Allie at 9 | Middle Tennessee Child Tween Photographer

Girls.  They are just so much fun.  Miss Allie knew what she wanted to do for her 9-year session.  She wanted to wear her boots with a dress and have some fun on the farm.  That's just what we did!​  We used the farm of a mutual friend and started out at the barn where these barrels were stacked.​

​Then we moved over to the edge of the woods where the light was amazing.   I could have stayed there the rest of the afternoon.

But after a quick clothing change we went to one of my favorite spots where the light was also gorgeous.​

Allie is one of Molly's best friends, so Molly tagged along on this one.  They had to pose for me before we called it an afternoon.  Love these two.​

Nancy Claire 13-Days-New | Middle Tennessee Newborn Photographer

​Getting to share in the happiest moments of my clients' lives is one of the things I love most about my job.  Last year, I was blessed to witness the marriage of John and Andrea. A year later, I got to spend the morning with them and their previous baby girl,  There aren't words to describe how precious she is. Here are the images to prove it.

Christmas Card Mini-Sessions 2012 | Middle Tennessee Family Photographer

It's the most wonderful time of the year...well, it will be soon enough!​

For this year's Christmas Card mini-sessions, I am doing something a little different.  I have used the barns for years now, but this year's setting will just a bit more open.  Just beautiful rural Tennessee in the fall. This isn't the exact location (I have 3 in mind at the moment), but this gives you an idea of the  feel I have planned for this year. ​

So what's included?​

• ​A 15-20 minute session (the guys love how fast these are over)
• Approximately 10 images in an online gallery to choose from​
• A set of 25 2-sided custom holiday cards​ printed on linen cardstock
• A keepsake slideshow DVD​
• Plus a 5x7 print framed in an Organic Bloom Ellie frame in black as seen below.​

All this for $135 (plus tax). $50 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking to reserve your appointment time.​

I will also be offering special pricing on the session CD with print release as well as a 15% discount on all a 'la carte prints ordered. 

When: Saturday, November 17​

Available Times:​

• 9:00 - Haney
• 9:30​ - Thorpe
• 10:00​ - Brown
• 10:30​ - Parker
• 11:00​ - Dixon

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Guess who  is coming to the studio?  Yep, the big guy in the red suit.  We are so excited! 

There is really no better way to visit with Santa.  Your little one gets 20 minutes one-on-one time ​with Santa. We all know how busy he is, so this is a real treat!  The schedule is shown below.  He will only be here for two afternoons so make sure you book your session soon!  

Sunday, October 28​​

• 1:00 - Barnes
• 1:30 - Woodward​
• 2:00​ - Vannatta
• 2:30​ - Gafford
• 3:00​ - Cowan
• 3:30​ - English
• 4:00​
• 4:30​ - Timberman

Sunday, November 25​

• 1:00 - Fitch
• 1:30 - Hurt​
• 2:00​ - Cowley
• 2:30​ - Bradford
• 3:00​ - Smith
• 3:30 - Pearson​
• 4:00​ - Mansfield
• 4:30 - Spray​

Call or email me to get your appointment time scheduled. 993-7826 or brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com

I am requiring a $50 non-refundable deposit at time of booking. The balance of the package price is due at the time of your session. Additional prints, cards, etc may be purchased.

Fall Sports Mini-Sessions

​Lots have asked! Here are the details on Fall Sports Mini Sessions. These sessions are for all fall sports. Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Swim, Baseball...Whatever your sport!  Athletes should wear their team uniform and should bring any gear they wish (bats, balls, goggles, etc.)

Dates: Thursday, September 27 and Friday, September 28​ (see schedule below)

Location: brandi barnes photography studio located at 102 East maple Street, Fayetteville.​

No sitting fee and packages start at $40. (Minimum order of ​$40 package much be paid at time of session)

​Schedule:

Thursday, Sept 27th

• 4:00
• 4:10​
• 4:20​
• 4:30​
• 4:40​
• 4:50​
• 5:00​
• 5:10​ - Posey
• 5:20​
• 5:30​
• 5:40​
• 5:50​ - Jackson

Friday, Sept 27th​

• 4:00 - Barnes
• 4:10​
• 4:20​
• 4:30​
• 4:40​
• 4:50​
• 5:00​
• 5:10​
• 5:20​
• 5:30​ - Ary
• 5:40​ - Wilsford
• 5:50​ - Jackson

Call or email to reserve your appointment time. ​

Scheduled times are for one athlete only. Athletes wishing to be photographed together must book back to back sessions.  Minimum purchase applies to each session.  Athlete should be dressed and ready to be photographed at their appointment time. Arrive a few minutes early if you need to change into your uniform.

Absence makes the heart... | Fayettevile Tennessee Family Photographer

My sister-in-law's family moved just a few weeks ago to Indiana. They have moved around a lot, but we had gotten used to them being close by in the past few years. Our kiddos had liked getting to see their cousins on regular basis. Before they packed up and headed north, we got together one very hot afternoon on the family farm for a shoot.  It was important to Amy that we do these on the farm and most importantly in front of the barn.  Sometimes setting is just that important.  I know the setting here makes these even more special for her.Maybe when they look at these it will make  them  want to make a trip back to Tennessee. :-)

The Mayer Family | Fayetteville Tennessee Family Photographer

​Once again, I am way behind in sharing images from recent sessions.  I tell myself that I am going to do better about blogging them, but it seems I am so busy trying to get everyone's sessions edited and uploaded to their galleries, that I don't find the time to share them here.  I cannot let this family's session go un-shared.  

They have a new addition to their family, so it was the perfect time to get together for a family session.  It was hot that day, and things didn't go exactly as planned at our first location (the horses were near the front gate), but as usual everything ended up just right.  Here a some of my favorite images from our afternoon together.​

​And if you just haven't seen enough, here is their slideshow.  Enjoy!​

Make or take?

A few years ago I was with a group of scrapbooking friends at the Chicago home of our friend Heather. At the time Heather was a digital scrapbook designer, and we were all on her design team.  It was a diverse group made up of ladies from across the country (Utah, Chicago, Oklahoma, Tennessee). We all shared a love of photography and documenting the events of our families lives. While we were talking I said something about "making a picture," and I caught a little grin on Heather's face.  She said she had noticed how I always talked about making photos on my blog. (At the time I was a much more regular personal blogger).  I didn't understand what she meant.  She  went on to say that everyone in the north says "take photos." My fellow Tennessean Raven admitted that she used to say make until she heard others say take at college.  I had no idea. In the south we say make. I really had never thought about it. 

​Not wanting to sound like a country bumpkin, I consciously started trying to say that I "take photos."  I pretty much have myself trained now.  I say take. Now if you know me, you know that I am a southern girl.  I am proud to be from the south where we still pray before football games.  However, no one likes to be made fun of, so I changed it to take.

​Shortly after this trip,  Chris and I were watching a program on tv.  I don't remember now what channel it was on, but it was probably Discovery or A&E.  It was about photographers.  I hate to admit it but now I don't remember the name of the one who most caught  my attention.  I am sure I could find it with a little internet search.  What got me was that he did elaborate setups very much like a movie scene.  It took hours upon hours to set up.  Hours to get everything perfect. All this work, and he took one still image.  When they interviewed him he talked about "making" pictures. He didn't say that he took pictures.  He said he made them.  That really struck me.  It was true.  He made the picture.  It was a vision in his mind first. Then he created it. He used his camera to capture it, but in the end he had made the picture that you saw. 

So with all that I come to this. Was I wrong? Do I take pictures or do I make them? There is a website that I enjoy very much.  Confessions of a Prop Junkie. ​ Each week they have a different theme to inspire photographers.  I am so amazed by the images that are featured. These photographers aren't taking photos.  They are making them.  There is no other way to say it.​

A couple weeks ago one of my images was chosen for their "Western" theme.  I cannot tell you how excited I was when I saw my image on their site.

I always looked to this site for inspiration​ from these amazing artists.  Now an image of mine had been chosen to inspire others. Wow. I cannot express what that meant to me

So the more I think about it.  The more I know that yes, I want to make photos.  I do think there is a difference in making and taking.  I want to be the category of those who make them.

The Pearson Family | Fayetteville Tennessee Family Photographer

Once again I am way behind in sharing sessions.  Thats' because I have been busy, busy, busy!  Today I am sharing a recent session with one of my favorite families.  You've seen them here before.  More than once. :-)  When I talk of the relationships I have been blessed with through this profession, this is one of the first ones that comes to mind.  I love Cooper and Cori.  Next week we have Cori's 1-year- session scheduled.  I cannot wait! I'm so blessed to get to watch them grow.  I love them so.  

Some sessions go without a hitch.  Some do not. This would be one of the latter. I had to work hard for this one.  Molly assisted me, and we were both tired afterwards.  When I got home I told Chris that I was glad that this wasn't the first session they had had with me because I thought they would be really worried!  Some days are just like that That is especially true when you are working with children.  That's why I just go with whatever they want to do.  It usually works out for the best that way. :-)  

Here are a few of my favorites from our afternoon.

And here is their video if you would like to see it.

Customer Appreciation Event | Middle Tennessee Family Photographer

I'm excited to announce my customer appreciation event!

During the month of July, any client who has had a session in the past can book a new session for the months of July or August for half the regular session fee! It does not matter if you had a session last month, last year or two years ago.  You are eligible.  

The session must take place during the month of July or August and the session fee must be payed at the time of booking.  You may see available dates here.

This offer is only good for the month of July, and for the dates listed.  Thanks!

Mom and me | Fayetteville, Tennessee family photographer

Mom and kiddo session.  I just love 'em.  Our kiddos grow up way too fast and as moms we are the ones who are usually behind the camera.  I love capturing those little moments between moms and their little ones.  Erin and her kiddos joined me on a Saturday morning to do just that.

Owen.  Loved his mohawk. He is just too stinkin' cute.

Maddy.  Such a sweet girl.

It's obvious she is a good big sister.

Love this candid one.  Sweet moment.

This was such a great day. I think starting with this great session just set the tone for day.  Thanks guys!

Twice the Fun | Middle Tennessee Baby Family Photographer

Earlier this month I finally got to meet my twim baby cousins, Clara and Laurel. They live in Chattanooga, but were in for the weekend.  So I spent the afternoon with them and their mom and dad. 

Heath and did dad picked out the perfect spot on a hay farm they work on the Elk River.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the area, this is very near to the spot where Davy Crockett once lived.  He hunted and fished these banks.

This next one just melts my heart.  I think every little girl should have an image like this of her with her daddy.  So precious.

It's so obvious that Heath adores his girls. And it is unreal how much they look like he did when he was a baby.

It's obvious he loves their mommy, too!

We finished up with the girls dipping their feet in the river for the first time.

And then it was time to say goodbye.

I hope it's not another 6 months before I get to see them! 

Heath and Blair, it was so good to see y'all.  The girls are precious.  They are two lucky girls to have the two of you for parents. Love ya!

FAST Piranhas 2012 | Middle Tennessee Sports Photographer

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of photographing my daughters' swim team.  This is the second year in the row I have done the team photos.  This year is a kind of tough year for our team.  Our competition pool has been out of service for almost a year now, so we had to make arrangements to use the pool at our local wellness center.  We are thankful to have somewhere to practice, but we cannot host any home meets this season. Keep your fingers crossed for us that things will change before next summer.  

So I said all of that to explain a little about the setting for our photos. Generally the team photo is done with the pool in the background, and then the individual shots are done in the pool.  That really wasn't an option this year because the pool is small, indoors and has terrible lighting.  I decided to take my backdrop and studio lighting and do something different.  We had a lot of fun with these.  I had some of the kids give me their best intimidating faces.  Here are a few of my favorites. 

And here is a look at this year's Memory Mate.  

For those photographers out there who like to create their own products rather than using templates, I created this one using product by Gina Miller.  You can find her creations at www.the-lilypad.com

Last the FAST Piranhas won their first meet of the season.  What a great way to start the season.  I bet it's just the beginning of another great season. 

I will be offering these posters for purchase to our swimmers.  Also, if there is interest, I will offer a make up day for individual shots in the studio.

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I have!

Product Spotlight - Sugar & Spice Album.

I've put together a lot of coffee table albums.  I've loved them all, but this may be my favorite. At least for the girls it is. 

Introducing the Sugar & Spice Album.

It can feature up to 19 images from your session.

The pages are hinged so that they lay flat.

The pages are also UV coated.

This album is available in either 8x8 or 10x10.  The one shown here is an 8x8.

All my albums come beautifully packaged.

Coffee table albums are an affordable way to showcase many images from your session.  They are sure to be treasured for years to come.

Product Spotlight - The Organic Bloom Frames.

Have you heard of The Organic Bloom frames?  If you haven't, you don't know what you have been missing!  I fell in love with these frames when I saw them, and I am so happy to be able to offer them to my clients. You've heard of the plumber having leaking faucets at his own house?  Well, that can also be said of us photographers.  I take lots of photos of my kids, but a lot of the time they stay trapped on the computer.  Those that are lucky enough to be printed often find themselves in a drawer.  Terrible?  I know!

I know how I struggle with it, so one of my goals is to help my clients get their portraits on their walls where they can enjoy them every single day! The Organic Bloom frames are a beautiful way to showcase them.  

They are beautiful, and there are so many choices! Choices are a good, but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.  There are just so many shapes and colors from which to choose! That is why I am here. To help!  I know how overwhelming it can be, and that is why I decided to share this grouping from my own family room.

Here I used a 16x24 for my focal image.  Yes, that is a little different than the standard 16x20.  I knew I didn't want to lose any of this image by the cropping that would be required for the standard 16x20. That's one of the great things about The Organic Bloom frames.  Lots of size options.  Then I added three 8x10 frames. Notice that none of the frames are the same.  That makes my grouping more interesting than if I had used four identical frames.

Here is another frame that is a favorite of mine.  This is from a client's recent session.

This is the June frame in black.  I absolutely love the size of this frame.  The image is just an 11x14, but it really makes a statement in this large frame.  Just gorgeous. 

I have lots of frame samples in the studio as well as a complete array of paint samples. Just let me know if you would like to schedule an appointment to see them in person.  

Do you have to be a client of mine to purchase frames from me?  Absolutely not! If you have images of your own, I will be happy to help you choose the perfect frame.  

Now booking Americana Styled Mini-sessions - June 23rd!

Maybe you've seen my Christmas mini-sessions that take place each year at the barn. Well, I was thinking, and what is more American than a red barn?  So I decided to this year try something new and offer Americana mini-sessions at the barn.  This setup will be similar to my Christmas mini-sessions set, but with more antique red, white and blue.  These styled sessions would be great for families (up to 5 people) and kiddos.

Date: Saturday, June 23rd

Package includes the following:

• 20 minute session for up to 5 people
• 10-15 images in an online gallery to share with family and friends
• 11x14 print
• 8x10 print
• 2 5x7 prints
• 4 4x6 prints
• Keepsake slideshow

Price is $135 (plus tax). A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due at time of booking to reserve your appointment. The balance is due at the time of your session. 

Schedule:

10:00 - Reed

10:30

11:00

12:00

12:30

1:00

1:30

2:00

Call 931.993.7826 or email brandi@brandibarnesphotography.com with questions or to book your session.

Beautiful Hannah | Middle Tennessee Studio Photographer

When I look at Hannah I see beauty that goes far deeper than her beautiful smile. Hannah is one of those rare people who actually radiates beauty. She just completed her first year of college and this summer is embarking on a journey that I would have never been brave enough to even consider at her age.  

Are you ready? She will be spending the summer in the Philippines. Is she going with a group from her church you ask?  The answer is no.  She is part of a team of three girls.  Two other girls she does not know, but will be the extent of her American counterparts I believe.  She will be living in an orphage working 6 days a week to care for 40-55 children. 

She will not have a cell phone. 

She will have some computer time each week, so she has created a blog to keep her family and friends updated. That is why we had a shoot for some new images.  She wanted a current image(s) to use for her blog. 

So Hannah and I found ourselves in my studio the morning after her 19th birthday. She even brought me a piece of birthday cake.  We chatted, laughed, and caught up. 

I cannot wait to hear all about it when she gets back.  I know I will be checking her blog often. This young woman is going to make changes in this world.  Love her so much.

The Decker Family | Middle Tennessee Family Photograper

Molly and I recently spent the afternoon with another sweet family. Lana wanted family portraits at their home, and Molly went along with me to assist.  I am always so glad when a family wants to use there home for the setting of their session.  To me it makes their images all the more special.

I love these in the field across from their house.

Luke is such a cutie pie.

I am always a sucker for mommies and their little boys.

Dads with their little boys are pretty sweet, too.

This next one may be my very favorite.

Thanks Decker family for welcoming Molly and me into your home.  We had such a good time with you, and hope you will enjoy your images for years to come.

The Sweetest Family | Fayetteville Tennessee Family Photographer

You might remember Evelyn Gray from her 3 month session.  Her mom chose to take advantage of my Baby's First Year plan, so that means I get to take her portraits four times this year! For her 6 month session Jessica wanted to do some family shots. For the location we chose the farm of a mutual friend. I've had lots of sessions there in the past, but I found a new spot that I absolutely love. You'll see what I mean. 

Eli met us there after work, so while we were waiting on him we played in the porch swing. Jessica had brought along her mother's baby quilt and it made the perfect backdrop.

Then we headed to my new favorite spot.

She's a country girl. ;-)

 I always love getting to spend time with them.  This day as no different. I'm already looking forward to her 9 month session!

Senior '13 Summer Special | Middle Tennessee Senior Photographer

School's out for summer and that means it is time to book those Senior sessions! Here's a deal as hot as these summer days.  Seniors who book a session during the months of May, June and July will of course receive an awesome slideshow as always,

but they will also receive some other other gifts.  Seniors, you will receive a custom Facebook cover collage highlighting some of the images from your session

and your parents will receive an 8x10 of their choice!

In addition, if you purchase one of my collections (collections start at $365) you will receive a free set of custom graduation announcements.  A $60 value!

Sample announcement front:

sample announcement back:

Just a side note, I have a wheat field ready and waiting.  However, it won't be there for long, so if you want a wheat field I suggest booking as soon as possible.  Thanks!