Travel Photography Destination: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A couple weeks back, my mom called me up for a chat, which quickly turned into complaints about the cold and snow... followed by an invitation to a last minute trip to the Caribbean with her. Of course I wasn't going to turn that one down! She decided on our destination: Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

After making it through customs and a two hour drive from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, we finally got to our hotel around 8pm and all we wanted to do was eat and crash... but we got a bright and early start Sunday morning.

I was surprised to discover that our hotel was in a bay, with only maybe a mile long stretch of beach. We didn't spend too much time at the hotel in the morning though... we had places to explore!

The one place I was determined to go to on our trip was Dunn's River Falls... and they were more beautiful than pictures can do justice.

After spending most of the day at the park, we went back to the hotel just in time to catch sunset.

I would love the opportunity to shoot a wedding at this gazebo on the hotel's property. Jamaican destination wedding photographer... any takers? ;)

Day two was spent mostly relaxing and swimming at the hotel beach. I had my first up close and personal encounter with a jellyfish in this bay, but I'm happy to say that it was no where near as bad as I expected a jellyfish sting would feel!

Later in the afternoon, we took a walk down the stretch of beach. The end opposite our hotel was almost abandoned, with the exception of a few locals and palm trees.

Upon our return to the hotel, I decided I'd stick to swimming pools the rest of the day. Fortunately, there was an awesome waterslide, and we made friends with the lifeguard, Earl, who has worked at the resort for 8 years. (I wouldn't leave if I worked there, either!)

The next morning, we had to leave for the airport at a bright and early 9am. I decided to make the most of a short day and got up at 5am to watch the sunrise. Unfortunately, there was absolutely no view of the sun from our hotel! But, the moon was still up and provided for a few interesting shots.

No trip to the Caribbean is ever long enough, and no photo will ever do it justice. My heart always aches a little when I have to leave, and I'm already looking forward to going back!

Winter Storm Pax: Snowpocalypse (Day 2) in Chapel Hill, NC

After "Snowpocalypse" day one, I didn't get to venture very far outside my house for photos. I saw the snow start falling again around noon and put on the boots and gloves and grabbed the camera, because the snowflakes were so full and beautiful compared to day one (full of sleet).

Eventually, my three year old Pomeranian was subjected to the camera and the cold...

Snow mustache! I took him inside to warm up... he found comfort snuggling up in an afghan my mother crocheted for me.

And then when everything turned to ice, I went back out for a few more snaps.

Derek (my fiance) and I decided that this shot would make the most challenging and frustrating puzzle ever... which means we'll probably custom order one and attempt it. We're daredevils.

But my favorite two shots were with my newest 60mm lens...

I never knew ice crystals could be so beautiful!

And the next post you see from me will be from the opposite end of the spectrum, as I head for a short trip to Jamaica over the weekend!

Winter Storm Pax: Snowpocalypse (Day 1) in Chapel Hill, NC

So, during the crazy winter snow storm, my fiance had to go in to work. We live a very short 5 mile drive from the restaurant he works at, and I wasn't about to brave the snow in my rear-wheel drive car. We called upon my father to safely chaperone him in a four-wheel drive jeep, and I decided to tag along to get some snowy shots from downtown Chapel Hill.

Needless to say, that "short" drive turned into 2.5 hours of absolute chaos. Regular traffic signals may as well have lost their meanings, as cars drove in every direction down every lane of the roads - even completely abandoning vehicles right in the middle of the road.

Fortunately, we did get my fiance safely to work... and my dad was kind enough to tote me around for the following scenery shots.

We stopped at the Old Well a couple times - while it was light and dark out. I never did get a shot I was truly satisfied with, thanks to endless amounts of people (like me!) trying to take photos in the snow there.

The Bell Tower wasn't getting much attention, in stark contrast to the Old Well. It was getting a bit late at this point, and I think everyone was starting to head in for the heat.

Recalling the long bridge at UNC hospital, I asked my dad to drive me that-a-way to snap a shot. I'm not typically a fan of architectural based photos (I prefer historical buildings and natural landscapes myself), but I have to admit the building and street lights reflecting off the snow and sky made for quite a pretty scene - especially from atop the bridge.

I hope everyone else stayed safe and warm during this storm!

Birthday Party Shoot: Baby Vida turns 1 in Clemmons, NC

My co-worker Lauren has an adorable baby girl that she is constantly snapping shots and sharing all over Facebook, so we were both super excited to have an opportunity to have a high quality shoot for baby Vida's 1st Birthday Party!

I got there a little early so I could take photos of everything Lauren had prepared before guests devoured it all. It was clear that she had put a lot of time and effort into all the food and decorations - it was like Pinterest had come to life!

Grandma "Ya-Ya" and Grandpa showed up and spent a few minutes doting on their grand-daughter.

Our co-workers Jesika and Justin (the ones I did a maternity shoot with last month!) also showed up with their newborn, Larkin. Vida gently introduced herself:

Vida's "boyfriend" baby Carter arrived, and they greeted each other in a very affectionate manner:

Carter was also a very photogenic baby... must be those big blue eyes.

After everyone had spent some time socializing, it was cake time! This cute pink smash cake was created by Lily Cakes. And as you can see, Vida was eager to dig in.

Birthday present time came up next, and even Vida looked awed by the number of presents surrounding her. She obviously has more friends than me! ;)

Of course, it became rather obvious that she was more interested in the wrapping paper than the presents themselves.

Mom, stop putting this thing on me!

As the saying goes, like mother, like daughter!

Thanks for having me out, Lauren and Jarrod! Happy birthday again to the lovely lady Vida!!

Couples Maternity Session: Jesika + Justin at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

This beautiful mother and father to be are actually friends and coworkers of mine - Jesika sits right next to me in our office and I've gotten to watch her pregnancy grow from the beginning! The two choose the lovely location of Duke Gardens on Duke University Campus in Durham, NC for the location of photos, and we met there on Sunday afternoon for a quick shoot.

We started our session right behind Duke Garden's welcome center... a spot I hadn't even been aware of until this shoot.

I let them lead the way so I could catch some candid moments as we crossed over a bridge into the main gardens.

In the above shot, Justin had grabbed Jesika's hand and had their arms extended. Jesika giggled as she asked Justin, "Are we doing the tango?" Gotta love the silly, candid moments!

Justin then discovered the bamboo area where he gave us his super hero pose.

And I'm fairly certain the red bridge photo is a must have for any photography session at the gardens.

Saving the best for last - Jesika asked where the main entrance to the gardens was and suggested some shots there, so we walked in that direction and stumbled across the new fountain right about the time the sun was setting. The results stun even me....

Updated Note: Jesika went into labor a mere two days after this shoot - just about a month earlier than her predicted due date. Mother, father and baby "Larkin" are doing well, and we're all glad to have gotten the photos just in the nick of time! Perhaps we'll have another shoot in a couple months with Larkin included!

Congrats Justin and Jesika!!