Franklin TN Documentary Film and Photos | Real is the new perfect

If I asked you to think of your favorite people and the memories you most treasure with them, would you say it was when you were posed on a quilt in a field for your annual check list family session?

No. you wouldn't.

So why are we investing in just this type of photography? Im not saying no to posed or lifestyle sessions, but I am saying we need to say yes more to real life memories. Meaningful sessions with the purpose behind them to preserve our memories.

Day in the life of the Brown Family

I have been a photographer for almost 10 years. Its been trend after trend after trend. and at some point around year 7-8, I subconsciously became sick of it. I didn't know why. I didn't know what happened exactly, other than my own family had our own documentary shoot.

I had hired a photographer from Australia, who was visiting the area, to film my family. She said the session came with photos, but initially, I didn't care much about those.

But then, I received the images before the film. and the images had me breaking down in tears. This moment changed my heart forever. I entered into a transition of finding my own authentic self as an artist. and never looked back.

A moment in time.

It all makes sense in hindsight. My degree is Psychology. Im excellent at reading people and moments. at Feeling what people are feeling. I just allowed trendy photography to deter me from my true inner self for far too long. I still love capturing families outside in lifestyle sessions, but it doesn't feed my soul like documentary.

Mushroom hunting. A frequent activity in the Brown Family

My theory is, is that inside all of us, particularly mothers.... there is this part of us that wants raw real photographs and videos of our everyday. As mothers, we can see that the boo-boos, the sick days, the stories that are being told to our children, the quick hugs, the long snuggles, and the giggles, are the real moments that make our hearts go pitter patter. I just think we are too afraid of something way off in left field, to fully invest and jump into it.

I hear it all the time .... "Our lives are not that interesting" and Im here to tell you, thats a lie you're telling yourself. Your life is interesting. Because it is your family's story. and that is the most interesting life that there is. Photos and film of your family - that goes above and beyond any staged session that there is.

That way he looked at his son....

I met with a momma the other day, as she is hiring me to capture her life with a 3 year and 1 year old twins. I asked her why she wanted a film. I wish I could have videoed her long answer. I will try to paraphrase what she said. It made my heart soar.

"I look back at photos of my 3 year old as a baby and I already find that I forgot things that I didn't realize I would forget. I have always wanted a big family and I feel so blessed to already have 3 kids. Its absolute chaos, but I love our chaos and I want that story to be told"

Y'all, I nearly cried listening to this mommas heart!

I captured this, thinking to myself, that I want this child to see how his mommas hands held him as a baby.

One final thing. Preserving these memories, isn't just about what momma wants to remember. It is also about documenting the childhood of her children. Capturing life as it happened - so that your children can look back and remember their LIVES and how they LIVED in YOUR family.

So lets get back to the heart of photography. Preserving our real raw memories, so we can look back and truly remember.

If you want your family captured, contact me here! 

Warmly,

Jennie

Franklin Baby Photographer | Welcoming Noah

I recently photographed this family, welcoming their second boy into the world. I captured some of their typical day right now, in the rough part of life; adjusting to two kids.

Mothers spend so much of their day nursing. Im so glad we captured this time in their lives.

I watched Mallory and her family adjust to the new baby as the oldest was seeking attention - as he goes from being the only child to sharing his parents.

I remember this time when I welcomed my second son into my life. So I could relate on a deep level. It was the saddest and happiest days of my life. My oldest felt confused about how much I loved him and I also wanted to soak up the time with my newest baby.

Some family time, reading and snuggling. and then all on his own, big brother wanted to hold his baby.

When I arrived, as is common, the house was a tad chaotic. Momma was flustered, older brother was acting out of sorts. The baby was probably crying or nursing. And Dad was just trying to keep things from falling apart.

But if you hire a professional photographer, you don't realize you're getting more than someone who can take photos and make a video. You're getting a doula, friend, and comforter - all in one. Mallory even said at one point "you have such a calm about you"

See, when I saw mom flustered. I simply said it was fine. and not to worry. and that all would calm down. and so it did. When they realize that just because family members are not 100%, that the session would not fail as a result. most of the time, that settles things down.

More nursing, because #hunger

I loved capturing this for this family. Photographing and filming families and newborn babies.

Warmly,

Nashville Baby Photographer | Welcoming Arlo

Baby Arlo is baby boy # 3 for this crew. Man did he make me want another! Scrumptious is the best descriptive word for this precious newborn. I loved capturing a day in the life film for this sweet family. Kelly cried watching it and says she will cherish it forever.

If you want your family filmed, contact me here! 

Kelly Galyean from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.

Warmly,