Expressive Moments Photography Blog

Happy First Birthday CG!

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:37:41 +0000

Happy Birthday Charli Grace! Charli Grace is named after her late grandfather, and I am told that she resembles him. Charli’s mom, Melanie, and I go way back to middle school, and she has always been such a sweet girl. I had fun at Charli’s first birthday party! It was fun to see some of my high school friends, too. I think Charli was a little overwhelmed, but what baby is not on their first birthday? She had a crowd and got tons of cute outfits for her birthday! There are definitely cuter clothes for girls than boys. It’s probably a good thing that I had a boy because I would be broke. She loved her cake and cupcakes, made by Melanie’s mom, Elaine. She said she is “not a professional” but I think she did a pretty darn good job! She even used marshmallow fondant, which tastes much better than regular fondant. The cupcakes were yummy!!

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Baby Graham: A True Miracle

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:45:27 +0000

You might say that all babies are miracles, and of course they are, but baby Graham was born in January at 28 weeks. He weighed 2lbs 8 oz at birth and is now over 7 pounds. I am amazed every time I hear stories of babies being born that early and that small. What a wonderful world we live in to allow for these miracles! I just met Crystal and Blake this weekend and had the pleasure of taking pictures of their new family. Crystal is a friend of my sister and she had been keeping me informed on how Graham was growing and doing so well. She also sent me a link to Crystal’s blog, documenting her journey as a new mom. It’s amazing how you don’t have to know someone to become captivated by their stories. I asked Crystal if is was ok to share her blog because I think photos are more powerful with a story to go along with them. She also wants to share her experience with anyone else who may have to go through something similar. So needless to say this was not a typical newborn session done in the first week of his life. Graham did really well for his pictures, but he kept faking me out. He acted really sleepy but somehow managed to stay awake through almost the whole session. The good side of this was that I got lots of pictures with his eyes wide open, but the down side was trying to get those snuggly, sleepy posed shots. I had a good time and Crystal and Blake had lots of fun ideas they wanted to try. Graham was so cooperative, letting us put him in everything from a guitar case to a baseball glove. We had to do the cruel “snatch the paci and snap” trick several times, but he didn’t seem to mind too much. What a sweet baby!

~Kristy~

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Expressive Moments Photography

Graham’s Newborn Session: Sleeping Like a Baby

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:06:38 +0000

Wow! Graham acted true to the saying, “sleeping like a baby.” I couldn’t believe how well he slept and gave us time to pose him and play with him for a couple of hours. Of course we had a few helpers, his brother and two sisters. They really seem to love their new brother, and what a nice round number too- 2 girls and 2 boys. They all took turns kissing on him and holding his little hands. I remember Kinley’s newborn session just a couple years ago. Her brother and sister were just as sweet with her then. They are a great bunch of kids! I love all of Graham’s sweet baby rolls and chunky little cheeks. That’s exactly how my two girls were, so I’m a little partial. He was 9 lbs 12oz at birth last week. We did his pictures at 5 days old and he couldn’t have been more cooperative. You never know how newborns will do, or kids for that matter, but he snoozed and snoozed. I did get one picture with his eyes open once we made him mad at the end. I think I see a little bit of Owen in his face. Congratulations Amy and Landon!

~Kristy~

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Expressive Moments Photography

Choosing a Wedding Photographer in Knoxville

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:04:25 +0000

There are hundreds of wedding photographers and folks-who-claim-to-be wedding photographers in the greater Knoxville Area…..so how do you pick just one for one of the most important days of your life?

Here are a few tips and things to consider when choosing your photographer:

BUDGET

It may surprise you just how expensive wedding photography can be. In the greater Knoxville area, your investment can range anywhere from $0 to $10,000. Woah! That’s a BIG range! Remember that you pay for what you get. Spending $500 on your wedding photography may look good on the budget spreadsheet, but…

Are your pictures going to look good?
Will the photographer have backup equipment?
Will the photographer be able to handle very dynamic changing lighting situations?
Will the photographer have an assistant?
How many weddings have they shot?
Does your photographer know how to edit?

Here’s an example of what a difference some very simple editing can make. It can really give the photo that unique, professional touch.

STYLE

Do you like more candid shots? Or are you expecting lots of traditional, posed images? These are important questions for thinking about your wedding photography style. Another part of style is the type of editing the photographer will do. Do you like a vintage look? Or do you like a clean, standard color process? Browse Pinterest and start saving ideas of what you like.

Example of two different types of editing:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Ask your family and friends who they used for their wedding photography, and find out what they liked and didn’t like. You may not want to necessarily use the same photographer they used, but just talking to them about their experience will help you think of ideas and questions you need to think about for your own photography.

and lastly,

MEET WITH POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

You want to make sure that you and your future spouse can get along well with your photographer. After all, that person is going to be tagging along A LOT on your wedding day. If your photographer uses a second shooter, make sure you are aware of who that person is and what kind of work they do.

Check out our youtube video by The Bride Link for more tips!

Expressive Moments Photography

Marshmallows and Flowers: The Key to Any Good Photo Session

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:53:41 +0000

I always love taking pictures of this sweet family! We started taking pictures of their family around this time last year, when Brooke was still pregnant with Emma. I got to do newborn, three month, six month, and now one-year photos of Emma Kate. She has changed so much and is much happier now than she was at her newborn session. I think the biggest difference was the marshmallows. Brooke and Chad were cracking me up popping mini-marshmallows into her and her sister Eli’s mouth. What a great and clean idea to keep them happy! Chad couldn’t help eating a few too but was very well-behaved. Eli and Emma also loved the pretty flowers at UT Gardens. They smelled them, played with them, and maybe picked a couple. I think there were plenty to spare and they won’t be missed. I love all the photos of the girls together. They are so sweet! I will miss seeing them every few months now that Emma’s first year is over. I love our Baby’s First Year Package but always hate to see the year end. I love seeing how much babies grow that first year. Look at Emma’s dark hair at her three month session. Thanks guys for a great year of pictures!

~Kristy~

I had to post this picture. It’s similar to one from six months where Emma has a handful of Eli’s hair. She’s a puller!

Wait…wait…smile…ok, here come the marshmallows!

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Expressive Moments Photography

Kelly and Dena: Best Friends’ Double Maternity Session at Norris

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:18:35 +0000

We were so excited to hear, a while back, that Dena was pregnant. We were even more excited to hear that Kelly was too! Kelly and Dena are two of the sweetest girls and we love keeping up with them and working with them. We were lucky enough to do both of their engagement sessions and both of their weddings. They got married a few months apart and were in each other’s weddings. Eric and John are always great too! I know most guys don’t love photo sessions, but I think they have gotten past that and have realized they better learn to love it. They should be having their babies a few weeks apart and since they decided to do the Baby’s First Year Package, we will be seeing them three more times for pictures. Yay! We love regular clients, especially when they turn into friends. On a side note, I think everyone should think about the baby’s first year package. It’s a good way to ensure that you don’t get so busy that first year and forget to set up sessions for those milestone ages. Babies change so much in the first year. You’ll be glad you have the photos to document it. We can’t wait to meet their sweet little babies- one boy and one girl. Hmm…could be another wedding down the road. We had a fun morning taking pictures, despite the cold weather. Brrr…the wind was chilly and the sun never came out, but we toughed it out and got some great shots!

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Expressive Moments Photography

Kati & David: Naturals for an Engagement Shoot!

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:12:27 +0000

Kati and David made our job super easy! We met in The Old City for their engagement session. I started editing a few pictures for the blog and realized I had picked all “kissy” ones….and I think it’s because it was so obvious how much in love they are, and those seemed the most natural. They had so much fun together and we got to snap away and let them do their own thing. They are both easy-going and that will definitely make our job easier on their wedding day, too! We can’t wait for their fall wedding. It is right around peak weekend so the colors should be beautiful. I think this weekend’s chilly weather was just a preview of what it may feel like in October. Who knows with this crazy weather? It could still feel like summer in October, just like it did in March. I think it just likes to keep us guessing and on our toes.

Facebook Usage Disclaimer

For those of you who would like to save and use these pictures on your Facebook page: we are THRILLED that you love the images. However, the images from this blog are uploaded in smaller resolution than Facebook is able to display, and so they end up looking blurry on Facebook. We want our best work to show up there – so if you would like to proudly display your photos on Facebook, please shoot us a quick email and we will gladly email you these watermarked images so that you can upload them to your Facebook page. Photos are Copyright to Expressive Moments Photography and should not be altered in any way, including cropping and resizing. Thanks so much!

Expressive Moments Photography

Promote Your Page Too

Sweet Girls in the Garden: Knoxville Family Sessions

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:17:37 +0000

It was great meeting Heather and Michael and their girls. Emma and Riley were so sweet and calm. I know, I know…why can’t they be like that at home? That’s how it seems to work a lot of times. Riley was full of smiles and seemed pretty independent for 18 months old. Emma loved playing with and collecting the dandelions and little shells out of the gravel. It’s the little things! I think we should all be like kids, taking more time to smell the flowers and enjoying the simple things around us. I loved their cute pillow case dresses from Etsy that Heather had made for their photo session. She had a great Pinterest idea too- using the letters for Emma’s four-year photos (see the collage below.) Thanks for a great session!

~Kristy

Crafty Gal and her Dog

admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:49:30 +0000

Back before Christmas my husband and I were hanging out on Market Square, and there were lots of local vendors set up with arts and crafts. We fell in love with this piece made from an old window frame by Lauren Crowley.

We didn’t buy it on the spot, but kept talking about it and decided to get in touch with her. We ended up working out a trade — the window frame for a photo session with Lauren and her dog. I enjoyed taking pictures of her and her sweet dog, Beau. I loved his typical, labrador cheery attitude. Please check out Lauren’s Etsy store! I’m really loving the wine cork/chalkboard combo!

I’ve been searching for something for my mantle for months now. I’ve bought several things and returned them. I’m happy to report that I’m loving this frame on the mantle! I’m not posting a pic just yet….I want to wait until I add a few small finishing touches to compliment the frame.

Check out her store! If you purchase one of her frames, I’ll give you 20% off a photo session! Here’s a few images from her session.

-Amy

Hair Bows Inspired by Addie Product Photography

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:12:42 +0000

I was excited when an old friend Liz asked if she could send me some hair bows for my girls in exchange for some pictures of them. Of course!!! Liz started a business, Hair Bows Inspired by Addie, and makes some really adorable bows. Liz and I went through the teaching program together at UT several years ago. I’ll never forget how sweet she was and the fact that our feet were the same size. When she moved back to Australia, I was able to inherit a few new pairs of shoes, one being my favorite shoes at the time- Birkenstocks. Yes, times change. Liz and I both tried our hand at teaching for a few years and now both own small businesses, while staying home with our young kids. My girls love hair bows, even though it is a challenge at times to get them to keep them in their hair. I think the best trick is to start young. Alaina started wearing small clips and bows when she was a few months old. Carsyn, on the other hand, didn’t have hair until around one and has never been a fan of keeping anything in her hair since. She spends half her time looking like a shaggy dog. I’m hoping these pretty bows by Liz will help her learn to love them. Check out Liz’s Etsy store and become a fan on Facebook. Also, be sure to make a purchase this month, as April is Autsim Awareness Month. All proceeds for the month of April will be donated to Olympic Peninsula Autism Center. Thanks again for the wonderful bows!