Mary Beth

I love doing one on one shoots.  There is a different pace when its just you and your model that slows everything down and it's a time to connect.  When Speed Racer's Cousin, Mary Beth, asked me if I could take some portraits of her for a modeling agency she is using, I was thrilled!  Number one reason?  Because she's gorgeous.  Number two reason?  Because she's gorgeous.  Number three reason?  I like to hang out with my models, so it was a great excuse for a day to just have fun together despite our busy schedules.

For this shoot, we wanted a variety of looks but all keeping within a professional theme so she could use the images for a variety of submissions from modeling, acting, or for music gigs.  Make up by yours truly.

We had a blast going around the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and exploring downtown.  I think the photos reflect the good time we had and the comfort and trust that we had in each other.  Thank you to Mary Beth for letting me help you with this project and I hope it results in some new jobs!

Still Moments 4.4.14

 

To me, there is absolutely nothing like starting my day off with a warm drink.  It's one of my few daily rituals that I stick to.  I also realized this morning that it's one of the few Still Moments that I have everyday and it always starts the day off right.  My morning usually starts very early and there is something about making coffee or pouring tea that calms, rejuvenates, and prepares me for the day ahead.  It's a time where I contemplate the dreams that are still on the edge of my consciousness and turn my thoughts to what's in store.

We all need morning moments that speak to us whether it's coffee, prayer or meditation, or maybe lacing up your shoes for a run.  What is yours?  I encourage you to revel in your personal still moment this morning and start today feeling reawakened.

Snapshots

 

As a professional photographer its incredibly important to me not to forget to capture my everyday life.  Don't get me wrong, there is a side of my brain that never stops taking pictures.  I see them EVERYWHERE and try to capture the most I can.  But there are times when I get so focused on work, bookings, editing etc, that I forget to take a breath and look around me.

Like at this little guy, who is just begging to have his picture taken...

Seriously...

He loves the camera.  I was surprised how comfortable both my niece and nephew were with the camera.  I don't get to see them as much as I would like to so I was a little worried they would shy away from it but instead they went right for it.  Which made my heart happy.  I would love to look back years later and have many photographs of these normal moments in their lives along with the great achievements.

I'm sure there will be times when they get tired of their crazy Aunt with the camera but in some way I hope it teaches them to keep doing the things they love, to struggle through the mental blocks and fatigue, and to strive to make their passions happen even in ordinary moments.  So for now, I plan to just keep clicking away.

Meeting Maddox

 

Earlier this week I was so excited and thrilled to get to meet the newest addition to a client and friend's family.  On my way over to The Women's Pavillion I was full of questions.  What is this little man going to be like? Does he look like his Dad?  Does he look like his Mom?  I couldn't wait to meet this new little person.

And the answer to all those questions is, he's perfect.  He is completely himself.  Meet Maddox!  You may remember his big sister from Meeting Macey.  They look so much alike!  Although Maddox favors his Mom's darker hair.

Big Sister Macey is still adjusting to the change.  But she was more than willing to lend her pacifier when Maddox was crying.  Seriously, the sweetest thing ever!

Angela is a stunning Mom!  I have always been impressed with how laid back and calm she is through this entire process.  I love this photo of her and Maddox.

She and Dustin work very well together as a team.  Something I am sure they have perfected with Macey.  I can't get over the look on Grandma's face in the background, so much love!

Congratulations Dustin, Angela, and Macey!  I know you guys have some long weeks ahead as you get to learn this new member of your family but I am so excited to watch and see this little man grow up.

Let's talk Beauty

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...famous saying but something that I don't totally agree with.  As a photographer one of my favorite aspects of my job is to show my clients (and the world) the beauty that I see in people.  So, bear with me for a moment as I get on my soap box about how beautiful you are.

"Thank you for sending me those pictures.  I have been having a real hard time with self esteem lately, and seeing those pictures helped me a ton." -Amanda

We all struggle with self esteem issues.  I know for me it has always been that if I thought of myself as beautiful then that meant I was vain and big headed.  This is something I have struggled with my whole life and I know it's not just me.  We all have something that when we see ourselves we think, "Well, that's not flattering."

But the truth is most people have no idea how absolutely stunning they are.  Seriously, you're stunning.

One reason I got into photography is to reveal that beauty and that light to the world and the people I am photographing.  It doesn't matter if it's a man, woman, child, couple, old couple, or even animals.  I want people to recognize and embrace their beauty.

In my career I have found that one of the most beautiful times that this happens, when people truly get it, is during boudoir sessions.  Now you might think boudoir is scary or maybe even inappropriate but I like to keep my boudoir classy.  However, boudoir takes a lot of trust.  You're literally baring yourself to someone you might not even know.  I have always had that moment with my boudoir clients when they finally relax, trust me, and start to feel confident and beautiful.  That is the moment that absolutely fills me with joy.

That moment happens so many times, not just in boudoir, but in lifestyle, bridal, couples, and even family shoots.  I am so flattered that my clients trust me.  Embrace it, love it, and find joy in your beauty.

Know today that you are beautiful inside and out.  If you don't think that can happen, let me know, I'm here to show you the way.

Jacob & Morgan's Surprise Engagement Session

 

One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is getting to share in those intimate and epic moments in my clients lives.  Moments like the birth of a child, their first kiss as husband and wife, the anticipation of a new child, or in this case, the moment they decide to spend the rest of their lives together.

I was absolutely thrilled when Jacob contacted me and asked me to take part in his proposal to Morgan.  I had done Senior Portraits for Jacob's sister Claire last summer and been able to get to know the family better.  Jacob had everything planned weeks in advance, so all we had to do was set up, and wait for the big moment.

Jacob wanted to propose at a quarry outside of Oak Ridge that he and Morgan had often taken walks at.  He ordered sunflowers, had a blanket by the water, and had lined the path with photos of them together throughout their relationship.  It was perfect!  I found a spot to hide and then just had to be patient, which was pretty hard.

The big moment arrived...

And it was like the whole world just got still for that short moment...

And then she said yes!

It was really a beautiful moment and one I know they will cherish for years and years.  After a few moments for the reality to set in Morgan turns and goes, "What's that clicking noise?"  I popped up  like a total creeper from the woods and was like, "Hi! Congratulations!!" To my surprise, and relief, she was excited and took it all in stride.  We then spent the rest of the afternoon reveling in their excitement and doing several engagement photos.

It was so much fun to do the engagement photos right then when emotions were high and everything was so exciting!  Jacob and Morgan are so perfect for each other and compliment each other so well.

Jacob and Morgan congratulations!  I loved getting to know you and your love story better.  I can't wait to see where life takes you and the amazing time you are going to have together.  Jacob, thank you for being a romantic and including me in a truly beautiful day.  I'm so excited to get to know you both better.

Four Generations

I absolutely love when I hear from a client that I have worked with several times before.  It's so much fun to see their lives change, families grow, and be part of some really big moments in their lives.  So I was thrilled when I heard from Tiffany, asking me if I would do a Four Generations shoot for the women in her family.

We met up at the greatest little coffee shop in Seymour, TN called Brewed Awakenings.  If you are ever out that way I highly recommend it.  Great coffee, friendly atmosphere, and cheese cake that is to die for.

I could tell right off the bat that I was dealing with some pretty tough customers here.  Didn't want to smile, hard to work with, no fun at all......NOT!  These ladies were amazing from the get go.  Our whole session was full of stories and laughter.  I honestly felt like I was having coffee with them at their house and chit chatting the day away.

Mrs. Lille Rose is a hoot.  Her quiet demeanor is just a cover up for a truly amazing, beautiful, and fun loving nature.

Her daughter, Donna, is just the same.  Fun loving, beautiful, and full of spirit. You can tell the traits of a good sense of humor have passed down the generations.

And of course, Tiffany and Avery have a very special place in my heart.  I have enjoyed getting to know Tiffany better as a friend and to watch Avery grow into a beautiful little girl.

A special thanks to everyone at Brewed Awakenings for letting us invade the space and for the delicious cheesecake and coffee.  Thanks to all these ladies for letting me be a part of your day and peep into your lives together.  Love really does last generations and that is something so lovely and so worth passing on.

Still Moments 2.19.14

 

Today I am pining for some sunshine and warm weather.  So today's entries in the Still Moments series are photographs that make me think of that.  My mind is on lazy summer days, sun coming in the windows, and well, just sunshine mainly.

We are so close to warm weather again I can almost taste it.  For those of you farther up North than Tennessee, hang in there!  Until then, I hope these will help keep you through the cold days.

Jaime and Brock's Wedding

I don't know about you but I LOVE surprises!  Seriously, I think they are the best.  Well, as long as they are good surprises.  The trick about surprises (especially when there are multiple surprises) is pulling them all off without letting the cat out of the bag as they say.  Jaime and Brock's wedding was absolutely full of wonderful surprises.  And I must say, they pulled it off like pros.

Jaime and Brock got married on January 18th at Little River Heartland Wedding Chapel in Townsend, TN.   The couple had originally decided to just get married in the court house.  They just wanted something quiet and small.  However, then Jaime found out that her Dad, Mike, was thinking about renewing his vows with her Mom, Joanna, as a gift for their 46th wedding anniversary.  Enter surprise numero uno.

So they all decided to make the vow renewal a surprise for Joanna.  They would go to the chapel for Jaime and Brock's wedding and then Mike would step up to renew their vows.  How cool is that?

However as I said before, there is a second surprise!  Everyone thought that Jaime was wearing a small cocktail dress when she had in fact picked out a wedding dress the day before.  Exactly in her size!  The only people who knew were Mike and her Best friend.  Now, I'd like to point out that together, Jaime and Brock have five children, so hiding a dress from that many interested parties is no easy feat.  But she pulled it off beautifully and everyone, I think especially Brock, were very surprised.

Congratulations Brock and Jaime!  You had a lovely wedding day and you have an absolutely beautiful family.  It was a pleasure to be a part of all of the surprises and fun!  Also, congratulations to Mike and Joanna for 46 years!  I'm sure it has been a ride and I loved watching you renew your vows.  It was truly beautiful.

Miss Lily is One!

That's right, I know you've seen the party but you don't think we could let this little girl turn the big O-N-E without a proper photo shoot do you?  Get out your awww's and oooo's because this is about to be a whole lot of cute!

First of all a big shout out to The Cup in Bearden for letting us do the first half of the photo shoot there.  It was perfect for Lily's intimate birthday celebration and I can't say enough how awesome the staff was (and the cupcakes!). 

We met early and a very very cold Saturday to do the photo shoot.  I was so glad we were inside and sipping coffee when we got started. As previously stated, we met at The Cup and got out the balloons and party hats.

And what's a birthday without  cake?  Especially a yummy cupcake?

After we had our fill of cupcake and balloons, we headed over to the L&N for a few more shots of the beautiful birthday girl.

Thank you to Freddie and Lindsey for letting me be apart of this exciting time in your family's life.  I have enjoyed getting to know you two better and you beautiful daughter.  I think you would both agree that its been an exciting and wonderful first year for Lily!  Happy birthday Lily!