A beautiful fall evening with the Jackson family. I just love you guys and look forward to spending time with you each year. <3
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Knoxville photographer
Trying to get myself back in the swing of blogging because I have had so many amazing family sessions this year. So I’m gonna start by sharing this one. I met this family at home and hung out with them there followed by a walk at their farm. It was a sweet and slow evening and just really the most beautiful thing you can imagine. Enjoy.
There is absolutely no place like home. There is no place you're more comfortable and more yourself. I love to photograph clients at home and I loved hanging with this sweet family on a balmy East Tennessee summer night and getting to freeze a little slice of their special place for them. They instantly made me feel comfortable and at home. My favorite kind of people. <3 Enjoy.
For this month's 10 on 10 I am sharing something totally new for me. I took a film course with Ashley Crawford this past month and I wanted to share some of my film captures from my first two rolls. I have wanted to learn film for a very long time and after meeting Ashley this spring for some headshots and falling even more in love with her work, I had to get in on her next workshop. It has been so much fun for me creatively. It requires me to slow down and take in my scene even more so that my images tell the story's I intend. I feel so stingy with each click of my shutter so that's something that I'm getting used to but I really like how it makes me think. Film isn't something I plan on doing for clients but I love it for personal work because it's so timeless and BONUS! no editing! yay for more time with my family! I am looking so forward to diving more into film in the coming months, so here are some shares from my first 2 rolls!
Head on over to my friend Mary Colleen, who happens to be AMAZING with film and such an inspiration to me! Go check her post out here!
Hey Friends! Here are some of my favorite moments from this past month. Continue on around by going to my friend Breanna's post. I always love seeing her Alaskan adventures.
Last month I got to spend the morning with the sweetest family photographing them as they settle in to life as a family of four. I love watching these new dynamics in families as they adjust to a new baby. Big sister eagerly waiting for each and every chance to help mama cuddle, kiss and shush her new brother. Such an honor as always to get to document this time for this family. <3
I have come to look so forward to this post every month. I love getting to look back over our personal photos and carve out a little time to be creative just for myself and my family. This month has been filled with the usual slower rhythm of winter. A bit more time spent here at home focusing on school and being together before the business of Spring arrives. I always feel like these first couple of months of the year are spent with a lot of time reflecting on the past year and casting a vision for the current year. Aaron and I want to spend a bit less time looking at our phones and being more intentional with our time, reading and being more present with the children. A dear friend and client of mine passed away unexpectedly last week and her death has even solidified my desire for intentionality. She was a complete inspiration. She DID live intentionally. Her life was a testimony of God's love and faithfulness. She was an encouragement to all those who knew her and she left a legacy of love for her husband and children. Our hearts are broken for her husband and children, so would you please join me in praying for them and asking God to comfort their hearts?
This year, I've made a commitment to get in the frame once a week. After this past week's loss of my friend Lexi, I've never felt more the infinite value of a photograph. So I am so thankful to have this challenge to be in the frame with my children more. I hope you'll head on around the circle and check out the rest of the ladies in 10 on 10 group. You can head over to my friend Cris's blog and check out her gorgeous work.
I have always dreamed of photographing a family in the snow. Snow is so rare and magical here in Tennessee that we can't plan for this type of session and even when it happens we can't garantee that we can make it to one another because of road conditions. But a couple of weeks ago it all worked out and I couldn't be more happy about it. I CANNOT wait to meet this little guy here in the next few weeks and see this sweet pair become a family of 3. Congrats Waring family!
Happy December and Merry Christmas you guys! The past month has felt like a blur but I have so enjoyed being busy wrapping up client work and looking forward to my "slower" season(haha) and focusing in on my people and celebrating the birth of our Savior this month. I have always loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas season but children have a way of making it so very magical. I hope you are enjoying these days with the ones you love and cherish. I'm so very thankful for this group of women that spur me on to share images of my family on my blog. I hope you'll continue around the circle and visit my friend Min's blog where she shares her life in Kuala Lupur, Malaysia. Her work is stunning and I love seeing through her lens.
Merry Christmas Everyone! I thought it would be so fun to put together a little style and holiday gift guide this year to give you (or your spouse) some great gift ideas and tips on holiday styling from Nicole and some photo related gift ideas from me. I asked Nicole to give us the scoop on some of her favorite trends this holiday season to have you looking amazing at your parties and get togethers as well as a few gift ideas thrown in the mix as well from she and I both! So, without further ado, here we go!
We'll start with Nicole's picks for this holiday season's trends. Get your pen and paper! You're gonna want to take notes. :)
Fashion this holiday season is rich in color and full of texture and movement. Leather, sequins, velvet and lace are among the many options. Pieces in these fabrics can be real statement makers! It’s important to style them with something that will keep you looking on trend without looking over done. Try pairing a classic sweater with a sequin skirt or pants to create the perfect balance. Layer a leather jacket over a romantic lace dress for a fun bit of edge. Pair leather pants with a flannel top or classic sweater. Add bold earrings and knee high boots to an understated sweater and denim outfit. Lastly, if your outfit is looking a little bland, add a pop of rich festive color with your handbag, shoes or lip and nail color.
Here are some suggestions...
1. Kat Von D lipstick to add that pop of red!
OR
2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac is such a versatile bag. You can wear it as a clutch, cross body or shoulder bag. They come in a ton of styles and colors and 2 sizes. The right amount of edge and boho in one bag.
3. Kendra Scott lariat or any lariat style necklace is the perfect accessory to wear with a low, v-neckline.
OR
4. Kendra Scott Elle Earrings come in many colors and are a perfect statement earring to add to an understated outfit.
5. Lucky Brand Hoops add sparkle and edge to any classic style sweater.
6. Swedish Hasbeens Bordeaux or Oxblood color shoes or boots are a gorgeous way to add a festive pop of color to an outfit.
OR
7. Silence and Noise Metallic Jacket is one of so many options when considering a leather jacket. Leather jackets add a layer of warmth, edge, color, etc. I could go on for days why I think every woman needs one in her life.
And if you're looking for some new makeup or accessories to update your look or need a gift idea, here are some of Nicole's top 10 faves...
1. Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics eyeshadow palette is my everyday, go to palette. A little tip: depending on your eyebrow color, there’s a couple shades you can use to fill those in.
2. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector is a universally flattering highlighting product. It can be used on all the areas you want to highlight. Pop a dab of this in the inner corner of your eyes, to instantly open and brighten.
3. TOCCA Stella perfume…where have you been all my life? Blood orange and soft florals make this my everyday, all day scent.
4. Maybelline Fit Me Poreless Foundation is a must try if you have combination/oily, large pored skin. It’s so affordable, yet offers the same results that much higher end brands offer. Plus you save even more since you don’t need an additional powder to finish.
5. Dior Addict Lip Balm is AMAZING! It’s definitely a splurge item, but sooooooo worth it!
6. Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler is such a great gift idea. Get one for yourself while you’re at it! They are super fun!
7. Swedish Hasbeens Clogs range in many different styles, colors and heel heights. Stellar quality, incredibly comfy and simply gorgeous. Amazon always has great prices ranging from $30 and up.
8. HOBO Lauren Wallet has been a staple of mine for years. This beauty can also be used as a clutch for quick trips to the store or a date night.
9. Rebecca Minkoff Gold Facetted Earrings are my everyday earring. They are understated and edgy. I’m a big fan of this designers jewelry and handbags!
10. Trader Joe’s Lavender Salt Scrub is soooooo amazing. If you’ve never checked your neighborhood TJ’s bath and body products shelf, you should. This product is one of many worth trying.
For the photography lovers!
If you're looking to treat yourself or someone you love this Christmas with a photography related gift, I've got you covered. Just read on...
For anyone, friends or family....
In my opinion, there is nothing like holding a beautiful print in your hand, or seeing your images displayed proudly in your home or work space. For this I love prints, calendars, or photo albums by Artifact Uprising. I like to wrap gifts for family members in kraft paper and tie their square prints on with twine for a personal touch. You can even print your iphone photos straight from their app. The print quality is great and I love that they are printed on thick Mohawk Eggshell matte paper. Think cardstock. They are just gorgeous.
For the budding photographer...
I get asked all the time what camera to start with and what lens if you are wanting to start learning to take better photos of your kids. I am a Canon girl so if you're going to go with Canon, I recommend starting out with one of their Rebel series cameras. I also recommend skipping the kit lens (the lens that comes in the bundle) and purchase a body only then buy a "nifty fifty" aka the 50mm f1.8. This lens has a fixed aperture and is a great economical lens to get started with. It's fast, sharp, versatile and will give you that nice creamy background you like seeing in photos since it's aperture opens up to 1.8.
So, now you might be asking yourself what does that mean? What's aperture? How do I shoot in manual mode? What's exposure? How do I take good photos of my kids? Well, I'll be covering all that and more in my Photo Class for Mamas. My first class will be end of January and I should be emailing newsletter subscribers first next week to get you more info and book spots. Yay! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get all the info when it drops. This is a great gift idea for mama so she can learn to use her fancy camera. :)
Another favorite of mine for everyday photographers is my Darby Mack camera bag insert. I take my camera with me when we're out a lot. And if you're like me, you don't want a big old bag that screams "I have an expensive camera in here!" haha! But at the same time, you want your gear to be protected. This bag insert is perfect because it protects your gear and you can slip it into any bag, even your diaper bag. I've had mine for a couple of years and it has held up beautifully. I love that it has room for a camera with a lens attached as well as another lens, sd cards and batteries.
For everyone....
There is nothing like giving someone the gift of memories with their family. Whether it's a family session, an in home Beautiful Everyday session or a newborn session, the photographs of your family are a gift that will always increases in value to you and your loved ones over time. So, if you or someone you love has been wanting a session with me and or styling with Nicole, you can purchase gift certificates in any amount. 2017 is booking quickly so I'd love to see you in the new year!
I hope these tips and suggestions have been helpful and feel free to pass them along to someone who might be on the lookout for a gift for you! We won't tell. ;) Have a great Christmas season!
Blessings,
Bethany
I can't believe another month has passed since out last 10 on 10! Aaron and I are always saying you have no idea how fast time flies until you have children and begin to watch them grow. Seriously though! This past month has been really been a lot of fun in our house. We had our first over night trip as a family of 6 on a mini vacation, had several fun homeschool field trips and have FINALLY begun to welcome fall. The weather is beginning to cool down and the leaves are beginning to change. I started taking clients again regularly since having Corinne, so once again our family is adjusting to a new rhythm. I certainly don't juggle all these things well most days. At best, it's some sort of organized chaos over here. Our house is usually a mess and the laundry is always piled high. But I feel our home is filled with love and laughter and so much Grace upon Grace upon Grace. And for us, that's what we can handle right now. We're thankful for Jesus and each other, Amen. haha! Thanks so much for coming over to my blog to see some of my favorite images from this month.
Head on over to my friend Kristi Burton's blog to see her 10 on 10 this month. Her post is filled with beautiful fall images and her adorable family.
I just love getting to watch a family grow. When you have your first baby and you experience love like you've never know before, it's hard to believe that our hearts and love can expand even more as our family grows, but it does! In new and beautiful ways. Seeing your baby become a big brother and seeing them fall in love with their sibling is one of the sweetest things on this earth. I loved documenting this sweet family's newborn session for them and seeing them as they experience this very thing. A brand new love. Congrats Martin Family!
