Happy Halloween! | Hendersonville TN Custom Portrait Photographer

Ok, ya'll! I have discovered the secret to photographing my own children... costumes! We had a mini photo session while we waited in the driveway for daddy to get home, and I had the most cooperative kids ever. I love each and every one of these pictures, because they capture my REAL boys. This is them. We had so much fun. Pictures are so very important, no matter what kind of camera you have or if you shoot in manual or auto. Just. take. pictures. They grow up way too fast. Cherish these moments.

Nashville Fall Mini Sessions 2011 | Nashville TN Mini Session Photographer

I had great intentions of getting these sneaks up on Friday. And then the stomach bug hit our house. Well, it actually hit my youngest. So instead of editing all day on Thursday, I snuggled on the couch and watched movies with my favorite 2 year old. I have to admit, it was pretty nice.

So, now I am playing catch up. Thank you to all of the beautiful families that participated. My first fall mini sessions in Nashville were a huge success. The location was perfect, and the leaves were gorgeous. This will definitely be a tradition for SPP.

Fall 2012 What to Wear | Hendersonville TN Custom Portrait Photographer

I'm a little late on this post, but better late than never! I absolutely love fall wardrobes. I love layers, hats, and boots. Layers are perfect for a fall session, especially in Tennessee. We all know it can be 75 one day and 45 the next. If you plan your wardrobe in layers and the temperature changes, you don't have to completely change your outfits. Just add or drop a few layers :) Thanks again to Corina Nielsen for sharing these great guides!

Penelope's 2 Year Session | Nashville TN Child Photographer

I have photographed Miss Penelope since she was 4 months old. Between my move, her family's move, and all sorts of weather interferences, we've still found a way to get together for our sessions, and I am so thankful for that.

This time, we had her 2 year old session scheduled during the week as her family passed through Nashville on their way to Gatlinburg. We had everything planned out until the weather decided not to cooperate. The last time the weather didn't cooperate, Miss P didn't cooperate either, so we thought it would be best to postpone our session. I am so glad we did, because Plan B's day was absolutely perfect.

Since they were headed home from Gatlinburg, we finished off with their knit hat purchases. Aren't they the cutest?

The Edwards Family | Nashville TN Custom Portrait Photographer

We should have had a video camera recording this session, because I think I had to make the biggest fool of myself for these kiddos. Luckily, we didn't record it, and these smiles are soooo worth it. I love when I surprise parents with pictures from their session, and based on Mom's facebook update after our session, I think she's going to be surprised :) I promise, all of the behind the scenes "stuff", is so worth the end result!

We finished up with a few headshots of Mom and Dad.

The O'Neill Family | Hendersonville TN Family Photographer

I have been in heaven with these girl sessions. This time I had 3 girls, and they were the sweetest things. Big sisters were so great with little sister. It was fun to watch. I LOVED their beautiful blue eyes and smiles, and Mom did a great job pulling together colors and coordinating. They looked great!

The McMurry Girls | Hendersonville TN Child Photographer

I LOVE when I edit sessions, and they make me smile. This session didn't just have me smiling, it had me laughing out loud. These girls are a RIOT. They are absolutely adorable and full to the brim with personality, just look at their expressions. I seriously didn't have to do anything other than choose a location and click. They did everything else. (Well, with a little help from their daddy's dancing.)

FUMC Fall Extravaganza | Hendersonville TN Custom Portrait Photographer

Tons of people have been asking how the show went, so I thought I'd share some pictures. Last weekend I participated in my first crafts show. It was my first booth to advertise my business, and I was so proud of it. I'd love to have a cute boutique studio one day, and this is exactly how I have it imagined. I kept thinking that if you could bottle up my style and put it on display, this would be it.

It was so much fun meeting people, sharing my work and products, and hearing their great comments. The hubs is my biggest fan, so he came and helped out for a while. His background is sales, so I think he wanted to show of his skills. I left the booth and walked around for a bit. He took over and wore my Shannon Payne name tag. When I came back, there were literally swarms of people at the booth. It was hysterical, really. I wish I had taken a picture of it. I'm a lucky girl to have such a supportive (and talkative) husband.

All in all, it was a great show. I also had a giveaway for a free mini session. Congratulations to Scottie Hughes!

The Barnes Family 1 Year Session | Nashville TN Family and Baby Photographer

Little Man A is one of my baby planners. We started his package a little late, so his 1 year session is not his last session. I love when my First Moments families and I get to sessions 3 and 4. Definitely not because our package is almost over, but because we've moved from being clients to friends. Emails become a little less formal, texts become a little more frequent, and we really just know each other better. That's what's so great about working with a custom photographer.

For example Mr. A is quietly observant and takes a little while to warm up to you. He's always been like that for our sessions. I know to expect it. I love how he sees me and looks at me like, "Really, that lady again????" But now he's starting to change. He's walking and exploring. He loves clapping and singing. He loves his green frog, but doesn't like his bare feet in the grass. He'd rather throw his cupcake on the ground than eat it. Oh, and he LOVES his mommy and daddy.

I love this session and capturing the things that Mr. A loves.

On a side note, what do I love??? Nashville in the fall. The hills and trees are simply breathtaking. LOVE it!