Whenever I pause to reflect back on past events, I'm always in awe of God's perfect timing. I booked tickets to Seattle (my hometown) months earlier, and I later learned that my dear friends, Alison and Mark, were going to have a baby around the same time I'd be in Seattle! Who knew that baby Zachariah was going to make his debut on July 6th (a day after his expected due date) AND while I'd be in town?

We started out by photographing some beautiful portraits of Alison holding baby Zachariah. I had Alison stand next to the window (I'm a huge fan of natural, window light!) because I wanted to use the soft light that was organically coming from the window. I thought it would be meaningful to capture the tenderness and intimate connection between mother and child during the first few weeks of a baby's life. We captured a few portraits of Mark and Zachariah later in the shoot, too, to also illustrate the connection between father and son. I want parents to be able to remember the joy of holding their babies because they're only little for so long!

We also captured candids of the two older brothers and the interaction they were having with Mark, their dad. They were eating popcorn, and Mark was balancing Ty beanie babies on their heads! It was so funny, and their giggles and smiles were priceless. We captured additional portraits of the whole family inside and outside their home, and it was perfect in every way! Baby Zachariah, you are so loved by your mommy, daddy, and older brothers :)

To capture the wonderful gift of family is one of the greatest honors and joys I have, and I'm truly blessed to do what I love to do! Enjoy the photos.

-Genevieve

If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact me here!

If you'd like to learn photography tips, subscribe to my exclusive client mailing list, GLP Insider! You'll also be the first to know about the latest news and special offers.

There's something special when it comes to black and white photography. It's timeless, classic, and can help you create a stronger image when you process your photos! Here are three tips I've found that has helped me determine when to process photos in black and white.

1. Color is a distraction to your story.

If you find there are too many colors around your subject AND there is a lot of action going on in your photo, try processing your photo in black and white. I think color can be a wonderful and powerful element, but sometimes it can detract your viewer from the story you're trying to tell. Ask yourself: will removing color strengthen or weaken my visual narrative? Will it add or take away from the story?

In the photo below, I wanted to emphasize the moment when the mother of the bride was helping her daughter get into her wedding dress. I found the colors of the wall and floor to be distracting (we were getting ready in a classroom at church). Changing the photo to black and white made the photo more refined and clearly puts the focus on the subject: the bride and mom.

2. You want to emphasize an emotion or expression.

Sometimes there's a cute expression or emotion that is happening in your photo, and again, you want to focus on that! Expressions, gestures, and emotions are all things that help make a photo interesting and meaningful (especially when it comes to family portraits).

In the photo below, I would use the color photo in a family album or slideshow because it would look consistent with the other images I took from the session. However, if I was framing this photo or presenting it by itself, I would choose the black and white photo. I really want to highlight the baby and his cute yawn!

3. You want to highlight interesting light, shape, or pattern.

You can apply this tip to so many genres of photography! Whether you are shooting portrait or travel photos, look for patterns or interesting light and shapes. If you're looking to go the extra mile, change your camera settings to black and white then shoot! It totally changes the way you see everything, and helps you become a master of light and composition.

In the photo below, my husband and I were on a boat tour in Chicago. As we were approaching the city, I saw the beautiful skyline and wanted to capture its grandness! I also wanted to capture the silhouette of the guests on the boat, and love how the contrast is emphasized in the black and white photo. Also, the shapes of the building stand out better, and if you look closely, the building at the center is the Willis Tower.

Now go out and experiment with black and white! Remember, ask yourself if using black and white will help strengthen or weaken the story you are trying to tell.

If you'd like to learn more photography tips, subscribe to my exclusive client mailing list, GLP Insider! You'll also be the first to know about the latest news and special offers!

If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact me here.

Friends, food, shopping...if that combination of words sound good to you, then you should check out the Raleigh Housewives in the City social events! They host monthly social and networking events at popular venues in Raleigh, NC and I had the honor to take event photography for them this month. You'll get to enjoy great food, drinks, and shopping and meet talented vendors (who offer giveaways and raffles!). Best of all, these events are FREE! How can you say no to that?

Below includes some of the highlights from June's event at the newly renovated Marriott Crabtree Valley in Raleigh. It's conveniently located next to Crabtree Mall, so if you want to do more shopping you can simply cross the street!

If you are looking for a Raleigh event photographer for your special occasion, feel free to contact me here. I'd love to chat with you about your event!

Venue: Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

G. Lin Photography is a premier Raleigh family photographer serving the greater Triangle area. We specialize in creating timeless family portraits that feel natural and genuine, and preserving your photos with heirloom quality products.

If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact Genevieve here.