Newborn Session with the Modlin Family

I have shot newborns while working at a portrait studio in the area but never under my own name.  The Modlin Family contacted me before their baby was born to do a newborn photo shoot with them a few weeks ago.  I was so excited and went out to find cute props to make their session special right away!  I found the cutest little hats, fabrics, and baskets!  I didn't think the fabric store would be so fun!  JoAnn's, you will be seeing me again soon!  :)

Baby Jackson came earlier than his due date and I needed to make sure that we took his photograph before he turned 10 days old. We were looking to get super sleepy and cute but natural shots of him.  A lot of babies start moving and stretching about after the 10 day mark.  

I visited their lovely home on a Saturday before the rest of their family came in for the first visit!  Baby Jackson was super adorable.  His Momma and Daddy were also a very sweet couple!  When we went out back to take their first family portrait, you could see the spark they had when looking at one another.  It literally warmed my heart.  

Here are some photos from our session!  A huge thanks to you all!  You guys are awesome!!  :)

Raleigh Rose Garden Maternity Shoot with Brittany DeBerry!

Brittany is one of my favorite people!  She is beautiful, sweet, funny, talented, and an awesome friend.  I have taken her photograph a few times in the past and I also shoot for her hair salon, Brittany DeBerry Hair Styling.  She does amazing work and just a joy to be around!  Her and her husband, Joel are expecting a baby and I am so excited for them!  

I wanted to make sure the location we used really brought out all of the wonderful things about Brittany.  I needed the perfect to spot to put such a glowing mother-to-be.  I ran over to the Raleigh Rose Garden and Little Theatre a few hours before our shoot to make sure the roses weren't wilted.  Everything looked great!  

Brittany met us there with the most dainty and romantic dress on.. Perfect!  We had a lovely time prancing around the roses and shooting pretty pictures!  I dashed home and got to editing right away.  

We plan to shoot again before she has the baby and also get Joel in the shoot too!  I am very much looking forward to it! 

Check out some of the shots from our session below..

Thanks so much for such a fun session, Brittany!!  xoxo  :)

Exploring the Warehouse District in Raleigh

My fellow photographer friend and I decided to take advantage of a perfectly overcast day and shoot some photos while exploring the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh.  I had driven through this area many times but never walked around and shot photos.  Oliver is pretty keen on spots around Raleigh for good shots.  We picked out two good shirts and a pair of shoes (that I am completely jealous of) and off we went!

I even used a new flash that I hadn't tried before.  It was off camera, so I was holding a camera and a flash.  No tripod and no stabilizing extra hand.  It was quite different from either having your flash on your camera or on a light stand off to the side.  I like being put in a shooting situation that I am not used to.  I learn something new every time.

The warehouse district won me over.  Less people, less cars, and a lot of character.  It's a great spot for a unique portrait session.  I can't wait to shoot out there again!

Here are some photos of our little photo walk about!

What was once a dream…

Is now a reality!  I am incredibly excited to announce the beginning of my official photography business, Ashley McCray Photography!!!!  Eeeeek!  For all of you that know me, you know that this is something I have been talking about for years and years.  After a lot of planning and hard work, we are finally here!  

I have been shooting children, portraits, fashion, fine art, and commercial photography for 9 years now!  I am incredibly elated to be making this announcement and start this blog!  I have learned so much in these nine years and am more than ready and anxious to get this thing going!  

Until the end of the year, I will have grand opening specials which you can see in the pricing section of my website:  www.ashleymccrayphotography.com .  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions!  

Keep checking back for more updates and photos!  Thank you!!!!  :)

Gwynnie at the beach.