Catherine Alexander Photography

WE HAVE MOVED

2011-02-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

We have loved this blog to death, but unfortunatly it was time for us to part ways. After a month of design and content creation we are proud to announce the all new http://www.catherinealexanderphotography.com/

head over there. ALL NEW UPDATES will be there.

GOODBYE, and see you on the new Blogsite!

- Pat & Melissa

Goodbye 2010 Hello 2011

2010-12-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

This has been an amazing year for Catherine Alexander Photography. Last January we were not a business, we had no organized vision for owning a photography business, Melissa didn’t know about my dream for becoming a professional photographer, and I had never shared that same vision with our friends and family. 10 months after starting our business, here we are. We have done 47 photo shoots and had the opportunity to be apart of 4 weddings (well 5 if you count shooting video). I never would have imagined Catherine Alexander Photography taking off this fast.
Please join us on this memory road and check out our favorite shots from our amazing 2010 clients. Check out the evolution of our technical skills. And look at how many times we changed our watermark.
It has been a year of firsts, and if this year was this amazing, I can’t wait for next year.

Right after getting our camera, we got plowed with snow. I love this picture of our dog Cammie.

Our first photo shoot EVER. I shot in rapid fire mode, and didn’t know what I was doing. Phi Beta Chi is a Christian sorority at East Carolina University.   I didn’t know how to pose, position people, I only had one 4 gig memory card and was shooting in .raw (which means I can only shoot 250 pictures). About half way through this shoot, I had to start deleting pictures from the memory card, to free up space so I could finish the shoot. I wish I could say I learned that if you shoot fewer pictures, you have less editing to do then… but I didn’t.

The Barnes Family are some great friends and where very awesome to work with. I was clueless about working with people. Up to this point I had been doing photo shoots with 2 liter dr.pepper bottles and stuffed animals. I know that sounds silly, but I had to practice somehow.

The next day our amazing pastor asked us if we’d do a photo shoot of her amazing grandchildren. The Rowe Family is amazing. Even though it was chilly both girls where so amazing. This was the first shoot that Melissa and I worked together. She made everything easier. She focused on the clients looking awesome, and I focused on making the pictures looking awesome. I love my wife.

Later that same afternoon we rocked our first ever engagement shoot. Chris and Tori are now married and expecting a beautiful baby in just a few months.

I wrapped that shooting day with a great mini-shoot of my hot wife Melissa.

The Crolle Family was so amazing. These two boys go to the daycare where Melissa works. I had a lot of fun and I am so happy I got to meet the family Melissa always talks about when she comes home from work.

Our first ever off camera lighting shoot. The Miss Grifton Pageant in Grifton NC was awesome, and below is my favorite picture. I didn’t realize it, but I would later work with Kaylee on her senior pictures.

My neighbor Gordy Pfeil was graduating from Ayden Grifton High School and wanted to get some senior pictures. We woke up way to early and found some really cool locations in Greenville NC for our shoot.

I got the call on a Wednesday, and the wedding was on Saturday. Would I do it? I was nervous, am I ready? Heck ya! It was now or never. This was my big break, and it was a paying gig. Megan and Gregg where so fun. Their Grifton NC Wedding was so amazing.

JoJo was pregnant! What does that mean, OUR FIRST EVER Maternity Portraits!!!! This was our first maternity session, as well as our first time using a studio backdrop. Although it posed many obstacles, we are always up for a challenge.

Tori was getting married. Her and her fiancé, Chris, had hired us to produce their wedding video (which is not a service we provide). But, before the wedding she wanted us to shoot her New Bern NC Bridal Portraits at the Tryon Palace. Again, another first. But Dang she was a beautiful bride.

It was the time of year for every high school student to get dressed up and spend the night dancing and looking good. But before Abby and Dillon could run off to their senior prom, we wanted to get some Prom Portraits. I love this picture.

Meaghan and Rob wanted to get some East Carolina University Graduation Pictures before they walked the plank in May. They are two of the biggest ECU Football fans, so we started our shoot in Dowdy Ficklen Stadium, and walked around campus for 2 hours and captured so many amazing portraits.

The print below really means a lot to me.   Downtown Greenville NC is such a great area. My job at News Channel 12 in New Bern, NC had me hanging off the edge of the roof of one of the dorms at East Carolina University shooting landscape portraits to be used within our newscasts. This particular print is not being used, but I absolutely love it. (this is actually 10 pictures stitched together to to make this awesome landscape print)

At the beginning of summer we visited my brother and did these Outer Banks Family Portraits.

Kevin and his family have meant the world to Melissa and I. The weekend after visiting my family, we visited her family and did this Greensboro NC Family Portrait Photo Shoot. Such a fun family. I did a lot of experimental off camera flash shots, and learned a lot. I am so happy we got to work with this amazing family. (This was our first time using 2 off camera flashes at the same time)

Drew and Jennifer where getting hitched, which meant it was time to get some awesome New Bern NC Engagement Portraits. Drew has been a good friend for many years I am so happy for him and Jennifer. This was our first ever Photo Shoot in 98 degree and up weather. It was blistering hot, but these two love birds rocked it out!.

After finishing Drew and Jen’s E-Session, I met up with an old college roommate, seeing him for the first time in 5 years and rocked out this New Bern NC Family Portrait Photo Shoot. It was such a blessing that Catherine Alexander Photography was helping to reunite me with my old friends. Ronnie, Amy and Bo your family rocks.

This photo shoot was the birth of a BFF relationship. Melane and my dog Cammie! The second she walked into our house and saw Cammie, the two where inseparable. Melane’s mom Melissa wanted us to shoot her Dance Pictures. So we turned our living room into a home studio. This was our first time using a white background.
One of my favorite things about being a photographer is that I get to meet so many amazing people. This family won a free photo shoot at the Grifton NC Shad Festival. During this shoot I found out they where new to Grifton. I invited them to our church, and I am so excited to say that now they have been baptized and are extremely involved in our church. God is so good. Grifton NC Family Portraits.

Amy and Luke are so perfect for each other. They are a hot couple and I was excited to shoot their New Bern NC Portraits. I am so happy that as of Christmas, they are now engaged!!!!!!!

It’s always awesome when your best friends ask you to shoot their portraits. This Greensboro NC Engagement Session was so much fun. Matt and Brittney we can’t wait to shoot your 2011 wedding!

One of Melissa’s sorority sisters asked us to shoot these Greenville NC Portraits. I was looking back at these pictures the other day, and DANG this was such a fun shoot. Tabby rocked out like a super model.

These Grifton NC Engagement Portraits where very special. Kade had just come home from serving a year in Iraq. He had been home for just a few days, and it was such an honor to shoot he and Megan’s engagement pictures.

These sisters where stunning. It was such an amazing shoot and Kristin and Kyndal rocked these Greenville NC Portraits.

Megan and Kade are married! We where so stoked to be their Bath NC Wedding Photographer. This was the FIRST WEDDING Melissa and I shot together. I can not tell you how awesome it is doing what I love, with the woman that I love. It is the best feeling ever!

The picture below remains one of my favorite portraits I have shot this year.

Kara Barnes rocked this session. It was so fun shooting these pictures throughout Grifton, NC.

Earlier in this post I showed you JOJO when she was prego, this is the beautiful baby, Anaya, that was in her belly. Melissa and I enjoyed taking these Goldsboro NC Family Portraits. Miss Anaya decided that she didn’t like me, and cried every time I tried holding her, but she is still the most amazing infant (and only) we photographed in 2010.

Earlier in this Blog I showed you the pictures from the shoot with my old college roommate. This is his niece. Her and her Fiancé Daniel hired us to be their Jacksonville NC Wedding Photographer. These two are now proud parents. Congratulations!

Rebecca is amazing. She is a talented Graphic designer, and if you are wanting custom invitations for a wedding, party, or event check out her work. I was so excited to be doing her Richland's NC Maternity Portraits. Congrats to her and Josh on their beautiful baby boy Brady.

This Grifton NC Family Portrait session was amazing. Wendy and her family mean the world to me and it was so fun capturing their family at the local fire department and by the creek.

Abby was working with me as a part of her senior project, and before I let her hang out behind the camera, I made her find out what it was like in front of the camera. Check out her Senior Portraits.

I did this experimental portraiture session with my hot wife Melissa.

Kaylee rocked her Senior Portraits. She was so fun to shoot and dang she was the biggest ham I have ever shot. She admitted to me that she absolutely loves getting her pictures taken. And dang, these pictures turned out awesome!

This New Bern NC Wedding was so amazing. Britney and Brandon where the first people to ever hire us, that was just 2 hours after I told Melissa that I wanted to start this business. The picture below was from their “FIRST LOOK”. That was one of the most powerful and emotional moments I have ever photographed. Congratulations Brit and Brandon!

It was so hard shooting these awesome New Bern NC Bridal Portraits and not showing anyone until after their wedding.

My childhood friend Michelle drove from the OBX, NC for these Greenville NC Family Portraits. It was cold but Seth and Michelle looked amazing! A special thanks to our intern Abby for working as an assistant on this shoot!

Most of you know that my mom died as a result of having cancer. I hate that, I hate cancer. When we where asked to do these Grifton NC Family Portraits I was hesitant. I was scared, the older gentlemen Mr. Robert was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His family wanted to do one last family photo shoot before he started his aggressive chemo and radiation treatments. I decided to go ahead with the shoot, and let me tell you, it was such a blessing to spend time with this family.

The next day Sara, who had seen the pictures we shot of my old college roommate Ronnie, hired us to shoot these North Topsail Beach Family Portraits. It was so much fun, and Sara, JD and her entire family are amazing! The best part of this shoot was being around a family that is so in love with Jesus. It was so encouraging to be around them!

Hello December, we got a late start on our holiday portraits, but Jamie, Robbie and Avery hired us to to their Christmas cards. Avery was such a ham, and this first picture was my favorite. Farmville NC Family Portraits

More Christmas pictures, this time our good friends the Rouse family hired us to do this Grifton NC Family Portraits.

If you remember the dance pictures with Melane posted earlier, you can see the BFF relationship between Melane and my dog Cammie.

It was such a blessing to do this Red Springs Family Portrait Shoot with our good friend Christi and her sister and niece. So much fun, most defiantly a highlight of our year.

A good friend and fellow photographer, Lynn Harris, referred this couple to us when she realized she would be unable to shoot their wedding reception. It is so fun shooting Weddings in Greenville NC. Steve and Crystal, your designers did an amazing job, and your family is amazing!

The little boy below stole the show, and he could dance. I was jealous of his skills.

Camrin and Chris where so awesome. They hired us to shoot their Christmas Portraits in Greenville NC. I absolutely love this couple and really hope to become better friends with them, because they are just that awesome!

And we closed out this year shooting this Greenville NC Wedding. Drew and Jennifer, it was such an honor to be apart of this special day, and to have it be our last event of the year.

Now that you have seen our favorite images of the year…
From us to you….

Drew and Jennifer | Greenville, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-12-22T14:43:00.001-08:00

Ever heard the saying "a match made in heaven"? Drew and Jennifer are more than perfect for each other. The perma-grin that is stuck on both of their faces, as a result of their amazing relationship, is so contagious. When you're around them, you just have to be happy.

When we first talked about shooting their wedding, I was pumped, but I never would have imagined it would have been as amazing as it turned out to be. It was a day full of Family, Friends, and LOTS OF LOVE.

The Wedding and Reception where both at the Hilton in Greenville, NC.

Drew's groomsmen were so fun to be around. As they were getting ready they where laughing and joking around so much that I had such a hard time keeping my camera straight.

Drew looks a little nervous as his mom pins on his boutonniere.

OMG, yes I just said that, Jennifer looks amazing. Look at her smile! It is infectious.

The bridesmaids where so awesome. Wild, Crazy, and just plain fun! After I captured a few posed pictures, I asked them to just hang out, and let me capture random shots of them interacting with eachother. They where AMAZING!!!!

The small intimate wedding was so amazing.

My favorite part of the ceremony was that they included Kristina, Jennifer's daughter, in the ceremony.

I love the people at the Hilton, i rearranged the lobby to best fit our portrait session. One of the workers said, "Do whatever you need to do and if you need help, just ask". I highly recommend the Greenville, NC Hilton for your wedding and reception venue.

The Favor..... and The Rings.

Let the party begin! Look at how happy Drew looks. I LOVE IT!

Jennifer and her Dad got really emotional during the father/daughter dance. You can tell he is so happy for her!

Drew stood up and thanked everyone for coming, and said... "We picked this day because it is my dads birthday"

His dad hated the attention. But Happy Birthday Dad!

One more reason why this was the most awesome bridal party we worked with in 2010!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of Jennifer throwing her bouquet. Awesome!

During the final dance, the bridal party surrounded the Bride and Groom and it was amazing.

Congratulations Jennifer and Drew. It was an honor to be apart of your amazing wedding!

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If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Steve and Crystal Minor | Greenville, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-12-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

It was a rainy chilly night, 9pm was the only time My wife and I and Steve and his new wife Crystal could meet to talk about shooting the local reception for the out of country wedding they had on October 30th.

I was nervous, I am still new to the business side of photography, and honestly if I didn't have bills to pay, I wouldn't charge a dime.

As Melissa and I where in line at the local Starbucks, in walked this vibrant couple. They radiated love. Steve's smile told it all. These two are so in love.

If I didn't believe it that night, during their December 11th reception at the Michael Center in Greenville, NC I was engulfed in it.

This venue was stunning. I couldn't believe how amazing it was. If you are getting married in, or around Greenville, THIS IS A MUST to check out!

Look at Steve and Crystal. They where so happy as they had their first dance, to "When I said I do" by Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore.

After the dance, they sat down and took in the unbelievable Decore set up by raliegh based design company Creative Touch Designs

The bartenders kept the juices flowing and to keep things awesome, they even pulled out jello shots.

Check out how amazing this place looked.

After everyone had the opportunity to grab some of the amazing food provided by Special Occasions in Greenville,NC, Steve and Crystal played the video from their October 30th wedding. There where laughs, but when they read their vows, I got choked up. I looked at Melissa, and just hearing Steve and Crystal's vows made me love my wife even more. It was that time that Crystal even got a little choked up. It was a powerful moment.

This family/friends are so amazing. The amazing words spoken during the toasts are just a testimony to the power of Steve and Crystal's love.

Steve's sister got really choked up when she expressed how she has always admired him.

Steve's best friend Jesse Harris talked about how sometimes things don't work out at first, so that life can lead you to your perfect happily ever after. Did I mention how amazing Steve and Crystal are for each other. They are amazing!

I was scared to photograph the bouquet Toss, these ladies wanted it, and it almost resembled a mosh pit at a rock concert when she tossed the bouquet.

And now, it's time for the party to heat up. DJ Daddy D out of Raleigh kept the night alive. And this little boy stole the spotlight. He can't be more than 10 years old and I am jealous of his amazing dance skills.

This reception was so much fun. I am so happy to have met this family, and especially Steve and Crystal. From the depths of my heart, I want to sincerely thank Steve and Crystal for allowing Catherine Alexander Photography to be apart of your special day. You both are amazing and after hearing the amazing things your family and friends said about you during the toasts, I like you even more.

Camrin and Chris | Greenville, NC Family Portraits

2010-12-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Camrin, Chris and their dog Saumf are so fun. We originally planned on a late afternoon shoot, but had to move the shoot earlier that day to get it in before the rain. What was awesome was that the second we finished our outside session the rain slammed us. (but we were done, which was a great thing)

Camrin is a theater major at East Carolina University, and wanted to get portraits with her boyfriend and dog in front of the theater/school of theater.

It didn't hit me until after the shoot but DANG, she looks exactly like Taylor Swift. Or as Camrin says "Taylor Swift looks like me."

They really wanted to get some Christmas pictures, but they didn't have a tree, so we went to their friends house and had so much fun taking these pictures. Did I mention that Chris is so crazy awesome.

This picture reminds me of the movie ELF, when ELF was in elf school, sitting in those super small school desks.

I am still amazed at this picture. I'll be honest, I DID NOTHING, it was all Camrin and Chris. SO dramatic! I love it!

They selected this picture for their Christmas card.

Camrin and Chris, you are amazing! I really hope that we can hang out again. Maybe your AWESOMENESS can rub off on me. I hope you have an amazing Christmas!
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If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Christi and Family | Red Springs, NC Family Photographer

2010-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

This photo shoot was suposed to be one thing, and it became something completly different.

After I did a photo shoot for a family a few weeks ago, whose family member was suffering from terminal cancer, I knew that I needed to do the same for Christi. Her grandfather was very sick, and after talking with her, we realized he didn't have much time left on Earth.

Christi is an amazing friend. She is a sorority sister of Melissa's and they are very close. I emailed Christi and basically said that if she was interested, I wanted to work with their family and do a photoshoot featuring her grandfather before he became to sick. We settled on a day, and I was very excited.

The day before we drove to Red Springs for this shoot Christi called, bad news, her grandfather was so sick that they had to put him in hospice. We would not be able to take pictures of him.

I was really bummed, not because the shoot was not working out, but because I REALLY REALLY HATE cancer. I hate what it does, I hate what it did to my mom, I just hate everything about it.

After talking to Christi we still decided to do the shoot, but it would be with her sister and niece. And let me tell you, we had a blast. This was one of the coldest, but most amazing photo shoots ever. They look stunning, and little Gracie was so fun, especially giving the extremely cold (25 degree) temps.

I do want to dedicate this post to Christi's Grandpa. That amazing man went to be with Jesus December 15th. I know the family is still having a hardtime, but I also know they are rejoicing that he is no longer in pain, and that they will see him again, in heaven!

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If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Harper Family | Farmville, NC Family Photographer

2010-12-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Meet Avery!

His mom and dad wanted to get some awesome Christmas pictures, and he became the biggest ham in front of my camera. (for two years old, he is an awesome kid)

Mom, Jamie and Dad, Robbie really wanted to get some pictures by the railroad tracks. Little did we know that the temp would drop to 29 degrees, and we would be pelted(ok, that's a fish tail... really it was just cold, wet and white stuff was falling from the sky, not my kind of fun) by sleet and snow as we finished the shoot.

"Shucks, mom and dad are kissing.... I'm embarrassed."

We hadn't planned on it, but when the snow came in, and the temps dropped, we headed back to my house and turned my living room into a studio space. I love these reflection pictures.

By this point Avery was done. Tired, and just wanted to go home. But, as the famous photographer quote goes... "Just one more picture"

Jami and Robbie it was so fun hanging out with you. You have an amazing son, and I absolutely love your family. This photo shoot was so fun! Let's do it again, just next time... lets pick a warmer day.

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If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Rouse Family | Grifton, NC Family Photographer

2010-12-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

You may remember little Melane from her dance picture we took several months ago (click here)

Melissa contacted me a few weeks before Thanksgiving and asked if we could do a christmas picture session with her family. We are stoked. More than that, because we are good friends, we brought our dog Cammie, and because Melane and Cammie are best friends, we had to get some BFF pictures.

If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Grifton, NC Family Photographer

2010-12-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from a Washington (state) area code and the woman calling me asked if I could do a photo shoot of her family. First, I thought… wait, I’m on the east coast, they’re on the west coast, why me? Later I found out how they found me… Searching for a photographer in my town Grifton....

Long story short, Mr. Robert Moore, her father in law, is battling a tough form of cancer. He lives in Grifton, and the family wanted to spend a week together before his treatments made him to weak for pictures. For those that don’t know, my mom died from cancer a year and a half ago, so this hit really close to home.

They didn’t want a posed style shoot, they wanted to just hang out and have me take pictures of that. Right after meeting I could tell we would get a long. They remind me of my family, you have the various personalities and loads of love. Look at these pictures and you’ll smile because of the love you can tell they have for each other.

It’s photo shoots like this that inspire me to keep going! Moore family, especially Elizabeth, THANK YOU FOR HIRING CATHERINE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY! It was a blessing to hang and photograph your amazing family!

If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Sara, JD and Family | North Topsail Beach, NC Beach Portraits

2010-12-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

When Sara booked us for a photo shoot, I knew it would be a fun time, especially since the session was to be at the beach, but I never would have guessed that I would leave feeling so encouraged.

This family LOVES, and I MEAN really really really really LOVES JESUS. They aren’t the bash you in the face, turn or bur...n type of believers, rather they radiate the love of Jesus, it is like an infectious wildfire that impacts every person they meet.
Going into this shoot, spiritually, i was feeling discouraged. Long story short, Melissa and I can't wait to have kids, however it is proving to be a very difficult thing to do.
Sara's brother and his wife went through the same thing Melissa and I are going through, and PRAISE JESUS, after a year and a half, they are pregnant!
Im saying all this to show how amazing this family is. At the end of the shoot, during our Goodbye's, they asked if they could pray for Melissa and I. They laid hands on me, and prayed. It wasn't a Jesus bless them AMEN, it was a FROM YOUR HEART, GOD ROCK THEIR WORLD kind of tears in the eyes kind of prayer.

I left feeling so much better. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

God places people in our paths for specific reasons, and I AM BEYOND blessed to have had the chance to meet, hangout and get to know Sara and her amazing family!

If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Michelle and Seth | Greenville, NC Family Portraits

2010-12-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago a Michelle, a childhood friend, and her amazing son Seth came to Greenville, NC from the OBX, NC to get some pictures of her and her son. When she asked me to do this shoot, I was humbled. I guess it is one thing for people I don't know to hire me to take their pictures, but when friends hire me to shoot theirs, it is different, it is almost like they are speaking life into my business. It is a confirmation from those closest to me that I am doing what I supposed to be doing.

On this shoot Abby Farmer tagged along as my assistant as part of her Senior Project for Ayden Grifton High School.

If you are interested in booking a family portrait session with Catherine Alexander Photography, please email BeardPt@gmail.com or call Pat at (252)916-0446.

Britney and Brandon Wedding Slidshow | New Bern, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-12-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

check out the long awaited slideshow from Britney and Brandon's amazing New Bern, NC wedding.

Brandon and Britney Wedding Teaser | New Bern, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-11-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

So, we had the amazing opertunity to photograph Britney and Brandon's Wedding on Saturday, and I am working on culling through, and editing the 1700 pictures that both Melissa and I shot during their amazing New Bern wedding and reception.

I'll post my official "WEDDING" post later this week, but here are a few of my favorites that I have had the oppertunity to edit and process so far. Enjoy.

Britney Eggers Smith | New Bern, NC Bridal Portraits

2010-11-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Isn't Britney stunning? When she arrive to the Tryon Palace, in New Bern, NC on the day of our shoot, my jaw hit the floor when I saw how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress.

We had so much fun on this shoot. We started slow, broke some of my equipment, and then picture after picture Britney turned into a pro super model and rocked this shoot!

If you are interested in having Catherine Alexander Photography photograph your next event or wedding, please email BeardPt@gmail.com.

Abby Farmer | Grifton, NC Senior Photography

2010-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Abby is such an awesome girl. She is working for Catherine Alexander photography this Fall semester as a part of her senior project at Ayden Grifton High School, and is learning all out the technical and business stuff about photography. She wants to become a professional photographer. I really believe she is going to be awesome... Wait, she already is an amazing photographer!!!

As a part of her development, I told her she needed to understand what it feels like to be in front of the camera, so that she can be most effective BEHIND the camera.

One thing I admire about any person, or couple that hires a photographer is that… in order to get your picture taken… you have to expose your flaws… whether it be blemishes, physical features, proximity zone issues… or what, it can be very stressful.

To be honest, I didn’t understand how stressful getting professional portraits can be, until this summer when a good friend Nathan, of Nathan Lawrenson Photography, (http://www.nathanlawrenson.com/ ) took these pictures (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26544&id=105672742807231&saved#%21/album.php?aid=252105&id=71473739433 ) of Melissa and I.

** Please note that Nathan was amazing, his fun nature, and easy going attitude helped ease my stress. **

It was very tough for me (a photographer) to open up (how ironic, right?)… be relaxed, which is what I had to be in order to get good pictures.

Anyway, it is tough, that’s why Melissa and I approach our photo-shoots as a hang out session, where we just happen to take really awesome pictures. Just like with Abby, or any client, we hang out, laugh, walk around… find awesome backgrounds for pictures, laugh some more, and take SUPER AWESOME pictures between outbursts of laughter and great conversation.

We view each session as an experience, and we want to (A) make that an amazing experience that you remember forever. and (B) get to know you, and allow you to get to know us... and hopefully build a friendship that will continue past our photo-shoot.

Please enjoy these pictures of Abby, and Let her know how awesome you think she is!!!!

after the shoot, i had Abby take a few pictures of me... i am so not THUG, but I wanted to pretend to be.... EPIC FAIL! (not from her, rather from me....)

Kaylee Griffin | Grifton, NC Photographer

2010-10-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

I'll post more pictures very soon, but until then... check out how amazing Kaylee rocked her photo shoot. DANG!

I'll put more up from this shoot in the next few days. Until then, give her some love! Tell her how amazing she looks in these pictures!!!!

- Pat

Melissa Beard | Grifton, NC Portrait Photography

2010-10-11T08:29:00.002-07:00

My wife is HOT! There, I said it.

She is, don't laugh at my honesty... (however you can be jealous that she married me… and not you) she is a perfect TEN, and, in my opinion, she is awesome because she lowered her standard... and she could have married a fellow perfect "10" however... she looked down and married me... a "2".

All joking aside, I really love Melissa. She is my reality check... she always keeps me grounded, and encourages me to pursue my dreams... (Catherine Alexander Photography) and she sticks by me through the late night editing sessions, and jam packed stressful weekends full of photo shoots and client meetings.

She is more than just my wife, she is my best friend. I know that's a generic thing that lots of people say about their spouses (and they should)... but it is not generic to me. It's crazy sometimes how she can almost read my mind. We can have 20 minute conversations without using words... and there is no other person that I would rather hang out with and be stupid with.

She hates how I drum on everything and how I pick my toes and bit my nails when I’m in stressful situations (aka road trips) but secretly, I think she likes it… because that is me!

Anyway, if you don’t know Melissa, I can’t wait for you to meet her… she is amazing! And, I love her!

Here is a small photo shoot we did last we to show off her amazing new haircut. Please leave a comment and let her now how hot you think she is!!!!

Blessings

Pat

The Andrews Family | Grifton, NC Photographer

2010-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I use to think that my family was the most amazing family that has ever existed... (well secretly I still do) however, the Andrews family is giving us a run for our money.

I met Wendy a few years ago through working with our small towns annual festival "the Shad Festival." She is the "don't make me mad or I'll tell you what I'm really thinking... and boy you don't want to hear what that is.." person on festival planning committee. Through my job (the music coordinator) it has been a major blessing having her ideas, opinions, and assistance for the past two years I have been involved.

Anyway, if that made any since... She has also become a very good friend, as well as her family.

Dating back a REALLY long time, they have had a passion for serving the community through volunteering at the local fire department. I have so much respect for what they do, they fearlessly step into harms way to save others, that is amazing. When they told me they wanted to do the shoot at the fire station, i knew that i needed to capture the heroic'ness of their job, i really believe that this first picture does that.

Anyway, enough blabbing. This was so much fun, and I really can't wait to finish the rest. Enjoy!

Ally and Daniel Castelow | Jacksonville, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-09-16T20:35:00.001-07:00

This family is amazing.

At most weddings someone reads the "LOVE CHAPTER" ...

"love is patient... love is kind..."

The Koebbe family displayed this through their servants heart last Sunday when Ally and Daniel tied the knot.

I have been friends with this family since my college days, and when Ronnie (one of my former college roommates) called me last week and asked me if I was available to shoot this last minute wedding, I was honored.

Ally and Daniel are six months pregnant and before their beautiful baby is born, they wanted to become husband and wife.

To see how amazing this weeding was, I really thought it had been planned for the past several months, but when I realized everything was put together that week... it really showed how amazing this family is. Ally's Dress was stunning, The church was beautiful, and the food was amazing.

Ally and Daniel, it was an honor to photograph your special day, and we wish you the most happiest ever after that anyone could ever have.

Josh & Rebecca Jones | Richalands, NC Maternity Photographer

2010-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Holy Crap, what happens when AWESOME meets RAD, it is in Rebecca's belly (and should be coming out in the next 2 weeks). Josh and Rebecca are two amazing northerners who have moved south and now live in rural Richlands, NC.

What I find super amazing about this couple, is that NOT only do they not know the sex of their AMAZINGNESS, but they are also going to be giving birth to their baby in their home. That is so old-school cool. She will not have any drugs, and she is so stress free about that.... I can't imagine.... but after hanging out with Josh and Rebecca... it is easy to see how she is stress free... Josh is crazy awesome.

O-ya, check out Josh's grandpa's car... that is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Josh and Rebecca, you two are amazing, and that isn't just a sales pitch... i REALLY MEAN IT. i hope that we can hang out, and go bowling or eat your amazing spaghetti sometime after the baby is born!

JoJo Johnson and Beautiful Baby Anaya | Goldsboro, NC Family Photographer

2010-09-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

The last time we showed you beautiful Anaya, she was still in the oven. JoJo and Tim hung out and we capture a bunch of fun maternity pictures. Anaya was born a few months ago, and shortly after she was born, we all got together for a fun newborn session, but Anaya's inner diva denied our exhaustive efforts in getting good "NON-CRYING-FUSSY-FACED-PICTURES"

So, with that, we FINALLY!!!! got some time to get up with JoJo and love on her beautiful daughter. Tim was under the weather, but we still had fun with mom and daughter. (by the way... Anaya is AMAZING!!!! although she hates me.... or at least, every time I (Pat) held her... she started crying. Anyway. Enjoy these pictures and let me know what you think.

Kara Barnes | Grifton, NC Senior Portraits

2010-08-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an amazing day. I don't want to come across as if I am cocky, but I really feel that Catherine Alexander is starting to fire on all cylinders as a photography business. Just a few short months ago, nobody knew who we where, we didn't even know who we where (as a business) and now (as of this shoot) I finally feel like my camera is capturing the vision of the shots that I see in my head before I start the photo shoot.

It really helps when you have someone as amazing as Kara Barnes. She swears that she doesn't have any modeling experience, however the girl knows how to work in front of the camera. It was so much fun. What's interesting is that even though the backgrounds look amazing in the pictures, the locations where very crazy. In some of the shots Kara was standing ankle deep in nasty (Contentnea Creek) water, other shots she was braving fire ant mounds, and other times she was just dealing with my stupid humor... (for those of you that don't know me... I try to be funny... and fail every time, but that doesn't stop me from trying again another time). Anyway, Kara was amazing, and I am really blessed to not only capture these shots, but also to be close friends with her amazing family.

Enjoy the pictures, and let me know if you love them!

Thanks!

An Amazing Fight For Life - Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth - A Cystic Fibrosis Story

2010-08-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

Typically I do not try to mix my two jobs, working as the senior marketing producer at NewsChannel 12 and FOX Eastern Carolina and Catherine Alexander Photography. BUT, I wanted to share a mini documentary that I put together for our stations Cystic Fibrosis Telethon that is happening this Saturday.

I grew up with Nathan on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and to see the way he and his amazing wife Tricia have approached her battle with CF is inspiring. They LOVE Jesus, and have followed him through thick and thin, and used their amazing testimony of healing as a platform to minister to thousands of other people around the world.

Please take a minute and Check out their blog and tell them how amazing they are.

http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

Kade and Maegan Miller Wedding - Bath, NC

2010-08-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was one of the most amazing weekends we have had in a long time. We experienced unbelievable love, joy, and happiness. And boy was it contagious. We are so excited for Kade and Maegan and can confidently say that their families are some of the warmest most amazing people we have ever met.

Their Bonner Point Wedding, located in the beautiful small town of Bath, NC was amazing. Not even the light summer shower that passed through during this outside wedding could stop these two lovebirds.

After the service, we headed to Maegan’s Grandparents river house and enjoyed an amazing backyard pig picking with all the fixings.

From the bottom of our hearts Melissa and I wish Kade and Maegan the most amazing happily ever after, and we are very thankful that they asked us to be apart of such an amazing day.

Vendors:

Hair and Make-Up - Amy Mills

Panache (Hair, Nails & Skin Spa)

420 E. Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC

SALON - (252) 353-4025 ext:1

Cell - (252)717-8133

Maegan and Kade | Bath, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-07-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Mr and Mrs Kade Miller... that is a really awesome thing to hear.

Today was an amazing day, and it was such a blessing to photograph Maegan and Kade Miller as they tied the knot. Please enjoy these pictures and I will get more up later this week.

Congratulations Maegan and Kade!!!!!

(please click on each picture to view the entire photograph. For some reason my lovely blog likes to chop off part of the picture.)

Brittney and Brandon | Emerald Isle, NC Engagement Photographer

2010-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had the incredible opportunity to hang out with our good friends Brittney and Brandon and ATTEMPT to take some beautiful engagement pictures. This shoot was going to be epic, well, that was until a massive thunderstorm slammed us 5 minutes unto our shoot. However, i did want to share with you our favorites from the VERY short session.

Although the session was cut short, we did get the fun opportunity to hang with them, and two other good friends Wii and Ashley for an hour of bowling at Mac Daddy's in Emerald Isle.

Great times, short shoot, horrible bowling, but memories that will last forever!

PS, Brittney and Brandon, your awesome.

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News Channel 12 Photo Shoot | New Bern, NC Photographer

2010-07-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week we got a really exciting request. One of the local News affiliates in our area (NewsChannel 12) needed to have some updated portraits of some of their key talent. We spent a few hours shooting today, and below is the result. I can't wait to show you where these pictures are going. It is going to be EPIC. I am about to freak out I am so stoked about this shoot!!!!!!!!!!

(this is a fun picture i took just for D.)

Kristin and Kyndal Huneycutt | Greenville, NC Family Photographer

2010-07-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

We absolutly love our job. Tonight proved why.

Kristin, one of Melissa's Sorority Sisters, got up with us a few weeks ago about having a session with her and her sister, Kyndal. For some reason, and i didn't know why, I was really stoked about this shoot (aka: more stoked than I am for the average shoot). And tonight, we had such a blast. Both girls are stunning and such a blast to hang out with. We hit up various spots around Grifton and had a super happy fun, fun time in the process.

What's even radder is that these two lady's love Jesus with all their heart. That is amazing. As most of you know, Jesus is the centerpiece of Melissa and my life, and to see other people having that same commitment to Jesus is sweet!

After the shoot we all came to our house enjoyed one of Melissa's amazing home cooked meals and hung out for a while. It was a true joy and honor to hang with Kristin and Kyndal tonight, and we can't wait to hang with them sometime really soon.

please click on the picture to see the entire shot.

Maegan and Kade | Grifton, NC engagement photographer

2010-07-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Love, it is a four letter word that can mean just about anything... but what is amazing about it, is that when the word LOVE becomes an emotion, a feeling, an action IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

Maegan and Kade are madly in love and it was such a blessing to hang out with them and take these pictures today. Kade just got back from Afghanistan last week.... Maegan has been waiting for 9 months, and now that he his back.... at the end of July they will become husband and wife.

I could ramble for hours about how amazing just KADE is, the dude willingly puts himself in harms way to make it so that you and I can enjoy the FREEDOMS our constitution provides. That is amazing. And to top of Kade's awesomeness, Maegan is not only an awesome nurse, she has volunteered countless hours over the past few years to organize and execute the Ms. Grifton Pageant, which is apart of our small towns annual Shad Festival.

We are so stoked to get to know these two, and really hope that we can become better friends as time passes. Maegan and Kade, it was our honor to take these pictures, and we wish you guys the best and most amazing happily ever after!!!!!!!!!!

(please click on first image for full preview)

Kesha Gibbons | Grifton, NC Family Photography

2010-07-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

One of the many wonderful things about being a photographer is all of the people that you get to encounter. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet Kesha and her family after she won a free photo session with us at Grifton's Shad Bingo (it's a fish in case your wondering!) This family was so full of energy and really loved having their picture taken. We are so excited about the new friendship that has started to blossom between our two families and can't wait to take some more pictures for them!

Brittany and Matt | Greensboro, NC engagement photographer

2010-07-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more shots of Brittany and Matt's engagement session. We had so much fun with these two and they made the picture taking so easy. We are so excited to have the opportunity to shoot their wedding in March and can't wait to see what the beautiful day holds. Good luck with all of the planning you two!

Tabitha Paige | Greenville, NC Portrait Photography

2010-07-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

Tabitha and Melissa grew up a few miles apart, but never met until Tabitha went out for Phi Beta Chi, the Christian Sorority at East Carolina University that Melissa is the President of. (INSERT CORRECTION((aka melissa told read this and said "AAHHH NO THATS NOT RIGHT)): the had met when they where children , but weren't super tight) Tabitha is now Melissa's Grand little (i think) anyway.... She is such an awesome girl.

A few months ago she approached Melissa about getting some head shots taken, well, due to one thing or another we had to delay the shoot, or cancel due to weather.... but finally tonight, we spend 3 hours hanging out and taking pictures, and it was perhaps the coolest shoot we have ever had. Not only was Tabitha an amazing MODEL, we also had our good friend Whitney hang out during the shoot.

Good times! Tabitha it was so fun hanging out and We really hope you enjoy these pictures.

Matt & Brittney | Greensboro, NC Engagement Photographer

2010-07-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

this is a teaser for the amazing E-session that we did with our dear friends Matt and Brittney.

Our job is so amazing. We are blessed with the opportunity to capture images that mean more than most pictures, it is our hope that EVERY picture we take have an amazing story that can be seen.

Tonight, we had the amazing opportunity to hang and photograph Matt and Brittney, two very close friends to both Melissa and I. Brittney and Melissa go back to the diaper days, and they truly represent the term BFF.

Matt and Brittney have been engaged for a year or so, and they have been waiting for Brittney to finish school, and now that she is graduating in December, they are planing their March Wedding, and I (Pat) am so stoked to be the photographer, and Melissa will be the Matron of Honor (that is going to be a busy AWESOME day) . anyway... enjoy these pictures and we will post more very soon.

Amy and Lucas | New Bern, NC Photographer

2010-07-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

I met Amy through my sorority Phi Beta Chi a few years ago and have had the pleasure of getting to know her through these past couple years. We were so excited when we had the opportunity to photograph Amy and Lucas a couple of weekends ago. These two were such a sexy couple who are clearly madly in love with each other. We had a blast taken pictures down by the New Bern waterfront and the love from these two radiated through all of the pictures that we got. We even had a good laugh when a random guy decided to crash the shoot and wanted to get a picture as well. We can't wait to take more pictures of these two and hopefully dressed in white!

Dance Pictures | Grifton, NC Photographer

2010-07-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful opportunity to take some pictures of Melane in her adorable dance outfits. She was such a great model to work with and she even enjoyed letting Cammie sneak into her pictures all dressed up. Her mom Melissa (great name I know) wanted us to take some dance pictures of Melane, this little girl certainly came out of her shell while we were taking pictures and she loved seeing all of Cammie's clothes. This is such a wonderful and inviting family that we have gotten the pleasure to get to know through our church, they are willing to do anything to help out someone. They were such a joy to work with and we can't wait to get some more pictures of Melane, maybe without Cammie this time!

Drew and Jennifer (Behind the Scenes) | New Bern, NC Photographer

2010-06-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend i did a shoot, blogged below, with Drew and Jennifer. Jennifer's mom, and our new FACEBOOK friend Donna Otero took some awesome pictures of my while i took pictures of Drew and Jennifer.

So just like my good friend Bob from OPEN APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHY (http://openapphoto.blogspot.com/) check them out, they are doing some great stuff... i will post the behind the scenes... and the final result.... enjoy!

(first) while shooting Christina enjoyed digging through the planter boxes at the Tryon Palace, so i had to put my camera down and help clean her up!

Behind the Scenes

Final Edit

Behind the Scenes:

Christina ham'ing it up, Im using the Nikon SB900 wireless while using the onboard flash on my camera as the CLS trigger.

Final Edit

Behind the Scenes:

How Low can you GO?

Final Edit: NOW THAT IS LOVE!!!!!! Drew and Jennifer are AMAZING!!!

Their love is contagious!

Behind the Scenes:

In my opinion, what makes AWESOME photos is when they are taken from unique perspectives that arn't seen everyday. Sometimes that means getting REALLY LOW and shooting UP, other times it means getting REALLY HIGH and shooting down.

Final Edit: (actually not the same picture, but the same sequence of shots)

I am not sure how often I will actually post behind the scenes pictures, but if you are interested in these types of blogs, please follow my friends at Open Ap (http://openapphoto.blogspot.com/)

Again, a special thanks to Donna Otero for the behind the scene shots. SUPER COOL! what do you think?

Ronnie, Amy, and Bo | Jacksonville, NC Family Portraits

2010-06-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

For those who have met Ronnie.... you will never forget him. When I ventured to college (Southeastern College of the AG in Lakeland, FL) Ronnie also came in the same semester. As it turns out, he was my across the hall dorm friend, and happened to grow up in NC, which when you are in Florida... having someone who is familiar with the AMAZING STATE YOU ARE FROM, is awesome.

Both Ronnie and I left Southeastern before we graduated, and for the past 6 years we have lived less than 90 miles apart, yet... because of one thing or another, we haven't seen each other since 2004.

We have been catching up a lot lately, and when i dropped him the idea of hanging out/giving his family a rad photo session, I knew it would finally work for us to hang out.

Honestly, this session was more about hanging out and less about pictures, but i feel that the awesomeness of the pictures are a result of that. I was blessed to meet his awesome family (wife Amy and son Bo). It is crazy how much Bo takes after his dad. Also, for all you art lovers out there... Amy is an artist, and would love to talk to you about painting some stuff for you. Look her up on Facebook, Amy Koebbe.

This family is amazing, and I really hope that we can hang again sometime really soon!!!!!

Drew and Jennifer | New Bern, NC Engagement Photographer

2010-06-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was one of those melt the bones off your skin HOT days. That didn't stop my friend Drew and his amazing finance Jennifer from meeting me at the Tryon Palace in downtown New Bern, NC for a fun afternoon of awesome pictures and good conversation. Drew and I met several years ago when I worked for the tv station he is still employed by. Now, i view that station as the "DARK SIDE" because i work for a competing station. Regardless of the competition between the stations, I am so stoked to finally have a chance to get to really know Drew. He is one of those dudes that you can always turn to when your in need, and KNOW he will help you out to the best of his ability. Jennifer and Drew really share an amazing love.

Jennifer is also the mom of young Christina, a young hyper cutie who is a major ham for the camera.

I am so excited about shooting Drew and Jennifer's December wedding.

Carter Family | Greensboro, NC Family Portraits

2010-06-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Carter family is amazing. Kevin is so cool, that we asked him... to marry Melissa and I (3 years ago next month) and Joy and the kids have become a second family to us.

This weekend, Melissa and I visited her Mom and Sister in Greensboro, and we got up with the Carter family for some fun portraits. We where at a really cool park (it was actually the same place Kevin and Joy got married many years ago).

I had a blast, and even though it was so hot my skin was boiling off my bones... i feel we capture some great pictures that REALLY represent how AMAZING this family really is.

EVERYONE you can Be jealous that they are my friends... and not yours. HAAHA!

just like peter Pan... Kevin can fly.

how cool... this is the spot where Kevin and Joy got married. In my opinion these two lovebirds seem more in love TODAY then they have ever been... a true testament to the strength of LOVE.

Mark Beard and Family | Outer Banks, NC Family Portrait

2010-06-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Melissa and I finally went back to the Outer Banks, my hometown to hangout with my amazing family. Let me introduce you to my Brother MARK (the bearded guy) he, unlike me... can grow facial hair.... the little dude beside him... LANCE, marks youngest... next to LANCE is my nephew Aiden, and then Marks Girlfriend Michelle.

We hung out at Jockey's Ridge and then at the OLD Kitty Hawk Pier. If pictures could talk... these pictures would tell you that it was HOT as MESS that day... but we had a ton of fun, and we even had a silly string fight, (THOSE PICTURES TO BE POSTED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS).

anyway, mark is an amazing dude. Growing up he always had my back, he protected me, taught me, corrupted me, and has laughed at me, but most of all, he has shown me amazing LOVE and for that... (cue sappy music) I love you Mark!

and this is Erica. She is my niece. She is a cutie so I had to post this.

Downtown Panarama | Greenville, NC Photographer

2010-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last month, I had the rare opportunity to hang of the edge of the Clement Hall dormitory roof on the Campus of East Carolina University and take some really cool panorama shots. I capture both shots during the daytime, and at night, and if you live in Eastern North Carolina, you will be seeing this picture, as well as its "DAYTIME COUNTERPART" as a part of NewsChannel 12's weather graphics. Basically... the weather guys will make the sky transparent... and when they refer to the forecast in Greenville *and how it will change from day to night* they will use this picture.... and if it is rainy... it will have rain clouds... if it is snowing.... it will have snow clouds... and so on.

SO, big ups to us... our pictures are being broadcast on TV everyday (starting in July)

for you photoGEEKS, this picture is actually 12 pictures merged together in photoshop... if you are into photography... and want to learn how to capture landscape shots like this... and how EASY it is to make them look RAD, let me know... it is EASY, and FUN!

Tori Wheeler | New Bern, NC Bridal Portraits

2010-06-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

Tori and Chris have become very good friends of ours over the past year. When we found out they where getting married, we where stoked. We didn't do the photography, however we did shoot video (which isn't a service we typically offer). When Tori asked me about shooting some bridal portraits, i was stoked.

We had a fun afternoon shoot at Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC and then we walked on a Railroad bridge that went over the Trent River for some more pictures. Tori was a blast, and i am so happy for her and Chris now that they are happily married!!!!!!!

TRUE LIFE (the story of not having time... and still being happy)

2010-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Shooting photography can be a very fun adventure. For a few months Melissa and I have been accepting clients and have snapped thousands of pictures and have learned a lot about the art and business of photography. We are more than stoked and are really looking forward to the future of Catherine Alexander Photography.

I will admit that I have learned a very tough lesson, and that is to correctly order my priorities.

Here is why: Currently, I hold two jobs. (1) I am the Senior Promotion Producer for NewsChannel 12 & FOX Eastern Carolina and (2) Business owner and Chief Photographer/Editor for Catherine Alexander Photography (a business that is still in its infancy)

So, with that being said, something really bad happened a few weeks ago. I was spending 40(+) hours a week at the TV Station, and then spending another 30 (+) hours a week working on various stuff for Catherine Alexander Photography. And I was spending 1(-) hours of quality time with Melissa and .25(-) hours in communication with Jesus through devotion and prayer.

Needless to say, I was able to do that for about 2 or 3 weeks, but one day everything got really bad. I was tired, Melissa was Ticked off at me for not showing her the LOVE that I should, and my relationship with Jesus smelled worse that stale milk that has been sitting on the counter in 110 degree heat for more than 2 weeks. (yes that bad)

I had to reprioritizes things. And it was hard. See, I am not the best multi-tasker. I can, but not family, work, photography, and Jesus. I have to be able to have an on and off switch and segment my day to make sure that I am giving all my loves and passions the correct amount of love, time, and attention…. 1st GOD, 2nd FAMILY, 3rd the TV STATION, 4th PHOTOGRAPHY, 5th – Infinity EVERYTHING ELSE.

That is tough. But, I have found that when I do that… I actually am more focused, work better… and am just a better person to be around.

So with that, I pray that God will show us all how to better priorities our lives so that we can be the best we can be… and LOVE the best we can.

Meaghan & Rob | East Carolina University Senior Photographer

2010-05-03T23:02:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite aspects of professional photography is that I get the pleasure of hanging out with some amazing people. Meaghan and Rob exceeded all levels of Rad that i have ever seen before. Meaghan wanted to get various pictures around campus before she "WALKS THE PLANK" next week. We hit up Dowdy Ficklen and other iconic landmarks around campus.

It was a blast hanging out with these two for the afternoon. Best of Luck to Meaghan and Rob as they start Grad school, and prep for their 2011 wedding.

Prom Pictures | Grifton, NC Photographer

2010-05-02T23:38:00.001-07:00

The local high school had prom this past Saturday night and we had the pleasure of photographing Abby & Dillon and Chris & Tori. As many of you know, Abby will be working with Catherine Alexander Photography this summer, so it was fun watching her work her magic in front of the camera. She is an amazing person, and is super fun to be around. Dillon was rad as well. This was our first time meeting him, and he seems to be just like Abby, super rad.

Chris and Tori are high school sweethearts who are actually getting married NEXT WEEKEND. And we will be shooting all VIDEO for their wedding.

This was a fun opportunity, and we are stoked that everyone had a FUN SAFE 2010 PROM.

JoJo and Tim | Goldsboro, NC Maternity Pictures

2010-05-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had the pleasure of taking these pictures of JoJo, Tim, and (still in the belly) Anaya. You can tell that these two are going to be amazing parents. I asked Tim if he was nervous, his answer... "No, I'm ready to be a dad" thats amazing! JoJo is a sorority sister of Melissa's and I know she is going to be an amazing mom. It was funny during our shoot though... Ms Anaya wanted to steel the spotlight. We tried one pose where we put these little baby shoes on JoJo's belly, and Anaya kept kicking them off. It made for some good fun, and lots of laughter. JoJo and Tim, Melissa and I are so stoked for the two of you and know you will make AMAZING parents. Our prayers are being sent your way! And we are excited about taking pictures of Anaya wearing the shoes she kept kicking off your belly.

PS. BIG PROPS to Whitney Stigall for being amazing during this shoot. We had this shoot literally 5 minutes after i finished a wedding, and Whitney and Melissa made it so easy for me to step in and play Mr. Cameraman.

Megan & Greg Skinner | Grifton, NC Wedding Photographer

2010-04-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met a family that you had never met, yet felt like you have been a part of their family for years? Megan and Greg's families are like that. From the second I met Megan and Greg (and their families) I just felt love. Throughout the day I met some of the most amazing people, and for those of you that missed the reception, Greg's mom Pat brought in some of the best BBQ I have had in a while. I am sure that I am not the only person that left with a belly slam full of good food.

I feel truly blessed and humbled that I was asked to take these pictures today. I really believe that Megan & Greg share the amazing love that very few people find these days. I really enjoyed this day, and wish these two lovebirds the best of luck as they enter this new and amazing season of their lives.

(PS. Megan and Greg.... that was the longest "FIRST KISS" i have ever seen.)

Blog Update

2010-04-14T20:06:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone. After hearing that most people can't comment on my blog, i have resolved that issue. Also, I have added pricing info, and booking info. So if you, or someone you know is interested in a photo shoot you now know how.

Gordy Pfeil Senior Portraits SNEAK PEEK | Greenville, NC Photographer

2010-04-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

I am so stoked about these pictures. When I moved to Grifton 2 years ago, Gordy's Family embraced Melissa and I and really made us feel welcome to this community. I have gotten to know Gordy pretty well over the past two years. We have shared some great times.

Saturday Morning we woke up hours before either of us would ever normally wakeup (9am) and traveled to Greenville to shoot some senior portraits (he is graduating from A/G this spring) We found a really cool train track overpass, and had lots of fun. We also visited the library and a few other locations. But, for now, enjoy these shots.

(what a tall guy)

Ms. Grifton Pageant 2010 (Grifton Shad Festival) | Grifton, NC Photographer

2010-04-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 10, 2010, Melissa and I had the honor of being the Photographers for the 2010 Ms.Grifton Pageant. Let me tell you, these girls where stunning. This was only the second time in my life going to a pageant, and the first was for young children... and these girls did great. Below are some of my favorite shots from the day.

If you were in the pageant, and would like a copy of the pictures you see here, or want all the pictures, please call 252-916-0446 or email me BeardPt@gmail.com and I will gladly hook you up.

O-Ya, mad props to Maegan and her team that put this on, I am sure they spent a lot of time working with these amazing girls, and it showed!

(The 2009 Ms Grifton Caitlyn Carrasquillo Farewell Walk)

and the winner is...... Sarah Tyson

Breanna Conway won Little Miss

Chris and Tori | Winterville, NC Photographer

2010-04-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

I love Chis and Tori. These two are high school sweethearts that will be getting married in May. What's amazing to me is how similar they are to Melissa and I. Tori is the outspoken one *like me* whereas Chris is the deep thinker *similar to Melissa*

During this photo-shoot i just asked them to let loose and break the rules... HAVE FUN, and I am really stoked with the outcome and wish Chris and Tori the most amazing marriage ever. I am excited about shooting VIDEO at their wedding.

Melissa Beard

2010-04-08T21:06:00.001-07:00

My wife is a HOTTY! Man, she is beautiful!!!! and not only that, but the camera loves her. I can't think of many people that are as photogenic as her. (Did I mention my wife is hot?)

The Crolle Family | Winterville, NC Photographer

2010-04-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Melissa has had these twin brothers in her daycare classroom since they were infants. After hanging out with the entire family a few weeks ago at the Winterville, NC daffodil fields, I now understand why she always talks about how amazing the entire family is. They radiate LOVE.

Pastor Linda Row Grandchildren | Winterville, NC Photographer

2010-04-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Melissa and I had the honor of taking pictures of our Pastors grandchildren. We had a blast. With the help of our amazing friend Whitney Stigall *the amazing reflector board holder* we spent 30 minutes capturing Jordan and Logan as they played around the daffodil fields. It really was an amazing time, and I can't wait until we can photograph their entire family, when Pastor Linda's son Chris, and his wife and daughter come home from the army base in Germany, where Chris serves as an officer in the US Army.

Oaks Family Easter Pictures

2010-04-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

On April 3rd, 2010 Melissa and I had the honor of getting some Easter pictures of newborn Izzie Marie and her brother Cody. (as well as her mom and dad Justin and Amber) I love this family. We really hoped to get some great shots with the beautiful daffodils that had bloomed just a few weeks earlier, but to our dismay, all the beautiful flowers had shriveled up. But, we weren't about to let that ruin our day. We still had a lot of fun, and the last picture in this sneak peak... it was taken by young Cody. (his mom and dad watched nervously as he handled my gear)

2010-03-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak of Phi Beta Chi's (at ECU) Chapterization Ceremony. More to follow.

The Barnes Family | Winterville, NC Photographer

2010-03-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

Melissa and I have lived in Grifton for almost 2 years now. One of the first people we met once we decided on our church (Grifton UMC) was Will Barnes. This guy is amazing. He is that guy that will do anything for anyone, he'll give the shirt off his back if it will help you out, and he doesn't ask for anything in return.

When my mom passed away last summer, Will was one of the many amazing people from my church that kept my house/yard in order while Melissa and I spent nearly a month out of town with my family.

With that, it was an honor when Will considered me as his choice to get some easter shots of his kids. They are like a second family to me, and I hope that these pictures bring them as much joy as they have brought to me.

*if you have room on your "PEOPLE TO BE Buddies WITH..." list, consider adding Will. He is the man.

Luke is a Ham

They didn't pick those flowers, they found them on the ground.

Everyone meet the worlds most awesome "THRILLER DANCER"

Aiden is an amazingly awesome kid.

This was perhaps the only shot of the day that Luke was actually stoked about. And it turned out great.

If you are interested in scheduling spring photoshoots for your family, please email BeardPt@gmail.com.

new LOGO

2010-03-09T17:10:00.001-08:00

I have been praying that God would help me create the most fitting "LOGO" for Catherine Alexander Photography... and this morning, the Creator of Creativity blessed me with unbelievable inspiration.

So here is the unveiling of the Catherine Alexander Photography LOGO.

Let me know what you think.

2010-03-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

My amazing wife Melissa could easily be classified as a professional college student. She has been in school for a long time, and during that time she has put countless hours of energy, emotion, suffering, stokedness, and so on into her Sorority Phi Beta Chi. Honestly, I don't understand the need to be in a Greek organization, but to her it is very important. Anyway, long story short... Sunday I was blessed with the opportunity to photograph her and her sisters on the campus of East Carolina University. Below is the proof. Enjoy.

This is the core leadership of PBX. (Phi Beta Chi)