Baby Blue Photography

Sweet Tucker...

2009-12-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

This sweet little boy loves his tractor, so Mom brought it along. Couldn't you just eat him up?

The Rowland Family

2009-08-17T16:28:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful family!!! I just loved working with them! And they are like me and LOVE black and whites!

Sorry Bonita, but this had to be in color!!!

Sweet feet!

The Deals

2009-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Meet The Deals!!! What a great family to work with!

This is Jackson, I think I might arrange a marriage between him and Lillie, hes' just so handsome!

This is Landon...This boy has some energy!!! Now, I know how Carrie stays so skinny, she chases after him all the time!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm truly blessed to have such great clients!

Bad Bad Bad

2009-07-14T09:43:00.001-07:00

Geez! I've been such a bad blogger lately! I just can't seem to get around to it with the 5000 other things going on! I'm going to go ahead and post a couple pics today....try to get back in the swing of things.

Jason in the flowers, he was not a very happy camper about our idea to have him in this field!!

The Honeycutt kids, I love these kids!

Ok, so this is not a new picture! This is my Lil when she was around 6 months old. I came across it when I was moving some files off the computer. Out of the thousands of pictures I have taken of her in the past 3.5 years, this still remains my very favorite! If only she could have stayed this little!

I love you!!!

Lillie crying as Daddy's firetruck pulls away

....I thought I loved you then...

2009-07-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

From the moment that I met April, I knew I had a good bride on my hands. She was as laid back the day we met as she was on her wedding day. It was a beautiful ceramony, a perfect day leading to a very happy ending. Best of luck to both of you, and I hope you enjoy your sneek peek at your pictures.

Mr. J

2009-06-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

This little boy is too cute for his own good! He was a good sport too, considering we changed his clothes 4 times!!!

Godfrey-Archer Wedding

2009-06-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

This was a WONDERFUL wedding and a CRAZY reception! I had so much fun doing this wedding! The bride was stunning and the groom was READY! Couldn't have asked for a better DJ and director to work with! I wish Diana and Bud the best!

The Overcash Family

2009-06-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

Awesome session with some awesome people! Whew! These boys have some energy! But they were super sweet!

Miss A

2009-06-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've been so bad about blogging sneak peeks! So..I'm hoping to get back on track with this one! Such a cutie! Couldn't decide if I liked the black and white or color better...so I put them both up!

Sweet Mr. C

2009-05-26T13:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some sneak peeks from this sweet little boy's session! Enjoy Mom and Dad!

Woo Hoo!

2009-05-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

We now have a studio!!! We are going to be located at 1460 North Main Street Mount Pleasant! I hope to be open sometime in the first 2 weeks of June. There is a lot of remodling going on!!!

EASTER

2009-05-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Bridals!

2009-05-04T07:05:00.001-07:00

Emma and Owen

2009-05-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here are your sneak peeks Brandy! Enjoy!

Wow!

2009-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

I am STILL editing Easter session pictures! I will be done next week with them though! After I'm done, we are going to do a contest of best picture and the winner will win something VERY nice! Check back soon!

Sweet Baby!

2009-04-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

After eating, peeing and pooping, we finally got some sweet shots! Check 'em out!

Easter Sessions off to a good start!

2009-03-30T12:58:00.001-07:00

After all the rain drama, we have got a great start to our Easter sessions! I'll post some bunny and chick pictures soon, but here's a sweet one to get you started!

Sweet Mr. W

2009-03-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Oh! I LOVE MY JOB! I went today to take Mr. W's 3 month portraits. What a sweet baby! He put up with a lot from me! Towards the end I threw big sister in there with him, she's like a little model! Thanks Mom for going with the flow, they are looking good so far!

Richie & Sue

2009-03-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to do Richie and Sue's engagement portraits yesterday. They are such a great couple and so much fun to work with! They did anything I asked them to do with out even blinking an eye, that makes my job easy. Thanks guys and I look forward to capturing your wedding in April!

Our own little Coo coo bird!

2009-03-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the sneak peek at Cooper's 18 month portraits! He is so sweet I could eat him up! We had to get a pic in his favorite Mr. Happy shirt and his John Deere boots before he out grew them!

Miss A

2009-03-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

She's a natural! Miss A was scheduled for headshots today for an upcoming pageant. Mom decided while we were here, lets just do the whole shebang! Sounds good to me! Miss A is such a beautiful girl it made my job too easy! Enjoy your preview!

Mr. L

2009-03-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday little man! I got some super cute shots of this birthday boy today! Mom brought a hat that just made these pictures ROCK! Thanks Ashley! And your proofs should be ready in a day or two!

Easter Sessions booking FAST!

2009-02-27T19:23:00.001-08:00

I only have 3 appointments left for the April 4th date! I'm VERY excited about this event! On a lighter note, here is a pic that I took of Lillie yesterday while the weather was nice!

Old Lillie Pics, but I worked on them

2009-02-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

So I wasn't feeling overly motivated today to do much of anything. I decided to go back through some of Lil's pics and work on them. Here are some from the shoot that I did back last August! Some of my very favorite pictures of Lil!

My hair!

2009-02-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

So..........I can't decide how I like my hair better...blonde highlights or dark. So I'm asking you guys! Leave me a comment so I'll know what your opinon is!

Easter Mini Sessions

2009-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

FINALLY the dates have been set! The Easter mini sessions with the live bunnies and chicks will be held Saturday March 28th and Saturday April 4th. Times start at 9 am. These will be 30 minute sessions. I am also offering a reduced session fee of just $10.00! This will be held at Historic Gold Hill Village at the True Blue Weddings and More shoppe. This is across the street from the park. Call for an appointment today. 704-791.1870

5 of my favorite people!

2009-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

I did a session today for my sweet and dear Aunt and her family. Due to the fact that we are so close in age, she is not considered my Aunt, I consider her my Sister and her kids my neice and nephews. I would not trade ANY of these 5 members of this family for anything...they are part of what make my world go round. Enjoy your preview! And no, not all of your pictures are in black and white, that's just as far as I have gotten in the past hour!

Starting 2009 out right!

2009-02-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

We have ALOT planned for 2009! We will be having an Easter mini session with live bunnies and chicks. This will be held at Historic Gold Hill Village. We will also have a summer mini session with WATERMELONS!!! Dates will be announced for the mini sessions at a later time. Also I have a very big surprise mini session for the summer that you will find out about later. The first 10 customers to book a session will get a free 8x10 of their choice! Check back often to find out more!

Something New....

2009-01-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

I was just playing around tonight on the computer...check it out!

Goals..Not Resoulutions!

2009-01-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine gave me the idea of actually doing New Year's resolutions. I typically don't believe in doing them because you tend to make up things that you will never get done. But her idea was to make practical goals. So I'm following along. However, I refuse to call mine resolutions. Check out her goals and her nifty title at http://christymartinphotography.com/blog/

Here are mine!

1. Keep up with the dirty laundry

2. Straighten up house each night before I go to bed

3. Keep my van cleaned out

4.Create chore schedule for our house

5. Be more organized

6. Teach Lillie to clean up after herself, teaching responsibility

7. Cook more often

8. Try new recipes

9. Go to bed one night a week before 10 pm

10. Get back on my workout schedule at the YMCA

11. Work on building my business

12. Reward myself instead of just shopping

13. Be more involved in my church

14. Take Lillie outside more and for longer periods of time

15. Get back to smart shopping with coupons, no matter how much I hate them

16. Finish Lillie's baby book since she is now 3!

I hope to blog about these goals as I accomplish them.

I encourage each of you to make your own list and shoot for a GREAT year in 2009!

Thanks Grammy and Papaw!

2009-01-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

My Dad and Tammie got Lil a power wheels for Christmas! She loves it, if only Junior loved riding in it as much as she does...poor dog.

Caught with her tutu down...

2009-01-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

So this is one of those pictures that when Lil is in high school she will hate me for taking it, but I could not resist! She was naked (as ususal) then she found her tutu, I caught her trying to get a cookie off the counter. Too cute!

Lillian Grace Spratling....

2009-01-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

I have been asked by several people to put some of Lillie's baby pictures up on here so they could see the chunky monkey! So I decided to go through all her old pictures and post my favorites. Hope you enjoy!

One fat little baby!

Giving Lucy some love!

Hey!

My own Cabbage Patch Kid!

LOVE THIS PICTURE!

2008 in Review

2009-01-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting here at 11:12 at night waiting on my bedding to finish in the dryer so I can go to sleep. Rather than go veg out in front of the T.V., I decided to share 2008 in my world with you. Today as I look back over the past year its amazing what all has changed, grown, and fallen apart and been put back together. In February of 2008 I turned in my resignation and started a new full time position as a stay at home Mommy in March. Never would I have imagined how difficult that would be! But, no matter how much it strains us financially, it's worth it! I get to be a part of my daughters world all day, every day! And I love it, most days! Sometimes I do miss my work, I miss being able to help patients and make a difference. Ryans' company has done well over the past year, with new doors opening up for him all the time. With a failing economy this is a good thing! Ryan and I have had our share of ups and downs and complete turn around. But through it all, WE'VE MADE IT!!! Sometimes it seems easier to just walk away, but that's not the answer. And of course, the coming of Baby Blue! What a blessing! I never imagined to be as busy as I was last year! And I'm praying for the same success in this year. Thanks to all my family and friends for making 2008 memorable!

Pork Loin Paula Dean Style

2009-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

I love a good pork loin! However, I am VERY partial to my dads BBQ loin. While eating a New Years' dinner with my family, my Nanny cooked a WONDERFUL loin. She spilled her secret...www.pauladean.com Here is the recipe for anyone who wants to give it a try.

Ingredients:
1 (4-pound) boneless pork loin, with fat left on 1 tablespoon salt 2 tablespoon olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 teaspoons fresh basil leaves 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

Directions
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
Place the pork loin on a rack in a roasting pan. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. With your fingers, massage the mixture onto the pork loin, covering all of the meat and fat.
Roast the pork for 30 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 425 degrees F and roast for an additional hour. Test for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F, remove the roast from the oven. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes before carving. It will continue to cook while it rests.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Ease of Preparation: Easy Yield: 6-8 servings
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Spratling Family Pics!

2008-12-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas this year, we gave our parents a framed 11x14 Family picture....I must say...it's not easy editing a pic of yourself...as tempted as I was to whiten my teeth, airbrush my face...I didn't....I could not choose which one I like better...so what I did was one for our Christmas cards, one for my parents and one for Ryans parents....hey, whatever works right?!? I just thought I would post all three for you to see, let me know which you like better, I'm just curious.

Lillie's Christmas

2008-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so fun this year! This is the first year that Lil has been able to grasp the whole concept of Santa coming and so on. I will enlighten you on some of the funny things Lil said about Christmas........While watching the Christmas play at church, we explained to her that was Mary...."Where's her little lamb?".....Her Sunday school class had a Baby Jesus birthday party..."Mom, How's he going to get down here for that?, I said, he's not..."Oh, we are going up there then, alright!"...On Christmas Eve as we were preparing for Santa's arrival, We told her that we needed to leave cookies and milk, so we put the cookies over on the table, gave Lil a cup of milk to take over there....She downed it!..."I don't want Santa to drink all my milk!"...Sharing is an issue...So, Christmas Eve night after Lil was in bed, Ryan went to his parents to assemble the bike and scooter...He comes in the door carrying them both....and our crazy dog does something he's never done before..He runs to Lil's room, jumps ON her and trys' to wake her up! Needless to say Lil went back to sleep and Junior got the boot out of her room...Once Ryan was gone to his parents, I sat down in the recliner and looked and the 2 Oreos' were gone, I thought he must have eaten them on the way out...He got home and said "you've already eaten the cookies", I said "No, I thought you did".....JUNIOR! The dog ate the 2 oreo's left out for Santa....Too cute. These are just some of our memories that I wanted to share with you...Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

A PARTY FIT FOR A PRINCESS........

2008-12-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Lillie's birthday party turned out AWESOME!!! This is the first year that she really got the whole birthday idea, as far as having a party, getting gifts, cake and having everyone there. She was so excited! Her Mimi did a great job pulling everything together to make it extra special for an extra special little girl! We were joined by the people who we love to share this special moment with. Of course as every year, Mommy goes WAY overboard....we had a Custom made Tutu and matching hairbow from Sew Shelby Jane, my niece is way to talented! And a BREATHTAKING cake from Krispy Kakes...www.krispykakes.net to check her out. Anyhow, the day went great and Lillie loved it and that's all that matters. How hard to belive that my baby is now 3!

A whole lot of Panther lovin' going on...

2008-12-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some Carolina Panther lovin' kids! I had the privilege of taking some pics for my good friend Melissa and her Aunt. Let me tell you...its hard enough getting one child to look at the camera, much less 5! But overall, they turned out cute.

Our day with Santa!

2008-12-12T07:18:00.001-08:00

Oh what a day! Last
Saturday, we had our Cookies and Milk with Santa event...It went great! All of the kids got to have their picture made with Santa and have some cookies and milk. It was very cold, but it did not seem to stop Mommies and Daddies from bring the kids out to a very special treat. I also did some mini sessions that day with some super cute little girls! Hope everyone enjoyed themselves and Baby Blue as well as True Blue Weddings and More look forward to doing this again next year!

My most rewarding task...

2008-12-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

I was asked by my best friend if I would photograph her grandfathers military and masonic funeral. Of course I would, no questions asked. As I prepared my equipment for that day, I did not really think about what I was doing for this family. It did not occur to me that I would be preserving in time a very special moment for them, something that their family member was so proud of. You may think to yourself, kinda weird to photograph a funeral. Not really! This man was so proud of all the years that he served our Country, he was a proud member of the Masons. He deserved this! This was a way for his family to gain closure and honor him with respect that was well deserved. As I was editing these pictures, I teared up and realized I have given them such a gift. They will have these prints to cherish forever. During the graveside service, I was the crazy lady practically crawling on the ground to get the perfect shot, apologizing to the Navy guys for being in their way, crouched down on the ground in 3 inch heels with my legs trembling! But it was well worth it! At the end of the service we all turned around to see a faint, but vi sable rainbow in the sky. You'll have to look closely at the last image to see it.

The VanNess's

2008-11-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

You know the saying" Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same." Well, this saying goes for this family! These are people who may not be kin to me by blood, but it makes them no less than family to me. They have given me many opportunities in my life and been there for me no matter what. They are some of the kindest, hardest working, stubborn people I know, but I love em!!! And they have taught me no matter what happens, good or bad, sickness or health that you just have to look to tomorrow, we can not dwell on what is today. I'm still working on editing their pictures but I really wanted to post this one because I like it.

Thanks Dennis, Gina and Mary

2008-11-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Check out Lillie with her new playhouse! Thanks so much Dennis, Gina and Mary for giving this to Lillie, I promise we are getting good use out of it!

Malea & Aiden

2008-11-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Malea has the makings of a future model! Her brother, Aiden is super cute, just not ready to have his picture made that day, needless to say, I have alot more of Malea alone then Aiden alone. Either way, it was fun, and I think we have a Christmas card picture in there somewhere Jenn! OH, and I LOVE the first one, only because they both are doing the same thing with thier mouths.

The Conrads

2008-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are your sneak peeks! I have ALOT of editing to do, but I'm finding that these wardrobe choices (Angie) make things very colorful, love that you did something different. I hope you enjoy these pics! Thanks!

What a day!

2008-11-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

WOW! I'm tired! I had 2 great shoots today. However, I must say you guys wore me out! Nothing like chasing around kids all day and then coming home to yours to chase around! Everyone's sneak peeks will be up soon so check back!

One Big Happy Family

2008-11-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity this weekend to photograph some people who are more important than family...My extended family. We are not related by blood so you really don't have to take me in, love me or help me. But you do. That's what makes it so special. I know the past 6 months has been hard on everyone, but you pull through. Thank you for allowing me the chance to capture you together as a family.

Valerie and Brandon

2008-10-27T08:22:00.001-07:00

Ok guys here is your sneak peak of your photos! I'm working hard on all these great pictures, but here are some of my favorites! You two are great and I wish you a happy life together!

Today...

2008-10-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today I had a session with a great couple! We did their engagement pictures and got some very sweet shots! We thought we were going to have to reschedule becauseof the rain, but a little prayer went a long way and all we had to do was move the time back. Check back soon for a sneak peak!

Wonder Woman and Batman and Robin...no I'm not talking about Halloween!

2008-10-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok! Finally finshed editing from the Misty Grove show! Like I said before they had a costume contest, we had Wonder Woman and the horse as Superman, Robin and the horse as Batman, Clowns, Indians, Dutch girls, and Elfs! Too cute..here are some of my favorites from that day!

Little Mr. "R"

2008-10-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

What a sweet baby! Here are some of my favorite pictures from a shoot that I did on little Mr. "R". He was not very happy that day, but you would never know from the pictures! Thanks Mom & Dad for letting me capture your little one!

Misty Grove Stables

2008-10-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

I completed another horse show this past weekend. At the beautiful Misty Grove Stables in Concord. This place was so pretty! I'm working hard on editing the pictures but here are some of the actual stables! They even had a costume class for this show! Very cute! Check back soon for a sneak peak!

Cabarrus County Saddle Club 10/4/08

2008-10-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done! I have edited so many pictures from this event my hand hurts from clicking the mouse!!! Here are some of my favorites!

What a day!!!!

2008-10-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well today went well. I took over 1000 pictures so I will be VERY busy editing over the next couple days! A big thanks to the people at Cabarrus County Saddle Club where I got some great pictures today of the riders preforming in todays show. Check back soon for a sneak peak! A HUGE thanks to Shelby (my assistant) for helping me out today, I couldn't have done it without her!

A couple over due thank yous...

2008-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

As my first big shoot approaches tomorrow I find myself running around my house acting like a crazy person. I'm getting very nervous, I'm not sure why because I know I can do this. God has given me a talent and it is my job to use it. I'm lucky enough to have so many family and friends behind me in this mission. They are my go to people when I have an idea, I call them, run it by them and take in their feedback. I most of the time do not give credit enough when credit is due, not because I don't want to just because I get busy and just think, well they know I am thankful. So here goes, its a long list, but a much needed one!
To Ryan- Thank you! Thank you for encouraging me to do this. Everyone deserves to have a job that they love like you do. And you have given me that over the past couple months by letting me quit my "real job" and stay home with our little girl. But also by making this company happen! I love you!

To Brandy- Oh! Where would I be in this world without you girl! You ARE my go to person for EVERYTHING! We share a special bond like no other and NOTHING can break that! Thank you for being there NO MATTER WHAT!

To Tammi- Another one of those people that in my life, I could not survive without! You have filled so many rolls in my life over the past 26 years! You are like a mother, sister and friend. You too are my go to person and I don't know what I would do without you.

To my Parents and Ryan's Parents- THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thank you for everything you have done for us, for me! You are the type of parents that I want to be for my child.

Melissa H-Girl! Thanks so much for being so understanding of my upcoming crazy schedule! You are a true inspiration that if you want something bad enough all it takes is a little work! I'm so glad you came into my life! And Melissa D too!

Ashley- Thank you for being such a great cousin in law! You have stuck by me thru thick and thin and that is something that alot of in law family members would not have done. You also introduced me (kinda) to the next person!

And last but not least Christy Martin- I know I have told you thank you about 100 times! But without you, NONE of this would be possible this fast! You are my inspiration! You are a true artist and God has blessed you with a true talent. You are one of the most compassionate people on the face of this earth. Anyone that has a chance to interact with you should consider themselves lucky!

There is a saying that I love and I think that it is perfect for this posting:
"Some people walk into your life and quickly go. Some people walk into your life and leave footprints on your heart and you are never the same"

Mommy and her new camera...

2008-10-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

So....I ventured out on this beautiful day to shoot some Lillie pics...boy was she not in the mood. Just thought I would humor everyone with her pouty faces! I knew enough was enough when I said "Lil look at me" and her response was by putting her fingers in her ears and saying " I can't hear you Mommy." Boy are we in trouble!

I GOT MY NEW CAMERA!!!

2008-10-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I got my new camera!!! Look for pics soon from me playing with it! Heres just one!

The Honeycutts

2008-09-29T16:38:00.001-07:00

I took some pics of my aunts kids the other day, they are such amazing kids, I claim them as my own sometimes! Shelby is 15, Fuller is 10 and wildman Cooper is 1.

Here comes Baby Blue!

2008-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well, out with a bang I come! I went public with my introduction of Baby Blue Photography on September 10. I expected one or two things here and there for a month or two, boy was I wrong! I am booked every weekend in October, at least one day if not both. I never expected this to happen so fast! I'm doing some really fun shoots coming up next month so I can't wait to share them with everyone. I have horse shows to engagement pictures to family pictures to newborns! I have been blessed! Thanks and keep checking back for new updates!