Lost & Found | Nashville Photographer

I walked and walked.  Looked in every crack and crevice.  Under the dry mowed grass.  Through the stone gutters.  On the hot concrete streets.  It was nowhere to be found.  A little piece of my life was missing.  All I wanted to do was to spread my wings and fly just a few feet off the ground in order to get a birds eye view.  But then I remembered that only works in my dreams.  With my eyes focused on the ground I finally surrendered to the possibility that it may never be found.  That's when I found something else.  I found beauty in the release.  I found God reminding me that He is there.  He has the birds eye view.  He knows that I was never made to know it all.  So there in my loss, I breathed in the beauty of the day.  My eyes looked up beyond my situation and saw the sunlight shining through the trees reminding me that He loves me.  I found God when I was looking for something else.

Doubt | Nashville Mom

I am sitting here this morning at the beach with my beautiful family.  If you follow my blog, then you mostly see beautiful, still, smiling photos of my children.  Looking perfect.  Because that's what we want to portray, right?  Well, let me tell you, that's not how it is around here.  Photographing children, I see all kinds.  Gentle. Wild. Quiet.  Outgoing.  Shy.  Compliant.  Happy.  Moody.  All kinds.  Those that are so different from my own children make me begin to doubt.  Doubt who I am as a Mother.  Doubt if I'm doing anything right.  Doubt my calling.  You know those kids.  They may be yours.  The one's that are gentle, patient, compliant.  The one's that make parenting look so easy.  And maybe some of it does have to do with the way you parent.  I'm not doubting that.  But, I'm also wondering out loud if my wild, defiant, happy, moody children are also just who they are- with my parenting or without.  Maybe they are changing me more than I am changing them. Fast forward 2 days and now I sit here in my quiet kitchen while the two are at school.  Yesterday as we were driving home from the beach and we drove over the Tennessee River in a place where I once made a bargain with God.  You see 7 years ago almost to the exact date I drove over the same bridge entering a new life in Nashville.  James was driving the Uhaul.  Momma T was driving the suburban with the boat pulling behind it.  And I was driving our old 2 door Tahoe.  About an hour outside of Nashville, a monsoon came as we drove North on I-65.  As we were driving over the bridge, I was sure someone was going to go over in to the river.  It was that bad.  So I did what I do when I am scared for my life.  I bargained with God.  We've all done it, right?  If you save us, then I will do whatever you want.  It went something like that anyway.  When we pulled safely in to the Embassy Suites, I forgot all about the bargain.  I broke it.  He kept it.

That night he saved me.  And as I drove across that same bridge, I looked back at the two that were not on that first drive across the bridge.  And I knew.  He loves me despite my wild heart.  And I believe He even loves me because of it.  He chooses to save me every single day.  And He will do the same for my two defiant, wild, beautiful children.

Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name.  You are mine.  When you  pass through the waters, I will be with you.  The rivers will not overwhelm you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.   Isaiah 43:1-3a

Playing in the Rain | Nashville Family Photographer

Standing on the porch watching the rain fall with my boy.  The kind of rain that brings out the smell of summer.  It was beckoning me to come out and play.  Excuses start to form.... My hair would be wet.  The mess once we came inside.  People would see us.  Lightning.  Then it hit me.  No, not lightning but the realization that this is life!  Cliche, yes.  A little cheesy, yes.  But why do I always stand on the sidelines?  Where it is safe and not messy.  That is no fun and am tired of living that way. So, I took the jump and got soaking wet playing in the rain.  And let me tell you that I haven't had that much fun with my kids in a long time.  We laughed and sang all the rain songs we could think of (which were only 3).  We need more rain songs in our repertoire.  Because those Hunter boots of mine are made for those puddles out in my yard.  And so is my heart.

All My Favorite People | Nashville Children's Photographer

Last night I sat in a room full of friends and listened collectively to a song.  A song that put words and melody to something my heart has been singing for a while.  You see, I am not a musician.  And I wouldn't even call myself a poet.  But my heart can still sing even when my mouth can't.  In my deepest daydreams, my voice sounds just like her.  Deep.  Melodious.  Sensuous.  Mysterious.   In reality it sounds like me.  Broken.  Pitchy.  Nasal-ly.  And as I sat there listening to that song, I knew my voice was loved in that room.  For the brokenness.  For the realness of it.  I was loved for me. Go and buy this song.  {Over the Rhine, All of my Favorite People}

Here are a few of my favorite lines:

All my favorite people are broken Believe me, my heart should know Some prayers are better left unspoken I just want to hold you and let the rest go

All my friends are part saint and part sinner We lean on each other, try to rise above We are not afraid to admit we are all still beginners We are all late bloomers when it comes to love

All my favorite people are broken Believe me, my heart should know Awful believers, skeptical dreamers, step forward You can stay right here, you don’t have to go

Here are two of my favorites that have taught me the brokenness of my own soul.

Cicadas | Nashville Photographer who is afraid to go outside

So for months I have been hearing about the 13 year cicada invasion in Nashville. I kept hoping that they were wrong. Just like they were wrong about Y2K. You see, I hate bugs. I mean, really hate them.   Unfortunately, they were not wrong this time.  The cicada invasion of 2011 has arrived in full force.  And noone told us when we bought this house 6 years ago that our yard was the Mecca of all things cicada.  I drive all around Nashville and don't see one chirpy, creepy thing and then pull into my driveway and see thousands.  Yes, thousands. So, I've been thinking.  God was trying to tell Pharaoh something when he sent the locust plague to Egypt.  Maybe he's trying to tell me something?  Part of me is being funny but then there is a part of me that might really believe it.  Cause this whole yucky bug thing that happens every 13 years has got me thinking.  There are not many things that come around once every 13 years that you will never forget.  People that were living in Nashville in 1998 still have cicada stories.  They did not forget where they were, who there were with and the stories that went along with them.

I hear someone whispering....don't forget, Misty.  Don't forget.  Remember.  These chirpy creatures are waking me up from the mediocrity of my everyday, ordinary life.  They are making me more aware of not only now but also what is to come.  Where will I be in 2024?  My daughter will be 18 and my son will be almost 15.   I am sure that both BG & I will remember these days and have stories to tell.  These days will never be returned.  I can't get them back- cicadas and all.  Can I learn to accept the nasty along with the beautiful?  And live in it.  Live.  If it takes a swarm of chirpy, nasty, shell laying bugs to wake me up from my comfortable slumber- so be it.

I want to remember these days with my 5 year old and almost 2 year old.  The next time I see these cicadas, they will be no longer be looking to me for shelter.

Shelter us, O God, under your wings.  And, help us to live and remember.

Happy Easter!!!

He came out of the grave for you, for me.  Look for Him.  He is everywhere. I see the resurrected Lord

in my children's faces.... in the voices of His people singing on Easter morning.... in the smile of the afflicted..... through the laughter among friends..... in the colors of Spring.... through the stories of His saints..... through the pain... through the joy..... in the vows........ in the unknown and in the known.

Where do you see Him?   And, if you don't- would you dare to look?

In the Waiting | Nashville Photographer

It is Saturday.  The day between the cross and the resurrection.  Imagine Mary.  The Sabbath calling her to pray and worship when all she feels is disappointment.  He wasn't suppose to die.  I thought he was the Messiah.  Did she know that she was waiting?  Or did it feel more like grief?  I can only imagine that she felt pretty hopeless.  The man she placed so much hope in has died the death of a criminal. Or is it me?  Am I the one who feels hopeless?  Where is my faith?

Then I know.  It is me.  I am not Mary.  I am one of the disciples who flee the scene from fear and doubt.  I don't stand at the cross until the end.  And I definitely don't follow Joseph to the tomb.  Mary, even in the midst of her sadness, hoped and believed.  She still rested on the Sabbath.  She made spices and perfumes to anoint Jesus' body.  She did not leave Him.  In her despair she stayed in the unknown of the waiting.

On this Holy Saturday I want to learn to have faith in the waiting.  To stay in it and trust.  Even in the mystery of Christ and the story He is writing in the world and in my life.  I don't have all the answers.  But I do have the one answer I need to stay.  He loves me even when I don't believe.

O God, I believe.  Help me in my unbelief!

Celebrate | Nashville Children's Photographer

Five years ago today, I was in the hospital waiting for our daughter to come.  Little did I know what the next 5 years would hold.  I look back at photos from that day with a nostalgia of the dreams of a young version of myself.  No idea of how I would change.  And no clue that God would use my daughter to help change me.  This little girl has taught me what love is.  She has taught me to play.  To embrace life with a creative curiosity.  Giving me a chance to grow and learn and change. But enough about me.  This day is hers.  So, today I celebrate who she is today and who she is becoming.

I celebrate her paper bags filled with gifts from the heart.  I celebrate her hands that pour a cup of water for the sick.  I celebrate the songs of her heart to the God that fearfully & wonderfully made her.  I celebrate the art that hangs on my fridge which shows her love for things unseen.  I celebrate her body that moves perfectly to every beat of Justin Bieber.  I celebrate her mind that yearns to know not only what but why.  I celebrate her knees that are bent as she participates in the remembrance of our Lord.  I celebrate her care for the broken in body and spirit.  I celebrate her spirit that gives a cause for us to put the lock on the wrong side of the door.  I celebrate her ease in forgiving me.  I celebrate her love for memories.  And I celebrate her dreams for the future.  Mostly I celebrate her love for our God.  Our God that has given us such a gift as Bella Grace for this time and for always.

So, Happy Birthday sweet girl!  I will never stop celebrating you.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours... Have a Merry Christmas!

Magical | Nashville Children Photographer

One thing that I learned at the Love Affair workshop was to keep first things first.  As a photographer, sometimes you can get so wrapped up in taking others photos that you forget about your own children.  Holding my camera sometimes start to feel like work and that is the last thing I want to feel when I am playing with my own.  But, I started to realize that these are MY memories and they are so beautiful.  I am thankful that I have the gift to be able to pick up my camera and take beautiful pictures of my children at any given time of the day. The below photos were taken last Saturday morning as we were playing in the yard in our pj's and winter coats.  As we were playing, I noticed the beautiful sunlight coming through the trees and I knew I had to grab my camera.  Everything seems so pure and beautiful in the morning light.  Even more so when children are soaking up the light allowing it to fall around their hair and shine in their eyes.  It is magical.   Just magical...

Fall Sessions: Book Now!

Hi Friends.  I just wanted to let you all know that my fall/Christmas sessions are filling up fast.  I have a few weekend spots still open so please call or email soon if you are wanting a spot! Also, there are a ton of new things coming up at Trone Photography and I can't wait to share them with you.  So, keep checking back for updates!

And to leave you with a few pictures of my sweet babies...

The In Between...

I was just catching up on some blogs this morning and I came across this one from my friend, Lindsay.  She is such an honest and raw writer and I always love what she puts out there.  But, this morning it really hit home when she said that "life happens in the in between."  And she goes on to say that pictures are physical reminders to her that every day matters.... just like I was saying in the above post.  To make it even better- she used one of her fun photos from her session with me a few months ago! Check out her blog and follow her as well.  She will encourage you!

Life Lived Fully

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.

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!

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.

Cowart Workshop

A few weeks ago I attended a workshop given by Jeremy Cowart who is an amazing photographer based here in Nashville.  It was such a great weekend that really pushed me hard creatively and technically.  The time with Jeremy and the other photographers really inspired me to think outside of my little box and gave me tools to help me move forward in this fun venture.  I look forward to this new year and what it will bring for myself and this business.  Here are a few images from the workshop... Enjoy!