Amanda McQuade Photography

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Charlotte, NC
Amanda McQuade Photography

Amanda McQuade specializes in organic and candid newborn photography, wedding photography, and family photography for the Charlotte, NC area and beyond.

We also offer wedding and branding videography for couples and small biz through out NC and SC. Wedding and newborn photographer in Charlotte, NC. Travel in and around the NC/SC area.

05/18/2026

Maybe chill is your vibe? I know that sometimes we can feel the pressure to look a certain way in our newborn photos, but trust me when I say I am here for all the cozy vibes. And this family brought the cozy vibes when they welcomed their new sweet boy.
Your session should be 💯 you.
If you want to dress up a little that’s great!
If you want to keep it clean and simple that’s great, too.

Especially in Charlotte, especially now - just embrace your vibe.

05/16/2026

What is timeless?
It’s something classic, minimal, and true. It is something that speaks to something deeper, real.
This is why I don’t follow photography trends. Why you won’t see babies in baskets here. Or sepia tones. Or overly moody vibes.

Not that they aren’t cute photos… but I doubt you’ll look back on them in 20 years and have them listed as your favorite family photos….
Photography trends are fun (remember selective color!?) but they won’t be as filling as those timeless, emotive images you come back to year after year.
The photos that take you back to sweet baby belly laughs and cubby toddler hands.
fortmillmoms

05/01/2026

Portrait of a lady 🤍

Did you know Henry James is one of my favorite American authors? I took a whole class in college when I when getting my undergraduate from Ohio State on just Henry James? Highly recommended reading one of his classics - The American is also excellent.

Also, maternity sessions in my studio are the perfect blend of modern and traditional- kinda like James ;)

04/20/2026

Summer is the best time to have your child’s portrait made! From lifestyle in the studio, to Personality Pics, and traditional Heirlooms - these are the months to have them done.

You’re schedule is a little light and they aren’t constantly sick from school 🫠😜

I just sent out sign ups for my VIPs but if you’re interested - DM me for email to get on the list!

Let’s win summer!
And let it plead not be as hot as it always is 🙄😂

04/16/2026

I’m currently teetering on the edge of my last child (our Henry) turning that corner into a pr***en —- and it’s killing me! It’s killing all of us really. Our middle daughter doesn’t know what to do when his voice changes, our oldest can’t comprehend not having a little kid in the house. And I cannot think of a day when he doesn’t crawl in bed for a story anymore…

But that is the beauty of a close family. We all can see time changing right before our eyes, and we still hold on and say “but these times are soooo good!”

I wish sometimes I could go back, even now, to the start of it all - to our first baby, our Esther. So many things would do differently, sure! But mostly I’d breathe her in and hold her tight and let her sleep a little more on me. 🤍🤍🤍

If you'd like to snag one of these rare April openings, message me at amandamcquadephotography@gmail.com.

04/15/2026

If you'd like to snag one of these rare April openings, message me at [email protected].

04/14/2026

What are we doing here? Stopping for a breath.
Life moves rapidly, and more so as your children get older.

Portrait photography isn’t about the perfect photo, at least it isn’t for me.

For me, it’s a pause. Stopping in this busy life to say:
This is worth it. This is what I want to remember.

Whether you choose me or one of the other many photographers in the Carolinas- choose someone.

Schedule these - every year and every major event
And in the end, I promise you this will be the only thing you’ve invested in that has actually lasted.

That 4k fridge will die in 10 years.
That Audi - maybe 15 (if you’re lucky and never drive it)
That Gucci? Styles change. It’s in and out with the wind.

Everything looses value - except photos of your people. 🤍🤍🤍

Those live forever.

04/07/2026

So many times in life, I’ve felt like I missed the mark. Life became too busy and I forgot to register for a camp, or a sport, or photos, or even make dinner!

I’ve scrambled last min for birthday plans for kids and my husband, I’ve sent emails weeks late (or not at all! 🫠). Failed to send out holiday cards, dye Easter egg…. The list can go on. I can, and readily will, list you all my failures. The things I’m distracted by and the house I fail to keep up to the standards of the common sense and decency. 😂

And I did it readily in my 20s and 30s - kept a small voice in my head that always quietly reminded me that I’m not doing all the things I should be doing and therefore, I’m a failure.

And here is the good things about my 40s: I still fail. What a psycho I’d be if I told you I didn’t fail anymore and I did all things well now!

The difference is perspective. It’s always been the difference, right?! With Easter this past weekend, I remembered the great example of perceptive. To the disciples the cross was the end - death - failure. To Christ it was the ultimate victory - life - the ultimate win.

And, so, I’m only telling you this to say with time and age, hopefully you’re able to gain the perspective- that you’re not a failure. That the things you neglect to do are not the total value of your worth.

You are not a soul measured in the weight of all the things you do right. You are a soul measured in the weight of someone else’s sacrifice. 🤍

And there isn’t ever a bad time to book portrait session ;) you’re not late or early - you’ll get there when you do, and it will be perfect.

03/31/2026

This spring has felt surreal. A mix of bright sun and freezing cold, so I’m thankful things seem to be leveling out now. And so thrilled for all the gorgeous sessions coming up the next few months.

And the gorgeous and her sweet boy were just too fun for words last Sunday.

🤍🤍🤍

03/07/2026

When is the best time for newborn portraits?

Short answer? For me and my style of easy editorial photography? The kind that lives in quiet moments and soft light? Any time under three months of age.

And to be honest, I kind of love “older” newborns, those in that sweet spot of 6-9 weeks, where they smile and look like fat little cherubs.

I also love waiting a little more because moms aren’t so exhausted ( I mean you’ll be exhausted! But not that blinding newborn haze that makes you feel high and crazy).

I also love breaking the rules - the arbitrary ones that say newborns have to be under 12 days old. Who cares!?

The truth is connection and good lighting make photos beautiful, not that you rushed your baby to the studio while still half-recovering from delivery.

So, in short, if you thought you’d missed the newborn photography ship because your baby is older, the good news is you haven’t. 🤍

Address

Charlotte, NC
28226

Website

https://www.amandamcquadephotography.com/

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