Couples Sessions at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh


A few weeks ago, I had the chance to photograph two great sessions at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh—one with Anna-Claire and her husband Doug, and another with Leighann and her partner George. Both sessions were full of energy, warmth, and beautiful light, and I’m excited to share more about them.

Anna-Claire & Doug’s Session


Anna-Claire and Doug’s session was a mix of a couples and maternity shoot at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Anna-Claire is expecting in May, and they brought so much personality to the session. We moved through the museum grounds, using the natural landscapes and architecture as a backdrop for their maternity photos in Raleigh. A surprise proposal happening nearby meant we had to shift our original plans (hope they got a yes!), but the detour led us to a stunning willow tree with some perfect backlight. The golden hour glow added a soft, natural warmth to the photos, making each moment feel even more special.


I had met Anna-Claire previously at Wake Up and Read, where we both volunteer. My wife is a teacher, and Anna-Claire is a librarian, so they both share a love for books. Wake Up and Read is a non-profit that helps get books into the hands of Wake County school children to support early literacy. On top of preparing for her little one, she’s also helping empower the next generation through knowledge and curiosity. It was an honor to capture this maternity session in Raleigh for her, knowing how much impact she already has.

A couple shares a happy moment together in a sunlit corridor with glass walls.
A couple shares a tender moment outside a building, with one wearing a denim jacket and the other in a brown sweater.
A couple dancing in a sunlit corridor between glass walls with a blue sky visible at the end.
A couple stands embracing against a wall outdoors with glass panels and trees visible in the background.
An expectant parent in a denim jacket and white tiered dress stands at a glass building interior with reflective floors.
A couple stands together outdoors, with a pregnant woman in a white dress and denim jacket holding her baby bump.
A couple stands together on rocky terrain outside a glass-walled building on an overcast day.
A couple shares a tender moment outdoors, with one standing on a rock to reach the other for a sweet gesture.
A sweet candid moment shared between a couple near a window, with her in a denim jacket and white dress.
A couple relaxes together against a large tree trunk in a sunlit outdoor setting with a white dress and casual attire.

Leighann & George’s Session


Leighann and George’s couples session at NCMA was a blast. We wandered around the museum grounds, capturing a mix of fun, playful, and intimate moments. It was a crisp winter day, but little hints of spring were starting to show, adding some extra charm to the shoot.


One of my favorite moments was Leighann pulling George in for a kiss—it was totally staged, but I loved how confident she was and how surprised he looked. Another fun shot was Leighann standing on a rock, kissing George’s forehead while he popped his foot back—a little role reversal that made for a sweet and playful image.


Leighann is finishing up her Master’s in Graphic Design at NC State and plans to work in user experience design after she graduates. George is a loan officer at SECU and also plays guitar in his church band. We got into a whole conversation about his Fender hat and his favorite musicians, which was a fun side tangent during the session. I love getting to know couples beyond just taking their photos, and it made the shoot even more enjoyable.


We also explored some of the museum’s best locations, including the reflecting pool, the rock garden, and the tree sculpture. Each setting added something different to their story, from quiet, romantic moments to bold, artistic poses. The final images of them walking hand in hand and sitting under a willow tree as the sun set felt like the perfect way to wrap up their couples photography session in Raleigh.

A couple in casual vintage-style clothing share a romantic kiss in front of a white industrial backdrop.
A couple smiles together while standing against a modern building's exterior during a sunny day.
A couple embraces and laughs together while standing along a sunlit fence with shallow depth of field.
A couple stands smiling together against a blue industrial wall on a bright day.
A couple embraces outdoors on a path lined with metal posts during golden hour sunlight.
A romantic sunset scene with two people sharing an intimate moment on rocky terrain in warm autumn lighting.
A couple embraces against a concrete wall at sunset with trees and a path in the background.
A tender romantic moment between two people beneath a weeping willow tree at sunset.
Two figures share an intimate moment under drooping willow branches in golden afternoon light.
A couple shares a romantic moment under a weeping willow tree on a sunny afternoon in a scenic park setting.

Gratitude for the Buy Nothing Group


A huge thank you to both Leighann and Anna-Claire for volunteering for these sessions through the Buy Nothing Group! I’m so grateful for your time, energy, and willingness to be part of these shoots. It was a joy to capture these moments, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with.

Book Your Couples or Maternity Photography Session in Raleigh


If you’re looking for a maternity photographer in Raleigh or want to schedule a couples session at the North Carolina Museum of Art, I’d love to help capture your story. The museum’s stunning landscapes, modern architecture, and natural beauty make it a perfect location for timeless and artistic photos. Reach out to book your session today!

A couple shares a joyful moment together in a hallway, captured in black and white photography.
Black and white photo of a romantic couple sharing a tender moment together, wearing casual attire.
A couple stands together in front of a greenhouse on rocky ground, captured in black and white.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing outdoors near rocks, with her in a flowing dress and him in a sweater.
A casual black and white portrait of a couple smiling together outdoors, both wearing denim jackets and sweaters.
Black and white romantic photo showing couple sharing a tender moment outdoors near a stone wall.
A black and white portrait of a happy couple smiling while standing together outdoors in casual attire.