Ashley Perry Blevins Photography

Wonderful Windy Photoshoot

2012-02-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I finally got to take the photos I've been waiting months to take...drum roll please. My best friend's engagement photos!!! Not just my best friend, but my best friend since middle school who lived with me in college AND knows all of my secrets! [EEK] AND what a day for photos--32 degrees and 25 mph winds! We had a lot of obstacles in our path today, but we conquered them to get some beautiful shots. Here's a peak of our fun, freezing, windy shoot!
Kristin has an amazing collection of beautiful things including tea cups, pins, vintage jewelry, and globes. So what better place for a ring photo?
Kristin went to Kenya to do mission work, so they have their "hearts" over Africa.

Doug traveled all the way from Florida to North Carolina to win Kristin's heart, so I liked the idea of her running into his arms :). [How romantic is that!?]

Kristin had a Pinterest inspiration moment where she saw photos of a married couple making lots of different funny faces, so these were super fun to look through!

The little table below is filled with things that are important to Kristin and Doug from their past and present.

This is just a tiny peek, there are so many more, and I am so happy that we finally got together and took these! I love you Kristin!

Beautiful Things

2012-02-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

I had the honor for the past year of photographing one of the sweetest couples I've met and their beautiful baby girl. Remember THIS FAMILY? Well, I had the honor of taking photos at Annazalie's first birthday party. She is the luckiest little girl in the world [and I think you'll agree when you see how beautiful her party was!]. Her parents are so creative and sweet, and they put together the most gorgeous party spread I have seen in my life! I felt like I had walked into a magazine when I went in to their house because I have honestly never seen anything so beautiful. Her party was complete with mason jars and paper straws for drinks, great looking and tasting food, and a cupcake smashing. Here is a little taste:

Unbelievable right?

GPOY Cooking Edition #2

2012-01-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

I noticed that my eggs were expiring today, so when life gives you expired eggs...make cinnamon apple pancakes and an omelet with fresh baby greens and pineapple salsa!

GPOY Cooking Edition

2012-01-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty proud of my dinner tonight, and as I've said in previous posts "don't judge me for taking pictures of everything." Sautéed Mushrooms, herbed chicken and mashed potatoes. My best friend these days is minced garlic in a jar.

Nail Experiment

2012-01-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to try these Sally Hensen Nail Strips for a while now, so I got some today. They were easy to put on, but I guess I'll see how long they last!

My amazing husband's sketchbook pages...

2012-01-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Favorite Hair Tips and Styles from 2011

2012-01-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

This really works! I do it all the time.

Here are some of my results. The longer you wait, the more curly it is!

Haven't tried this one, but it looks pretty easy...

I've done this too...it's pretty fun! All of the hair posts on A Beautiful Mess are great. I've tried a few, and they are pretty easy to follow.

Found this on Tumblr...couldn't find the original source. My friend did this for my wedding hair :).

My wedding hair-

Sketchbooking

2012-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

I've been addicted to sketchbooks ever since my Fundamentals of Drawing class in college. We had to keep a vigorous book that was checked often. It was really hard to start, but after that class I have been unable to stop. It's a great way to keep track of my artistic changes and what's going on in my life. I keep notes, magazine clippings, and photos along with my own drawings. I'm starting a new sketchbook for 2012 where I'm drawing something every day. Here are some pages from my last sketchbook, which has lasted a couple of years.

Corey drew batman :)

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

My first post of the new year comes with a look back on the things I accomplished in 2011.

-I gave my first grown up notice to leave a job, which is one of the scariest things I've ever had to do.

-My photography business really took off this year thanks to all of my amazing clients, friends, and family. 36 photoshoots & 3 weddings!!

-I got married to the best guy in the world.

-I went to Disney World with that amazing guy!

-Got a call DURING the honeymoon to go in for a job interview and got my second grown up job.

-Moved out of mine and Corey's first apartment together to move back to my home town. Mebane will always have a special place in our hearts as our first home away from home together.

-Moved in to our new apartment and Corey joined and graduated from Police Academy!

Made new friends, kept in touch with old friends, volunteered to do too many things, and loved every minute of it! I'll always remember 2011 as a year of growth and change in my life. Happy New Year's Day 2012!

Breakfast of Champions

2011-12-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

Unlike most years, I have put off all of my teacher-related work until now [3 days until school starts again]. I don't have too much to do, but I can already feel that creeping stress feeling in my stomach. I'm going to try to get it all done today, which shouldn't be hard, so I started off early with a breakfast of champions! Corey is still asleep, and I love these quiet mornings before the world gets up and I can watch the news with a cup of coffee and pet Josie without being made fun of...haha "Yes I'm taking pictures of my breakfast! So what? It's what I do!"

I had oatmeal with apples, honey, and cinnamon. [& Josie loved the smells]

Slowly sneaking to see where the smells are coming from...

A Great Day of Food, Fun & Friendship

2011-12-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shenanigans

2011-12-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Our Family!

2011-12-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

[Did I mention it's our first Christmas married?]

Editing How-To

2011-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

I found this pic a while ago [click it to get to the source], and I am going to make my own before and after just because it helped me so much...let me know if this is helpful to you [and maybe you'll see more!].

Here's my before and after:

Mine's a bit more in-depth because I obviously had to get rid of the entire background...so here goes:

First, you have to select the area you want to get rid of-

Then, I fix what I've selected in mask and blend the blanket with the background...

After that, exit mask and fill the selection with a color selected from the blanket.

Lastly, I added a bokeh overlay [because I saw a photo with lights in the background that I loved and just had to] :). Also, just do the general lighting and blemish adjustments and voilà!

Newborn Session - Jackson

2011-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

DIY Christmas Gift

2011-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Every year I struggle with what to give people for Christmas. I usually give pictures [Imagine that! A photographer giving pictures!] I will definitely be giving wedding photos as gifts this year, but I also made a couple of semi-handmade gifts too. I am giving my mom [who has been banned from my blog until after Christmas] a flower pot that I painted that is also the perfect height for pens, scissors, and other desk-cessories. She can use it outside for flowers, but I really picture this on her desk holding pens for some reason. The pots were $2 with the bottoms and the pens were $3 [I got yellow and white], that makes a whopping total of $10 for 2 gifts!...Happy gifting!

Today is Tuesday

2011-12-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today has been a normal day of running errands and trying to get things done while I am out of school. I still have some Christmas shopping and wrapping to do, and I hope to be finished tomorrow. Corey graduated from Police Academy last night, and today he dropped off his resume and had an informal & impromptu interview that will hopefully only be the first of many job interviews. He wore the shirt he got married in for the first time since our wedding and found some rice in it!

We also tried to pick up a couple of certificates he forgot last night, but his professor wasn't there, so we had a mini photo shoot for fun! I also finally changed my name at the bank [the last thing that still said Perry], so I'm now all Blevins :).

Hope your Tuesday has been full of fun!

Another School Update

2011-12-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

My tree has changed from Fall to Winter...

Third graders are making Louise Nevelson assemblage sculptures. They take up a lot of space, but they all love making them. I think it will be one of those projects that kids look forward to doing.

First Grade and Kindergarten are both working on weaving. I really mean working too! This has been a learning experience for me too...teaching weaving is not my strength! We are all learning together what works best, and hearing them help each other has helped me too!

My little Kindergarten friend made this weaving, and we added patterns after we were done. He explained his patterns to me...

"You know. Like the normal patterns...L, O, L...Z, T, Z, T, Z...S, A, S, A, S....and potato, check, potato, check, potato."

I'm thinking a collaboration occurred here...unless all crabs stick their tongues out??

I used to make things...

2011-12-12T14:58:00.001-08:00

Big School Update

2011-12-11T13:20:00.001-08:00

What are we up to?
Kinder- Monet...1- Ojo de Dios...2- Ocean Color Wheel...3-Nevelson...4- Dali...5- Native American Owl Masks

3rd just finished Rousseau Jungles
Coming Up...weaving and patterns...

Eyedeals Optometry - Raleigh, NC

2011-12-03T12:27:00.001-08:00

Fitzgerald Family Sneak! [My big brother & fam]

2011-11-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

Abe the Babe :)

2011-11-23T10:45:00.001-08:00

Did a mini session today with the lovely librarian from my school and her two gorgeous kids. It was technically a baby shoot for her son "Abe the Babe" :), but it was also just an all-around family shoot. Enjoy this little sneak peek!

Collaborative Wedding with KaraKate Photography

2011-11-13T14:11:00.001-08:00

I mostly went to be a back-up camera to this beautiful Advance, NC wedding on 11-11-11, but here is a sneak peek of some of the fun!

Maternity: Virginia Bailey

2011-11-13T07:30:00.001-08:00

Student Work- Dia de los Muertos!

2011-11-08T14:31:00.001-08:00

Annazalie 9 months!

2011-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Karin & Jon

2011-10-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tori & Winston Sneak Peek

2011-10-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

2011-10-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

Mona Lisa Smile

2011-10-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

These lovely ladies have it down...

Goodnight...

2011-10-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Blevins' Art Room...

2011-10-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Some fun details...

Life and other things...

2011-10-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to watching The New Girl [with Zooey Deschanel] and it's so good! It's funny and Corey even likes it haha.
I have sooo many photos to edit and my sessions are not slowing down. I am working on a wedding and engagements right now while also working on a new batch of lessons [photos of my classroom coming soon!] and keeping up with a crazy schedule!

I have a photo from my Wilmington engagement session yesterday, the bride-to-be was super creative in her save the date props!
And just because I love my kitty, here are some Josie pics...

Drooling over Baby Photo Props...

2011-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Photo Prop Wish List...Christmas Ideas hint hint :)

Shelly and Tiquan

2011-09-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Had a blast photographing Shelly and Tiquan's wedding yesterday! Here is a little peek...

Kittens!

2011-09-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

My Grandma's cat had more kittens, and my awesome friend Courtney found a home for 2 of them. There are more if you are interested :).

Some More of Cat's Wedding...

2011-08-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Some pics I took at my friend Cat's wedding...

Some Wedding Party Fun!

2011-08-14T14:15:00.001-07:00

A Little Annazalie Peak...

2011-08-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've been taking photos of little Annazalie since before she was born! She is such a joyful baby and she has the sweetest family! I can't wait to watch her grow up throughout the years :).

A DIY Day...

2011-08-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

A Tiny Taste of Jess and Rex's Wedding

2011-08-07T12:27:00.001-07:00

Jessica's Bridals

2011-08-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of taking Jessica and Rex Stover's wedding photos last night, not to mention their engagements and bridals! They are such an amazing couple, and I have been so happpy to work with them. I am really excited that I finally get to post Jessica's bridals now that they have tied the knot. I will be posting wedding photos in the near future so keep an eye out!

Some little details from our wedding...

2011-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

So here is a small taste of what our wedding was like. I made programs with a "coffee stain" and crossword puzzle for our brunch wedding because you can't have breakfast without a crossword puzzle! We had pound cake as our wedding cake because it's Corey's favorite. A couple of days before the wedding, we went to a local nursery and bought all kinds of plants that I potted into my great-grandmother's old tea pots and pots and pans. I also made a message board instead of a guest book that I plan on binding into a scrapbook later. We gave away olive oil in various jars we collected along with herbs for dipping bread. We also gave away honey and jelly from a local farmer's market. We loved our simple, country wedding. It was outside, open, and everything we wanted. Now we are on to writing TONS of thank you cards, starting new jobs, and new degrees. Thank you to everyone who helped make our big day special!

photography by kimber lynn :)

Some more summer senior sessions...

2011-08-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Finished Kaitlyn's today...

Coming soon...Kyle

Trying new things...

2011-08-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Helped my friend Kristin give her blog a face-lift...still considering changing some aspects [especially the background image]...let me know what you think!

Behind the scenes of the shoot today...

2011-08-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Summer Trends...

2011-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

My attempt at the headscarf and the high messy bun...

Shaving Corey's Face

2011-08-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

So my HUSBAND :) Corey is starting BLET, or as I like to call it "Police Academy," in a couple of weeks. This involves shaving his facial hair and getting a short hair cut. We are both sad to say goodbye to the hair he's kept since he was a teen, but we decided to make shaving it into a funny and light experience. We documented the changes as he shaved his hair into different styles, so we hope you enjoy his transformation from gruffy college kid to upstanding officer :).

Thinking about what is about to happen...

Getting the tools ready...

First style- the fu manchu...
Next is the classic mustache, or "molestache" as the kids say these days...
Then our attempt at a handlebar...

Then the nicely shaped mustache...
Followed by the Charlie Chaplin...
And now what you've all been waiting for...the clean-shaven Corey!

A Little Baby Cash Sneak Peek

2011-07-30T13:46:00.001-07:00

More Senior Fun! Rachel

2011-07-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday KB

2011-07-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my friend Kristin's birthday. We have been friends since middle school! We've made it through living together in dorms, apartments, and living hours apart, and I don't know what I'd do without her. I decided to celebrate her big day with photos of us in our typical form- snuggling haha.

Senior Portrait Fun

2011-07-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Kristina and Thomas sneak :)

2011-07-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

My First Helicopter Ride EVER

2011-07-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

Josie gets a package...

2011-07-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Our cat Josie got a package in the mail today!

More Shelly and Tiquan

2011-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Honeymoon at Disney-Highlights

2011-06-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Highlights of being an Art Teacher...

2011-06-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

This week was kind of crazy because it was the last week of school. There were award ceremonies, field days, and barely any art classes. Some highlights from this week were...

-Playing in the teachers vs. 5th graders kickball game [teachers won :)]
-At the 5th grade graduation, our principal mentioned how most kids would say lunch and gym were their favorite classes and they all started yelling "ART! ART!" :D
-Getting notes from the kids saying how much they'll miss me :(
-Seeing how much the kids have grown this year as they got awards

Here are some photos of my last project :( that I will be posting for the year. Wish me luck in the job hunt as I get married and move closer to home! [Speaking of which, I get married in 6 days!]

In other news...

-Wishing I could post bridals because the sweet Jessica is going to be a stunning bride! [Editing still in progress]
-Also still editing: Cat's photobooth, Hayley seniors, and Shelly & Tiquan

....did I mention I'm getting married in 6 days?? Lots to do!!!

Shelly & Tiquan Sneak Peek

2011-06-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Some More Dwight/McDuffie Photobooth Fun :)

2011-05-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day-White Lake Style

2011-05-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Just another sneak peek of the Dwight Family...

2011-05-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

CD should be in the mail...once I get the address in England :).

School [cell phone pics-really low qualilty]

2011-05-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Just an update on some projects...paper sculptures and cute kinder self-portraits! :)

Sneak Peek x2 Julia Maternity and Dwight Family

2011-05-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

[Quality is kind of low on here...but here are some pics]

2011-05-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Annazalie 3 month shoot...COMPLETE!

2011-05-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

2 CDs going out today! Jessica+Rex and Annazalie 3 months! :)

Jessica+Rex COMPLETE!

2011-05-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

So here is another sneak peek before I mail off the CD! :)

Josie in the dark...

2011-05-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Just rewarding myself for FINALLY finishing Jessica+Rex's CD with a little Josie/rainstorm photoshoot and blog update...

Busy Busy...here's a sneak peek!

2011-05-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been super busy with art shows, weddings, and photo sessions, and I have a ton of pics to edit! This week I will finish editing Jessica+Rex, baby Annazalie, and start on my newest session- a maternity shoot for Julia. This weekend was my good friend Catherine's wedding! I was not the photographer, but here are a few pics from her super cute big day [plus a maternity sneak peek :)]. My friend Kristin and I made the bouquets, and I made the boutonnières!

*******************************************************************************
Sneak Peek...

Another tiny sneak peek!

2011-04-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Even though I have a ton of lesson plans and examples to make, here is a sneak peek from the photo-shoot I did today! Three month Annazalie.

Super Small Sneak Peek [because I'm exhausted today!]

2011-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Engagements!!! Jessica+Rex

Art Show!

2011-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

My very first art show as an art teacher ever!

HUGE update!!!

2011-04-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a really long time since my last post! I have been super busy with school, wedding, and photography stuff. I'm currently enjoying my last weekend until my honeymoon that is not booked with weddings, parties, or photo shoots.

Next Thursday I'm doing an art show at one of my schools, so I have some photos of my kid's work- mobiles, portraits, tessellations, 3-D scribbles, relief prints, sculptures made from found objects, straw paintings, and more! :)

Josie has been playing with a cat outside the window. She gets super excited and purrs and coos at it!

Newborn Photoshoot: Annazalie Sneak Peek

2011-02-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

Remember this beautiful couple?

Well, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world and gave me the honor of doing her newborn photos! Here is a sneak peek!

LOL Josie

2011-02-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

So I've been home sick with an upper respiratory infection. Yuck. This ultimately led to me staring at Josie all day. She loves playing with medicine bottles, cups with ice in them, and tissues. She also loves the coffee pot. Hope you have a fabulous Friday night.

Wedding Inspirations 2...

2011-01-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while, but here are some more wedding inspirations. I am having a yellow/grey brunch wedding. I am still figuring out the details, but here are some of my favorite inspirations!

Fun times in my classroom...

2011-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Old nature shots...Happy Friday!

2011-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Mannequins and Kristin

2011-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Forgotten Photos from Summer...

2011-01-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Photos from White Lake, NC this past summer. I found a folder on my computer that I had completely forgotten about. I have a cute family!

11.5 Inches and Counting!

2010-12-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Update: almost 14 inches! Yay! Nothing compared to NYC, but pretty good for North Carolina!

My Christmas break [which is almost over...sigh] consisted of lots of chilli and soup, Josie, snow, and some onsie pajamas haha with sock monkey feet...

Merry Macro Christmas!

2010-12-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hope you have had a great holiday so far! Expecting snow tonight and tomorrow...so probably tons of snow pics coming your way soon. The first pic is of Corey's eye [still experimenting with the macro] and the rest are of the boys playing football :).

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

I got a new macro/wide angle attachment for my dslr! Yay :)

Happy Saturday...Christmas Decorations are Up!

2010-12-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

My Lesson Plans...Illustrated...

2010-12-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

The many personalities of Josie...

2010-12-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Things I miss...

2010-12-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

Snow Day :)

2010-12-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Josie's first snow!

Concentrating on driving...

My boot prints...

First snow in our new apartment...

Maternity Sneak Peek!

2010-11-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Quick sneak peek of a maternity shoot I did today around Yates Mill!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

Finally made it home for Thanksgiving and I was greeted by my cute nieces and nephews, my awesome siblings, and amazing mommy and "papa timmy" haha :). I love the holidays...

Happy Wednesday!

2010-11-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

No school today for me, but still getting some things done. Hanging out at the apartment with the sweet kitten Josie and making veils, coffee, and invitations!

The veil is for a friend, but here is what it looks like on :)

Happy Tuesday

2010-11-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

I asked Corey to send me a picture of him and our cat Josie. This is what he sent me...

Wedding Invitations...

2010-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of making wedding invitations! I'm am going to send out several designs instead of one, and they will be formatted like postcards.
Here are the ones I have done so far...

Book Now Seniors!

2010-11-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

*Prices subject to change after NOVEMBER so book now!!!

Final Installment- Catherine and Dan

2010-11-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

No more sneak peeks! CD's are finished and on the way soon :).

More Cat and Dan!

2010-11-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

More Sarah and Family :)

2010-11-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Wedding Inspirations...

2010-11-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

So It's about time to send out invitations and make final decisions. Corey and I are having a brunch wedding in June outside at my mom's house. I know we are using yellow and it's analogous [such an art teacher word] colors in our scheme and also grey and brown. Here are my inspirations [not all of them because you have to have some surprises :)].

Cat and Dan Sneak Peek!!!!

2010-11-11T15:58:00.000-08:00