Family

What a Month | Nashville Photographer

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.  


the life of a mom | nashville family photographer

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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Happy Birthday! | Nashville Family Photographer

It was such an honor to photograph this birthday party for this lovely couple that have been married for over 50 years.  The love that flowed among old friends was so beautiful and inspiring.  It made me realize that friendship is truly important and can last a lifetime.  Enjoy this slideshow I made to celebrate their love.​

Bubbles + Twins | Nashville Baby Photographer

This was my second time to photograph these adorable twin boys.  It is always beyond my comprehension to see how much they grow in such a short time.  These two boys, at almost one, were absolutely perfect.  They had the sweetest personalities and were so at ease.  The bubbles completely mesmerized them as you can see from the photo below.  ​

Enjoy a few of my favorites from our time together...​

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Cherish | Nashville Baby Photographer

I love a 3rd child.  They are cherished beyond belief because the parents truly understand how quickly time flies. And this sweet family is no exception.  They just seemed to breathe in the miracle of this new life second by second.  Never a cease of amazement of the tiny fingers and toes.  Thanks for giving me the opportunity to come into your home and experience the joy of your new love! Enjoy a few of my favorites... Scrumptious.

Nashville Baby Photographer

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

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

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....

Moving On | Nashville Baby Photographer

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

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

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.

Elegant Family | Nashville Family Photographer

Photographing this beautiful family was a breeze.  And quite a cold breeze at that - the temps were freezing that day!  But they pushed through the cold like pros and smiled through the chatter of their own teeth.  And I must say, the results turned out just beautiful.  The photograph with the ivy background reminds me of an ad for Ralph Lauren - full of elegance and beauty. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to photograph your family as they all came in from different parts of the world to be together.  You all made my morning much brighter!

Enjoy a few of my favorites...

The Only Girl | Nashville Children's Photographer

Seriously.  The cuteness overwhelms.  Look at those curls and dimples.  All wrapped up in a tiny, fun-loving, girly little 2 year old.  She is the youngest of 3 and is the only girl.  So her beautiful, yoga loving Mom wanted to capture this moment in time where she will never be this amazingly wondrous age again.  And wondrous it is.  It was hard to pick my favorites but here are a few...

2 Year Goodness | Nashville Children's Photographer

You never know what you will get with a 2 year old but I do always know it will be an adventure!  And, Claire definitely proved that to be true.  She was all about sliding, rolling down hills, falling down, smiling, laughing and crying all at the same time.  It was so fun to see Claire because her first year of life I photographed her often.  And now she is a beautiful, sweet little girl full of energy- just as 2 year olds should be. Enjoy a few of my favorites...

Best of 2011 Photo Contest | Nashville Photographer

The annual contest is going to look a little different this year.  So make sure you read the guidelines carefully to fully participate.  Since it is 2011, I have chosen 11 photographs to represent the "best of."  And believe me, it was very, very hard to narrow it down to 11.  And since this contest is also on Facebook, I only chose clients photographs who were my fans on Facebook.  So if you are not a fan, then become one because I give away lots of fun stuff on it!

This is always my favorite time of year because I love my clients and I really love giving back.  And, not going to lie- I like a little more comments on my blog than normal too.  I mean, anything would be more than normal.  Where is the love, people?!?!  :)

So here's the deal...

1) You can only vote twice.  One on the blog (under comments) and another on my Facebook page.

2) There are multiple ways to win:

-The photograph with the most votes will win a 16X20 Canvas valued at $275.   The second photo with the most votes will win a 16X20          Print valued at $99.  The third photo with the most votes will win a 11X14 Print valued at $60.

-Everyone who votes will be entered into a random drawing for a FREE mini session valued at $350.  Your name will be entered in    twice if  you vote on my blog and on Facebook.  And to make it even more fun, I am able to track how many times you shared the link via        Facebook and every time you share it on your wall - your name will be entered in again.  The more you share, the better chance you have at winning!  {if you share without the link from the original contest post, please tag me so i can keep up with those as well}

3) Emails will not count as votes!  I tried that the first year and my inbox was disastrous.  Only blog comments & Facebook votes will count.  When you vote, please include the name of the photo.  The names are before each of the photos on the blog.

4) Please like my page on Facebook so I can keep up with your information in order to notify you of the winners.  They will also be posted on the blog as well.

Now on to the fun part... The Top 11 Photos of 2011:

Cooke:

Diehl:

Camp:

Maggie:

Ethan:

Barr:

Edith:

Lindsay:

Kerr:

Nyla:

Brown:

Blair: