So now after being faced first with just the reality of adding a baby (which we are THRILLED about!!) to my very full plate, but now to also add a complicated pregnancy the decision was made that we will be closing EBP and I will be retiring as a professional photographer.  
Although it was very difficult decision, given my health,  it had also became a necessity.
 
If I could “just take pictures” there would be no worry of course!  The decision is based purely against the mountain of hours I spend running the business of EBP.  I cannot in good faith commit my all to a: what I know it takes, b: to offer my clients the best experience possible and c: to stay on top of my game technically.   This decision pains my heart as I look back over the past three years and not only am saddened at the loss of being able to capture continued memories for people I have grown to love, but as well to walk away from a business that Michael and I have poured our blood, sweat and tears into.  We have seen this business go from a small start up to a booming, thriving business in a very bad economy.  That is something that we will always remain proud of.
 
Effectively already, I have stopped booking both new clients as well as new sessions with my existing clientele who are not a part of a package.  
I will be working with my package clients to see that they have their commitments met so you will still some work from me!
 
I am currently not shooting any sessions, once I have a bit of strength back, I will be shooting (with my current package clients only) between then and May 15th.  From May 15th to September 15th I will be on a strict maternity leave.  September 16th through Nov 30th I will be completing all sessions and effective December 1st will be totally done shooting.  All orders must be placed by December 31st as effective January 1, 2013 EBP will be totally closed for all business. 
 
You may wonder what this means for you and your photography needs, well rest easily…
My good friend and area photographer, Melissa DeVoe of http://melissadevoephotography.com/  is a wonderful photographer who shares a very similar business practice, creative style and work ethic as we do here at EBP.  She is a great person and one who I know will care for your family, your children, your days old infants in just the same manner I have. 
I highly highly recommend giving her your business in the triangle! 
(For those of you outside the triangle, please do not hesitate to contact me and I am happy to offer recommendations in your area as well.)

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If you have any questions and/or concerns that stem from this news, please do not hesitate to contact me so we can discuss this further. 
It has always been and remains my goal to provide both a superior experience and product to my clients.

Just a friendly reminder that we are closed from 10/07/2011 through 10/16/2011.

During this time, I will have limited access to emails, orders and facebook.
Please be patient with me if there is a delay in my response time!

See y’all next week =)

Well, Okay – what’s a blog post without some pics =)

Here is what’s next to be blogged after our break!

Having never been pregnant, I can’t always relate to the ups and down an expectant Mother goes through as her body changes throughout a pregnancy.
I am a woman though and know all about how it feels when you don’t think you look your best.

Sarah, now at the end of her pregnancy as she approaches her 36th week, often says how uncomfortable she feels,
how tired she is, how she misses seeing her feet etc…
As much as I can try to understand that, and having known her since Middle School;
I can honestly say – both with this baby & with Harper – she is the epitome of beauty while pregnant!

I’ve had a number of requests for {ooh la la!} style maternity images
and convinced Sarah since this might be her last pregnancy (I hope not though!!!) that she should remember
how her body changed and just how gorgeous she was during this time!

I am so glad we did this!

This is going to make an amazing before shot in a future “before and after” =)

Harper kept asking if Sarah was in her bathing suit and if we were going to the pool -
so she decided she should also be in her bathing suit! 

Stay tuned for their full maternity session in early October
and if you know Sarah, leave her some love in the comments -
It’s her birthday today =)

That being said – she is a vibrant, funny, sassy, happy girl who Mike and I are proud to call our God Daughter.

Soon she is going to be a big sister and I know she is going to be the perfect role model!

Hugs for her brother or sister (it’s a surprise, much to my chagrin!)

What two and half year old wouldn’t love a zebra, pink and black petticoat for dress up?

Her Easter dress from this year that she loves!

A new favorite of mine that will be certainly hanging on our wall soon =)

This dress was actually made years ago for the flower girl for her Mom & Dad’s wedding and now fits her!
She was trying out the perfect pose for me here!
We laughed so hard because she looks like she could be making her First Holy Communion!!!

This is SO SO Harper to me….

I love you so much sweet girl =)

I photographed Lydia for her first session in our {growing up!} plan on Wednesday
and she couldn’t have been a sweeter girl!

I am so looking forward to watching her grow up over her first year =)

She was the perfect model for me to try out my new handpainted backdrop from Intuition Backgrounds by Becky!

and those sparkling blue eyes… they are just swoon worthy!

I won’t see her again until after the holidays so we went ahead and snagged a few wintery shots =)
Love the Christmas halo by JuJuBee’s & Co!

 See you again in 2012!

Aly was a little timid at first and was happy to hang on to her Momma….

AAAAhhhh!!! I love this shot =)

How cute is she? 
She LOVED these petals =)

This shot was for her Daddy and I think it’s probably one of my favorite of her from all our sessions!
Shows off her sweetness and spunk all at once!

From the time he was still in utero,
Anna and I were busily planning away for the sessions we would have for him… maternity, newborn, growing up…
I loved his {arrived!} session and now love this {growing up!} session just as much=)

Anna’s mother had saved these shoes that Anna’s brother wore as a baby… I fell in love with them instantly.

Cam’s Daddy is an avid golfer and we found some adorable items for his session!
you know, to keep the golf theme fresh and current =)

This banner was made by 62Cards and it worked out perfectly for his “FORE!” theme =)

Not overly thrilled about his drive landing in the sand trap but
of course he looks absolutely charming in his custom onesie!

Now that’s better – a straight shot to the pin from the fairway makes him a happy camper!
And seriously – could the argyle baby legs and plaid hat being any cuter and any more perfect for his day on the links?

Stay tuned to continue watching Camden grow up! 
We have some more great Golf plans in store!

Parker is a quick mover these days, but I think he is already proving he is going to be a great big brother!

Brittany & Pat are naturals in front of the camera – making my “work”, no work at all =)

Dumpsters make the most colorful and beautiful backdrops =)

Brittany looks amazing!

I mean seriously?  How adorable is he?

Thanks again G Family! 
I am so excited to find out if baby G is a boy or a girl and to meet them!

He has the sweetest blonde eyelashes =)

Daddy’s a big fan of Star Wars, so they brought this ADORABLE yoda hat along…

I adore this photo!  It captures everything that matters and the emotion that goes a long with it. 
Love. Family. Connection. Affection. Contentment.

To the S Family -
Thank you for spending such precious family time with me! 
I hope you’ll always love these images!

You may remember her gorgeous parents from their maternity session at the Cotton Room in Durham…
Well, we added a new picture that I think just takes the cake! 
Check out this before and after…. (yes, Holly had JUST had her and looks that amazing…)

I couldn’t decide if I liked the color or black and white better so here they both are =)

 Addison was a rockstar model and up for just about anything!

I think she is already quite happy with her safe place in her Daddy’s hands….

 Holly & Philip:
I cannot thank you enough for opening your heart and lives to me.
Sharing your most perfect girl is an amazing gift and I am so appreciative!