Personalities

Their bright face and playful energy reflects their innocense and warms your heart. If only these years could last forever.

 

Professional photography isn’t expensive, it’s priceless!

April Bay | Photographer
www.aprilbayphotos.com
www.facebook.com/aprilbayphotographer
910-372-2375

In the spirit of birthday celebrations

Have you examined your breasts lately?  What a one liner to start off with!!!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are lots of ways to donate to the cause and show your support with all the pinkness you can wear.  However, volunteering with the American Cancer Society who is the official sponsor of birthdays.  The best way to celebrate is with a little prevention.  Do self breast exams each month and read even more tips at http:www.cancer.org.Meet Patricia and her daughter Debra.  Debra and I are “friends” on my Facebook page. Well, about four months ago I noticed a post on her wall in regards to her mom’s cancer and left a comment…..I told her that I offer free mini-sessions to cancer survivors & their support groups.  This was back in June(ish).  Then on September 23rd she sent me a private message asking me if I would be able to photograph her mom while she was visiting NC.  OF COURSE I WILL – I would be honored. Stronger Than Stage 3 Breast Cancer.  Showin’ some toughness-until Patricia started making the “grrrr” sound and Debra couldn’t keep a straight face (lol)A little bit about Patricia’s battle with the disease:
December 6, 2010 is when she found out that she had breast cancer-stage 3. At the young age of 52.  Her surgery was scheduled immediately and on December 27, 2010 she had her left breast removed.   She had to go thru 16 weeks of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation.  Patricia found out recently that she is a survivor, Patricia found out that she is tougher than cancer!

BREAST CANCER FACTS
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women
One in EIGHT women in the US develops breast cancer
Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year
Nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2011
There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US

All American Girls

All American Girls.

All American Girls

Cheerleaders have such natural smiles! Pretty sure most of the girls on this team would like to be a professional cheerleaders. I think they all will be outstanding! I can just see them now in front of lots of aspiring cheerleaders, captivating them with their dazzling smiles and gymnastics. Good luck, ladies! Call to book your teams pictures: 910-372-2375 or email aprilbayphotos@gmail.com

triple cake smash fun

The only thing more delicious than a one year old cake smash session, is a cake smash session for 3.  Mom, Dad & Jaden! The reaction to having cake for the first time, without any rules or restrictions, is priceless!  I cannot believe this lil man turned 1 yesterday.

This little guy was so funny. You might think he would dive in up to his elbows, but he was a little surprised to find such yummy treats placed down right in front of him.  Jaden just couldn’t understand that it was OK to enjoy!

Is your little one turning one soon?  Send me an email or call me at 910-372-2375 to schedule a cake smash session for your baby.

”better early than late”

A quick post and a tiny sneak peek from a homecoming session with 2nd Maintenance Battalion.  Can you believe Jessica & I almost missed her hubby stepping off the bus…..cause they arrived an hour early!

She is

a talented actress.
a good friend.
a wonderful student.
a beautiful person.
blessed with an amazing family.

Birthday Greetings

 

Is your litte boy or girl turning one?  If so, you will want to take advantage of our ever-so-popular “Baby’s 1st Birthday” portrait session.  Imagine the adorable baby photos you’ll have to cherish the memory of your little one’s first birthday!  Scroll down below to view this handsome lil’ man. If you are interested in scheduling a 1st Birthday photography session for your baby boy or baby girl, call the studio 910-372-2375 today!  Remember, there is only one “Baby’s First Birthday” – don’t miss having creative portraits of this once-in-a-lifetime event! 

A Homecoming Love Story

Having the opportunity to experience Military Homecomings at Camp LeJeune have given me the highest appreciation for our Military, their families & the USA!  I wish everyone could experience a military homecoming, just once.  Everything about  them is an emotional roller coaster. 

While we waited for Jeremy and his fellow Marines I asked Leah how she thought their son Landon would react when he saw his dad.  She said “I don’t know, I think he is gonna show off & not let go of him.”  Leah, you were correct (in every image Landon is holding dad’s hand, hugging dad, touching dad or has his eyes on him).  Of course I asked her too, how do you think you will react……she didn’t know. 
After waiting for a little bit, the buses finally pulled up.  I completely focused on her & Landon as the men got off the bus.  She looked at every man, the ache filled her body for his embrace.   

FINALLY, he stepped off the bus into her open arms.  It was as if time stood still.

II hope you all enjoyed the mini-story of their homecoming love story!!!

Mans Best Friend

This session’s focus was on Oki and all his glory.  So, it really saddened me to hear that Oki was recently diagnosed terminal.  Having two dogs myself, I can only imagine what it would be like to go through what this family is dealing with right now – especially since mom has to find a way to explain this to the children.  You see, I have two dogs and even though they’re up there in age, they still tend to act like puppies.  Their dog wasn’t like that at all.  Sure, the tail was wagging and he greeted me, but he didn’t try to jump on me or get so excited that he would knock me down {OK, my dogs don’t jump on people anymore, but they don’t know their strength and do tend to knock me down from time-to-time}.  After this shoot, I talked to my family and friends about this dog… Yes, he made that big of an impression on me. For those of you with pets, make sure you give them hugs and enjoy every moment with them.  I know that’s what Oki’s family is doing right now. Take care S family. I’m thinking of you.

Dogs are not our whole lives they make our lives whole.