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...

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:

Magical | Alys Beach Photographer

Well, I checked one destination session off my list.  Alys Beach.  There is something so mysterious and beautiful about this place.  I love the white, mediterranean architecture with the dark wood lining the windows and doors.  When you step on the property, you no longer feel like you are in the US.  It makes you want to lie by the cabana pool all day with a good book.  Or string up lights on the patio and listen to music all night long.  It's magical.  So, needless to say, I was thrilled when this adorable Jackson, MS family wanted to shoot their session here. Here are a few of my favorites.... Enjoy!

Sweet Children | Watercolor Family Photographer

I absolutely loved meeting this adorable family from Knoxville at Watercolor!  I already felt like I knew them because they are related to some sweet friends of ours here in Nashville.  It was so fun to actually do a session at one of my favorite places- Watercolor, FL.  So much inspiration.  I hope to be back soon! Enjoy a few of my favorites....

Fun! | Destin Family Photographer

You can see through these photos that this cute family likes to have fun together!  I loved watching the kids interact together.  They were always laughing and just enjoying one another.  And another reason that I love this family is because they live in Dallas- where Mimi & G-Daddy live. Thanks so much for a fun afternoon together!  I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites...

Three | Destin Family Photographer

There is something about a family of three that just makes me so happy.  Especially if a little girl is involved.  It makes me remember our little family when it was just the three of us.  Such great memories of those three years.  And this family is just so sweet and happy!  I loved getting to know them during our time together in Destin. As you will notice, there are two locations during their shoot.  The first location I found in the woods at Sandestin.  There were beautiful willow trees and the light was just perfect shining through.  Then we moved on to the beach for the last light of the day- which is my favorite light.

Here are a few of my favorites of Reagan with her beautiful parents...

Some Things Never Change | Destin Beach Photographer

I met up with one of my friends from high school for a beach session with her and her husbands entire family.  Since I have left Arkansas, I rarely get to see old friends so it was so much fun for me to see her and meet her beautiful children.  First, she looks exactly the same.  My sister (who helped me) and I were marveling at the fact that Shannon has not changed one bit.  Still as beautiful as ever!  Second, her children are just strikingly beautiful and photogenic.  If I could have a muse, Nyla just might be it.  Her face radiates in front of the camera.  And sweet Nash just loves his sister and has such a tender heart.  What a fun afternoon for me! Here are a few of my favorites from our time together... I am blogging the families separately because there are just so many great photos!  Thanks Shannon and family for asking me to spend time with you all.  You all are so fun!

My First Beach Session | Watercolor Beach Photographer

When I was leaving for this session, I had butterflies in my stomach just as I did when I first started this journey.  It just seemed so foreign to me.  New and exciting all in one!  And, let me tell you - it did not disappoint!  I feel so inspired when I am photographing families at the beach.  There is something magical about the air.  The way it smells.  The way it feels.  But even more magical is the way that those in front of my camera light up when they are away from the everyday.  There was an extra sense of wonder and pleasure in their eyes.  And I really believe that you can see that through these photographs.  I am so excited to see what the future holds with this! Thank you to the sweet Stouffer family who trusted me with their photographs - especially a girl from Tennessee!  So thankful I was given the chance to meet you all.  I cannot wait to see the wedding photographs from Cat!  I know they will be absolutely beautiful.   Enjoy...

Destin Beach Sessions! | Nashville Family Photographer

I will be headed to the beach this week to take some fun family sessions on the beautiful beaches of Watercolor, Seaside & Destin!  I am beyond excited.  This Nashville girl needs a little change of scenery.  I am booked for this coming week.  But, I DO have some openings the first of August.  If you want to nail down a session date for the first 2 weeks of August, let me know soon!   There are 3 different types of sessions you may choose from, depending on what you are wanting from our time together.  And, there are three different areas that you can choose for your photos.  They don't have to be the typical white shirt, khaki pants beach scene.  You can choose from the following: -the beautiful garden area of Watercolor

-the rustic lake area of Watercolor

-the white mediterreanean architecture of Alys Beach

-the fun baytowne warfe of Sandestin

-the beautiful parks at Rosemary Beach

-the unique pavilions at Seaside

-the vibrant artsy town of Seaside

So many fun options!  In one of the session options- you can choose two locations!  So, you want a few beach photos but you also want to have something different as well?  Go for it!  It is completely up to you....

So, off to pack.... So excited to meet some of you in the next week!