The reason behind everything
Family
I adore being present to capture moments between parents and children. The love that resonates is infectious and I can feel the happiness and love through the other side of my camera.
So please, get in the photos...freeze those moments that show the love and bond that makes everything in this world worthwhile.
Raleigh family Photographer
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REAL STORIES OF REAL families
Featured Galleries
couture in the azalea garden
bates family
It's so much fun when families want to dress up and use gowns from my client closet! The azalea garden was the perfect backdrop for these formal pictures.
This gorgeous garden is off the beaten path and definitely a spot you don't want to miss!
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Christmas at historic oakview
handlon family
Christmastime at Historic Oakview Park is always the perfect spot for updating family photos when you want something a little different!
The history buildings with their large porches are perfect for holiday pictures!
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Fall in the park
Adam's
Fall in North Carolina can be just beautiful...crisp air, cooler temperatures and gorgeous foliage!
This session was at a local park that also has a large playground, so we couldn't resist capturing some photos playing as well!
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extraordinary • moments • captured
The Family Experience
One thing I commonly hear from clients is that they feel awkward or stiff in front of the camera. Don't worry....we ALL do! That's why I am here to help guide you through posing and make you feel beautiful and comfortable during our session. And I'm always running around, acting silly, or balancing a toy on my head to get the "real smiles" out of your children (and sometimes Dad's too haha).
Not sure what to wear? I have a HUGE client closet, inclusive of adult women's as well as children's couture dresses. Make your session a once in a lifetime couture experience!
let's have fun creating cherished family moments!
Once your session is booked, we will set up a consultation, either by email or phone, to discuss the details of the session. This will include the session location, wardrobe consultation (if using a gown from my client closet), color palette guidance for outfit planning, and a "must have" shot list to ensure your portraits include the poses that are most important to you!
1. Pre-Session consultation
2. the day of the photoshoot
YAY! Today's the day! Time to relax and have fun as we make beautiful memories that will be created into timeless portraits.
If using a gown from my client closet, we will plan on meeting 10 minutes prior to your session time to allow you time to change into the gown.
Within one week after your session is complete, a soft-proofed (lightly edited) gallery link will be sent to your email. From there, you will choose your favorite images for me to put all the final editing touches on!
Your final photos will be delivered as high resolution downloadable images for you to use. I also offer heirloom professional quality prints and products that can be ordered directly from your gallery and delivered straight to your home!
3. Your photographs
heirloom artwork • priceless
Collections begin at $600
Investing in portraits is something you will treasure and show your children for years to come. I know that my photographs are my most prized possessions. As your family grows and changes, these portraits will be a reminder of a memory that will be frozen in time forever.
The Investment Details
"We booked Susan for her sunflower mini sessions and I was totally blown away with the results! Not only did she manage to get each one of our girls’ personality to shine through but also group shots that we will cherish. Susan was wonderful from booking through delivery of our photos and you can tell that she truly loves what she does and treats each client as a VIP. Thank you again Susan!"
children's Session
Jen & Family
"Susan is amazingly talented, and has a heart of gold. Our family photos turned out amazing, and I’ll treasure them forever. Thank you, Susan- I hope you realize how magical you are 💗💗💗"
Mommy&ME session
Linz & family
"Susan did such an amazing job with our family photos. Our 3 year olds were all over the place but she was able to keep their attention and get some great pics. We are so happy with how they turned out and will definitely ask her to take pictures for us again in the future."
Family Session
Robyn & family
"From family photos to maternity photos, Susan is the person you need to book with!!! She provides excellent quality, is extremely professional, and gives her clients nothing but her absolute best each and every time!! These will be photos you will cherish for years to come! I can’t say enough good things!."
Maternity Session
Julie and Ricky
"I am truly blown away with how incredible our family photos came out! Susan was beyond amazing to work with and even more amazing working with my kids (ages 2&5) to get the perfect shots. I cannot stop looking at them and I cannot wait to hire her for more family photos. If you are looking for a photographer who knows what they are doing and want breath taking photos that will last a lifetime Susan is the one you want!"
Family Session
Heather & Family
"Susan VanNess is incredibly talented with such a keen eye for photography. She knows how to use her environments, capture beautiful lighting, and how to advise the client on how to move/pose to flatter your body. The shoots are always low stress and easy to relax during because you know she has it under control and you will get high quality shots of your family. Lifelong client (as long as she'll have me!)"
Maternity Session
Gretchen & Brandon
If you would like to schedule a session, have any questions, or would just like to chat, please use the form below to reach out!
Memories
Mini Sessions from $250
As seen in
CHILD
Couture Magazine
