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!

All Mine | Hendersonville TN Portrait Photographer

Ok, I admit it. I am bad about printing my own pictures. I know, I know, shhhh don't tell anyone. This picture was from the beach 5 months ago, just got it in today. The frame has been sitting empty on my bookcase for 2 months. But it sure was worth the wait!

This is a mounted 20x30 canvas. It is framed in a custom wooden frame with no glass. My absolute favorite way to display a picture. Have I said that before? I love the texture of the canvas and the wood together. Glass would ruin it all. All of my canvases are coated to protect against UV rays and fingerprints.

My point in this post is... Don't be afraid to go big! Can you imagine a 16x20 in this space? It would be swallowed. Make sure when you order your prints to measure the wall and the frame. You want it to fit the space. If you have a hard time imagining what is too small or too big, I recommend cutting a piece of newspaper to the size you are considering. Hang it in the space and stand back. I've been known to keep that paper up there for days. Take advantage of your beautiful family portraits, display them, and enjoy them!

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.

M's 2 Year Session | Nashville TN Child Photographer

Miss M is turning 2!

And with that age comes a lot of smiles,


a break down every now and then,

still the need for comfort,

lots of love,

lots of independence,

and lots of laughter.

Happy Birthday sweet M! Thanks for giving me lots of laughs!

Before & After | Hendersonville TN Custom Portrait Photographer

I'm working on this sweet girl's gallery right now, and thought I'd share a quick before and after.

Cousins | Hendersonville TN Family Photographer

P is one of my little man's pals at school. She is the cutest thing ever, and I was so happy when her mommy asked me to take her 3 year old pictures. Her cousins ended up being in town the weekend of our session, so we combined it with a cousin session. It was so much fun! They were so full of personality and the happiest, most cooperative group of 5 kids I can imagine.

P's 3 Year Old Session | Hendersonville TN Child Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite 3 year olds and her family this weekend. More from her session soon. Happy Birthday sweet girl!

E's Newborn Session | Nashville TN Newborn Photographer

Miss E officially rang in the new year for me, and she sure didn't disappoint. From her sweet little yawns to her huge smiles, she's about as precious as they get.

I may have taken the picture of the year only 5 days in. It was the biggest newborn smile I've ever caught, much less seen! Mom's words, "That just made it all worth it." And I completely agree!

Back to School, Back to Work | Hendersonville TN Photographer

My 2 little stinkers are back to school today. We had a blast playing, relaxing, and spending time together, but their fighting was getting more and more frequent. So it was time for a separation :) I tried my best to refrain from working, and I did pretty well. I'm officially back to work with 3 sessions scheduled this week. I can't wait to start getting some sweet faces up on the blog again. Until then, here are a few of my favorites from our break, my boys being boys.

2012 Goals | Hendersonville TN Family Photographer

I love when a new year rolls around. Since I've been in business, I spend the first month of the year making plans and goals for SPP. I thought I'd share a few of them.
1. Rebrand - new logo, marketing materials, etc. I want everything to be fresh and streamlined.
2. Learn Wordpress - Wordpress is by far the best way for photographers to blog. I get overwhelmed thinking about completely switching over my blog, leaving this blog, and learning a new one, but it's time. As soon as the rebranding is finished, the new blog will be revealed.
3. Start offering in person ordering sessions. - The hardest part about having a home office is that no one gets to see my great products. I'd love to start offering these to help my clients plan how to really make the most of their portraits.
4. Buy some new gear, attend a workshop, and save money to attend WPPI in Las Vegas for 2013.
5. Stick to real working hours - like no more replying to emails at 11pm just because. I think I can, I think I can... :)

And since a post isn't any fun without a picture... This was one of my warm day sessions that I couldn't post until after Christmas. I can't wait for it to warm up and start spring sessions!