Cactus Princess | Child | El Paso, TX Photographer

I asked for a child model to try out a concept in my mind that would fit a size 5 dress. This little girl's mother contacted me and told me her daughter would be perfect. And boy was she right!

 She said her little girl would start out shy but would warm up quickly. Her little girl showed her differently. LOL She was talkative and worked hard for me. She was FANTASTIC!

Those boot tho! <3

I made the crown outta sage and purple flowers. <3 It looked fabulous! Dress is: Bonnie Jean.

 I mean, hello?! How stinking gorgeous right?!

 

I asked for a little girl between 4-6 years old, I got a four year old who is full of spunk and curiosity. I got a a four year old who is well behaved and full of spirit. I had a blast, and I sure hope she did too! Because she rocked these images and I couldn't have asked for a better model to show off this dress!

Ruffles, Cake & 4 Paws | Child | Fayetteville, NC Photographer

Okay .... so at first we weren't too happy about turning one. I mean, one is a pretty big event. You've been on this earth for 12 months ... 365 days ... and LOTS of hours. I mean, it's a pretty big deal. You're still learning things, like, "what is this pretty pink and yellow thing?"  "Why did mom put me in these ruffles?" "Oh ... what is this?" "Its pink, soft and smells amazing..." "Why is this woman in front of me with that big thing and making funny noises?"

 "oh wait, did you say cake?!" "I know what cake is..."

LOL, little miss was not to keen on me having her in the early evening heat, on grass, then a blanket, then brick trying to photograph her. So in between her little sobs, I caught detail images and parts where it didn't look like she was crying ... lol. We finally decided to stop torturing her and give her the cake. After all, she deserved it! Heck, she earned it!

 And how precious is she? LOL laughing at momma off camera and eating her cake. The cake was made by "Everything Cake by Randi." Basically I just sent her a pic of the outfit momma chose for the baby and Randy went to work! Super cute and momma said the cake was delicious. Little Miss seemed to enjoy it too!

 Eventually, Tucker, the family dog decided little sister was taking too long to eat that cake ... so he decided to help out. Little Miss was nice enough to share. <3

 "Oh mom!" LOL momma took part of the cake eating too ... and then smashed a small piece on Little Miss. LOL Mom didn't think she was getting messy enough. LOL What a fun session this turned out to be!

Book your cake smash today!! Email sharilynwellsphotography@gmail.com

*** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. ***

Read With Me | Mommy & Me | Fayetteville, NC Photographer

How sweet of a session is this?! And just in time for Mother's Day!

I know yesterday was Mother's Day, but it's never too late to get a photo session in with just you and your babies! Whether your babies are little, grown, or have fur and four legs! Pictures are ways to preserve your memories. And of course, YOU HAVE TO BE IN THOSE MEMORIES!

I'm a huge advocate of memory archiving. I mean, hello, I'm a photographer! haha! But I'm also a BIG advocate of mom (and dad) being those memory archives. You want to be able to have your children remember that memory and to also know that mom was there too! How you looked, how you held them, how you smiled, how your eyes glistened when hugged or kissed. I mean, I know I want my boys to remember me.... you should too!

 

Precious moments need to be remembered. They're not this little forever, you need to preserve this moment for a lifetime ... and longer. Because after you're gone, these will be the memories that will never be forgotten. Pictures last longer than a lifetime. Remember that.

PS - these images were taken with a Lensbaby. ;)
** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. **

Momma & her Boys | Family | Fayetteville, NC Photographer

Being a photographer is awesome. You know why? I'll tell ya. You get to meet so many wonderful and creative people that you can share your talents and passion with. This family is one of them. 

I can't exactly remember how I became great friends with this family, but I can tell you it more than likely happened by helping each other out. I believe I had asked her if she could be my back up for a birth session just in case ... I'm pretty sure we saw each other at homecomings multiple times ... and I know I helped her out on a First 48 session. She also got me hooked on baby wearing and TULAS! More importantly, we became friends because our boys love each other and we've watched each other's children multiple times so that we could do our job and take on multiple sessions.

So when she approached me to do a photography trade, I jumped at it. She photographed my husband's deployment and I was to photograph her reunion with her hubby. Well, things change. LOL She did photograph my homecoming, but her hubby came down on PCS orders and instead of returning to Fayetteville, he was returning to their new duty station. I was not going to be able to photograph those memories for her. BUT she asked if I could photograph her and her boys, since she never gets to be IN the memories she creates. And again, I was like YES!

How cute are they right?! Babywearing is super special to me now. I never thought twice about keeping my baby so close to me with my first son. But when I became a work at home momma, keeping my littlest close to me and still being able to work my photography business ... hello?! What better way? I wear my baby on many of my photo shoots and she does the same. It's also very comforting and empowering knowing I can be a momma and a business owner. Many people comment about my "side kick" or my "assistant for the day." One gentleman said that he was impressed that I could bring my baby with me on photo shoots and I was a great role model to all the mothers trying to start up a business. I felt super proud knowing that this was an accepted thing, bringing your child with you on work sessions.

Another empowering part of this session? The fact that she wanted to nurse her little. Breastfeeding sessions have become a phenomenon as of late. American society is starting to realize that this is a natural thing and baring your breast to feed your child shouldn't be hidden or kept to private areas. Sex sells and women show cleavage to sell anything from a hamburger to a car. Why does the American society look down on breastfeeding your child in public?! It's natural and intended for nurturing your little. So what's the problem?

Nursing both my boys was probably the best thing I could do for them. For my first, I could only last about 6 months as I had to go back to being a Soldier full time and wasn't able to pump as much as I would like to. Being a stay at home mom with my second, I was able to make it longer ... about 10 months until my littlest cut ME off! LOL He was done nursing and her wanted food he could hold! LOL But whether a momma nurses for a day, for a month, a year, of a few years, I'm super proud of each one. I'm also super proud of those mommas who bottle feed their children with formula. Face it, it's your child, you can decide what is best for them and for you! :) after all, you're a momma, the toughest job out there!

This location was just gorgeous. Yes, I had to edit out some trash from the river ... lol ... but I mean, logs, water, perfect light, greenery ... and a gorgeous momma and baby. Hello?!

 To book your own family or nursing session, EMAIL me today!

** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. ***