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!

Big Photography Giveaway!

I am so excited to be a part of this! I could not wait to my day so that I could share!

Why is Becky doing this?  Here is her answer as on her blog.

A: Top 5 reasons.

1. Every family should be photographed. You are usually behind the camera, right? You need to be in the family pictures too, my friend.
2. My blog is about sharing. There are talented photographers in your area that you may be thrilled to learn about. Plus, I love helping the entrepreneur. I’m thrilled to share talent with my blog readership and hope it gives the photographer’s business a little boost as more people learn about them and check out their work.
3. You probably love taking pictures. As you look at the photos taken by talented artists with various styles, be ready to be inspired. You will improve your own photography skills and gain confidence in the wonderful art of preserving your own family’s memories.
4. I want to honor and celebrate family and photography, two of my greatest loves.
5. Let’s be honest. What’s not to love about a big, giant giveaway? This is just plain FUN.

Five Photographers from across the country around the world are being featured each day this month on her blog.  Leave a comment on Becky's blog telling why you would like to have a family session or nominate a friend or love one who you think deserves a free family session.  Only comments left on Becky's blog will count.  So go here and leave your comment. So while I love having you comment here, for this one you need to comment on her blog.  Of course you can do both, but only ones left on her blog will count for the contest.  And while you're there tell Becky how awesome she is! This took a lot of organization on her part. :-)

Good luck! 

Mini-session gift certificates.

Need an idea for Mother's Day, Father's day, graduation? How about a gift certificate for a mini-session?

These make great gifts for Grandma and Grandpa!  Wouldn't they love some photos of themselves with the grandkids. Good for up to 5 people. Comes nicely wrapped in a presentation box. 

Baby Luke.

Earlier this week I got to spend my morning with Baby Luke and his mom and dad.  Luke's mom received one of my gift certificates at her baby shower, and she called me as soon as she and Luke came home from the hospital to schedule his session.  Unfortunately,  Luke has a clogged tear duct, and we had to reschedule his appointment not once, but twice.  So Luke's newborn session is actually his 3-week session. :-)  

He has WIDE awake the entire time.  We had to work for some of our shots, but I think we managed to get some very special ones. After a once over I pulled out a couple of my favorites to share here. I will post more when I have time to go through them a little closer. 

I love this one of Luke and his dad.  Love the moment. 

And one of my favorites of this sweet new family.

Thanks for letting me spend the morning with you guys.  You have a precious, precious family.

The Sims Family.

Rewind to last fall.....  I have a few sessions that I never got around to sharing here with the craziness of Christmas cards and all last fall.  I know it is March 2nd, but they are too special for me not to share!  The first is of my dear friend, April's family.  April and I go all the way back to elementary school. You might remember that I took her son Timmy's senior portraits back last summer. It doesn't seem like that long since April and I were graduating from high school ourselves! 

When April said that she wanted to do fall portraits, I came up with the perfect place. The entire time we were growing up, April's family lived at the fish hatchery.  Her dad worked there, and it was the perfect setting for our session.

I knew that this setting would be so meaningful for April and also for Tony.  The two of them have been together even longer than Chris and I have.  They dated throughout high school.  I was a bridesmaid in their wedding and April was there to help me get dressed on my wedding day. 

They have two very handsome sons!

Timmy had senior portraits in the late summer, but we took the opportunity to get a few more with the gorgeous fall leaves.

And a few of Joseph (Jo-Jo).

One last family shot before heading back to our cars.

Thanks guys!