Unposed Vs Posed: What's the difference? | Nashville Family Photographer

In the Photography network, photographers refer to types of photography with the terms documentary or lifestyle... but for the average mom or dad out there looking to hire a photographer, they may not know what all of these terms mean.

Documentary Photography tends to be a photographer who comes to your home and acts as a fly on the wall. This photographer is highly skilled at anticipating moments and predicting what is going to happen.

They know how to be subtle and get into a moment, grab it on camera, and get back out... they are careful to not intervene in the scene unfolding before them. This captures REAL life. REAL emotions. TRUE personalities. Documentary Photography tells a story...

I remember the first time my own family was documented for a film and photo session. I could not WAIT to get the video back. But I got the photos first...

I felt meh about getting them, but opened the gallery. It was the FIRST time as a mom I had been moved to tears with photos of my own family. I have hired several famous photographers from out of state. The best of the best. But this experience blew me away. I instantly felt sad too. Because for so many years, I chased perfect images robbing myself of the beautiful real story unfolding before me on a daily basis.

Lifestyle Photography is a modern term that refers to capturing families - usually in their home - with light posing. instead of smiling at the camera for every photo, the family is cued on how to interact... and that is what is captured.

It is set up in a certain room or place in the home (or outside at sunset) and the outfits are coordinated and the work is very very polished. Often times, well meaning lifestyle photographers will call themselves storytellers. But if we creating the story we are telling, are we really story tellers?

I think Lifestyle Photography emerged as a rebellion to the Olin Mills of the 90s. However, I think that even though our generation sees this as modern and unique and so different than the 90s... we aren't realizing that in 20 years, it will be our own version of Olin Mills photos. Because everyone looks the same in all of their photos. Photographers show up to a session with a "shot list" and plan to get through that shot list for every family.

All of the photos are similar. I remember in 2017, as I was awakening to this, I would scroll social media and... I could not tell one photographer from another. This has been true of posed newborn photography (where they put little newborns tucked into poses) and of Lifestyle Family Photography.

To be clear, I see value in ALL of it. Truthfully, I would rather a family be photographed than not. This blog I am writing is simply to discuss the sociology of our decisions in photography. It's a deep dive into culture and trends and why we make the decisions we do. (can you tell I have a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology?) I love analyzing everything, it geeks me out.

I am not opposed to lifestyle work. In fact, I find lifestyle is better for newborn sessions and tend to lean more lifestyle in them. I really adjust to each family. It just depends on their uniqueness. But most often, families are SO new to having a newborn that they don't yet have a groove that leads to documentary work. Families don't usually want me to be a fly on the wall and capture them simply nursing, sleeping and changing diapers. I am open to it though!

If you want your family captured, let's chat!!! 

Franklin, Tennessee Family Photographer | The Bakirtzis Family

Spending an occasional morning filming or photographing families has been one of my greatest honors. I just feel SO at peace capturing them and discovering their story. How they interact, how they show love. What their favorite memories are. All of it makes me immensely happy. I know that I am truly doing what I was called to do. I spent years doing more trendy photography work before I discovered this. There is nothing that a family can do that I am going to judge. I am here to capture your story, whether its a perfectly kept home or a complete mess... whether its organized chaos or sweet daughters who gleefully sit on your laps, I am HERE for it.The Bakirtzis family was such fun to capture. I really hope they hire me for a film in 2023. They just have the sweetest interactions and strong love for one another. (I know I could say that of all my clients, but still... each family is unique and I never tire of it!)Y'all are gonna die over this baby's cuteness ... BTW.Dying to book a session? Contact me here! I would love to chat!

Franklin Family Photographer | What is the purpose behind photography?

 What is the purpose behind photography? When I googled this, here is what I found:"Essentially, the purpose of photography is to communicate and document moments in time. When you take a photograph and share it with others, you're showing a moment that was frozen through a picture. This moment can tell someone many things, from the environment to what people are doing." Credit: Portraits Refined.I also found Why do we need photography? "Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive, hold a moment in history for future generations, be a witness to tragedy or joy." Via Time.com(Two sisters from a recent family session)I asked this question to my followers on IG and here are some of the replies I received:"To preserve memories""capture moments""To document""To take you back to another time, place and feeling""To Remember""To freeze a moment in time""To Capture the essence of today and preserve the memories for tomorrow""To tell a story" (thats a favorite!)"To remember the little things that fade in our memories"So we need to ask ourselves, as parents who hire photographers, and as photographers who's job it is to serve our clients best, are we doing this?I have made it my job to best serve my clients by mentoring them through this, helping them to see their future and what is going to come - and what they will miss. While I am VERY happy to capture clients in the fall on a quilt in the field for Christmas photos, that type of session is not accomplishing the above statements.

Nashville Family Documentary Photographer | The Hartsfield's

This family is one of my favorites. They are so laid back and easy going. They have the most adorable laid back little girl. Im so blessed to have worked with them since she was pregnant with baby Kennedy. From her Maternity session, through the first year, and now into my film work, its been one big fun ride.The day was looking like it might rain and have lots of overcast. But it really brightened up and did not rain. It was so great spending a few hours watching them do their normal day to day activities, capturing the simple details of life that we often forget or take for granted.Many people feel their families are too boring for a day in the life photos+film session, but that is literally never true. Each family has its uniqueness and that is what is beautiful about these sessions. You can see that this family did nothing out of the ordinary, nothing extraordinary. They cooked, they ate, they played, they read, they nursed.I am booking 2019 Family Films and would love to film yours!Warmly,Hartsfield Family Film:Hartfsfield Family Film 2018 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.Sneak Peek of images from their session :)   

Nashville Baby Photographer | Millie's Newborn Session

Millie was just precious for her session. She has adorable literally coming from every angle! Big brother is already in love, and everyone is thrilled to have a new baby girl. I love documentary sessions because they capture honest, raw and real emotion. Its an honor to be hired to photograph this time in a family's life.

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Photographer | Addison - 2 Years Old

Addison is one of my favorite little people. She is spunky and opinionated. She isn't won over easy, which is my favorite challenge. She and I had a blast during her session! She quickly became my friend and I really loved our special time together. One of my all time favorite sessions for sure. I like to photograph the littles without force, just a good fun session!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Maternity Photographer | Hannah's Glorious Sunset Session

Hannah was the best maternity client ever. I truly feel this way after my maternity sessions, though! Women come to me and they are nervous! Its not easy to volunteer to show of your bump in front of the camera. To dress up and let someone capture you. Many women think it will be awkward. After the session, they go ON and ON about how fun it was and how surprised they were about how natural they felt. We truly have a blast and laugh the entire time! I had a wardrobe of dresses for my clients, and I love when clients wear Free People Dresses. No one ever regrets maternity photography! This night, Nashville had the most glorious sunset ever.

If you want your bump captured, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | AJ's Newborn Session

AJ is such a peaceful sweet newborn boy. I photographed him at their home on a beautiful day in Nashville. It was a very quaint simple session, lots of emotive connection during the shoot. His big sister is absolutely smitten with him. I had such a wonderful time and my heart and soul were so happy leaving this in-home documentary shoot. I love capturing their real life. Connecting with them and giving them an emotional set of images that really tells a story. We chatted the entire time and really had a fun and laid back shoot!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Child Photographer | Quill's 3 Year Old Garden Shoot

Quill is 3! I remember photographing her back when I had a newborn portrait studio in Nashville. Quill is all spunk and was born on the bathroom floor by accident. She will make an amazing female adult, but in the meantime, makes for a fun child to parent ;) she is my best friend's daughter and we wanted to capture her in her true form. Quill loves her chickens and garden. She and her momma garden together almost daily on their homestead. This day was SO incredibly hot, the most I had sweat all summer. But it was a blast chasing Quilly Loo around!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Ingram's 1 Year Shoot

Ingram is ONE. I mean, they just grow so incredibly fast. The fussy days, the teething, and sleepless nights, just go by so fast. I love this time of year, when I have baby chicks at my house. Being able to use them for a  few shoots is nice. He loved them and was very curious. I love watching babies analyze their surroundings, and take it all in.

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Ingram's baby video/film:

Warmly,

Nashville Child Photographer | Chase's 3 Year Session

I always enjoy sessions with this family. Ive been photographing Chase since he was born. And its always been a blast. They have such a strong emotional connection. The boys are typical rambunctious boys. But when you're with this crew, you can feel all of the emotion, and their love for life is great! Enjoy Chase's 3 year session and be on the look out for my first family film, featuring this crew!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Child Photographer | Ayla's Magical 3 Year Session

Ayla's session was pure magic. I designed the entire session and ordered her a custom gown. Watching it all come together is always so much fun.She is 3, so there were times when she didn't want to do certain things - but you know what? That is okay! We let her have fun and don't force children to do anything. The weather was perfect after a lot of rainy days. She loved the water and exploring. I wanted to capture her eyes and lips and wild curly hair. As well as her spunky personality. I cant wait to see what her momma does with these images.Warmly, 

Nashville Family Photographer | Poplin Family

We had such a fun time during this session. At first, things started rough - the baby got hurt and started to fuss. But we just kept our attitudes positive and it all turned around! We played and had such fun. Amanda (the mom) needed boots when she got into the water, so she borrowed mine and I shot in my socks ;) All for the love of photography! Nashville has been so beautiful this time of year. It has not been super hot and we have really enjoyed the weather. I cant wait for this crew to see all their shots!

If you want your family captured, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Chandler is one!

This family, y'all, is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE FAMILIES! They left a while back to move to florida. I photographed their first son, Chase, here in Nashville, until he was a toddler, and then they moved. So, I didn't get to photograph their second son. But Thank the LORD they moved back! and I was able to finally meet Sweet Chandler! I just loved him to pieces. Very laid back and has the most fun wild hair. We had such fun capturing this time!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Child Photographer | Addison 18 Months

Addison is growing so fast, we had a blast letting her play in the water! She may not be a baby any longer, but I can still some baby-isms left. I hope she keeps a few for just a bit. Babies don't keep! I designed her whole session. I love coming up with a vision and seeing it come to life. At the end, she gave us some of those sweet moments, sucking her thumb. Those moments, will be missed!

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Eliot's In-Home Newborn Session

Baby Eliot is brand new to the world! She went overdue, and was very lazy about entering this world. But now that she's here, she is pretty chill! We had fun capturing the new baby. I captured her sister about 3 or so years ago. Her big sister is so adorable and I loved working with them all again! I still pinch myself, wondering if this life I lead is really mine.

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Welcome Lucy!

Lucy arrived into the world smiling, Im sure. She was so sweet and smiley! She and her sister are already bonding. The entire family was just so in love with the new baby girl. Lifestyle shoots allow me to capture memories, pure moments, raw emotion. And I am falling in love with film and videography too - because what better way to capture emotion! Please enjoy Lucy's video and sneak peek!

If you want your family captured, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Bennett 6 Months

Sweet Baby Bennett is 6 months. I really hate time flying so fast, but I adored seeing this sweet family again! They are full of sunshine and warmth. We had fun renting an AirBNB for their session, and doing something a little differently. He is the smiliest baby ever. And here is his video too :)

If you want your baby filmed, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Nashville Child Photographer | Elizabeth 3 Years

I was able to photograph sweet Elizabeth. She is 3 and her mom says she is sassy. I never saw that side of her. She was just sweet and very fun to capture! We photographed at my home, where I have land. In the backyard is this small square of Weeds / Herbs / Flowers. You always get a different answer depending on who you ask. My kids have been telling me to use it in photos. Ive disregarded it, as you can see in this iPhone photo, its not much to look at:

If you want your family captured, contact me here! 

This is where it pays to hire a photographer with an eye for photography. (I mean, clearly my kids had the eye and I had doubts! HA)

Here is what I shot here, and even a few from this same perspective.

Nashville Baby Photographer | Magnolia Jaymes' 6 Month Session

Magnolia Jaymes. I really think her name says it all. She is a super sweet baby, growing leaps and bounds! We rented an AIRBNB for her session, to change it up and had such fun! She loved her sink bath, and there was a huge chalk board - with a magnolia flower drawn on it. Meant to be much?

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Magnolia's Film:

Warmly,