Pedey's Town | DogVacay.com Challenge | Fayetteville, N.C. Photographer

Like an animal lover, my pups pretty much stay with me wherever I go ... unless they hide from the camera like my "old man mutt" does. So, above is a picture of my 2 year-old boxer pup, Pedey. He's a curious one ... and has tons of energy. I guess that's a good thing since we are a pretty energetic family.

Living in Fayetteville, I have noticed a lot of people saying there isn't much to do here ... let me just put this out there — that's a bunch of boloney. Not only does the city offer an abundence of things to do, we are two hours away from the beach, an hour and a half away from the capital, and maybe ... 3-4 hours (maybe it's further away, but seriously) away from the mountains? I mean, we have it all!

Sunrise on Hay Street, Nov 11, 2012

Pedey and his brother, Nibbles, love hanging out around town. Even though they haven't actually attended a stroll down Hay Street (our historic district) many other dogs have and guess what? Many of the outside restaurants allow our fur babies to dine with us! I mean, come on?! how cool is that?!

I could go on and on about the historical pieces of Fayetteville or the fact that we were voted All American City in 2011 ... but I want to talk more about the outdoorsy places of Fayetteville.

Pedey doesn't walk on Hay Street or much around town, but he does LOVE the Cape Fear River Trail! The trail is a paved, 4 mile walk through beautiful LEAVED trees. And I know all you NC people are like, "leaved? all we have are pine trees!" But I'm here to tell you, we do have leaved trees here! :-)

The pups love it on the trail. Sometimes we even see deer ... but mostly squirrels that catch their attention.. Especially when the squirrels run on the crunchy, fall leaves.

Not to mention, about 30 minutes outta town we have Raven Rock! What what?! It's a state park and it's GORGEOUS!

Raven Rock has all sorts of trails to hike through ... best part the trail to the river!

This was Pedey's first trek to Raven Rock. Look how little he is!

A new state park has just been opened as well, Carver's Creek. The dog's haven't been there yet, but I have and it's another gorgeous place to hike and enjoy some fishing. My point is, there's a ton of stuff to do here besides spending money at the shopping malls or wasting away time in front of the TV. I honestly believe that Fayetteville caters to the huge military population here. I mean, I don't think Fayetteville would survive if it wasn't for Fort Bragg -- which has many walking trails as well ... like the Mata Mile and the All American Trail. 

But I do understand that you can't bring your fur-babies every where. Being in a military town, we have to travel (usually long distances) to visit family. That's why DogVacay.com is an awesome resource to find caring and loving people/families to watch your animals while you're gone. That's the last thing you want to worry about ... how you're animals are doing while you're gone. (And it's just a lil' bit more than just kenneling your dogs. They actually get to live with another family for a while or get to stay in their own place while an awesome person checks in on them from time to time) There are a ton of people willing to love, care and baby your animals in Fayetteville. Just check out THIS LINK!

Also, if you like to spoil your pup ... why not give them an awesome treat every month? I started receiving the BarkBox for my pups and they just love it!! They get new (and healthy) treats made just for them every month as well as new toys and accessories! Best part? Not only are you spoiling your pups, you're also helping out pups in need with 10% of your monthly payment going directly to rescue shelters! You can receive $5 off if you use THIS LINK.

And of course, a shameless shout out to my business, Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Don't forget to schedule photo sessions for or with your animals! They, like humans sadly, won't be around long and you should document their lives. I have professional images of my first pup who passed away a couple years ago, and I cherish the heck out of them! I have a cat that I should have done professional pics of ... but never did and sadly, now he too has passed. So, don't live in regret. Book your pet session today! I would love to capture your animal's life and hey, why not jump into the photos as well?! It's a blast! Just ask my son and Pedey!

 ***Do not copy, save or alter these images without the expressed permission of Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. All rights reserved.***

Welcome Baby Axton | Birth Photography | Sanford, N.C., Photographer

Look what I was up to in the middle of the night a few weeks ago! I tried my hand at birth photography. I have NEVER done something like this before but when my friend (and fellow photographer) ask if I would be there for the birth of her first son ... I HAD to say yes!

Killing time on the cell phone as she patiently waits for her boy.

Here, I got a moment between soon-to-be-papa and momma ... He was so proud of her and super excited, he gave her an encouraging wink in between pushes. <3

She was AWESOME! If I didn't know better, I would have thought pushing a baby out of you was easy stuff! She made it look so easy!

Dad didn't want to originally cut the umbilical cord ... but he changed his mind when he saw his boy!

Isn't he just the cutest?! And look at that pout! Mom and Dad are going to have problems saying no if he ever uses that lil' poot'em against them to get what he wants! ;-)

Momma finally got to lil' Axton after he was checked out by the nurses and all wrapped up in his cozy blanket. She got to hold him the second he was out for some skin to skin contact, but soon needed to get vitals. This was when she REALLY got to look at him and enjoy his cute lil' cheeks, ears, nose, and bask in his adorableness!

It was a long night, and I though I wasn't going to be able to stay for the birth, but it was so worth it! I definitely love lifestyle photography (hence why I love homecomings so much), and I'm thinking I could get used to the long hours photographing the birth of a child ... hm....

If you are expecting a child and would love to have his or her birth photographed, please contact me! I would love to be there and capture this beautiful moment in you and your spouse's lives! :-)

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

A Boy and his Pup | Pet Photography | Fayetteville, N.C. Photographer

I had recently watched a Henderson, NV (my hometown) pet photographer on creativeLIVE. CL is a web site that teaches photographers more about their craft and allows them to see other professionals work and learn from them. Arica Dorff, photographer and owner for Pet'ographique, gave out some great tips and tricks to photograph animals ... so of course, revved up and pumped on this new knowledge ... I HAD to try it out on my own pets.

... Let's just say, it didn't go according to plan, but I was able to get some great, sweet shots of my boy and his pup. My "old man" mutt didn't wanna play along, which disappointed me because I have plans on putting these images in the "dog room" I have planned for my hubby to build while he's on leave. ;-) But, none-the-less, I got some adorable pictures and I wanted to share with you. (Especially since I haven't blogged in a while!)

Meet my son and 'Pedey.' They are so cute together, I just love them to pieces! I wish old man mutt would'av joined in on the fun! I was soooo impressed how well Pedey worked with me ... for treats!

 I added bubbles ... probably not the best of ideas ... 'cause well, both my son and the pup were so mesmerized by them, their attention was hard to capture. But with my hubby's help, we got them to look at least somewhat pleasant! :-)

A lil' blooper of the two of them! LOL Pedey is like "help!" in the first and he really had no clue what the bubbles were in the other! LMAO!

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

Fall Family Love | Family | Fayetteville NC Photographer

Let me just let the portraits speak for themselves. This family is just awesome. The lil' boy is adorable and mom and dad's world just revolves around him. I love it!

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

Winged Shadow Eyes | Pinterest Thursday | iPhonography

So, everyone and their gramma (no joke) has been pinning eye makeup and how to get the "perfect winged liner" or "cateye." I'm not immune to this fantasy. I too want the perfect winged liner look as well. And yes, I've pinned a numerous amount of eye makeup tricks ... and I'm finally sharing with you! (Oh, and you can check out my "beauty board" HERE.)

I saw this PIN one day and loved that it said, "trick" in the headline. If there's anything that will make getting the perfect look easier, I'm there. And all I needed was a square of TP? Sooooo there!

The Beauty Department is full of all kinds of neat tricks for makeup, hair and anything pertaining to beautify yourself. Make sure you check it out!

Photo from The Beauty Department

Don't forget to :

All my  photos were taken with an iPhone and copyrighted by SWP.

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

Pinned it, Did it: Part 9 | Pinterest Thursday | iPhonography

This Thursday, I didn't do any pins I am happy to feature one of my fabulous friend's pin. Annie is just as addicted to Pinterest as I am ... which, as you all know, is pretty extreme! But obviously, I pin a million things and only get around to one or two a week. So, I asked if I could share Annie's pins for her dinner she made for her and her daughter last night.  She saved my butt happily agreed.

Annie's Pinterest dinner last night: (looks amazing right?!)

Photo courtesy Annie

 
First up was this amazing PIN: A Ham and Cheese Cresent Roll

Photo courtesy Annie

Looks amazing doesn't it?! She got the pin from Cooking4Carnivores blog:

"Start with a roll of 4 regular Pillsbury crescent rolls. Unroll them and divide the rolls in half leaving two triangles connected. You should have two rectangles. Lightly flour them and a rolling pin. Flatten the rectangles out some. Then place them on a greased cookie sheet. Top each with your chosen ingredients. This night we both had swiss cheese. The carnivore also had deli ham, while I had vidalia onions and basil. Once filled roll the reactangles. Then bake these beauties according to the directions (usually a little more than ten minutes at 375 degrees). Remove from the oven while golden brown and serve while hot."

Annie's review: "I found the middle dough didn't cook it all the way so maybe try cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. (My daughter) doesn't like the rolls. She's eating the cresent rolls and taking off the ham and cheese. And I personally don't like the Swiss, but sometimes when it's cooked with other things, it's not too bad. But I don't care for this and probably wouldn't make these again."

My take: Maybe substituting the Swiss with another cheese, maybe American? I think it may taste a lil' more like a Hotpocket. It's an option. I think I might try it out, it looks fairly simple and quick to make on a busy week day.

Side not: Annie cooked the rolls for 17 minutes instead of the suggested 10 minutes and still had a "not-so-cooked" middle.

Next up was this PIN: The Best Broccoli of Your Life

Photo courtesy Annie

Yum, yum, yummy! My family is BIG on broccoli and with Annie's review, we will definitely be trying this out! She got the pin from Amateur Gourmet's blog:

"You preheat the oven to 425. Put the broccoli on a cookie sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. (5 Tbs olive oil, 1 1/2 tsps kosher salt, 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper) Now add 4 garlic cloves that are peeled and sliced and toss them in too. Roast in the oven 20 to 25 minutes, until 'crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.' When it’s done, take it out of the oven–and here’s where it gets really good–zest a lemon over the broccoli, squeeze the lemon juice over the broccoli, add 1.5 Tbs more olive oil, 3 Tbs toasted pine nuts, and 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Also add 2 Tbs fresh basil."

Annie's review: "Absolutely delicious! Crispy and crunchy. I'm surprised I got a picture before I ate them all! Seriously Shari, you HAVE to try this recipe!"

My take: Um, yes. I will be trying this and probably will be making it for the rest of my life! LOL 

Thank you Annie for sharing your pins with us and if you'd like to follow Annie on Pinterest, click HERE.

And there you have it folks!  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do and don't forget! 

All my  photos were taken with Annie's iPhone and copyrighted by SWP.

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

Waves and Sun | Beach Session | Wilmington, N.C. Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing my sister at the beach. I mean, I couldn't have asked for a better model or backdrop. I could, however, done without all the wind these two days of shooting!

I headed to the beach for a lil' get away with the family and told my sister to be ready for some photography. LOL She does a lot of pageantry and told her I'd help out her portfolio, if I could also get some fun lifestyle images as well. I don't think I had to twist her arm much ... except for the part where I told her she had to get up before the sun rose because the best light is in the morning. (I failed to mention that we could take pictures in the evening as well ... but, eh. I got her up early instead!)

Without further ado ... her gorgeous images:

Gorgeous right?! If you would like to schedule a beach session, I won't say no! LOL Email me at SharilynWellsPhotography@gmail.com and set it up today!

*Session fee is due at booking in full to ensure session slot.

*Travel fee will be added to session fee.

Do not copy, save or alter these images without the expressed permission of Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. All rights reserved.

Pinned it, Did it:Part 8 | Pinterest Thursday | iPhoneography

You know, I look forward to every Thursday because i get to share with you a fun pin I've down with my son. I mean, think about it ... I always seem to do a baking thing with my son. I've done crafts for my son, with my son, and loved every minute of it! Thank you Pinterest Thursday!

Today's PIN is super duper fun and any kid would love to bake these! The original pin is from www.i-am-bored.com, submitted by "fancylad." I want to thank "fancylad" for the wonderful idea of making Pizza Cupcakes. I mean, hello!

Photo from fancyland at www.i-am-bored.com

Things you need:
Cupcake pan
Butter biscuits (I used the Great Value brand)
Pizza sauce (I used spaghetti sauce)
Cheese
Mini pepperoni
Oven

Seriously, it's that simple. All we did was peel the biscuits in half, stuffed one side in the pan and put the other to the side. Filled the biscuit with sauce, added cheese and pepperoni and then rolled the other side of the biscuit, flattened it and placed it on top. (Really, it's not needed, but we followed "fancyland's pictures to the tee). We baked the pizza cupcakes for a lil' longer than you would the biscuits. We just went by look and I also poked a toothpick inside to make sure the dough was cooked all the way through. And viola! Done. We did these really quick and ate them on the road. Very portable and my son's reaction? "Awesome! We did a good job!"

Next is a lil' hair play. It's basically the same hair do I did last week ... but it came out WAY better this week! LOL

And there you have it folks! My pins for the week! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do and don't forget! 

All my personal photos (except the Revolutionary reenactment photos) were taken with my iPhone and framed together in Photoshop.

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