Children

Footsteps | Nashville Children's Photographer

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Room to room.  Not enough space.  But just enough to get by.  The sound of footsteps no matter where I go.  They follow.  Needing.  Wanting.  Watching.  I can't distinguish my own footsteps from the little patters following me.  I confess sometimes I don't want to hear them.  Sometimes I just want to hear my own two feet walking on the wooden, creaky floor to my bedroom.  But, then I remember.  I remember that these patters are my life.  Someday I will want them to follow me and they will run the other way.  Someday I will long to hear their little feet on the creaky floor and all I will hear is silence.  Someday I will follow.  Needing.  Wanting.  Watching.  So, I fall on my floor and hold them in my arms breathing in their presence.  But I must let them go.  So I do.  Listening for the music of those little feet.  The soundtrack of my life.  And it is beautiful.

Snow Days | Nashville Children's Photographer

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For those of you not in Nashville, we did not have school for an entire week because of the snow!  That would have been a dream for me when I was a kid... But, not so much now that I am a Mom.  I love my time home with the kids but I also equally love my time on the days when the kids are in school.  We all went a little bit stir-crazy but somehow found the energy to accomplish a quick photo shoot at the end of last week.  Doing this by myself is quite a task but we did it!  And, I am always so proud and thankful when I finish up a session with my kids.  Editing photos of the one's I love makes me really take a good look at who they are and what makes them unique.  I LOVE THEM!!!

Best of 2010 Contest

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It is that time of year again!  Time to vote on your favorite photo of 2010... Last year was so much fun and I could not believe how many votes I received!  This year the rules will be a little different so make sure you pay close attention.  The first place winner will receive their choice of an 8X10 or a 10X10 wrapped canvas valued at $150!  The second place winner will receive an 8X10 metal print valuing at $75!  And, the third place winner will receive an 8X10 metallic print valuing at $20!  Also, a FREE session (valuing at $150) will be given to someone who comments on the blog this week.  The number will be chosen at random. The votes must be submitted via comments on the blog.  Emails will not count towards a vote.  I realized that emails were not the best way last year!  Only one vote per person.  Please don't try to get around this in order to be fair to the others!  The name of the child is BEFORE each photo so give me the name of child/photo that you want to nominate.  The deadline for votes is next Thursday, December 30th.  So, you have a week to get the votes in!

So... get the word out!    Ready. Set.  GO!!!!!!!!

Robbins:

Claire:

Andie:

Ainsley:

Maggie:

Graham:

Jacob:

Riley:

Liam:

Caroline:

Collier:

The Wrong Way | Nashville Baby Photographer

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I drove out to Spring Hill to photograph these two cuties this past weekend.  On the way back, I got on I-65.  As I talking to my Dad on the phone, I realized that I was going the wrong direction on the interstate.  His first comment was, "you mean, the wrong way like as in you are going against traffic?!"  He knows you couldn't put anything past me.  I am known for some pretty crazy mistakes.  Fortunately, I was just going towards Huntsville not Nashville.  I just turned around and headed home a few minutes late. This session was given as a gift to this new Mom of sweet Ella.  I had a great time driving out to Spring Hill- it is beautiful!   Hope you enjoy this sneak peek of sweet Ella & Spencer.

First Birthday | Nashville Baby Photographer

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On the day of our pictures, Collier turned one!  First birthdays are my favorite.  It is amazing to think back on the year and remember what was happening the same time last year.  And, now your life is full of so much more!  You would have never believed that your heart could hold so much love for this one little person.  I remember I wrote a post back on my family blog (when I actually had the time to do that) about our first part of the year with BG.  It went like this... The last month has been incredibly busy for us. Bella Grace occupies each minute of our day, except for the moments she is sleeping. What in the world did we do before she arrived? Let's think back: sleep without interruption, eat dinner for longer than 3 minutes, run 4 errands in under an hour, not blame everything on gas and teething, talk like grown-ups, have conversations that did not consist of the words poop and spit-up and of course, who could leave out the conversations James has already had with the young boy's who have already tried to win her heart. So far, she has received a rose from Jacob, a kiss from Charlie and an extended hand from Brooks. Daddy has a lot to worry about in the years to come... But, the real question should be: what in the world did we not do before she arrived? We never fought over who would see her face first after being away. We never cried while simply watching her sleep. We never prayed so hard for one person's salvation. We never loved so unconditionally. We never would give it all up just to see her smile. We never felt our Father's love for us so deeply.

As I sit here looking over this post, I am sharing a chair with my now 4 1/2 year old sweet girl.  There is not much else to say except enjoy those moments.  They really do pass quickly.  Even in the passing there are always more moments to come.  And this is one of them.  So, I must go now and play Barbies with my sweet girl.  And live in this moment.

Enjoy this sneak peek at adorable Collier!!!

Arkansas Girls | Nashville Children's Photographer

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When Carrie & I first met we instantly bonded over the fact that we were both from Arkansas.  We then go on to realize that we have a deep place in our hearts for El Chico.  Now I will admit, she has carried on the commitment much better than myself.  She regularly frequents the El Chico in Nashville.  Impressive.  I was beyond excited when I found out that Matt & Carrie were expecting a baby.   Being only a few months apart, I knew our two would be friends.  But, when we found out that they were having a girl, everything changed.   Riley Trone.  How perfect does that sound?  If only arranged marriages were cool. Seriously, look at Carrie & Riley.  Beautiful.  I had so much fun seeing what outfit she would have on next.  It does help that her Mommy is an assistant to an amazing stylist here in Nashville.  No coaching was needed on my side.  Thanks so much for a FUN morning together... I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites!

Pig Sooie...

Magic | Nashville Children's Photographer

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There is something magical about these photos.  The magic of innocence.  Of childhood.  Of days that all you want to do is play until it gets dark.  There is really not much to say except these pictures make me really happy.  Happy because I love these two children and their Momma.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves. And, to all of those who have a shoot coming up- this is why I ask you to bring props.  They can really make the photos so unique and personal.  I love them!

Family | Nashville Family Photographer

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I love it when my clients give their friends or family the gift of a session.  It is just so fun to be able to be apart of the spirit of giving!  Andrea takes care of Miles, who has graced this blog many times.  She is such a gift to this family.  I was apart of the process of praying for someone to come along to help them transition into life as working parents.  And, I know she has done this with so much care and love for their sweet Miles.  So, for Andrea's birthday, Rachel gave her a session with me!  And, let me tell you- this family was FUN!  They laughed and played.  There was not one dull moment.  One of my favorite moments was when one of Andrea's sons pi cked up his grandmother and put her in a picture!  I thought he might be in trouble but she just laughed along with everyone else.

So, I am happy to show not only Andrea and her family but also her extended "family" as well.  Thank you for loving them all so well.  Enjoy a few of my favorites from your session...

Planes, Trains, & Fire Trucks! | Nashville Children's Photographer

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So, as you can see in the title this session was full of fun surprises!  Within our first 10 minutes, we saw a train truck across the huge bridge above the river.  We met up at Shelby Bottoms Greenway which is also close to the airport.  The airplanes we saw were not just measly little dots in the sky but soared right above our heads.  Ok, well not right about our heads but you get the point.  Then to wrap things up, a fire truck drove by and turned on the lights just for our sweet Liam!  I joked with this family that I ordered them just for the session.  I will say they were quite the good distraction for this little boy.  But, I am not really sure he needed them.  He was quite the model, showing me poses and places to stand.  He was so cute! Thanks for such a fun time!  I hope you enjoy some of my favorites...

Stand by Me | Nashville Family Photographer

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I think Anne may have been my first "client" ever.  I can remember photographing Jack when he was about one year old in my front yard.  Having friends that believe in you is invaluable especially as an entrepreneur.  And, this sweet friend has definitely stood by me throughout the last 3 years as I have journeyed from  just taking pictures to becoming a full fledged photographer.   There is just something about those who stand by you that makes youkeep on keeping on.  I seriously could not have made it without the Anne's in my life.  So, this is my public "thank you" to you, Anne.  You are a breath of fresh air every single time I take your photo, along with the rest of the Morrow clan! We met up on the Vanderbilt campus where Nate spent his college days studying and playing football.  I love meeting up at places that have sentimental value, it just makes the photos that much more meaningful.  Hope you all enjoy!

Growing Old | Nashville Family Photographer

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My body is starting to hurt in places that I didn't even know existed.  When you are young, you can move your body any way you please.  Lately, I have taken up an aerobics class called, "Zumba."  Basically, it is a bunch of 30-50 year olds who are pretending like they are back on the high school dance team.  But, unfortunately my body is not the same as it was in high school.  That stupid class did something to my back.  It hurts and bad.  Usual tasks like getting up and down hurt like the dickens.  So, it looks like Zumba is out for me.  Now I need to go to "chair yoga" with all the down and outers. Thankfully, these sweet friends were very patient with me and my back.  Usually, I am going up & down non-stop during a session.  It just took me a little longer this time around.  We met up at O'More College of Design in Franklin, TN.  Beautiful little campus!  Ben & Polly are just beautiful people- on the inside and obviously on the outside!  And, they have one cute-o little boy, Graham!  He seriously melts the lens off my camera.  Thanks for the great time together... enjoy some of my favorites..

Struggle is Good | Nashville Family Photographer

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People always tell you, "its just a stage."  She will grow out of it.  Things will get better.  Just keep on keeping on.  But, I must confess as a Mother of a feisty four year old, I am not always convinced of this.  One stage has only moved to another stage and then another and another.  There is always something that I am wondering, "is this normal?"  Most of the time I don't really figure out if it is normal or not.  But, I do usually just keep on loving and disciplining the best I know how.  Sometimes there is success but most of the time, I just wonder if what I am doing will ever make a difference. On my way out of this session,  we had a conversation about what is normal four year old behavior and what is not.  Who knows what is normal?  But, to be honest, I am just not sure I really want my child to be "normal."  I want both my children to learn to be them.  Their differences, weaknesses, strengths, and all that makes up who they are as an individual.  And, in learning who they are, we will come across struggle as parents.  I am coming to the realization that struggle is good.  It means that our children are growing and developing into their own self.  And, as they grow, you will find me on my knees praying that God will grow my children's self into one that resembles His own heart.

Now I know for sure that this family is doing a great job raising their two girls.  Sweet (almost four year old) Virginia can melt you with her smile and is definitely learning to grow into her own self.   And, it doesn't hurt that they are all just beautiful people.  So, I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into our time together!

Keep on struggling... we are in it together!

I am Not Perfect (Take Two) | Nashville Baby Photographer

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Ok, so this may not gain me any new clients but if I want to live out the truth about myself then I will be transparent, even here.  So, this session did not go as planned.  When I arrived, I got down all ready to take sweet Campbell's photos and my camera would not focus.  I tried everything and it would just not work.  So, thankfully this family lived down the street and ran to grab their Canon Rebel.  And, thankfully, my lenses would work on their camera!   Having not used a Rebel in quite some time, it took me a little bit to figure it all out. In short, I was able to do the shoot and get some great photos.  But, just because you see some good photos does not always mean that life is perfect.  What it took to get here was not easy and without stress.  It just goes to show that life is not always how it appears on the outside.  I could have posted these photos and noone would have known the way things fell apart.  It would have looked perfect but the real story would not have been told.

Thank you SO much to this family for being so gracious and patient with me and my camera!  I look forward to getting a few more shots of Campbell this next week as a "thank you" for allowing me to use your camera and for your added understanding.  Hope you enjoy the little look into your session...

Fields Of Gold | Nashville Family Photographer

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As I was editing these photos, the words of one of my favorite songs came into my head... Many years have passed since those summer days Among the fields of barley See the children run as the sun goes down Among the fields of gold You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Upon the fields of barley

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky

When we walked in the fields of gold

If you have not listened to this song, go and listen now!  Sting was the original but Eva Cassidy is my favorite.  When I hear this song, it fills me with longing and sadness that I don't experience too often.  It reminds me of days passed but also the longing of what is to come.  I realize that the days of my youth are gone and my children are growing quickly.  But there is also a hope deep within me that I  can run through fields of gold in a forever place.  One that is safe.  One that is filled with joy and freedom.  A place where we never grow old and die.  And maybe in those forever days we will return to the fields where we once ran and feel the true peace that we long for, hope for and dream of in the deepest place of our hearts.

And, to this family that you see in these photos... Thank you for your continued love and support of me and my business throughout the last few years.  You have been so faithful as I have grown.  I am really so privileged to have been the one to document the growth of sweet Amelia and Ava as they have grown to be such beautiful girls.  These images make me happy knowing that they represent to me so much more than just photographs.  And, I am so glad it was those two!  Enjoy this little peak into our beautiful time together at Carton Plantation!

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar! | Nashville Family Photographer

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Happy day-after the most sugar consuming day of the year!  It was like Christmas at my house this morning when my daughter woke up and remembered that she had a basket of candy waiting for her.  And, I had my own little treat hiding in a secret stash in the cabinet- a few sweet-tarts and nerds.  Somehow since the candy was given to me, it seems like it is ok to eat too much.  It is kind of like when you are at a restaurant and you order the salad.  But, your kids order the chicken fingers and french fries.  The left-overs seem like freebies.  I didn't order it so it must not count.  Let's just keep on pretending.... And while we are pretending lets look at a few darling photos of a family of 3 who are about to become a family of 5!  A baby boy and girl on the way.  There is enough sweetness here to keep us away from the candy (at least for a little while).  And, look at this sweet girl and her red, curly hair.  I cannot get enough of her!  Thanks for a fun afternoon and I hope you all enjoy this sneak peek....

Life Lived | Nashville Children Photographer

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Sometimes my brain just doesn't work.  Today is one of those days... I have about a billion distractions as I am trying to post this blog.  My sweet mother-in-law is here helping with the kids, there is banging by our contractor, Mike, building us a new deck, we have 2 of our favorite neighbor friends over running from room to room, football is on tv, Abram is napping (the one still thing!), James will be walking through the door any minute with a bag full of stuff from Home Depot to work on a billion projects with his helpful Dad, and my stomach is growling.  In the midst of the distraction, I am so thankful to be able to work while being here in the midst of it all.  So, this post won't be deep or insightful but I am living my life.  And, I wouldn't have it any other way. And, living life is definitely what this sweet, sweet family of four is doing.  I had so much fun with them out at Steeplechase on a beautiful Saturday afternoon!    Thanks for asking me to take your photos... Enjoy this sneak peek!!

Beauty in the Familiar | Nashville Family Photographer

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Golf carts.  A Turtle.  Leaves.  Friends.  These are just a few of the things that made up the fun time of this session!  This would definitely be the first session that I have been escorted around on a golf cart.  That is the way to get around!  While editing the photos of friends, it always makes me smile through the whole process.  There is just something about looking at the details of other's faces who mean so much to you.  It makes me want to take a closer look more often.  Notice the details about the people I love.  What is it that makes them unique?  What color are their eyes?  What feature stands out most?  I just want to get my eyes of myself for a while and look at others with the kind of interest that I take in my own self.  There is a lot less condemnation when I am looking at my friends faces.  They just seem beautiful to me.  I don't see the wrinkles or flaws- I just see beauty. And, these friends are definitely beautiful.... Just sit and stare.  Thanks for a great time, as always!

Something | Nashville Family Photographer

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Someone once said, "get you. be you. give you."  So, you gotta know who you are in order to be yourself and only then can you pour yourself into others.  What a gift you can give your family, friends and community if you know how to do those three things.  And, I know for a fact that the Dad below does all three of those things very well.  And, he has definitely poured his giving into our family as well.  And, for that we are beyond thankful. As we were wrapping up the session, I said something like, "ya'll sure have something special."  His response was, "we definitely have something."  I want to have something.  That something doesn't have to be perfect, it's just not nothing.  Because nothing is empty.  Something has hope in what it can become.  And, if having something means being like this family then I will chase after it with all the hope I can muster.

Thanks for a great time!  And, sorry for the lame surprise at the end.  Next time I will come up with something much better.