The delightful grin your child has on Christmas morning. The giggles that follow a tickle fight. Those genuine smiles of happiness and silliness are what we endeavor to capture in your child’s portrait at Portraits by Steven. However, beautiful portrait photography does not always need a smiling face; especially if the smile seems fake or unnatural. 

In an effort to create the timeless portrait your family desires, we encourage parents not to advise their children to smile during the photography session and to avoid bringing multiple individuals. Well-meaning instructions from family members become a barrier during the session and additional guests often create distractions. Although your intentions are sincere, the results of your portrait may not be as you envision. Instead, Steven asks that you simply let the child know how much fun he or she will have and how excited you are about the session.

 Additionally, the use of treats such as candy or food during a session is strongly discouraged and does little to achieve the child’s desire expression for your portrait. Rather, it often results in sticky situations.

Whether it’s a mischievous grin, a shy smile or a playful pout, Steven employs his vast knowledge of photography and years of experience to bring out the best in every child during his or her portrait. He has a heart for working with children and infants, and his exceptional gift enables him to capture each child’s unique personality beautifully on film. With Santa Portraits just around the corner and Steven behind the camera, the Portraits by Steven photography studio is expected to be filled with an abundance of giggles and grins this holiday season. 

Portraits by Steven is your Fayetteville photographer, Hope Mills photographer, Lumberton photographer, Elizabethtown photographer, Southern Pines photographer, Pinehurst photographer, Whispering Pines photographer, and Sanford photographer.  

I love photographing this clients children.  She arrives with outfits and props that have so much family history.  In this first portrait her son is in a gown that has been in her family since the late 1800's and was made by a family member.  Her father slept in this cradle when he was a baby and the blue blanket was made by her mother for this son.  Her mother has made a blanket for each of her grandchildren when they are born.  I admire they way this family is firmly attached to its roots.

This handsome little man is now wearing an outfit that his father was photographed in as a little one.  I replicated images that were made of the father at this age.  I also created a finished product that looks much like the one that was created of the father, a composite portrait.  If you have something special that you would like created please call me at (919)292-1600 so that we can discuss your ideas.  You may also view more of my portraits at http://www.stevenashmore.com.

This beautiful young lady was so excited about her pregnancy and her first child.  I love photographing expecting moms and sharing in this special time with them.  Ladies who decide to have maternity portraits created are loads of fun to work with because they are basking in their pregnancy.

The simplicity of the portrait above is one of the aspects that makes it that more special.  It then becomes not just a portrait but a work of art for the client's home. 

Maternity portraits should capture the beauty and excitement of this wonderful time in a young family's life.  By making sure that plenty of time is scheduled for pregnancy portraits we all can enjoy the process and make heirloom portraits that will be cherished for years to come.  Please visit http://www.stevenashmore.com to view more portraits by Steven Ashmore of Portraits by Steven. 

In business, as with many other things, that first impression is so important.  What kind of impression are you projecting with your business image?  Are you simply standing someone against the office wall and photographing them with a point and shoot camera?  Or worse yet, are you using the camera built into your cell phone?  Are you letting that friend of a friend or your sister-in-law who, "likes to take pictures", create photographs that are going to be used in your business? 

This gentleman values using professional portraits for his business because he places a high value on his business image.  His marketing department had a specific idea for the look and feel that they wanted for an updated portrait.  After reviewing my portraiture and speaking to me about their ideas, they knew I could achieve that look for them.  If it is time to update your business portrait or even produce your first business portrait, call Portraits by Steven at (919)292-1600.  Go to www.stevenashmore.com to view more business portraits.

This family, with their military background, wanted something special to convey their connection with the father's service to our country.  The funny part about this portrait came at the end.  The father had removed some pads that help the helmet to fit his head better.  That left some Velcro exposed.  When he started picking the baby up out of the helmet he was stuck in it, with the Velcro holding the diaper.  I had to hold onto the helmet as he pulled his baby boy out.  I enjoy creating portraits when the client brings in props that are special to them and challenge me to create something with them.     

I love the baby's pucker on this image.  There is nothing better than cuddle time with mom for a baby.  Mother and child portraits are so special.  May they forever have that special bond.

The loving arms of a father.  This image makes me wonder what he was thinking at the time.  This type of portrait becomes more and more special over time.  I feel blessed that my job allows me to create these for families.  Family portraits are a treasure to hold onto forever. 

Their first family portrait.  What an awesome thing to have and look how joyous they are.  If you want a portrait with you newborn and want that "tiny" baby look then call to schedule your appointment so that I can create these portraits when your baby is between about ten and twenty days old. 

Please log onto http://www.stevenashmore.com to see more portraits by Steven Ashmore, Certified Professional Photographer.