They call him Secret Agent | Southern Tennessee Child Photographer

After I finished up a session yesterday morning, I had a mini-session with my favorite 6-year-old secret agent. 

We had gone shopping the day before and he picked out this t-shirt.  When I started getting his outfit together for his portraits, he said he really wanted to wear it.  I told him that we would change into the t-shirt after I had taken his photo in the outfit I chosen.  The ones in my choice are adorable of course, but these are Stewart at age six.  No doubt about it. I guess that is why I like them more than the ones I had envisioned.

This is my absolute favorite. The poses.  The glasses.  All Stewart.

I'm so glad I let him wear what he wanted. Sometimes they have the best ideas!

Cooper at 3 years | Southern Tennessee Child Photographer

I spent a little time this morning with my buddy, Cooper.  You may remember him from his earlier appearances here. I think this is the fourth time we have gotten together, so this time I wanted to do something a little different.  I hope his mom likes what I came up with!

I asked her to bring along his tricycle.

Let me tell you he is fast on it!

Then we went to another spot I discovered on one of my morning runs.  I want to use it everytime I run by it, and so glad to finally get the chance!

I just love the red tricycle in front of the blue wall.  

Cooper is going to be a big brother in just another week or two.  They way he helped me carrying things this morning, I know he is going to be a big help with her.  Happy birthday, Cooper!

Run for Ella 2011.

Once again this year, I am proud to be a sponsor for the Run for Ella.  

I am so blessed to be a part of a community that pulls together to help those in need. This year's event is in memory of a very special young man who I was fortunate to photograph with his brother, Will, a couple years ago. 

Ed touched so many lives in his time here on Earth.  You can read more about his story here. 

Time is running out, so register now.  It's a great family event.  Our entire family will be participcating this year.  Hope to see you there!

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!

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. :-)