Blah, blah, blogging with SwankPhotoStudio bio picture

Who I am . . . .

At heart, I am a kid.
At play, I am an artist.
At work, I'm giving a 100% of who I am to my art.
At home, I am a Mom and a wife and an accountant
and a nurse and a chauffeur and a cleaning lady
and a landscaper and an interior decorator and a chef.
I'm not perfect at it, but I work very hard at it everyday.

What you should know about me . . . . .
I'm entirely laid back and fun.
I like making people laugh.
I love a challenge.
My artistic eye and penchant for relating to people, I recognize and
embrace as my gift.
Being a photographer doesn't define who I am, but it certainly has
shaped the person I've become.
I'm a better person because of my photography and my clients;
my muses!

Am I wise? . . . . .
I've come so far and gained so much as a person by experiencing the
good alongside the bad.
I believe that in every obstacle or sticky situation in life, there is
an opportunity for growth in some way.
That a day not thinking about the future is a day neglected.

I am unique. I am close to my heart.
Bottomline, this is me!

Tandem at Thaiphoon – Raleigh, NC

Fun new location for my latest engagement session. And no, Thaiphoon isn’t a studio rental for photographers. Just got lucky I guess you could say. My wonderful new couple Danielle and Rich (to be married in October at the Carolina Inn) are frequenters and fans of the Glenwood South Thai restaurant. I have to admit, and having not been a diner there before, that I was skeptical of shooting at a restaurant.

Well, my skepticism quickly turned into an invigorating energy upon arrival because this place is about as cool as it gets when it comes to shooting. Lots of gorgeous natural light fills in to their lower dining area. The whole restaurant has a feel of a 70’s mod with a contemporary twist. And the orange!!! Love the color. Not often you’re given a large orange wall as a backdrop. Everything just pops off of it.

The tandem aspect of our shoot also fell in the way of a surprise for I showed up as a duo. This shoot was a first for me and Matt Hall of 201 Media Productions. We surprised Danielle and Rich with a cinematic session. They were my proverbial guinea pigs for a new venture I’m pursuing where we incorporate Matt’s video and my stills, light interviewing of Danielle & Rich, resulting in a video montage to tell the story of my clients. They truly were good sports and quite surprised by the notion of what we were offering. They’re very much in love so I knew it would be a perfect match for them. The timing was right, as well, as they were my first engagement session of the new season. No slight to my other clients’ by any means.

Excited to share the final product. To be continued . . . . .

Cupcakes & Kasey – Smithfield, NC (The Studio)

Well I can’t divulge the full information regarding our recent Vintage Vixens session, but I can tell you that the editorial piece is what I am so excited about!

Kasey is a burst of fresh California air. She trotted into my studio with a large suitcase and a pan of oversized cupcakes raring to go for our shoot.

The session to be one of my full sessions included all of the bells and whistles, including gorgeous glam jewelry donated by no other than Bailey\’s Fine Jewelry of Raleigh, Cameron Village. The hair and makeup of course by my wonderful artist extraordinaire, Margo of Belloviso left us with some amazing looks. Beverly Hills chic pulled back ponytail, to Old Hollywood glam, to cute girl next door with cupcakes. It was a session chock full of sweetness all the way around, cupcakes included!

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Hooray for Swank Windows!

So I’ve been dying to climb a 10ft ladder to the heavens of my studio and finally got around to doing it! And with just cause. My little square windows in the loft above my door now have a purpose. Just see for yourself!

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Wedding Wire WoooHooo for Swank Photo Studio


Stacy Borelli,
This email confirms that some of the photos you submitted to the
WeddingWire Best Wedding Pic’s entry were chosen!

We are excited about sharing your talent with brides around our Network of Sites. In the upcoming weeks we willbe creating galleries on BridalBuds.com. You will be able to find one or more of your photos in the galleries there.

Thank you for submitting your beautiful photos!

The WeddingWire Team

Baby Connor – Smithfield, NC

It was a random phone call which began my new relationship with Amanda, Mom to Baby Connor. Reinforces the point to always answer my phone. There were very few questions regarding the session. She just new that Baby Connor was already a Swank Baby.    ;  )

So we had our session with our little trooper who didn’t fuss once. He was a sweet little guy however serious. Penetrating blue eyes and a perfect bald little head. He christened my new blanket playing fireman – hahahaha! Those little boys. It’s easy to wash a blanket. It’s priceless to capture a memory.

Check out his Kung Fu picture below! Dad will be proud.

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Beverly is Beautiful – Smithfield, NC – The Studio

Beverly is a second time Mommy-to-be and is just about the cutest little pregnant lady I’ve ever seen! She’s just glowy and beautiful and her little basketball belly on her petite frame is playing host to their new little baby boy to be due in late March.

She came to me back in October and I believe she may be visiting me for awhile. Well at least for the next year. She’s taken part in my A Year in the Life plan in which we’ll be documenting all of baby # 2’s milestones along the way. They are opting for the complimentary birth session that comes with the program, so in the end, I’m sure they’re going to a wonderful album to cherish for years to come.

Big brother, Gavin,  is quite the little angel. In my eyes a dream child to shoot as he’s such a happy kid, a real ham,  whom adores his parents and is excited for his little brother to come.

I was thrilled with the family for their January session. And now I can’t wait to meet Quinn family member #4!

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Big Swankin’ News! – iSwank!!

To all of my fellow Mac’ers, the long waited big announcement is finally here. It took awhile.  Now you can iSwank!

That’s right! We have our own app for your iPhone, iPad, & iTouch. This is such a perfect way to stay in touch with all that is happening here at Swank Photo Studio. With one push you’re connected to us. Share with friends. See if you’re the photo of the day! Special offers too, to all who download the app. Rate us. Stay in touch. It’s FREE!

Download it now! iHappy!

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Baby, baby, Baby Ana! – Smithfield, NC

Well, I’m getting tons of practice with all of the little munchkins lately. It’s good I need it. They’re challenging and keep me on my toes. They take a while, but the end result is always sweet little one pictures.

Holly, Andrew, and Max welcomed baby Anathea on January 18th. A robust 8lbs. 9ozs, this little one is a sleeper  . . . . .well,  . . . .. according to Mom, that is. I’ve got a magic touch. I can make even the most sleepiest of sleepy babies snap out of it and wake up. I’m being totally sarcastic! It’s just funny. I always want sleepy baby pics, but somehow end up with the newbies with superhero strengths that kick their legs out from underneath them, lift their heads, and push away. I’m just waiting for one to say to me, “what in the world are you trying to do with me!”.

I’ve decided to just embrace the awake baby, at any age! They’re cute awake or asleep and I’ve just got to adapt to working a little bit harder and longer.

Nonetheless, I had a blast with Ana. She’s so totally adorable and squishy. Congrats Holly, Andrew, and Max!

S~

We’re Featured!

So excited to share that Swank Photo Studio is featured in two top local magazines.

Southern Bride & Groom is host to our wedding feature for Brett & Allison’s wedding at the Preston Woodall House in Benson, NC. An absolutely gorgeous wedding designed by the very talented Shawn Schindler of Your Special Day.

SB&G 2006

And then moving on over to The Bride\’s Book , we are generously featured throughout the pages of the magazine boasting our gorgeous bride’s and grooms from 2009. Please also check out their blog . Christy & Ferris’ gorgeous Grand Bahamian wedding is featured there too.

Winter 2010 Cover

You can find copies of Southern Bride & Groom at Belk’s throughought the region as well as local boutique dress shops and other wedding vendors in the Triangle area. The Bride’s Book can be found throughout the Triangle including Barnes & Noble booksellers and Harris Teeter.

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Holly’s Belly – The Studio – Smithfield, NC

Well, my dear friend and fellow colleague Holly is expecting her little Anathea any day now. Well, Monday to be exact. And she’s totally adorable. She’s one of those mommies-to-be that doesnt’ start showing until the 7th month and when she does, it’s just a perfect round little belly. The girl just glows and she carries pregnancies well.

So we had a little fun for her session. I always love the look of jeans for the moms-to-be and what isn’t more fun than painting the belly. We did. We couldn’t resist. A smiley face was in order. Big brother to be, Max was quite taken aback by Mom’s ‘yeller’ belly.

I’m excited to share these pics with you.

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