Ryg Family | Knoxville Family Photographer

I’ve been photographing this family for several years and I can say fully that every time I’m with them is so incredible. Mostly because their mama, Sarah, always shows up with zero pretense and her children follow suit. It always feels so easy to get into a groove photographing them because they show me who they are from the minute I get out of my car. She is the kind of mother you would invite over for coffee and know that you didn’t have to pick up your house but that you could just clear a spot on your couch, relax instantly and feel seen. And when she left you would feel less alone in this motherhood gig. This is how I feel when I’m with her and her family and really, isn’t that just an incredible accomplishment? But this is just who she is and I’m so happy I get to photograph them. I got to spend a beautiful chilly late fall evening with them on their farm this year and I am so excited to share it with you all today. Enjoy!

Baird Motherhood | Knoxville Family Photographer

Perhaps the reason you are drawn to flowers is not only for their outer beauty, but because they remind you beautiful things will bloom after the longest seasons of waiting. -Morgan Harper Nichols

I met Kelcy almost 2 years ago when I photographed her family at home and I got to catch up with her and her boys this Spring for a motherhood session. We had the most relaxed time together and I loved getting to see her in her element loving her sweet children. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. <3

Bessom Family at home on the farm | Knoxville Family Photographer

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln

I have photographed this family for years and each time is special but this time was even more so. That’s because I got to photograph them on their new farm. I’ve seen and heard them dreaming about this since we met and to see them in this space that’s been talked and dreamed about for so long was so beautiful to me. I love that they are seeking a life for their family where their days are filled with homesteading, farm chores, chickens and goats and long walks to the fire pit, watching sunsets on the pond and most importantly, each other. I hope you love these photos of the Bessom family at home on their farm as much as I do.

If you’d love for me to capture your family at home where you’re comfortable and you and your kids let your guard down. Where all the beauty of the mundane and real living take place, I would love for us to talk about a session together this year. You can drop me a line here and we can chat!

Montgomery Family | Knoxville Family Photographer

The simplest of days, the sweetest moments. Nothing fancy or fussy which is exactly how it should be. A morning at home with the Montgomery Family. <3

Lushbaugh Family | Knoxville, TN Family Photographer

“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Meek Family | Knoxville Newborn Photographer

I’m completely in love with this session for lots of reasons but mostly because my time with this beautiful family was so natural and honest. Kids playing all around, making coffee, practicing piano while mama fed the baby, warming up supper as I finished up. Just a beautiful piece of their story captured on an early spring afternoon. Congrats Meek family. It was a blessing to photograph you guys.

The Shields Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

Sometimes it’ just so fun to do something different! So when my client came to me wanting a super simplistic session done all on one wall in their home on film, I was pumped for the challenge. I love that she wanted me to just let things flow naturally and to just capture the kids exactly as is. The best I tell ya.

The Bessom Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” -L.M. Montgomery

The sweet Bessom Family in fall.

Kicklighter Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

I am so happy I got to catch up with the Kicklighter family this fall and photograph them in downtown Knoxville since it’s been a while since our last session together. Gianna is a super talented photographer herself, check her out here, and she and Pat are sweet friends of ours. It has been such a blessing to see them grow into incredible parents to little Norah. Love you guys so much Kicks! Blessings!

The Japp Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

This family. I first met them almost 2 years ago, you can read more about that here. I got to catch up with them this fall and photograph them in their home on film. I found a family that was changed from the first time I’d met them. They’ve clung tightly to each other and to the Lord in such time of uncertainty and it’s been woven into their family. Jenn (who also happens to be an incredibly talented photographer) has truly been an encouragement to me and such an example of faithfulness in the midst of trials. She recently messaged me this scripture and encouragement and I want to share it with you.

“Your bolts and gates shall be iron and bronze AND AS YOUR DAYS, SO SHALL YOUR STRENGTH BE.” Deuteronomy 33:25

“I’m so built up by the idea of God giving us the strength that today requires. Don’t look ahead for tomorrow. Don’t try to draw strength and energy and creativity for a month from now or grace and help for a situation that “could happen.” Grace for today. In copious amounts. Praying this for you today and for me!'“

Loftis Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

“Dear Old World, she murmured, you are very lovely and I’m glad to be alive in you.” -Anne of Green Gables- L.M. Montgomery

I had the best time reconnecting with these old friends in one of the most beautiful places on earth on a gorgeous summer morning, while they did what they do best, love one another. Enjoy these sweet photos of our time together.

Geist Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

I love it when sessions end with me chatting with my clients for the longest time about how they are about to become a family of 4 and how the Lord is preparing their hearts for this new and exciting adventure. I can't wait to meet this family's new member just any old day now. Soooooo, I figured it was time to blog their spring/maternity/18 month session. I just love you guys and look forward to seeing your family grow!

Wildflowers Workshop

"Some journeys are direct, some are heroic, some are fearful and muddled. But every journey, honestly undertaken, stands a chance of taking us toward the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need." Parker Palmer

For years it has been a dream of mine to go to an in person photography workshop to learn from one of my favorite artists. After a few years in the business and my husbands sweet encouragement, I searched for the perfect one to meet my needs and landed on the Wildflowers Workshop led by the incredibly talented Joy Prouty. I have followed Joy's work for years and it has always resonated with me. Her ability to evoke deep emotion in her imagery is really incredible and I love her complete honesty and transparency in her personal work. I identified with her so much as a believer, mother and wife that I knew it would be a good fit. And it was. I went to this workshop really seeking insight on balance as a creative, a business owner and a mother and left challenged and stretched in all these areas. Although we had two shoots while there, this workshop wasn't very much about the technicalities of shooting but more focused on our artistry and developing that, which was exactly what I needed. I was challenged to shoot the things that make me feel alive as an artist. And although, I feel like over the past year or so I've begun to focus my work in that direction, my time at this workshop really breathed new life into this pursuit in my work.

My time with Joy made me look a bit more closely at what I love to shoot. What makes me love to pick up my camera and in turn create beautiful imagery. My photography journey has evolved quite a bit since I started my business 3 years ago. I have figured out that I am passionate about shooting families, but not always the perfectly posed traditional family portraits. Rather, I love to spend time with my clients, connecting with them, learning their stories, and photographing the season of their family, no matter what that may be. One of the things I wrote down in my journal that weekend that Joy said that I have gone over and over again to myself is that you cannot compare one persons beautiful with another person's beautiful. Sometimes life is not always golden sunlit fields and perfect smiles(sometimes it is!). Sometimes life is a sink full of dirty dishes and a tangled mess of hair and to me that is just as beautiful and equally deserving to be captured. So, as I embrace that, the joys and messes of these beautiful, imperfect lives we live, I hope you'll join me as my business grows and changes as I develop as an artist.

I am so thankful to Joy and the 16 other photographers I met for shaking up the creative in me. For encouraging me, challenging me, and giving me so many things to think about. Over a month later, I'm still mulling over all the things we discussed. I am really excited for all the wonderful things that are ahead for my work and for my clients. A few changes are already in the works and I'm excited to share them with you in the coming weeks. If you are a photographer considering Joy's workshop, DO IT. Just do it. If you aren't a photographer but love beautiful photographs, you should really follow her work. Here is her website. Go get a cup of coffee, a warm blanket to snuggle up to and enjoy. :)

Here are some pictures from my weekend in Austin....

And here are a few iPhone snaps of my weekend...

Cardwell Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

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Oh my stars. I hadn't seen little Ms. Piper since she was a bitty newborn and my goodness what a doll she is. Her mama and daddy were going on about what a sweet and precious baby she is and how she makes everyone around her smile and they were absolutely right. She lit up the room. So thankful to get to see this sweet family again. They've been with me since the very beginning and for that I am so so grateful. Enjoy these little snapshots of the love they share. <3

Shields Family >>> Knoxville Family Photographer

These are my people. My very best friend since we were 15 years old and formed a friendship at the local swimming pool when we were both singing U2's With or Without You, opera style at the top of our lungs. :) God has been so gracious to gift me with such a special friend like her. A lifelong friend. One that I've been able to walk along side through some hard times and the best of times.  Last year they spent the year in Japan as a family and although I know it was an incredible experience for them and a time of growth as a family, we are SO glad they're back. I'm so glad we got to document the beauty of their little family recently. Love you guys so much! "Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:9-10

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Harper Mama and Me >>> Knoxville Maternity Photographer

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Baby Luke >>> Knoxville Newborn Photographer

I can't say enough how much I have loved getting to know this family over the past couple of years. I first met them when we did a maternity session for their first son, then his birth and the rest is history. I've photographed them several times and I always love getting to spend time with them. I love seeing parents blossom into motherhood and fatherhood and as special as it is to see and spend time with a first time mom, I adore seeing a mother settle into motherhood with more than one child. It totally changes the dynamics of your family and stretches you in new ways. Your heart grows with even more love than you knew you had in you. It's amazing how that happens. <3 Enjoy this sweet newborn session with baby Luke and his crew. He is such a blessed little boy. Blessings to you guys and Congrats! This session was styled by Nicole Wise Styling.

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Baby Luke's Birth Story >>> Knoxville Birth Photographer

A couple of weeks ago I was honored to photograph this family's second birth. I am always amazed at the strength, determination and beauty of a woman as she brings her baby into this world and this day was no different. I have been so lucky to have been able to get to know this family over the past couple of years after I photographed the birth of their first son and it was just as much a privilege to spend the day documenting their second birth as it was the first. I am over the moon for this family, seeing them become a family of 4. Congratulations! I did things a little differently this time and put the slideshow video at the beginning of the post because I just loved the video clips and didn't want you to miss them. Then you can also scroll through the images. Enjoy this beautiful day!

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https://vimeo.com/155462165

2016 Mama and Me Mini Sessions at The Hive

I am so excited to announce that on Saturday February 27, I am offering a very special mini session event for mamas and their children. This event will be held at The Hive near downtown Knoxville. The Hive is a beautiful indoor urban location that offers floods of natural light and a variety of cozy places for us to shoot you and your little ones cuddled up together. Seriously, it is so gorgeous in there and I am beyond excited to take my clients there!

I know that as a mother I am pretty much always the one taking our family photos and it’s difficult and rare for me to be in the frame with my children. So, that’s why I wanted to take a day out to focus on you mamas and the connections you share with your most precious treasures.

Nicole Wise Styling will also be on location offering hair and makeup services for $40. Please contact her at nicolemwise@me.com to book your appointment. Nicole will also be offering mini wardrobe styling packages for $50. Please contact her for more details.

The Details.... Sessions are $250+tax and payment is due in full to reserve your spot and is non-refundable. Sessions will last 25 minutes and will include 15 full resolution digital files delivered via download as well as an online gallery for professional print and product ordering. These sessions are suitable for all ages (including adults with your mothers, or expecting mothers) but are limited to one family per session with a maximum of 5 people.

Sessions are available at the following times. 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

Please email me at bethanysamsphotography@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

Levenson Family Newborn >>> Knoxville Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Before I share this beautiful newborn session with you today, I want to share my thoughts on why I love this session so much. I have ALWAYS been drawn to lifestyle newborn photography. Even from the very beginning of my business, it's really what I wanted for my newborn work. If you aren't sure what that is, to me, lifestyle is the art of capturing more honest, natural, emotive images. For the most part, that's always what I've done. And those are always the newborn sessions I love the most. Don't get me wrong. I have so much respect for newborn photographers that can pose a baby with props in all sorts of positions. It takes mad skills! But more and more, I just know that's not me. This is me. This session right here. Just hanging out with this family for a few hours. Watching them interact and capturing all those sweet details. These are the sessions that make me excited. It's exactly the way I want to capture families. This family is so incredibly special to me because they were sweet enough to take a chance on me in the very beginning. Before I even officially had a business, they were one of my first portfolio building clients. I am so thankful for them for trusting me again to capture their family during such a special time in their lives. I can honestly say, I always have the very best time hanging out with them. These two little ones are very blessed to be in such a sweet and loving family. Congrats Levenson family!

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