Jillian & Bert came ready to channel all the nostalgic 90s vibes for this session, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint! We took inspiration straight out of those classic JCPenney and Sears portrait studio catalogs, where awkward poses and serious expressions were all the rage. From the iconic “over-the-shoulder stare” to the infamous “loving-but-awkward embrace,” we recreated them all with as much accuracy (and laughter) as possible.


The best part? Jillian and Bert fully committed. Between the exaggerated poses and the sheer determination to nail that vintage awkwardness, we had an absolute blast. Every shot was a mix of “this is ridiculous” and “this is perfection,” making for a session filled with belly laughs and hilarious outtakes.


There’s something so fun about embracing the cringy, cheesy charm of old-school portrait sessions, and these two absolutely nailed it. Who knew that revisiting the past could be this entertaining?


Please note:  these edits do not reflect my current style—I was actually trying to edit poorly on purpose. Turns out, it’s harder than I thought! There’s a real art to that 90s-style overexposure, soft focus, and slightly off coloring. Who knew making something look “bad” on purpose could be such a challenge?

 

A playful wrestling pose between two people wearing jeans on a dark hardwood floor against a gray wall.
A couple posing for a studio portrait against a blue textured background on hardwood flooring.
A couple poses together on a wooden floor against a gray studio background in casual attire.
Two people in dark shirts and jeans pose together on a wooden floor for a casual portrait against a blue backdrop.
A couple in black shirts and jeans pose playfully on a hardwood floor against a blue-gray backdrop.
A couple in matching dark shirts and jeans pose together for a playful studio portrait against a blue-gray backdrop.
A playful portrait of two people with one sitting on a wooden chair while another poses beneath on the floor.
A couple poses casually on a wooden floor with one seated and one standing against a blue wall.
A couple in casual wear poses playfully together on a dark wood floor against a blue-gray backdrop in a studio setting.
Studio portrait with dramatic lighting showing two people in black clothing against a textured blue-gray background.

Hey there! I’m Krystie, the photographer behind Krystie Nicole Photo, based in Smithfield, NC. I specialize in family, children, pet, senior, and portrait photography, capturing real moments with a bold, artistic touch. My goal? To make your session fun, relaxed, and totally YOU—because the best photos happen when you feel comfortable and confident.


I get it—kids are unpredictable, pets have their own agenda, and outfit changes don’t always go as planned. But don’t worry—that’s where I shine. Patience, humor, and rolling with the chaos are my superpowers, and I make sure every session feels effortless, even when life gets a little messy.


Clear communication, quick turnaround times, and attention to detail are all part of the experience. You’ll always know what to expect, and I work hard to deliver images that make you say, “Wow, that’s SO us.”


When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me exploring new places with my family, chasing after my two boys, or managing life with my 200-pound dog. Life is full of unscripted moments, and I love capturing them for you to cherish forever.


Ready to book? Let’s make some unforgettable memories!