The Balcero-Gowen Family

January 07, 2014 / Lauren Olinger

[ Winston-Salem, NC ]

A classic little lifestyle session to welcome baby Sophia… how could you not fall in love with those cheeks!

The Decker Family

November 24, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Winston-Salem, NC ]

Meet the Decker Family.

I've known Lauren for the better part of four years. We met when I was a university student teaching art classes and working in the church nursery for extra cash. The littlest one, Ellie was still in diapers. Somehow over teaching Davie to make pinch pots and building blocks with Katie, we became fast friends. It's a joy to watch these precious kids grow up, to see their minds develop. Davie, has grown to be a geography whiz, Katie love to read, and Ellie is a socialite and a photographer in the making. We had a fun, full shoot at their country home outside of Winston-Salem and even managed to snap a couple Christmas themed photos at the end!

Copyright Lauren Martinez 2013

Meet the Bells

November 24, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Winston-Salem, NC ]

Meet Eleanor Bell, she's the local real estate guru. She's locates and sells homes in her sleep. I haven't figured out how she does it but she'll run her two precious dogs Missy and Barnes, show a home, and prepare an all organic, farm-fresh meal all before you've had your morning coffee. Not only does Eleanor know her way around real estate but she's the most hospitable women you'll meet. She loves Jesus and she loves people. She's constantly hosting, encouraging, and planning community-building events. Recently, probably over a glass of her favorite zin Eleanor and I started brainstorming ways to update her business cards and online presence. We decided new headshots were a good place to start. We scheduled an easy-peasy home shoot on the back patio and invited her associates to join us. We had a blast picking out accessories and sipping coffee. At the end of the shoot Eleanor's husband George joined us for a headshot of his own and these precious lovebird shots with his bride.

Lately

November 23, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

Lately, we've spent our weekends on 1-95 and 85 going south, then north, then south again as I'm finishing a job in our nation's capitol. These photos are snapshots of David (who plays a dual role of photo assistant and love) one morning as we're finishing our coffee and I'm getting ready to hit the road, again.

Lately looks like

generic dish soap and tired eyes

altoids

scarves and jackets and yesterday's coffee cups

blurred landscape through a window cracked just enough to feel the breeze

days on the phone, sleeplessness

fighting and reminding the heart that months on the road will soon end at home

lately looks like us

caught thick in a story on love

WSNC Cityscapes

October 16, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Winston-Salem, NC ]

Some unforeseen circumstance brought me back to Winston for a couple weeks. It has been a breath of fresh air to catch up with old friends and reconnect with this arts-centric community. The rain has kept us quiet and enjoying some of my favorite parts of the town... strong pour overs, local music, and dreaming up new creative collaborations (and having the time to pull 'em off.) But after a week of gray skies the sun couldn't be more welcome. Last night the clouds parted to reveal this stunning sunset over downtown.

If you recognize the acronym WSNC, enjoy a fresh Skippy's veggie dog, or have ever spent the better part of the afternoon in Camino Bakery... I shot this skyline with you in mind. I'm thinking these would be perfect on the walls of your Piedmont Tobacco Loft or anywhere that needs a little Winston-phillioc color burst.

Peak your interest? Or do you have a favorite Winston view you want to remember? Shoot me an email at lauren.martinez@me.com.

Mr + Mrs Pledger Vol. 1

October 16, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Winston-Salem, NC ]

It's always a blast to be around Phillip and Aindrea Pledger (you may remember them from their lifestyle engagement session in June.) Their charming wedding was perfectly reflective of their love for their home city of Winston-Salem and their heart to support the small businesses they believe in-- from the Camel City Grill food truck catering to american made attire.

Check out a few of my favorite shots from the first couple chapters of their wedding day...

Copyright Lauren Martinez 2013

Pretty Place

October 11, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Brevard, NC ]

Few things on this earth make my heart come alive like the mountains.

My love and I were leaving a wedding at Pretty Place (yeah, that is actually what it's called) when we spotted this phenomenal view on the side of the road and hit the brakes.

Double click this one so you can see it full screen, it's worth it.

Introducing the Clines

June 11, 2013 / Lauren Olinger

[ Mountain City, TN ]

Here is a very quick sneak peek of the beautiful Tennessee Mountain wedding of the new Jared & Bridgette Cline. You may remember this power-duo from their engagement session in November. Check out a few highlights from their big day in the slideshow below & if you see them around be sure to say CONGRATS on finding the real thing.