Something | Nashville Family Photographer

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.

Leaves Everywhere! | Nashville Baby Photographer

This past weekend was amazing for the beautiful fall leaves!  They were all over the ground creating such a beautiful backdrop for several family sessions.  This sweet family of four is no stranger to Trone Photography.  I have been photographing them since their first little girl was in her Mommy's tummy.  Their newest addition was beyond perfect for us as we moved indoors to the studio.  She could not have been any more ideal! Hope you all enjoy this little peek into your session...

Being Real | Nashville Family Photographer

This lively family of five met up with me one {early} morning at Radner Lake.  One thing that I really love about Amanda & Cole is their realness.  They just tell it like it is and it is so refreshing.  No facades.  No pretending.  Just them.  And, that is a beautiful thing.  Getting ready for a photoshoot can be a little daunting.  Every time I meet up with a family, I can tell there is tension and stress all over the place.  Especially at 8:30 in the morning!   I have dreams of doing a photoshoot where everyone is just as they are every day.  That would take guts.  I am not even sure that I would do that!  Hair not straight.  Makeup barely on.  Baggy clothes with rain boots.  Bella Grace wearing her light up sketchers with some shorts from Wal-mart and a princess shirt.  Abram with mess all over his face and outfit.  James in his surf trunks.  I mean, what would people think?  I know what I would think... this is us.  Not perfect by any means, but beautiful in the mess of everyday life. So, even though this family DID look beautiful (which they normally always do...), they reminded me that realness is what makes us connect- with ourselves and with each other.  So, lets all try to put down those masks and be real with each other.  And, if anyone wants to do a real, day in the life session- bring it on!

Give Thanks | Nashville Family Photographer

So, I was walking around the house this beautiful fall morning singing "Give Thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son..."  Many of you know exactly the tune and are probably singing it to yourself right now.  Sorry if I got it stuck because it won't get out of my head either!  But, I must admit- those words are nice to hear ringing between your ears throughout the day.  A great reminder to give thanks instead of always complaining, always needing and never resting in the pleasure of the good things that surround me.  I am sitting here at one of my favorite coffee spots in Nashville and keep thinking how thankful I am.  Thankful for the ability to do what I love and then go home to what I love even more.  This life is full of richness if we just take the time to look for it and be thankful. As I was editing these photos, I found myself being thankful for the little things.  For smiles.  For leaves that are golden.  For the sun shining through the gaps.  For families that are in love.  All of these things (and more!) kept speaking to me as I enjoyed editing some of my favorites.  Thanks to Luke & his parents for a great afternoon together.  The weather could not have been more perfect!  Hope you enjoy this little sneak peek...

Nashville in the Fall | Nashville Child Photographer

I absolutely love this town.  Especially when fall comes around.  There are a few tree's that literally look like they are on fire.  I am certain that a few people have had accidents by just staring at the beauty as they drive by the tree. (not that it could have been me...)  It is shocking how magnificent it is.  Unfortunately, soon the leaves will be gone and all that will be left is the naked branches longing to be filled again come Spring.  But, right now I am enjoying every minute of God's beauty in this town I call home. So, I met up with Luke & his beautiful Mom this past Friday at Edwin Warner Park.  Can you believe how cute this boy is?  I mean, look at that tie?!?!  I have got to find my boy one of those and soon!  He was the best little guy and I truly enjoyed our time together.  After I got back, I heard that Taylor Swift was hiking in the same park while we were there.  I mean, seriously- I could have pulled her aside for a few portraits.  Not sure she would have gone for that... but, hey- a girl can dream right?  I mean, I was on TV singing along with her at the CMA awards this year.  Doesn't that count for something?

Don't drool on your keyboard, please...

Faith like a Child | Nashville Family Photographer

In my Bible study this week, we have been discussing what it means to have "faith like a child."  I don't think it means to be ignorant because anyone that knows children knows that is one thing they are not.  They can brilliantly manipulate, persuade, argue, ponder, ask questions, etc.  So if their faith is not ignorant- then what is it?  Little children truly believe that everything is going to turn out ok.  There are bumper stickers in Nashville that say "igbok" which means "it gonna be ok."  At first I just thought it was a "don't worry, be happy" sort of mentality but then I read on their website what it really meant... "What if God — the creator, sustainer and redeemer of creation — made this promise? What if He shouted and whispered "igbok" from Genesis to Revelation? He's the only one who could make this promise — and keep it. If He did, then we have reason to hope."

Wow.  That is faith like a child.  Believing that everything is going to be ok.

So, how in the world does this have to do with me taking pictures of this beautiful family?  Well, I am going to show you that I am not perfect.  What?  I know, you can't believe it.  I show up to the house of this sweet family all the way across Nashville.  After charging my battery all day, I get there to realize that my camera is saying that my battery is almost dead.  Not good.  I deridingly tell them at the beginning of the session that my battery could go dead at any minute and I don't have a back-up with me.  Sweating.  As I was taking photos, I noticed that the children could care less that I was concerned that my battery was going to go dead.  They were just playing, laughing and having a grand-ole time.  Yes, I am sure they heard me say that my battery could go dead but they went on enjoying life and the beautiful night.  As for me, I did not believe that everything was going to be ok.  I had it all planned out in my mind- my battery will go dead, I will have to tell this family who has dressed all THREE of their children and themselves that we will have to reschedule, they will tell all of their family & friends what a terrible photographer that I was, the list goes on and on.  Tragic.  But, guess what- my battery did not go dead.  Even if it had, God is much bigger than a dead battery in my camera.

Ok, so I know this is a TINY tragedy compared to many of the ones that life throws our way.  But, I know that I need to start small to work my adult-like faith into believing like a child.  Let's all take a look at our children this week and see how God can teach us to have faith like them.  Pretty amazing that they can teach us just as much as we can teach them.

Ok, for those of you who scrolled down to the bottom it is time for the sneak peek of this sweet family of five!  Thanks for being so gracious with me.  And, I hope you enjoy these photos.

Remembering | Nashville Family Photographer

So, tonight my husband and I had a marriage seminar where we had to break off into rooms to talk about (as a couple) all of the good memories in our marriage.   Sound like an easy task?  Not so much... At least to stay on track is not so easy.  We talked about story tonight and how story always begins with innocence, then tragedy always happens.  It is hard to relive those "good times" then not go straight to the moments afterward when the good things fall apart into tragedy.  But, remembering the good memories was therapeutic in many ways.  One huge thing we noticed is that many of our times of innocence happened when we did not manufacture it.  It just happened without us looking for it.  I wonder how many times we are really aware of the goodness that surrounds our days?  The little moments that seem to go unnoticed.  I want to start noticing..paying attention and celebrating the good! I hope that these two sisters and their families can look at these pictures in years to come and be able to see not only photographs but also the story behind the picture.  Thanks so much for allowing me to spend a little bit with all of you!  Enjoy your sneak peek...

I Just Can't Stop Myself | Nashville Family Photographer

Ok, so my honest husband James likes to critique my work every now & then.  And, I actually enjoy it too because I know he will really be honest with me.  So, in one of the last photos I posted, he told me that it was a little too dark/bland.  So, I used a few of my new tools in photoshop and tried to make it pop a little more.  So, I thought I would post it to show the correction.  But, then I started looking through the photos again and just could not help myself.  Here are a "few" more of my favorites from the session... The Corrected Image:

Love | Nashville Family Photographer

There are moments when time stands still and you realize that you are surrounded by everything you hold close to your heart.  Family can do that to you.  A few weeks ago, I found myself in the middle of my living room with three of my favorite people in the world dancing to the music.  I am not sure what the music was, I just know that it was beautiful.  More beautiful were the faces that I still remember in that circle as time stood still for just a moment.   With our fast-pace and crazy lives those moments don't happen very often.  But when they do, I just want to capture them in a bottle and be able to take a drink every now and then when I need a refresher from the everyday chaos. I really believe that is what pictures can do as well.  They are those reminders that we are loved. And not only are we loved but we love others as well.  Sometimes that can get forgotten in the hard, daily grind of raising young kids.  I want to remember.  I want to breathe in the air as I walk by that photo that reminds me of love.  My love.  Their love.  Our love.

These photos of this beautiful, sweet, adoring family remind me of those very things.  Remembering and breathing it in.  I hope they enjoy this sneak peek into some of my favorites.  Thanks for letting me enjoy the afternoon with all of you in the beautiful gardens!  You might just find me walking around sometime because it is so peaceful and beautiful!  

Love Affair Workshop | Dallas, TX

I had the honor of being able to attend the last Love Affair workshop after 4 years of great success!  It was truly more than I could have even imagined or hoped for.  Not only did I learn so much, I also met some amazing women that I know will be friends for a lifetime.  There was so much creative energy in one room, I could hardly contain myself.  My brain and heart felt like it could burst at any minute!  The four women who taught are not only amazing photographers but just darn, good people too.  They inspired. loved. cheered. told the truth. gave. danced. hee-hawed.  critiqued with love.  and threw one amazing party. One day they gave us models (or some of us families- yay!) and we could go out and shoot for a little over an hour.  I had the best-looking family in Dallas.  And, let me tell you these three boys were champs!  I photograph kids all of the time and know how tiring it can be on little ones- especially in the Dallas heat.  They did not complain one.single.time.  I was so thankful to be able to work with such an amazing, loving family.  Below are a few of my favorite images from our time together.

Webb @ One | Nashville Baby Photographer

I loved photographing sweet Webb again this past weekend.  We met up early on a Saturday morning in order to get away from the heat.  Thankfully it was not too bad!  I am not sure how Dad felt about waking up so early to have his pictures taken but he was definitely cooperative!  I know he was looking forward to his reward afterward: Donut Den... yum. I love these two family photos because they really capture the essence of just being together.  I am always snapping away when the posing is not going on because I think those are the best shots.  Not every family agrees but they are definitely my favorites!  It just makes the photograph seem so natural and real.  Just like I was never there...

Enjoy this sneak peek into the life of Baby Webb and his beautiful parents!

Happy Birthday Miles! | Nashville Baby Photographer

I cannot believe it has been a YEAR since sweet Miles was born!  It has been so much fun to watch him grow and take his photos in the process.  Thankfully, I am not just their photographer but I am also a friend.  So, that means I still get to watch him grow and enjoy being around this sweet boy.  I absolutely love the energy that comes from this precious family.  I always feel like I capture great family photos because they are just natural with one another in front of the camera.  And, they are always up for anything! Enjoy!

Baby Vaughn | Nashville Baby Photographer

This sweet baby girl is well loved.  I love it when a girl comes after a boy and you can just tell that the Mom is having so much fun with pink, bows & frills.  Baby Vaughn is no different- she was dressed in her best and looked absolutely beautiful!  And, her big brother was giving her such sweet kisses that it made my heart melt.  Maybe it was for a ride on the John Greene tractor outside but hey, a kiss is a kiss! Introducing Vaughn...

I LOVE candid family shots... it really just makes me SO happy to see photos like this..

Claire | Nashville Baby Photographer

One of the best things about my job is that I am able to watch the miraculous growth of the first year of a baby's life.  With my own, I don't seem to notice the change that takes place so quickly as I do in those I only see 3-4 times a year.  I see my own everyday so the change is more gradual.  But, sweet Claire, I only see when it is time to photograph the new phase of her baby life- whether it is at 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.  It truly is amazing to see how quickly they change and grow right before your eyes.  And, how when it is your own you don't notice it as much.  Last night I did have a moment when time stood still and I saw what my eyes many times don't see.  My sweet Abram (who just turned ONE!) woke up and I was able to go in his room to rock him back to sleep.  As he was lying on me, I realized that he is no longer the little baby but he is growing into a little boy.  Tears.  Joy.  Sadness.  Longing.  So many emotions went through my very being.  Time just stopped and I held him hard trying to keep it still.  But, I couldn't.  As the old country song goes, "Time marches on... time marches on."  And so I let go.  Put him back in his crib.  And, I knew.  I knew that I would miss this someday.  I knew that I could never go back.  But, I also knew that God makes everything beautiful in His time.  And, so I wait and carry on at the same time with a full and expectant heart. So, here are a few photos of beautiful Claire as we celebrate the miracle of life!

Never Enough | Nashville Family Photographer

I had the incredible honor to meet up with this sweet family at the airport as their Daddy/Husband came home for a 2 week visit from Afghanistan.  This would be the first time to meet his youngest since he left just a few weeks before he was born.  Really no words can suffice for the sacrifice that this family makes in order for people like me to live in freedom & safety.  That sacrifice was even more apparent and real for me as I watched this young family reunite right before my eyes.  I was just not sure what to say and I am still not sure to write.  All I could say was "thank you."  And, I still don't feel like that is enough.  Just not enough... But, I will say it again- thank you all for your sacrifice.  Not for just the one that goes away but also the Mom that stays home.  Sarah- thank you.  And, not only is this beautiful Sarah a Mom of three she is also an incredible photographer in Clarksville.  Check out her website at http://sweetwondersphotography.com/.

Reminders of Love | Nashville Photographer

I find it so hard to balance being not only a mother but also a wife.  The latter usually gets somewhat squashed with young kids running around vying for every attention and affection that one can muster throughout the day.  All that is left at the end of the day is a worn-out soul and body.  Young Moms need reminders.  Not just memories of the past but also visible proof that the spark still exists.  Beautiful photographs, such as the ones below, can do just that.  Their son, Roman, was running around while these photographs were taken but you would never know.  That is what love looks like as  young parents.  Craziness may be all around you but don't forget about the love that created the craziness.  That is what holds it together.

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.

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!

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!

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!