I do everything that I can to make mom, dad, and baby as comfortable as possible when I arrive, but there are also things that you can do as a parents beforehand to prepare for your newborn shoot in the Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, and Spring Hill areas. I also travel so if you are located beyond my standard range contact me!

Tips for your newborn photography session
• Newborn portraits are unique in that they can’t be scheduled months out, and often I’m booked out months, and even a year in advance but if you let me know within a few months of your due date I will build time into my schedule around that timeframe for your session.
• Call me soon after you deliver so you can arrange a time for the session. Ideally the session should take place within 5-14 days after birth. Infants older than two weeks tend to be much more difficult to photograph as they are more fussy and resistant to coaxing into positions.
• If the session will be taking place at your home – do not worry about the state of your house. You just had a baby. I do not care if dishes are piled up the sink and clothes basket runs over!
• Make sure your baby’s diaper isn’t too tight or diaper marks around the legs and waist may show in the photos.
• Have your house warm. Ideally, you’ll want the thermostat set around 80-85. For the adults it will be hot, but the baby will be warm and happy.
• Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand – family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, etc. I’ll go through these with you to determine what will look best in the pictures.
• If you’d like pictures taken of the baby in the nursery, be sure all the curtains and shades are open to let in lots of natural light. No need to clean, but just try and make sure the clutter has found its way to a closet.
• Decide if you’d like pictures taken with your baby, or if want pictures of only the baby. Ahead of time many parents assume they’ll be too tired to get ready to be in photos but most change their minds once we start. Often just a simple neutral colored t-shirt is all the dressing up you’ll need for beautiful photos as a family. You’ll always be glad you did!
• Make sure the baby has a full belly before I arrive. Often we’ll take a quick break or two for a ‘snack’ as needed.
• After the baby is full, make sure they are burped well. Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in just a few moments.
• Be patient. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don’t stress out. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We will try and get the baby comfortable again, but if that just doesn’t seem possible, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what he’s giving us. Sometimes the best pictures are ones when the baby isn’t doing what we want.
• Be assured that if there is ever a point where you’re uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know. Likewise, if you have ideas that you’d like to try please let me know! Often parent’s will email me with several images that they especially like or have a few examples ready on their computer when they arrive.

Newborn Photographer in Nashville, TN

They remind me that my job as a photographer is not just shooting images but about people. A wedding is a sacred event filled with memories of the past, stories of the present, and promises of the future. The fact that I have the responsibility to capture the essence of life in images throughout the day is responsibility that I treasure, not a job that I punch a timeclock on. Seeing the joy and happy tears of families and friends coming together amid the hustle and bustle and sound of laugher and the brush of satin and tulle is always an honor.

Thank you to all of the brides and grooms and families that entrust me with capturing your day!

And best wishes to Ben and Jill!

Outdoor wedding portraits in Murfreesboro, TN

Wedding Reception Photos

Engagement photo sessions are available as part of your wedding package or as separate packages. Ask how you can get your session in the Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, or Spring Hill area for free with select wedding packages!

Crystal and Gary - Engaged

Interested in making some of the recipes shown below before the cookbook is release? Check out:
The Blog of Dr. Josh Axe Videos on cooking raw and health.
Recipes at draxe.com Healthy recipes including many pictured below!

Commercial Food Photography

Exodus Health Center, Nashville, TN

Exodus Health Center focuses on setting people free from their current health conditions so they can live their lives to their fullest potential. Exodus Health Center also helps people gain victory in their health by offering solutions with cutting-edge structural corrective chiropractic care, diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and creating a customized health plan.”

Dr. Josh Axe, Exodus Health Center, Nashville, TN

Check back for photos of the food – and make sure you eat first, this healthy food is so yummy you may drool on your keyboard.

Interested in optimizing your health? Contact Dr. Josh at:
Exodus Health Center
15123 Old Hickory Blvd • Nashville, TN 37211
615.445.7701 Office • 615.445.7771 Fax
exodushealthcenter @ draxe.com

One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer is getting to be a small part of my client’s lives. Last year I did this little guy’s newborn photos, and seeing big sister becoming a little lady a year later was so much fun!

My husband Markus teamed up with me for this shoot to assist in lighting – using a combination of natural light with artfully placed studio lights give an incredible depth and perspective as well as beautifully saturated colors.

Oh…and if you see Markus ask him about what crazy jungle antics he did to get the little guy to smile…

Creative kids photos

Kid's outdoor photos in Franklin

Ryan and Kelly had the perfect day for the perfect wedding! I met this couple last fall and spent a fun fall afternoon shooting their engagement photos. One of my favorite parts of shooting weddings is how much time I get to spend with couples before their special day from pre-wedding meetings to engagement shoots and photo coverage planning sessions. By the time the wedding day comes I feel like I have gotten a glimpse into the personalities and styles of the bride and groom and how to better capture their story on their day.

The Belle Meade Plantation just a few miles outside of Nashville, Tennessee is definitely joining my short list of favorite Middle Tennessee wedding locations. The mansion was built in 1853 and is located on 30 acres of beautiful historic grounds. The reception took place in the Carriage House and the staff couldn’t have been more pleasant and easy to work with.

The very best to you both!

Wedding photos at the Belle Meade Plantation

Wedding photography at a historic location in Nashville