A new Otto is here!

Let’s get this thing started!

It felt so good to be back in action! Here are a few photos from some recent sessions…

Another Baby Amelia!

After taking months off to better my life and focus on what’s important, I was finally able to again step behind the camera and continue my climb in my business! I cannot thank enough, the clients who have stuck by me and have always seen the importance and value in my work even through some trying and often pretty ridiculous times. That means the world to me! It’s always nice to have such understanding, patient, and all-around precious people in my life. As many of my clients know I have waded through a divorce, child in tow. And while that is no excuse to be at a standstill it’s almost impossible sometimes to separate home life from business. As I recognized this, I knew it had become imperative that I “take a break”. But now… I’m back!

This little beauty is Amelia. Her lovely aunty Danielle has been a faithful client of mine for more than a year now. She and her sissy wanted nothing more than for me to photograph the newest member of their family and I was completely flattered! How could I not want to capture the first few squints and smiles of this little one’s life. How could I not want to hold and swaddle her for hours and produce those adorable and breathtaking memories that make the mama's go Ga Ga?! I just had to. I spent a few hours back “across the mountain” (where my family is from) with Little Miss Amelia, and did just that! Oh, have I ever mentioned that newborns are one of my Favorite sessions to do? Here’s why…

This just in...

There's a new artist on the scene!
http://monsonartistics.blogspot.com
Check it out, follow it, become obsessed...

Another Year!

It has been soooo long since I’ve found the time to post to my blog between working 2 jobs, being a mommy to my wonderful Kylie, and having just a little time for myself. But… I am back and ready to post some amazing pictures of past And future sessions!
Yesterday was miss Amelia’s 9 month (a little late) photoshoot! She was the very last to blog about last year and the very first for this year. Take a look at how she’s grown!

An Angel named Amelia { East Tennessee | Newborn | Photographer }

You are about to see one of the most precious newborns I have ever photographed! If you read back a few posts you will see The Smith’s. I have photographed this sweet family quite a few times over the last year, and it has always been such a pleasure! I few weeks ago I did Julie’s maternity session for her very last baby. This whole family was so anxious to welcome a little baby girl into the world and shower her with their love. Amelia was an absolute delight to work with, and she practically slept almost the whole time. Her beautiful skin and thick black hair was beyond gorgeous and made me just wanna bundle her up and take her home with me! I’m sure The Smith’s would have a problem with that as she is already the center of their world. Her nursery was amazing and looked like the home of a princess… which, it is! The grandma’s were both there swooning over their little model as I photographed her and were helping the new mommy and I out with whatever was needed. They also brought out a few props that were near and dear to them to include in Amelia’s session. Here are a few from the day…

 

 

 

The Gilbert Family { East Tennessee | Child | Family | Photographer }

Last Christmas I held a sort of contest if you will… I asked my friends and clients on facebook to nominate a deserving family. This family could have been having a “rough patch” in their life in financial or emotional issues or just simply doing a good deed. I received a nomination from one person in particular that really touched my heart! Here are a few excerpts from her email:

“The person I would like to nominate is Katie Gilbert. I have known Katie for about 5 yrs now. She is an LPN at Laughlin hospital and is an exceptional nurse. She is the most caring, compassionate person I have ever met. Everyone who meets Katie falls in love with her. Katie is also going back to get her masters in nursing to help people who have no insurance and cannot afford good medical care because of their inability to pay. She does things because she loves to help people and doesn't care about the money. Katie has been through alot the past 2 years though. Katie's sister and best friend, Dottie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was told it was cancerous. Katie never left her side. While working full time, going to school full time, and taking care of her sister full time, she also took on the
responsibilities of Dottie's two children.”
Dottie’s older daughter now lives happily with her father.

 

”To sum up the past two years, Dottie lost her life battling the cancer. Katie has struggled financially, emotionally, and physically. She became a mother overnight. In a new marriage and at 27 years old her husband also became a father… and a wonderful father at that.”
By this point I was in tears!

You can clearly see why I picked this wonderful and deserving family. Katie was totally thrilled when she received word that not only had she been nominated but she had won a free session from me! I was excited to meet them all, and after her life slowed down a bit she was finally able and ready to have their new family portrait made. Here they are: Katie, Justin and the beautiful Lilly (who looks alot like her mommy!)

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Gentleman { East Tennessee | Newborn | Photographer }

One of my most favorite types of sessions are my newborns! I have so much fun shopping for new and usually interesting props. Since the moment he was born, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ryder. He is such a sweetheart and was such a little gentleman throughout his session. He was very patient in letting me use him as a guinea pig for a couple new props! I walked away pleased with what we had done that day and hoping the Roystons would be thrilled and cherish these images and memories for years to come! Here is the sweet little gentleman.

 

 

 

And Baby makes 3! { East Tennessee | Maternity | Birth | Newborn | Photographer }

Months ago I met with Chad & Sheila Royston to do a b-e-a-utiful Maternity session. This couple was anxiously awaiting their very first child! Just a couple weeks ago I was fortunate enough to witness the birth of their son Ryder Jack. This was not your typical birth session because due to complications, and a little stubborn streak on Ryder’s part, Sheila was scheduled for a c-section. I arrived at the hospital a little after 10am and family was already gathered around sitting on pins and needles. Sheila and Chad were very calm and collect right down to the hour. Only when donning their scrubs did daddy’s emotions start to catch up with him. It was then that he realized this was REALLY happening and he was about to become a father! I watched and waited with the rest of the family outside and laughed as they laughed and paced as they paced… for I was just as excited! Finally at 12:29 on August 9th Ryder Jack made his grand debut! Welcome to the world little fellow…

Amelia ~ Coming Soon! { East Tennessee | Maternity | Photographer }

You remember the Smith Children from a couple weeks ago… Well this is “Momma Julie”! Momma Julie’s “momma” was just dying for her to have some maternity portraits done before it was too late as this will be the last in line of Julie’s brood! So today we went down to Ebbing Flowing Springs and had a great session full of laughs and smiles. Miss Renee came along again and, as always, made a great little assistant for me! I’m sure she’ll be a big help when we do little Amelia’s newborn session in just a few short weeks. She will be making her appearance on August 24th  and I for one can’t wait to get my hands on her! Be sure to stay tuned for her first photo shoot…