You don't ever get these moments back.  After she blows those candles out, she'll never be four years old again.  Kisses on your hands, on your face, on your lips - the way she lays her head against your chest - the longing she has to be just like you... it all can be remembered clearly.  Documenting your child's growth is so much more than a picture in front of a generic backdrop. Even though these portraits are beautiful, a child sitting on a bench or wearing a cute hat ... doesn't instantly make that image priceless for you.  Your little boy is yours - that is what makes him special to you.

Fill your home with photographs showing him with the prop that truly makes an image priceless...  YOU

Photographing relationships (whether a mother & daughter outing like this one or a bride and groom on their wedding day) is so exciting!  I feel energized as I photography these sessions, seeing the body language between people who truly love each other, and recording it for them to hold on to forever.

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Relationship session:  {Nikita & Lilly}

I LOVED hanging out with Nikita and her daughter Lilly (and Lilly's little brother Roman) for a couple hours.  These girls were a blast, and very photogenic.  We hungout in the studio for a bit, doing some black on black, showing off their beautiful brown and bronze skin.  Lilly was all smiles, and showing off all the special touches and gestures of love she has with her mom.  They were full of kisses (Lilly especially loves kissing her mom's hands) and cuddles.

After the studio shoot, we were off to a wonderful little park in Murfreesboro, TN called Gateway Island.  We had a blast trying to stay away from the ducks (she's got some crazy attacking duck stories... I say they just love her good looks and are going after her all the wrong way - like school boys when they have crushes).  We had some fun taking pictures on the bridge, around some columns, by the waterfall and in a field... and in the end, not a single new duck attack story for Nikita to add to her list.  *Phew!*

Ahhh! The world of fashion photography - with no limits to the creative mind!  It allows its participants to be as inventive as possible, while creating a nearly instant feeling of accomplishment (upon seeing those photos).  In every corner of the world wide web you'll find HOW TO articles, lists, guides... those that discuss fashion shoots usually stand as instructions to the photographer or model, helping prepare them for their first fashion shoot.  BUT WHAT ABOUT the original brain of the operation?  At some point, the photo shoot experience is something new for the designer too.

•  Plan ahead - talk with your photographer and models about the line, your vision and inspiration, the message you hope to portray, and what kind of photos you hope to achieve.  Show them samples, open your portfolio.  Let them see inside your mind.  Showing your style to collaborative partners will increase your chance of loving the final product (in this case, the photos).

• Choose the pieces ahead of time - be selective!  Don't bring everything.  It's like going on a trip - don't pack 20 shirts if 8 will be enough.  Only bring pieces that best highlight your goals.  Don't leave this decision to the last minute.  And have all the pieces in order, so there are no last minute adjustments during the session.

*Be on time or early - this may seem obvious to many, but it must be brought up and kept as a priority.

*Stay calm during the session.  Nervousness, worry, and stress are contagious.  A nervous model will lead to lower quality photographs of your life's work.

*Speak up!  If you feel like a shot is all wrong, don't wait until proofing the final images to say something.  Mention your ideas during the session.  Feel open to speak - you're paying for it.

•  After you've given your insight, give the photographer and model some space to accomplish it.

• Take a quick break if needed - stepping out (to take a short call, grab a drink, etc...) will help the models and photographer feel like you trust them.
• Smile!  The world is a better place when you do.