JAM Photography | NC family photographers

the Gray Boys

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:21:25 -0400

Just a few super-cute, laid-back photos at the Gray house. Crawling around the yard and playing with cups in the living room. The simple joys of being a lil guy. So glad we got to follow these guys around for a bit on a gorgeous Friday morning. :)

That kitty tail shot cracks me up every time. Can’t wait to meet the third Gray boy this summer! Love you guys!

~JAM+bebe

Jamie K | UNC Graduate!

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:45:58 -0400

Finally finished with nursing school at UNC, she’s on her way to working at Duke! As we were shooting at the Old Well on campus, another family chatted with Jamie about her plans after graduation. When learning she would be working at Duke, the dad said, “Oh well that’s fine. You can take Duke’s money all you want, just don’t give them any of yours!” Oh, that rivalry will always be the best. :) We explored the gorgeous arboretum on campus after the well, then made our way to Fearrington Village for a few more photos and a yummy dinner. Check out the gorgeousness!

Jamie, it was soooo awesome seeing you and all the fam! Thanks for bringing the ladies, and for rockin the camera. :) We’ll see you soon!

~JAM (and little JAM bebe)

jam baby

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:10:00 -0400

Hi friends. :)

If you don’t know already, let me share some exciting news: we have a baby boy on the way! He’ll be making his appearance in August if all goes as planned, and he’s already changed our lives for the better.

We’ve done a little bit of shooting here and there this spring, and have a couple more photo sessions in the works before summer is officially here. But after those, we’re officially going on hiatus/sabatical/summer & fall break.

We didn’t plan this break in the beginning, but I’ve since found that shooting is quite a bit difficult for me already. My non-pregnant self typically does all sorts of yoga-style poses, squats & lunges, and lots of running when photographing kiddos. Well, that just can’t happen right now. So with this belly, which I love so dearly, and with Jordan taking on a third job now, this break is much needed. We’ll be getting ready for baby boy all summer, and enjoying time with just us while we can.

I’m currently at the end of week 22, and can feel our little guy dancing in my tummy as I’m typing. Right this very minute. He’s an incredible little guy, and is active just like his daddy. We’ll be sharing a little bit of this journey here, as well as some favorites from our last few clients this year. And as soon as we’re ready to shoot again, we will let it be known. :)

Love, hugs, and bebe kicks,

JAM+1

Before We Move Along | At-Home Family Session

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:15:00 -0400

This dear family has now moved out of this home, but have made so many wonderful memories here. We were thrilled to spend a few hours with them, documenting some of their last days there. We tried to capture everyday, simple moments. These are what we most often want to remember when we grow older, and a simple photo can trigger so many sights, sounds, and smells that might otherwise be forgotten.

Eli and Elsa, here’s just a tiny peek at your childhood home. We hope you enjoy these now, but really hope you’ll love them in another decade or two. If you’re nostalgia addicts like us, we think you will. :)

There are many more photos coming your way, “R” family. Thank you so much for having us over, and for sharing your tasty blueberry pancake breakfast on a Saturday morning! Oh, I think I just gave myself a craving. Pancakes for breakfast tomorrow! :)

Hugs,

JAM

Blue Ridge Realists

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:37:00 -0500

A few weekends ago in early February, we ventured up to Hickory, NC for an art show opening. We’ve been to a few of these, but this one was special to us, as it was organized by my dear dad. He’s brought a group of artists together that are now referred to as the Blue Ridge Realists, and each one of them is incredibly talented. Their scenes of western North Carolina are so beautifully painted, and we have several of their pieces in our “art gallery hallway” upstairs in our home. Watching my dad introduce the artists was one of my favorite parts of the evening. It’s always nice to see your loved ones involved in something they’re passionate about. :)

We brought our cameras along to capture a few shots of these artists together, as it’s such a rare gathering for them. Thanks to the wonderful folks at the Hickory Museum of Art for hosting a great show!

Here we have almost the entire group (just missing Bob Timberlake), with my dad (also an artist) on the far right.

The artists, from left to right are: Phillip Philbeck, Gary Freeman, Ward Nichols, Cotton Ketchie, Richard Oversmith, Jack Greenfield, John Furches, Frederick Craig Franz, and Scott Boyle.

~JAM

JAM & Peanut | little one on the way

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:52:00 -0500

We have a new little addition, who goes with me wherever I go. Nicknamed Peanut from the very beginning, we have a little Maui baby on the way! :) While he or she won’t be making an appearance until August assuming all goes well, we wanted to share our news with all of you now. And to let you know what this means for our shooting schedule this year.

The first trimester has been full of nausea, “morning” sickness, and heartburn and indigestion. Which means little appetite and a pretty bland diet, without grease of almost any kind. Oils and butters, Peanut says no to you! I can’t tell you how much I wanted to title this post “Peanut Butter & JAM,” but even typing “butter” makes me a bit queasy. Yikes! Nothing makes this more bearable than an understanding husband who waits on you every second of the day, all the while thanking you for carrying his little one. If he could be like a seahorse and carry little Peanut, he sure would. But I’m happy to sacrifice a few weeks of discomfort for such a joyous thing. Jordan, you are the very best. We love you. :)

Little Peanut came at the perfect time, during our after-holiday it’s-too-cold-to-shoot season, when we’re typically shooting less anyway. Even our personal photo projects have been put on hold lately, as most of the time even trying to steady the camera and look through the viewfinder has made me more nauseated. As the weeks go on, it’s getting better. And I’ll be ready to shoot this spring if things keep improving! But I’ll tell you guys, there will be a big push for indoor lifestyle photo sessions from me instead of lots of outdoor photos this summer. I imagine I’m going to want as much A/C and pool time as possible with a big belly and summer heat! Maybe we can swing an underwater housing unit for our camera and do some ocean & pool shoots. I’m in the mood to experiment this year.

This fall we’re going to play things a bit by ear as far as scheduling photo sessions. We had a very low-key holiday shooting season in 2012, and the same will likely be true this year since we’ll have a new little one around. Just a heads up for those of you who want to get on our schedules.

And now, a few little iPhone photos of all things Peanut. Nutri-grain blueberry waffles (toasty with no syrup) are my very favorite things to eat, followed by an occasional decaf homemade latte. You guys won’t judge my non-latte art skills right? I’m getting there. Also seen below are our very first ultrasound pics of Peanut, two of four pregnancy tests I’ve taken (yes, a bit obsessive, right?), and a barely visible Peanut bump, taken on a neighborhood walk on a 70-degree January day.

Thank you all for the sweetest messages of congratulations that we’ve already received. Our little community is the best!

~JAM

Georgia on My Mind | At Home Session

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:11:00 -0500

When I (oh yeah, Mindy here) first decided that I wanted to completely dive into the photography world, this is what I was doing. Many people label it as “lifestyle photography,” though that term has varying definitions for different people. Really, I just follow kiddos around and document what they do at home. It’s everyday stuff that we’re used to, but seen through my lens.

There’s no worrying about outfits, locations, hair, etc. Just everyday happenings at home. It’s my favorite thing to photograph, because kids can be real. They know their home, and they know what they like. So, we do what they like. :) Here’s a look at little miss Georgia in her home with her parents. Some of our favorite people in the world.

We arrived just in time for a little playtime. Then it was time for Georgia’s nap.

What better way to wake up from a nap than with hugs and chocolate milk?

Georgia just happened to receive a package in the mail that day. We got to watch her excitedly open it to find a Mickey ornament she’d painted inside. I think we all get this excited when opening packages, right?

Since Georgia was well-rested and ready to entertain, she insisted on showing me her room.

She has a bit of a thing for Fancy Nancy. And well, books in general. But there were lots of Fancy Nancy books to read, and she read them all just for me. I felt like such a fancy guest in Georgia’s room!

I have this secret resident that lives inside my camera. The trick is, only kids can see him. I told Georgia this, and she didn’t seem to believe me…at first. Then as she looked closer, she saw who it was. And decided to make a face for him. :) (Hint: he has two big black ears and a girlfriend named Minnie.)

The girl has had gorgeous long lashes since birth. They’re unbelievable, and I can’t resist photographing them every time I see her.

Peekaboo! I’m reading up here now!

Okay, back to my castle.

After reading and a bit of indoor play, we decided to check out the backyard for some more playtime and fresh air. And…bubbles!

Bubble attack! It got her right in the nose. :)

We decided to get creative with some chalk. I love Georgia’s “potato people,” as her mom calls them.

Hey Mindy, it’s kinda hot out here. Let’s go back inside, okay?

After dinner and a bath, we got ready for the Falcons game, and of course a little Georgia playtime. Including a ticklefest from daddy…

…and some tasty brownies…

…and some more playtime.

Georgia’s princess helped daddy cheer on his team. I think the Minnie Mouse hat probably helped a bit, too. :)

Just one more Fancy Nancy story before bed. Then she was tucked in all snug in her bed. Thankfully, we got to have a sleepover, and take more photos the next day. Spoiling the photographer! :)

And we start the day with? You guessed it…Fancy Nancy!

And some teeth & hair brushing, of course.

Downstairs for breakfast we go!

Georgia has a thing for playing with these big comfy couch pillows.

See what I mean? It’s like a not-so-bouncy trampoline, right in her own living room!

More story time. I hope we’re lucky enough to have a kiddo who loves reading this much. She gets it from her mom. :)

A bit of playroom fun time before we had to get ready to go home.

Since the AKs (as we and everyone else in their world lovingly call them) were moving (and have since moved, I should say), we wanted to get a family photo in front of their house. They’re now quite a bit further away from us, but will be back here in a few years. Until then, we’ll fly to see them whenever we can.

Such sweet kisses from mom…too much too much! We rolled laughing at this second shot when we pulled it up at home later. :)

It just wouldn’t be the AKs without a silly-face shot. :)

Dear sweet AKs, we love you and miss you! Thank you for letting us go camera crazy in your cozy home. :)

We will see you in a few months - counting down!

~JAM

our favorite place | maui

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:11:25 -0500

In November, we escaped the chilly weather North Carolina to visit Hawaii. We went for the first time together in 2008, and saw our UNC Tarheels play in the Maui Invitational basketball tournament. As much as Jordan loves basketball, and we both really really really love adventuring and beach time, we vowed to come back the next time UNC played in the tournament. They’re scheduled to play in Maui every four years, and we’re going to try our best to get to Maui every time the Tarheels do. Here’s a glimpse into the gorgeousness that is Maui, via our camera & iPhones.

Surfers at Honolua Bay

There’s something so calming in the cool blues of a pool.

We saw many sea turtles. They swim in and out of Black Rock to munch on algae every morning.

Jordan swims with fishes!

Our friends Rob & Amanda joined us on this trip. This is one of those shots that I know we’ll be nostalgic about….oh who am I kidding, I already am! Candid adventuring. Nothin’ better.

Spectacular sunset beyond the bay

A little coffee before heading out to Black Rock to find the turtles…

Found one!

“WARNING! FALLING COCONUTS”

We traipsed through the jungle to get to our snorkeling spot in Honolua Bay. The trees were incredible.

Jordan really wanted to pluck that blue fin tuna out of the sea and gobble on it right there. Hawaii is heavenly for sushi & sashimi lovers.

Cuties, Rob & Amanda

Not a bad lunch view while you’re eating fish tacos and hula pie. Right?

On Thanksgiving Day, we roamed the various points of West Maui. It’s a little less lush and green than when we were here four years ago, but still gorgeous.

I assure you, I’ve done nothing to enhance the blues in the water in these photos. It looks exactly like this in person, and I miss it so.

Visiting the blow hole. Can’t say we’ve ever said that before this trip!

Nothing like some local yummy beers after adventuring. Thanks, Maui Brewing Company!

We drove up to Haleakala Crater, but at first took the wrong route. We almost ended up on the forbidden-for-all-rental-vehicles back road to Hana. But I’m so glad, because we caught some amazing mountain scenery.

We had an idea that something wasn’t quite right when we spotted this cow in the road. He did move for us though, thankfully.

When we finally made it to 10,000 feet in elevation to the crater, 2/3 of it was covered in clouds. Shortly after we arrived in the 44 degree air, we felt rain. Shortly after that, the rain turned into a downpour, with hail. So in one day, we experienced 85 degree swimsuit-appropriate temps at sea level, and 44 degree sweatshirt-weather at the crater.

Visiting Pe’ahi, down yet another road that wasn’t made for non 4-wheel drive vehicles. After three miles of rough driveway, we ended up here. “Jaws,” it’s nicknamed, for the big waves that can be seen a few times a year here. Nothing too big today, maybe 12-15 footers. But, we were the only people there. And we adventured down the side of the cliff to get to the water.

Pieces of surfboards can be found everywhere in these rocks at Jaws. Along with quite a bit of solitude, on a calm wave day.

Beautiful view from the Grand Wailea at night. It almost got us in the Christmas spirit. :)

Here is proof that spam and eggs exists on McDonalds’ menu in Hawaii. Every visit, we go to McD’s just once, usually for breakfast (which only Jordan eats - I went to Home Maid for french toast on this day). Simply because one of Jordan’s favorite memories with his grandmother, Junie, was visiting Hawaii with his family and eating at McDonalds while she babysat him. So, we always go and pay tribute to Junie’s love of McD’s, even in Hawaii.

This is Nigel, our roaming gnome. He enjoyed Big Beach.

This is one of many chickens that roam free. They’re everywhere, and so are cats!

Nigel also enjoyed seeing his first black sand beach (though when dry here it’s a bit closer to brown than black). Gorgeous stuff.

Our final night in Maui, we saw the most beautiful sunset of our entire trip.

And, a beach cat. Love him.

Our last view of Maui, at least for another four years.

I’m adding some photos of us that were taken by the wonderfully kind and talented Nate & Jenna. This is just a tiny handful of our favorites, a few from the gorgeous upcountry (where we saw the cow in the road just a few days before), and some by the water of course. (Psst…Nate is also a talented videographer. Check out Sunlit Films, too!)

We’re so happy to have met Nate & Jenna, and thrilled to come back with plenty photos of us in our favorite place. And we didn’t have to bother with asking our friends to take so many photos of us together during the rest of our trip. We had so few photos of us together on our last trip, that we knew this was the way to go this time. So we got to meet some of the sweetest photographers of all time, and came home with more images. Win win. :)

Can’t wait to get back to these blues! Until next time, Maui. See you in four.

~JAM

Tyler +1

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:12:11 -0500

We photographed little Ty a couple of years ago, and were so excited to hear he’s going to be a big brother! We met up with him and mom & dad to get some photos of them before the new little one arrives. Get ready for a post full of cute. :)

Running, jumping, climbing, and sliding (through benches, of course). It’s always a fun day when we get to run around with this cool kid. Thank you guys, for an incredibly fun session. Can’t wait to meet your new little one!

~JAM

Family of Five

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:07:49 -0500

An adorable garden session on a sunny but chilly Saturday morning. These little ones were troopers, and so much fun!

So very sweet!

This handsome guy is used to being around cameras, and was the perfect model.

Springing into the leaves!

We love the light and shadows here.

So much curiosity…is there anything better than the look of wonder in a little one’s eyes? :)

Peekaboo!

The most gigantic leaves we saw in all of the gardens! Perfect for a friendly leaf fight. :)

Love this classic family shot. You guys are so adorable!

We were so happy to meet this family, who bid on a session at an auction earlier this year. Thank you all for such a fun morning!

~JAM