WELCOME TO THE JOURNAL ...

HERE YOU'LL FIND SNEAK PEEKS OF RECENT PORTRAIT SESSIONS, STUDIO NEWS & UPCOMING PORTRAIT EVENTS, AND THOUGHTS FROM THE ARTIST

Portrait painting of a child in a white dress in a gold frame on a light wall.

HER GENTLE COMPANION

September 8, 2026

A 30” Oil Portrait of a Little Girl and Her Beloved Bunny This 30” oil portrait of a little girl in Raleigh captures a truly personal moment between her and her beloved stuffed bunny, Bun Bun. Her parents chose to include Bun Bun in the painting, creating a portrait that feels intimate and meaningful, highlighting the special friendship they share.A Personal Touch: Bun Bun, the Beloved LovieIncorporating her well-loved stuffed bunny added a layer of warmth and personality to the ...

Framed artwork with three small animal prints on a gray shelf beside a vase with branches

MOTHER & CHILD

September 1, 2026

A Mommy and Me Heirloom Trio Celebrating a Mother and Baby’s Bond in Raleigh This mommy and me heirloom portrait trio in Raleigh was designed to tell a small but powerful story—one that celebrates connection, comfort, and the quiet beauty of a mother and baby together. Using three classic vignettes allows their relationship to unfold naturally, creating artwork that feels both intimate and timeless.A Trio That Tells Their StoryRather than relying on a single image, this portrait set ...

Framed composite print art on a shelf beside a teddy bear

FIVE LITTLE MOMENTS

August 25, 2026

A Black and White Portrait Study of a Toddler, Framed in Antique Gold There is something especially beautiful about photographing a child more than once—watching them grow while preserving the little details that make each stage of childhood so fleeting. This black and white portrait study of a toddler girl brings five of her expressions together in one beautifully framed heirloom piece. I also had the pleasure of creating a full-body oil portrait of this same little girl last year, ...

Framed portrait of a girl in a white dress standing in a grassy field indoors

WHEN TIME STANDS STILL

August 18, 2026

A PORTRAIT THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Nearly twenty years ago, this fine art portrait of a five-year-old girl was photographed at sunset at Pullen Park in Raleigh, surrounded by lush greenery and standing beside a simple split rail fence. Today, she is 23 years old, yet the portrait feels every bit as beautiful and timeless as it did when it was created. That is the magic of a truly enduring heirloom children's portrait—it becomes more meaningful with every passing year.A ...

NOT LITTLE; NOT BIG

August 11, 2026

Why Five Is One of the Most Meaningful Ages for an Heirloom Portrait There’s something quietly special about age five.It’s the space between worlds—no longer a toddler, not yet in the older childhood years. Five-year-olds still carry the softness of early childhood, but their personalities are beginning to fully emerge. It’s one of the most beautiful milestones to capture, and one of the most requested ages for heirloom portraiture.The Bridge Between Little and ...

THOUGHTFULLY COLLECTED

August 4, 2026

A Luxury Pastel Portrait Experience for Brother and Sister in Raleigh These luxury pastel heirloom portraits of brother and sister in Raleigh were created two years apart, yet thoughtfully designed to live together as a cohesive collection. While each portrait reflects the individuality of the child, their shared styling and presentation create a timeless pairing—one that feels intentional, refined, and deeply personal.A Full-Service Heirloom ExperienceLuxury in heirloom portraiture ...

DEAR SANTA 2026 - The Details

July 22, 2026

🎄 DEAR SANTA 2026 🎄 Hello friends! We are so proud to announce the 20th consecutive year for Dear Santa! Investment and FAQs are below if you'd like to browse those details before requesting an appointment. PRICING & COLLECTIONThe Dear Santa Collection is $399 + a $50 session fee for the first subject ($25 for each additional subject).The collection includes your choice of five digital images. Upgrades and additional products are available.A $100 retainer will be ...

Framed portrait of a young girl displayed on a shelf next to a book and decorative leaves.

MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL

May 5, 2026

The Difference Between a Beautiful Photo and a Portrait That Lasts 50 Years There are many ways to create a beautiful photo.A genuine smile. Soft light. A sweet expression. Those elements matter — and when they come together, the result can be lovely.But not every beautiful photo is designed to last for fifty years.What Makes a Portrait Truly Timeless?A portrait that lasts decades is created differently from the very beginning. It is designed with restraint, intention, and permanence ...

Framed portrait of a baby in a gold frame on a light background.

BUT MY CHILD WON'T SIT STILL...

April 28, 2026

What If My Child Won’t Sit Still for an Heirloom Portrait? If I had a dollar for every parent who began a phone consultation with, “I just don’t think my child will sit still…” I could probably fund a small vacation.The reality is, no two-year-old sits perfectly still. Not yours. Not anyone’s.Your Child Is Portrait-Ready Just As They AreParents often worry their child is uniquely wiggly, uniquely shy, uniquely stubborn — uniquely unphotographable. ...

Framed baby portrait with light-colored matting next to a vase of dried plants.

SOFTLY REMEMBERING

April 21, 2026

A PASTEL PORTRAIT OF A 6 MONTH OLD BABY BOY This pastel heirloom portrait of a six-month-old baby boy in Raleigh is a quiet celebration of babyhood at its sweetest stage. With a soft, classic expression reminiscent of a timeless Gerber portrait, this piece was designed to feel gentle, refined, and enduring—an artwork meant to live on the wall, not fade into a gallery of forgotten images.Timeless Styling with Feltman BrothersWardrobe plays an essential role in creating ...

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