Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | How Birth Videography Can Help Heal From Birth Trauma
How Birth Videography Can Help Heal From Birth Trauma
Birth is one of the most powerful, life changing experiences a person can go through. But for many, it doesn’t unfold as expected. Birth trauma...whether physical, emotional, or both is more common than most people realize. It can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or even robbed of the joyful moments they hoped for.
I have seen clients who simply had a birth go differently than they envisioned, nothing bad happened, they weren't transferred, it was just... different. Rewatching their film back showed them that the birth was far more peaceful than it felt at the time and it helped them rewrite the narrative that they had begun to tell themselves. Oftentimes, trauma can result more from the story we tell ourselves about the birth than the birth itself. It doesn't mean there wasn't trauma, but when we can rewrite that story or get clarity or reframe the story, it can make all of the difference in how we process our birth.
As a birth videographer, I’ve seen how documenting a birth can become more than just creating a keepsake...it can actually be a tool for healing.
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma looks different for everyone. For some, it may come from an emergency intervention, a long or difficult labor, or moments where they felt unheard. For others, it’s the emotional weight of plans changing in an instant. No matter the details, birth trauma can leave scars that linger far beyond the birth space.
While professional support from therapists, doulas, and supportive care providers is essential, having your birth documented on film can provide a unique path toward processing and healing.
How Birth Videography Helps in Healing
1. Reclaiming the Story
When a birth feels chaotic or traumatic, the memories can feel jumbled, incomplete, or clouded by stress. A birth film allows parents to revisit their experience with clarity. Seeing what actually happened...moments of strength, support, and resilience can help rewrite the narrative from one of fear to one of empowerment.
2. Noticing the Love You Missed
In the intensity of labor, it’s easy to miss the small but powerful gestures happening around you: a partner’s hand on your back, the way your birth team worked together, or the first cry that filled the room. A film captures those details so you can see them later, often revealing love and support you didn’t realize were there in the moment.
3. Affirming Strength and Courage
Trauma can make someone question their own strength. Watching your own birth story reminds you of the incredible endurance and courage you carried through...even when things didn’t go as planned. This reframing can be profoundly healing.
4. Creating a Bridge for Connection
Sometimes birth trauma makes it difficult to bond with your baby or partner afterward. Seeing your birth on film can help close that gap, highlighting the joy, connection, and beauty that existed even in the harder moments. It creates a tangible reminder that love was present all along.
5. Honoring and Processing the Experience
A birth film doesn’t erase trauma, but it creates space for reflection. Watching it, sometimes alongside a spouse or support person, can help parents process emotions, cry, grieve, and begin to heal with a fuller perspective.
Why Birth Films Are More Than Just Keepsakes
Birth videography isn’t just about capturing a baby’s first breath...it’s about honoring your journey. For families who experienced trauma, a film can be a mirror that reflects back strength, love, and resilience. It can remind you that even though things didn’t unfold perfectly, your story still matters and is worth remembering with tenderness.
If you’ve experienced birth trauma, you are not alone. And while healing is a process, having your story documented can be a powerful part of reclaiming it.
I love filming births and would love to chat about your birth!
A Heartfelt In-Home Nashville Maternity Session with Lexi & Jordan
Back in June, I had the absolute joy of meeting Lexi and Jordan for our consultation to see if we were the right fit for me to film their birth story. From the very first email, I knew this couple was special. Jordan kept me laughing, and Lexi instantly felt like a lifelong friend. Their warmth, humor, and love for each other made me even more excited to begin documenting their journey into parenthood.
Our first session together was their in-home maternity session in Nashville, and it couldn’t have been more meaningful.
Why I Love In-Home Maternity Photography
One of the things I cherish about in-home sessions is that they allow me to capture your real life and unique story. For Lexi and Jordan, that meant blending documentary-style maternity photography with a few simple, posed moments in natural light around their home. The result is the best of both worlds... candid storytelling mixed with timeless portraits that highlight this sacred season of pregnancy.
In-home maternity sessions are also incredibly laid back. No rushing to a studio, no worrying about the perfect location — just the comfort of your home and the beauty of your everyday routines.
Personal Touches That Made This Session Unique
I love connecting with my clients on Instagram before their sessions ... it gives me a peek into their lives and helps me shape a session that truly feels personal. For Lexi and Jordan, one thing that stood out was their love of dancing to Latin music. I knew that had to be part of their maternity session!
We also talked through their questionnaire answers and made a list of meaningful daily rituals to incorporate, including:
Praying together before breakfast
Lexi making coffee while Jordan cooked breakfast
Jordan reading to their baby in the womb
Spending time in their devotional together
Dancing in the living room to Latin music
Capturing these real-life moments created a maternity session that was both intimate and deeply personal.
Telling Your Story During Pregnancy
Documentary maternity photography is about so much more than pretty pictures ... it’s about preserving the essence of your life as it is right now, before everything changes. For Lexi and Jordan, this meant celebrating not just the anticipation of their first baby, but also the little rhythms of their relationship and home life.
If you’re expecting and want your maternity session to feel authentic, relaxed, and deeply personal, I’d love to create that for you. Whether in your home, your backyard, or even your baby’s nursery, my approach combines documentary maternity photography with light posing to tell your unique story.
Contact me here to book your own in-home maternity session in Nashville.
Nashville Maternity Photography | The Cook Family’s Story
Nashville Maternity Photography | The Cook Family’s Story
Krystal first connected with me back in 2023 when she hired me to document her birth photography and newborn photography session. Since then, working with the Cook family has been such a joyful journey. Over the years, I’ve come to adore her two boys and deeply value my conversations with Krystal and her husband during our time together. Beyond sessions, Krystal and I often text about everything from parenting struggles to marriage advice...proof that photography, for me, is never just transactional.
Why Relationships Matter in Maternity and Family Photography
One of the core values of my work as a Nashville maternity and family photographer is building real relationships. Yes, clients pay me for a service, but what matters most is trust, connection, and authenticity. When families invite me to document their most intimate seasons—whether it’s the chaos of parenting toddlers, the beauty of pregnancy, or the sacred moment of birth...I don’t take that lightly.
My sessions aren’t about perfect smiles or posed moments. I capture real life: the children’s moods, the parents’ flustered glances, and the love that always shines through in the middle of it all. These raw, unfiltered moments are where the magic truly happens.
Capturing Parenthood Through a Wider Lens
One of my favorite parts of offering documentary style family photography is showing parents what they often can’t see for themselves: that they’re doing an incredible job. Parenting is hard, and many families I work with are navigating big things...sometimes even breaking generational cycles. When they see their own love, connection, and resilience reflected back in their photos, it can be deeply affirming.
That’s what these sessions are all about...reminding parents of the beauty in their everyday story.
The Cook Family’s Maternity Session
This recent maternity session in Nashville with the Cook family was extra special. Krystal is pregnant with baby number three (gender still unknown at the time), and the session was all about capturing what life feels like right now: parenting two lively boys while preparing to welcome another little one.
Their oldest is beginning to step into his role as big brother with maturity and pride, while their three-year-old is bursting with energy, spunk, and personality. From tender hugs to wild laughter, the session told the full story of this family’s love and anticipation.
It was an honor to document this chapter of their journey and freeze these moments in time before their family grows again.
Ready to Book Your Nashville Maternity or Family Photography Session?
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or documenting life with multiple little ones, I’d love to capture your story. My approach is documentary-style, authentic, and centered on connection. If you’re looking for a Nashville maternity photographer or a family photographer who captures real life, not just poses, I’d love to chat with you.
Contact me today to book your session.
Nashville Family Films | Why Family Films Are the Next Big Thing in Family Memories
Why Family Films Are the Next Big Thing in Family Memories
When you think about preserving your family’s story, what comes to mind? Most people think of photos...and for good reason. Photographs have long been the traditional way of freezing a moment in time. But there’s a new trend that’s quickly becoming the most meaningful way to hold on to your family’s legacy: family films.
Family films go beyond still frames. They capture the movement, the laughter, the voices, and the little details you never want to forget. Whether it’s your child’s belly laugh, the way your partner looks at your kids, or even the chaos of everyday life. Films hold onto it all in a way that photos alone can’t. They bring you back to this moment, right here.
Why Family Films Are Growing in Popularity
1. They Capture More Than Just a Snapshot
Photographs are beautiful, but they only show one second of time. Family films tell the whole story. They showcase not just how your family looked, but how you interacted, the way you sounded, and the energy of your unique dynamic.
2. Everyday Moments Become Treasures
We often assume we’ll only want to document the “big” events, such as holidays, birthdays, milestones. But years down the road, it’s the everyday moments you’ll crave most: bedtime routines, pancake breakfasts, kids playing in the backyard. Family films turn ordinary days into extraordinary keepsakes.
3. They Preserve Voices and Movements
Imagine being able to hear your toddler’s giggles years from now or watch the way your child skipped through the living room at age four. Voices and mannerisms fade from memory over time...but with a family film, you’ll always be able to RELIVE them.
4. A Legacy to Pass Down
Family films become heirlooms. They are something your children and even your grandchildren can watch one day. Just like families used to gather around old photo albums, future generations can gather around and watch your family’s story unfold in motion.
5. They Feel More Authentic
Unlike traditional posed photos, family films often take a documentary style approach. That means less stress about perfect outfits or Pinterest worthy homes, and more focus on the real, authentic moments that make your family who you are.
Why Now Is the Time to Invest in a Family Film
With technology advancing and more families looking for deeper, more meaningful ways to document their lives, family films are becoming more accessible than ever. A professional family filmmaker can create a custom piece that feels like a cinematic love letter to your life right now.
Think of it this way: photos freeze a moment, but films let you relive it.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Family Memories
Family films aren’t just a trend. They’re the future of memory keeping. They allow you to preserve your family’s story in a way that’s immersive, heartfelt, and lasting. Years from now, you’ll be grateful you invested in more than just images—you invested in movement, sound, and emotion.
If you’re ready to create a keepsake that goes beyond traditional photography, consider booking a family film and photo session. Because the truth is, time is moving faster than we realize and the little things you love about today will become tomorrow’s treasures.
I cannot wait to hear from you about your future family film! I promise you, your future self will be SO glad you did!
5 Heartfelt Reasons to Choose Day in the Life Family Photography | Nashville Family Photographer
5 Heartfelt Reasons to Choose Day in the Life Family Photography
Life isn’t staged—it’s beautifully real. When I photograph families, I’m not just capturing smiles—I’m capturing stories: the everyday touches, the unscripted laughter, the gentle chaos. Documentary-style family sessions are about honoring your life as it’s truly lived. Here are five meaningful reasons why they’re so cherished:
Kids can just be themselves
No forced poses, no “say cheese.” Spills, snuggles, wild hair.
Those are the moments that bring your future self the most joy.
Your family’s rhythm leads the way
Forget rigid schedules or orchestrated shots. I quietly observe and capture the rhythm of your day, not the staged curated moments.
Your space is part of your story
That well-worn couch, the favorite window seat, the little art on the fridge ... these details root your photos in your world.
These photos deepen as years go by
Ten years from now, these images won’t just show how things looked...they’ll feel like stepping through time into the warmth of now.
You’ll cherish the true, unvarnished moments
Instead of fussing with outfits or backdrops, you get to spend the time being with your people. One day, you'll be so grateful you gave yourself that gift.
Why This Matters
Authentic family photography isn't about perfection...it’s about presence. It preserves your ordinary moments so they feel extraordinary through your future eyes. So here’s to freezing those untamed, unscripted memories before they're gone.
If you’ve been thinking of capturing your family’s unique heartbeat...wherever that may be. Let’s make something real together. I’d be honored to help you remember your life, just as it is.
5 Common Myths About Birth Videography (And Why They’re Not True) | Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer
5 Common Myths About Birth Videography (And Why They’re Not True)
Birth is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences a family can go through and it deserves to be remembered. Yet, many parents hesitate when it comes to hiring a birth videographer/photographer because of misconceptions that have been circulating for years.
If you’ve been considering birth videography/photography in Nashville, TN, or beyond, you may have heard some of these common myths. Let’s break them down and uncover the truth about why birth films are one of the most meaningful ways to preserve your story.
Myth #1: Birth videography is too invasive
The truth: A professional birth videographer knows how to blend into the background. My role is not to be in your face with a camera...it’s to quietly capture the story as it unfolds. Most clients tell me they hardly notice I’m there, and when they watch their film back, they’re amazed at how many beautiful moments they didn’t even realize were happening.
Myth #2: The video will be graphic
The truth: Birth films don’t have to focus on the medical side of birth. Instead, they highlight the emotions—the look on your partner’s face when they first meet your baby, the way you breathe through contractions, the moment your baby is placed on your chest. I prefer to focus on the relationships and connection with your birth team and spouse that helps you ride the waves of labor and bring your baby safely earthside.
Myth #3: My birth space will feel crowded
The truth: Most hospitals, birth centers, and even home birth teams are familiar with videographers and photographers and welcome us into the space. I work closely with your birth team to ensure I am never in the way. My job is to respect the sacredness of the environment while documenting it with care.
Myth #4: It’s only for “perfect” births
The truth: Every birth story is unique and beautiful—whether it unfolds exactly as planned or takes unexpected turns. Birth videography and photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. Even in the hardest moments, there is beauty, strength, and deep love worth remembering. Many families find that their birth film helps them process and appreciate their experience even more fully.
Myth #5: I’ll never actually watch the video
The truth: Almost every family who books birth videography tells me later it’s one of the best investments they made. You’ll revisit your film on birthdays, anniversaries, or simply on a day when you want to remember how strong you are. Your child will also get to see the story of how they entered the world—what an incredible gift to pass down.
Final Thoughts
Birth videography isn’t about making a “movie” of your birth—it’s about preserving the emotions, the connections, and the once-in-a-lifetime story of how your baby came into the world. If you’re in Nashville, TN, and considering a birth videographer, I’d love to help capture your story in the most meaningful, respectful way possible. Contact me here.
Documentary vs Traditional Photography: Capturing Real Emotion in Family Sessions | Nashville Family Photographer
Documentary vs Traditional Photography: Capturing Real Emotion in Family Sessions
When it comes to choosing a photographer, families often find themselves deciding between documentary photographyand traditional photography. While both approaches are beautiful in their own way, they tell very different stories. One is focused on posed portraits and polished smiles, while the other embraces the raw, unfiltered beauty of everyday life.
As a Nashville family photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be when families choose documentary day in the life sessions. Let’s explore the differences and the emotional impact that each style offers.
What is Traditional Photography?
Traditional photography is what most people think of when they imagine a family session. Think of carefully chosen outfits, everyone posed just right, and a perfect backdrop. These sessions are timeless for a reason: they create polished, frame-worthy portraits that look beautiful hanging on the wall.
There’s comfort in the structure of traditional sessions. You’ll have guidance on where to stand, how to smile, and what to wear. For families who want that classic “holiday card” look, traditional photography is a perfect choice.
What is Documentary Photography?
Documentary photography takes a different approach. Instead of directing your family into poses, I step back and capture life as it unfolds naturally. There are no forced smiles or stiff poses, just genuine interactions, belly laughs, messy kitchens, bedtime stories, and all the little moments that make up your real life.
In a documentary family session, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s truth. The focus is on emotion and connection, not perfection. Years from now, these images remind you not just of what your family looked like, but of what life felt like.
The Emotional Difference
Here’s where the two styles truly diverge:
Traditional Photography gives you curated portraits that represent how you want your family to be seen. They’re beautiful, but sometimes they can feel a little distant from the chaos and love of everyday life.
Documentary Photography, on the other hand, gives you an emotional time capsule. When you look back at these images, you remember how your child’s hair curled at the nape of their neck, the way they hugged you with sticky fingers, or how it felt to collapse into laughter together on the living room floor.
One style is about appearance; the other is about experience.
Why Families Are Choosing Documentary Photography in Nashville
More and more families are drawn to documentary photography in Nashville because it feels real. Life isn’t always tidy and staged, and parents are realizing that those “imperfect” moments are actually the ones they want to hold onto forever.
Documentary sessions allow kids to be themselves...wild, goofy, tender, messy. Parents can relax without the pressure of making everyone look perfect, and the result is a gallery of images that feel heartfelt, authentic, and deeply personal.
So, Which One is Right for You?
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to what you want your photos to reflect:
If you want classic portraits, traditional photography is wonderful.
If you want to preserve your family’s story, emotions, and everyday beauty, documentary photography might be the perfect fit.
Both styles have their place, but only documentary photography lets you revisit not just how life looked, but how it truly felt.
If you want to book your in-home day in the life session, just contact me here!
Nashville Family Photographer | Fall Family Photos - let's capture YOUR real FALL
As a Nashville family photographer who specializes in in-home documentary photography, I’ve noticed that many families are already booking their fall family sessions. The autumn season is beautiful in Tennessee—golden light, cozy sweaters, and colorful leaves make for gorgeous sun dripped family photos.
But here’s the thing: traditional fall family photos often focus on what we looked like. They highlight the location, the outfits, the posing, the light. And while these are beautiful, they sometimes miss the deeper story.
The Problem With Posed Fall Family Sessions
When you look back at those traditional portraits, what do you see?
The way your family dressed that year.
The way the leaves turned in the background.
Maybe the way your kids smiled (or didn’t).
But what those images often don’t capture is what your life really felt like in this season.
They don’t show the home you’ve lived in for years—the coffee table that’s been part of your family story, the worn-in couch where your children pile on top of you, or the markings on the wall that measure their growth.
They don’t reflect your family’s unique rhythms—the bedtime snuggles, pancake breakfasts, backyard adventures, and little routines that shape your days.
Why In-Home Documentary Photography Is Different
This is where documentary family photography in Nashville comes in. Instead of asking your family to pose in a picture-perfect setting, I come into your home and quietly capture your real life as it unfolds.
No forced smiles. No matching outfits. No pressure to tidy every corner of your house.
Because the truth is, your children won’t remember what outfits you wore in a field of leaves. But they will remember the feel of your arms wrapping around them on the couch. They’ll remember the kitchen where you baked cookies together, the games played on the living room floor, the laughter that filled your home.
Photos That Tell Your Real Story
Your family’s story is worth remembering—not just the polished, social-media-worthy version, but the beautifully ordinary one, too. By choosing an in-home family session in Nashville, you’re saying:
Our everyday life matters.
Our home, no matter how imperfect, is part of our story.
Our children deserve to see that we were present, together, and worthy of being photographed just as we were.
Let’s Shift the Culture Around Family Photos
This fall, instead of only booking a session in a park or a pumpkin patch, consider what it would mean to invest in documentary family photography. Let’s change the way we think about family photos.
Because at the end of the day, family photography isn’t about showing the world what we looked like—it’s about reminding ourselves what it felt like to live this life, right here, right now.
If you’re ready to book your Nashville in-home family photography session, I’d love to capture the honest, unposed story of your family this fall.
Why Hiring a Birth Videographer + Photographer in Nashville is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
When you picture the moment you meet your baby for the very first time, you probably imagine the joy, the tears, and the rush of love. But birth also moves quickly, and those memories can blur together in the haze of labor and postpartum recovery. That’s where birth photography and videography come in.
For families in Nashville, TN, hiring a birth photographer or videographer is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your story. These images and films don’t just document a day — they preserve the beginning of everything.
Why Birth Photography Matters
Birth photography isn’t about staged smiles or posed perfection. It’s about truth, strength, and connection. Here’s why so many Nashville families choose to have their births documented:
✨You see your own strength. In the middle of labor, it’s hard to step back and realize just how powerful you are. Later, your photos and film will show you exactly that.
✨Husbands are remembered, too. From the gentle touch of a hand to the tears of joy when baby arrives, birth photography highlights your husband’s love and support.
✨The little details don’t fade. Tiny toes, the first cries, the exact moment your baby is placed on your chest — those are memories worth reliving forever.
Why Nashville Families Choose Birth Videography + Photography
Nashville is a city full of storytellers, and birth is your family’s most important story. Whether you’re delivering at a Nashville birth center or at home with your midwife, having a professional there ensures those moments are captured beautifully and respectfully.
Unlike phone photos that often get forgotten, professional images and films allow you to revisit your baby’s birth story with clarity, emotion, and artistry.
The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
Birth is the day your family changes forever. By choosing birth photography and videography, you give yourself the gift of remembering every detail with clarity and love. Years from now, your child will be able to see the story of their very first day in the world — and the overwhelming love that surrounded them.
If you’re expecting in Nashville, TN and want your birth story preserved, I’d be honored to document it for you.
✨ Let’s connect — reach out today to learn more about Nashville birth photography and videography.
Nashville, TN Family Photographer + Filmmaker | Why Documentary Photography Captures the Truth Your iPhone Can’t
We’ve all done it—reached for our phones to snap a photo of something sweet, silly, or ordinary. A toddler covered in spaghetti sauce. Siblings collapsed in a heap of giggles. A quiet moment between parent and child. These little snapshots matter. But if you’ve ever looked back through your phone and thought, “This doesn’t quite capture how it felt,” you’re not alone.
As a documentary family photographer and Day in the Life videographer in Nashville, TN, I’ve spent years preserving family stories exactly as they unfold—without posing, prompts, or Pinterest-perfect setups. And here’s the truth:
Your iPhone may get the picture, but it misses the story.
Your Phone Freezes a Moment. I Capture the Meaning Behind It.
The beauty of real life is in the layers. A still image from your phone might show a hug, but it can’t show the tension that softened, the emotion that lingered, or the chaos just out of frame. My job is to see those things.
Through years of experience, I’ve trained my eyes—and my heart—to find truth in the ordinary. I anticipate moments before they happen. I know how to frame a scene so it’s not just beautiful but emotionally honest. I don’t just capture what’s happening; I capture why it matters.
Real Life Doesn’t Pause—and That’s Where the Magic Is
With Day in the Life videography, the power multiplies. You hear your child’s voice. The way they mispronounce “spaghetti.” The sound of their feet on hardwood floors. The laughter, the music, the chaos of dinner time—none of it is staged, and all of it is priceless.
That’s something no filter or phone can recreate.
It’s Not About Perfect. It’s About Present.
You don’t have to dress up. You don’t have to clean your house. You just have to live your life, and trust that it’s already enough. That’s where I come in—quietly observing, gently guiding if needed, and documenting your family as you are.
Because 10 or 20 years from now, you won’t care that the laundry was on the couch.
You’ll care that your daughter still reached for your hand when she got tired.
That your son called you “Mama” in that sweet baby voice.
That your partner kissed you while making coffee.
Nashville Families, This Is Your Story
I work with families across Nashville and the surrounding areas who want more than just a highlight reel. They want the full story. The love, the mess, the routine, the joy—the truth.
And I’m here to capture it for you.
Interested in a session?
Let’s talk about what a documentary photo or video session could look like for your family.
Contact me here.
Nashville Family Photographer + Videographer | The Wilkins Family say goodbye to their Tennessee Home
Erin and her family moved to Tennessee during Covid from California. They bought some acreage in West TN and started homesteading. For several years, they truly enjoyed their time in TN and their life as homesteaders. But they began to miss their community. So they decided to sell off their animals but not the home and buy a home in California to see how they like being back there. They hired me to capture their last weeks in their home here in TN on their little homestead. I loved telling that story, of their land, their bond there with the animals and the home and most importantly, with one another. I aimed to showcase the homestead life but also the joy and laughter and connection they shared in that home. They love one another hard and in between the milking of the cow and feeding of the chickens, they share a solid bond with between all of them!If you want your story told, whether it's homesteading or you live in a simple home, please reach out to me. I would LOVE to chat!
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of Indi Kate
Man, I knew filming my close friend's birth would be a super big challenge but it was even bigger than I anticipated. I thought maybe I would struggle with camera shakiness and crying when she had her baby, but it was more that I was dissociating and came home and needed to talk with doula friends to feel connected to my body again. Birth is WILD and SO deeply emotional. Even the least emotional person is likely to be highly affected. Many times, Im depressed coming off of the birth high. It's such a high high that you just naturally hit a low. and then level out. But I love every second.This was Sarah's first birth and baby. We filmed their sweet announcement of expecting a baby last year. Sarah did CrossFit her whole pregnancy and as a student midwife, did as many things as possible to prepare for birth. Going into this birth, she had a lot of muscle. We will find out that that muscle was indeed super needed for this particular birth.Her maternity session was so fun, capturing how they lived during their first time expecting a baby. How they loved listening to baby's heartbeat with a stethoscope and just enjoyed the days of Sarah having a sweet bump. Okay, let's get to the birth part already...On the day she turned 40 weeks, she got a PR on her Deadlift and then the next morning her water broke 🤣 So, maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.🤣 She let us all know her water broke because we had Saturday plans and we weren't sure how close she was to delivering. During the day she and I and her bff went on a walk to help labor move along and ate popsicles.I stayed home and nearby and was called to go over to her house (she lives 5 mins walking distance from me). She was indeed in labor but the midwives said probably around 5 cm. I got some footage between 7-10 PM and went home to sleep. I came back the next morning around 5 am and it was really picking up and she was at 8 cm. Perfect timing. I got footage of early labor and got to sleep all night! What a dream! Sarah was hoping she would have as sunrise baby 🤣 That's high hopes for a first time mom!By 8-9 am it was very apparent that this last cm and that pushing was not going to be easy at all. She had this one last cm that just kept HANGING ON. Once baby arrived, we learned why. She also felt SO frustrated because she was honest to God pushing SO hard when it came time and it was like pushing against a brick wall.She at one point, called us all delusional for thinking she could do this at home 🤣 But the two midwives, the doula and the rest of us were all VERY confident that baby was progressing, just slowly. She was so frustrated. One of her midwives, Shannon, tells her - as you can see in the video - if you aren't making progress in the next bit, I will take you in. This was a reverse psychology threat 🤣 as she knew Sarah would get more determined than ever. Around 11:15, baby was finally born MILITARY OP position, which is the hardest position to get out. Everything then made SO much sense. This position keeps baby from fully engaging which keeps that last cm from fully opening and makes it feel SO hard to get baby out. But SARAH did it and honestly, her muscles from all the lifting made a huge difference. If she had been in a hospital she likely would have been c-sectioned.
Nashville Family Filmmaker + Photographer | Why Presence Matters More Than Posing in Family Photography
When most people think about family photo sessions, they think about one word: connection.
And yes—connection is important. It’s beautiful, it’s what we ultimately want to capture. But here’s the thing: connection doesn’t happen without presence first.
And presence? It’s harder than it sounds.
When families arrive at a session, the first instinct is often to direct.
“Smile for the camera!”
“Listen to the photographer!”
“Stand still!”
You want everything to go smoothly, and of course, you want beautiful photos. But in that rush to get it "right," something gets lost.
That something is presence—the ability to be truly with your kids, even just for a moment.
To stop managing the moment and actually experience it.
To notice the way their hair blows across their face or the way they can’t help but grin when you whisper that silly story they love.
To remember what their laugh sounds like when they’re totally free.
That’s why, in every session I lead, my job is to take the pressure off you.
You don’t need to direct. You don’t need to perform. You don’t even need to worry about whether your kids are “cooperating.”
Because when we focus on presence—when you’re grounded in being with your family instead of performing for a photo—connection shows up naturally.
And when that happens, everything else falls beautifully into place.
Ready to experience a session that’s less about posing and more about presence?
Let’s create something real together. Contact me today to book your session—your only job is to show up and be with the people you love.
Nashville Family Photographer | Stop Waiting for Perfect: Why “Now” Is the Right Time to Document Your Life
I hear it all. the. time.
“We’ll get a film when our family is complete.”
“I’ve wanted to hire you for a few years now, but I wish I could lose weight first.”
“We’ll plan a documentary session once the kitchen’s remodeled.”
“Maybe after we move into the new house…”
There’s always a next thing—a milestone we feel we need to reach before our lives are somehow “worthy” of being documented. Before we feel ready. And I get it. Really, I do. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the “right time,” the version of life that looks cleaner, leaner, more polished.
But here’s the thing: once you get to that next thing? There's going to be another next thing.
You’ll finally move into that new house... and then you’ll want to wait until it’s fully decorated. You’ll lose ten pounds... and then decide you’d rather wait until you feel even better. You’ll finish the renovation... and realize the backyard still needs work.
Life doesn’t come with a finish line where everything is finally camera-ready. And if we keep waiting for perfect, we miss out on the beautiful, messy, real moments happening right now.
The mismatched furniture. The fingerprints on the fridge. The belly laughs and bedtime chaos. The way your child climbs onto your lap like it’s still the safest place in the world. These are the things you’ll want to remember—not just what your house looked like or what size jeans you wore.
I do this too. I catch myself thinking, “Maybe later,” all the time. But here’s what I’ve learned—and what I remind my clients:
Just book the damn thing.
Schedule the session. Make the film. Hire the photographer. Take the photos.
Because there’s never a perfect time. But there is this time. Right here. Right now. And it’s more than enough.
Ready to stop waiting and start preserving your real-life moments?
Let’s make it happen. Book your session now. Future-you will be so glad you did.
Why Your Family Is Safe to Be Real During Our Photo Session | Real Moments. No Judgment. Just Connection.
You Are Safe Here — A Message From Your Family Photographer
If you’re stressing about how your kids will behave during your upcoming family photo session — I want to offer you a deep breath and a promise:
I will never judge you or your family, at any stage of our time together.
As a family lifestyle photographer, I’ve seen it all — the giggles, the meltdowns, the wild energy, and the sweet in-between moments. And I want you to know: you are not being graded. This session is about capturing connection, not perfection.
I've Been in Your Shoes
I’ve been the mom with the toddler melting down in the middle of Costco.
I’ve been the mom nervously apologizing for her kid being a little too loud at a birthday party.
I’ve wiped tears, chased shoes, and hoped for just one photo where everyone was looking in the same direction.
So believe me when I say: I get it. More importantly, I expect it.
Real Families, Real Emotions, Real Photos
One of the biggest fears I hear from parents before a photo session is this:
"What if my kid doesn’t cooperate?"
"What if they cry or won’t smile?"
"What if we show up a total mess?"
Here’s the truth:
Kids are kids.
They have big feelings. They get overwhelmed. And sometimes, they just need to feel safe — not told to smile.
What I see during those moments is not “bad behavior.” I see a child being beautifully themselves. And I see a parent doing their absolute best.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect — You Just Need to Be Present
The most powerful family photos aren’t the ones with forced smiles or perfect poses. They’re the ones that tell the truth — the way your child reaches for your hand, the soft forehead kiss when they need reassurance, the genuine laughter in the midst of chaos.
Those are the memories worth capturing.
And that’s what I specialize in.
My Promise to You
During your session, you are safe to be yourselves.
Your kids can be silly, shy, wild, curious, emotional — or all of the above. You don’t have to apologize, and you don’t have to stress.
My job is to hold space for your family’s unique dynamic and to document it with empathy and honesty. Your job? Just show up — as you are.
Looking for a Day in the Life Family Photographer Who Gets It?
If you're searching for a relaxed, judgment-free family photography experience where your real life is celebrated, I’d love to be your photographer.
Whether you’re booking a newborn session, a family shoot, or a motherhood session you can trust that my approach is always the same: patient, playful, and full of heart.
Let’s capture your family, just as you are — beautifully real.
Nashville Family Filmmaker + Photographer | The Howard Family
Gosh, I cannot believe I have gone down to Tampa Florida 4 years in a row to capture this sweet family! It just keeps blowing my mind, each year as their film day approaches, that a whole year has gone by again. Their kids are growing so fast. I love how much their whole family cherishes these films. How they make them laugh and cry and they just absolutely will never not have one. The amount of meaningfulness these films bring to this family fills my heart so much. It's like our souls both completely understand the importance of it all.This year, they were fostering a sweet girl in their family. It' so sweet that they will have a film to remember her and how much she meant to their whole family during her stay.I love how big their biggest is getting and how special their time with her is. How they give her space to grow and be independent. I love how their older son is respected when he needs to be alone. He is a sweet sweet boy and introverted.Their youngest boy is HUGE (2 years old) and spunky as all get out. The wild card for sure.and I cannot WAIT to see them in 2026, film them and hug them. I love these people.If you want a family film to capture a day in your life, let's chat!
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Sarah + Tyson's In-Home Maternity Session
Having Maternity Photos done can be so daunting, depending on how you are feeling in your pregnancy or how you feel about your changing body, especially with the first baby. You can feel "big" or "fat" and in the moment, it can feel easy to give into those feelings and just skip out on maternity photos. I think many women feel negative thoughts about their pregnant bodies. They hurt and just feel so BLAH and fat. But I think later, as they grow in motherhood, they truly come to appreciate the miraculous journey that being pregnant and having a baby really is.That's how so much of life really is. When we're in the thick of whatever season we are in, we don't see the beauty in it and are so busy being deep in it, that we kind of just want to be in the next season. But later, we look back and see a lot of beauty in it, and if we are blessed to have video and or photos of that season, those can tell an even more meaningful story of that season.I love capturing maternity photos the way I do. A mix of documentary (real life) and slightly posed to give my clients the best of both worlds. I love showing them how incredible their body is. If you want a maternity session with me, please reach out to me here! I would LOVE to chat!
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Charm of Lived-In Spaces: Why You Don't Need a Pinterest-Perfect Home
Scrolling through social media these days, it is so easy to feel less than when it comes to our home. Other people's homes seem to be perfectly curated and decorated and look professionally done. But if you have ever stopped mid scroll, and looked around to see your son's dirty socks, your daughter's barbies strewn about and laundry on the sofa needing put away, you are not alone.
Guess what? That cozy, chaotic, well-used space you’re living in? It tells a story. One far more meaningful than a curated photo ever could.
Home Isn’t a Showroom—It’s a Story
A lived-in home is filled with personality. The dent in the coffee table? That’s from a board game night that got a little too competitive. The art on the fridge? Masterpieces by your kids or niece. The mismatched mugs in the kitchen? Each one collected from a place or moment that made you smile.
These imperfections don’t detract from your home’s beauty—they create it.
Real Life Is Messy, and That’s Okay
Perfection is exhausting. Living up to a social media standard of design can turn your home into a stage instead of a sanctuary. A home should work for you, not the other way around.
You don’t need throw pillows fluffed just so, or color-coded bookshelves to feel at peace in your space. Comfort and authenticity trump aesthetics every single time.
Design Should Support Life—Not Replace It
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a beautiful home, but beauty doesn’t always mean polished. A couch with worn cushions that everyone fights to nap on has value. So does a kitchen table with scratches from years of family dinners, homework, and impromptu heart-to-hearts.
When your space is designed around the life you live—not the one you think you should be living—it becomes truly beautiful.
The Emotional Layer of Home
Homes hold memory. That slightly wobbly chair you’ve had since college? It’s seen you through heartbreaks and late-night chats. The blanket thrown haphazardly over the couch? It’s comforted more people than you can count.
These things might not be “on brand” with current trends, but they are on brand with you. And that’s what makes them special.
Final Thoughts: Choose Soul Over Style
It’s okay to love beautiful interiors. But if you find yourself apologizing for your home every time someone visits, it might be time to reframe what “beautiful” really means.
Embrace the fingerprints on the glass, the cluttered entryway, the warm chaos of daily life. Because that’s what home really is—a place that holds you, not a place that performs for others.
So no, you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home. You need a home that feels like you.
Nashville Newborn Photographer | Studio posed vs in-home lifestyle newborn photography
It's 2025 and a lot has changed in 10 years. I spent many years perfecting newborn posing and having a studio. I loved every second of it. But as life goes on and people change, I too changed. I changed my purpose behind my work and I changed how I felt about what I was doing. Does that mean I regretted it? Not at all. People shift. That's life. But since I have the unique position of having done posed newborn photography for over 6 years and now having done in-home lifestyle / documentary newborn photography for the past 8 years, I thought I would write about the differences, in case a mom out there is wondering, which one is right for her.
The poses.
Let's start with the difference in poses when comparing an in-home newborn session to a posed squishy newborn studio session. In the posed situation, baby is molded into various adorable poses that place them into a perfect position. the lips are brought out, the angles are perfect, the baby is folded to create a piece of art. It's absolutely precious. But what are the downsides?
Well, for one... did that baby ever naturally pose themselves that way? Not usually. So it kind of tells a false narrative. Vs... when you do an in-home newborn session just a week or two postpartum (or longer if doing a newborn video), the baby is never intentionally posed. Everything is organic and natural and the positions he or she puts themself in, tells the story of how that baby may have positioned itself in the womb. The story is what I am after in my work - the story was what I was missing in my old style of photography. The story is what we will miss.
The photos.
In the studio, the photos are very similar to the 90s olan mills days. (the thing we don't want to admit!) Everyone is posed the same as every other family and it's a factory assembly line. Your family is family #4 for the week, and will be put through all the same poses as the family before that and before that. It is very cookie cutter. Whereas, when I go into the home of a family, everything about them is unique, and I hone in on that. The furniture, the state their home is in (moving boxes tell the story of how you just moved into your new home just before baby was born), its all a time stamp of what life was like the year you had your baby. We miss these elements of story telling in some of our modern photography ways... in the 80s and 90s, we had albums from photos that we got off of a polaroid or a disposable camera. There were items randomly placed on a coffee table, the sofa was the mess that it was - and ALL of it told the story of that year and that time in your life. The beauty of the items laying around or the imperfections is the depth of the story told.
The pacing of the session
This might be the best part. With a studio session, there is stress about getting out of the house with a newborn and trying to remember all the things you'll need. You get to the studio and the photographer definitely has a lot of patience (I hope) and you can relax and watch your newborn be posed and photographed. But she might have someone else coming in and will move through the poses as quickly as she can for you and her - to let you get home and resting again. When I come to your home, it's just us hanging out. Baby's fussy? we just sit and chat and let you nurse. Need a snack? No problem, I set my camera down (or maybe I don't) and we just chat and eat. There is ZERO pressure. Not ready when I arrive? Cool, I will just chat with the hubby or pet the dog... You get my drift. I want nothing more for you than for this to be the easiest possible session ever. You don't even have to have a clean house, I wont flinch if it's a mess of stuff. If I need something moved, we just move it. All I care about is that you are able to enjoy your day being photographed as a family with a new baby. and that I leave and you feel like that experience was so easy and fun. I usually spend between 1-2 hours, depending on the family's pace at a session. You're my only session that day and I want to come with an open heart ready to give your session 150%.
In-home newborn photography is more candid, real life, capturing things like the nursery and your home, letting you just do what you have been doing - loving on your new baby - and Im just there to hang out while you do it. And if you happen to add on a film, I will even get to capture all of those amazing baby noises and coos - and how baby responds and lights up when you talk to them. If this is something you are interested in, contact me here!
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | 5 Things No one Tells you about birth
You have dreamed of someday, having a baby, of seeing that line show up on the test, of who you might be married to when it happens. and finally, that dream has come true.
Being pregnant is so humbling. From morning sickness to growing larger and larger - it is just so hard and so humbling. It comes with an array of emotions as you process your body changing and also, that you'll have an incredible little life to be in charge of soon. It's a lot of change! You will get so many different view points that you will be annoyed by week 20. But what aren't people telling you that you might even want to hear?
1. Your emotions will be wild after birth.
After having your baby, you'll have this high of emotions. The surge of these hormones will help you to fall in love with your baby and to have the energy to be what baby needs. But those emotions will come down at some point and when they do, you'll feel sad. You might suddenly cry when your baby has their first big blow out or outgrows a newborn outfit - all of these emotions are normal. They are part hormonal and part because you are processing everything that has happened. My recommendation is to find a way to let the emotions flow. Journaling or just sitting in them, helps them to be processed in a healthier way so that you can feel more stable.
2. Birth isn't as awful as we may have heard.
Labor isn't as painful and terrible as you might have heard. It can be hard for some, definitely. But if you can take a good quality course like Bradley Method and learn how to labor well, it can help a lot. Pain can be lessened by taking lots of magnesium during pregnancy and having loose fascia. The key is to be relaxed in your body and to surrender your mind and body to the process. And of course, I highly recommend hiring a doula. A doula can make the pain significantly less! And if your plan is to have an epidural, well I would have a plan B because I had to have 3 epidurals and none of them worked and I had no way to manage the pain. I was also induced and so that was absolutely awful. My 2nd pregnancy I had no epidural and knew how to handle labor and had a doula and it was a MUCH better experience.
3. You will still looks pregnant... even after your baby has been born.
It takes a while for everything to shrink down. You just grew a whole human and your body will take a few weeks or longer to reduce your uterus and tissues back to their new size. Pack something cozy in your hospital bag or have something ready for after your home birth and just know that's part of the process.
4. Nursing struggles are normal.
I don't actually think this next one is a surprise these day, but nursing doesn't always come naturally. It can feel awkward as you step into this new life of becoming a mother and if so, just know it's okay. I think having grace on yourself is going to go so far in these first weeks as a new mother. Between oral ties and weird nipples, nursing struggles are normal. I do think it is so worth the work of pushing forward because the reward of being able to nurse is so great - from feeling confident as a nurturer to the extreme benefits breast milk has for baby - and the anti breast cancer effects of nursing - I believe that women can achieve it if they are willing to ask for help - and maybe even if they need help more than once. Get CFT on baby and mom, which can help nursing significantly and hire the best lactation consultant if needed. Let other women come help you step into this role and remember, you weren't meant to do this alone.
5. Things very likely may not go according to plan
I think it is extremely important to hold your birth plans loosely. If you are overly tied to the plans and stuck in a state of control of the outcome, it will hinder not only your ability to give birth but also the first few hours you spend with your baby, because you will be in a state of shock over how it all played out. Many of us know that hospital births are a much more challenging place to follow "birth plans" and that is why I personally, would never have a hospital birth without a doula to advocate for me while I can be in my own body and mind working hard on birth and labor. But regardless of where you choose to birth, sometimes things like inductions and assistance are warranted. My own births were emergency C-sections (I now know I have an extremely curved tail bone, they can't even find the end of it and think that played a huge role). Having had tried for a v-bac with the 2nd baby, I can honestly say in hindsight, I would prioritize my emotions after birth over the way the birth played out because I was so upset with myself for having failed my birth plan and wish I could have been more emotionally stable and in the moment those first weeks of my son's life. So, to sum up, have plans ... but have advocates between you and the medical staff, so that you can trust the plans if they change a little better and be in a good headspace for your postpartum period.
6. Pushing isn't necessary
One thing I have learned in the many many births I have attended, is that pushing forcefully isn't actually that normal and necessary. For one, if it is unwarranted, it can ruin your pelvic floor. For two, you have a fetal ejection reflex, which is defined as "a natural, involuntary process where the body expels the baby during the second stage of labor without the need of forced pushing" .... it's pretty cool. Anyway, a good midwife will coach you to relax your pelvic floor vs pushing against tension, which will translate to a healthier pelvic floor and less chance of tearing. It's more of a breathing down into your pelvic floor and less of a forced push. It's a surrender rather than a workout.
I hope you enjoyed this blog about birth! If you want your own birth filmed, please reach out to me and let's chat!