les atkins Photography

For You Are Mine At Last - New Bern, NC Engagement

2012-01-11T12:46:00.000-05:00

Clayton proposed to Kelly in downtown New Bern, NC so it was only fitting that they have their engagement session there. Since it was the week before Christmas, we ran into Santa Claus, had a Pepsi at the popular New Bern Pepsi museum, and even spent a little time down by the water. One of my favorite images though was in front of the cupcake shop. Looking forward to photographing their wedding this Fall.

My Wedding and Family Portrait Favorites

2012-01-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

More than 10 years ago I was obsessed with entering photo contests. I won tons of ribbons and learned lots along the way. I haven't really entered any since. In December after months of nudging from my fellow wedding photographer friends, I decided to start entering once again. Here are a few of the images I entered. I'll let you know how I did when the results are released in Jan 2012.

He Thinks My Tractor is Sexy! - Emporia Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-12-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

Reba and Ronnie's wedding was full of surprises. Ronnie is employed as a law enforcement officer so it was only appropriate that they be "handcuffed" to one another at the alter following the ceremony. This caught many of the guests by surprise and provided many laughs.

Some of my favorite images were taken following the ceremony in the middle of Main Street, Emporia. We stopped traffic for a few minutes to capture the romance between this couple following their holiday wedding.

I would have to say Reba's bridal portraits rate a "10" for uniqueness. Growing up on a farm in Southern Virginia, her father's tractors made for a perfect prop for this country girl's dream wedding.

A Hokie Wedding - Emporia Virginia Wedding Photography

2011-12-19T15:41:00.000-05:00

I've been looking forward to this weekend since the day Leasa and Brian booked les atkins Photography. As a fellow Virginia Tech Hokie fan, I was excited to hear all of the plans that involved celebrating the couple's favorite team. From the colors, to the groomsmen wearing embroidered Hokie hats, this was truly a day to celebrate. To add to the excitement, Virginia Tech did win the football game on their wedding day.

The Best Night of Our Lives - Boykins, Virginia Wedding

2011-11-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

Stephanie found out about our weddings services online. From the first time we met, our creative ideas for her wedding photography fit exactly with what she envisioned. Stephanie and Wesley dated 10 years prior to their wedding day so this truly was the "best night of their lives"...a day they had waited a decade to enjoy.

We Owned The Night - Emporia Virginia Wedding

2011-11-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

Ashely & Jason wanted a wedding night they would never forget. For starters they got married on 11-11-11. Everything about their night was perfect. From the sunset prior to the wedding, to their farewell surrounded with family and friends cheering them on as they exited the church. The expression on the groom's face during their first dance is proof that they "owned this night".

Letting Kids Be Kids

2011-11-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

I'm sure we can all remember going to get our picture made. In the 1970s it was all about having everything perfect. Every hair had to be in place, the shirt had to be tucked in, and for girls, a frilly dress was a must. Of course those make for great images, but nothing shows a child's personality more than just letting them be themselves and allowing the photographer to capture what happens. These are just a few examples.

Lucky In Love - Warrenton, NC Wedding Photography

2011-10-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

I always enjoy seeing how couples incorporate their own personality into their wedding decor. Mary & Jack got married on a horse farm in Warrenton, NC and also incorporated the horse shoe into their party favors for guests. No doubt their love for each other shows in these wedding images. We wish them many years of love, happiness, and of course good luck.

Happy By My Side

2011-10-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

I've known the bride since I moved to North Carolina in the early 1990's. So it was quite an honor to photograph her wedding. Everything about the day was perfect. I thought of the title for this blog post when I photographed them walking along the pond at The Lake Gaston Resort. Two people, never happier than by each others side.

Fairy Tales Do Come True - New Bern, NC Engagement Session

2011-09-03T10:14:00.000-04:00

Tryon Palace is a reconstruction of the historical colonial North governors' palace in New Bern, NC. It happened to be the place where Melissa & Ben went on their first date. From the gardens to the old horse stables, the palace grounds made for a perfect backdrop for this fairy tale engagement.

Love Never Ends - Emporia, Virginia Wedding

2011-08-31T08:23:00.000-04:00

I always look for new and creative ways to photograph a couple. For Lindsey & Brandon, the historic church, the clear skies following a rainy day, and even the family Bible made for great images that truly captured this fairytale wedding in Emporia, Virginia.

Pretty in Pink - Maternity Session - NC Family Photographer

2011-08-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

When it comes to maternity photos, we take more of an artistic approach. This is a big moment for a couple. Our goal is to capture the excitement, and all the details of the big anticipation.

Class of 2012 - Senior Portrait Photographer - Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-08-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

We believe senior portraits should say something about your personality. We work with our seniors to customize a session that is fun and fits their personality. Whether its with your pet, hanging out with your friends at the beach, or decked out in your hunting clothes, we want these images to be all about you as a high school senior.

Roanoke Rapids High School Students, Halifax Academy, KIPP Pride High, Northwest Halifax High School, Cornerstone Christian, Southeast Halifax High School, Northampton High School West, Weldon High School...lets see what the Class of 2012 is all about!

Siné – “This is it! - Wedding Photography Richmond, VA

2011-08-13T10:23:00.000-04:00

Every engagement and wedding is different. Different personalities, different settings. As a photographer, I'm always looking for what I call the "love in the story"...a way to uniquely capture the love and connection between people. Ariel & Mickey were excited about being in Richmond for their engagement session. I was just there to capture the moment as they explored the city.

Siné (pronounced “Shin-áy) is an Irish Pub and Restaurant in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip. What does that have to do with an engagement portraits? As we were walking past the restaurant, the little board outside advertising specials caught my attention. So I decided to go inside and ask if we could erase "today's specials" and replace it with the couple's names. The restaurant was so excited to be featured they joined in to help us. A special time, a special place. Once again Siné lives up to its Gaelic name – “This is it!”.

Walk with Me....Forever.

2011-08-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sure Fire Love! - Rocky Mount, NC Wedding Photography

2011-08-02T08:37:00.001-04:00

Since the groom is a firefighter and we had no way of getting him and the bride on a fire truck for their wedding day, we had to improvise. A beautiful bride, a groom with a fire extinguisher, a few sparks, and you have Sure Fire Love!

Seriously, Kristin & Chase's wedding was one of a kind. Instead of the traditional reception, the couple decided to transform the foyer of Englewood Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC into an outdoor summer party complete with ice cream sundaes, cupcakes, and homemade lemonade.

Timber, I'm Falling in Love! - South Hill, Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-07-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

People ask where I get the titles for my blog posts. In this case, the groom is a logger. Need I say more? It was a joy photographing Nicole & Palmer's wedding in South Hill, Virginia. Every detail of the day was planned. One of my favorite moments was when the ring bearer finally got to dance with the bride during the reception. The look on his face was priceless!

Wedding Fun on Lake Gaston - North Carolina/Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-07-12T15:38:00.001-04:00

This Dance for the Rest of My Life - North Carolina/Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-07-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

Anne Murray's song comes to mind when I look at all of the special moments we captured during Parker & Laura's wedding in Greenville, NC. The lyrics to the song say it best: I'll always remember that magic moment, When I held you close to me. As we moved together, I knew, forever, You're all I'll ever need. A wedding is another chapter in an ongoing love story. For us, it's all about capturing those magic moments.

Picture Perfect - Engagement Session - North Carolina Wedding Photographer

2011-07-12T15:26:00.001-04:00

A Simple Smile, A Little Kiss

2011-06-30T21:29:00.000-04:00

As a former journalist I always looked for those "moments" that would make for better TV coverage. Interaction between people, a look of disgust from a government official, or perhaps just a moment when a child is reunited with his or her parents after being lost.
As a photographer with almost two decades of journalism background, I still look for those "moments" today.
A simple smile....a little kiss. There were plenty of those "moments" at Marley & Ryan's wedding. Enjoy!

Spring Bridals - North Carolina/Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-06-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Moments Like These - Wedding Photography Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-06-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

Moments like these come once in a lifetime. The moment when a father gives the bride one final kiss before he gives the her away, or the smile on a mother's face when she looks at her daughter all grown up getting ready to become a wife. Those are moments we look to capture at les atkins Photography.

Daddy's Girl - Family Photographer Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-06-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

Hanging by the Lake

2011-06-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

The Big Day - Roanoke Rapids Wedding Photographer

2011-05-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the children in a wedding tend to steal the show. That was the case for Sandy and Richard's weddings in Roanoke Rapids. There's something about putting on a tux or a Cinderella type dress that is magical for a child. What was meant to be a big day for the couple also turned out to be a big day for the little ones involved too.

Swim, Bike, Run...Engaged! North Carolina Wedding Photographer

2011-05-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

Karen and Jon's engagement session had to include a swim, a bike, or a run. We opted for the bike. For years Jon has participated in Iron Man competitions across the country so this has become a big part of their lives. Best to Karen & Jon!

A Sweet Lake Gaston Weekend - Lake Gaston Family Photographer

2011-05-17T19:25:00.000-04:00

The Sager family wanted to document what they called their "Sweet Family Weekend" on Lake Gaston. Instead of the traditional posed portraits, we spent several hours just capturing them as a family having fun. These photos will surely be sweet memories for years to come.

Wedding Oops! Roanoke Rapids Wedding Photographer

2011-05-17T19:16:00.000-04:00

Every now and then something really funny happens at a wedding that is worth capturing. Here's a few from the archives. During a recent wedding, a bridesmaid's foot got caught in the heat vent. The expression of shock on her face was priceless.

Another priceless moment was when Jennifer and Richard decided to surprise each other with New Year's noise makers. Little did she know that the noise maker would hit her new husband in the face. The shock from both of them equally priceless.

M is for Married - Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-05-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

I've been photographing weddings since I was a teenager and I've never seen a couple have so much fun during their reception as Rebecca and Carey. From the moment they walked into the reception, they started dancing and they danced almost the entire night. One of my favorite photos is the when the bride's father joined in for the reception classic "YMCA". I caught them all on the M. Which is why I have named this post M is for Married! I enjoyed being part of their special day in LaCrosse, Virginia. Looking forward to my other weddings this year in Lawrenceville, South Hill, and Lake Gaston, Virginia.

Family Picnic - Roanoke Rapids, NC Family Portraits

2011-05-08T09:57:00.001-04:00

Diamonds are Forever - Emporia, VA Wedding Photographer

2011-05-08T09:41:00.001-04:00

I had the joy of photographing Ashely about five years ago when she graduated from high school. So when she got her diamond, she immediately called les atkins Photography for her wedding day. We look forward to capturing every detail of her special day. Congratulations Ashley & Chris!

North Carolina Spring - Lake Gaston Family Photographer

2011-05-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth & Brian Wedding - North Carolina Wedding Photographer

2011-05-02T10:33:00.001-04:00

I've always believed that black and white photography compels the viewer to search for meaning in the photograph. Faces somehow reach out and touch the heart in black and white photograph like no other. The smiles, the tears, the look in a father's face when gives his daughter's hand in marriage. All powerful images. I decided to look at some of my favorite's from Elizabeth and Brian's wedding in black in white.

And then there were 3

2011-04-23T22:56:00.000-04:00

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes THREE in a baby carriage. That's how its supposed to be right?

A few years ago I had the privilege of photographing Kathryn & Jonathan's wedding in Roanoke, Virginia. When I heard they were expecting identical triplets, I couldn't wait for the opportunity to capture these beautiful newborn girls. What an experience!

It took a few extra hands to get everyone situated, but the result is one for the baby books.

Carolina is for Lovers Too! - Roanoke Rapids Wedding Photographer

2011-04-18T23:58:00.000-04:00

Casey will graduate from Carolina in a few weeks, so it was only fitting that we spend a few hours with her and Daniel at their favorite places around campus. From the Old Well to the football field this engagement session will spark conversation for many years to come. We look forward to photographing their wedding this Fall.

Brock & The Bunny - Roanoke Rapids Family Photographer

2011-04-17T21:33:00.001-04:00

Perfect light, a perfect background, and a perfect subject can only equal a perfect photograph. Right? Now, add in a 12 lb rabbit and I was up for the challenge.

"Welcome to the Navy!" - Military Wedding North Carolina

2011-04-12T17:03:00.000-04:00

When Meridith & Andrew told me they were having a military wedding, the one image that popped in my mind is the one we always see in the movies. You know the scene where the happy couple walks under the Arch of Swords.

The soldiers all lined up following the recessional, the swords were drawn from their scabbards in one continuous motion, rising gracefully to touch the tip of the opposite sword.

Then, with all excitement the couple passed beneath the arch.

The most exciting part was the look on the bride's face when the final sword bearer gave her a gentle "swat" on the rear and shouted, "Welcome to the Navy."

Lake O' The Woods Plantation in Warrenton, NC was a perfect backdrop for their day.

Despite a little rain and some wind, the day was as the movie critics say.... 2 thumbs Up, Touching, Delightful, Epic, and Fantastic.

Spring Love - Fall Love, Roanoke Rapids Couples Photography

2011-04-08T14:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know which I like best. The sudden burst of Spring color, or the warm richness of Fall in North Carolina and Southern Virginia. Both seasons make for a perfect photo backdrop.

That Infectious Smile - Family Photography, Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-04-03T19:29:00.000-04:00

As I was looking through these photos my wife walked into the kitchen and asked me, why I was smiling. There's something about seeing a child smile that puts a smile on your face.

There's an old poem that goes something like this....Smiling is infectious, You catch it like the flu,when someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

These are moments worth capturing!

Bellamy Manor Bridal - Enfield, North Carolina Wedding Photographer

2011-04-03T19:23:00.000-04:00

Bellamy Manor Bed & Breakfast is a hidden jewel in Enfield, North Carolina. It's growing in popularity as a wedding and meeting venue. Many thanks to Suzann & Wayne Anderson for allowing us to use the entire home to photograph Meridith's bridal session. The back porch and balcony were two of my favorite locations in the home.

Pick of the Forest - Nicole & Palmer Engagement - South Hill, VA Wedding Photographer

2011-03-21T10:13:00.000-04:00

When it comes to engagement sessions, we always encourage couples to pick a location that is unique to their relationship. Nicole & Palmer picked the perfect place. Since Palmer is a logger, and enjoys the outdoors, they chose the family farm in Brodnax, Virginia. The red barn and pond made for a excellent back drop.

The two both believe they got the "Pick of the Forest"! We're looking forward to photographing their Southern Virginia summer wedding this June.

Spring Bridals

2011-03-15T13:41:00.001-04:00

As we prepare for another round of Spring and Summer weddings across Roanoke Rapids and Southern Virginia, I went back through my archives from last year and pulled a few of the Spring bridal portraits.
Brides are always looking for fresh new ideas when it comes to choosing that perfect portrait that will hang on their wall forever. Whether its on a farm in Southern Virginia, in an urban setting, or sitting in a field of clover overlooking Lake Gaston, we always look for unique ways to make each bride's portrait portray their personality.

Skater Dude

2011-03-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

My Daddy is a Duke Fan - Child Photography Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-02-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

As the saying goes, "the apple does not fall far from tree", that is certainly true when it comes to baby Addison. Her father is a die hard Duke fan so it's no surprise that one of her words was "Duke". Of course there's no better way to show that team spirit than a game of "catch the Duke basketball" with the photographer.

Whether you're a Hokie, a Tar Heel, or a Wolfpack fan, Addison's smile is a sure crowd-pleaser!

Bridal Portrait Palooza - North Hills Renaissance, Raleigh, NC

2011-02-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like being under pressure to get a perfect photo.

I had the pleasure of photographing Meaghan as part of the Wedding Photography Society's "Portrait Palooza" at the North Hills Renaissance. For almost a year, I've been a part of the WPS which is a group of talented professional photographers who meet monthly in Raleigh.

As part of "portrait palooza", we had 10 minutes to move around the hotel and get the perfect photo. I managed to take almost 150 photos in 10 min. These are some of my favorites.

Baby Aubrey - Family Portriats, Roanoke Rapids, NC

2011-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

I've known baby Aubrey's mom and dad for years. I had the privilege of photographing their wedding several years ago. So, it was only fitting that we capture the special moments of their first child. Between outfit changes and an occasional feeding, Aubrey made it through her first photo session with big smiles.

Kaylen Model Session

2011-02-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

I knew this session would be loads of fun, but I had no idea just how much fun I was in for. Kaylen definitely rocked this photo session. We started out in the studio and cranked up some old school music!! Before I knew it, I had filled up two digital cards. The session ended at a great outdoor location in the historic Roanoke Rapids business district.

Cinderella's Pink Slippers - Jenny & Brandon Lake Gaston Wedding

2011-01-24T20:30:00.000-05:00

Every wedding has something unique. Sometimes its a simple party favor that the bride & groom made themselves, or perhaps a special unforgettable moment that just happens during the ceremony. Jenny & Brandon's Wedding at Lake Gaston Resort on Lake Gaston was no exception.

The most unique aspect would have to be the bride's pink slippers. Jenny decided that comfort outweighed style for her wedding day.

No doubt Cinderella's slippers made for great photo opportunities.

Bowling Alley Bride - Jennifer & Richard, Roanoke Rapids, NC Wedding

2011-01-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

What a way to end a wedding day....at the place you first met.

It's not every day that you see a bridal couple at the bowling alley knocking down a few pins. But when Jennifer and Richard told us about how they met at the bowling alley we couldn't resist capturing a few moments of them doing what they love to do. . . bowling.

Baby its Cold Outside - Marley and Ryan Engagement

2010-12-09T22:19:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those songs that get stuck in your head? The other night I heard the classic Christmas tune "Baby It's Cold Outside". If there was ever a theme song for an engagement session, this would be it.

Little did we know when we set their photo session date back in the summer, December 7th would be one of the coldest days on record. Despite the freezing temperatures, Marley & Ryan smiled and enjoyed every minute of their time together. In this case, warm love prevailed.

Brittany & Brandon - North Carolina Wedding Photography

2010-11-22T12:25:00.001-05:00

It was an honor to photograph Brittany and Brandon's wedding. Brittany's Dad is also a local photographer and we have worked together over the years referring many different events to one another. When it was time for his little girl to get married, I was honored that he would choose les atkins Photography. From her mother looking on as she got ready to walk down the isle, to the couple in awe of one another after the ceremony, I think we captured some of the most special moments of the day.

Weddings, Engagements, Couples - Roanoke Rapids, NC

2010-11-15T20:58:00.000-05:00

After years of photographing children, senior portraits, engagements, weddings, and special events sometimes a photographer can lose creativity and get caught in the rut of doing the same shots. Over the years, I've forced myself to try new lighting techniques and new angles to make every photo unique.

What keeps me going in many cases is the great couples I get to work with. When I'm afraid I can't come up with anything new to shoot, I stand back and watch the interaction between a couple. In many cases it can spark new ideas and rev up my creative mind. That's the way it was with Nate & Brittany.

What a super couple -- fun, easy-going and so into each other! Of course the Roanoke Canal Trail made for a beautiful backdrop.

East Carolina University Engagement - Greenville, NC

2010-10-28T12:58:00.000-04:00

Brian and Elizabeth met while attending East Carolina University in Greenville, NC so it was only fitting that we photograph their engagement session on the campus. We were blessed with a perfect Fall day. We trooped all over the campus to scout out their favorite spots including the ECU Pirate. Elizabeth even ordered matching football jerseys with the numbers 4 and 16. Why 4 and 16? No it's not their favorite player....it's their wedding day. Congratulations to Brian & Liz! Thanks for choosing les atkins Photography.

Lasting Details - Wedding Photography North Carolina

2010-10-17T21:42:00.000-04:00

At les atkins Photography we believe great photography is an integral part of your wedding memories. Long after the flowers have faded, long after you have celebrated your first anniversary and the cake topper is history, we believe you should have wonderful memories of your wedding day right at your fingertips.

In addition to the traditional wedding portraits, we also pay close attention to the details. Dana & Josh's wedding was full of those little details. Using special lenses and lighting techniques, we were able to capture every one of them; even the engraved glasses. Clarity, sharpness, and attention to details....that's the les atkins Photography difference.

Expressions of Love - Marie & Steven Wedding Brodnax, Virginia

2010-10-03T18:50:00.000-04:00

Weddings are special and so are their memories, which we want to forever cherish. The occasion holds lots of meaning for the couple and their family members. At les atkins Photography, we believe capturing the excitement in air, and the expressions of love and happiness, is indeed an art. Marie and Steven's wedding is a perfect example of those expressions of love.

Capturing Steven when he first looked into her eyes as they were reciting their vows, or Marie's happiness during the first dance, are just a few of the moments that they can remember forever.

Baby Brooklyn - Lake Gaston Family Portraits

2010-10-03T13:56:00.000-04:00

I had such a great time photographing Brooklyn. She recently learned to walk so we decided to let her do her own thing and the pictures turned out great. I spent several hours just following her around the yard, watching her play, and captured a few smiles as she heard a dog bark in the distance. Her cute personality shined through these photographs. Images she and her family will forever cherish.

A boy and his stick - Family Portraits, Roanoke Rapids, NC

2010-09-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

As the popular poem goes, "What are little boys are made of? Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails." Somewhere in that poem should be a mention of bugs, sticks, rocks, and dirt. Nothing fascinated Jackson more than a simple stick for his photo session. I convinced him I was taking a photo of the stick and I just needed him to hold it in his hand. Luckily it worked! I manged to get a few smiles too. Moments his parents will cherish forever.

Daddy's Little Doll - Family Portraits Roanoke Rapids, NC

2010-09-17T09:35:00.000-04:00

Ava was born 3 months ago. At the drop of a command, her Daddy went off to a foreign land to serve our country in the U.S. Army. While he is away, Ava will take her first steps, and likely say her first words. Her Dad will miss all this for us. He expects nothing in return but to come home safe. So she and her mom wanted to do something special to send to him while he is away. We just hope these few photos will bring a smile to her Daddy's face.

Leslie + Chuck Engagement Session - Roanoke Rapids, NC

2010-09-14T21:18:00.000-04:00

Leslie & Chuck's Engagement session was like no other. Leslie who is in the military, flew home Labor Day weekend just for her engagement session. I've always heard that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm now a believer! Leslie and Chuck laughed, held hands, and joked for almost two hours. The best part - I was there in the distance to capture their love for one another, one frame at a time.

Horses, Cars, & Cats - Senior Portraits Roanoke Rapids

2010-09-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

les atkins Photography senior portraits are a fun and creative way to express yourself. This year our "Lifestyle Senior Portrait Sessions" have included a few cars, a cat, and even a horse. My favorite has to be Ali and her horse. After shooting several dozen photos "Peanut" the horse decided it was time to show us exactly what he thought of this photo session. Another priceless moment!

Senior Portrait Revolution - NC Lifestyle Senior Portraits

2010-08-29T17:47:00.000-04:00

Since I walked across the stage 20 years ago at Nottoway High School, senior portrait photography has certainly taken on an evolution of its own. From the standard tux and drape photos, to what we call "Lifestyle Senior Portraits". These portraits are fun and capture the student's personality. Whether its hunting, baseball, horseback riding, or just hanging out with friends, let les atkins Photography create a unique senior portrait just for you. As they say, "You're only young once".

One Proud Dad - Wedding Photography Roanoke Rapids, NC

2010-08-21T23:34:00.000-04:00

Weddings are really about the bride. From the time they're little, girls dream of what they will look like on their wedding day. Many know from an early age the kind of dress or cake they want. Despite all the dreaming and planning, some brides have never even seen a glimpse of tears in their fathers' eyes until the moment he sees her in her wedding gown.

As a photographer, I always look forward to the father daughter dance. There's something about a bride dancing with the man who loved her first. For Jennifer and her father, Walter, it was a moment that can only be described as "one proud Dad".

Baby Shack - Northampton County, North Carolina

2010-08-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

In the early 1800's Baby Shack's family was harvesting cotton and calling the Longview Plantation in Northampton County home. So it was only fitting that his first portraits be taken at Longview.

Rebecca, Carey, and the Camera Hog Engagement Photo Session

2010-08-05T21:37:00.000-04:00

Rebecca, Carey, and Mr. Fox in the distance

I've photographed dozens of engagement sessions over the years, but this week got a little interesting. Carey comes from a railroad family so he and Rebecca really wanted a railroad themed engagement photo session. We took several photos of them walking the tracks when suddenly this fox just started staring at us. It wouldn't move. Of course there was the fear that it was rabid so we didn't approach. After watching me take a few shots including a few of him Mr. Fox decided to go on his merry way. I've heard of "camera hogs" before but I guess there's also some "camera foxes" out there too.

Surf, Sand, & Sun - A great palette for creating beautiful memories

2010-07-29T21:33:00.000-04:00

Each year I spend several weeks taking pictures at the NC Outerbanks. There's nothing like the sea breeze, sounds of the waves crashing in the background, and warm evening light as a backdrop for a special family portrait, senior portrait, or just pictures of the kids.

The surf, sand, and sun merging with bright smiles to create a masterpiece that will celebrate your family for years to come!

Capturing Life One Frame at a Time

2010-07-19T23:46:00.000-04:00

When I developed the slogan for les atkins Photography, I wanted something that explained my concept as photographer. "Capturing Life One Frame at a Time" was it! Most of my adult life was spent as a journalist working in newspaper, radio, and TV. I've never really been into posing people for photographs. I just like to let things happen and capture the moments.

Jessie & Alex's wedding is a perfect example of capturing those moments. The moment when the flower girl was so proud of her little necklace, or the moment when the bride's father finally realized it was time to give his little girl's hand in marriage, those are the moments that are forever captured. The tears, the laughs, the first dance, and all the fun. Just think, their chilren and grandchildren will cherish these photos one day. I believe that's the power of great photography.

"Capturing Life One Frame at a Time" is more than just a slogan its part of the les atkins Photography difference.

The Golden Chair

2010-07-16T18:13:00.000-04:00

In early 2010, I set out to find an antique chair to use as a prop for a portrait of my parents. My Dad was celebrating his 80th Birthday and we wanted a 16x20 canvas for the event. That "golden chair" that I picked up at an upholstery shop dumpster has now become a fixture in many of our photo sessions. Here's a few samples.

Lake Gaston Wedding - Julie & Logan

2010-07-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

What started out as a rainy day turned into beautiful blue skies. Following the ceremony at Pleasant Hill Christian Church, the couple arrived on a boat at a friend's house for a sunset reception overlooking beautiful Lake Gaston. I'd like to thank Julie, Logan, and their parents for choosing les atkins Photography.

Family Portraits - Roanoke River

2010-07-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a nice blue sky day for Family Portraits on the Roanoke River.

WPS Convention Photos

2010-06-30T13:06:00.001-04:00

Attended the Wedding Photographic Society Convention in Durham. These are some of the photos from the weekend.

Wedding at Lake Gaston Resort

2010-06-21T21:47:00.000-04:00

Stephanie & Brandon Wedding at Lake Gaston Resort

Gasburg, Virginia

Family Portraits

2010-06-21T20:36:00.001-04:00

Weddings

2010-06-21T20:05:00.000-04:00

Engagement Session

2010-06-21T18:33:00.001-04:00

Senior Portraits

2010-06-21T18:02:00.001-04:00