3 Brothers | Nashville Family Photographer

I can't imagine the FUN that these 3 boys are going to have together growing up so close together in age.  And, I can't imagine how their sweet Mom is going to get through all the bumps, bruises and trouble that boys get into!  But, I have a good feeling that she will do just fine.   Shellye- I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into some of my favorite photographs from your session!  They really were so fun to hang out with and I hope to see you all again soon.

Spring Flowers | Nashville Childrens Photographer

I spent early evening with this sweet family of three with one on the way last week.  My favorite thing about this time of year is the sun staying out later so I can work in the early evening and capture the amazing warm light.  AND- the temp is perfect at that time of night!  Just the best of both worlds... Little Macie loved all the pretty flowers growing in the grass.  I have many photos where she is smelling the flowers with her big eyes peering out from behind.  So cute!  I can't wait to meet the new one on the way!!

I Love this City | Nashville Family Photographer

It seems appropriate to post a session from one of the famous landmarks in Nashville: the Parthenon.  Most of you all have heard about the devastating flood that has ruined so many homes, businesses and lives here in the Nashville area.  It has been a sobering week watching the waters rise and knowing that so many are without homes and will not have insurance to cover the cost to repair.   Our home is fine but we have many neighbors that received damage to their homes.   About a mile from our home the streets looked like rivers and streams were literally roaring through like rapids.   We are so thankful that our home is fine but are also so saddened by the loss of so many.  If you want to help in any way, there are several families here that could use some aid.  Please send me an email and I will get you the information. So, bringing it back to Nashville- I really just L-O-V-E this city!  Even in the midst of destruction, there is just something beautiful about this town.  It is growing so much but there is still such a warmness about it that I have found anywhere else.  People move here from all over so I think most know what it is like to be new.  And, everyone just becomes like family.  In disaster you see it even more clearly and it is breathtaking.  This sweet family that I photographed is one example of what Nashville represents.  Joe is from New York and Betsy grew up in North Carolina.  They met at our church and joined staff with Campus Crusade at Vanderbilt.  Their service to college students throughout the years has given a feeling of belonging to kids leaving home for the first time.  I know because I was there once.  And, Crusade did that for me as well.  So, thanks Joe & Betsy for your ability to make Nashville feel like home to so many.  And, I am glad that you are apart of our larger family here in Nashville!

Baby Blues | Nashville Baby Photographer

This cute-o family drove down from Louisville for a session last week.  Both of these boys have the most beautiful blue eyes ever!  Big brother fell asleep in the car and was not too keen on taking photos after we had to wake him up.  Who would want to wake up and have a camera forced in their face?!?  Not me, for sure!  But, the next morning, he was so sweet and cooperative after a full night of sleep.  It was a great time!

Miles | Nashville Baby Photographer

I really can't believe how fast time flies!   Miles just reached the 9 month mark which means my Abram is right behind him.  We have a ton in common with this family so I must tell you all here.  First, Rachel & I were born in the same town in Arkansas: Pine Bluff.  Second, we think we are long lost cousins because my maiden name is also in her family as well.  Thirdly, James & Rachel went to the UofA together.  Fourth, Jeff & I proudly graduated from the real UT.  Fifth, we are all in the same community group.  Ok...so I could go on.  But, lastly, we both have sweet boys the same age!  That is the best of all!  Now I am just hoping that they will turn out to be Volunteers but something tells me that they could be in Fayetteville someday cheering on the Hogs!

Sisters | Nashville Children Photographer

I love to see the dynamics of a family while I am spending time with them.  There is always something different about each family that I really enjoy.  I especially love the interaction I see between siblings.  There is something so unique that happens in front of my camera when two (or 3, or 4..) children are unaware of me and just playing.  It is really like magic.  At some point we become more aware of ourselves and feel self-conscious in front of the camera.  That magic takes a lot more work to create between 2 adults, or 2 grown children for that matter.  I always tell my clients that my favorite photographs of my own children are when they are not smiling.  The reason being is that it is usually the time when they are unaware of my eyes looking at them from behind the lens.  They are dreaming, laughing, playing- just being children. These two girls are such a joy to watch as they play and enjoy one another.  Even when they are in individual photographs, there is always one wanting to be near the other.  And, I hope that never changes.

3 Month Portraits | Nashville Baby Photographer

This little guy was perfect for me!  I must admit that 3 month photographs are probably the hardest to take as a baby/child photographer.  It is right up there with 1-2 years old.  At 3 months they are not sitting up yet and it is just hard to find the right angles.  But, I must say that this little boy is strong- he kept his neck held high for a long time.  That makes my job much easier!  Thanks so much for being such a great little model.  I can't wait to see you again!

Clean & Simple | Nashville Baby Photographer

Sometimes photographs look best just clean & simple.  This set of four photographs proves that point beautifully.  All that is visible is 9 month old Jake's beautiful curious face staring right at you.  I also love how a simple change in color can also transform the whole atmosphere of the photograph.  Photographs like this are timeless and will be current for years to come.  Love them!

Claire | Nashville Baby Photographer

Claire and her parents stopped by for a 3 month session this past weekend.  She is such a beautiful and delightful baby girl!  And, you could definitely tell that she is a Mommy's girl... Her eyes were cut to the side most of the time looking her way so I had to make sure that Mommy was behind my camera so she would look my way!   Enjoy.

All Boy | Nashville Child Photographer

Jackson just turned one and he is up and running!  A one year old boy that is walking is definitely a fun challenge!   It is just such a great reminder to me that boys & girls are SO different and I am going to be learning as I go this next year.  But, I love the energy that comes from boys and I can't wait to chase my little guy around all over the place.  Jackson loved all the tractors and farm equipment and gave me a few seconds of stillness as he flashed his beautiful smile my way.  Thanks Jackson for such a fun time with you!

Bright Eyes | Nashville Baby Photographer

This sweet 6 month old came to have his photos taken in my new studio this past weekend.  His Momma wanted to make sure that we got some cute hat & diaper shots which made me so excited!  They are always my favorite at this age.  But, to my delight- she also brought an ADORABLE hat that she bought from their ski trip to Winter Park this winter.  I mean the colors in that hat could not have worked better with the beautiful colors of Robbins eyes!  Perfect!

Hope in Growing | Nashville Family Photographer

This morning I read an article by a Mom who now has 2 grown children- a son and a daughter.  Her words were beautiful but more importantly they were true.  I am realizing as I get a little "older" that true words are the best ones to speak and hear.  It doesn't always mean they are easy on the ears but it does mean that there is hope.  Hope for change.  Hope for growth.  And, hope for Jesus.  Truth gives us the opportunity to see that we don't measure up and that we need Someone to rescue us from the pit of despair.  I am reminded of this everyday as a parent.  I. mess. up.  I spank out of anger.  I yell when I should be gentle.  I shame when I should love.  When reading the article this morning, tears were rolling down my face as I was once again reminded that there is hope in the midst of despair.  Even in the everyday despairs of life such as trying your best to mother two young souls yet failing miserably.  "If there is breath, there is hope." The reason this family came to mind as I was reading this article is because she also talked about how fast children grow.  As you can tell through my photos, I usually shoot young children and families.  But, I love spending time with families that are a little ahead of the game.  As I was editing these photos back in December, I was reminded that my two will grow so fast before my very eyes.  These boys with their Momma (and their Grandmother) melted my heart and I hope they will look back at their photos with joyful remembrance of days gone by.  (and who could not help but MELT at the love between the two below...)

My Heart.

I love taking photos but more than that, I love what a photograph represents.  It represents life being lived.  A good worn out pair of jeans that has a story.  That 30 year old Feltman brothers gown that looks as good as new.  The prayers that were finally answered.  That look that only they know.  I really believe that my job is bigger than creating perfect photographs.  It is about getting to the heart and soul of whoever I am photographing.  It is about creating an image that will allow time to stand still. I am realizing more & more that time does not stop.  My babies are growing and I am sad.   I am sad that everything really does have to change.  I grieve that this house will someday be someone else's first home.  I can't do much to stop all of this changing but I can capture it for what it is: beautiful, rugged memories.  Memories are not always white lace & promises fulfilled but they always give us what we can't have now which is a look into our past.  And, photographs go even beyond memories.  They allow one to see what is no longer there.

Those baby rolls that are now lean, strong legs.

That long hilly road that led up to your best friends house.

The smooth lines in a young girls face as she hopes for the future.

Four generations with the newest baby girl- one now in heaven.

When it was just the two of you.  When it was just the three of you.   When your family was complete- or so you thought.

The little ballerina who only wanted you and now wants everyone but you.

The smiles that were untainted by the disappointments of this world.

The melt-down that could only be cured by his Mommy's arms.

This is what I want to give you: life lived as it is.  I am not going to photoshop a face in for you or make you look thinner.  (there is a place for that stuff but just not here!)  If a baby is crying, that is life being lived.   If you all look perfect, then I might suggest to loosen up a little!  Be yourself and let the truth in the beauty shine through your photographs.  So, come and just be.

And, we are just being snotty-nosed and cinnamon-faced in these photos!  And, that is life around our house...

BY THE WAY- to add this blog to your google reader please click on the feed button at the top of this blog by the facebook & twitter buttons.  I don't think it is working using the subscribe method.  Let me know if you have any trouble!

My "Studio" in my little Space

My dream is to have a real studio in the next few years but until then, I will have to make due with my little space downstairs in my little home.  A few days ago I purchased a humongous white backdrop for my little space.  It is quite the tight squeeze but I am learning to be content in all circumstances and this is my circumstance right now!  But, I am so beyond thankful that God has given me so much that I can share with others.  I am really looking forward to all of the memories that this backdrop is going to capture in the years to come.  I have a feeling I am going to get some good use out of it!  So, if you were wanting some indoor studio work, then I am now your girl!  Here are a few of my first studio photos from the last few days... Enjoy!

And the Winner Is....

Congrats to Webb on his WIN!!!

Second place goes to... Anna Wells!

Third Place goes to the Hardy Boys...

Thanks again for all the votes and comments!  The rest of the nominees will receive a 4X6 print of their image.  I am seriously so thankful for all of my wonderful clients and I can't wait to do this again next year!  Or, maybe I will have to do something else mid-way through the year.  Keep checking back on the blog for updated photos and announcements.  Thanks again!!

The Best of 2009ish Contest

So, being stuck inside the house with all the "snow" has allowed me some extra time on the computer.  After looking through many other photographers blogs, I started to notice a trend that I am a little behind on for this year.  Everyone has had some sort of "best of" contest with a prize attached.  So, I didn't want to let my amazing clients down and thought I would join in on the fun this year!  Obviously, I could not pick a photo from every session so I tried to narrow it down to my 15 favorite photos of this year.  The best photograph of 2009 will win their choice of a canvas or metal print of your photograph valued at $60!   If you did not make the "cut", then hopefully our next session will give us that award winning photograph.  And, you still have a chance to win!  Everyone that votes (either through comments or emails) will be entered into a drawing for a $30 credit towards prints from your next booked session.   The contest will be open for 5 days- so, all votes will be tallied on Sunday, Feb 21st and the winner announced via the blog. I will give you an update at the end of every day RIGHT HERE!  So, check back to see who is in the lead... I am already overwhelmed with all the emails & comments!!  Oh my goodness- I can't believe how many votes have been sent to me via email and on this blog.  Oh my goodness- I have my work cut out for me tomorrow!  I am seriously shocked at how many votes have been cast.  There is a lot of love out there!  I will have them counted and announced sometime tomorrow evening.  So, get the word out for the last votes!  It is really CLOSE!!  This has been so fun for me and I can't wait to give someone a beautiful piece of art for their home.

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Playing with Light: Part 2 | Nashville Photographer

So, last week, I showed you a few photos where I was experimenting with artificial light.  Today I thought I would give you a few examples of using natural light.  Since most of you don't own a large external flash unit, natural light will be the source you will most likely use.  And, since it is so C-O-L-D outside, indoor shots are becoming my only means of capturing images of my children!  If you have an SLR (code word for big digital camera) then you must learn how to use it without the flash.  The flash used indoors gives you a harsh light with shadows and unflattering colors.  The pioneer woman is a great resource to learn how to use your SLR more effectively.  Since she has already broken everything down in simple language, there is no reason for me to do it here! In this photo, I just placed Abram on the bed with a window in front of him and a window behind him.  So, light was coming in from both sides.  I tried to use as much color as possible to really make use of the beautiful light coming in the windows.  I was using a high ISO set at 640 and my f-stop was set at 3.0.

We have large front windows that gives us a beautiful light for part of the day.  I parked BG in front of the window and started taking photos.  As you can tell, she was NOT in the mood that day for photos.  Daddy had just left for a ski trip and she wanted to go with him!

This one was taken at our front door.  The front door was opened while I left the glass door shut to let the light in.  There is obviously great shadow but I think that it sometimes provides a more mysterious photo.  Also converting to black & white usually helps when you have an unwanted color tint to your photo.  Photos taken indoors with a mix of natural and ambient (meaning overhead lights & lamps) sometimes gives off a color cast that you don't want in the photo.  Changing it to black & white will correct the problem in a jiffy!

Good Laughs | Nashville Family Photographer

When I think back on this family, I think of laughing.  They loved to laugh together and it shows through their photographs.  I love photographing different families at different stages.  This one definitely made me excited to be a Mom of a boy.  You could just tell that these boys LOVED their Mom!  Thanks to them from driving in from Dickson, TN... it was a great time!

Fun in the Fall! | Nashville Family Photographer

I took these photos back in November when the leaves were everywhere!  It was such a beautiful fall day spent with a fun & beautiful family.  I love watching families have fun while I am behind the camera.  It seriously brings me so much joy to know that I am capturing images that will express their own unique personality as a family for years to come.

Playing with Light | Nashville Children's Photographer

I am taking a little break in my trying to catch up and show you some of the fun stuff I have been experimenting with here at home.  I have had a off camera light system for a few years now but had never learned how to really use it well.  My goal this year is to really learn how to use my flash unit to the best of my ability.  I am realizing that I really love what you can do with it and I look forward to learning more!  The photos below are taken in my bedroom using one light w/ an umbrella attached.  I love how the blue/gray wall is able to turn darker just by moving the light or subject a little.  And, it doesn't hurt to have BEAUTIFUL subjects to photograph if I must say so myself.