Whoa, Momma: Ms. Y’s Boudoir Session

Last week we posted a few updates, and casually mentioned that we might kinda sorta be doing some “special” Valentine’s Day photos.  I have to be honest, I was really nervous about these, and I think Rebecca was too – we worked the shoot together so we could do styling, try to help the model into her best poses, etc.  Having never done anything quite like this (naked babies don’t really count, do they?), we weren’t sure this would be something we enjoyed.

SO.  STINKIN’.  WRONG.

Our model, Ms. Y, was ready to rock.  She was funny, she was bold, and she was workin’ her momma body – as she should have been, because her seven-month-post-partum belly was flatter than mine is (and my youngest is three YEARS old.  Annnd… blush with shame).  Y’s husband is a major sports fan, and she wanted to use some of his favorite jerseys in the shoot, as well as some work apparel so he’d know these were special shots just for him…

Because she is awesome, Y agreed to share her shots on this website.  While she didn’t go totally nude, and in fact shows little beyond what you’d see if she wore a bikini, obviously the photos are adult in nature, and probably shouldn’t be viewed with kids around.  Also, if you know her full name, please do not post it in a comment – any identifying comments will not be approved.  Thank you!

And hey, watch for Rebecca’s cameo in one shot.  :)

January: a month of building

Wow, it’s been far too long since we updated!  January was a really exciting month for us, both in terms of shoots (all the squishy babies, yummm – we’ll post about them later) and because we’re trying out some new ideas.  Since we’re relatively new to being partners, Rebecca and I are learning, experimenting, and testing, and since the holiday portrait rush has ended, we’ve had a little more time to try out new things.

Weddings: Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chos

Roughly translated, this means “The more it changes, the more it’s the same thing.”  I like this saying a lot, and I feel like it’s really applicable for us – we’re growing and developing as a partnership, rather than two independents, but our main thought is the same.  We want wedding photography to be EASY for our couples.  Future brides will be pleased to know that we’ve decided to keep prices the same for another few months; not that we couldn’t use the extra cash, but we understand that hey, the economy is tough.  As a bride, you have a lot of choices when you plan a wedding – which cake, how many, what flowers, where to eat.  Do you get your dress at an upscale shop or try to refashion your mother’s?  Monogram the favors (so cute!) or go with a stock design?  We’d like to think that we’re pretty reasonable, and it felt better to keep the moderate prices and keep-it-simple pricing we had for all of last year.  (If you want more information on this, pop us an email – we’re happy to share.)  We’ve also decided to continue with a la carte pricing – this means we don’t do packages, because we don’t like forcing you into what we think you want.  You tell us, and it’s yours.

We happily registered for another wedding show, this time a smaller-scale event in Mebane – the Burlington Times-News sponsors a lovely show at the Arts Center there, and we’re pleased to say that we’re the fourth and final photographers who made the deadline.  We’ll be bringing the ring pops, of course, so if you need a sugar fix and some great ideas, come see us!

And of course, we wrapped up our last few weddings from 2011 – I’ll get those posted ASAP.

Portraits: big new stuff!

We met a lot, a LOT of new babies this year, and caught up with a few we haven’t seen for some months.  We expanded the props list, too, so now your Home Studio options aren’t just black or white backgrounds.  Say hello to the Emmabelle backdrop (costuming and prop selection by this little darling’s big sister – she picked out the bear as a special welcome gift, how cute is THAT?):

And the Kayla:

Now our backdrop options include a kazillion patterns, colors, and yes, even floors – your home really can be the perfect photo location, whether you have carpet, tile, vinyl, or cement in the garage.  When you sign up for a Home Studio session, we’ll share the full list of background options (and you’ll probably see them popping up on here quite frequently as well).

Another big surprise (to us, too) for our portrait division is the boudoir session, which YES, we’re doing!  After a halfhearted, “well, maybe” kind of post on a local women’s forum, we’ve had a surprising amount of interest and are looking forward to the challenge of sassy, classy Valentines and anniversary gifts for the fellas in our area.  Hold on to your hats, boys – your wives and girlfriends have some very hot ideas!  We haven’t yet added Boudoir to our nav menu above, so if you want more info about this, send us an email.

And now…

Time for some updated photo posts!  Hopefully you’ve enjoyed hearing what’s new for RBP as much as we’ve enjoyed expanding our options – I still say this is the best job ever, because one of my bosses lets me wear pajamas on office days (yeah, that’s me) and my other boss brings me Starbucks and chocolate for the marathon staff meetings (Rebecca!)  Enjoy the results of those meetings, and we’ll see you soon!

Kim & Paul :: Married :: Chapel Hill, NC

We had the best time ringing in the New Year and celebrating the marriage of Kim and Paul.  We spent the whole day with these two lovebirds and their family and friends from all over the east coast.  This was a very relaxed and super laid back affair that was just perfect for this lovely couple.  These are a few of our favorites from the day.

Thanks so much for spending your day with us you guys!  Best wishes as you begin your lives together!

~Rebecca & Annie

Time at THE Red Bridge :: Duke Gardens :: Durham, NC

This was the ultimate Christmas miracle for me. From shoot on Tuesday, editing through the night, client proof Wednesday morning, overnight prints from Minnesota in December to Raleigh arriving on Friday night and framed and wrapped by the photographer in time to be under the tree Saturday night for Christmas eve; that was the ultimate miracle and even more miraculous is what a doll I had to photograph. I think I must still be recovering from shock of it all and also making sure all the intended gift recipients have opened their gifts. I have known this little ones dad for years and it made it even more exciting for me to receive the best e-mail after it all was over with :”you are now our families photographer of choice!”
That makes my job oh so worth it and also working with adorable kids like this little one. We did have to use some bribery, about a million pine cones thrown into the pond at Duke gardens and oh yeah, it features THE red bridge! Enjoy!
~Rebecca

 

Hello, Gorgeous: Jennifer’s Bridals

If your name is Matt, get away from the computer.  SERIOUSLY.  Beautiful Jennifer is too amazing to hide from the world, so take your nosey groom eyes away from the screen this minute.  I mean it!  If your name is not Matt, and you don’t plan to marry beautiful Jennifer in three months, then you may proceed.  :)

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