Warner Family: Sneak Peek

I'm in the middle of editing this session, but I couldn't resist posting a few. 

Jones Family

My brother and sister-in-law are expecting a baby in late October or early November. This will be their third boy. THIRD BOY... no girls. I'm sure that causes a lot of anxiety, because... well, it's THREE BOYS!

But when I met the Jones family a couple weeks ago, I automatically got SO excited. These three boys were so hilarious. They were so close in age, and it was obvious they all loved each other. While they may be a handful, mom and dad wouldn't have it any other way!

Hufnagel Family

Who doesn't love a family with two precious little girls? We had so much fun! Dad is a graphic designer, and was full of creativity. Mom was just so cool and laid back. And the girls were just a handful of fun!

It was so nice to meet all of you! I hope you enjoy the pictures. Thanks for a fun morning!

Long Family

I was editing these pictures and my husband looked at me and said "You're doing pictures for them again?" I told him "Yes, hon... that's what happens when you have a baby. You take their pictures regularly."

But seriously- Faith and her family have supported me from before I even started my business. The Longs were one of my first sessions and Faith has believed in me from the beginning.

Faith, I know I say it a lot, but thank you for everything. I look forward to the rest of Caleb's first year sessions. He's such a cutie. I'm SO happy for you and your family.

Tipton Family: Sneak Peek

I'm getting ready to head out of town, where I won't have access to the internet. I'll be back Sunday, but wanted to give The Tipton Family a sneak peek of their session before I leave.

You guys, if I don't finish them tonight- I PROMISE I'll have them to you on Sunday! Thanks so much for being patient. You guys were fantastic!!

Paris Sessions: Part 1

This time two years ago, I was working as a tv news producer for the morning show at WMC-TV here in Memphis. As producers, it was our job to do a LOT of planning. But we all knew that the plans could always change at any given moment- depending on what news was going to break or what the unpredictable Memphis weather would do.

So, we had a saying that was used frequently among the producers, "Remember, don't fall in love with the plan."

Well, I made the biggest mistake of all when I headed up to Paris, TN for a day packed with mini-sessions... I fell in love with the plan.

I had it timed perfectly.... 12 sessions from 9:00 AM to 4:00 pm. They would happen in 30 minute increments and I would have an hour for lunch. It was PERFECTION.

Unfortunately, mother nature had other plans. About 3 sessions in, the bottom fell out of the sky and it poured ALL DAY LONG- until 4:00. Luckily, as every good producer knows, you have to have a backup plan. So, I'll be returning to Paris in August to make up the 9 sessions that got rained out. So, let's just hope my backup plan works out, because unfortunately, I don't have a backup for my backup.

In the meantime, here's a peek at the 3 mini-sessions I DID get to do that day!

Thanks guys!

Shepherd Family:








Atkins Family:


I just need to stop and say that I LOVE red hair, especially with freckles. Is this not the cutest?!?!?












Armstrong Family:

Our Baby's First Photo

This is the first of what I can only imagine will be hundreds of pictures to surface on this website of this kid.... I'm 12 weeks pregnant, so we still don't know if it's a boy or girl.

What we do know:

1. He/She appears to be very healthy
2. He/She has REALLY long legs (any surprises there??)

My due date is February 6, so I will be limited in what I can do photography-wise from about Mid-January through March 15 or so.

If you were planning on contacting me for a shoot during that time, please do and we can work out some arrangements. I have a fantastic photographer friend of mine who will be willing to work with me to help you!

The Eason Family

This was my second time to work with the Eason Family. I always LOVE seeing how much the newborns I photographed have changed in such a small amount of time. One of the greatest thing about being a photographer is getting to meet these families and hear their stories. The Eason Family is a great example of that.

Thank you guys for being SO inspiring! I hope you enjoy!

Hurdle Family

When I first started the photography business, I was terrified of newborn shoots. I'm not sure why. I don't know if it's their fragile quality or if I couldn't figure out where to place them to photograph them, but now they are one of my favorite types of sessions! I think I've said this before, but I love watching new parents trying to figure out their new family. It's a neat thing to be able to watch and capture.

The Hurdle Family was SO great. Thank you guys so much. Your little girl is one lucky lady!

When Joanna and I were in high school, we saved up all our money until we had enough to purchase all the equipment we needed for our dark room. We used my parent's attic to develop our pictures. We would spend hours up there working. 

One thing I never imagined was the day one of us would have children, and the two of us would be working together to capture those special newborn pictures. When Joanna and I were sitting in her living room floor last week, trying to mold Lily into the positions we wanted for her pictures- all those memories came back to me. I'm so blessed to have a friend like Jo that I can share so many of my passions with. 

She and Joey have been incredible parents to Ella and Seth and I know Lily will feel the same way. In fact, the first time I met about two weeks ago, I said to her, "you have no idea how lucky you are yet." And I mean that with all my heart. 

Thanks Jo! I'm so excited for your new journey. 

Susan and Jay: Part 1 (The Storm)

Susan said to me upon arriving at the reception hall (where we were scheduled to do pictures before the ceremony), "I heard once the more things that go wrong on your wedding day, the better your marriage will be."

If that's the case, there's no doubt in my mind this marriage will weather any storm.

Susan said that to me, after she arrived at the reception hall, just as the rain began to fall and a bridesmaid was struggling with a broken zipper. But none of us were prepared for what was about to happen next.

Once or twice a year, Memphis gets a big storm. These storms usually involve tornados, hail, the loss of power, and high winds. That's exactly what happened on June 12, 2009- about two hours before Susan and Jay were set to get married. It happened exactly at the time pictures were supposed to start.

As we hid out in the gorgeous, farm-like reception hall, the power went out, the rain increased, winds picked up, power lines began to snap and tree branches began to fall.

The storm lasted about an hour and a half. As we got ready to drive to the church, we received word that roads were blocked, the preacher was stuck in traffic and the reception AND chapel were both out of power.

Most couples would have began to panic, upset their special day was being ruined. But not Susan and Jay. They kept their eyes focused on one another, creating one of the most special moments I've ever witnessed. These two stood together by candlelight, stripped of everything our world has learned to function with (electricity, lights, air conditioner, roads, etc.), vowing to serve and love one another for the rest of their lives. It was truly magical. 

Susan and Jay, I'm so sorry your special day was not what you planned, but I'm so happy I got to witness the love you two have for each other. There's no doubt in my mind that the two of you are perfect for each other. I know your day didn't go as planned, but it was one of the most special weddings I've ever attended. I was honored to be a part of it. 

I'll be posting this wedding in chapters- beginning with the storm.  There will be more pictures soon.

Because I'm not Busy Enough As It Is...

... I saw this survey on my friend, Anne-Camille's blog, and since I'm a sucker for reading and filling these things out... here you go! :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:45
2. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Proposal. H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!!
4. What is your favorite TV Show? Hmmm... too many. Maybe "Brothers and Sisters"
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Coffee
6. What is your middle name? Used to be Jean, but now it is Shackelford
7. What food do you dislike? Oatmeal
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? James Morrison
9. What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Cobalt
10. Favorite sandwich? A panini with chopped chicken, mozzarrella and pesto. I've only had it once in a place in Scotland, but I'm dying to find another sandwich similar here in town.
11. Characteristic you despise? Despise is a harsh word, since no one is perfect. BUT- it always bugs me when people aren't just REAL-- and spend too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks.
12. Favorite item of Clothing? Jeans- HANDS DOWN.
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Australia
14. Are you an organized person? YES AND NO- I have my moments
15. What if you got abducted by aliens? This question confuses me a bit
16. What was your most memorable birthday? Probably the one where Zach propsed
17. What are you going to do when you finish this? Make a presentation I'm dreading with all my heart
18. When is your birthday? October 20
19. Morning person or a night person? Night
20. What is your shoe size? 9 1/2
21. Pets? Chocolate Lab named Bear, Golden Retriever named Bryant, and a cat named Precious. Yes, they are all inside pets, and yes, we live in a very small starter home.
22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Ummm... I'm pregnant for all of you who don't already know that.
23. What did you want to be when you were little? Olympic Swimmer
24. How are you today? A little overwhelmed, but feeling upbeat and good
25. What is your favorite flower? Gerber Daisy
26. What is a day on the calendar to which you are looking forward to? August 28 when Sydney comes and visits again
27. What are you listening to right now? Typing at my office
28. What was the last thing you ate? An egg mcmuffin from McDonald's
29. Do you wish on stars? no
30. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Red
31. How is the weather right now? Overcast.
32. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My grandmother
33. Favorite soft drink? Sprite
34. Favorite restaurant? Too Many to Choose From
35. Haircolor? Brown.
36. What was your favorite toy as a child? My typewriter- yes I was THAT kid.
37. Summer or Winter? Winter
38. Fish-Fresh Water or Salt? Fresh water.
39. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla- always
40. Coffee or tea ? Coffee!
41. When was the last time you cried? While watching The Rookie on TBS Sunday
42. What is under your bed? Duffle Bags
43. What did you do last night? Edited pictures, emailed clients, turned out the lights and snuggled with my hubbie by candlelight (sounds cheezy... I know, but it's true)
44. What are you afraid of? Hmmm... the unpredictable
45. Salty or sweet? Sour- actually
46. How many keys on your key ring? 7
47. How many years at your current job? Sales and Marketing- 1 1/2 years, Photographer- 1 year
48. Favorite day of the week? Thursday
49. Do you make friends easily? Usually
50. Three jobs I have had in my life: Working at a dry cleaners, a nanny, and a news producer (and those are just three of about 10).
51. Three places I have lived: Oakland, TN, Jackson, TN, and Missoula, MT (for about 2 1/2 months)
52. Three countries I have been: Spain, Norway, Brazil, Turkey (I had to do four- sorry).
53. Three places I have been this week: Paris, TN.. Jackson, TN and Work.. a
54. Three likes: Music, Movies and Family!
55. Three people who e-mail me regularly: Jennifer L., my sister-in-laws, Tami and Jennifer.
56. Three places I'd rather be right now: With my family overseas, on vacation anywhere, or at home in bed with my dogs (after they've been showered) and Zach
57. Three things I am looking forward to this year: Being a mom, vacationing with my husband, and quitting my 7:00-5:00 job in October.

Thomas Family

I'm obviously WAY behind on blogging. This is my seventh post today, and I still have MANY more to come. Whew!

This is the Thomas Family. When Amy contacted me, I was a little nervous, since she's also a photographer. She does weddings occasionally and of course takes plenty pictures of her little girl. She emailed me so I could do some family pictures for her.

Thanks Amy! I've really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few weeks. I can feel it- there are GREAT things ahead for your family. ;)

Sharp Family

I'd been talking back and forth on the phone to this mom for awhile. After a little rain and a combination of busy schedules, we were finally able to get together for their shoot.

Thanks, Tiffany! You guys were SO great.

Jodi+Tom

I'm shooting Jodi and Tom's wedding in August. I had not had the opportunity to meet them until their engagement shoot a few weeks ago. I went home and told my husband, "I met the sweetest couple today. It was SO obvious how in love they were."

I am SO honored to be able to help you both capture this special time in your lives.

Thanks so much!

The Banks Family

Katie and I went to school together at Union, but unfortunately never got the opportunity to get to know each other well. She lives here in Memphis now, and I've loved having the opportunity to get to know her better over the past month. We have a mutual friend, and the three of us met up on a Friday morning for this shoot. We battled the heat and the bugs, but over all- I think it was worth it. She has the two most precious girls, and it was a delight to be able to photograph them.

Thanks, Katie! Hopefully, we won't need a photo shoot to get us together next time.

Anderson Family

I met the Anderson Family at their home to take some pictures of their family, and little Haddie. As you can see, they have another little one on the way as well. They are waiting until the delivery to find out if they're having a boy or girl. I love their patience. You guys were SO great. I wish you the best of luck!

The Keegan Family

You may remember this family from their maternity shoot from last month during Mom's maternity session. Now this family of three is a family of four! I was SO excited to meet their new addition. 









Love this!

The Ussery Family

I met the Ussery Family at their home to photograph this sweet girl at 3 months old.

This was my first time meeting this family, but it was instantly obvious how much they loved each other and their little girl. 




Thank you guys so much for everything! Your family is absolutely precious.

I'm in the process of editing pictures from a recent session, when I came across this picture. It made me laugh because it's SO typical of what goes on during most of my sessions.

I recently did a shoot for a mom who said to me "You always talk on your blog about how much fun you have during your sessions. I'm going to be so embarrassed if my kids are the only ones who get fussy and upset."

I told her "Are you kidding? If I make it through a session where the kids DON'T break down- it's impressive. That's what makes it fun. I usually have to work with the parents to try to come up with creative ways to try to make them happy again, and we usually end up acting silly to do it."

While this is not "too silly," I liked the picture, because I rarely ever get to grab pictures while we're in the process of cheering up a baby.

I'll have much more from this session soon.

**By the way, in case you're wondering- this is prune juice. This little sweetie was having tummy troubles, and the parents were using prune juice to help.

The Wood Family

Before they ever met, Mom went to Texas A&M in college, and Dad played basketball at a small college here in the Southeast. After college, they both ended up in Memphis, and met at a bible study at Bellevue Baptist Church. Now, they are married, have turned into a family of three, and have SO much to smile about.

This family was ALL love. The way they cared about each other was so clear. They laughed and played the entire time, despite the suffocating heat.

Melanie and Brad, thank you so much for letting me spend a couple of hours with you guys. I had such a great time with you and your precious little man!

The Armstead Family

This family could not be any cuter or any sweeter. I seriously wanted to take these boys home with me, they were SO precious. I can only imagine how much time they must spend laughing and smiling in their home.









This pictures is SO sweet to me, it makes me want to cry a little...


Oh wait, this one too...

Burchett Family

You may recognize Lilliana from last December from their family shoot OR from her birthday shoot later that month. I was so happy to be able to photograph Lilliana again, this time with her extended family. This is such a fun group of people. Lilliana is definitely a blessed little girl to be surrounded by this group all the time! 

Gish Family

I first met the Gish Family last October when I did Sarah's Maternity Shoot. Since then, I've done Segen's newborn pictures, 3 month pictures, and now six month pictures. This Gish Family is getting ready to move, so this will probably wrap up our shoots together. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them, and watching these two as they grow up. 

Thanks you guys for everything.