Nashville Birth Photographer | Should I hire a photographer who doubles as a doula?
I gave birth to my 2nd son in 2012, and had a doula and a midwife at my birth at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, TN. I loved them both and could not imagine my birth without them. My doula, made a HUGE difference in my labor pains. In fact, when she left to go to the bathroom, I was so upset she wasn't working on my back because it made such a difference and I had a contraction while she was in there.I also had a filmmaker at my birth and have been obsessed with my birth film since. It is absolutely one of my most treasured possessions.There is no way I could have had one person fill these roles. Each one had their own very complex job that required a lot of brain work and I could not have gone through a contraction without my doula, and therefore, she also could not have been photographing and or videoing my birth for me.Years later, as I have stepped into the role of Birth Videographer and photographer, I have seen sweet well meaning people in the industry of birth, offer both as a package. I have explored this idea for myself and also what my opinion of it was. I have talked to mothers who have had doulas and I have spoken to many birth workers themselves and they all say the same thing... One person cannot do both jobs well. I have also heard from birth workers that they have witnessed these individuals in person and that they were not able to be there for the client as a birth support because they were too busy trying to capture their birth. I have a friend who is both a doula and a birth photographer, she said she offered the combo twice and that "it was terrible" and so she never offered the combination again. She made them hire her for one or the other and then hire another person.You, are the mother. This is YOUR birth. This is your choice. But because it is so important for the birth space and experience, I felt compelled to share my thoughts in a blog. I will never put the ability to book clients because I sold them a package deal to beat my competition or to make my brand look better, over the ability to provide the BEST footage of their birth. My clients come first, not my profits. But also, I do not know the intentions of these sweet meaning people and have no idea why they decided to offer both. My only assumption is to provide a package deal. But if the package deal does not serve the client, then it should not be offered.To learn more about Documenting Birth, click here.
Franklin Tennessee Family Photographer | The Roberts Family
THIS FAMILY, ya'll! The last time I had a session with them (Film + Photos)... they BLEW IT OUT THE WATER. Well of course, they rocked this one too. SUCH a beautiful meaningful session.Alan, the father, really wanted to capture his time working on his Jeep with his 3 sons. This Jeep and this time with his boys means a lot to him. and I mean... A LOT. The way Alan interacts with his children brings me to tears. And after 2 sessions, he sings my praises a lot - and that means the world to me!This family centers around all things music. Their film also had video of them dancing and playing guitar. They come alive when they are dancing and singing. It truly is the coolest thing. and I am 100% here for it.
Nashville, TN Family Photographer | my top 5 client testimonials
Being invited into a family's home to capture them not only for photography but also videography is something I cherish deeply. I am so honored to be able to bear witness to a family's most vulnerable moments. I wish I could tell you every family film was absolutely peaceful and easy and just a walk in the park! And for some families, it is! most have a mix of moments ranging from boisterous to hilarious! Some are quite calm and sweet and some feel like absolute chaos (to the family - Im not bothered by any of it!). But every single one turns out an amazing film. Why? Because I don't need a lot of clips to make the film. I also can't use most of what I shoot to make a 3-5 minute film! I also have a trained eye and know where the best moments are. I can predict them most times and am ready to film it! But regardless of what happens during your session, I'm there calm and poised.
You see, None of it phases me. I see it all as beautiful life. and Life is truly filled with all range of emotions and behaviors and moods. It is what makes life so amazing! Below I wanted to share my top 5 Reviews from previous Film Clients! But first, here are 2 images showing a huge range of interactions during a film.
OOPS! I did SIX! I am just SO in love with this gig of family photography and film making. I truly cherish EVERY client. Giving them this treasure is an enormous gift. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this year unfolds.
If you are thinking about hiring me to capture your family, you can download my family photography and film client guide to learn more here!
Nashville Baby Photographer | Graham is 6 Months old!
Baby Graham came to see me for his sitting up milestone session! We had so much fun making him smile. I just love naked sitting babies! He's such a happy baby, so curious and observational. He was so fascinated by all of my fabrics and textures and loves finding his toes! It seems like not long ago, I was photographing his newborn session!Thank you, Heather, for choosing me as your newborn and baby photographer!Warmly,
Franklin Newborn Photographer | Baby Kate's Session
Im itching for Spring! You can tell in this very yellow newborn session I did recently. Kate slept like a dream. She has such beautiful features, I just love her cheeks and long lashes! My job is always such fun! I have to pinch myself from time to time, because I just can't believe this is my "job"! Its been FIVE years since I began photography and I can honestly say, its been an amazing ride!To another FIVE years! Thank you, Erin, for choosing ME to photograph your sweet girl!Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Newborn boy Jackson
Sweet Jackson was in for his newborn session. I loved meeting his parents at their maternity session and then watching them become parents. The love in their new family is so strong. I cannot wait to watch Jackson grow over the next year. He was a strong newborn so Im betting hell crawl early!
Thank you, Laura for trusting me with your sweet boy.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Baby Catherine is 9 Months old!
I cannot believe how quickly these babies grow! Catherine is officially walking and getting so big so fast! I love her cheeks and lips and those blue eyes! plus, the curls just send me over the edge....
Thank you Michelle for letting me photograph your children since the first was born 5 years ago!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Heather's Elegant Maternity Session
Heather was divine! Not only is she gorgeous and confident, but she was so fun to pose too! I loved working with her in the creek and getting creative in the gorgeous flower field. I finally was able to use this gray and white dress Ive been drooling over for a while now. She totally rocked it :) I truly love my job with all of my heart and my clients are the reason! I love how comfortable they are with me before even meeting me for the first time.
Heather, Thank you for letting me photograph this amazing time in your life! I cannot wait to meet that sweet baby :)
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Newborn Photographer | Baby Boy Amos
Sweet Amos went 2 or so weeks overdue, and was still just a peanut! I guess nature knew he needed to cook extra long ;)
It was so fun posing Amos - I especially love his macro close up shots and his shots with his parents. His sweet face is so beautiful and his lashes are long! Not to mention, that hair.... OH and the lips.....
I photographed Anna's Maternity Session a few months ago, and Ive fallen in love with this sweet family! They love nature and I cannot wait to see Amos again at his 6 month session. Im sure it will be here before we know it!
Thank you, Anna and Dale for trusting me with your precious son. XOXO
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Newborn Photographer | Baby Boy Grayson
Sweet Grayson has such a perfect name (my 2nd son's name is Greyson so Im biased). So I definitely did some gray set ups during his session! He was such a chunk and had a beautiful head of hair :) Also, when I had my Greyson two years ago, I was due May 29th and he was born on the 30th. Guess what? This baby was due the 29th and born on the 30th - and has the same name! So weird :) I loved putting all the cute hats on him and pant sets - he's so beautiful and probably has already changed a lot!
Thank you, Trina for trusting me to care for your sweet boy! I sure loved squeezing him :D
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Newborn Photographer | Baby Sparrow
What a beautiful girl! She didn't sleep long, but thats ok, I move fast ;) and she gave me some very pretty images! I loved meeting her and getting to know her mommy and daddy. She had a very calm personality. Congrats to her parents!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Ashley's Southern Styled Maternity Session
Ashley and I met almost 3 years ago, when I photographed her first bump and newborn. Now, she's one of my closest friends! We have bonded because we are both extremely "crunchy mommies" or "granola" - I seriously cannot picture my life without her in it! Im so excited she is having a little girl soon, and I cannot wait to 1) meet this baby 2) photograph Decker (daddy) with said baby girl with his red thick beard and 3) use yellow in her session since her nursery has yellow in it (LOVE YELLOW!)
Ashley, I love you girl! and Im sure this sweet girl will steal your heart once more.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Josie turns 6 months!
Seems like yesterday, I was photographing Josie's mommy's maternity session. Now she's 6 months and crawling everywhere! I wish children stayed little longer. But Im so grateful that mommies get photos of their tiny babies so they can remember each details. My favorite compliment from a mommy is when I speak to her 1-2 years later (or longer) and she says "We still look at his or her newborn photos and treasure each one!"
I cannot wait to see Josie at 9 months. She might even be walking! Then I will be chasing her everywhere. Stinker.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Miss Avery
It is extra special when your client is your friend.
We don't see each other that often, because we a good distance away, but this baby's daddy went to high school with my hubby. And I have always enjoyed my time and texts with her mommy, Laura. Avery was fun to capture and I cannot believe how much she looks like her big sister! I enjoyed getting some different shots of her compared to my recent work, and her cheeks were tempting to squeeze......
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Mr Smiles!
I can't believe how many photos I captured of this little red haired beauty smiling! What a ham! I loved him to pieces and got to do lots of fun setups with him. He even lasted long enough for a daddy baby shot :)
Its amazing what babies do at just a few days old. He has lots of great shots and loved being posed. I cannot wait to show his momma his gallery! She drove all the way from Dickson to Nashville, Thanks so much!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Child Portrait Photographer | Sisters
I have had such a blast working on my child portfolio! Im expanding from just maternity and newborn into baby's first year and children, as well as family photography! Im SO excited!
These triplet sisters were SO well behaved, gorgeous to photograph, and such fun! I loved styling their session and working with these three special ladies.
Im excited to offer styled sessions - where I use a gown I own for the child.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Sawyer turns 6 months old!
I cannot believe how fast time goes! Sawyer was just born, or so it seems! He has always been so big for his age but hes cute as a button. He had some funny quirks in his personality that really showed through! Its amazing how much personality a baby has at just six months old.
Remember, this baby was never more than a few feet from his momma. So no matter how dangerous a photo may SEEM, it was photographed safely, thanks to photoshop!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
nashville newborn photographer | Baby Hayden 9 Days new
Is it ok to repeat how much I love my job over and over again? seriously, photographing newborns, babies, loving families, and maternity clients is such a dream!
Mr. Hayden did so well for his shoot, letting me pose him easily and sleeping the entire time. His momma and daddy were sweet as can be! I cant wait for them to see their gallery.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Family and Baby Photographer | Fall Baby!
I am now accepting Babies for 3-6-9-12 Sessions and Family sessions! I have two kiddos, Im no longer pregnant and my baby is now 18 months, so I feel I can add more onto my schedule again :)I have had THE Most fun this fall doing some Non Newborn and Non Maternity Sessions. I can't even describe how fun it has been!Here is a peek into Chloe's one year session. Sweet girl didn't even mind it was cold-ish. She just kept playing!If you want your family captured, contact me here! 
Nashville Maternity Photography | Liz and her amazing baby bump
She makes pregnancy look like a piece of cake. She is stunningly beautiful inside and out and I had a blast working with her gorgeousness!If you want your family captured, contact me here! Xoxo,
