What to Wear Spring Edition | Nashville TN Portrait Photographer

I can't believe how quickly spring has appeared. The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and the weather is already warm. I'm hoping it's here to stay. If you have a session coming up, you are probably digging through your closets or better yet... planning a shopping trip. While you are brainstorming, you can take a look at these spring What to Wear guides. I love the pops of color, and the understated way that they all coordinate. A huge thank you to Corina Nielsen for sharing your fabulous guides.

My favorite of all the looks. I love these colors!

The Murdock Family - 1 Year Session | Hendersonville TN Baby and Family Photographer

The Murdocks and I have really bad luck with sessions and rain. We've had to reschedule 2 sessions because of rain, and this session even had rain in the forecast. Luckily, it held off and was rather warm for February. I'm so glad we had to wait a few weeks, because it gave Miss K time to learn how to do this...

Oh my goodness, she is too cute! She was in such a good mood.

Jake's 18 Month Session | Hendersonville TN Child Photographer

Jake was one of my last First Moments babies in Memphis, and I'm so glad I got to meet up with him and his parents for his 18 month session. He lucked out with some nice warm weather. We played ball and watched choo choo trains, which I think would make any 18 month old boy happy!

T's 1 Year Session | Hendersonville TN Baby Photographer

I look forward to my sessions with this family so much. I'm sure I've said it before, but they really are the sweetest family ever. I didn't share this story last time, because our last session was at my mini sessions. But... Dad said the funniest thing when he saw me photographing the other kiddos. He said, "She talks to everyone like that? I thought she only talked to us like that." Yep, I admit, I may squeal and get a little high pitched during a photo session :) That's just me having fun though! Anyway, back to Little Man T. He has grown so much in his first year. He was walking for us this time. I love those little cautious steps, when his hands stay in the air just in case. And those eyelashes, oh, I love them!

Mikey | Hendersonville TN Baby Photographer

This was my 3rd session with this little guy, and I just love his little personality! It was colder than expected the day of his session, so we tried sneaking outside for quick little bursts. He was such a trooper!

Mashburn 1 Year Session | Hendersonville TN Baby and Child Photographer

I am so glad that my dates worked out to photograph Miss M's 1 year session. We ended up staying inside because it was so cold out, and I'm really glad we did. Her little outfits matched her home perfectly. And... I got to see my photographs on their walls! I don't get to go to my clients' homes too often, but when I do I sure do love seeing their pictures hanging!

Enjoy! She was all smiles and giggles. I LOVE those big eyes!

Spring Sessions in Memphis | Memphis TN Family and Child Photographer

I have finally set the dates for my sessions in Memphis! Booking begins Monday!

Kate Turns 1 | Hendersonville TN Baby Photographer

It feels like yesterday that I got the call that Miss Kate was going home, and now I'm photographing her 1 year pics. Can you tell that she's having a giraffe party??? Let me just tell you, Kate is the happiest little thing ever, and her parents have warned me forever that she stops smiling as soon as she see's a camera. Well, of course, I just KNOW that I'll make her smile. And I do. And I pull out the camera. And she STOPS! I think this is our third session in a row, and I have to believe them now! I can't guarantee smiles, but I love what I do, and I sure do love photographing this little one. I bet you can tell my favorite one. Those eyes just make me melt. Happy Birthday sweet Kate! You are one very loved little girl, and it's been a pleasure to be your personal photographer this year!

C's 4 Month Session | Hendersonville TN Baby Photographer

I can't believe I have photographed Mr. C's family for 2 years now. I know his momma well enough now to know that she always stresses about a photo session. In this case, I am so glad! She scored some awesome props for our session, and Mr. C was an angel. Enjoy your sneaks!

New Product: Organic Bloom Frames | Hendersonville TN Portrait Photographer

I absolutely love displaying portraits. I'm sure you can walk into my home and find my love for chunky wooden frames and pictures of my babies. It's the absolute best way to decorate your home, in my opinion. :)

With that said, I am so excited to start offering Organic Bloom frames in 2012. These frames come in all sizes, including custom sizes, and they have tons of beautiful colors and designs. Whether it's a simple tabletop frame displayed on an easel, a large wall frame, or a collection of frames, they are a great way to display your family's portraits.

And... with Valentine's Day around the corner, they make a great Valentine's gift!

I am offering introductory pricing for the month of January. The offer expires on January 31st.
You DO NOT have to have a portrait session scheduled or have had a previous session.

Please email me at shannon@shannonpaynephotography.com for more details and the introductory price list. I'd be happy to discuss your options. Pricing starts at $40.

Please note, this is not an Organic Bloom frame. However, they have a very similar look. This product is from my previous vendor. I decided to switch to offer more options and more affordable pricing.

A Mommy & Her Camera | Memphis TN Workshop Photographer

Let me guess, you got a fancy new camera for Christmas, and the sight of all those buttons stresses you out. Maybe you've had your camera for a while, but you still haven't ventured out of auto. Or you've ventured, but you still can't nail that blurry background you see from everyone else.

This may be the class for you... all you need is a DSLR (a camera that changes lenses). No experience needed!

Here are some of the topics that we will cover:
* Camera basics and functions
* Modes - AV, TV, M
* Shutter speed, aperture, ISO
* Histograms
* White balance
* Using natural light
* Manual and metering
* Focusing
* Composition
* Saving and printing your images
* Tips and tricks

Workshop Includes:
* 4 hours of instruction: includes time for discussion and hands on practice
* Lunch/Snacks
* A workbook full of great information
* A fun Mom's day out with new friends

This workshop is intended as a beginning photography class. We'll work on getting to know your camera better and taking better pictures. This is not a photography business class.

Cost: $100

Dates: Saturday, February 18: 11am-3pm in Lakeland, TN *** ALL SEATS ARE FILLED***
Sunday, February 19th: 12-4 in Arlington, TN ***ALL SEATS ARE FILLED***

Class size is limited to ensure one on one time. If we reach the maximum number of participants on Saturday, I will begin a waiting list and open an additional date on Sunday, February 19. Update: I am currently securing a hostess for Sunday. Please email me to let me know that you are interested in a spot in the Sunday class.

Location: Memphis, TN (exact location TBA)

Please email me at shannon@shannonpaynephotography.com to reserve your seat today.

Livia's Newborn Session | Hendersonville TN Newborn Photographer

Precious little Livia's parents brought her to me for a newborn session this weekend in Memphis. Her mommy is a friend of mine and amazing teacher. She was my interim teacher when I was on maternity leave with my little man. When she asked me about photographing her newborn session, we talked about the dates I'd be in town and the dates they may drive to Nashville. I was hoping that everything would work out, and it did! Livia decided to arrive a couple weeks early just in time for Thanksgiving. She was 9 days old for our session and smiled more than any other newborn I've photographed. I think she may already love having her picture taken. I'm so happy that I was able to photograph her and see her sweet parents. Congrats W Family! She is beautiful :)

This flower is actually a necklace that her parents brought. It swallows her now, but it would be fun to use it for each of her photo sessions as she grows.

Collierville Town Square Christmas Minis | Memphis TN Mini Session Photographer

Can you believe it??? I've gotten all of the sneaks from my full sessions and mini sessions in Memphis up in less than a week! I know everyone is itching to see more, so now it's time to get to editing. Emails will be coming soon! Until then, enjoy a few more sneaks of my adorable clients.

Ashley, I promise, she smiled. But I couldn't resist this one. She's sitting and just look at those lips. Irresistible.



This one makes my giggly. Love these girls.

I know, 2, I'm sorry! I couldn't decide!

And finally, another one of my sweet First Moments babies is now a big brother.

I can't say thank you enough to all of the families that participated in my mini sessions. You are amazing, and I am so grateful that you still choose me as your family's photographer. This is it for Memphis Minis until Spring 2012. I will have a few openings for indoor baby sessions in January, so check back soon on dates for those.

Collierville Christmas Minis | Memphis TN Mini Session Photographer

I thought I'd share a few thoughts on mini sessions before this post. I love them, really love them. I have mini sessions to thank for first getting my name out in Memphis. In February 2010, I had my first round of mini sessions. I advertised them one night, and by the next morning all of my spots were filled. They were so popular that I ended up adding another day. My friends tell me that I'm crazy before a weekend of mini sessions begins, but I really do love the. Yes, weather, the fast pace, and a long list of worries all stress me out, but in the end, they are so much fun. You may not believe it but 15 minutes is a great amount of time for a quick family session. Kids don't have time to get fussy, dads love the short amount of time, and moms love that everyone else is happy. So there are smiles all around :)


For my Collierville minis, I had a vision of fall meets Christmas with golden light and sparkly ornaments. I love how they turned out! I may have to do more of these next year, and whew, one sneak is hard to do!