Stewart is 5! - Southern Tennessee Child Photographer

Since I never did portraits of Elizabeth and Stewart last summer when they turned 8 and 4, I have been determined to have a photo shoot with each of them this summer.  Elizabeth and I were planning a country shoot for her yesterday, but it rained and rained.  Since I was planning an urban shoot for Stewart we switched up things a little.  We were ready to go when Chris got home from work.  He assured us that it was not raining in town.  Well, it is summer time, and things can quickly change! It was raining when we got there, so I knew there was no way I could use the spot I had planned on using.  We had to find somewhere with some cover.  I knew just the spot, and it would be special because I had not used it in a long while!

I had promised him he could have the lollipop, and once I gave it to him there was no taking it away!

Luckily, I knew of another spot with some cover, so we weren't limited to just one location.

And whatta ya know?  It stopped raining.! We even saw a beautiful rainbow that Stewart wanted to see if we could find the end of.  Love that boy!

And I even found a new red door to use! 

We had the best time! I loved the one-on-one time with my little guy.  I still cannot believe he is about to start Kindergarten! When I look at these photos of him I see what a big boy he really is!

Allie's Spring Recital - Southern Tennessee Child Photographer

I was going back through some sessions and realized I never shared Allie's session from this spring.  Allie is one of Molly's best friends.  My dear friend, Lana, asked me if I would take some photos of Allie in her recital ballet costume.  So we met one day during Spring Break.

I had to get lots of detail shots of Allie's costume. 

Love the ballet bun. 

Talented little hands and feet. 

We made arrangements to use the stage at our local museum. 

Isn't she a cutie?!

Lana is a very talented dancer and has taught dance for years.  She even owned her own studio a few years back.  She has decided to hang up her ballet slippers and wanted some special photos of her and Allie together. 

This was one of Lana's favorites.

And this was one of mine.

Before we left, we did a few outside in front of the gate. This is also a favorite. 

Allie's recital is now a memory, and I hope these photos serve as reminders of this special time in her life for years to come. 

Kaylee at 2 years - Southern Tennessee Child Photographer

The first contact I had with Kaylee's mom was the following e-mail. 

I would like to have pictures made of my 2-year old daughter.  Because she's 2, I knew it wasn't going to be easy and I wasn't expecting a lot of good pictures and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on bad pics so we took her to a studio on Saturday.  We walked out of there without the first picture ever being taken.  It wasn't a pleasant experience.  That's when I decided that at her age a studio wasn't going to cut it.

I would like pics of the three of us, but I want pics primarily of her.  Are you up for this challenge?  :)

Ahhh! A challenge! I love a challenge! ;-)

I talked to Kaylee's mom a few times, and I gave her my philosophy on 2-year-olds.  I think most photographers would agree with me when I say that 2-year-olds can be the most difficult of all subjects to photograph.  That's not because they are little monsters or anything like that.  It's because they are busy fellows.  They have things to do, and they don't need any help doing them! As a mom, I have been through the Terrible Twos 3 times now.  My approach to photographing a busy 2-year-old is that they set the pace.   We go with the flow and as my Molly likes to say, "You get what you get..."  I may have ideas going into a session, but it is usually the unexpected shot that becomes my favorite.

We met at the old train depot.  One of my favorite photos of my Molly is on these same steps. Kaylee quickly let us know that she didn't want anyone else on the steps with her.  

She also let us know that she didn't need any help climbing up or down the steps.  She could do it herself! She did let me get take a quick shot of her cute toes though.

Next we headed to a nearby farm.  Isn't her little alligator outfit just the cutest?! Like I said, it's sometimes the unexpected shot that becomes my favorite.

This was us going with the flow.  We were playing in the dirt when I got this one. 

Things were going so well we decided to try to a clothing change.  Mom is a real quick change artist!

And what is that I see?! A smile?  I think that counts as completion of the challenge.  Wouldn't you agree?!

And we even managed to get a few family photos while we were at it.

All in all I would call it a successful afternoon.  I hope Kaylee's mom will agree!

Run for Ella 2010.

I am very happy to be a sponsor for the Run for Ella once again this year.

This is a wonderful event, and I am so glad that it is becoming at annual event benefiting a child in our community who is facing a difficult time.  Ella is truly an inspiration to all who meet her.  If you don't know Ella's story you can read it here. I was so fortunate to get to photograph Ella and her sisters, Mia and Sophie this spring. They are the sweetest girls.

Ella has amazed us all.  She brought our community together last spring/summer like nothing I have ever seen before.  I truly believe she is still with us because of the prayers said on her behalf.  That and because she still has so much to teach us.

Ella's mom, Sara, is as much as an inspiration as Sara.  We all read her daily posts last year while Ella was in the hospital and rehab.  She encouraged us all with her faith.  I love Sara.  She is a beautiful person and mom.

Even though I don't personally know Jules.  I am thankful to be part of an event that will help her and her family as she recovers from her injuries. Please join us on June 12.  It is a great family event.  Don't worry if you're not a runner! There will be lots of non-runners participating.  Last year Molly and Elizabeth even participated.  Much of the course is more suited to hiking than running.  You can do it!  

1st Birthday Tea Party.

How better to celebrate your 1st birthday than with a tea party in the woods with a few of your best stuffed friends?

That's exactly what we did for Miss Karsyn's birthday.  I shared my vision with her mom, and I am so glad she went along with my idea. Amy usually goes along with my ideas, and we've had some pretty unique sessions because of her willing to let me dream.

Quick clothing change. Karsyn had the cutest outfits! Love this pink dress!

Another break in between clothing changes.

She really had fun crawling around.  I think she enjoyed the freedom!

Molly tagged along with me on this shoot.  Karsyn really liked Molly.  Molly proved to be a great assistant.  She was playing with Karsyn when I got these shots. 

I love this one. :-)

After our break it was tutu and cake time!

I love these.  Love, love, love them. 

I love how she looks like she getting away with something in this one. I mean it's not every day that your parents sit you on top of a table and tell you eat a cake with your hands!

And this one.  Well, it just cracks me up!

Amy and Kevin, thank you so much for letting me photograph your children over and over.   They are so precious and you are such wonderful parents.  I am so glad that photography brought your sweet family into my life. :-)