A Popular Nashville Photo Op: The Pedestrian Bridge

When it comes to photo ops in Nashville, you’ve got the classics:

• The Drippy Lips Mural

• “I Believe In Nashville” in 12 South

• The Dolly Parton bust made of pink chicken wire at White Limozeen

• The always-clever Rosepepper sign

• Centennial Park

Arguably the most classic photo op in Nashville is the Pedestrian Bridge—which, if you’re searching for it, is technically called the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. But that’s too many syllables and no one can pronounce it. So everyone just calls it the Pedestrian Bridge.

7 reasons I love shooting photos on the Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville:

1. It’s perfect for a slick, city vibe.

2. It’s perfect for a soft, bright vibe.

3. It’s perfect for a classic, Nashville vibe.

4. The wide shots are impressive but the closeups are usually my fave.

5. Free parking—which is a huge bonus for any shoot in downtown Nashville.

6. Everyone else is also taking pictures on the Pedestrian Bridge (because how can you not?) so they’re usually polite about not getting in the shot.

7. Incredible, consistent lighting during most of the day.

Whether you’re taking pictures of adults, kids, or families, The Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville provides so many different looks and vibes at one location. So come on! Let’s go have a photo shoot. :)

NASHVILLE FALL MINI SESSIONS 2025

2025 NASHVILLE FALL MINI SESSIONS

Save money on holiday photos!

Mini sessions are 15 minutes, include 20 edited images, and cost $225.

Because spots are so limited, I do require a $100 deposit at the time of booking. Venmo: @naomiparton.

Click here to message me with the spot you want to claim.

👉 For rain dates, policies, and more nitty gritty details, keep reading or click here.

There are three dates and locations you can choose from:

Saturday, November 1 at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin

(Recommended for a neutral or white backdrop, country/rustic feel. Examples just below, or more here.)

Harlinsdale Farm available times, 11/1:

• 3:10p (sold)

• 3:30p (sold)

• 3:45p

• 4:05p

• 4:20p (last spot)

Saturday, November 8 at Ellington Agricultural Center in South Nashville

(Recommended for bright, fall colors. Examples just below, or more here.)

Ellington Agricultural Center available times, 11/8:

• 2:55p

• 3:15p

• 3:30p (sold)

• 3:50p (sold)

• 4:05p (sold)

Saturday, November 15 at Shelby Park in East Nashville

(Recommended for a hilly backdrop, evergreen trees for Christmas pics, and families with pets. Examples below, or more here.)

Shelby Park available times, 11/15:

• 2:45p (sold)

• 3:05p

• 3:20p

• 3:40p

• 3:55p (sold)

In case of rain, location may change and shoots will be rescheduled on:

• Sunday, November 2

• Sunday, November 9

• Sunday, November 16

The fine print:

1. To avoid delays for the family scheduled after you, please arrive and park at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled session. If you’re late for your time slot, we’ll likely have to rearrange the schedule and your shoot may be delayed by 10-25 minutes.

2. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at booking. This is applied to your total balance, so on the day of the shoot you’ll only owe $125.

3. Pets are welcome.

4. Please include your phone number when booking, as I’ll text out specific directions the week of the shoot.

5. You’ll receive your photos via a DropBox link within 2 weeks of your shoot.

6. Here are some guidelines for What to Wear to Your Photo Session.

20 Senior Picture Ideas for a Truly Epic Shoot

Oh, senior pictures. Gone are the days of awkwardly hugging a giant number ‘25’ while fake-smiling in a field of wilted daisies. Thank goodness!

Today we’re all about capturing your personality and style in an authentic, timeless way. After all, these photos are a keepsake you (and parents and grandparents) will treasure forever. So, whether you want to showcase your athletic skill, your artistic talent, or your love for adventure, I want to help you look your absolute best.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• subtle techniques to make your senior pictures stand out

• feminine, natural poses

• how to avoid looking cheesy or outdated

• ideas that authentically incorporate your passions and hobbies

Okay, let’s get ready for your senior pictures!

(By the way, if you’re looking for an experienced photographer who will guide your grad through step-by-step posing and help your senior look their best for portraits, I’d love to work with you. Send me an email!)

3 Thoughtful Ways to Make Your Senior Portraits Unique

Every generation of senior pictures seems to have a cool, new filter or tacky fashion trend. But you don’t want to look back on the photos of this monumental time of your life and cringe…

(I actually wore a bubble-gum pink beret and matching pink sweater during my senior photos in 2004. I was fully embracing my Lizzie McGuire era.)

So, here are some creative ways to make your senior photos stand out from the sea of standard pictures:

1. Choose a location that means something to you.

   Here are some ideas:

   • your favorite coffee shop

   • a vibe-y record store

   • your childhood park

   • the tree at your grandparents’ house

   • your secret reading nook

   • your favorite mural or vibrant part of town

   • Taylor Swift’s bench at Centennial Park (like the Taylor fan I captured in the example below)

Incorporating personal landmarks is something most students don’t take the time to consider, but they enhance the meaning of your pictures and make them truly unique to you.

2. Be intentional with your color scheme.

And I don’t just mean with your outfit. Work with your photographer ahead of time to talk about a specific editing style. Here are some ideas (with examples of each below):

• Vintage: A grainy, warm-toned filter can instantly give your photos a retro feel—like they’re straight out of a film camera. Or, if you’re really passionate about this era, ask if your photographer could use actual film. This vibe is even more magical if your wardrobe has some vintage flair in style, coloring, or both.

• Bright and bold: Going the other direction, pump up the attitude in your pictures with vivid pops of color. This lends itself to modern or even magazine-like aestetics and works great if you have a playful, energetic style.

• Timeless black & white: Classic and elegant, black-and-white photos never go out of style. Use black and white to highlight emotions and expressions, making your senior pictures all about you.

3. Add a unique personal touch.

• Friends or pets: If they’re part of your story, there’s no reason not to bring your dog or your best friend for a snapshot or two.

• Multiple outfits: Consider one casual outfit (jeans and your favorite tee) and one more polished option (dresses, suits, or trendy sets) that reflect different sides of your personality.

• Purposeful props: Balloons, confetti, books, or a hat are props that can be fun and personal. Just make sure they reflect who you are and not just a Pinterest trend.

• Hobbies: If you’re into sports, music, or art, showcase your equipment or instruments. Better yet, you could book a photographer for a lifestyle shoot to capture this in a natural setting (example below). It’s the perfect way to highlight this part of your life.

When you design your shoot around locations, colors, and artifacts that appeal to your personality, you’ll end up with portraits you still love years in the future.

Now that we’ve covered what to think about before your senior picture shoot, let’s look at ideas on how to pose at your shoot.

Senior Portrait Poses That Won’t Look Cheesy

Here’s some step-by-step inspiration on how to look and feel confident during your photo session:

The Over-the-Shoulder Gaze

• Turn your body away from the camera, then glance back with a subtle smile.

• This pose can seem shy, mysterious, and/or draw attention to your facial features and profile.

The Elbow-on-Knee Seated Pose

• Sit facing the camera, cross your legs, lean forward and rest your elbows on your knee.

• Medium or wide shots will showcase your outfit while still looking comfortable and at ease.

• Alternatively, you can rest just one elbow on your knee and bring the other hand up to gently touch the side of your face for a slightly different look (example below).

The Delicate Hand-to-Face Touch

• Lightly rest a fingertip or two near your cheek or chin (the key here is lightly; you don’t want your fingers to look stiff).

• Keep it gentle—avoid pressing into the skin.

• The effect is polished and highlights the face without appearing overly posed.

The Hip-Slightly-Out Lean

• Shift weight onto one foot, creating a gentle curve in the hip.

• Let your arms fall naturally on each side, or place one hand on a hip to define your waist.

• This creates a flattering S-shape that conveys self-assurance without feeling forced.

The Dress Twirl

• Gently grasp the ends of your dress and—slowly enough that your photographer’s shutter can catch you, but fast enough to get your dress some air—spin around.

• Look different directions and angles each time: directly at the camera, at the ground, behind you, etc.

• This captures natural movement and an approachable, feminine vibe.

Book a Professional Photographer for All the Secrets

You didn’t really think I’d, just, like—give you all my poses, did you? (Winky face.)

As you can see, simple direction goes a long way. Maybe these are things you’ve never considered when posing for pictures. I know I didn’t before I studied photography, so I hope you these help you feel more confident when you’re getting senior photos, or any pictures, taken.

If you’re looking for an experienced photographer who can help you look your best on picture day, I’d love to work with you!

My process for senior portrait shoots includes:

• step-by-step posing

• location expertise/carefully planned itinerary

• pre-shoot brainstorming about your look/props/color scheme

• sneak peeks at the photos as we go

One final tip: The key to nailing any pose is to stay relaxed—tense shoulders or forced expressions can come across as stiff.

So, roll your shoulders back, smile softly, and place your hands naturally to create a timeless look that feels both elevated and authentic.

🌸 2025 Nashville Cherry Blossom Sessions 🌸

2025 NASHVILLE CHERRY BLOSSOM MINI SESSIONS ARE IN BLOOM!

It’s one of just two times a year I book multiple shoots at one location so YOU can save money.

Each 10-minute session is only $200 and includes 15 edited images.

Because spots are so limited, I do require a $100 deposit at the time of booking. That money goes toward your balance, and you’ll only owe $100 on the day of your session.

(Click or tap through the gallery below!)

We are shooting at Nashville Public Square.

🌸 To claim your spot before they sell out, choose your time slot from the list and scroll to the form below. After you fill out the form, click Submit!

• Sunday, March 23:

  • SOLD: 5:10p

  • 5:20p

  • 5:35p

  • 5:45p

  • 6p

  • SOLD: 6:10p

    *Important: In case of bad weather or bloom delays, shoots will be rescheduled on Saturday, April 5.

Here’s the thing: Due to unpredictable Tennessee weather, we don’t know exactly when the blossoms will be at their peak. So I will check out the blossoms ahead of time and confirm the blooms are looking good. If inclement weather has blown them away, or they haven’t bloomed in yet, please be available for the backup date of Saturday, April 5.

Related: What to Wear to Your Photo Session

5 Dog Photography Tips (Plus Examples!)

Pet photography can be so much more than snapping a quick action shot on your phone—it’s about capturing their personality, their quirks, and the bond you share. So, what makes your dog unique? Whether it’s their goofy grin, soulful eyes, or tail-wagging excitement, our dogs are our family, and moments with them deserve to be remembered.

And with a little prep, a photo session with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

Here are my five essential tips to help you and your dog shine:

1. Keep treats in your pocket.

This is my number one piece of advice when preparing for photos with your dog. Carrying treats provides three keys for your photoshoot:

• Incentive/bribery

• Joy

• A way to command their attention where you want it (i.e. the camera lens).

And bring plenty! You or your photographer can put them on top of the camera or above your dog to help guide their eyes and face in the most photogenic direction.

2. Check ahead to ensure your location allows pets.

If you’re working with a local photographer, they should take care of this step for you. (Pro tip: search the web for “dog photographer near me,” or “pet photographer near me,” and let Google find those photographers who have already identified themselves as working with pets!)

But if you’re not working with a local photographer, make sure you choose a pet-friendly location. Unfortunately, just because it’s an outdoor space doesn’t mean our furry fam is welcome.

For example, in the Nashville area, two of my most-popular photo spots won’t allow pets: Arrington Vineyards and Radnor Lake. It would be a bummer to get everyone dressed and ready, drive out to one of those gorgeous locations, only to be turned away and have to come up with a new plan on the spot. Just be sure to check the venue’s website or call ahead.

3. Go for a long walk before the photo session.

Bringing an energetic pup who’s been cooped up all day is likely to make for a chaotic photoshoot. After all, they have plenty to be excited about: meeting the photographer, being the star of the show, treats, and maybe even… squirrel! Do yourself a favor by walking your dog beforehand, and make sure he or she isn’t starving for attention.

4. Get on your dog’s level.

This is the tip I use with children—especially on lifestyle shoots—and the principle applies for pets, too. It doesn’t matter if you crouch, kneel, squat, or lay all the way down—getting on their eye level is what takes an image from “meh” to meaningful in a split second. Plus, they’re more likely to interact with the camera this way—which makes for some really fun, playful shots.

5. Don’t stress, have fun!

Your dog’s behavior might be a wild card on the day of the photoshoot, but I promise, that’s okay! I’ve seen so many sessions where dog moms and dads became stressed out if their pup wasn’t perfectly behaved or kept getting distracted. But when I deliver their edited photos, they’re surprised and delighted to have a healthy mix of perfect poses and authentic captures of their pet’s unique personality.

An extreme example I have is from a recent session on Christmas Eve with a couple and their three boxers. Unfortunately, on the day of the shoot, the oldest woke up with an eye infection! I assured them we could work some Photoshop magic later on and we proceeded with the shoot as if everything was normal. The dogs played with each other, their parents loved on them, and they all wore matching outfits. It was adorable!

…And I bet you can’t tell which eyeball was digitally reconstructed:

Let’s have a puppy play date!

I would be honored to capture special memories of you and your dog in and around Nashville. We can take a couple hours for multiple locations (like in the example below), or I can come to you in the comfort of your own home.

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Nashville

If you’re looking for outdoor photoshoot locations in Nashville, I’m so glad you landed here! As a Nashville family photographer I’ve been capturing gorgeous and unique scenes all over this city for over a decade. Keep scrolling to find whatever outdoor vibe you are looking for in Nashville.

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Downtown Nashville

Downtown Nashville has captured the interest of tourists, musicians, journalists, and—of course—bachlorette parties from all over the country. Whether you’re new to town or a seasoned local photographer, the downtown area offers several iconic photoshoot options. Here are my top three:

• The Pedestrian Bridge

• The Riverfront

• Honky tonks and Lower Broadway

You’ll have to pay to park anywhere on Lower Broadway. However, on non-game days you can generally park for free at the Titans’ Nissan stadium—Lot R—and walk to all three locations I listed above.

The Pedestrian Bridge is a special favorite of mine for headshots… and I’ve been known to sneak up to the rooftop of Twelve Thirty Club or L.A. Jackson for some truly iconic shots.

The Steps at Percy Warner Park

Location: Belle Meade Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221

Percy Warner Park is a local favorite because the lawns are pristinely manicured and its walking trails are dog-friendly. Taylor Swift enjoys it, too!

The steps offer a unique backdrop for family photos, and the golden hour is breathtaking. If you do want to catch some shots during golden hour, I suggest bumping your photoshoot time up 20-30 minutes before the typical hour-before-sunset. That’s because treeline cuts into your light a bit early.

Centennial Park

Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Centennial Park was a Nashville hot spot long before Taylor Swift immortalized it in her song, Invisible String, but her shout-out did prompt Mayor John Cooper to add a bench in her honor in 2023. (If you’d like a photo with Taylor Swift’s bench, just be prepared to wait a few minutes in line among other Swifties.)

The bigger attraction at this sprawling outdoor park is a replica of the Parthenon. Nashville’s Parthenon is a perfect photoshoot location for engagement shoots, family photos, and more.

Beyond these monuments, Centennial Park is dog-friendly and features a beautiful pond you can walk around, gorgeous flowers and unique trees, public restrooms, and plenty of grass to picnic and play.

Arrington Vineyards

Location: 6211 Patton Road, Franklin, TN

If you have an extra 35 minutes to get outside of Nashville proper, I promise it will be worth it to take in some moments and wine at Arrington Vineyards. This place is, hands down, my favorite outdoor photoshoot location in Nashville—especially during golden hour.

I’ve shot everything from maternity and newborn sessions to family reunions at this magical place. You can view more of my work throughout every season here. One thing to note is they don’t allow pets.

Ellington Agricultural Center

Location: 440 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

Mural Photo Spots in Nashville

Locations: find them all here

Looking for a place to shoot vibrant brand photography or find the perfect backdrop for your Instagram? Nashville has so much artwork out in the open—on the sides of buildings—in the following neighborhoods:

• 12 South

• East Nashville

• The Gulch

• Wedgewood-Houston

You can read my entire guide on all of them here.

Brand Photography: How to Build Trust and Connect with Your Audience

You know how a confident handshake creates a good first impression when you meet someone in person?

Strategic, well-curated photos can have the same effect for your brand.

Brand photography plays a fundamental role in creating a brand's personality. It can help you build trust with customers and stand out in the marketplace. Here’s how to use brand photography to connect with your potential customers’ values, emotions, and identity.

What Is Brand Photography?

Brand photography is a collection of images showcasing your company’s unique personality and what you do. Every photo you use in your marketing—including headshots, product images, social media shots, and website visuals—are part of your brand photography.

How Important Is Brand Photography?

According to a survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers, 78% are more willing to buy from a brand and will choose a brand over a competitor after a positive experience with a brand on social media.1

And what do consumers see on a business’ social media page? Photos!

Of course, they will (hopefully) also see clever captions, compelling stories, and friendly copy, but the images create the first impression—causing a visitor to stay and hang out a while… or bounce.

Whether the pictures end up on your Instagram account, website, or in other marketing materials, brand photography is a great way to attract your dream customers. Use brand photography strategically to communicate that you are:

·      laid back and casual, or poised and polished

·      polished and poised, or free-spirited

·      modern and trendy, or traditional and established

·      high-end and exclusive, or for the everyday person

·      quiet and clever, or loud and hilarious

Humans are visual creatures, and photos of you and your business really do communicate so much about you, without having to say a thing.   

Find a Brand Photographer

When you’re seeking out a brand photographer, you want to look for someone who understands high quality, clear, and consistent branding. Your images should reflect the colors, tone, and feel of your business as a whole.  

You want a photographer who:

·      understands sizing and spacing requirements for websites (i.e. how much bokeh—or space in a photo that is out of focus—you will need to overlay copy)

·      will be hyper-focused on the details surrounding you, the subject, and the background

·      understands the basics of SEO (search engine optimization) when exporting and titling your image files

·      offers some retouching for blemishes, flyaway hairs, etc. as looking your best in these photos is important

·      helps you look and feel your best

Types of Brand Photography You Need for Your Business

As I mentioned, your brand photography should include a variety of different types of photos. There will be headshots you use with your bio or “About” page. Lifestyle images perform well on social media. Product images are a must if you are a product-based business, ideally showcasing your product from several angles, in use, and in different settings. And then there are fun shoots for one-offs like your client Christmas card or email.  

Here are some examples of ways I have approached branding photography for three unique businesses:

The real estate business is booming in Nashville, so I get to help a lot of real estate agents with their photography needs. In this example, Lisa needed updated headshots. But she didn’t just want the traditional, “this is what my face looks like” thing. She wanted something with a lifestyle vibe that truly showcased her fun, outgoing personality. She wanted photographs that showed potential clients that she’s fun, approachable, and easy to work with. Fun fact: we staged my home office with some of her accessories for this shoot!   

My next example is a powerhouse pair of real estate agents who have a Selling-Sunset-meets-Southern-charm vibe. They are in the top 1% of agents in Nashville’s and wanted to showcase their knowledge, chemistry, and work ethic from atop Music City’s skyline.

For my final example, I work regularly with a local therapist and her team. Our shots focus on each therapists’ individual personality. This can help their potential clients start to get a feel for which therapist might be the best fit. We also shoot lifestyle-type images of all the women interacting together in the bright, happy setting of their office. Who wouldn't want to open up to these ladies?

Get Strategic With Brand Photography

Don’t trust your brand photography to just anyone. With over a decade of experience in branding and marketing, I truly understand the thought and vision that goes into building a brand. You deserve to work with a professional who will approach the shoot with your unique personality, objectives, and product or service in mind. And to simply have fun—because at the end of the day, that’s what building a brand should be.  

A Very Belle Meade Christmas Eve (Captured by a Photographer in Nashville TN)

The unique thing about this gallery is that this sweet family invited me into their home on my actual favorite holiday: Christmas Eve. Here we are in February and I’m finally sharing them! After coordinating shoots, taking the photos, editing, and Instagram, unfortunately updating this blog tends to fall to the backburner.

I love a lifestyle session, and I think these photos are pure magic. The Christmas tree lights, the stunning Nashville home, the picture-perfect family representing three generations, the squishy baby cheeks… does it get any better?!

The photos tell a story themselves, but in case you’re wondering what it’s like to book a photo session like this in Nashville, here’s how it goes down:

If you want to book a lifestyle session, plan to have at two to three well-lit rooms of your house decluttered and decorated. Minimal décor and neutral colors tend to look best. These sessions run between 45 minutes to one hour, and we’ll choose a time when everyone tends to be in a good mood. For example, right before baby’s nap time probably isn’t the best choice. But we’ll go over all of that ahead of time!

It's a privilege for me to photograph your family in your home, and I’ll be extra considerate of your space. I may move a throw pillow here or a chair there, but I’ll be sure to ask first. We want to stage things to in a way that’s not distracting, so you and your family are the focus of each image. What I don’t stage too much is you! These sessions turn out best when you all are at ease, interacting and playing the way you would when no one is watching. One of my favorite things to do is shoot from behind a door or a plant to make the photos feel like a true glimpse into your real life.

That said, this session was a hybrid between a Portrait Session and a Lifestyle Session because the family wanted more traditional shots as well. We really can tailor it to what you want.

Something you can take advantage of with this session is, if you have extended family in town, we can capture some fun pictures of everyone in different groupings and family units. For example, for this shoot we had Grandma and Grandpa, uncle and nephew join.

Once the shoot is over, you’re already home so you don’t have to go anywhere! In a couple weeks I’ll deliver a minimum of 40 edited images, in both color and black and white.

If you love more candid shots, want to capture your little ones playing naturally, or want to hang pictures of your family at their most authentic on a gallery wall, the Nashville Family Photos Lifestyle Session might be right for you. I’d be honored to book a session for you!

Ellington Agricultural Center: A Nashville Community Staple

Whether you’re coming from Nashville, Brentwood, Murfreesboro or somewhere else in the area, Ellington Agricultural Center is one of the most beloved and versatile locations for local families and photographers. Conveniently located off I-65 near the Crieve Hall neighborhood, Ellington offers a plethora of unique aesthetics.

Here are a few examples:

Spring Mini Sessions at Ellington Agricultural Center

When the trees and flowers begin to bloom in mid-March, I offer special mini sessions to take advantage of all the pretty this park has to offer!

Because the window of opportunity to capture the blossoms are is so short—in fact, one stormy weekend is enough to blow them right off the trees—spots for this particular group of mini sessions are extremely limited. Past clients gets first dibs as soon as I open them up, and my Instagram followers are the next to get access. Be sure to follow me so you don’t miss out!                                                                                                                                  

Fall Mini Sessions at Ellington Agricultural Center

Perhaps the park’s most popular time of year is during the fall, when the colors are rich and golden hour is vibrant.

I love that you can get a more Christmas-y vibe in front of the pine tree if desired, or even something more traditional against the big, white building. And of course, the little bridge makes for adorable photos with the little ones.

I shoot many family portrait sessions for Christmas cards here, and it’s one of four locations I offer during my fall mini sessions. Be sure to follow my Instagram to be among the first to know when these sessions open up!

Trails at Ellington Agricultural Center

This location not only makes for beautiful photo ops, but also for a leisurely walk through nature. (Personally, I love offering photo locations that offer something additional for your family to do before or after the session. See my blog on shooting at Arrington Vineyards, too!)

For more information on Ellington Agricultural Center, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture here.

Arrington Vineyards: My Favorite Photo Spot

Arrington Vineyards is one of my favorite locations in general, not just for photography. I haven’t met a wine there I don’t like, and it’s nice to go somewhere where adults can do adult things (drink wine) and kids can do kid things (run around).

Fall is probably my favorite time of year to be at Arrington, but there are perks to going in the summer, too—like their seasonal frosé! No matter the season, Kix Brooks’ (of Brooks & Dunn) vineyard south of Nashville is an idyllic location for your family portrait session.

Reasons to book your photo session at Arrington Vineyards: 

·      You can make a day of it and enjoy some wine before, after, or even during your shoot

·      There are a variety of backdrops and aesthetics you can choose from, depending on the coloring and vibe you’re going for

·      There are beautiful options for your photos any time of the year (see seasonal galleries below)

·      It’s especially convenient for clients south of Nashville

·      My favorite golden hour of any location in the area

·      Free parking

Arrington Vineyards in the Spring & Summer

As you can see, for summer shoots I opt for my shady location in the trees. It keeps everyone cool and happy. These are taken on the “barn side” of Arrington off of Cox Road. That side of the vineyard is only open on the weekends, so in order to access it, we need to schedule your session on a Friday,

There is a shady option on the main winery side under some trees as well, where you can get the barrels in the background for some nice and rustic dimension (pictured below).

Arrington Vineyards in the Fall & Winter

For fall shoots, I definitely like to shoot on the “barn side” off of Cox Road. The main winery side is fine, but you miss out on these breathtaking colors from the leaves!

Arrington Vineyards is located at 6211 Patton Road in Arrington, Tennessee.

I’d love to schedule a session with you and your family. I’m usually booked out about a month in advance, so contact me today!

Best Photo Ops at Cumberland Park Nashville

Cumberland Park is one of the relatively newer parks in Nashville, having opened within the last decade. It boasts unmatched views of Music City’s skyline, play areas, climbing ropes, and an interactive splash pad (running from May 24-September 1).

Located at 592 South First Street, it’s near the Nissan Stadium side of the Pedestrian Bridge. It’s also known as Riverfront Park Nashville.

Cumberland Park is a great photoshoot location because:

• It’s centrally located in downtown Nashville

• Free parking is generally easy to find nearby

• You can get the iconic Nashville look, plus other bright/white aesthetics all right there

• You can enjoy a walk downtown or in the park with the family after the shoot

Whether you’re visiting Music City as a tourist, or wanting a crisp, city vibe for your Nashville family portrait session, Cumberland Park is a stunning location to consider. In a 45-minute session we can efficiently capture your family against the city skyline from both Riverfront Park and the Pedestrian Bridge. It’s also one of my most popular spots for headshots and branding shoots for Nashville-area businesses.

Classy Birthday Photoshoot Concepts

Listen, little kids don’t own the exclusive rights on commemorating birthdays with a photoshoot. (Although, I do have some classy ideas for children in this blog, too.) These days, people are loving 21st birthday photoshoot ideas and even doing 30th birthday photoshoots—but how do you do it in a classy way?

If photography wasn’t my side gig, party planning might be. I have lots of experience creating party concepts that use creative photo ops. I have a core belief that people deserve to feel celebrated, so whether you’re creating a party photo backdrop or planning a birthday shoot, here are my top tips and ideas for classy birthday photoshoot concepts:

Consider Your Birthday Concept

You can go on Etsy and find a giant photo backdrop for just about any theme you can think of. In the examples below, the James Bond concept provided a perfect opportunity for a classy birthday photoshoot.

So if you’re wanting a classy photoshoot—as you conceptualize your party—consider how that theme will influence how the guests dress and what dish or drink they might bring. If you want some pictures with you and your friends dressed to the nines, maybe don’t throw a white trash bash.  

Personally, intimate, unstaged photos with my friends are some of my most treasured images. Backyard picnics, wine tastings, and dinner parties create a beautiful, classy setting for natural photos of you and your friends gathered together. All you’d have to do is hire a photographer.

Along those lines, if you’re throwing a party for a child, there are ways to make that classy, too! You don’t have to do arts and crafts or fill party favor bags with dollar store toys. I’ve taken some party décor from Rifle Paper Company and worked it into a “Spirit” (the horse) theme for my little girl. (I’ve also been known to hire a cocktail artist at my daughter’s birthday party to ensure the adults have a good time. Judge if you want.)

Balloon Numbers

One of the most popular birthday photoshoot concepts you’ll see are the big, shiny numbered balloons. That’s because nothing screams celebration like balloons! They’re an easy, affordable way to make a statement in a birthday-themed photoshoot. This perfect prop is cute for little kids, and classy for teens and adults.

One tip from experience: If you’re working with these balloons outdoors, the slightest breeze can become your worst nightmare. Be prepared for the challenge of keeping the numbers facing the right direction.

I once did a maternity shoot with a family of four, and trying to keep the kiddos looking at me while fighting to catch the number the right way was stressful. I ended up using Photoshop to fix it later. It’s an easier photoshoot concept to do indoors or with older kids and adults.  

Death to My 20s / Funeral for My Youth

Absolutely loved creating the funeral of Becca’s dreams for her 30th birthday photoshoot! We rented out Scarritt Bennett in Nashville (for a relatively modest fee of $150) and did a Portrait Session where she bid her twenties farewell. The location, that dress, and her striking femininity all came together at dusk for pure magic.

Mural Photoshoot

A fun way to capture your personality in a bold, creative way is a mural photoshoot. If you live in a big city like Nashville, it’s easy to bounce around town to different neighborhoods and get a variety of different looks. Check out my comprehensive guide to Nashville murals here.

Classy Photos with Your Pets

Photos with your four-legged friends don’t have to be overly cutesy. With the right photographer and a classy setting, creating images with your pets could really become a meaningful work of art.

Model for the Day

What better way to celebrate the stage of life you’re in than to capture you looking your most confident? That might mean getting your hair and makeup done professionally or renting a dress that makes a statement. Whatever you decide to wear, tell your photographer to get up close and personal. Get some shots where you’re tucking your hair behind an ear with a coy smile. Do a twirl in a flowy dress.

Whatever you do, don’t be nervous to sparkle. I think women spend so much energy trying to make sure everyone else is comfortable with who we are, that sometimes we forget to find comfort in our own skin. Like supermodel Tyra Banks once said, “Never dull your shine for somebody else.” This is your birthday shoot, so let’s capture you at your best.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing says “happy birthday, beautiful” like bunches of fresh, bright flowers. You can look like a Pinterest model and get a flower crown custom-made, or find a local flower shop, give them some business, and pose in their space—like this one in Nashville:

Cake Smash 

Who doesn’t love a chubby baby covered in frosting? But we can be tasteful about it (no pun intended)—see below. A cake smash photoshoot will commemorate your child’s silliness for the rest of their life. These pictures will absolutely come out at their wedding rehearsal dinner! Plus, it’s a great way to capture how beautiful that expensive birthday cake was before it’s destroyed. (Seriously, why are party desserts so expensive these days?)

Tip: This would be even funnier with an adult.

Your Favorite Snacks

Do all your friends know you love pizza? Or that you can’t get enough Starbucks, or wine? Or even that, in the case of the little guy below, your family’s pierogi tradition runs deep? Don’t be afraid to brainstorm ideas around your favorite foods for your birthday photoshoot.

Bonus: Your photographer will love you. A photoshoot is always better with snacks. (Especially if it’s wine.)

NASHVILLE FALL MINI SESSIONS 2022

2022 FALL MINI SESSIONS

12 shoots. 3 dates. Save money!

Each 20-minute session is $150 and includes 15 edited images. Because spots are so limited, I do require a $75 deposit at the time of booking.

Grab your time slot! Click here to message me with the spot you want to claim.

There are three dates and locations you can choose from:

• Saturday, October 29 at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin

  (Recommended for a rustic, country vibe; has white brick backdrop. Examples just below, or more here.)

  • (SORRY, SOLD OUT!)

• Saturday, November 5 at Ellington Agricultural Center near Crieve Hall in Nashville

  (Recommended for the brightest fall colors. Examples just below, or more here.)

  • (SORRY, SOLD OUT)

• Sunday, November 6 at Arrington Vineyards in Arrington

(Recommended for sipping wine afterward and making a date out of it! Examples just below, or more here.)

• (SORRY, SOLD OUT!)

• Sunday, October 23 at the South Haven nature trail in Murfreesboro

(Recommended for a more neutral, earth tone palette. Examples just below, or more here.)

• (SORRY, SOLD OUT)

In case of rain, location may change and shoots will be rescheduled on:

• Sunday, October 30

• Saturday, November 12

Can’t wait to see you all again this year!

The fine print:

1. So that we don’t keep the family scheduled after you waiting, please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled session. If you’re late for your time slot, we’ll likely have to rearrange the schedule and your shoot may be delayed by 10-25 minutes.

2. A non-refundable $75 deposit is required at booking. This is applied to your total balance, so on the day of the shoot you’ll only owe $75.

3. You are welcome to bring pets to all locations except Arrington, as they unfortunately don’t allow pets.

4. Please include your phone number when booking, as I’ll text out specific directions a week or two before the shoot.

5. You’ll receive your photos via a Google Drive link within 2-3 weeks of your shoot.

6. Here are some guidelines for What to Wear to Your Photo Session.

Best Nashville Murals: Nashville Looks Good On You, I Believe in Nashville, Taylor Swift, and More!

Nashville is photogenic, y’all. And it’s becoming a hot spot for murals of every color, type and size. So I’ve narrowed down the best Nashville murals and photo ops for my own sanity as well as your reference. Whether you’re here with a bachelorette party, building your Instagram feed, or want some unique senior photos—here’s a quick guide to my favorite scenes that make a statement.

Jump to a Nashville neighborhood:

12 South

West Nashville

East Nashville

The Gulch

Wedgewood-Houston

Nashville Murals in 12 South

“I Believe in Nashville” Mural and Draper James Wall

Address: 2608 12th Ave S, Nashville

“I Believe In Nashville” mural

12 South is home to Reese Witherspoon’s sophisticated, Southern Draper James boutique. Outside her shop you’ll probably find a line of girls waiting to get a photo op with one of two Instagram-worthy murals. The Draper James Wall—also known as “blue stripes Nashville”—is every bit as preppy and delightful as Reese’s brand.

Directly across the alley facing Draper James is the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural. There are other places you can find an “I Believe in Nashville” mural around town, but why not kill two birds with one stone here?

The Draper James Wall

Flower Mural and “Make Music Not War” Wall

Address: 2900 12th Ave S, Nashville

Flower mural outside of Green Pea Salon

These are just a couple blocks away from Draper James outside of Green Pea Salon. It’ll probably be much less crowded than the previous 12 South murals I mentioned, but you can get a few different looks at this one spot. I love taking people here for photos because you can get a bright, colorful vibe with the Flower Mural and turn around and get a grey, moody tone against the “Make Music Not War” wall.

“Make Music Not War” mural

Part of the “Make Music Not War” wall

Flowers and butterflies mural in 12 South

Address: 2501 12th Ave S, Nashville

Model: Ryland Fisher

During the summer months, there’s a massive pop-up tent with thousands of flowers and plants at the corner of 12 Ave South and Beechwood Ave. I’m kind of obsessed with it. Behind the tent is a parking lot where you’ll find a gorgeous, floral mural painted on a parked trailer.

Amelia’s Flower Truck in 12 South

Address: 2601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

On a typical sunny weekend from March to November, you can find Amelia’s Flower Truck in front of the imogene + willie boutique at the address above. The cool thing about Amelia’s is that you get to select your own flowers to create a fresh, bright arrangement. For reference, the bouquet I’m holding above was $13. It’s truly one of my favorite photo ops in the whole city! Amelia’s Flower Truck can be found in a few different places all over Nashville—like The Gulch or Hillsboro Village—so check their schedule to see where they’ll be.

Murals in West Nashville

“It’s Gonna Be O.K.” mural

Address: 3020 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville

Right now, this is my favorite Nashville mural! You’ll feel happier and prettier as soon as you walk up. To get a classic, straight-on picture for Instagram, your photographer might have to “play in traffic”—i.e. stand in the road to get the shot—so avoid rush hour times and be careful! But as you can see, there are plenty of beautiful angles from the sidewalk, too.

Drippy Lips Mural

Address: 1814 21st Avenue South, Nashville

If you’re feeling sassy, this classic Nashville mural is definitely for you. It’s located in the alley right next to Fido in Hillsboro Village, so you can park in the lot behind the building, take your pictures, and grab a coffee when you’re done.

Centennial Park

Address: 211 27th Ave N, Nashville

Centennial Park offers many different looks, tones, and colors in one beautiful location. You can use the tall pillars of The Parthenon for a traditional, neutral background, but my favorite spots are in the rest of the park. If you park by the Centennial Performing Arts Studios, you’ll find colorful trees, twisting branches, and an idyllic lake with ducks. Just pivot and walk a few steps to enjoy a variety of vibes.

Murals in East Nashville

“Nashville Looks Good On You” mural

Address: South 14th Street and Seiver Street

“Nashville Looks Good On You” mural in East Nashville

There are a bunch of locations to capture the “nashville looks good on you” mural, but I like this one in East Nashville because it’s in an unassuming neighborhood without a bunch of tourists around. In fact, it takes up the side of someone’s house.

East Nashville mural at Snooze

Address: 969 Main Street, Nashville

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is open for breakfast and lunch, but you can snap a selfie with this colorful mural on the side of its building anytime you like. It’s one of the newer murals in Nashville but it’s easily one of my favorites.

Taylor Swift mural at Grimey’s

Address: 1060 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville

Taylor Swift Record Store Day 2022 mural on Grimey’s wall

If you’re a Taylor Swift fan, grab your photo op with this mural while you still can. This mural on the front of Grimey’s New & Preloved Music in East Nashville was commissioned for Record Store Day 2022, which was April 23. So it’s reasonable to assume that by April 2023, it might not be there anymore.

Murals at Grimey’s record store

Address: 1060 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville

If you want to view a bunch of iconic, music-inspired murals, you’ll get the most bang for your buck at Grimey’s. The famous John Prine “Stay Independent” mural and Taylor Swift’s Record Store Day mural are among them.

Johnny Cash and other murals at Barista Parlor

Address: 519 Gallatin Ave B, Nashville

The murals at Barista Parlor in East Nashville

Come for the art and stay for some of Nashville’s finest coffee and bagels. Part of Barista Parlor’s industrial, artsy patio vibes include these funky murals that wrap all the way around the corner.

Douglas Market Lofts mural

Address: 337 Douglas Ave, Nashville

Douglas Market Lofts and Cafe

This mural by Kim Radford scales the entire building and every detail exudes happiness. It really is a must-visit if you’re in East Nashville. Plus, you can stop inside Douglas Corner Cafe for some of my favorite espresso in the city—or even beer and wine.

Murals at The Basement East

Address: 917 Woodland Street, Nashville

I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way for these murals, but if you’re into music and trippy art, they’re pretty cool.

Nashville Murals in The Gulch

What Lifts You Wings

Address: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville

{Photo coming soon! In the meantime, check out the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou on Instagram.}

A staple of any Nashville Instagram tour or girls’ trip, this 20-foot-tall artwork by Kelsey Montague was among the first of its kind in Music City. These wings are super pretty—just be prepared to wait in line 5 to 15 minutes to take your turn.

L.A. Jackson/The Thompson Hotel roof top

Address: 401 11th Ave S, Nashville

L.A. Jackson’s rooftop

If sipping craft cocktails while taking in amazing views of the city is your thing, check out L.A. Jackson—and also take some pictures. I say “also” because they have a no-professional-photos policy that they actually enforce. Which is a shame, because… the views! The pretty drinks! The tree in the middle of the rooftop patio! It’s all just begging to be photographed. You can see some shots I snuck in before being asked to stop here. However, there’s no rule against iPhone pictures! So order a classy drink and put that portrait mode to good use, y’all.

Murals in Wedgewood-Houston

Rose Wall of Tennessee mural

Address: 462 Humphreys St, Nashville

Some of the most vivid, popular murals in Nashville were created by Tarabella Aversa, also known as tmamurals—including this one. All of her work is unique and worth checking out for the photo op!

Giant “Nashville” guitar photo op

Address: 425 Chestnut Street, Nashville

Located at the site of Nashville Warehouse Company, this giant guitar is kind of our version of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

Get Better Photos of Murals in Nashville

Let’s be honest. Your girlfriends are awesome, but they probably won’t capture just the right angle/shot/look you’re going for. But I can!

Whether you’re new in town, just visiting, or local, I’d love to get you on the books for a Social Media or Mini Session. Your Instagram feed will look a lot cuter with Nashville in it!

How to Throw a Moana Themed Birthday Party

Ellie’s Moana-themed birthday party was as magical as the heart of Te Fiti.

We Know The Way. . . to a Moana Party

Full disclosure: I did not take (most of) the photos in this blog. That credit goes to the truly incredible Laura K. Allen Photography. There’s just something about my only baby turning two that felt like an even bigger milestone than one. . . is that just me? Like, she finally had an actual personality! (Ellie, not Laura. Laura always has personality.) So I wanted to live in the moment and have my beautiful friend capture it all.

Invitation: Bloomberry Designs

10 Things You Need For a Moana Birthday Party

I’m not sponsored by any of our vendors, but some details of Ellie’s Moana birthday party included:

• Invitation: Bloomberry Designs

• Hawaiian leis at the entrance for guests

• Strawberry and pineapple fruit tray from Publix

• Party punch recipe from Laura’s Crafty Life in a drink dispenser from Crate & Barrel

• Tropical tiki hut bar topper from Oriental Trading

• Balloon arch kit from Amazon

• Cake: my talented friend Ashley (everyone should have a friend like her who bakes and is also a perfectionist/wizardress)

• Cookies: Cookies: Treats Styled By VIS

• Moana cardboard standup: Amazon

• Candles: Quick Candles

Cookies: Treats Styled By VIS

Drink Dispenser: Crate & Barrel

Cookies: Treats Styled By VIS

Dress: Janie & Jack

Oh, and then: a fire truck showed up! I mean, we knew the party was hot but this wasn’t planned. Our neighborhood cul-de-sac turned into a water park thanks to the local firefighters and I’m pretty sure Ellie had the time of her two-year-old life. Not sure how we’ll top that this year but we’ll try!

In-Home Baby Photography: Milo!

I’ve had the distinct honor of snapping photos all over Nashville of Kahla, Justin, Hazel and Milo for several years. You can see how their family has grown here. One of my favorite places to take pictures of them is in their gorgeous home!

The lighting on their back deck is the stuff dreams are made of!

When their firstborn, Hazel, turned one year old, they had me over to do a fun baby photo shoot in the living room. The house was still empty because they were just about to move in.

So when it was their secondborn Milo’s turn, we decided to do the same thing. An in-home baby’s first birthday session during a global pandemic was pretty perfect, anyway!

The thing about this family is they take their Polish roots very seriously. Specifically in the form of pierogies. I mean, Kahla legit wore a pierogi headpiece on the dance floor at their wedding. So it should surprise no one that for our in-home photography session Kahla made pierogis. She also made an adorable pierogi-themed onesie for Milo to wear.

I love this family and I’m so thankful they have me back year after year to take pictures of their babies—who are becoming less “baby” by the day.

A Decade of Families by a Nashville Portrait Photographer

One of the most fulfilling things for me as a photographer is when families reach out for updated photos year after year. Now that we’re in a new decade, I’ve been looking back at the pictures from the last several years, and it makes me so happy to see pictures of the same families from different times in their lives. Here are some of the beautiful people who have so kindly invited me to capture their memories time and time again.

Kahla, Justin, then Hazel, and then. . . Milo.

Kelcey, Josh, Nova, and then. . . Indy.

Another thing that’s changed over the years are my photography skills. My lens is newer and nicer, my style is brighter and more polished, and I’m a more confident photographer.

Sarah, Louis, Madison, Will, and Luke.

Ann-Marie, Leo, Lucas, and then. . . Caio.

Katie, Robert, Will, and Max.

To the families who’ve had me back year after year, thank you for growing with me. To the families I’ve worked with just once, thank you for allowing me to do what I love here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. To the families I haven’t met yet: Hi! Let’s take some really cute photos you’ll love for the next decade and beyond.

If you need new family photos, just let me know below!

5 Ways to Take Better Pictures of Your Kids

This blog was inspired by my some of my mom girlfriends, who asked for some simple tips on how to take better pictures of their kids. They don’t have fancy cameras or lighting kits—they just have iPhones. The great thing about photography in 2019 is that’s all you need!

So today we’re going to cover how to take better pictures of your kids:

1. Look for the light.

2. Get on their level.

3. Get close up.

4. Show them your face.

5. Love the silly photos.

Side note: You can apply some of these to taking pictures of more than just children. I have just found them especially essential to capturing photos of my daughter that I want to display instead of delete.

How to Take Better Pictures of Your Kids

If you have a smart phone, there’s nothing between you and frame-worthy pictures of your kids except a few simple techniques. While nothing can replace professional photographs of the whole family, you don’t have to settle for dark, boring or awkward pictures of everyday life.

1.     Look for the light. 

If you want to take your photos from “meh” to “man, that’s a great pic!” my best piece of advice is this: Make. Them. Brighter.

And just between you and me, this is one of the biggest reasons I even have a business—although most people probably don’t know that’s why they’re hiring me. You may not realize it, but when you see a great photo, lighting is one of the biggest factors.

While most of my examples in this blog were taken on my phone of my baby, this little beauty is not my daughter, and this photo was taken on a Canon DSLR.

Professional photographers know how to use light to our advantage. Here’s how you can harness the power of light to take better pictures:

·      Natural lighting will always look better than the flash. Try to take your pictures in a room with lots of windows. You can even open a door to let in more light.

·      Avoid “ugly light,” such as midday sunlight or any light that is directly overhead and creates shadows on the face. That kind of harsh lighting doesn’t look good on anyone. This can be a challenge if you’re trying to take pictures of the kids playing outside, but if the sun is especially bright, try to get them in the shade of a building or tree. That way, the light on their faces will be even and your images will turn out much nicer.  

Harsh, midday sunlight creates unflattering shadows.

Outdoor photos in the shade create a beautiful, even skin tone.

·      On your smart phone, tap the face of your child to adjust exposure. On an iPhone, you can even hold your finger down on their face to pull up the vertical exposure bar and drag it up to make the scene brighter.

2.     Get on their level.

If you typically take pictures of your kids standing tall above them, this one tip will make you love your photos so much more. (This will also set your pictures apart from every other mom’s!)

To get on their level, you want to crouch, sit, or even lay all the way down on the floor. Seeing a child from that angle is precious and makes for a much better picture.

3.     Get close up.

Don’t be afraid to get the camera really close to your child. Getting close-ups will tune out background “noise” and truly make your child the focal point of the picture. Try some shots where your goal is to have their face and eyes fill up most of the screen.

There is nothing wrong with this photo, but the one on the right is better.

Getting close up will tune out the background noise. This was shot using Portrait Mode on an iPhone XS.

4.     Show them your face.

I learned early on with my baby that when I hold my camera or phone up to take her picture, the smile leaves her face. That’s because, to her, it looks like I just disappeared!

Babies rely so much on eye contact, so be sure to peak out from around your phone or camera frequently with a big smile. This will assure them you haven’t abandoned them.

Bonus tip: the younger they are when you start warming them up to the camera, the easier it becomes. Starting well before she was a year old, my daughter would smile instinctively even if I was just sending a text message. The mere sight of the back of my phone triggered a proud pose! Now, you can judge for yourself whether or not that’s a great thing for her to learn so young . . . but it does make taking pictures a lot easier.

My daughter is a little ham. When she sees a camera now, she naturally smiles!

Believe it or not, she posed this way with zero prompting.

5.     Love the silly photos.

 One of the things I see parents get stressed out about is when their little ones aren’t posing just perfectly for the picture. And I’ve been there, I get it! We all just want a Pinterest-worthy shot for a cute gallery wall.

But think about which photographs of Little You that you enjoy the most. Is it the one where you and your brother are sitting stoically on the couch in matching pajamas? Or is it the one where you’re climbing over his shoulders, wearing sunglasses and pulling his hair? 

What about pictures of your parents? Wedding photos are amazing and can reflect hilarious fashion trends, but so does that picture of your mom on the back of your dad’s motorcycle, sticking out her tongue in a skirt you can’t believe is that short!

And really, they don’t even need to be smiling. Some of the most stunning photos I’ve taken of children were caught in a moment where nothing was really going on. I think it’s especially beautiful to look back on how they looked during that “normal” moment in time.

How Pictures Affect Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Did you know that an easy way to lay a solid foundation for your child’s self-confidence is to put up pictures of them throughout your home? Seriously! Studies show that kids who see pictures of themselves regularly have higher self-esteem than those who don’t. And bonus points if you’re in the pictures with your children.

Psychologist and author David Krauss explains why this is so critical: "What it says to a child is, 'I'm important in this family.' It also shows a child he or she is meaningfully connected to others in the pictures.”

So now that you know how to take better pictures of your kids, when you’re ready for really cute pictures with them, shoot me a message! I’d love to photograph some memories that will bring your family joy for years to come.

Fall Mini Sessions Are Back in Nashville!

Do you have amazing pictures to use for your Christmas card this year?

When is the last time you updated your family photo frames?

Are you even in any pictures with your family or significant other?

Good news! Fall Mini Sessions are right around the corner!

I’m offering mini sessions on Saturday, November 2 and Saturday, November 9.

It’s only $100 for a variety of 15 edited images! Click or tap the next photo in the carousel below to see some of my past Fall Mini Sessions.

This type of session is normally $150, but you can get the $100 early bird rate if you pay your deposit by September 28.

We will be shooting at Ellington Agricultural Center and Shelby Park, depending on your date.

20-minute sessions will be from 3p to 6p. Chat with me about which time slot you want ASAP because these are my most popular sessions of the year and book up fast!  

(In case of rain, backup dates will be Sundays 11/3 and 11/10.)

Tea Time with a Side of Tantrum

I love photo shoots where we get to do something just a little bit different. Some might call it “extra,” but I prefer “creative.”

I mean, if I get to set up someone’s nursery like a Disney Princess tea party… let’s just say I’m here for it. And this nursery is actually my daughter’s, because as I wrote in my last blog, I’m making an effort to start capturing more of what life is really like for her in this stage. (And if you want to see what life is REALLY like as well as the real hero behind this shoot, all in one photo, keep scrolling…)

This sweet Disney Princess tea set was a birthday gift for her and it’s from Pottery Barn. I about died when she picked up the tea cup and knew what to do with it! She’s obviously a genius and very refined. Well, for the one picture, anyway. As you can see, she’s also someone who “spills the tea.”

“Hey guys! Need any more sugar in there?”

“Doesn’t everyone invite a Star Wars Imperial Walker to their tea party?”

And below we see the real hero behind the photo shoot… and in life, really. We had a brief meltdown for no reason that I can tell. Maybe Abby Cadabby said something rude, although that seems pretty out of character for her. But Daddy was there and made everything okay.

What I’d love for y’all to take note of is how, despite a little drama at a tea party, we were still able to get exactly the photos I’d hoped for! In the past few months I’ve had several family photo shoots where the little ones become, at one point or another, 100% over it. Recently I left one like this sensing the parents felt especially discouraged and didn’t think the pictures would turn out how they wanted. But here’s what happens: Every time they get the pictures back, they email me with surprise and relief and love for the photos!

If you’d seen all these photos without the shot where Daddy had to step in, you would have thought I had the happiest little tea party girl ever. You’d never know that we rushed to snatch the saucer away from her before she smashed it into the tea cup.

So here’s my super insightful nugget of wisdom for life (and photo shoots) with a baby: The next smile is just a meltdown away!