Children

Dreaming of Narnia | Nashville Child Photographer

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Before I was a photographer and before I had children, I worked in the book industry.  Working one year at Ingram Book Group gave me the chance to see movies before they would come out in theaters.  I was able to a "rough cut" of the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.  As soon as I saw the little girl who was cast as "Lucy" I could not help but think that if I ever had a little girl that she would look a lot like her.  There was something about her that felt like a glimpse into my future.  And was I ever right?!  Bella just got her hair cut (not intentionally) like Lucy's in the movie and I knew I had to photograph her in the long fur coat in the snow yesterday.  It literally gave me chills as I looked out at my daughter almost 11 years later standing before me looking exactly like that little girl I saw on the screen.  

And side note, who can believe the snow Nashville is getting this year?!  I am not a huge winter/snow fan so I am a bit ready for Spring.  But trying to be grateful for these moments with my little ones because I know someday I will wish I was stuck in a house with them when they are grown and moved away.  It's all about perspective, right?  Oh and also a good bottle of wine.  


What a Month | Nashville Photographer

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Well this month has proven to be quite exciting, especially since this month is my busiest time all year long.  A few weeks ago I was at a session at Percy Warner Park with a sweet, sweet family.  I had another session directly after and went back to my car only to find my window busted and my purse gone.  I did not want to leave my other family waiting so I went straight to my next session with hands shaking and mind racing.  But the best part was the fact that my friends who I photographed first stayed by my car to call and wait for the police.  They showed kindness to me beyond belief.  I basically had to force them to leave after a few hours.  And it could have been much worse with my camera or laptop stolen.  So I was definitely counting my blessings even in the midst of loss.  

Then a week or so after that I was in a creek chasing my middle boy and slipped on a rock catching myself with my middle finger.  Well that middle finger decided to completely shift to the side dislocating itself from the joint.  Needless to say it hurt like hell and I thought my finger was dangling.  The first thing that came to my mind was "how am I going to be a photographer now without a finger?!"  Thankfully it was not broken and the doctor just popped it back in place.  There is still a ton of healing to take place but once again, it could be worse.  

Now we enter the season of being grateful for the things we do have even if there is some sort of loss or pain in our lives as well.  I am trying to count my blessings and really pay attention to the little graces that I receive every single day.  So to all of those who are entering this Christmas season with dread at the things, people or places you have lost- hold on to the small graces.  They are there shining through the cracks.  

Below are a few of my favorite photos from my many sessions of this season.  Small graces extended to me.  


Happy Birthday to my Girl | Nashville Child Photographer

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My first baby turned 9 yesterday.  It seemed like yesterday that I was seeing her tiny face for the first time and my world turned upside down.  She came into this world with her wide, beautiful green eyes looking straight into the soul of every single person in that hospital room.  She was so quiet yet so intense and aware.  Nothing has changed in those 9 years.  She has the ability to look into the souls of those around her and see things many do not see.   If you know her, then you know the love that she shows those around her.  The intense, purposeful Bella Grace love.  I am so proud to be her Momma and she truly is changing me more than I am changing her.  

I was able to get a few shots of her on her 9th birthday.  I can't believe she will be double digits next year.  I feel her childhood slipping away and I want to hold on with dear life.  But if this growing up is anything like I have seen this year, I am happy to be along on this beautiful yet intense ride.  Hold on, beautiful girl, you are going to soar.  And I will hold on as long as I can... But someday I'm going to have to let you go.  But, thank God, not today.

 


Beautiful Children Everywhere | Nashville Country Wedding Part II

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I seriously could not believe how many beautiful children were at this wedding last Saturday.  Everywhere I turned there was a child that looked like jumped straight out of a CrewCuts ad.  So obviously my camera followed them relentlessly.  I had to devote one entire blog just to show the world the beauty of these children.  And such a reminder that children truly know how to celebrate!  


the life of a mom | nashville family photographer

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I could not help but share this series of photographs because I know every single mom out there can relate.  There are some days where I feel like I cannot breathe without a child in front of my face.  My personal space is never respected when it comes to my children.  They have made me forget that personal space is even a thing that exists.  Sometimes I try to put myself in "time out" but it usually is quickly interrupted by the incessant need of my super-mom powers to intervene an emergency situation.  So these photos are dedicated to all the moms out there who just want a little personal space.  Know you are not alone.... ​

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One of my Favorites | Nashville Family Photographer

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This photograph is one of my all time "real life" favorites.  We were on location at the beautiful Alys Beach and were about to wrap up the shoot.  Somehow the entire family playing turned into what you see happening below.  The sad thing is that her glasses actually did break.  I think this picture just about sums it all up...

the beauty...

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the reality...

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Being Real | Nashville Family Photographer

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Lately there has been a lot of talk about "being real" on social media.  We are constantly bombarded by images that make us believe that our world is not as glamorous as the friend next door.  As a photographer, I can see both sides of the issue.  It is natural and good for us to want to share beautiful images where we are enjoying life at its best.  This is what photographs are for - no matter if they are taken with your iPhone or with your film camera.  Photographs celebrate the beauty of life.  So part of me wants to say, "get off your jealous high horse and celebrate these moments with others."  But then there is the other part of me that looks at my friends photos and believes the lie that "my life is not half as good as their life."  This part of me wants to start a revolution of being real not only in photographs but also in all aspects of life.  It has me thinking that, as a photographer, I could start here.  Yes, you will still see the beauty of life in the majority of my photos but I am hoping to also begin to show you some of the "out-takes" that I never even show my clients.  The moments where the kid is throwing a fit or a parent is making that exhausted face.  We all have those moments so let's try to not feel so alone in them.  And maybe even begin to find some sort of beauty in the hard of life along with the good. So now begins my series of Real Life photographs... To keep it real, I will start with my own.

the beauty.....

the reality...

(along with me screaming, "get up NOW! you are all wet & we came all the way here for pictures!!)

Best of 2012 | Nashville Children's Photographer

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It's that time of year again!  The chance for you to vote for your favorite photo of 2012.  This year you may place one vote via the blog and one vote via my Trone Photography Facebook page.  So two votes per voter can count.  The first place winner will receive a 16X20 wrapped canvas of the photograph, valued at $275.  The second place winner will receive a 11X14 wrapped canvas valued at $175.  And the third place winner will receive a 11X14 print valued at $60.  Also, every person who votes will be entered into a random drawing to receive a $100 Trone Photography gift certificate that can be used towards a session fee or prints. Please check out the process below so you can be fully aware of how it all goes down...

1) Vote using the number assigned to the photo to make sure your vote counts!

2) Vote below via comments on this blog

3) Vote via my Trone Photography Facebook page (also please like the page so you can stay updated on winners, etc).  You may just click "like" under the photo on Facebook.  But also make sure to "like" the page as well to make sure your vote counts.

Oh and I forgot to mention that the contest ends on Saturday, January 12 at midnight.

And here are the nominees...

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Nashville Baby Photographer

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I wish I had the time & energy to actually write something but I don't.  We are in the middle of moving out of our home that we have lived in for 8 years.  The longest place I have ever lived.  So many emotions... In between packing boxes, I get to look at beautiful faces like this sweet little boy!  And an interesting fact that I found out once I got to their house is that they are going to be just around the corner from our new home!  So fun...

Enjoy a few of my favorites..

You know what works | Nashville Family Photographer

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I identified immediately with this active, fun family of four as they tried to corral their 2 little ones for photographs.  And the thing I loved the most was that they knew their children well.  I always say to my clients: "you know your children best and tell me what will work."  They knew that pulling out the keys for their energetic boy would pull him into the scene.  And it worked!  I would have never known that a pair of keys would have made him want to sit down with the rest of the family.   So if you are booking a session with me and you have no idea how I will ever capture pictures of your rambunctious little one then just take mental notes of what works (and doesn't).  And no matter what- I will get pictures.  That's my job, and I love it!!! Thanks for sitting on the wet ground, traipsing through tall grass and risking mud to get some great pictures!  I hope you all enjoy a few of my favorites...

Remembering | Nashville Children's Photographer

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I feel like every time I write in the next few months it is going to be about this subject.  It balloons in my mind at all times and sometimes feels like it is going to bust at the mere mention of change.  There are a ton of changes going on for our family right now - moving, kindergarten, new job, etc.  And I'm not really sure if I can handle any more changes right now.  Don't get me wrong- I really like change.  I find it fun and interesting.  Yet as I grow older I realize that change always involves loss.  The loss of what has been and what will never be again.  I could talk about each of our changes in this way for hours.  But I won't bore you (right now that is) with my emotional thoughts.  I am sure when it comes time for us to walk out of our home for the last time, my words will not be able to be contained.  And I know that the day I walk my baby girl into kindergarten, the tearful letting go will find its way on these imaginary pages.  But right now, I keep it vague with the sense that I am going to grieve slowly and surely.  For that's the only thing I can do. As I was editing the photos below of this sweet family, I was constantly reminded of the power of photographs to help us remember.  They really wanted to remember their life as it is because they knew their current house would not be theirs for much longer.  There really is such a gift in photography - the still beauty of a moment in time that can never be claimed again.  It's gone forever yet we can hold the memory in our hands as we remember the beauty that once surrounded us.  What I do is important and I don't take it lightly.  My hope is that they can truly remember the beauty of their life as it once was, and will never be again.  Enjoy a few of my favorite....

Mama said there'd be Days like this | Nashville Family Photographer

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Every time I have one of these days I sing in my head (and sometimes out loud): "mama said there would be days like this..."   This morning my 6 year old would not get dressed and decided that she would fight me tooth and nail to get on her clothes.  As a result we did not have time to put her hair in ponytails.  You would have thought no ponytails in her hair equaled to being stung by a thousand bumble bees.  We exchanged words in the car (to put it nicely).  A pull-over one street over followed with my long, skinny pointer finger coming out waving as hard as it could muster.  10 punishments later, we pulled into the school where tears were still flowing from the fact that her hair was un-ponytailed.  Walking through the halls, I felt so much shame in allowing my daughter to cry and show her sadness (aka anger).  Not trying to fix it was very hard for this Mom who likes to portray that she is pretty awesome.  I got back in the car and breathed in the stale milk air deeply and then did all I knew how to do: cry for help.  My prayer went something like this: God, give me mercy.  I don't know how to do this. Am I screwing my children up?  Am I really a terrible mother?  How do I discipline over & over yet still show them love & grace?  I give up.

Then I realized that this was where God wanted me to be... helpless, yet knowing that He can help.  And I have to admit, I was sort of mad at Him about it.  I didn't want to be helpless.  I wanted to be strong.  To know the right answers.  To be the perfect Mother.  To have it all together.  But guess what- I don't.  Not even close to it.  So, I will say that prayer over & over for the rest of my life... God, give me mercy.  God, give me mercy.

Can you imagine this beauty giving me such grief????

Moving On | Nashville Baby Photographer

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This was my second time to photograph this adorable family of 3. And I was both excited and sad to find out that they were moving to Texas.  But also could understand since we are going through the moving process ourselves. (that is if moving across town actually counts)  Moving is such a bittersweet experience.  So sweet in the fact that you are able to give yourself a new beginning.  A fresh slate to write a new chapter of your story.  The bitterness is in the ending of an old chapter.  Especially a chapter that included firsts in your family.  The first time you lived together as a married couple.  Walking in the front door with your firstborn.  The hallways have memories.  I can almost hear the little pitter patters of feet running down our little hallway with the wooden floor.  Beginnings always means there is an end.  And I know we will miss this part of our story as I am sure this beautiful family will too as they start their new life in Texas. For now, enjoy these memories of your last days in the great state of Tennessee.  What a beautiful way to remember....

Spring Break | Nashville beach photographer

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The fact that I just wrote "Nashville beach photographer" in the subject line makes me laugh.  It seems like an oxymoron, right?  No, it's not Nashville Shores or the beach at Percy Priest that I am speaking of.  It's just me, a girl from Nashville, traveling down to the beautiful beaches of 30A to photograph beautiful families.  And sometimes I feel like I am dreaming when I really think about what I am given the opportunity to do as work.  Seriously, I am so thankful to do what I do.  I feel like I say it all the time (and I do) but I am still just astonished that this is my life.  Not that its perfect because believe me, it's not.  Far from that, in fact.  Especially this time of year with taxes- I want to just run away.  But with all the bad included - I love what I do.  Especially when it includes going to one of my favorite places in the world: the beach. Some good friends asked me to take photographs of them while on Spring Break.  They drove up to Rosemary Beach and we spent the morning laughing and having fun taking pictures.  I always say that there is something about being on vacation that makes a family seem so much more relaxed and themselves.  It really makes for a different kind of photographs.

So if you are in the Destin/30A area this July 7-14 - contact me!  I have a few spots left....

Enjoy a few of my favs...

Love from Africa | Nashville Children's Photographer

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The saying, "a picture speaks a thousand words" is all that is ringing in this crazy head of mine as I try to introduce this family of six.  Try is the key word because my words seem inadequate to tell even part of the story.  The story is one of redemption.  And it all started with Anne following her heart to Africa, completely unknowing that she would someday bring a part of Africa back with her.  I can remember Anne reading her diary out loud to a small group of us at church, her words and tears spilling out across the room as if a Tsunami were swallowing the very walls around our souls.  The walls were down.  Anne's transparency is magnetic and brings true beauty everywhere she goes.  The story began to unfold and we were introduced to a little baby in a far away country that would soon to become one of ours.  We fell in love.  Ali Rose was loved with our prayers and tears as we passed around pictures of this motherless little baby girl in Africa.  But we all knew she was motherless no longer.  There was a beautiful, strong mother sitting among us that already loved her as only a mother can love. Today Ali Rose is one.  Her first birthday was filled with those that love her and call her their own.  We are so glad God wrote you into our story.  Here is an excerpt from a blog post from Anne on Ali Rose's first birthday....

A year ago today, the labor pains began in her body. A year ago today, the yearning for another child was heavy on my heart.

A year ago today, she traveled to the nearest hospital because she and her unborn baby were in distress. A year ago today, I traveled to another state to be with an old friend and meet her newborn son. A year ago today, she received woeful medical care, which turned into horrific medical care because of her limited ability to pay. A year ago today, the Lord took away my desire to have another biological child. A year ago today, she cried out in agony- her body wrecked with pain. A year ago today, I was comfortable in this life where I have MORE than enough of everything. A year ago today, she brought this baby into the world. A year ago today, He whispered to me I know the child for you. A year ago today, this baby took her first breath and opened her bright eyes. A year ago today, I pleaded that the Lord would bring this child, who He had for our family, to me. A year ago today, they placed this baby on her mother’s chest. Her mother overflowed with love for the little one. A year ago today, I was hoping & praying for another one to love. A year ago today, the baby was thriving but her mother began to fight for her life. A year ago today, I sipped my Starbucks- which would have been the equivalent cost for medical care that could have saved her mother’s life. A year ago today, her world was turning dark. A year ago today, mine was becoming bright. I will never be able to thank Rose- (Ali Rose’s birth mom) for the treasure that her beautiful daughter is to me and to our family. I can only say that my heart has been breaking today for Rose. A wise friend told me she believe’s that birth parents get an awesome view from Heaven of their children’s firsts; first step, first word, first birthday. On this day I believe Rose is looking down, I hope she is smiling. For her daughter, my daughter is perfect. And she will blow out her first candle on her birthday cake tonight surrounded by love. For the Lord knew that she would need mother’s to step in early on. She had two foster mother’s who loved her well in the first months of her life in Uganda. They operated from an outpouring of the Father’s love that he lavished on them- and they lavished on her. Rose sacrificed, Mandie Joy & Rachel sacrificed, all for this little baby girl who would come and join our family and we have been the unlikely recipients of this deep and sacrificial love. We have been blessed.

Being a Mom always comes first | Nashville Children's Photographer

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Sometimes your week just doesn't go as expected.  Especially if you are a Mom to young children.  A feverish child wakes you up in the middle of the night and you lose those precious hours of sleep.  The next day you are needing to work but you are holding them tightly on the couch.  But I must say that I am so so thankful that being a Mom comes first.  I absolutely love, love what I do as a photographer but I love my children even more.  And I am grateful that I can put down my work for a few days to care for them.  Now I am not saying it's all glamorous and that I don't complain.  Because, believe me, I do.  And I confess that as I write these sweet, loving words my 2 year old is taking a much needed nap and my oldest is at school.  So it's easy to say it now.  In another few hours, I may have to coax these thoughts out of me as I try to cook dinner with a fussy boy on my hip and a little girl needing my undivided attention on her art project.  But for now, it's quiet and I am thankful. And within the 10 minutes it took me to upload the photos, my boy woke up.  After only a 30 minute nap.  So back to work I go, hoping that the whispers of thankfulness will ring true in my ear.

Here are a few cute photos I took of my growing girl..