Family

Being Real | Nashville Family Photographer

There are few people in life that you come across that can be honest in such a beautiful and inspiring way.  Lindsay is one of those people.  Every time I read her blog I feel as if I have just looked into the very heart of God.  She doesn't stay on the surface but digs deep with the complex pain and beauty of this life.  Her words can pierce and heal at the same time.  And while you are there, you realize that you are not alone.  She not only brings herself but also the presence of God into your own story.  I would encourage all of you to bookmark her blog and put it into your feed to read everyday.  You will laugh, cry and just feel like you have made a new friend. Here is Lindsay and her beautiful family....

Telling your Story | Nashville Family Photographer

I am really excited to start up something new at Trone Photography! It has been something brewing in my head for a while but I am finally ready to (almost) bring it to fruition. Before I fully announce it, I am going to need an awesome family to be my "models"! The theme will be your story and it will be about a 3-4 hour session. You will receive a unique video/photo slideshow of our time together.  This is a Facebook page only contest so go online and join the Trone Photography page so you can be apart! Qualifications: You must have one child older than one.  Other than that, age does not matter.  They can be older or younger children.  Cannot live more than 25 miles from Nashville.  Both parents must be willing and happy to cooperate.  (aka no grumpy husbands!)

The final 3 will be calculated by the number of votes received.  Then a "panel of judges"  (aka, not me) will vote on who deserves the session.

How to enter, etc:

1. Tell me your story- photo collage, slideshow, video, poem, story- whatever!  Be creative!

2.  Post it to my wall (try to make it in one post so it is not overwhelming).  If you cannot post it because it is too long just send it to me and I will make it work.

3.  SHARE the page and have your friends come and either "like" or comment on YOUR post on Trone Photography wall.  They have to "like" the page in order to do so.  The easiest way to do this is to push the "share" button on the left side of the page.

4. The final 3 will be announced on Monday, April 11th and then the judges will pick the winner!

Have fun!!!

Spring Mini Sessions | Nashville Photographer

Spring is here and I am so excited to get out and take pictures!  So I thought I would try something new this year.  I am offering a day of mini sessions on Saturday, April 16th.  I will have 8 30 minute sessions available on this Saturday only!  Once they fill up, then this offer will not be valid for any other day of the year.  So, if you are wanting great gifts for Mom's or Grandmothers on Mother's Day (May 8th!) then this is the perfect opportunity.  You will have the rights to all 10 images and can print or make creative gifts in any way you would like.  You could also give this as a gift to a friend, sister, mother- whatever.  I will work on the location as time gets closer depending on blooming of flowers, etc.  Don't worry- it will be perfect!!

So, here are the open times (as of right now!):

7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am  | 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm

First come, first serve!

Can't wait to see some of you....

Best of 2010 Contest

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:

First Birthday | Nashville Baby Photographer

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

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...

Family | Nashville Family Photographer

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

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...

Breath of Heaven | Nashville Baby Photographer

In the Trone house we start listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving even begins.  This year is pretty special because Bella Grace does not know the words to the songs but is beginning to learn them.  Do you even remember a time where you did not know the word to every Christmas song?  You don't even think about it when they are playing.  You sing with every word remembered.  And every memory refreshed.  The time when you first understood what "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" really meant.  The night you went caroling in college and sang "Silent Night" out of key.  Standing outside of the church hearing "O Holy Night" as you were about to walk down the aisle to the rest of your life.  One of those songs that evokes memories for me is Amy Grant's- "Breath of Heaven."  It makes you want to know Mary.  To know the uncommon union of strength yet neediness.  Of her loneliness yet with the very presence of God within her.  As I go into this Christmas season, I want to examine my need for the very breath of God to fill me so I can live through Him.  Just as Mary felt her own neediness and loneliness, we all feel that through this busy season.  God, breath upon us all. Here is a living picture of God's breath being spoken into being.  His spoken words created us.  And here is one beautiful picture of the result: sweet baby Virginia.  Thanks for asking me to take her photos and a few of the family!  I am so thankful that the weather was perfect... Enjoy your little peak into our time together.

Coffee Shop Talk | Nashville Baby Photographer

Ok, so this post is going to have nothing to do with the photos below.  But, does it really have to?  I make my own rules, right?  I like that idea because I don't really like rules anyway. So, I have been spending a TON of time in coffee shops lately.  You can hear a lot of conversations as you sit for hours at a time.  With my work, I can sort of listen and work at the same time.  It is kind of like background music.  I am listening right now to Nashville laws about you can't serve alcohol on a porch unless it is enclosed.  I would have never known that unless I was sitting at CREMA on a Thursday morning.  But, I must say that a lot of the conversation I hear really irritates me.  Especially from my fellow Christian brothers & sisters.  I sat beside a man & woman the other day talking about their faith and the faith of others.  All I heard was judgement.  They don't do this.  They do this.  I wanted to jump and scream- "others can hear you!!!!!"  What if I sat there as a non-Christian or a Christian who may be struggling with my faith?  I would have wanted to run and quick.  Do we, as Christians, draw others in with our words and actions?  Or, do we turn others away?  I was definitely turned away that afternoon.

It reminds me of the verse: Colossians 4:5-6- "Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt."  As I say this, I know I do the exact same thing.  What am I saying out loud when I am sitting with a friend?  Am I talking about someone else all the while bringing in some good, Christian talk?  What do others hear me saying?  I want others to be attracted to my conversation and hear grace not judgement.  Let us all remember that others are listening.  We could all use a little more grace-seasoned conversation.

Now a few photos to make you thankful for God's grace.  We surely don't deserve beautiful babies like Campbell.

Stand by Me | Nashville Family Photographer

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

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..

Home | Nashville Baby Photographer

I love going to the home of new parents to photograph their baby.  There is something magical in the air.  Hope.  Newness.  Life.  Joy.  It just feels different as soon as you walk in.  It is hard to describe unless you have been there.  It just feels and smells like home.  A home that is brimming with the everyday becoming something much more than the everyday.  This sweet baby Maggie is changing this home.  She is making it new and full of life.   Maggie was one of the sweetest babies which I know she gets from her parents.  You may remember them from a maternity session just a few months ago!  I hope you enjoy these pictures of your sweet baby girl.  Congratulations!!

Struggle is Good | Nashville Family Photographer

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

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

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

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

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

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!