Golden Hour Portraits

05/18/2026

05/11/2026

I hope all the mamas had a great Mother’s Day yesterday. On Saturday, I did something risky and let my 9 year old assist me on a surprise proposal shoot.

As mothers, sometimes we must give our children opportunities to surprise us, to rise to the occasion to prove what they are capable of.

My son, Ben, has had the spirit of an entrepreneur since he was a tiny boy. He’s always coming up with business ideas and asking for ways he can make money. He saves it up and rarely spends it on silly things.

I took a big chance on him and invited him to come help me with a high stakes shoot, a surprise marriage proposal, on a mountain top at sunset. He helped me carry things, took behind the scenes photos and videos till my phone died, then I let him grab some shots with my extra camera. He was a total natural.

My client even gave him a nice tip at the end of it. I knew he could do it, though I wasn’t prepared for how he would exceed my expectations. I love watching my kids grow and change, and discover things that light them up inside.

The pride in my son’s face at the end of the sunset proposal was priceless. This isn’t something I do often, as my business and relationship with my clients is really important to me. I just knew it was the right time and place for Ben to step up, and my clients will get some extra fun bonus shots. The groom was a photo assistant at one time, and he was so kind to ask Ben to take certain photos and treated him like he was a true professional.

A nature photographer was also hanging out at this spot for sunset, and she offered to take a photo and me and Ben to commemorate his first assisting gig. It was one of the highlights of my Mother's Day weekend at Grayson Highlands State Park.

05/03/2026

Yesterday I went to scout a ceremony spot for an upcoming elopement and was lucky to find some stinging nettles. This morning I made stinging nettle waffles, crispy sautéed nettles and nettle smoothie. My kids ate all of it!

04/09/2026

This pup crossed the rainbow bridge a few years ago, and this moment feels all the more special to have documented. Brie loved to sit cross-legged, and my daughter decided to follow her lead. 🖤🤍

04/07/2026

Not every session needs a perfect backdrop… sometimes you just need a wild old tree, a little climbing, and your people close by 🌿

This is what I love about sessions along the Parkway near Asheville—nothing forced, nothing fussy. Just families settling into each other, kids finding their favorite branch, parents laughing because this is exactly how their crew feels right now.

If you’re visiting Asheville or staying along the Blue Ridge Parkway, let’s make space for this version of your family—the real one. The one that climbs, leans in, and fits together in all the best ways.

✨ Easy, laid-back family sessions for vacationing families who want more than “everyone look at the camera”

04/07/2026

There’s something about summer on the Blue Ridge Parkway… the way the light lingers, the air feels softer, and kids forget about everything except exploring 🌿

This crew didn’t “pose” their way through a session. They wandered, chased each other down the path, and ended up exactly where they were meant to be—together. Three littles playing in a big open field, parents soaking it all in, and that quiet kind of joy you don’t have to force.

If you’re visiting Boone or Blowing Rock this summer, this is your sign to press pause for an hour and actually be in it with your people. I’ll take care of the rest—no pressure, no stiff posing, just space to play, connect, and remember what it felt like.

✨ Blue Ridge Parkway family sessions for vacationing families who want something real

04/07/2026

Baby feet 👣

04/07/2026

My baby Ben on the beach. This is one of my favorite photos.

04/02/2026

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This one’s been sitting in the archives for years… and it still feels like springtime in a field of golden grains.

We met up at their family farm near Winston-Salem, and let the kids lead the way. No overthinking. No stiff posing. Just running, playing, getting tossed in the air, and holding on tight.

Two big sisters, completely wrapped up in their baby brother. The way they hugged him, watched him, stayed close without being asked… that kind of love you can’t direct, only notice. That’s what I’m always looking for. The connection.

The kind of session where you barely notice the camera because you’re too busy being together. And somehow, that’s where the magic lives.

If you’re looking for Winston-Salem family photography that feels easy, playful, and actually like your family, this is it. Let them run wild. I’ll take care of the rest.

04/02/2026

I have a favor to ask. My new family website is up!!!!! YAY! It's been a long time coming. I'm so proud of it, and so thankful to all the amazing families who have trusted me with their memories over the years.

Can you take a look and give me feedback please? I want to make sure all the links work and it makes sense.

I started my business 17 years ago. That's crazy to say. I can't believe it's been that long. I've always felt inspired and energized by my work, and it's truly kept me going during some really challenging times in my life, like when I lost my brother to su***de, and when I escaped an abusive marriage, and the ongoing custody conflict that's been going on for over 7 years... LOL you get the point. Lots of hard knocks. My photography work has always felt like an escape from the hard stuff- something to lift me up and keep me going and hopeful.

One thing has remained constant in my life, and that's my love for photography, and creating art for my clients to help them preserve their precious memories. My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader, urging me to keep going with my art, ever since I was a tiny kid. She drove me an hour into downtown Houston to take art classes at the art museum. She saw my passion early and I doubt I'd be where I am with my art without her encouragement and support. Thanks MOM!

I have 4 kids, and my youngest just turned 4. I've been needed at home the last decade, and my art has been patiently waiting for me, sitting on the back burner. Time is precious, and I have to be intentional about where I give my attention. I'm sure most of my friends can say that I've been a bit out of the loop the last few years. I miss ya'll! I still love you!

Anyway, I'd be very grateful if you would take a few minutes to check out my new family website and let me know what needs clarification or fixing. Thanks so much!

https://goldenhourelopements.com/family-photographer-north-carolina