Carolinas Newborn Photographer // The Cintron Family // Clover, SC

My husband and I moved into our Charlotte, NC home six weeks before my daughter was born. It was January and cold and so we didn’t get out and meet our neighbors until it started to warm up and of course by that time, we had a newborn as well. When we finally met everyone on the “sac” we knew we had made the right choice on a home. There are so many kids around us always in and out of our house and the other houses on the block and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Spring quickly moved into summer and we were celebrating the fourth of July when I met the sister of one of my neighbors. She was a few days past her due date and pretty miserable in the heat. I was excited though because I knew how close in age our kids would be! Her and my neighbor are close so I knew she would be over often and the kids would be able to play together. Time truly is a thief because before I knew it, Amy was pregnant again! This time, I was invited in to document this incredibly important time for this family. 

Baby girl N was born right around Thanksgiving and I arrived at their Clover, SC home for her documentary newborn session on a day when big brother was home from school which was an added bonus. 

When I photograph a family at a time like this in their lives, I understand and honor its fragility. I take great care when telling the unique story of each family. I include things like toys combined with diapers and feeding times for baby, at the same time as feeding time for the adults and older children. The connection between each person in the family is precious. I think it is extraordinary.  

Other activities that I love to document include bathtime! Typically, newborn baths take place in the sink because they are just so tiny and it only makes sense to use the sink. We have used our kitchen sink countless times to clean our kids. As they got older, they would sit on the edge while we cleaned them up after a morning of painting or a messy spaghetti dinner. Maybe it is partly my nostalgia taking over that I love the sick baths so much. 

During this session, because big brother was home, I was looking forward to capturing the dynamic between the two. I could tell early on that he loved his baby sister more than anything. He truly enjoyed spending time with her and felt comfortable taking care of her while mom and dad did a few dishes and prepared lunch. 

As I talked with mom and dad about various topics, I made sure to show them how well they were doing as new parents once again as well as to show them the amazing connection they are creating with baby N. 

This family means a lot to me and I hope to return to document everyone again soon.

Charlotte Family Photographer // The Ganzerts // Charlotte, NC

Many years ago, I volunteered to photograph families to raise money for a Charlotte, NC adoption organization. I met many families in a short few hours and had a great time. 

About a year after this, one of the families reached out to see if I would come take photographs of her family at their home honoring the documentary style of photography that I cherish. This was one of my first real clients and I was so nervous and equally excited. 

It was just as I hoped…a relaxed afternoon together getting the kids dressed and ready to get outside.  (She had a second baby boy since we had last seen each other!) 

One moment that stood out and still stands out today was when the older brother had just put his shoes on, but wanted to catch the last bit of Paw Patrol. He is laying on the couch with his feet hanging off the side (so as to not dirty the cushions) and now that I have a son of my own, this could not be more relatable. There is something about little boys that is just so wonderfully unique. 

We headed to the park by way of a beautiful path. Mom, Dad, baby brother and big brother, and the pup were all in tow. While there, I was able to witness (and photograph) the baby’s first time in a swing! I was so elated and so were mom and dad as documenting times like this “first” so beautifully doesn’t happen all that often. 

The walk back home was as equally eventful as the way there and before we knew it, we had made it back home, taken a family photo on the porch and it was time for me to head home. 

A few short years later, I got a note again from Tonya and she was inquiring again about a session with me. I was beside myself to be able to photograph this family again. This time would again be different as they just completed a huge renovation on their home and it had doubled in size and looked nothing like it did when I was there last. 

This time we stayed home, hit some baseballs off a tee in the backyard, ate ice cream, and ran around and played inside. Tonya also surprised me half way through the session by letting me know she was pregnant with her third child, a girl! (I hope to meet sweet P sometime soon!)

I am constantly in awe of the beauty in the smallest moments that unfold in front of my lens. How lucky am I that families invite me into their homes, conduct business as usual, and in turn reap the benefits of sharing their love and connection with each other with me who gets to reflect it back on them with my images. 

Thank you Tonya. 

Without you, I may have stopped pursuing this dream of mine. I always am honored to be able to show you and your family the extra that is in your ordinary.

Charlotte Family Photographer // The Williams Family // Charlotte, NC

Dana and Kevin aren't just clients; we started out as friends years ago. My relationship with Dana began at work and we forged a genuine friendship. Our camaraderie was evident in the laughter we shared during lunch breaks, desk-side conversations, and after-work happy hours. The bond we developed extended beyond the workplace.

The turning point came when Dana welcomed her firstborn, Rowan. It was a time when the world grappled with a global pandemic, casting uncertainty on various aspects of life. The prospect of capturing newborn moments for the newest addition to their family seemed elusive. Eventually, when Rowan was nearly five months old, we managed to schedule some time together in their South Charlotte home— and it was so worth the wait. 

Fast forward a year, and I received another call to revisit and spend more time with this wonderful family. Thrilled by the opportunity, I entered their home to be greeted by Dana's warm smile and a steaming cup of coffee—an inviting gesture that I particularly appreciated, given that the session began early that morning.

Prepared and eager, I embarked on the day's session. Rowan, now more mobile and on the verge of walking, infused an added layer of excitement to the atmosphere. His explorations led him to every nook and cranny, including the well-stocked adult beverage cart. The first valuable moment unfolded as Rowan's exuberance, resulting in a joyful tumble in the hallway outside his room.

Observing the trio—Dana, Kevin, and Rowan, along with their furry companion—naturally connect as they navigated through their morning routine was a comforting experience. The simplicity of activities like reading books, enjoying a bottle, and playing in the kitchen radiated an undeniable charm.

We moved the “documentary family photography” party outdoors and enjoyed some alfresco dining for brunch. Some of my most cherished images were created during this time. Rowan, in his almost-walking phase, delighted in feeding himself oatmeal with his hands, still mastering the art of the spoon. 

Although, by the time I got home after the session, he had probably figured it out. That is the hard thing about being a parent. (Well, one hard thing…I suppose there can be many!) Time is a thief and things happen and change so fast when children are little and I can only hope that every family embarks on a documentary photography journey at least a few times so you can look back and honor the moments that otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

What sets my approach apart is a commitment to zero bias and zero judgment. When I step into a family's space, my aim is to capture the authentic essence of their love and the unique beauty found in their everyday chaos. In documenting the ordinary, I strive to unearth the extraordinary moments that often escape our attention.

I am incredibly thankful to the Williams family for once again inviting me to be a part of their story. It's an honor to document the extra in their ordinary, a reminder that each family's journey is a tapestry woven with moments worth preserving.