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05 • 12 • 20

Jack | Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Right as we were shutting down the world, one of my past sweet brides had a baby! Baby Jack came into this world with the most gorgeous head of red hair you’ve ever seen! I was itching to get my hands on him, but I settled for a responsible lifestyle session where Mom and Dad could cuddle and play with him, and I could document him in his favorite places.

I love lifestyle sessions. They are not what most people come to me for regularly, but the variety and creativity just excites me to work! I was glad that I had kept the variety of not always being in the studio with babies for such a time as this. I relish in cuddling, shushing, and posing little squishy babies on a pure, clean backdrop and dressing them with little hats and headbands. Lately, we haven’t been able to do that, and my heart goes out to mommas who had their hearts set on those curated newborn poses. There is another way though! And it has its own set of unique pros! Lifestyle sessions are warm and there is a realness to the documentary style. It’s easy-going. We set up in the nursery or the living room or a master bedroom. We find the light, and I want to just showcase the interaction of the family and how that little one fits into his or her first home. There is also a time for a more portrait look with natural posing. I so enjoyed my time with Jack and his mommy and daddy. They were just as beautiful as they were on their wedding day!

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04 • 30 • 20

Katie, Class of 2020 | Georgia Senior Photographer

Y’all. This senior is like one of my own. Our families have homeschooled together, vacationed together, and had more meals and bonfires together than I can count. She is a doppelganger for my own Caitlyn, so at some ages, we couldn’t tell them apart from the back! I was thrilled and honored to take these portraits for her.

Katie is a typical, oldest girl, overachiever, that is anything but typical. She is a baker, seamstress, and trained in jiu jitsu. Her style is classic vintage, and she serves in the Explorers program with the Sheriffs Department. She is training to be an EMT, and she has a dog named Nancy because she loves mysteries. Renaissance. Woman. I think I want to be Katie when I grow up!

Enjoy Katie’s session!

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04 • 28 • 20

Kylie and Garrett’s Engagement | Georgia Wedding Photographer

Ah, spring!! Never has there been a more appreciative photographer for some beautiful blooming trees, a gorgeous little town, hospitable neighbors and friends, and a long lens!! Kylie and Garrett are getting all the to-dos checked off the list for their October wedding, and that included Engagement Photos during this beautiful season.

I have known Kylie for years from attending church with her and her family, and we have watched as Garrett started popping up more and more on the social media feeds! 😉 Garrett then called me one night in January and asked me about photographing them as he popped the question. Would I?! I would’ve moved anything on the schedule to have been there for them! It was a cold night on a roof to make it happen but worth every minute! These two have the most beautiful smiles together and I can’t wait to celebrate with them in the fall.

Since I’ve been a little behind in posting, I want to share with you their proposal this winter and their Engagement session this spring!

What a difference a couple months make here in Georgia!

Tags: Engagement Photos,Engagement Ring,fall bride,Georgia Wedding Photographer,Kylie and Garrett,Proposal Photographer,spring engagement,The Cottage Photography,wedding photographer,wedding photography,Winter proposal

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04 • 22 • 20

Chloe, Class of 2020 | Georgia Senior Photographer

I’m going to reach back and make sure all of my 2020 Seniors are blogged about and highlighted in these last few official weeks of the school year. I took a little break from my blog and the beautiful young adults I got to photograph this fall have not made their presence here! I’ve said it before, but this has been a special year for me to photograph seniors. Not only is it a very unique year, but many of the seniors I have gotten to spend time with I watched start school. Chloe’s family and my family have been friends for a long, long time. Her mom could tell you what year because it is marked by a move for them, but for me, it feels like it’s always been.

I’ll tell you something funny about Chloe. She didn’t care one bit about Senior photos. These are for her mom. Guys feel like that a lot, but girls are usually all in. That being said, I wanted to pull out all the stops for her to make her glad she agreed to them! You see, Chloe and her family have been living in Panama for 8 years. I mean Panama – Panama. Not the one you used to visit at Spring Break. LOL. We got to see them about once or twice a year during that time. This past year they moved back to the states, except for Chloe. She and her parents decided it was best for her to finish out her high school career in Panama. Y’all, how much bravery did that take?? And now, she has had to fly home (a new home she really doesn’t know) in an emergency, pandemic situation, be quarantined from her family for safety, and find out that that was the end of her senior year. It makes me a little sick to think about it, but you know what? This girl is freaking amazing. She is extremely strong, and she will survive. Cue the corny 70s theme song!

Fierce. I don’t know if she feels fierce all the time (I’m sure she has her days), but that is exactly what I think when I see her pictures. Did I mention we got her ear cartilage pierced before we did her session?! She is a world traveler, she is passionate about social justice, and extremely driven. She’s compassionate and friendly too. And looks like a dang model. I love her. I love her family. Enjoy Chloe’s session.

Oh, and a tip from Chloe’s session? Be creative and bold! In Atlanta exploring? Yes. On top of a parking deck? Yes. The results will be amazing!

Tags: Atlanta Senior Photographer,Class of 2020,Georgia Senior Photographer,High School Senior,Parking deck portraits,Rooftop portraits,senior girls,senior photographer,Senior Pictures

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04 • 02 • 20

Mitch, Class of 2020 | LaGrange, Georgia Senior Photographer

Hey All! As I process through the sessions I have to edit, they bring a sense of pride and sadness all at the same time. This season has proven to be difficult for those who have milestones to celebrate. Guess what photographers do? Basically, they document milestones. That’s what I consider my job to be. New babies, new families, marriage, anniversaries, birthdays, and yes, graduations – They all are reasons to celebrate that we want to remember. That’s why I do what I do. It has always been important for me to revisit memories (I don’t have a great one myself!), and I consider it a privilege to be able to provide that gift to others.

My heart goes out to all of those who have to do a little “recalculating” to figure out the how, what, when, and where of the celebrating that is due during these days of uncertainty, quarantine, and limitations. That includes high school seniors. I’ve photographed about 12 of them this year, and each one makes an impression on me. Their personalities, hobbies, and plans all stand out and I know there’s been a little cold water thrown on this exciting time for them. I hope they get a lot of love and encouragement. I’ve seen all the facts about these seniors – the climate of the country when they were born and now when they graduate seem to be really big markers. They are a special crew. I’m excited to see where they are going next!

Today, I want to introduce Mitch. I love Mitch’s family and got to know him on a new level during this shoot. He and his mom and dad took me out to his grandparent’s lake house to photograph him in his element. It made me think about some great tips that came from Mitch’s session.

Do your session in a place you love. Mitch hung out at this place as a kid and was comfortable there. That was really important to the success of his session.
Bring friends or family. Mitch was quick to laugh at his mom and dad’s Office impressions and quotes. They know how to bring out the best in you!
Don’t worry about what you are “supposed” to look like in front of the camera. That’s my job. I love it when a senior is interactive and their true personalities come out. Talking back and forth with Mitch gave me some of my favorite interactive faces and looks.

Enjoy!