Katie | Stevens Point Wisconsin Portrait Photographer

Sweet Katie. As I sat across the table from my friend after her mini-session, I couldn't help but notice how animated she was as she told me about her plans for the future, her dreams; her voice filled with excitement and her heart overflowing with passion. Katie and I have been friends for years, brought together by a love for all things music, but it was easy to see that something was different about her. 

This past year or so in Katie's life has been spent on self-discovery, building confidence and falling in love. Discovering who she is and who she wants to be. Finding assurance in her growing talent. Loving every moment opera has played in her life. And it shows. There are some incredible opportunities and changes happening in Katie's life right now. There's no doubt that big things are in store for this pretty girl.  

Can't wait to hear all about the journey, Katie!

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Kendra | Chicago Portrait Photographer

There were four of us. Part of the notorious "'K' Group" in a certain 2nd grade Sunday school class. Kendra, Kim, Kirstin and Krista. With a few honorary members whose names started with other, less k-like, letters of the alphabet. We were the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants from a small Wisconsin town...well, without the pants. Friends who overcame the silent treatment of elementary school and teenage drama to remain in each others' lives, despite the challenges of change and distance.

So when my husband announced he would be heading out of town with some of the guys, I jumped at the opportunity to reconnect. Kendra moved to Chicago a couple of years ago and she just thrives on the fast-paced city life and all that it has to offer. And for a weekend, we slipped back into the comfortableness of our friendship, as if time and distance had never even existed. 

Kendra's always had a strong gift for teaching. She now uses her talent as a Zumba instructor and personal trainer. While in Chicago, I had my first Zumba experience and I can tell you - I now get what all the hype is about.  Maybe it's taking a class from someone who knows exactly what she's doing -  who you can tell loves every second she's in front of a class - or who's so attentive that she knows who needs the extra push to work a little bit harder or who needs the extra help (me!) to get it right. Whatever it is, it's clear to anyone who steps foot into Kendra's often overflowing classes that this girl is so hard not to love and is completely in her element. 

Kendra made the mistake of mentioning that she wanted headshots at some point. That desire turned into a two-day event in Kendra's neighborhood and around Chicago. In my defense, I say that it was not due to my shutter-happy self, but because of the windy city's freezing temperatures. Oh, yes. And wind. How ironic. Regardless, I find the results absolutely stunning, because I find Kendra as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside. Here's the proof:

Some people are destined to be lifelong friends. It's just a matter of fact. So, Kendra, you're stuck with me, whether you like it or not.

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Leslie | Franklin Portrait Photographer

This winter in Nashville has been inconveniently uncooperative. I've missed basking in the sunshine and being free of wearing layers upon layers to stay warm. Says the girl from Wisconsin. That's why at the first hint of a nice day in February, I convinced my friend Leslie to get outside with me for some headshots. And we weren't disappointed. 

Some of the things I love about Leslie are her absolute joy and fun-loving personality. I think we were able to get a glimpse of that in these photos, which is probably why I like them so much.

A beautiful day + a gorgeous friend + her fantastic wardrobe = well...just see for yourself:

This set below were definitely some of my favorites.

Her eyes. I just can't get over how incredible they are.

Now the only question is, which one should she use for her album cover??

Thanks again, Leslie, for the fabulous time!

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Laura Joy | Franklin Portrait Photography

There are just some people you meet and you instantly know that your life will never be the same. Laura Joy and I met at the airport before we embarked on one of the greatest adventures of our lives. Almost six years ago now (and I can't believe it's been that long ago already), she and I traveled with a number of other Belmont students to Spain for six months. In the 8-hour plane ride to Madrid, Laura Joy and I discovered just how much we had in common, right down to the annoyingly unique bumps on our noses. 

So for six weeks, we traveled together, discovered new foods together, stepped back into history together, shopped together, cried together - even lived in the same flat together. With our awesome host mother - a cute little old lady with pink hair. Seriously. Upon returning to the States, we decided that we didn't want to lose the friendship we'd made.

Here she is, one of my dearest friends:

Laura Joy is a fabulous teacher, fiercely dedicated to her students. She's also a model (uh, can you tell?) and owns her own business, Building Perceptions, that offers things like media production, Web design and computer repair (PC-only, which makes Mac people like myself very, very sad). 

So going along with her passion for videography and modeling, it's no surprise that LJ has a closet full of costumes. The gloves in the photos above got her a gig in Lady Antebellum's music video for "Lookin' for a Good Time". (Front and center in the crowd). And the 60's dress in the photos below? Owned, worn and preserved by Joy Palma, LJ's equally-as-beautiful mother. My mom got rid of anything this cool, including those knee-high boots that she would never have let me leave the house wearing.

 

I should mention that the butterfly ring LJ's wearing in the photo above is one of the many souvenirs we brought back with us from our trip to Spain. The trip was one giant adventure, but this little baby had us speaking with the Spanish police. It's a long story, but let's just say that we were incredibly thankful for a sweet shop lady who befriended us and bridged the language gap.

I'm thankful for this friendship. I just have to think....where would we be if we hadn't sat next to each other on that flight to Spain?

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Ken | Spring Hill Portrait Photographer

Growing up with an older brother always seemed pretty awesome. He always had the coolest LEGOs and, when he wasn't looking, his G.I. Joes made PERFECT dates for my Barbies. Hunky AND in uniform? Seriously. More importantly are the things one learns from having an older brother. Like the fact that Goonies never say, "die"; time travel is totally achievable, especially if one owns a DeLorean; a Magwai is the cutest pet ever....unless you happen to expose him to light, water or feed him after midnight; and Indiana Jones really did eat monkey brains. Ick. Sensing a theme here?

So here he is, all grown up and adult-like. Web site entrepreneur, writer and knowledgeable of all things technological. World-traveled, care-free and with an incredible sense of humor. And best of all...my big brother. I think that's cause for some new head shots, don't you?

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