Reworking the website...

So, I finally had some extra time to re-do my website galleries. I have broken it up into categories (i.e. maternity, newborn, babies, etc.) vs having it in color vs b/w galleries. I am still doing some reformatting and adding some pictures, but for the most part it is up and running. Said goodbye to some of my old favorite pics to make room for new pics. I REALLY have a problem cutting down the number of pics b/c I just love them all so much. In the industry, it is recommended to only have small galleries with 10-15 pics each, but well I just can't do it :) I figure if there are too many and you get tired of looking, just stop, but if you want more there are plenty to see. I personally find when I visit other photographers websites I often end up wanting to see more in tiny galleries, but then sometimes I find people that have about 100 pictures all in one gallery and I get bored. So, I ended up with about 30 per gallery, so middle of the road I would say. Anyways, let me know if you like the new format or as always I am open for suggestions of ways to improve the site.

It's Me!

Well, I decided so many of you have let me take pics of your bellies over the years that I would share one of myself. This is my 25 week belly pic. The pregnancy is going really well and I have no complaints except for maybe my double chin :) I still have a long way to go so there is no telling how big my belly will be in another 3.5 months! In case you are wondering, yes that is a tattoo on my belly, it is not henna. It was once much smaller but after 2 kids it is a little bit stretched out. I will chalk that up to the crazy things you do in college, the tatoo, not the kids, ha, ha. I had planned on taking pics of my belly every 4 weeks starting at 16 weeks and was going to do a storyboard at the end tracking how my belly grew. I have to admit I was a little bit behind this round since my last one was at 16 weeks, but I vow to do better and will finish this project! If you are an expectant mommy and are on the fence about having maternity pictures taken, do it!!!! I know how it is when you feel all big and maybe not that cute, but you will be sorry if you don't do it. I have soooo many Moms look at my maternity work and say, man I wish I would have done that with my kids. You can't go back and get a do over, so better to just get it done, you won't be sorry!

Nature photography, crazy I know!

My family went to Colorado back in October and I am just getting the pictures off my memory cards today almost 3 months later. Sadly my own pictures take the back burner often times. At least I got them though, just a little slow doing something with them. Anyways, anyone who has been to Colorado knows it is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so I decided I wanted to try to do a little nature photography. I played around doing some big, wide landscape type photos but wasn't really finding any enjoyment out of that, so opted to get in close and personal. This is where I found something to peak my interest. All the colors and textures are so intriguing to me and I find them so beautiful. So, I just wanted to share some pictures of something a little different than the usual kiddos. Usually if there are not people in the pictures I am kind of indifferent to them, but I really enjoyed taking these. My mom, who is an avid landscape photographer, would be proud though she is more of a wide landscape type lover. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of 2009 and I look forward to seeing many of your beautiful faces in 2010! Let me know what you think of these nature shots!!!

"T" is 3 months

Well, today was my last session of 2009. What a crazy year it has been. My client base grew about 6 times over what I did in 2008, so needless to say I feel very happy and fortunate. Word of mouth has been huge for me, which of course is the biggest compliment I can get, so thanks to you all. So, on to "T". This was her second session with me (third if you count photographing her in the belly) and we have 3 more to go taking her through her first year. She is a very good and cooperative baby, so she makes things easy for me. She looks like a little doll to me, porcelin skin and sweet little cheeks. She is a beauty. I am sharing 4 sneak peeks instead of the usual three, since I will be absent for awhile. I will likely post some personal pics and general news, so don't forget to check back even though I am "officially" on vacation for the next 6 weeks. I am open to taking appointments after January 1st should anyone need to get in to see me. I only have one session left for March and two for February, so do not be shy about planning ahead! Like I said in a previous post, no working people in this year, when I am booked I am booked and if it happens as it did last year this will likely happen quickly and several months out :)

I was so loving this red tutu with the candy cane stripe ribbon!


See, a little doll, seriously...


Festive!


A little smile...

"O" turns 1 year old

I met up with "O" on Saturday for our final session of his "grow with me" plan. He is a cutey with some big blue eyes and lots of chub. I just want to squeeze him. We had to do an indoor session since it is just a little on the chilly side here now, so always a different dynamic. I always worry trying to keep a 12 month old on the backdrop but he did really well. I have one more session next week and then I am on break for about 6 weeks! I am excited to have some time to catch up on my own kids photos, putting prints into albums, finishing up their yearly books, etc. I am also going to be revamping my website galleries and changing some things up getting ready for 2010. So anyways a peek of this kiddo at our first session a year ago and a few now that he is all grown up :) I hope I get to see him again for his second birthday!

"O" as a sweet and tiny newborn...


Love this little half smile...


He loved my duck...


You have to do a smash cake at a 1 year old shoot!

The last newborn of 2009...

It has been a crazy year of babies for me, so photographing my last one is bitter sweet. I have been so lucky to welcome so many new families into my life, but I feel sad knowing this is the last one for the year. I am sure 2010 will bring many more, including my own, so I try not to be too sad :) I met 2 week old baby "R" on Sunday and her 18 month old big sister. "R" did not sleep a wink during our session but didn't cry hardly at all either, so overall a very good newborn session. She has these adorably chunky cheeks and an amazing head of hair. Big sister is such a cutey pie too with some big old brown eyes and chubby little cheeks too. She loves her new baby sis and loved giving her kisses. So, here are two adorable little girls...

See what I mean about these cheeks and her hair :)


Love this little smile looking down at baby sister...


Oh how I love a teeny tiny little hand...

Some of my own peeps...

I was excited when my sister in law asked me to photograph her family over the holidays. I have taken "unofficial" pics of the kids before, but this was our first planned full on session. Living several states away from each other makes it a little tough to get together. Litte "T" is a total ham and kills me with his shy smiles. Big "T" is pretty silly herself and a total doll. We had a good time and I got a ton of great shots. So, here are a few of my faves from the day...

TOTALLY love the love here


I love how the wind is gently blowing her hair


I worked with a newborn baby girl this afternoon, so check back in a day or two for pics of a cutie with a rockin head of hair!

A lot to be thankful for...

I had the annual opportunity to photograph my oldest friends kids this week. We have been friends for about 26 years, so we go waaaaay back! I have so enjoyed watching her family grow and watching these kids go from babies to toddlers to now pre-teens, gasp. We joke every time I see her oldest that she will be taller than me next time I see her. Well, she almost made it this time. She was up to my nose. I guess next year will be the year that I have officially been outgrown by a friend's kid :) I knew it would happen and very likely will happen with every kid I know, but it is still funny to me. Her girls are always very good for the camera, though the oldest was starting to give me the "are we done yet?" b/c she wanted to be texting her friends, ha, ha. The youngest was really shy at first and then all of a sudden like magic he jumped up on a bench with his sisters and started cheesing it up. We shot at my very favorite garden center in Texas. I soooo miss this place and wish like mad it was in Tennessee. I have never seen a place take so much effort to make a gorgeous place to look at as well as sell plants. Seriously it is amazing! So much gorgeous stuff. The sun was very bright so we were shade searching out there, but we managed okay. I am thankful for my friendship with "S" and for the opportunity to be her official family photographer. So, on with the sneak peeks...

All the stars lined up for this shot. My fav of the three of them.


The oldest "A", oh my gosh she looks so grown up!


The middle kiddo "E"- she is the quiet, sweet and shy one


The oh so handsome "R", the baby of the family

OMG, could she be any cuter??

I got to meet up with the oh so amazingly cute "R" on Friday. This was her 3 month session and man has she changed a lot in 3 months. Don't get me wrong, she was adorable as a newborn, but 3 months of life has blossomed her into a little cherub. She is all squishy and cute and full of funny faces. I told her Mom that she will be my muse for the next year, I could just look at her all day :) I am soooo super excited she is in my premium grow with me plan, so I get to see that adorable face every 3 months for the next year. That is by far my favorite package because I really get to watch these babies grow. I get to see all the fun stuff, smiling, rolling over, crawling, walking, all the wonderful things a first year brings. So, here she is in all her chubby cuteness...

Her very adorable Thanksgiving outfit...


Sweet little smile...


Could you just pinch these cheeks or what??


You won't be hearing from me again for a little over a week, so everyone have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all of my amazing clients and blog readers too near and far :) I have had visitors from as far away as India, the UK, Australia, and Indonesia. The internet is an amazing thing! Thank you clients for allowing me into your lives. I really believe getting to be the one to capture your memories is very serious business and feel so fortunate each and every session I do. You all are what inspire me and your beautiful families bring me so much joy along with watching my own cute kids grow year after year. I am thankful for so many things, but you all allow me to live a dream and that is very humbling. So, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

Brown eyed girl...

I got to meet up with 8 month old "E" on Sunday for the second of her "grow with me" sessions. She was not all smiles and giggles but was very good for our session. Like I always say, I have no problem with serious faces, so I was happy. We did manage a few smiles at the very end, but I am saving those for the gallery:) I have soooo many blue eyed babies I work with, I am always smitten to get a brown eyed beauty. There is just something so soulful about dark eyes, I love them! Here she is...

Look at these eyes...


My favorite thing about babies this age, fascination with their feet!


We tried for this shot last session, but she was so not having it. So I am glad we got it this time!

Have you missed me???

I am around not to worry. I have had a few reschedules, so it seems as if I have been scarce lately. I have one tomorrow and one later this week, so I promise some beautiful faces this week. I am just looking at my calendar thinking this year will be over in what will seem like a few weeks. I am working on doing some restructuring around here next year. For anyone who doesn't know yet, I am expecting baby number three in April, so I am feeling amazingly excited of course, but also overwhelmed at how I will handle my day to day workload with THREE kids. I will be working through March provided I don't deliver early and will be off for April, May and part of June most likely. I do have some "grow with me" babies that will be due for sessions during this time, so I will still take care of them. I will not be able to take on any new clients during this time though. I know I have talked to a lot of you here and there who have said you want to come and see me next year, so what I am asking is if you know you want to come see me next year anytime, please let me know now. I would like to get everyone on the schedule from January to December who I know will come see me, so I can see what I have left to work with. My business has grown so much these last 6 months that the possibility of being booked 3-4 months in advance has become a reality. I do already have appointments booked into August next year. So, while I love this, I get a guilty conscience when people want to come see me and I am booked. I did learn my lesson though this summer when I overbooked myself and got stretched too thin. So, this year, I am setting my limits and sticking to it! I have to for the sake of my family and my sanity. These kiddos grow so fast and I am so fortunate to get to stay home with them that sometimes I feel like while I am here with them, I am not really here. This will be our last baby, so I want to treasure every moment of that precious first year and get back to being Mom first to all the kids. Of course, I will still deliver the attentive service you all expect and amazing photographs as well, but I am just limiting my work load is all. I am not asking anyone to pay for their sessions now, sessions need to be paid for within 30 days of the actual session date, but just want to know who is coming to see me. I will take my "grow with me" babies first, then fill in remaining dates on a first come first serve basis. Like I said, no working in people this year, so schedule early!!! I am going to have some cool new products and packages coming next year and may even start to do some "themed" mini session events later in the year. For example, a "cowboys and indians" with a Tee-pee and western theme, tea party with lots of frilly girl stuff, Halloween, etc. So, if anyone thinks that is a good idea and would want to attend these minis let me know to motivate me to put it together! Anyways, that is all for now, so check back this week for some pics of some cute baby girls!

"M" is almost 1!

I got to meet up with almost one year old "M" on Sunday. We met at a park down in Spring Hill. The park is special because Mom and Dad did their engagment pictures there, we did their maternity pictures there, and now "M"s one year pics. I am a sucker for sentimentality, so I love the storyline using the same park. I hadn't seen him since his newborn session, so it was really good to see how big he has gotten. Mom had some good ideas for this session and hooked me up with a cool old truck of her Dad's to use and also some hay bales (good thing b/c I could have never fit them in my car with the rest of my stuff). Mix that in with my trusty red wagon and my new red trike and we were set for some fun. "M" did great even if he wasn't all smiles. I am happy as long as we don't have tears! I love a serious face, so I was not upset a bit. So, here he is...

All little boys love sticks!


Handsome little man


Yippee!!!

The sweet "A" couple

I got to meet Mr. and Mrs. "A" Sunday morning for a quick Christmas mini session. It was a fun session for me because it was just two people in love, no special occasion. They wanted pictures just for fun! They were both very photogenic and comfortable in front of the camera so we whipped through it in no time. I always forget how much time and extra work it takes when kids are in the mix. I almost felt like it was too easy:) It was a cool morning and I was wrapped up like there was snow on the ground and here comes "K" in short sleeves:) I am a total cold wussy I know that. The light was so soft and romantic in the woods, perfect for this session. I had a great time meeting them and hope I get to work with them again sometime in the future...

"K" this is totally the pic I would get as a big canvas! I ADORE it:)

More Christmas minis

Here is the ever adorable Miss "P". Faithful blog readers will probably recognize her since she graces the blog every 3 months. That is her on the banner above chewing on a giraffe leg at her 6 month session. We just did her one year pics almost 3 months ago, so it was time for me to see her again anyways. It always makes you a little nervous when a baby starts crying the moment you set them down for pictures, but "P" sure put on a show after a few moments of crankiness. I think she just wanted to remind us that she is in charge :) She gave me a million toothy grins and big smiles, perfect shots to brighten everyones holidays when they get a card with her cute face on it. I have got one or maybe two more sneak peeks coming today, so check back soon!!

I love her squishy cheeks!


Big smiles!!

Blond cuties..

Last of the mini sneak peeks. This is big brother "A" and little bro "H". "A" was not camera shy at all though after 5 minutes he asked me "This is the last picture, right?" I guess it was a good thing it was a mini and not a full session or he really would have been disappointed:) A little candy corn bribery managed to get us to the end. Little bro was a little shy one though. Mom had told me ahead of time, so I was prepared. He would give me these little sideway glances and meek looks, too cute. Mom and Dad managed to get a few grins out of him, but he was a tough egg to crack, especially in only 15 minutes. Usually for a kiddo like that we will take 15-20 minutes with no camera just to make friends. However, time was not on our side for the minis. Not to worry though, Mom is already making plans to come and see me in the summer when all the fields are in bloom, so we will work on him next time. It is like I told Mom, that little shy face is who he is, so I love being able to capture that even if we are wanting big old belly laughs and smiles. Let me just say both these boys have the cutest hair. I have been dying to photograph "A's" awesome curls since the first time I met him, so I am glad I finally got the chance. Also, another big thank you to Dad again for packing up my entire car while I was talking to Mom about the print options! Such nice manners here in Tennesse, his mother would be proud ;) Here they are...

Is he the cutest or what???


Doesn't it look like he is totally trying to hold a smile in???


RESCHEDULE UPDATE: My one appt rescheduled for November 1st at 9 AM, so I will take one more appt for a Christmas mini at 9:30 AM. If you are interested, please contact me for details. Same pricing as the mini session event you can find in the archives.

Big J and Little J

The second family I had at the minis were the two "J's" and their parents. Big "J" was a total ham and little "J" is like a shy little pixie. I just wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home:) Her smiles were sweet and small just like her. Big "J" was just posing and making faces and really working it for me! They were a hoot and Mom and Dad were pretty fun too. I had no problem picking the first image to blog because it is soooo super sweet. Then I couldn't decide if I should do a family shot, and if I did individual kids then I had to do both, but decided since I only wanted to blog 2 per mini and I only had a few family shots to just do one and be happy! So, here is my favorite...

Vintage Baby

I had my Christmas mini sessions yesterday afternoon. My first appointment had to reschedule due to illness, so we started with 1 year old "E". I have had the pleasure of photographing her since she was still in Mom's belly, so always a special treat to get to see how my babies have grown. I last saw her about 6 months ago. The biggest change is of course she is bigger and she actually has some hair now :) One thing hasn't changed, her amazing blue eyes. She had a long day with her birthday party that morning, so she wasn't really into the whole photo shoot thing to start with. She was totally into snuggling with Mommy however. We did manage to get some adorable shots and I always love Mom and baby shots, so I was not complaining a bit. She was wearing a very cool vintage looking dress that made her look like a little Christmas doll. So here are the sneak peeks... Check back soon for peeks from my other 2 sessions.

Aren't her little hands the sweetest thing ever???


A little smile from my sleepy friend...


NOTE: Since I had one of my minis cancel, I will have to reschedule them in a week or two. SO, if anyone missed out on this round and still wants a chance to get a mini session done, contact me and I will let you know when we reschedule. I will only take 1-2 families, so don't wait if you want in!

Sassy, spunky "S"

I had the pleasure of meeting 3 year old "S" this evening for a field session. The weather was great, so I was thrilled. Little "S" was so hilarious and kept me entertained the entire session. She is adorably cute with an equally adorable personality. She was full of silly faces and lots of fun. I was so excited to see the pics I had to get them downloaded and start working on them right away. So, here she is in all her cuteness... As a matter of fact I am posting 4 peeks instead of 3 just b/c there are soooo many great ones :)

One of my immediate favorites...


Pretty smile...


Oh how I love this kissy face...


Playing hide and seek with me...

Christmas Mini Sessions Details...last time!

UPDATE 10-21-09- THE MINI SESSION IS NOW CLOSED, NO SPOTS REMAINING, SORRY!!!!
When: October 24th- starting at 3 PM- ONLY ONE SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
Where: An outdoor location in the Mount Juliet Area-participants have been notified of my selection. I will have a bench or loveseat and some simple decorations (removable if you don't want them) for a clean, modern alternative to posing in front of a Christmas tree, etc. Also I will just have nature available if you want a simple outdoorsy feel.
Cost: $50.00 with one 8x10 included ($20 value)- minimum $50 print/card purchase per session. The session will need to be paid for prior to the session to hold your place.
Who: Open to anyone, "grow with me" babies are welcome- ONLY ONE SPACE REMAINING... You don't have to have children to participate, sorry no pets. (** I am having a mini session event at a veterinary hospital in November if you want studio setting portraits of your 4 legged friends**- contact me for details)
The cards: I am offering 2 sided, full color press printed cards printed on watercolor paper. These will be stylish 5x5 square cards. These are all my original designs, exclusively for my clients. My catalog currently has over 60 designs to choose from. These cards are gorgeous! See a few samples below. I will also bring samples to the event. They will include one or more pictures on the front and back (pending design) and the greetings will be customizable. Envelopes are included and they come in packs of 24. One set will cost $55.00, two or more sets will be $50.00 each. I will send you the username and password to the Christmas Card gallery once the session fee is paid.
Other card options: If you prefer to print your own cards, you may purchase up to 2 digital files with full reprint rights for $100 each. Resolution will be lowered to prevent printing over a 5x7 size. I am also offering a large quantity 4x6 discount for those of you who like to make your cards or just include a photo in your cards. These will be printed on professional grade photo paper and come in a lustre finish. A set of 25 (all same image) will be $90 or a set of 50 will be $130 ( a custom quote can be prepared if you need a different quantity). 4x6 prints are regularly priced at $12.00 each, so this is a substantial savings.
The Packages: I will have some gift print only packages as well as some card and gift print package combos available. Gift print packages start at $155 and include 12 various sized prints. Gift print and card packages start at $225 and include 48 cards and 8 gift prints. My full collection of mounting options will be available for a la carte purchasing at regular pricing (see the "print option" gallery on my website for pictures of my products).
I will accept families up until October 19th and the session will be closed after this time. No "walk in" sessions allowed. So if you are interested please send me an email at lhuntphotog@live.com or you can contact me through my website. ALL BUT ONE SLOT are already filled, so don't miss your chance to have some gorgeous cards this year.

Front design #41


Back design #41


Front design #39


Back design #39


Front Design #46


Back Design #46


Front Design #59


Back Design #59


Front Design #65


Back Design #65


I wish I could photograph products as well as I do people, b/c these pics don't do these cards justice:) These are just a few of the over 65 designs I have available.

Missing sneak peeks??? I had two reschedules one last week and one this week, so you will have to hang tight until next week to see more of my adorable clients:)