Sweet Babies

We have seen lots and lots of new babies lately! This little bundle of joy is Ella; she is simply breathtakingly beautiful! When her mommy and daddy brought her in for her newborn portraits, she looked so perfect and healthy. What a miracle life is....

The hot weather has kept us to studio portraits during the last two weeks, but hopefully next week we will be back in nature for some high school senior, family, and children's photography sessions. July promises to be another great month at Harper Photography!!!

We are also looking forward to a few wedding consultations coming up, so if you know a bride and groom looking for terrific wedding images and albums - send them our way! We would love to meet them!

c-ya!

It's Time for 2011 Seniors!!!

We are now starting to book our 2011 senior sessions! Here are a few of the 2010 seniors we photographed this year. It has truly been my pleasure getting to know these clients!!! I have a special place in my heart for each one of them, and I wish them all the very best that life can offer. Go get 'em! The world is waiting for you to do great things!

The weather has been good lately and relatively mild, but things are starting to heat up for June. We have several appointments on the calendar; if you are interested in having a beautiful portrait created by Harper Photography, go ahead and give us a call at 615.444.6322! We are also starting to plan for our fair booth at the Wilson County Fair. It seems like 2010 just started, and here we are 1/2 over.

I hope all my clients had a terrific Memorial Day weekend! Congratulations to my sister, Sara, and her new husband, Torrey, as they return home from honeymooning. They just got married on May 22, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to assist Sara and mom with the wedding plans during spring. We had no glitches on the wedding day, and I have had several people comment on how gorgeous everything was. I wish them a beautiful, long life together! I love you!

Summertime...and the Livin' Is Easy!

Does it really get any cuter? How adorable! We just wrapped up the proofing for little Judd's last session, and he really turned on the personality for us while he was here. These babies just make you want to take them home! Check out the sparkle in those baby blues...and the warm golden sun-kissed tone of his sweet smooth skin.

It's SUMMER, and things are still busy with weddings and portraits. We have unfortunately gone too long again without blogging. The studio is staying busy, and we are excited to present two brides with their wedding proofs this week and next. Maybe we will blog next time with some awesome wedding shots, so stay tuned!

What's coming up? A CRAZEEEE August is on the agenda. The TN Professional Photographer's Convention is this weekend and part of next week, then we will start to get ready for our fair display for this year. It is going to rock as always! Look for us in the Turner Evans building again this year...you never know what faces will be there on display! The dates are Aug 21-29...be there!

c-ya!

Believe It or Not!

What do you get when you photograph a one-year-old AND a nine-month-old at the same time? You get Carsyn and Cooper! And they were unbelievably fantastic the day their moms brought them in for portraits. When we were told initially that it would be nice to get images of these two cousins together, we have to admit that we really felt like it would be a huge challenge! As you can see, they were super that morning...and they are so, so comfortable with one another. Carsyn walked right over in the middle of Cooper's session and just started posing perfectly...a photographer's dream! We could not have asked for the morning to have gone any better; each mom has ordered a pink or blue mini-album from the sessions! Too much fun!!! We hope they decide to visit Harper Photography again as they continue to grow!

Fun with Bunnies went off so easily last week, and we had the best bunnies - AND kids - on the planet! Everyone looked beautiful in spring attire. As soon as some of the images are ready, we will post a few to the blog!

c ya!

It's time again for Fun with Bunnies! We are booking very quickly for this annual special just in time for Spring! We offer package pricing on Fun with Bunnies meaning there is NO sitting fee! Call 444.6322 today to book your session for March 19 - 21... It is so much fun seeing all of our clients dressed in their Sunday best!

The beautiful weather is getting everyone excited about outdoor portraiture again; our Saturdays are filling fast with children and family sessions...and of course weddings! If you'd like to book an outdoor session, the best bet will be a week day afternoon.

As always - remember if you refer a friend, we will send you an awesome studio credit for your referral. We appreciate your referrals as they are the ultimate compliment!

c ya!

Isn't She Lovely?

Wow! Little Avery stole my heart from the first second! She has the sweetest disposition; this had to be the easiest 2-year-old studio session in history! Don't you love her dress? So beautiful and feminine...

Things are still jumping at Harper Photography! Yesterday we participated in a bridal fair at Belk in Providence. It was cool to meet some of the other vendors and say hello again to the ones we already knew. And - we have several studio sessions scheduled for this week plus we get to show a bride and her family wedding images on Thursday. It is always an exciting time during the first viewing; any bride knows how quickly her big day goes by...and many times the professional images are all that is left after the cake is gone.

Our spring Saturdays are booking fast for outdoor portaits. If you are interested in something outdoor and a weekday won't work, make sure you call early!

c ya!

It Had to Be You!

I was checking emails late one afternoon last week, and I noticed a message from Olivia Haley. I met Olivia last March during the Ms. Senior Tennessee pageant held in Lebanon at Cumberland University. Olivia's unbelievably kind heart, beautiful spirit, and gorgeous appearance quickly boosted her to the top of the group as she was crowned at the end of the evening. Two things about the night I met Olivia that I will never forget -1) the stunning evening dress she chose - black and ultra elegant on her slim figure (the photo above shows her cocktail dress she wore for the beginning number) and 2) the truly touching moment when her sweet granddaughters ran up to her giving hugs and kisses after she walked across the stage in her crown...

Anyway - the reason I am writing about Olivia goes back to the email. We have chatted here or there about photography and her granddaughters since then a few times, so it wasn't a big surprise to see a message from her. When I read the message, she had included a link from the national Ms. Senior America pageant - which was featured on CNN Headline. As I watched the clip, I was so proud to see Olivia Haley from Tennessee crowned as Ms. Senior America out of 48 contestants!!! How awesome!!! She is so deserving of this accolade; I wish her the very best year as she tours our beautiful country representing all the ladies! Congratulations, Olivia, on bringing it home to TENNESSEE!

c ya!

February has arrived, and the cold weather still lingers. However, the sunshine has been wonderful today and especially last Sunday afternoon when it was warm enough to leave the house without a jacket. Maybe we will have more days like that soon!

We were pleased yesterday to present the proofing to the parents and grandparents of little Maggie. Maggie's grandmother was a kindergarten teacher when I was starting school, and now Maggie's mother is a teacher as well. I could tell that both of them had the patience of Job when they visited the studio recently...it was a real calming effect even for me...and I know Maggie can feel it, too. She was such a peaceful baby while they were here, and I think the image above shows that she is very content. And the blanket she is wrapped in is super soft, snuggly, and best of all - warm! I know she is surrounded with lots of love from every direction...

This week we have had some great sessions already, and we look forward to seeing folks coming in for photo delivery toward the end of the week. It is always so fun delivering the printed products and seeing the excitement of it all!

c-ya!

Ribbons and Lace

January has really flown by in 2009! We are trying to get proofing done for all the babies that have been coming into the studio this month, not to mention some wedding catch up work. Miss Mia came by a few weeks ago with her big brothers, and they were sure to entertain her while we got some terrific smiles in her beautiful, beautiful, beautiful white smocked dress and bonnet. Babies like Mia make it easy for us! LOL!

We just closed on our house last Friday, so right now our family is in a lot of transition/chaos and still trying to find the basics - like GLOVES! Brrrr - when is spring again?

c ya!

Giddy Up!

Right before Christmas we finished Luka's 6-month session, and he is such an adorable sweetie pie! He is always such a happy baby. Luka's parents were looking for something different in photography when they came upon us - Harper Photography! And we certainly hope that we have fulfilled their needs - we are heading toward finishing a panel that will feature darker and earthier tones for his first year. Another cool thing is that Luka is always decked out in the latest fashion trends for his casual outfits - usually something with a western edge like his blue-and-white print shirt, jeans, and COWBOY hat! We totally love, love, love when someone brings in something special for the photo sessions!

January has been steady with photo sessions - but there is more big news on the Harper homefront! Most of our clients know that we have been trying to sell our house for quite a while; it finally sold! This weekend and next week we will be moving. So thanks for all the well wishes and prayers that have been sent up for us. While we will take a short break next week from full concentration on studio sessions, we promise to do our very best to keep up with proofing and orders! Until next time...

c-ya!

Three of My Favorite Stooges

These three cutie pies are more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Notice the clown in the middle with his tongue out. I laughed so hard during our Christmas session on Tuesday that tears rolled out of my eyes and down my cheeks. We went with simple photos since the card will be a super-decorative foldover that holds FIVE different images. This image was early on and mild compared to some of the other hilarious shots I captured to be forever emblazed in the minds of me AND their mom. So much fun was had that we eventually had to rip off the last of the roll of white background paper!!! It had all it could take, so we swapped to another color mid-session.

Tuesday was indeed a great day as we finished up the very, very, very last outdoor session with a senior from FCS and headed inside for the winter. My fingers were numb on the shutter after only 45 minutes, but the images are spectacular. She is going to love, love,love her senior images!

The Holiday Special starts tomorrow and runs through Wednesday, and the appointment times are well-booked. If you are wanting to catch a great deal on holiday photos, give us a call at 615.444.6322 - and we will fit you in early next week. Thanks to everyone who will be coming in until Wednesday to experience the craziness as usual!

c-ya

I Wish You Many More

Today is John's birthday!!! We have had good times and lots of fun around our house last week and over the weekend. For those of you who don't know John, he is an awesome husband and father. I know that sounds cliche, but if you could hear me say it - I would shout it from the mountain tops. Peyton and I wouldn't know what to do without him; we both love him so much and know we are so blessed to have him! John has been a tremendous support to me as a husband and a friend since I started Harper Photography three years ago. He is my behind-the-scenes right & left-hand man. He is the one who builds displays, paints those same displays, fixes broken toys that I use for props, loads and unloads, mends easels, helps me dream, keeps my checklist checked before I head out the door to meet a client, the list never ends. He really is the very BEST. And I will readily admit that I couldn't do it without him. I tell him all the time I hope he lives to be 100. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart - I love you! And I wish you many, many, many more wonderful birthdays.

Speaking of a special day - it is also my parents' 35th wedding anniversary today! Isn't that such a coincidence that my husband's birthday and parents' anniversary is on the same day? Congratulations on 35 years, 4 kids, 1 grandson and a granddaughter expected in December, plus a step-grandson, too! Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad - We love ya'll!!! Thank you so much for all you are to ALL of us...

One more week of Fall Family sessions...and what a bummer for this week's appointments - rain is sadly forecasted...we are hoping for an hour of no rain every afternoon to get everyone finished. Is that wishful thinking or what with Wednesday being a 70% chance? Every year we cram as many sessions we can into a couple of tight weeks; the leaves are already starting to disappear from the tops of the trees now...winter will soon be here. Especially after 33 degree weather this morning. Thank goodness the sun is shining brightly so maybe it will warm us up today!

c-ya!

Make New Friends...But Keep The Old...

I had a connection with these two before I ever set eyes on them for the first time; I went to high school and graduated with both of their parents! It seems like forever ago now, but when we all got together again...the friendships rekindled so easily. These are the Davenport kids, and I had a fantastic time with the entire family in October. They make my job so nice and easy! Even though I am sure there may be some sibling rivalry at home, they got along so well during our Fall Family session. We had fun even though we all thought the mosquitos were literally going to carry us off! Thank goodness someone invented bug spray!

We have more Fall sessions this week and next week before we conclude for the season. It is a real blessing to have such warm weather this late; the first year I ever did outdoor sessions it was cold and miserable by November 17. The sky was gray and the trees were bare. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything will hold out for all of you who still have appointments booked before then!

Our Holiday Christmas Special starts November 21 - everyone who books before this Saturday, November 8 will get a studio upgrade as an early bird bonus. Call 615.444.6322 for an appointment!

c ya!

Baby, Baby

This is little Judd! His mom & dad just got to take a peek at their newborn and family proof session... Judd is their first baby, and it was such a pleasure meeting all 3 of them for the first time and being able to record just how tiny and precious he is right now. After all, time goes by quickly & it is easy to forget how little they once were...he did fantastic during the session and gave us time to get some images sleeping PLUS some awake. A special thanks to Judd's parents for selecting us! We simply adore all of the beautiful newborns!

This week is our Halloween Spooktacular, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone's costumes! There are a few slots still open in case you have been thinking about bringing your trick-or-treaters - this is the best special we offer all year - don't miss it!

c-ya

Anticipation!

We recently shared the proofs from a maternity session with Kristy & Aaron! They are so excited about meeting their new baby!!! Kristy was a terrific sport with all of my crazy ideas, but as you can see the maternity portraits turned out better than beautiful -if you can imagine that!

If you are considering having a maternity session done, just give us a call...our first priority is discussing what you are looking for in maternity portraiture. Every mother is different in style and taste, so a consultation is the best way to get it just right. We are also offering a maternity special now through December 31, 2008; check out the Announcements section on our website and check under Specials! Harper Photography congratulates and sends our very best wishes to this couple who is literally days away from a special stork delivery!

Our Halloween Spooktacular will be October 28-31 and starts at just $29! This is the best deal we offer all year, so call now to get an appointment - 615.444.6322. Any children ages 6 months - 10 years are eligible to participate...bring them in costume or fall clothing for an outrageously fun portrait!

c-ya!

Precious Moments

Introducing Cason! We were so delighted to meet his family and record such precious moments of this little newborn. The entire session was fantastic; I could tell immediately that these photos were going to be treasures...and they definitely are! Thanks a million times to Cason's family for choosing Harper Photography for such a super special occasion! We really loved this little fellow!

I would be remiss if I didn't share what a spectacular date night I got to share with my husband on Saturday night! We are coming up on our 5-year anniversary in a few weeks...and since my weekends are booked until mid-November, we decided to treat ourselves to something special. We dined at Morton's on Church Street first, and it was over the top! We had eaten at Morton's in Atlanta about a year or so after we married; we have never forgotten what a special treat it was. If you are looking for a very romantic place to spend a little $$ on a really nice dinner, try Morton's...you will not leave disappointed (Note: make sure you call ahead for a reservation!). After dinner, we went to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to hear part of the Pops Series with Mary Wilson. She was one of the Supremes with Diana and Flo, and man she knocked it out of the park. She looked great and sounded even better! The symphony itself was unbelievable as well. The venue was perfect because it has a quaint feel, and everyone can see the stage. It was the first time we have been able to go there, and it was worth the price of admission for sure. So...if you feel like getting dressed up for a classy night on the town, try going to the Nashville Symphony if you enjoy music! And thanks to my awesome husband, John, for a fun and memorable evening painting the town RED!

c ya!

Taking Care of Business

Well - I balked on posting twice last week like I thought I could! I never made it back to the blogspot after the first time! It was a terrific week; I went last Tuesday night to see David Jay, a TOTALLY ROCKIN' wedding photographer from CA. He has started speaking in various cities on what he has labeled his Freedom to Succeed tour. It was a lot of fun, and I definitely got some cool new ideas. Click on his name above to link to his site...his work will totally blow you away. He does lots of destination weddings, so he travels and really enjoys shooting nothing other than weddings. We were able to meet with one of our wedding couples to plan their album last Friday, and it is going to be simply GORGEOUS!

This week is chock full again! Getting proof deliveries done plus some sessions thrown in...we have a very exciting location this weekend with a senior. She has been wanting some unique senior photography that stands apart from her peers, and she has come to the right place! Above you see one of the sessions that we are delivering this week - Delaney! She is a complete cutie-pie. Her short & sassy haircut and polka dot shirt really show how fun and easy to work with she is. I know her mom is stoked about seeing these proofs. We had a great time outside in the private garden, and Delaney really loved seeing the koi pond. I am not sure whether to be glad or sad that summer is coming to a quiet close...

c-ya!

Sweet Sixteen

It doesn't get any better than this...here you see an orange furball that has been near and dear to me since I was 19. He goes by lots of nicknames: The Big Orange (go vols!), Orange Pumpkin, and my personal fave is the Notorious T.I.G. His given name is Tigger, and he turns 16 this month. It was love at first sight the first time I saw him (he was already nearly two), and not long after that I brought him home to my parents' house without asking permission (I guess this is where I should say thanks mom & dad for not making me take him back!). He may have a slightly ornary personality as John and Peyton will honestly tell you, but he is my sweet kitty nonetheless. Last night before bed, I was working on my laptop and going over notes when he decided to join me. We normally don't let him just lounge around up there because he is so furry, but on occasion I will let him sneak a nap. His tendency is to rest on whatever it is that I need, and so here you see him stretched out on my binder...and I couldn't resist grabbing the closest camera and getting a quick shot. He is beautiful for sure... There are days that I look at him after all these years (the whiskers are getting gray and he keeps dropping weight), and I think to myself what a physically beautiful creature he is. Before John and I met, he was my constant companion and roommate...and I will always love him for it.

Last week we got some over-the-top gorgeous images from the sessions we booked. Every single one of those sessions was so enjoyable! I will try to post again this week to show you all some of those images! It is awesome to be able to work with the nicest people...thank you to everyone who made last week so terrific!