A Sweet, Pre-Covid Birth Session

This session happened quite a while back, but since I’m expanding my services to now include birth photography, I though now would be a good time to share it.

Meet the Green family: Sarah, Andrew, and baby Nora.

I’ve known Andrew and Sarah since we were all in middle school together. Sarah and I became best friends in 8th grade when I started staying with her after school before my dad could come pick me up. Andrew’s signature is in my 6th grade year book; I lent him my pink pen so he could sign it and he wrote, “I don’t like this pen. -Andrew”. Through high school, college, weddings, and any number of crazy life circumstances, we all stayed friends over the years. So much so that Sarah trusted me with photographing the birth of her and Andrew’s first baby, Nora.

Sarah was such a fighter through the whole birth; it was truly admirable to watch. And Andrew was willing to jump in to serve her in whatever way she needed, whether it was fetching food or providing back massages. They made an amazing team.

Finally Nora joined us! Sarah’s sister, Becky (second from the left in the below photo), had this expression of shock and awe that just encapsulated the whole moment perfectly.

It’s interesting when you’ve known someone for as long as I’ve known their family. I remember the silly shenanigans that we would get into as teens and young adults, when things like marriage and having children seemed a lifetime away. Watching goofy, impractical, devil-may-care kids grow into responsible, diligent, caring, and still fun-loving parents has truly been a privilege.

I can’t emphasize enough how much I love being able to provide families with their first family photos at birth sessions like this one. And to provide that for lifelong friends is all the more special. A huge thank you to the Greens for allowing me to photograph such a special day in their lives. These three make the most beautiful family!

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Top 10 things you should know about having a Documentary Family Session

1.  It’s totally different from most other family photo sessions you’ve had

Expect to have a brand new experience with your family. Because documentary family photos focus on authentic interactions and not on perfect poses, be prepared for a photo session that’s focused on having fun and enjoying one another’s company.

2. Documentary Family sessions center around family activities you enjoy together

Whatever your family is into (board games, legos, baking, sports, outdoor adventures, shopping), that’s what documentary family photography is made to capture.  Think of all the good memories you’ve made with your family while doing your favorite activities.  How great it would be to have photos of those moments?  That’s what DFP is for!

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Instagram-ready makeup and Pinterest-worthy home décor are not required.

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3. Many Documentary Family Sessions happen in the home of the client

     This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but for many family activities, the home is the main location where they take place.  But Documentary Family Sessions can happen anywhere: in a park, at your favorite ice cream shop, at a rock climbing wall…even in the grocery store!  Wherever your best family memories happen, that’s where a documentary family session can take place.

4. It’s super laid-back

      Aside from being yourself, there’s nothing you need to do in order to make great documentary family photos.  Your photographer is there to find the beauty in your authentic story (mainly in the form of hilarious, messy, or loving interactions with your loved ones).  ***Instagram-ready makeup and Pinterest-worthy home décor are not required. ***

5. You won’t have to worry about holding poses

     Your story shines when you are comfortable and able to interact freely with those you love most. There is much beauty to be found in small moments of joy, humor, and connection with your family members, and poses aren’t required for this beauty to come to the surface.

6.  You won’t necessarily be in perfect light

     To tell your story most accurately, we photographers capture you in the same light you use every day, whether it’s windows, overhead lights, lamps, or sun/moonlight.  Your photographer is committed to telling the story of who your family is, here and now. When you look back years later, the photos will look as you remember life looking: with beautiful moments in sometimes imperfect light. 

7. Your photographer cares for you and your family and wants to capture the beauty of your family’s story.

     Because we get so invested in learning and telling your family’s story in photos, we come to really care for our clients.  One of our favorite parts of our job is celebrating with you in your happiest moments, and grieving with you when life is hard. Your trust is dear to us, and we try our best to honor that trust with photos that only increase in value as life moves forward.

8. You don’t have to worry about the kids getting bored, wiggling, or becoming otherwise uninterested in the photo session.

     Because DFP sessions are activity-focused, kids always have something to do that they enjoy. Maintaining specific poses or long attention spans aren’t necessary. The only responsibility the kids have is the same one you have: to just be yourself! I capture all of the silly antics, affectionate moments, and adorable giggles that naturally happen along the way.

9.  Dads enjoy DFP sessions!

Instead of posing and holding fake smiles, dads get to do what they love best: play with their kids and hang out with you. Dads that I photograph tend to find themselves at ease in a DFP photoshoot that doesn’t require anything uncomfortable or inauthentic from them. They also love the resulting photos of them and their kids just naturally interacting.

10. Your photographer will capture more than just what your family looks like, but also what it feels like to be in your family

This is what will make your family’s photos timeless. DFP sessions are all about capturing the loving, silly, everyday interactions you share with your family.  We aim to capture more than your family’s appearance during a perfect, Pinterest-worthy moment. We believe perfect family moments are ones where messes are made, laughs are shared, and love is felt. These moments never go out of style.

It’s all about telling the story of your life as a family: authentic, messy, hilarious, and loving!

The story of your family is the best one you’re ever going to write. If you’re looking to capture all the ways that you’re trying to write a beautiful story for your family, a documentary family session may be right for you! If you’re ready to take the brave step to try out this new type of family photography, click below!

A Lazy Day in Late Maternity

after eight months of growing a baby, you deserve a day off.

Morning tea when you’re eight months pregnant means sitting in the most comfortable chair in the house and resting your mug on your tummy, a la Phoebe Buffay from Friends.

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Meet Gramm and Anna Kathryn, a sweet couple with a baby on the way in Clarksdale, MS. My husband and I have known Gramm since college; TJ and Gramm used to be involved in the same campus ministry. Gramm played guitar at our wedding, and a few years later, I photographed a little at his. It took several years for Gramm to find the right girl to marry, but I always knew that when he did meet that girl, she and I were going to be friends.

Enter: Anna Kathryn, an optimistic, kind-hearted girl from a big family in North Carolina. We were instant friends.

Side note: What is it with Mississippi guys marrying us North Carolina girls? There must be something about us, I suppose. ;)

Gramm and Anna Kathryn met online while she was doing missionary work in Japan. They then dated for a year or two, got married in the summer of 2018, and less than a year later, the newest member of their family was on the way. They have had so many life changes in such a short time, it’s mind boggling!

Fun fact: These two are officially the third couple that TJ and I know who have met via the internet. Sign of the times.

On the day that I came, these two newlywed new parents were having a relaxed, laid back day. Anna Kathryn was around 8 months pregnant and her mantra for the day was, “I am done.”

Gramm was the most doting new father. Anything she needed or wanted, he provided her. If she just wanted to snuggle on the couch, he was there. If she needed food or a drink, he got it for her. If she needed someone to lift her tummy up a bit to relieve her of the weight, he was happy to oblige. It was really beautiful to watch.

After a long, leisurely morning at home, they decided to grab lunch. Anna Kathryn wanted out of the house for a bit, and I think Gramm enjoyed the break from cooking.

Side note: Yazoo Pass is a great lunch spot in Clarksdale, MS, if you ever have the opportunity to go.

After lunch was a visit to the park. Gramm told us that the Clarksdale riverside park used to be a zoo many years ago. Who knew?!

They stopped to rest on a bench in the exact same spot where Gramm proposed to Anna Kathryn a year and a half prior. I just love that this spot has so much meaning for them.

Anna Kathryn was most comfortable with her feet up (because who isn’t when they’re carrying around two people all the time?) I didn’t pose the two of them at all, I just let them chill out and interact. But Anna Kathryn ended up in the most gorgeous, model-worthy maternity pose without any direction at all from me. It was photographer gold! Isn’t she just stunning?!

After the park, they headed home for a bit to rest, chat, and play guitar. (Did I mention that Gramm is a super-talented musician?). It was so sweet to watch them laugh together and enjoy each other’s company. I know Gramm is going to be playing music for their little one for years to come.

Dinner was another chance outing with these two lovebirds. We headed to Hooker Grocery (also in Clarksdale, MS). Gramm chatted with just about everyone in the restaurant (because Gramm knows literally everyone in Clarksdale), but he never forgot to attend to his loving wife and mother-to-be.

My favorite point in the outing was when Anna Kathryn stole a few bites of food from Gramm’s plate; this action is every pregnant woman’s prerogative, in my opinion! Gramm seemed to think so, too, because let her take as much as she wanted. This girl is treated like a queen!

I was so honored that this adorable couple allowed me to follow them and document their maternity story for a day. They were just the cutest, and I know their little one will be just the same!

All the best,

Renee

How to: Fit an Apron Over Bunny Ears

Hint: it mainly involves blind determination

I’m pretty sure this is what all of adulthood feels like.

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Oh my goodness, my website launches tomorrow. This fact is both terrifying and deeply satisfying, given all the work I’ve put into the thing. Since the launch happens tomorrow, I thought I’d share with all of you lovely people why I chose the image for my temporary landing page that I did (also pictured above).

The little girl pictured above is the child of a dear friend of mine. She’s an intelligent, independent, and spunky little girl. Her parents are among the best I know when it comes to emphasizing reading and education, and her grandparents are the kind of people who know how to capitalize on every possible teachable moment. She routinely tests well above average in school, and she has more wit in her pinky finger than I have witnessed in some adults. Suffice it to say, this is one smart kid.

Her parents are also really great at organizing fun things to do around holidays for her. They’re constantly seeking out fun festivals, events, and activities to allow their daughter to live a full and vibrant childhood. It’s really cool to watch, actually.

On the day pictured above, it was Easter, and they were about to dye eggs and bake a carrot cake together.  The mom had purchased an adorable Easter dress for her daughter: pastel stripes with enough of a flare in the skirt that it would fan out when her daughter twirled, which she did often. Mom also purchased bunny ears for everyone to wear for the occasion.

My friend also insisted that her little girl wear a plastic apron to keep her dress clean while they dyed eggs. Her little girl loved the dress, and seemingly tolerated the ears up to a point, but when the apron got thrown into the mix, she was no longer amused. Determined, in true four-year-old fashion, to do it herself, she set about putting the apron on over the bunny ears. The strap of the apron kept getting hung on one of the ears, thereby discombobulating the ears and becoming a simply unmanageable situation.  It was a bit of an ordeal for a few moments.  I kept shooting because the determination and frustration on her face just said so much about her, the situation she was in, and how she was choosing to persevere.

Eventually, with Mom’s help, she was able to get the apron on, ears and all.

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Putting on an apron while wearing bunny ears and donning a four-year-old level of determination is exactly what it feels like to build a website.

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I consider myself to be of “at-least-average” intelligence. I always had good grades as a kid, and I graduated college with a bachelor’s in 3.5 years while working two jobs. Heck, I even largely taught myself how to be a photographer (thereby rendering that 3.5 year college degree worthless, but hey…). I may not be the smartest person in a given room, but I have a reasonable amount of confidence in my intellectual abilities.

None of this mattered when I delved into the world of web design.

If you’ve ever set out to build a truly good website for your business (one that considers things like SEO and user-friendliness and blah blah blah), then you know that you’re constantly finding new needs for the site that you’re building, so you’re constantly reaching higher and higher to get the apron of your website to encompass everything that it needs to.  The only way a site like this ever gets finished successfully is if you press on and keep building the darn thing because DAMN IT, THIS IS GOING TO WORK EVEN IF I LOSE A BUNNY EAR IN THE PROCESS.

This photo speaks on so many levels, though; it’s not just website building or putting on an apron. Everyone has encountered a task or a project that seemed simple at first but that proved far more difficult later on. And the only productive reaction is to push through, learn how to climb the mountain, and come out on the other side a more capable, well-rounded person than when you began.

This is why I do what I do. Images like this resonate in so many different ways. They capture something about the experience of being human that we can all relate to. It’s not just about how cute a little girl looks on Easter. It’s about the greater story of who she is, who she is becoming, and her journey there.

I’m so excited to be launching this new site tomorrow. I’m stoked to share with you the new features and navigability and portfolio-worthy shots that are included in the site. And I’m proud to say that somehow, in the whole process of building it, I don’t think I lost a single bunny ear.

All the best,

Renee

The 1996 Olympics...and my Instagram re-launch

Me, messy-haired and snaggle-toothed…like any respectable kid should be.

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It’s story time, guys.

This is me at my aunt and uncle’s house during the summer of 1996. My aunt is a very warm, caring woman, and is definitely the most skilled in the family at keeping track of sentimental things. One of those sentimental things is a fudge pie recipe that was passed down to her.

You should know that this fudge pie recipe is no ordinary fudge pie recipe. It was passed down in her family (through her grandmother, I think) and as such had probably been baked dozens, if not hundreds of times.  It’s simple (six ingredients), quick to make, requires no complicated methods or ingredients, and is perfectly fudgy, dense, and decadent. It’s what fudge pie is meant to be. This is little-old-southern-lady fudge pie. 

I think I visited them for about a week that summer, and every single day that I was there, my aunt baked a fudge pie with me and let me eat as much I wanted over the course of the day. All of us in the house would eat the whole thing by the time we went to bed that night, and if any happened to be left over until the next morning, it became breakfast.  Yes, my aunt was very cool. 

I only know this was taken in 1996 because that was the year that the Olympics came to Atlanta, and I because of that, I gained a new role model: Chinese gymnast, Li Xiaoshuang. I was glued to the TV anytime the gymnastics portion of the Olympics came on, but when Li came on, I was transfixed. I was really big into climbing trees as a kid, and he got to climb and jump and swing and twirl in mid-air in ways that I only dreamed of when I was hanging one armed from a tree branch. He was the coolest, and I wanted to do what he could do. (Because of him, I ended up begging my mom for gymnastics lessons for the next two years until she gave in, hahaha!) 

There at my aunt’s house, every time the Olympic gymnasts came on TV, I would sit down (not too close because it could ruin my vision) with my plate containing an unreasonably large piece of fudge pie, and I would eat every bite of pie and watch every second of the gymnastic routines. It was the absolute best and probably the closest thing to heaven I had experienced up to that point in my young life.   

It was such a simple thing, but this memory has stuck with me for years. A kid, sitting and eating her favorite food, watching her favorite thing on TV, and dreaming about what she could become. 

Years later, my aunt gave me that recipe. I myself have also made it dozens of times since then. Every time, it takes me back to watching the Olympics in my Aunt’s living room. 

And I didn’t stick with gymnastics. I do a lot of yoga now, though, and I still climb trees when a climb-able one presents itself.

But I still love that feeling of dreaming about what I could be, and I cherish the progress that I see while I work to attain the goals I set for myself…even if those goals no longer include becoming an Olympic athlete.

There are so many other moments like this that I wish I had photos of from my own life. These moments exist in everyone’s life. They are the reason I pursue photography as an art form. Truly, I believe they are the highest purpose for which photography exists.

I’m hoping to share more moments like this from my own life and the lives of those who so generously allow me to photograph their favorite memories. Feel free to follow me on Instagram or Facebook if you want to read more stories like this in the future!

https://www.instagram.com/studio1825/

https://www.facebook.com/Studio1825/ 

Thanks again!

Renee