When two beautiful ladies come into my studio, the portraits are amazing. Of course, one is a French Bulldog and if you do not think this dog is adorable, check your pulse because you’re dead, m’kay. Nothing says “love me, love my dog” more than a sort of “Mommy and Me” portrait session!

Picture Day! At a regular school that means a rapid automtaic smile and it is on to the next child. But for homeschool groups, fewer number of students and more flexibility means not only can you have school pictures done, but more variety and genuine expressions. Read about one homeschool group’s experience with their Picture Day!

When Sarah wanted elegant maternity portraits for herself but could not travel to the studio, I simply brought the studio to her at her mom’s home in Chattanooga. Studio Anywhere means having your session done in the privacy and comfort of your own sanctuary - home!

Are you like me, where your dogs are your life? I see a lot of family photos where the Dog is included but seems like a prop - why not have a photoshoot not simply FOR your dog but WITH your dog? Here are three good reasons why you should book one today!

I have a personal project that I do each April where I grab some free time and head out to the Smokies to do portraits of the hikers on the Appalachian Trail, heading from Georgia to Maine. Aroudn April they’re coming through the Smokies and these pictures are my gift to them. Any photographer worth their salt does personal projects because like any other artist or craftsman, we need to PRACTICE.

There is a difference between a professional headshot and a portrait - and you and your photographer need to be mindul of the WHY and FOR WHOM before deciding on HOW. A headshot is a marketing tool so think about who is part of that market. Learn some tips in this blog post.

Setting Spotlight: let me show you some of wonderful places I ahve used for sessions. In this inaugural post for this series, let me introduce you to Tsali Notch Vineyard, a beautiful place for all types of sessions. Enjoy the photos of Kristina and Luke who enjoyed a combination engagement/family session there!

Congratulations to Kelee O’Brien, the new Mrs. Farragut! An 11th hour notification meant a headshot needed to be done NOW - so when the call comes, I respond! Now let’s cheer her on to Mrs. Tennessee!

Here is what I know from my experience as a mother: little boys cannot sit still. And here is also what I know from my experience as a photographer: you don’t want them to. Let me have their moments, let them have their goofs, because it makes them happy and a happy child in a portrait is a wondrous image.

Do you think I just send an image from my camera straight to a printer to create your art? No, I have a lot of work to do before I click on SUBMIT and make you your masterpiece! Getting an image from camera to canvas takes time, skill, and a photographer who cares about the details.

Here are some images from Bennett’s portait session in studio, phootgraphed and edited as a fine art portrait in a vintage style. I prefer simplicity in portraits and to allow the subject to really be seen. I think that is important with children because who they are now quickly changes as they mature.

Have you ever heard of a Pumi? It is a sheep herding dog that hails from Hungary and looks like it could be a stuffed toy! I recently did some formal portraits of litte Evie, a Pumi - while she was a wee bit nervous in unfamiliar surroundings, I think she came through like a champ! And, of course, when all was said and done - treat time!

Twin boys and their session with fine art portraiture in studio. It is a classical styling and one that adds a sense of gravitas to the image.

Kids take their sports seriously - so why not have their team pictures show them to be the MVPs that they are? Beats pasted-on smiles while standing in a row!

It’s Santa! I know him! And I know where he vacations in the summer time - after spending so much time at the North Pole, Santa likes to head to the shore and dig his toes into the sand. My friend Tony and I enjoy doing a summer session for Santa - where will he go next year?

Man’s best friend makes for a beautiful portrait subject - especially when it is as handsome a good boy as Bongo, a Tennessee Bluetick Coon Hound. Dogs are wonderful creatures and every dog owner knows how much joy they bring. Immortalize them in a portrait!

Ho, ho, woof! Santa came to the K9 Center of East Tennesee and the owners got to have studio quality photos of their best friends with the Jolly Old Elf. Whether you just need a smile seeing pictures of happy dogs or want to know how the studio can come to a facility, read this post!

A new puppy for a photographer means some pet photography - but when the pup is only 7 weeks old and still a baby, why not shoot it as a newborn photo session?

Inspired by the Southern Gothic literature of Flannery O’Connor and the disturbing tableaux of Gregory Crewdson, I used a wonderful model, the old cabins of Elkmont, and tourists willing to play a corpse to tell the tale of Gentleman Jack. The deep woods in the South hold many secrets - be safe lest you become one!