Published!!!
What a fabulous surprise awaited me when I got home from work today. It had already been a decent day and as I drove home I was thinking about how much I love living in the Nashville area. Which is saying a lot since I was sitting in the usual dreaded rush hour traffic on I-40. But then I got home and found this waiting for me….
And my day got a whole lot better! What is this, you say? It is Photographing Children (Second Edition) by Ginny Felch. The first (and hopefully not last) book to have a couple of my images in them!
I am beyond honored that my photos are found next to the likes of Ginny Felch (whom, through her first book and Facebook page, has been like a photography mentor), as well as fellow FB friend, Mary Schannen (go ahead, click the link….you’ll fall in love with her work too!), as well as countless other photographers I don’t “know.”
And one more of my cousin and his son taken in some castle-like place in Germany. Way back in the spring of 2009. When I was still a real newbie.
I just “saw the light,” something Ginny urges her readers to do, and snapped a few shots as my cousin and his son took an un-directed break from playing. It will forever be one of my favorites!
I feel this post would be amiss without a few thank you’s. It may sound cheesy, but no doubt very sincere – I thank God, for giving me talent and opportunity; to my dear husband, Mark, for encouraging me and allowing me to pursue photography; to Ginny, for always pushing me to be better, teaching me, and believing in my work; to Wiley Publishing, for going the extra mile to put out an even better 2nd edition; and to you, my readers and clients, for allowing me to be a part of your lives in a way few get to. It’s all an incredible reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place — the people and the moments.
Now go get your own copy off of Amazon — because if you want to be a better photographer, this book is the one to read!!
Baby Cadence – 1 Month – Mt. Juliet Newborn Photography
Maybe you remember sweet baby Cadence’s parents from this session. I was so excited to get to meet her as well! She was so precious and was unbelievably well-behaved for a one month old. What a joy to photograph all of her newborn beauty. Thanks to Nancy and Kyle for letting me photograph you and your adorable daughter!
To see a great shot of Cadence and her Dad go here.
2-year-old Miss J – Mt. Juliet Children’s Photographer
What a fun session I had with Miss J and her parents. They wanted to record her as a new two-year old so we set up a session at the Fannie Mae Dees Park in Nashville. This park is more commonly known as “The Dragon Park” due to the dragon mosaic sculptures in the park. I didn’t get a good shot of the whole sculptures, so if you are interested in seeing them, go here.
This session reminded me of the great joy children take in playing! Just take a look at these shots taken in rapid succession. You can see the anticipation turning into sheer happiness.
You’ve already seen little Miss J earlier this week here – showing that sometimes playing and being two is hard work and a tear must be shed! You might also have seen her on my Facebook page here or here or here.
This session was also a great reminder of why I love to photograph children “in their element.” See if you don’t agree….
Thanks to Miss J’s parents for a fun (HOT!) session!
The Joy of Adoption – Mt. Juliet Family Photography
Perhaps one of the greatest joys in my photographic career came on Saturday evening when I got to photograph little 18 month old Sophie meeting one of her older brothers, older sister and the rest of her extended family. A crowd of about 50 family members and friends gathered at the Nashville Airport to welcome home Sophie with her new parents and her oldest brother. My heart was overflowing with joy in anticipation and throughout the whole “event.” You can see from the photos and video (at the very bottom) that I was not the only one feeling that way. Adoption is truly amazing and a wonderful picture of how God loves those outside of His family and brings them to be part of it. Thank you, Anderson family, for allowing me to be the one to record this great event for your family. Love you guys!
Meeting one of her grandmas for the first time
Mother welcoming daughter home
Older cousin welcoming younger cousin home
Old sister welcoming younger sister
Why Today is the Day – Mt. Juliet Photography
I like to read other photographer’s blogs. Well, I really like to look at the photographs to be inspired. But every now and then I run across a post with great written inspiration too. This week I read one of those posts.
I’d encourage you to read it too! Just go here.
My Grandparents on their wedding day
It’s a good reminder to savor the moments and days with our loved ones (both as life happens and through photographs) because we don’t always know what tomorrow may bring. And generations to come will thank you.
My Grandma with her sister-in-law
Just a few weekends ago for Mother’s Day my extended family was at our house and we pulled out the box of old photos. And then stories were told and listened to about our family. It made me appreciate where I’ve come from.
My Grandpa holding my Dad
So don’t wait any longer! Get out the camera. Book a session. And start recording life!
Today is THE day!
Mt. Juliet Maternity Photography – Nancy and Kyle
Despite these photos having been taken over a month ago (yikes!) I’m just now getting them posted. I so enjoyed meeting and hanging out with Kyle and Nancy this spring afternoon. They live on the edge of Mt. Juliet and had some great space for taking photos! I loved the nearby wheat field most! By now their sweet baby girl has made her appearance. Hopefully I’ll get to photograph her one day too! Thanks, Kyle and Nancy for such a fun session!
And my favorite image of the day:
Beauty…
“Beauty if the voice endlessly calling and so we see, so we reach…”
“Beauty requires no justification, no explanation; it simply is and transcends.”
“See beauty and we know it in the marrow, even if we have no words for it: Someone is behind it, in it.”
Quotes taken from “One Thousand Gifts” (pg. 109-110) by Ann Voskamp – a book I highly recommend!
The R Family
This large family was all together for the weekend. Part of the celebration was due to little Miss A turning 3. I am pretty sure I could have photographed her all day long! She had a winning smile that she very willingly used. As for her baby brother, we took some of him indoors on another day. He was also very generous with his smiles during his mini-shoot. There were lots of great shots from this session, but here are just a few of my favorites.
See what I mean?!
I am in love with this full-body laugh his dad got out of him!
I know this shot isn’t your traditional photo, but you probably know by now I usually prefer non-traditional shots anyways!
I just love the tenderness that this sister gave on her own to comfort her new baby brother as their mom was coming to the rescue.
And speaking of non-traditional, how about a group leaf shot?
Mt. Juliet Family Photography – The D Family
I also had fun photographing this wonderful family of 6 on my Family Photo Day. I loved all their bright colors! It worked so well in the fall leaves. We opted for a lot of more traditional shots, but there were also some casual, action shots, mostly with the little 2 year old who was not so into having his picture taken that day. Don’t let the long sleeves and sweaters fool you. It was a balmy 80F degree day here in Middle, TN at the end of Oct! That’s why the little guy had shed his sweater by the end of the shoot (see the last shot). Thanks D family! I so enjoyed our time together that day!
The E Family
I had a great 20 minute session with the sweet family on my Family Photo Day. The kids were so incredibly cooperative making my job very easy. Thanks E family. I really enjoyed our time together!
The G Family
It’s high time I start posting some photos from this year’s fall family sessions! It was so great to meet this sweet family for the first time. I enjoyed getting to know them during their session. Here are a few of my favorites from their 20 minute session.
Baby Foster
Meet baby Foster (15 days old) and his 3 older siblings. Aren’t they all so precious? I loved watching their interactions both with each other and with Foster. Thanks to Cindy and Rusty for the joy of spending time with you and your beautiful children!
Eli + LJ
There are some photography sessions that just have all the elements to make great photographs – great light, great location, and amazing subjects. I felt like this one with Eli and little LJ was one of those sessions. As you will see in the first photo, Eli was quite the model. He was just a natural and made my job easy. And I loved watching the interactions between LJ and his big brother. Here are few of my favorites from the day, but if you want to see more, go here. And thanks, Heather and Barry, for entrusting your little men to me and my camera.
And the winner is….
The winner of the FREE Fall Mini Session is Faye Hunt! Congrats to Faye! I can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway. I hope to do something like this again, so stay tuned. In the meantime, there are still some spots left for the Mini Sessions on Oct. 23rd so contact me today if you are interested: rachel[at]
rachelowensphotography[dot]com.
More photos of the session on the
right coming soon!
FREE Fall Mini Session Giveaway!
*** This giveaway is now CLOSED **** Go here for information on the winner!
I’m excited for Oct. 23rd – Fall Mini Sessions day! If you haven’t read this post, read it first so you are up to speed on all the details of the day.
As part of my love for fall and photographing children, couples, individuals and families this time of year, I’m giving away one free mini session!
Here’s what it includes:- 20 minute photography session
- one 5×7 print
- one 8×10 print or set of 8 wallets
- As a bonus for this free session only, I’m going to include 2 additional free 5×7 prints!
To enter, simply click this link and fill out the quick form.
There is a maximum of four entries (but only one form to fill out)!
1. Simply fill out the form and check the first box in question 3.
2. Become a fan of Rachel Owens Photography on Facebook (or get rewarded that you already are).
3. Write about this giveaway on your blog linking to this blog post (and leave the link of that post on the form).
4. Link to this blog post on your Facebook profile page.
It’s that easy!
The giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, October 3, 2010 (CST). The winner will be randomly chosen and then announced on this blog and the Facebook fan page on October 4th. I will also contact the winner with an email, but a response is needed from the winner within 5 days or else a new winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: Whoever wins has to live in the Nashville area, or be willing to travel to the location of the photo shoot (near Donelson, TN) on Oct. 23rd (or 30th in case of rain). The free session is valid for up to 6 family members.
I can’t wait to see who will win!
2. Become a fan of Rachel Owens Photography on Facebook (or get rewarded that you already are).
3. Write about this giveaway on your blog linking to this blog post (and leave the link of that post on the form).
4. Link to this blog post on your Facebook profile page.
Introducing Fall Mini Sessions!
I really enjoyed the mini sessions I did for many families last fall, so I thought I’d offer these again. Here is the advertisement with additional information below. If you have not yet been to my website, feel free to visit it by going there now: www.rachelowensphotography.com. I look forward to meeting you and your families!
*** All fall mini sessions will take place outdoors at a location of my choice that I will share with you when you contact me to book your session (this is to protect both me and you). The location is near Donelson. Appointment times will be from 9am until 5pm.
*** In the event of rain on Oct. 23rd we will reschedule sessions for Sat, Oct. 30th.
*** The $50 is for families up to 6 individuals. It is an additional $5 person after 6 people.
*** At least 10 photos will be uploaded to an on-line gallery (password protected, if desired). You can choose your 5×7 and 8×10 or wallets from this gallery. Additional prints, canvas prints, gifts with images, and digital images will all be available for purchase – but there is absolutely no obligation to you to purchase any of them.
***Details regarding how to win a free mini session will be posted shortly so stay tuned!
Mt. Juliet Photography – Brothers
I had two great models a couple of weeks ago. These two brothers were wonderful to work with! The tree you see in some of the photos is about to have one of the branches cut off. Their parents previously had the boys’ photos with the tree and wanted some new portraits made before the tree was altered. And can I just say that I LOVE it when kids spontaneously show affection to their siblings? See the second photo to see what I mean. Thanks for stopping by! And thanks to the boys’ parents for letting me help create memories of the family tree with you!
Two Men and a Little Lady
Two days before the wedding I met up with a dear friend, Becky, that I met while living in Aberdeen. Her husband, Trey, and my husband worked on similar degrees while we were there so it was great fun to talk about life there and what we learned from the entire experience of living in another culture. While I was there for dinner she had also asked if I’d take some portraits of her three children: Addison (5), Davis (3) and Evie (1). I, of course, was delighted to. It was the first time I met little Evie and she quickly flashed her adorable smile my way. Her oldest brother was a bit more reluctant, but I eventually coaxed him out of his shell enough to see his gorgeous baby blues. As you will see in the first photo, Davis is a handsome little charmer. The cute seersucker suits are courtesy of Etsy and were for their Aunt Sarah’s (aforementioned) wedding. Thanks again, Becky and Trey! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your family. Just wish you were closer so we could do it again.
No, I didn’t ask Addison to squeeze his brother’s cheek, but I love the simple interaction between them!
Despite them not all wanting to look at the camera at the same time they have some great expressions!
In the midst of the shoot we had a time out for some family baseball (which I’m told is a favorite). Trey asked Davis something to the effect of “what did Babe Ruth do before hitting?” This photo was the reply. Awesome!
Mt. Juliet Children’s and Family Photography
Check out my new promo video! More to come!
Matt & Sarah – Wedding at Tenth Presbyterian in Philadelphia
Words can’t really express the privilege it was to be so involved in Matt and Sarah’s wedding day. This wedding, being the first that I photographed as the main photographer (and only my second wedding total), will always be dear to my heart. I was incredibly thankful for the way both families welcomed me into their happy day, and especially for how Matt and Sarah gave me very few restrictions for how they wanted the photos to look. These two elements allowed me to photograph the intimate moments, but also left a vast amount of lee-way for creativity and art. You will see that the church they were married in, Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia is a beautiful church which contributed numerous opportunities for stunning photos. My vision for this wedding was to capture all of the emotion I could in a photojournalistic or documentary style combined with fine art elements. I am still rejoicing that God provided some streaming sun for the actual ceremony (we woke up to pouring rain that day!) and beyond. Be sure to specifically look for that gorgeous light on Sarah’s radiant face as they said their vows. Matt and Sarah – thank you. Thank you for inviting me in and for trusting me. May God bless you richly as you live for Him!
If you’d like to see more, be sure to go to my Facebook page and look for the album Matt and Sarah – Wedding.
Mylo Again
I am not quite sure how I overlooked posting other photos from this shoot. Can I blame it on the international move?!
Mylo (remember him?) was the perfect little model on this warm Aberdeen Saturday. He did not like to get wet (from the grass) when he tried to crawl he stayed right where we put him. That, combined with his great mood, made for some adorable shots and very easy photographing on my part! Happy (belated) first birthday to Mylo! Elizabeth and Rez, thanks again for trusting me to photograph you and your little boy.
Sisters, Sisters….
These two lovely little ladies were such perfect little models. I could tell they were used to the camera! It was such a joy to work with them (and their mom), and just to be behind the camera again after a month off. I sure have missed it! As you can tell, we had fun despite the hot summer temps. Enjoy and Happy 4th of July weekend!!
New Website Launched!
My photography website is now up and running! Please visit it at www.rachelowensphotography.com. Look forward to hearing from you and taking your photos!
Sam is TWO!
I had a gorgeous day to photograph Sam about 10 days ago. You might remember Sam and his parents from last fall. His dad was unable to make this session due to his work schedule, but “mum” and Sam made the most of it. To be honest, Sam was not too sure he wanted me nearby with my camera at the start. I had to do some stealth shots, like the one where he’s on the bench with his mom. But, by the end it was like he was a different child! He warmed up to me and had fun exploring the gardens we were in.
