# 3

In a word: Unexpected

The experience: Hmmmm....Well this was my very first maternity session, and it actually went better than I ever expected. I had been planning this for months just waiting for Shawna's belly to grow. Shawna is my BFF of sorts and she understands my specific brand of crazy and I was thrilled to have her be my first belly. So she got to freeze in the river, and I got goose poop on my hand. I'd call that pretty even. I left the flash at home because who needs flash outdoors? Well people who try to take pictures in the thick of woods with tree cover blocking all signs of sunlight, that's who.

Thanks for being such a great sport, and congrats on baby Evan.

Favorites from the session:

Memphis and Liam

In a word: Go!

The experience: Memphis and Liam are no strangers to CYP. In fact, besides Lily, these guys were my practice subjects, even before this became what it is. They’ve endured endless torture on the other side of my lens. They’re my cousins babies, and they are absolutely precious. It seems that though any ability, natural talent, or hope that I have as a photographer goes out the window when these two are around. They’re always on the go and I have about 200 pictures of the back of their head, or a blur coming by me. Amy assures me that it’s not just me and that they treat all photographers equally. Haha!!!!! Nonetheless, we always have fun and I’m always a little more appreciative of mom’s with little boys. There is never a dull moment in the Marlow house and I’m witness to that. I told Amy that maybe when they were in their 20s we could actually get them to sit by each other, and be still for just a second.

Favorites from this session:

Rock a bye baby!

In a word: Unexpected

The experience: Statistically, like most things in life, not every session will go flawlessly. Most of the time a normal session will have a few small hiccups, but you can depend on that and as a photographer, we’ve learned to circumvent the normal problems that we face. However, this session falls into a different category altogether. Haha! But it’s okay. Little Marcus is new to the world, and unfortunately he’s not adjusting to baby life as well as we wish he would. Marcus is colicky, so he has a few bad days every now and then. Unfortunately, this was one of those days. He preferred the safety of his momma’s arms over my baskets, boxes, and crates. I can sympathize with that, there are days I'd rather relax in the comfort of my bed and favorite quilt than actually work. Plus it was scorching hot and miserable, even the happiest baby would have been irritated by the heat. He did give me the benefit of about ten shots, and those ten were pretty awesome. His big brother and sister were so cute trying to calm him and hold him. They constantly checked in on him to make sure he was okay. He is a complete doll and I fell in love with his wavy black hair. Since the day didn’t go as planned, I hope to see this little feller again soon.

Favorites from this session:

Family Time

In a word: Together

The experience: This family is pretty special to me. We've gone to church together for a couple of years now, and I’ve taught their kids in Sunday school. Let me just say that our church is really awesome. We’re a small group and as country as cornbread, but we worship God and couldn’t be a closer group. I count each and every one there as close friends and these guys aren’t any different. If you are looking for a church to go to, or are interested in coming to be a part of us, we’d love to have you. The church is New Freedom Baptist and we are located on Duff Road, about 7 miles North of Lafollette.

Marie and Brandon are some of the greatest people I know, and Molly and Sam, well you can see how special they are. Molly is a real animal lover, and always equipped with some wonderful accessories that she loves to show off. Sam is newly one year old, and just beginning to walk. He is one of the most loving babies, and he always “sugars” on me at church. I find it enjoyable to watch these kids grow. They become a part of you when you see them regularly and I know that my life has been touched by just knowing them. I enjoyed spending the morning with you guys and hope you enjoy your beautiful images.

Favorites from this session:

Connor

In a word: Friend

The experience: This was a quick session! Probably less than fifteen minutes, but each second was action packed with fun. Connor is such a cool guy, and he certainly entertained me, and schooled me quite a bit on all things trains. Connor's mom is hosting a walkathon for Open Doors of East Tennessee in honor of her son. You can find out more information here . It's a great cause, and is especially dear to my heart. Take a few minutes to visit her page.

I'm glad I got to spend the time with you Connor, and I'm glad to call you my friend!!!

Favorites from the session:

The Babies

In a word: ohhhhh.........

The experience: Okay, these babies are really special to me. First of all they're cousins and they were born on the same day. If that isn't cool enough, they both have rockstar hair. I'm in love with both of them, and I spent more time snuggling with them than actually photographing them. They have very special mommies, that I call friends. These babies are complete miracles, and bring so much hope to their family. But that's how God works, isn't it. Sends hope to us in the smallest packages?

Favorites from the session:

I hope you dance!

JMS Formal

In one word: Nervous

The experience: I can remember middle school like it was yesterday. I was awkward, goofy, and completely uncomfortable in my own skin. Couple that with dancing and well.... you can get the idea. Although we wore jeans to our eight grade dance and we spent most of the time talking about the boys instead of dancing with them, it was one of my favorite memories. And my best friend in 8th grade is still my best friend today! I have to admit these girls were beautiful and poised and the complete opposite of how I seemed at their age. It seemed that all the kids were a bit anxious, nervous and excited all rolled into one, for a split second I remembered that familiar unease that came with adolescence. It was a wonderful opportunity to capture their special evening, and I hope that Haley and Kaitlyn felt as beautiful as they looked. They are two wonderful young ladies and their parents should be very proud.

Favorites from the session:

Kaitlyn

Haley

Catch up

I would love to blog every session I do, unfortunately there are only 24 hours in a day! I'm catching up and here is some of the images from my spring sessions.