Welcoming Change | Personal

I've never been a huge fan of change. Sometimes it seems like just when you get comfortable, change comes along. I like schedules. I like being able to plan. Sure, I like being spontaneous. Especially when it's planned spontaneity.  Besides, it's a fun word to spell. But for the most part, I'm good with consistency.

However, I'm also a big believer in taking full advantage of opportunities that present themselves. Even when it's something that I wasn't necessarily expecting or looking for. 

Yesterday marked the final day in a particular season of my life. Many of you who are close to me already know what I'm talking about, but I've tried to keep the news somewhat under wraps during the past three weeks out of respect for a place that's been very dear to my heart over the last year. Yesterday was my last day at Barefoot.

I've been offered a writing opportunity that allows me to work from home. It was something that popped up when I wasn't expecting or looking for it, but from the moment that first e-mail reached my inbox, I've felt that gentle pull; the whisper to my heart that says, This is for you. Working from home will allow me to spend more time investing in some of the other things that are most important to me. Like my marriage. My home. My faith. And yes, photography.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel it's as if a certain restlessness within my soul has been quieted. I've been feeling unsettled lately as I can see some of the big changes in my life that will happen over the next couple of years, but have been very unsure about how I'm going to get there. And it's as if from one single moment, I'm reassured, once again, that my future lies in His hands. Silly me for ever worrying about it. 

I'm not sure where this road will eventually take me, but I'm looking forward to the next adventure that awaits. And excited that you'll be along for the ride. 

And because every blog post should always have a picture, I thought one from this fall season would be quite fitting:

Read more...

Kristen | Nashville Senior Photographer

One's senior year is an incredible gift. It marks a person's journey from youth into adulthood; the dawning of a new adventure. And the senior photo is a rite of passage. So when Kristen contacted me about doing hers, I was beside myself with excitement. She initially booked a mini-session with me, but once we were actually taking photos, I just couldn't stop. The light was perfect and Kristen was just stunning.

She's a beautifully gifted dancer and one heck of a photographer. And has a huge heart to serve people.

Although she's not sure what direction her life will take yet, she's looking into a degree in either communications, early childhood education or social work. With a minor in dance or photography, of course. As she was telling me all this, I could totally see her doing any one of those. How exciting to have all of those possibilities!

 Congratulations, Kristen. Whatever school you choose, they will be so lucky to have you!

Read more...

Henley | Columbia Children's Photographer

I think one of the most difficult things about parenthood, and I say this from the perspective of never having been a parent, so please bear with me, is choosing a name. A parent has to think long and hard about what to name their child. After all, a name is one thing a child will carry all his or her life. It's almost as if parents have the job of summing up an entire person's personality in a single name, before even having met their child. That's a lot of weight to carry. And yet, I know so many parents who have completed that task well. Thanks for setting the bar so high, by the way.

Take Henley, for example, the sweet and completely adorable little boy of John and Leslie. Before starting this blog post, I was curious to find out what the actually meaning of the name "Henley" was. For anyone who is obsessed with name significance, it means 'from the high wood' - but what I found particularly interesting was that several Web sites used the words "uncommon" and "rare" when describing the popularity of the name for boys.

And he truly is. Unique. Rare. An individual. However you want to describe him, John and Leslie picked the perfect name. Here is a little boy who so early on announced his appearance in this world. Whose sweet nature and joyful spirit make me smile every time I see him.  I feel so blessed to have been able to watch him grow and to learn from Leslie about his first steps and other milestones. And for being able to photograph some of these precious moments.

Read more...

Garden of Glass | Nashville Photographer at Cheekwood

My friend Leah is the coolest. Reason #2947 why I love being her friend is because she's a member at Cheekwood, Nashville's botanical gardens. They've had a Chihuly exhibit since May that I've been dying to go to, but haven't had a chance to due to my crazy schedule. So when Leah mentioned going (the girl has been there about a dozen times already to see the exhibit), I jumped at the chance. Especially since her membership allows her to bring in a guest for free. That's me!

I did have to warn her ahead of time...I've been known to spend hours at Cheekwood just photographing all the flowers. Add in stunning glass art and I knew that we'd be there for a while. But it's completely worth it. The art is incredible and I just wish I could do it more justice photographically. I also heard that the art is spectacular at night when it's all lit up. If you haven't had a chance to go see the exhibit, definitely take some time to do so. It will be there until the end of October.

Read more...