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!

March 30, 2021November 20, 2021

Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer: We planned…, New Baby Just Laughs At Our Plans

Planned baby photography, Music man, baby posed on records, Charlotte NC, Fort MIll SC

We had planned…, A New Baby Just Laughs At Our Plans

My fiance and I became engaged on March 13 of this year – literally days before everything crashed down around us. We were just beginning to plan a wedding when we found out I was pregnant in early April. Needless to say, plans have changed. We focused instead on buying our dream house and preparing to meet our little boy, Owen. My fiance, Chris, is amazing and has been so excited about this time in our lives!

Describe your pregnancy journey. Have you had any surprises (good or bad)? *

I got pregnant much faster than anticipated. My fiance and I agreed I should get off birth control because we knew we were planning to start a family after we were married. I’m 37, so we honestly thought it would be tougher. I got pregnant one month off birth control even though my Dr. prepared us for a long journey. What a surprise! we are so excited. It’s been a tough pregnancy (Still have morning sickness), but trying to find the joy and embrace this season.

What do you imagine for your child’s future? *

I want him to be HAPPY. I want him to have choices, to know he’s loved, to love others, and to be kind.

What would you like your baby to know about YOU? *

I’d like him to know that I’m not perfect, but am going to try every day to be the best mom possible for him.

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other expecting mothers? *

You’re going to be an amazing mom!

What else would you like to share?*

I really want to remember this special time. I know the newborn phase can be crazy and I don’t want to have it go by and only remember it being a haze. I’d love to have photos of this time and always remember this new time for us.

Baby is here!

Tell us about the first moments with your baby?

Overwhelming. We had to do a c-section, so the first few moments weren’t exactly as planned but seeing him for the first time made me realize the only thing that matters is having a healthy baby boy. Thankfully my husband was able to be with Owen and hold him until I was out of recovery.

Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?

I truly was not ready for the physical pain of contractions and the emotional pain of my ideal birth scenario going out the window.

What’s the best part of being a new mom?

Seeing things through his eyes. Everything is brand new to him. Then there are things that are brand new to both of us, like breastfeeding and just figuring it out together has been amazing.

What’s the hardest part?

Worrying that I’m not doing the right thing all the time. There’s so much I don’t know.

What did you have planned before your baby arrived? Share in the comments

March 24, 2021November 20, 2021

Charlotte Newborn Photographer | Little Love Stories: Navigating A Pandemic Pregnancy

navigating a pandemic pregnancy, newborn with family, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte NC

What was it like navigating a pandemic pregnancy?

I found out I was pregnant right when everything began to shut down which was very hard for me. My first OB appt to confirm my pregnancy was over the phone which really messed with me. I was finally able to go in for my 12 week appt but my bf was not allowed to come in to see our baby on the screen. Due to COVID he is still unable to come to my appts and has only seen pictures of our child. I had a minor scare with placenta previa but I was cleared after a few weeks.
What do you like to imagine for your child’s future? *
I want my son to be great at whatever he wants to do.
What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)? *
I want him to know that I love him and I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet him.
Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other mothers navigating their own pandemic pregnancy?
You can do this! Your body was made for this!
Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family? *
This is my first child and I want to have beautiful memories of this experience.

After his arrival, can you share about your first moments with baby?

The first moments with Cameron were very precious. I didn’t cry or anything I just looked at the amazing little human we had created.
Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?
Nothing went according to my birth plan due to my water breaking and only being 1cm dilated. They had to administer medication. This prohibited me from laboring in the tub at planned and I was unable to walk around because they were monitoring him. I ended up getting an epidural because I was hungry and tired but everything worked out.
What’s the best part of being a new mom?
The best part baby snuggles and knowing I get a chance to mold him into a great person

What’s the hardest part?
The hardest part right now is breastfeeding.

Want to learn more about the Little Love Story series? Your next step is to get in touch… Click Here

August 11, 2020November 20, 2021

Charlotte Newborn Photographer | The Story of a Miracle Baby

miracle baby, lake norman, nc Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte, NC

Once upon a time, Denisse and Chris decided to give themselves the opportunity to find their soulmate through match.com. Chris was living in Florida and Denisse in Costa Rica, after having a long distance relationship for a couple of years Chris proposed at the foot of a waterfall in Asheville, NC, they got married and moved to the Lake Norman area in NC.

After being married for 2 years Chris and Denisse decided to start trying to have a baby. Little did they know that It would take them 3 years of fighting against infertility (3 medicated cycles, 3 IUI and 1 IVF), they went through multiple miscarriages until they were able to conceive a viable pregnancy with their miracle rainbow baby Liam S. McCoy (baby #5).

miracle baby, fort mill, sc, Lake norman, nc

The pregnancy was smooth and enjoyable for the most part, however during the 1st trimester Denisse experienced multiple bleedings and the last 2 weeks of pregnancy she had high blood pressure, which forced her to delivered her miracle baby at 39 weeks. Liam came to the world after a good and fast labor without any complications.

Liam’s story is the story of a warrior, despite all the odds, 3 years of his parents fighting against infertility and a pandemic in the mix he came to the world at 3am on June 5th.

Miracle baby boy in blue, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC, Lake Norman, NC

Denisse said:

The first moments with Liam were magical and unforgettable, happy and joyful tears came out of my eyes when I saw him for the first time, we did skin to skin and I couldn’t stop admiring his cuteness, enjoying his nice smell, looking at his beautiful blue eyes, blonde hair, little hands and feet. I was in complete awe by his perfection.

We are blessed to have Liam in our lives and we are treasuring each minute with him.

We are looking forward to getting to know him, who he becomes, what he likes and dislikes. We would love for Liam to learn about his diverse background (Costa Rican, American, Danish, Scottish and Irish). We would like for him to travel and explore the world, get to know different cultures and ways of living.

We would like for him to enjoy this gift called life and have fun throughout the journey.

The best part of being a mom is the unconditional and profound love that you get to feel for a little tiny human and the blessing to enjoy new experiences with my miracle baby boy. The hardest part is to silence all the outside noise of how to raise a child and follow your intuition through this soul journey. I am learning that each day with a newborn is completely different and embracing the learning opportunities that each brings is key.

To all the moms out there “Treasure every moment, every experience, every second with your kids, they are a treasure, they are a miracle. Get to know your kids, have fun learning who they are and what they want to do with the gift you gave to them, the gift called life”

Oh little boy these photos are proof that fairytales come true, looks at us we have YOU.

Want to learn a little about newborn posing safety? Check out this quick article from Professional Newborn Photographer Nani

April 15, 2020November 22, 2021

Belly cast: The best newborn portrait prop | Charlotte NC Photographer

newborn in mom's belly cast, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC newborn baby portrait

Did you know I offer a free belly cast to all my expecting moms? Do you know what a belly cast is? No, check this out. Now I assume you are thinking well why do you offer these? They don’t look amazing in maternity portraits. And you are correct I don’t love them for maternity sessions. But for a newborn session, your belly cast makes a swoon worthy prop!

Newborn portraits are my jam but add in a belly cast prop and I’m in love all over again. A simple white cast of your pregnant belly makes the most amazing vessel to hold your tiny newborn baby. It’s simple, elegant, unique and just perfect for your baby. The cast itself can be a fun add on to your maternity session and it because an heirloom you can share with your child when he or she is older. But that is just an added bonus on creating a one of a kind prop that’s just for you and your little one.

Just check out these portraits of little miss Ruby and tell me do you love the look? Is this something you’d like to try for your baby portraits? Just let me know. Creating a cast takes about 20 minutes at the end of your maternity portrait session or your newborn consultation appointment.

Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC newborn baby portrait

Belly cast, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC newborn baby portrait

Newborn, Belly cast, Fort Mill, SC, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC newborn baby portrait

Last thing I’m working on a newborn blog series, for more information check out my previous blog post. If you are expecting a baby, I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Blog Series. As a gift for sharing your story you will receive a complimentary newborn portrait session and your favorite image printed professionally as a thank you. Click here to apply.

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

November 26, 2019November 22, 2021

Charlotte NC Birth Doula | Interview with Patti from Instinctive Birth

November 13, 2019January 24, 2022

Fort Mill, SC Child Photographer | Cherished Mom and Daughter Portraits

mom and daughter share joy Fort Mill, sc, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC

Do you want a pause button for your fast growing kiddo? Many people think I offer portrait services, but what I’m really giving you is a window back in time. You see, when you buy a photograph from me you get to stop time for a second and take that memory with you forever, and that, my friend, is priceless.

These are just awesome for mom and daughter. Imagine in ten years how much these will mean to mom! Imagine what these will mean to this little one in a few years. She will look back at these and see how much mom loved her and how much she loved her mom as a toddler.

Simple, classic mom and daughter portraits like these are treasured memories when this little girl is an adult. Mom of course will cherish these forever. And on the tough days these portraits will bring her so much joy. And isn’t that why we take family portraits in the first place.

Share Joy my friends!

September 9, 2019June 9, 2022

Planning ahead for Amazing Baby Portraits – Fort Mill

planning ahead for baby portraits, wall artwork, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC

When you are expecting baby number three it’s easy to think oh I got this I know what is coming next. Moms who plan ahead are my spirit animal. (serious over planner here). Plan ahead moms make their life and mine so much easier. I distinctly remember chatting with this mom about where she wanted portraits to be displayed in her home. How she wanted them to feel and how having a photograph of the three kids together was so important to her.

Why newborn portraits matter in the grand scheme of things

Having photographs of this special time is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something this mom didn’t want to forget. The newborn stage goes by so fast and it’s easy to forget the small details. Having newborn portraits on the living room wall will remind her that she was wanted and loved! Planning ahead for amazing baby portraits is the best way to achieve this goal.

Great Job Mom

Shout out to mom on her clothing and styling choices for this session. I feel like she could teach other moms how to style a family and make it look effortless. These kiddos always look put together yet casual for portrait sessions. But don’t let that fool you it’s never as effortless as it looks. I recall tears from little D last year when he had to take off his batman shirt for picture day!

Perfect little sister

Little miss was a dream baby model, I’m not sure she cried the whole session. And only woke up to eat near the end. She seems to be an easy going little sister and that will help mom out immensely with two active older brothers.

Are you planning ahead for baby at home?

Check out my best baby soothing tips here.

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, family

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, black and white

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, girl

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, siblings

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, older brothers

planning ahead for baby portraits, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC, newborn

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.