Nashville Family Photographer + Filmmaker | The Douglass Family
Getting to film his sweet family and their rhythm together is such a blessing. This was our 2nd film together and it went just as beautifully as the first. I connect with this family because they homeschool and we do too. I love watching them crack jokes together, play games, jump and play…. making sourdough and even running out into the rain! Which I have never had happen in a session before.
Having your family filmed is something you will never regret, I promise you. You’ll watch it back over and over. Years later, it becomes increasingly valuable to you. Your kids will want to watch it and I even have some clients’ kiddos that go to bed with their little video albums (after 3 family films, I gift them one). It is so powerful to show your kids that their daily life is SO good and worth living. Give them evidence of the love and laughter and good times. Someday, they may cling to them. I would love to connect with you about filming your family!
Homeschool Family spending time together.
Husband and Wife on trampoline, kissing.
a Boy and his Dog
young boy on trampoline
dad and daughter jumping on trampoline
Homeschool girl learns piano
Homeschool family making sourdough
Dad and son play chess
Welcoming Baby Girl | Nashville Newborn + Family Photography
Spending time capturing this family in their everyday life is such an honor, and honestly, it is so much fun. Every time I see them, it feels like catching up with old friends while we laugh and enjoy the morning together. I especially love seeing their boys in person, and this time was extra special because I got to document them as big brothers meeting their new baby sister.
The boys are completely smitten with her. They love holding her, kissing her, and showing her off. Their youngest brother, Emerson, is still adjusting, and you can see his mixed emotions. I loved capturing that too. Documentary family photography is about more than just smiles. It is about the little moments, the real expressions, and even the sibling rivalry. Those moments are honest and beautiful because they show the reality of change in a family. Emerson’s feelings don’t mean he doesn’t love his sister. It simply means that his role in the family has shifted. All changes, even the best ones, bring a mix of emotions because they mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
This was my third time with this family in a short period, and it felt incredibly special. I know I will miss seeing them until we meet again for their next family session.
If you missed it, you can look back at their maternity session here.
If you are looking for a Nashville newborn photographer or want to book a maternity session, family photography session, or birth photography and videography in Nashville, I would love to connect with you. Let’s create something meaningful for your family that you can treasure for years to come.
The Mixter Family | Nashville Family Photographer
Why I Choose Family Films & Day in the Life Photography
When I think about the work I get to do, I honestly feel so grateful. For years, I photographed families in the traditional, posed way. It was easy ... easy to book, easy to market, easy to deliver. But deep down, I didn’t feel fulfilled.
Everything changed when I discovered Family Films and Day in the Life photography. Suddenly, I realized what had been missing: purpose.
This kind of storytelling isn’t simple or effortless. It’s more time at sessions, more preparation, more editing, and more heart poured into every frame. But the result is powerful. Families walk away with real-life memories ... the kind of images and films that become treasures when life shifts, children grow, or loved ones are no longer here.
And that is why I do this.
The Purpose Behind Every Session
Every time I walk into a family’s home, I carry that purpose with me. I’m not there to pose or direct. I’m there to tell a story ... your family’s story, right now, in this season of life.
Recently, I had the honor of creating a Day in the Life session for the Mixter family, and it’s one I’ll never forget.
The Mixter Family’s Story in Franklin, TN
The Mixters live in a beautiful home in Franklin, but they recently bought land just a few miles away. On that land sits an older home that will soon be torn down to make space for their forever home.
Instead of just waiting for construction, they turned this little house into something magical. They began painting it decoratively, almost like a family art project. I had never seen anything like it, and it was such a joy to capture.
Can you imagine their kids years from now ... remembering the season of life when their family turned an old house into a canvas? Now they have photos that will let them relive those moments forever.
Why Families Choose Day in the Life Photography
This is what makes documentary family photography and family films so different from traditional sessions:
They capture your real life, not stiff poses.
They become priceless keepsakes when seasons change.
They show your children what their childhood felt like, not just what it looked like.
Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story?
If you’ve ever wished you could freeze time and hold onto the everyday beauty of your family, this is for you. Whether you’re in Franklin, Nashville, or the surrounding areas, I would love to create a Family Film or Day in the Life sessionthat tells your story.
Reach out to me here to capture YOUR day in the life!
Let’s chat about capturing your real-life memories.
Nashville Family Videographer | A Film Session with The Brisky Family
It is always an honor to be invited into a family’s home to document their story through film and photography. But when my client is also a talented family filmmaker herself? That’s the biggest compliment I could ever receive.
I’ve admired and followed Neeli Brisky for a long time. We often chat about our work and encourage one another, so when Neeli shared she was expecting, she immediately reached out about creating a family film. My answer was an enthusiastic yes!
The Perfect Timing for a Family Film in Knoxville
As luck would have it, Neeli lives just a few hours away near Knoxville, Tennessee. Shortly after her baby was born, I happened to be traveling to Knoxville, which made the timing absolutely perfect for us to connect and capture her family’s story.
Meeting Neeli in person felt like reuniting with an old friend. She radiates kindness and carries a peaceful spirit that instantly made me feel at home. Watching her love on her three boys alongside her supportive husband was such a gift.
A Family Story Filled with Gratitude
Neeli’s journey to motherhood is filled with love and resilience. When she and her husband first tried to grow their family, they faced struggles. During that time, they adopted their first son ... and soon after, discovered she was pregnant. That blessing gave them two boys close in age, and now they’ve welcomed their third baby, another sweet boy.
To say that three boys feels like a dream come true for Neeli and her husband would be an understatement. Their gratitude for this season is evident in every smile, laugh, and tender moment.
Capturing Real Life Moments
One of my favorite parts of this documentary family film was capturing the boys together. The older two adore their little brother ... their voices, giggles, and excitement add so much life to the story. Their dad was incredibly hands-on, bringing energy and laughter to every moment with his boys.
What shines through this film is not just the beauty of this family, but also their joy in the everyday. These are the memories that will be cherished for decades ... not staged, not forced, but real and full of love.
Telling Your Family’s Story in Nashville + Beyond
Family films are such a powerful way to remember life as it truly is. From quiet moments to playful laughter, they preserve the heart of your family right now.
If you’re in Knoxville, Nashville, or anywhere in Tennessee and want a documentary family photographer and filmmaker to capture your family in an authentic way, I’d love to create something meaningful for you.
Reach out to me here to book your family film 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.
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.
