 children a day diagnosed and the 5 children a day who do not survive.

I wasn’t ready to be a cancer mom, but I was built for it.”

Little Wren endured 2.5 years of harsh chemotherapy by mouth, intramuscularly, via her port, and pumped into her spine and brain, but that was not enough. Wren also received radiation therapy to her little developing brain 10 times, to make sure they got all the cancer. Wren reached the end of her treatment in December 2018 at 6 years old. She fought a beast and will have life-long battle wounds from her experiences.

With your gift, you will be saving lives by supporting research to fight (and one day end) cancer. Your gift will also provide families with education and support during a cancer battle.

Your gift will also include a fun portrait session experience for your child(ren). What could be better? You get to support an amazing charity, lift up a cancer mom fighting for our children and give your kids an amazing experience and create artwork for your home that you will cherish forever

Still have questions send me an email alicia@insleyphoto.com and I’ll get right back to you.

Thank you for your support!

September 15, 2020November 20, 2021

Rock Hill SC Family Photographer | Hope during this pandemic

Little intro you may have read my earlier blog with the newborn love stories and I loved the results so much that I added the questionnaire to my next family portrait sessions. Below are the questions and answers I asked of this momma of 4 before and after her portrait session. Hope you love learning more about this beautiful family as much as I did. -alicia

Tell me about your family!

We are a family of 6! My husband and I have professionally worked with families and youths for almost 20 years. He is a 15 year Army Veteran and we are also new Pastor’s in the Charlotte area.

What is your favorite thing about being a parent?

Teaching and equipping our children to leave the home and seeing those skills performed while in the home.

How has being quarantined with your family affected your relationship with them (good or bad)?

It has been great. We are a homebody type of family. It doesn’t feel that much of a difference other than Wingfield Academy beginning.

What are some ways you hope to maintain the closeness this has brought your loved ones once you return to your busy life?

We will continue to remain close. We’ll probably get out more once things begin to look normal.

What is the one thing about your kiddo’s childhood that you want them to remember?

Finishing Kindergarten, Second grade and Fifth grade at home with us.

What would you like your children to know about YOU?

How much I really love them!

What are your hopes for your children’s future?

To remain loving, compassionate and caring adults.

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family?

We love pictures!! They capture moments of time we will never get back.

What is your favorite part of being a mom?

I love to watch my children learn, grow and get excited about what they experience.

What is your favorite thing about your spouse?

How much he is intentional about making me happy.

If this stage in your family was the chapter of a book what would the title be?

New Beginnings, New Experiences….same Tribe!

Hardest part of being a mom?

The hardest part of being a mom is that one day, and at any time, my children can do the opposite of what I’ve taught them and it can be detrimental to their lives.

Favorite trait of each of your children?

A: How compassionate and aware of things he is. J: Her nurturing abilities. LR: How loving he is. T: His ability to make everyone smile and feel happy.

Any predictions on their futures? future scientist, youtube star?

A will be the next soccer playing businessman dealing with architecture. J will be the most loving, happy-go-lucky, singing teacher. LR will be the most compassionate Pastor and animal loving zookeeper. The jury is still out with T. But I bet donuts to dollars he will be smiling while doing it!

January 30, 2020November 22, 2021

Charlotte Portrait Photographer | When your baby only wants mom

[Show slideshow]

The thing about working with kids is they are unpredictable, you never know what you are going to get with littles. One day she might come in and play and do anything we ask her. The next time she might think I’m crazy, not have gotten enough sleep or just decide she isn’t interested in anything her mom and I had planned. And you know what? That’s ok with me.

Pivot is the name of the game with littles. You have probably seen that episode of friends when they are trying to move a giant couch upstairs and into the apartment. And poor Ross is yelling Pivot! like that will fix everything. Just in case https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=n67RYI_0sc0

Some days working with kids feels like this. A lot of days parenting feels like this. That plan to make a healthy dinner that they turn their noses up at feels like this. Ok new plan peanut butter jelly sandwich again! Or when you get everyone all dressed up to play in the one snow we get around here, and five minutes in their feet and hands are wet and they are miserable. Ok new plan. Pivot is my mantra with my boys and I bring that mantra to the studio. Especially for kid portraits. If they aren’t feeling a plan we have to try something else.

For this little one I tried all the tricks, all the chairs, all the toys and all the games. She wasn’t feeling it, she wanted mom and nothing else. So what’s a photographer to do you ask? Give her sugar of course 😉 A lollipop and we got her back in the game. My plan with kids is always fluid, always open to new ideas and never give up on a toddler until she refuses candy.

alicia

June 1, 2019June 1, 2019

Real Kids Portrait Session

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids artwork for your home, all the kids, puppy, playroom

Mister serious here isn’t the most serious little guy I’ve met but he is one of the most polite. He is growing up to be a well mannered, fun loving guy. His parents are doing a great job with him. It was an honor to create his portrait in our Fort Mill, SC studio. He came in with his little sister to help create a special art piece I had in mind during this real kids portrait session.

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC real kids studio portrait

She was all smiles for her portrait day. Also just as polite as her big brother and happy to try any pose or prop I suggested. Her outfit was so fun! Sequins and a big bow are great to accessorize and show off her personality without distracting or taking away from her sweet expressions.

Real Kids create Art in the Studio

The idea behind our art piece was to show off the fun of all the kids not just the Human kids! So we had to bring in the furry littlest sister for the portraits. She did such a great job for being so young and full of energy!

Just a few images from this fun #Real Kids studio portrait session!

sitting so pretty
outtake

Had a blast with these three kids creating some fun portraits for their parents and making an art piece for the home. Creating custom wall art pieces of your family to enjoy for years to come is the goal of our real kids portrait sessions! Having fun while creating them is one of the many reasons I love what I do. When the kids leave with smiles on their faces and talking about what fun they had then I know I’ve created a positive experience for the whole family! Portrait photography is supposed to be a fun time. Art is fun, call me today if you want a positive experience from your next photo day!

-alicia

April 22, 2019August 28, 2021

Event to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

fort mill, sc Charlotte, nc Tega Cay, sc girl kid portrait Let me be Me mini sessions to support LLS

“Life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated.”

You’re their first cheerleader…

Their first friend….

And their biggest supporter, as their mommy.

They are your whole world.

But we moms soon forget that they used to LOVE meowing instead of speaking or had a huge fascination with airplanes. Or that picking out her favorite outfit before school was the best part of her day.

To celebrate the littlest baseball star or tiny fashionista in your family, by creating a fun portrait experience that’s all about them at this stage of childhood.

I’m working on an event just for kids to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For just a $100 donation, you can schedule a 15-minute session on May 18th with me at the studio, and we’ll create great images of your kiddo all about his or her favorite things.

It’s a bit different than the usual larger session we do every few years, but the focus is just on getting a few images of your child to capture what makes her special.

I’ll gift you a metal desktop print of your favorite image from the session.

I only have space to do 12 of these mini-sessions so I wanted to be sure you know before it’s too late.

Call now to book 704.313.5125!

See you soon!

Alicia

PS. Tega Cay Concert Series will have a fun Photo Booth this Saturday 6-10 at Runde park I will be there taking donations for the great cause. Come see me.