RAD pixels photography

Hey, folks.  So it's been some time since I've posted an update here.  For those of you who follow me on social media, you know I've still been taking a few photos here and there.  Although, starting my new job caused me to slow down.  Way down.  I wanted to make sure I could handle that load plus this pastime.  What I've learned from this small hiatus is that I really do love taking photos.  More than taking photos, I love the final product and the reactions that it receives from the subjects, my friends, or even complete strangers.  Now, I'm back at it and working on expanding just a little.  More on that later... For now, I got to hang out with a complete and total ham:  Brody Bear!  This little guy is celebrating, of course, Christmas, but also his second birthday, which is just around the corner.  I just can't believe it's been almost two years since I first photographed this kid, my very first newborn session.  He ...

Wow.  Time flies, they say, but we learn that all too quickly when kids are in our lives.  Looking back, I can remember seeing this young lady for the first time.  Unfortunately, she really wasn't as cute as she is now...with the cone head and all.  Nevertheless, she has transformed into this stunning young women who can stand her own against anybody.  She is smart, incredibly mature and responsible, driven, and as sweet as can be.  Perhaps I'm a little biased.  Oh, well.  ;) I'm so proud of you, sweet Hanah Bell.  We all are.  Have a great senior year! This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

LINCOLN!  That's who!  This child is beautiful.  I don't know if I have ever seen eyes so blue!  Unlike our last session, Lincoln was in a great mood this evening.  We got all kinds of smiles and laughs out of this little guy!  He is growing, almost sitting up by himself, dancing a little with the help of mom and dad,  and making all sorts of sounds.  Overall, I would say he is a delightfully happy baby boy.  Good job, mom and dad! Thanks to Derek and Amy for allowing me to watch Lincoln grow!  :) Here's the handsome guy... This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

When my brilliant former student Madilyn asked if I would do her engagement session at my alma mater, of course my answer was emphatically, "Yes!"  Much like her answer to Tim's proposal!  Visiting TC was like returning home for me.  I'm pretty sure it's been at least six or so years since I've set foot on campus, so I was experiencing the wonder of Tennessee's oldest college as if it were my first time all over again.  Things have changed, but much has stayed exactly as I remembered.  I had forgotten, however, how magical the library was.  During my years at TC, the library underwent a huge addition, and the upgraded model is simply beautiful and truly the heart of the small campus.  I spent many days, especially in the last couple of years, locked away in this home-away-from-home of mine, and as I stated to Madilyn, I suppose this is where my love of libraries really began. Coincidentally, this same library was exactly where Madilyn and Tim's relat...

This session happened because of perfect timing.  I was at my mom's house when Jessi and Matt were pulling in their driveway next door.  Mom insisted that I come see this little guy, and before I left the hill that day, we had made plans for pictures the following day.  Funny how things work out sometimes.   I'm so thankful I got to meet and handle this sweet little boy.  He was such a trooper after having his mom and dad try to prep him for the session, and after having to deal with me moving him around after finally getting nice and comfy.  I'll tell you what, though; I don't think I've ever had a baby to make me sweat as much as Easton did!  He loves his heat!   Overall, we had a great couple of hours together with plenty of sweet images to showcase mom and dad's hobbies and talents and their precious new addition.  I'll leave some surprises for the parents to show off.  :)   I can't wait to see this tiny baby grow...

Congratulations to Krystal and Preston on this sweet little lady!  Miss Aliza Jo is absolutely adorable and was very patient with this demanding photographer.  ;)  While shooting indoors was just fine, this couple has beautiful property complete with plenty of future play area for Aliza, so we had to venture outside despite a cool breezy day.  I was happy to try to recreate some maternity photos that showcased the glowing, expecting couple, but I'll argue that the glow is even more radiant now that their baby has arrived.  Preston and Krystal are 100% mushy - gushy in love with each other and with their bundle of joy; it was really adorable to see!   I had tons of cute images to sort through, but as you'll see by the number of photos, I was taken aback by the patriot images.  The same flag was recently used by cousin Lincoln, but we had to add a slight girly touch this time.  The addition of Preston's National Guard hat makes the images compl...

As the mother of a daddy's girl, I know the feeling--all too well--of not being the parent who can ALWAYS soothe my child.  I've learned, however, that this can be a blessing in disguise.  As a result of Lincoln's unhappy state, Mommy Amy comforted him as well as she could.  Then, Daddy Derek arrived, started signing, and Mr. Lincoln began to cooperate...mostly.  As the outside observer, I was able to see the pride in Amy's face while she watched her husband subdue their child.  I saw love, strength, happiness, and peace in her expressions.  And Derek most certainly has a special way with his son, not caring what he has to do in front of a stranger to make his child happy.  The blessing is seeing someone else care just as deeply for your child as you do.  The blessing is feeling that much love and security in that moment.  While I watched this little family, I was the one who was blessed.    As for Lincoln's cooperation, we tri...