New Blog | Nashville Wedding Photographer

I've upgraded to a new blog and a new look. Don't miss out on what's been happening with Kimberly Barnes Photography!

Blog: www.blog.kimberlybarnesphotography.com
Website: www.kimberlybarnesphotography.com
Boudoir: www.unlockedboudoir.com

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Nico and Lala | Nashville Product Photographer

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs Nicole Speake and Lauren Staley of Nico and Lala, a Nashville-based design company that creates custom-designed invitations, paper products and a whole line of gift items. Not only are these girls full of personality and business savvy, but their lucite products are absolutely incredible! Don't take my word for it - take a look for yourself:

The magnetic lucite picture frame below is actually being featured on the Today Show Monday morning during Kathie Lee & Hoda's hour of the show. The frame is double-sided so you can customize it with a photo on one side and your favorite print on the other, or even put two photos in the same frame. For all you brides out there, this makes the perfect bridesmaid gift!

My absolute favorite products from Nico and Lala are their reversible serving trays. The design inserts are double-sided, so you can pick two different patterns and change the look around whenever you need to. They're so versatile!

Oh, and did I mention that they also have a holiday pack of reversible inserts so you can truly customize your tray for every holiday?

Nico and Lala's other products include the ice bucket pictured in one of the photos above, pencil/make-up brush holders, square catch-alls, wine chillers and salt and pepper shakers.

So head on over to www.nicoandlala.com and check out their stuff - especially their unbelievable invitation designs. Oh, and don't forget to watch them on Monday on the Today Show!

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Five Years Later | Personal

On June 17th, 2006, I put on a sparkly white dress and said goodbye to my single years, pledging my life and my love to my very best friend. Five incredible years later, we've been through one adventure after another, through heartache and loss, through life's blessings and joys - and I couldn't imagine having shared these experiences with anyone else. Happy Anniversary, my sweet husband.  Here's to many, many more years to come!

Photo taken by Brown Street Studios

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Photographers Redefined | Photography Resources

Jamie and I just got back from Jamaica this week and I'm sitting here trying to figure out where to start. I've got digital piles of all your photos waiting to be edited and blogged and I know I'm a little behind. Thanks so much for your patience while I've been in paradise. While I'm catching up on everything, I wanted to take a break from blogging to post something for my fellow photographers.

One of the things I love most about being a photographer in Nashville is the fantastic photography community that exists here. Perhaps it's due to the fact that there's so many of us, we can't help but find some common ground that extends beyond the viewfinder. Or maybe it's because of that good ol' southern hospitality that makes everyone so friendly. Whatever the reason, I've found that the people that make up this local community of photographers have quickly become mentors, collaborators and friends. 

In January, an online version of this community emerged. Photographers Redefined has quickly grown from our own little community of photographers to include those throughout the country and around the globe. Trust me - this is one resource that is well worth your time to be a part of. It's a place to give and receive input on your art and business. To find referrals and second shooters. It's a place to grow and connect. It even has a section to discuss all things non-photography-related, including a "confessions" post. As in, yes, I once had a massive crush on Taylor Hanson. Who didn't?

So if you're a photographer - just starting out or well-seasoned; Nikon or Canon; Widows or Mac; shooting portraits, weddings or anything in between - I encourage you to check out Photographers Redefined. You won't be disappointed.

And because every post is better with a photo, how about a little sneak peek from Lindsay and Kyle's swoon-worthy beach couples shoot in Jamaica?

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Today | Personal

Today is a special day for me. Because every year on this day, I get to celebrate the life of a woman who's taught me to be strong, independent and caring. She's showed me how to serve others unconditionally and what it looks like to live out your marriage vows, faithfully and completely. She's been more than I could ever ask for and all that I could ever hope to be.

Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!

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And The Winner Is...... | Contest

Congrats, Tannis! I can't wait for your photo shoot! I've e-mailed you the details.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Be on the lookout today for a special offer just for you - you won't want to miss it!

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Win FREE Photography | Photography Contest

Too busy celebrating the new year and haven't heard about the chance to win a free photo session? I'm taking entries up until 11 p.m. CST on Friday, January, 14. Click here to go to the original post to find out how to enter. I can't wait to hear about your plans for 2011!

And because a post isn't complete without at least one photo, here's a sneak peek of what's to come later this week on the blog.

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What's Your Resolution? | Contest

Tonight, the clock will ring midnight and people across the world will celebrate; some with fireworks, some arm-in-arm with their dearest love and others with a glass of champagne and a party hat. Or all of the above.

And tomorrow begins the annual ritual of resolution-making. I'm not typically a huge fan. After all, why is it that January seems to be the busiest months for gyms and it seems to taper off eventually? There's nothing worse than the feeling that you didn't accomplish your goal. Resolutions as promised determination to accomplish something are awesome. Resolutions for the sake of making them or for tradition, well, not so much. It's why I usually don't make them unless they're something I'm willing to work hard to achieve. Failure = Bad. My perfectionist little self can't stand it.

This year, Jamie and I are taking the leap and putting our New Year's resolution out there for the world to see. Literally. You see, a month ago, Jamie and I were sitting in our office when we realized that if and when we were ever blessed with a baby (no, we're not pregnant), we have no room for him or her. In this large house with only two people living in it, we have no room for a tiny little baby. We have too much stuff. Therefore, we have vowed to take the year, hopefully less, and go through the house, room by room, and get rid of everything we don't use or need. We started on our first room last night. And it feels gooood!

So now that you've heard my New Year's resolution, I want to hear yours. And there's something in it for you....a FREE photo shoot!

The fine print: The winning photo shoot can be redeemed for any type of shoot: couples/engagement, headshots, solo portraits, family, pets, children, maternity, newborn, boudoir, bridal session, etc. Pretty much whatever your glorious heart desires. Wedding photography is not eligible for this contest, but if you win and you are getting married, you can redeem your free photo shoot for a discount on your wedding photography. Photo shoot can take place anywhere in the Nashville surrounding areas. Travel costs are not included if the location you want for your photo shoot is elsewhere. Travel costs are especially negotiable if the location is any place I travel to frequently, i.e. New York City, Michigan, Wisconsin, St. Louis, etc.

So here's how you enter (hint, it's easy):

Leave a comment on this post sharing the one (or many) resolutions you have made for this new year. 

Yep. That's it. I'll accept entries until 11 p.m. CST on Friday, January 14. All the entries will be written on tiny pieces of paper and drawn out of a basket. The lucky winner will get a FREE photo shoot! What's not to love? 

Want additional entries? 

"Like" Kimberly Barnes Photography on Facebook and leave a comment that you did.

Suggest Kimberly Barnes Photography to your friends on Facebook. Keep track of everyone who becomes a fan and send me an e-mail here with the names of your friends. 

Share this post on your Facebook or Twitter and tag Kimberly Barnes Photography (Facebook) or kimberlywbarnes (Twitter) with the link.

Don't wait until the contest ends. Book your photo shoot now and get an additional entry plus first dibs on dates.

It's really that simple. I can't wait to see what's in store for all of you for the new year!

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Merry Christmas! | Nashville Photographer at Opryland Hotel

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, both because it's the season of giving (and cookies and baking and Santa and snow - sometimes - and Christmas trees and decoration and time with family and...) and because of the significance Christmas has in those of us who share a relationship with Jesus Christ. However this year, I feel all out of sorts since we traveled so much in November. I haven't done much baking and our sole Christmas decoration, a tree, - yes, purchased just this week - stands alone in its four feet of greatness. And most of all, I am just now getting my heart in order for Christmas carols and all their meaning, a candlelight service and celebration tomorrow. It's also why it is Christmas Eve and I'm finally getting some festive photos up here.

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville has always been well-known for its contribution to the holiday festivities. A must-see at any time of the year, around Christmas, the four gardens in the hotel are adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, poinsettias and giant decorations hanging from the ceiling. This year is perhaps more poignant that most, considering that Opryland just recently reopened after being heavily renovated after our May 2010 flood. So for those of you who aren't Nashvillians, I bring a little piece of our Christmas to you:

Have a gloriously wonderful Christmas and I'll see you next year!

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National Zoo | Washington D.C. Travel Photographer

When I heard that the girls wanted to go to the zoo, I just had to chime in. Me, me, oh me too, please! I just love going to the zoo, seeing all the different animals and learning different facts about them. It's so much fun to let the otters put on a show for you or watch an orangutan make his bed before he takes a nap. Even better when your 8-year-old niece can teach you what she's learning about invertebrates and other animals. The chilly weather just couldn't keep us away from spending a day at the National Zoo.

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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:

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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.

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