Josie Easter 2015 | Middle Tennessee Child Photographer

I was glad to be able to offer Easter sessions again this year. I wasn't able to fit them into my schedule last year, and I really missed doing them. With Easter falling a little early on the calendar this year, I thought it would be wise to have them in the studio rather than outdoors as I have done in the past. With a high in the 40's last Saturday, I was glad I made that decision!

Josie was the first little one of the day. It's so neat to be able to watch these little ones grow up. I shot Josie's parent's wedding, and have been blessed to photograph Josie several times since her newborn sessions. She's growing up and is full of personality. She loved the baby chicks.

When I do themed mini-sessions, I always like to take a few non-themed shots. That way moms and dads can display them all year long.

I hope the Easter Bunny is good to Josie. I think he will be. :-) Happy Easter!

Now Booking Easter Mini-sessions! | Tennessee Child Photographer

It might be chilly outside, but Easter is just around the corner! I am excited to be able to offer Easter sessions this year! These will be in-studio, so there will be no worries about the weather. I do plan to have baby chicks. I think they should be available by then. 

All the details are in the flyer below.

I posted this on Facebook yesterday, and sessions have already started filling up. This is the only day I will be offering Easter sessions, so book yours before they are all gone! 

Schedule:

• 10:00 - Walker
• 10:20 - Barnes
• 10:40 - Spray
• 11:00 McCleary
• 11:20
• 11:40
• 12:00
• 12:20
• 12:40

A $50 non-refundable deposit it required at the time of booking. Call or e-mail me if you have any questions. Thanks!

Taylor at 6 Months | Tennessee Child Photographer

Taylor came to see me in the studio for his sixth month session. He is growing so much and is getting really good at sitting up on his own.

But I think this one of him may be my favorite.

He brought his big sisters along with him.

It was a fun morning! It felt great to be back in the studio!

Click below to see Taylor's video.

Ella, Mia, and Sophie | Middle Tennessee Photographer

Oh my goodness I love these girls. Sophie was a baby the first year we did Christmas photos. Now the fact that Sophie runs to me and gives me a big hug any time I see her, well that makes me very, very happy. They are three of the most beautiful girls ever, and I love that they can be themselves around me. Their mom and dad are pretty special to me, too.

The Franks Family | Middle Tennessee Family Photographer

This year I went a little different direction with Christmas Card Mini-sessions. I used a location I haven't used for Christmas minis before, but since I haven't been shooting much this year, I didn't go with a Christmas theme. I wanted this to just be an opportunity for some of those clients who have been with me from the start to have an opportunity to get some family images this year.

 All of the families from this year's sessions I consider my friends. The Franks are one of those families.

LCStrong | Middle Tennessee Photographer

There is a much longer post than this one coming. I have just a few minutes before I take the kiddos to the open house at the school they will be attending for the last three weeks of the school year. Their school was hard hit by a tornado on Monday night. In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago. So much has happened in the four days since then. If you follow me on FB, you know some of what I am referring. 

I will share more of the impact the storms have had on our community and the pride I feel right now as I have seen our community come together to support our friends and neighbors. So proud. 

This morning when I logged into FB, I saw the image on the right of Zach.

His sweet wife, Ryleigh had posted it. In my mind I could hear the pride in her voice as I read her words. I've known Ryleigh for years and have documented many of the milestones in her life. I first met Zach the afternoon of their engagement session. I remember him telling me that he wasn't photogenic. I told him he was wrong, and I don't think he could be more photogenic than the phone image on the right. When I met Zach he was just a lineman apprentice. Two years later he is a husband, father, and lineman. He is one of many who has worked long hours every single day to restore power to those of us who lost power during the storms Monday. I am so very thankful for the men like him who literally risk their lives for the comfort of the rest of us. I am also thankful for their families. I'm proud to know Zach and just want everyone to take the time to thank a lineman if they haven't. #LCStrong

LCHS 2014 Prom Sessions | Middle Tennessee Photographer

I say it every year, but I LOVE prom! Prom session are some of my favorites! I love seeing all the girls in their gorgeous gowns and the guys looking so handsome. So I am excited once again to offer prom mini-session for LCHS. 

This year they will be in the beautiful courtyard at the Lincoln County Museum. It is a convient location for everyone and is just beautiful in the spring. 

Packages start at $45.00 (when you schedule you session I will email you a complete list of packages available).  $20 deposit is required to reserve your appointment time. Minimum order of $45.00 (plus tax) must be paid at the time of your session.  You deposit will be deducted from your package total. Additional prints and CD of digital negatives with printing release will be available for purchase.

Saturday, April 12

Schedule:

• 3:00 - Matthew & Maranda
• 3:15 - Jessica
• 3:30 - Ben & Emma
• 3:45
• 4:00
• 4:15
• 4:30

Call or email for more info or to book your session. brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com

Harper 6 months | Middle Tennessee Baby Photographer

A few weeks ago I got to spend the morning with Harper again. The sweet, precious baby girl who has  stolen my heart. It was time for Harper's 6-month session. This day Stewart got to tag along with me and be my assistant. That was a treat for him. He finally got to meet the baby girl he has been praying for.

The week following our session, Harper traveled to St. Jude once again for test and to hopefully have her line removed. So many have prayed for our Harper. And our prayers have been answered. Harper received good results and while at St. Jude celebrated with a NO MO CHEMO party!

Harper and her family are such a blessing. Sure, I have known her family for some time, but to be chosen to share in her life...there just aren't words for what that means. I am so, so blessed. The first time I saw her she captured my heart. Her mommy, her daddy...just being with them. Watching them with her. Witnessing those tender moments. I'm so thankful. Maybe that is why she is so special to me. She is special to so many. God blessed us all by giving us Harper.

New Year, New Beginnings | Tennessee Photographer

Word seems to be getting around our small town, so I thought it was time that I went ahead and officially let my clients know. I have accepted a teaching position at Lincoln County High School.

It hasn't seemed official before today, but after working all afternoon at the school, it is finally beginning to feel real. This is something that I have thought I would enjoy doing for some time. Some of you may be aware that I started back to school last fall to complete my Masters in Business Education. That ball start rolling last summer when I applied for a business teaching position at LCHS but didn't get it. Well, a position came open over the Christmas holiday, and I got the call! It was completely unexpected, and the past week has been a whirlwind. I will begin teaching next week. This semester I will be teaching Desktop Publishing, Business Management and Multimedia. While I am teaching, I will continue to work towards my MBE. I should complete it within two years. 

So I know the question on everyone's mind is what does this mean for brandi barnes photography.

Before I received the call last week, I had been thinking for months about the future of my business. I knew that I was going to have to make some major changes and had begun working on those. Pricing and scheduling both needed to change for the good of my family. Now a completely new variable has been added to the equation. I will be working and going to school full-time on top of being a wife and mom. 

Here are my plans for bbp as it stands today.

I will honor all gift certificates that have previously been purchased through the end of 2014. After that they will expire. I will do my best to work with your schedule.

I will not be accepting any new clients.  I will be happy to refer you to a photographer who I have confidence in to provide you with a beautiful product.

I will schedule appointments with current clients as my schedule will permit. I know that I will not be able to do every session, and I will be happy to refer you to a photographer I think has a similar style and philosophy to mine.

I may try to schedule mini-sessions through the year. I will just have to see what my work, school and family schedules will allow me to do.

My mother-in-law said it best Sunday when she said that she thought this was "a God thing." I could not agree more. I have prayed and prayed for Him to provide me with work that would give me more time to spend with my family. I'm a wife and mom before all things, and I was finding myself away from the four most important people in my life more and more. I believe this is His answer to me. He seems to make me wait for things. I guess He is still trying to teach me patience, but I really believe this is the path he has planned for me. 

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. -- Proverbs 16:9

Thank you for all your support over the years. I have so many friends who started out as clients. I believe that was part of His plan for me, too. That was how you were to be brought into my life. I started this business because of my love of photography, and this is just a new chapter. 

Takin' It Off Auto | Middle Tennessee Photographer

I'm bringing back for 2014 my very popular Takin' It Off Auto beginning photography course. This class is meant for amateurs who want to improve their photography skills. It is not intended for professionals. We will explore the buttons on your camera, talk about composition and practice what we learn. To attend this class I recommend that you have a Canon DSLR since that is the equipment I am most familiar. 

This would make a great gift for someone you know who is getting a new camera for Christmas. Maybe that someone who is getting their first DSLR. Gift certificates are available. 

Class size is limited.  All seats must be paid for in advance. 

Call or email to reserve your seat. brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com or 931.993.7826

Keith and Nicole Engaged | Middle Tennessee Photographer

It's not everyday that you get the call to shoot your nephew's engagement session. This fall my nephew, Keith, finally popped the question. He and I had talked about it earlier in the year, and I while I was ready for Nicole to become an official part of the family, I had the impression that it would still be a while. I knew that he had plans to ask Nicole to be his wife, but I didn't expect it to be for a while longer. We are all thrilled that he asked and even more thrilled she said yes!

I was so happy when they asked me to do their engagement session. I had Keith scope out some spots for us on his parents' property, and I think he did a good job. See what you think. 

I am so happy for them and these images just make me smile. Congratulations you two! Love you both!

Small Business Saturday | Middle Tennessee Photographer

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our family did. It was so nice to take a little break and just spend time with family thinking about how blessed we are. The holiday season has kicked off, and today is Small Business Saturday. 

Just in time for Small Business Saturday and Christmas gift giving, I have released my 2014 calendars. Through Cyber Monday all calendars are 25% off.  Depending on the style chosen, the calendars are 8x10 or 10x10 in size. Regular price is $22. Through Monday they are $16.50 each (plus tax).

Calendar #1:

Calendar #2:

Calendar #3:

These are great grandparent gifts. Perfect for the office of the front of the fridge. Call or email by midnight on Monday to order yours and save 25%!

Studio Christmas Sessions | Tennessee Child Photographer

We have worked so hard on this year's Santa set, that we decided to offer some last-minute studio Christmas sessions. Since the kiddos are out of school this week for Thanksgiving break, we thought this would be the perfect time. 

This will be the last day that I will be shooting for 2013. The next few weeks will be busy with editing, designing cards, and processing orders, so it doesn't leave me time to do any sessions. So this is it for holiday portraits this year.

Sessions are 20 minutes and will take place in the studio. 

Schedule is as follows:

• 2:00 - Ogle
• 2:20 - Fugate
• 2:40
• 3:00 - Preston
• 3:20 - Doud
• 3:40 - Durm
• 4:00 - Harris
• 4:20
• 4:40
• 5:00 - Reed
• 5:20
• 5:40 - Mayer

Call 931.993.7826 or e-mail brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com to reserve your session time.

Christmas Card Mini-sessions | Middle Tennessee Family Photographer

Christmas card mini-sessions have become our most popular mini-sessions of the year, and we are excited to be offering a full day of them again this year! 

The location has not been determined, but it will be a beautiful rural Tennessee location. In these sessions, I offer a few Christmas themed images, and then some non-holiday images that can be enjoyed all year long. 

So here are the details: 

• 20 minute session for up to 5 people
• 5-10 edited images in an online gallery
• A set of 25 2-sided custom holiday cards printed on linen cardstock
• A keepsake slideshow DVD
• An 8x10 print of your choice framed in a beautiful Organic Bloom Meg frame

The price is only $155 (plus tax). No session fee included! 

$55 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking to reserve your appointment time.

Saturday, November 16

• 10:00 - Timberman
• 10:30 - Doud
• 11:00 - Mayer
• 11:30 - McCleary
• 12:30 - Posey
• 1:00 - S. Brown
• 1:30 - Parker
• 2:00 - A. Brown
• 2:30 - Reed
• 3:00 - Jackson
• 3:30 _ Martinez

Call or email to reserve your appointment.  brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com 931.993.7826

Refresh, renew, refocus | Middle Tennessee Photographer

Last week was Fall Break for the kids. If you know much at all about our family, you know that means we will be traveling to Amelia Island for the week. I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that I look forward to that week all year long. This year I think I was looking forward to it more than ever. Things had been so hectic around here. It seemed it was non-stop, and I was just exhausted. Tired like I have never been tired before in my life. I kept pushing forward counting down the days until we would be leaving. 

The week was wonderful. I needed it so much. We did nothing. Nothing. Nada. It was wonderful. Nothing that is except what we wanted to do. From my beach chair I watched a lot of this.

I didn't sit all the time. I went for a run just about every day. Mainly so I could eat what I wanted at night and have ice cream without feeling guilty about it. A fair trade off.

While we were there, we had family portraits done. Something that we have not done since before Stewart was born. What you say? Yes, we have family pictures, but those are ones where I set the timer and run to get into place.   This year marks our 20th anniversary, and I told Chris that I wanted to have pictures done while we were at Amelia Island. This is my favorite place in the world. We have been going there since Elizabeth was three.  It just so happens that one of my favorite photographers lives there, so I decided to give myself an early anniversary present. I booked Julie Paisley for a beach session. Our first two attempts failed on account of weather, but we finally had the perfect afternoon.  I cannot wait to see them. The excitement that I felt when she arrived I now realize is the excitement my clients feel when I arrive for their session.  At least I hope it is. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about this business. Trying to figure out what is best for me. What is best for my family. There is so much that I love about it. I love sharing in special moments. I love when my eyes fill with tears as I edit an image that just steals my heart. I love getting notes from my clients telling me how much they love their images. I love all this. I wish it was all about that though. I get discouraged sometimes. I know I'm not the only one, but I have to think about what is best for my family.

 Being with Julie that afternoon energized me. It made me think about why I chose to do what I do. It also made me think about what I need to do to be able to continue in this business. I'm thinking about what I need to do to improve my business model. 

What am I saying? I'm not sure yet. I know I need to make some changes. I work hard. I think I just need to start working smarter. I feel refreshed. I'm excited about the fall and holiday season. I just now need to concentrate on renewing my business model and refocusing some of my energy and ideas.

Santa Sessions 2013 | Middle Tennessee Child Photographer

Once again this year Santa has made time in his busy, busy schedule to visit the studio! It is one of my favorite days of the year! He will only be here for one day, so schedule your appointment soon! All the information is below! 

The schedule is as follows: 

• 1:00 - West
• 1:20 - West
• 1:40 - Hurt
• 2:00 - Woodward
• 2:20 - Cowan
• 2:40 - Fitch
• 3:00 - Pearson
• 3:20 -  Ary
• 3:40 - Bloxham
• 4:00 - Johnson
• 4:20 -  Thorpe
• 4:40 - Barnes
• 5:00 - Spray

Just a few things to note: Limit of 3 children per session. $50 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. If deposit is not received within 10 days, your session reservation will be made available to someone else. Call or email if you have any questions. Thanks!

Harper the Precious | Middle Tennessee Newborn Photographer

Harper's mommy contacted me before Harper was born to schedule a newborn session.  At the time no one knew that Harper would require surgery just days after she was born. Harper was born with a tumor.  The tumor was removed, and Harper had many test to see if it had spread. All initial tests indicated that it had not, and when Harper was 3-weeks-old, I was able to spend the afternoon with her and her mommy and daddy. 

It wouldn't be until a follow up visit with her oncologist that they would learn of spots on Harper's liver. Harper is now 7-weeks-old and is at home recovering from her first round of chemotherapy. 

Harper is blessed with wonderful parents. Shortly after learning that Harper would need chemotherapy, Harper's dad issue a challenge for those who wanted to do something for Harper. Below are his words: 

Today our daughter turned 6 weeks old and we are traveling back to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the 4th time in 4 weeks. Her first round of a potential eight rounds of chemotherapy begins tomorrow. We are so thankful for all your prayers but we also are forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Jude. To those who may not know, St. Jude operates at absolutely $0 cost to their patients and families. For all the care and treatment Harper or any child receives they will NEVER receive a bill. Because of that I am asking for your help. Beginning tomorrow 9/3/13 I am asking for people to set aside $1 per day for 365 days that will then be donated to St. Jude. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $36,500 and with just 100 people committing to the cause we can make this happen. Please rest assured that 100% of the money raised will be presented to St. Jude on 10/3/14. If you have any questions about our cause please feel free to message Jill or I or send me an email to obagley@gmail.com. All donations can be sent to: Harper Bagley St. Jude Donation Fund, PO Box 470, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

Please feel free to share/repost/or send this to anyone you know. Thank you so much in advance for helping us raise money for such a phenomenal organization. The life you save may very well be my daughters.

I along with hopefully many others have taken Owen's challenge. Now on my kitchen counter there is a mason jar.  Written on the front of it in black sharpie is "Harper's Fund." Each day I put $1 in it. Not $5 so that I don't have to put another dollar in it for a few days, not a twenty dollar bill.  Just one dollar. Some days I don't have a one dollar bill in my wallet. I may have to dig through my coin purse and find 4 quarters. But every day it is $1.  Why? Because that way I think of Harper each and every day.  I think of the other children at St. Jude's Hospital and their families.  

I hope that you will consider joining me in this challenge.  I challenge you to get a jar, an envelope, a bank, anything that will hold money. I challenge you to each and every day put away $1 for St. Jude in honor of Harper. I hope that you will also join me in praying for her each and every day as you put in your $1.  I know that with our prayers joining together God will heal this sweet baby girl.  

Back-to-school Minis | Middle Tennessee Child Photographer

Have you noticed that the store shelves are filled with crayons, glue and pencils?  That can only mean one thing.  It's almost time for school to start! Why not document this school year with a very special back-to-school mini-session? This is a great way to celebrate that new Kindergarten student or any other year for that matter.  

Additional prints, products and session CD will be available for purchase. Call or email to reserve your appointment time.  

My Time Spent With a Home Town Hero - Admiral Frank Kelso II | Tennessee Photographer

Sitting here looking at the blinking cursor I really don't know where to start with this post. Wedding posts are usually so much fun to share. They are days of such joy and happiness.  This day was no different. 

Some may be be confused by seeing a wedding post here.  No, I do not usually photograph weddings. So maybe I should take a step back and give a little background.

A couple months ago I received a phone call from a bride.  A mutual friend had recommended me to her. She introduced herself and told me that she and the groom were planning a very small ceremony in June.  We chatted, she told me their history, and  I knew that this was a wedding that I wanted to do. 

While I had never before met the bride, the groom was a man I knew well by reputation. The groom was Admiral Frank Kelso II - a hometown hero and American patriot. 

I can remember when I was in high school and Admiral Kelso came back to his hometown to speak to our high school.  I was in the marching band's flag corp, and it was a very big day for us as we performed when he arrived. I knew that after his retirement he had moved back to Fayetteville.  My running partner and friend, Dawn, would talk of him often during our morning runs.  She attended church with Admiral Kelso and served on a board with him. They were friends, and I enjoyed hearing her speak of him on a more personal level. One morning while we were running, he stopped to chat with us. 

So when Ms, Georgia called and asked me to photograph their wedding, I told her it would be an honor.  

It was to be a very simple ceremony.  Noon on a Saturday.  Family and a few friends.  I arrived a few minutes early and watched as family and friends arrived.  Weddings are usually a little stressful with lots of last minute details to be handled.  This one was different. The atmosphere was very relaxed.  There were lots of smiles and the happiness for this couple could be felt as their friends and family found their seats in the sanctuary.  I took this photo of Admiral Kelso as he waited for his bride, Ms. Georgeanna.

If I had to sum up their ceremony in just one word it would be precious. That was my thought as I watched them exchange vows.  Their love for each other was so evident in their facial expressions. While it was the most simple wedding I have ever witnessed, it was definitely one of the most beautiful.

After the ceremony, we did the traditional family portraits, and then we went outside where Admiral Kelso's friend's vintage Chevy was parked. These were some of my favorites. They were chatting with friends and family and were just so happy.  

I was shocked when a week later my friend, Dawn, told me that he had fallen while visiting family in Virginia and so sadden a week later when I learned of his passing. I had thought about their ceremony a lot in those two short weeks. I remember coming home and telling my husband how it had touched me, how beautiful it was...just precious. Both he and Mrs. Georgia were widowed in recent years.  They had been committed to their spouses, and I thought it was wonderful that they had found love again and were starting a new chapter together. I hope that these images will bring Mrs. Kelso and the Kelso family happiness as they can see how happy he was.

For me this was an honor which I cannot describe. I was truly blessed to spend this time with this couple.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Kelso family.  

Lyla Beth is one | Middle Tennessee Baby Photographer

I love first birthday shoots! They are always so much fun! This one was no different. Lyla Beth came to see me in the studio for her first birthday.  Such a sweetie.  Her mom sent me photos of all her outfits prior to her session.  I knew we had to have some balloons when I saw her outfit. Get ready to smile!