What a delight it was capturing this fun family!!! Although an early December shoot and it was quite nippy in the great outdoors, I am so thrilled with how these turned out! Sweet little baby girl (only 3 months old by the way) did amazing!!! 

Although it was absolutely freezing in this early December shoot, the photos were well worth it on this cloudy in Franklin, TN! 

Nothing like a mother-daughter bond!!! Seriously the sweetest! 

Is she not SOOO adorable?!? Babies are to be treasures from heaven!!! Too bad they grow up so quick. Good thing we have a way to capture the moments in time. Haha :) 

Look at that beautiful Danielle Wellington watch!? 

This woman right here is a beautiful soul!!! Not only is she absolutely beautiful on the outside, she radiates from within. 

Elizabeth is currently pursuing a career in nursing... and you can bet she's gonna be one of the best out there! 

Everything she does, she does with such excellence. She also has an amazing eye for special moments and details in life and you can follow her photographic journey right HERE on Instagram for a beautifully curated feed. She's seriously the BEST!!!! And she has one of the TOP trending photography tumblrs that has gone viral. Check it out! Simple Essence is her blog. 

I just love the rustic/ambient feel of this coffee shop. Always on the lookout for fun new spots in town and this one was definitely a hit! 

This candid lifestyle portrait shoot was so fun to do. Special thank you to the Coffeehouse in Franklin, an amazing local business. If you want wonderful hot drinks in the heart of downtown Franklin, you should definitely check it out! 

I absolutely love indoor portrait sessions!! So much fun! 

Hope you enjoyed. :) 

Love and Light, 

Emily 

It was such a privilege to capture this STUNNING couple's artist photoshoot! These talented musicians also happen to be husband and wife and are releasing their VERY FIRST CD under the Harvest Sound Record Label in Nashville, TN! Link will be below for you to download and pre-order! 

Golden sun kissed beauty!!! 

Their CD STRONG will be released November 29th, so be sure to check it out because it is an incredible worship album with songs from the heart!! Funds from the CD will go to support their lives as full time missionaries, or should I say "Musicianairies" in the heart of downtown Nashville. Both Austin and Courtney are full-time staff at Provision International, and they are the on-campus pastors and assistant directors of a creative arts and evangelism equipping school in Nashville, TN called Thunder School. 

So much fun shooting at dusk at Bicentennial Park. We had this super fun but crazy idea to get pictures from a top of Capitol Hill and so the last half of the shoot, I spent panting out of breath, haha! :) 

Click to pre-order their album Strong HERE! 

Gorgeous golden sunsets, dreamy rustic fields? This shoot with Sydni for her graduation senior portraits was an absolute dream! She looked like a model straight out of a magazine. 

This Franklin High School Class of 2017 Graduate made my job the easiest. Sydni is so easygoing and was so fun to work with!! 

These photos were shot in an open field in Franklin, TN, about 25 minutes south of downtown Nashville. 

Eleanor Roosevelt once elegantly said these moving words that truly resonate with Sydni's passion to follow her dreams in her desires after high school graduation. 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Bennett's session was an absolute blast! This Class of 2017 Brentwood High School graduate has a bright future ahead of him!

Bennett just recently received his Eagle Scout award. Not only is brilliant but he is also persistent and dedicated having pursued this achievement! 

What a delight it was capturing Ms. Emily Suttle's senior portraits. She is truly radiant inside and out. So proud of her accomplishment in achieving the status of Ms. Teen Tennessee USA. 

To me, senior portraits are so much more than a few pictures before graduation. Senior portraits are about capturing the beauty and essence of each person, and reminiscing on the beautiful accomplishments as well as the exciting possibilities the future holds. 

Mary Kay the founder of Mary Kay cosmetics once stated it beautifully, "When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. the choice is yours and yours along. Refuse to throw in the towel." That is exactly what Emily chooses to do. She did not give up in anyway on pursuing her dreams and accomplishments and is watching the future unfold for her. I can hardly wait to see what Emily has yet to accomplish! 

High school is a HUGE part of life. 4 years of your life spent engaging in team activities, Friday Night Lights, honors societies, ACT prep, late night Sonic drinks, pep rallies... the list goes on. We focus our intent on walking across that platform on graduation day with a diploma in our hands for hard work, but what next? 

Choosing a university can be a daunting experience, but with proper guidance, you can have rewarding results. 

Just Make Up Your Mind!!! 

Believe me, you're not the only one. Many studies have gathered that approximately 50% of students that enter college declare "undecided." That is 1 out of every 2 people you meet that walk the halls of your college campus do not know what career path they would dedicate their lives to. 

AND, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80% of students change their major at least once. Changing your major at least once can result in additional semesters of schooling, delaying graduation and accumulating even more debt. 

What's the Point? 

Well, the point of asking the question is to at least address it! Why are you going to college? Is it for a social connection? To meet a future spouse? To party and maybe kinda figure out life? To escape from your parents grasp? Maybe it is to get a well-paying job and start an independent life of your own? Whatever the reason, it would just be down right miserable to waste 4+ invaluable years at the prime of your life on something you do not love or can even see yourself doing. 

Let's break down some of the stereotypical assumptions about college and start helping you figure out what is the best path for you. 

1. Be Proactive. Do Your Research. 

I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but, as in anything in life, if you want it you have to work for it. 

Thomas Jefferson once wisely said, "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

While you're in high school, over summers, during breaks, when you have spare time, make a list of anything and everything that sparks your interest, even things that are remotely fascinating to you and begin exploring those possibilities. 

For example, if you feel drawn to the medical field, why not volunteer at your nearby hospital, a nursing home, ask for some shadowing experience. I cannot tell you how many times friends have told me about beginning their career on a pre-med track and then as soon as they saw blood, they were grossed out and couldn't handle it anymore. How to prevent this? Check it out on the front end! Even maybe try watching some medical TV shows (I haven't personally done this so I can't recommend any and I know they are not always accurate) but at least you get a better idea of the field and mentality. 

If you are drawn to the arts, try experimenting with all different mediums: maybe you're good with pencil, but have you tried sketching on an iPad? Watch Photoshop or Graphic Design Illustrator Tutorials on YouTube? An IMMENSE amount of knowledge is at the TIPS of your fingers! Try to engage in the arts communities by joining local art gallery events or showcases, networking with other artists or photographers could give you an advantage and more experience than others entering it blindly and studying theories in class. 

2.Have a Goal

 Many people claim that you can "figure it out" in college, you can be clueless about what you want to do in college, just GO. 

Well friends, that is a MYTH. In reality, all you will be doing is wasting time confusing yourself, spending unnecessary amounts of money to go in circles on something you are not even certain about. 

According to the US Bureau of the Census in 2011, only 27% of college graduates actually used their college major degree in their level of profession. Thinking of the 50% of students who even change their majors multiple times before they achieve this is risky.

In the United States, we are given the privilege to create our own image. The brand we wear, how we walk, how we talk, how we apply ourselves... all creates a unique individualism. In some cases prove the "rags to riches" story. However, let us not take this privilege of education lightly. 

3. Visit Campuses. 

Based of personal experience, a university may appear to be your dream school on paper, but you may be missing out on the entire picture if you go off the impression the college administration and web designers want you to see. 

Choosing a university is a holistic process. Logistically it should make sense with what career goal you have in mind and ideally not make your grandchildren still have to pay off your debt. However, no matter how good it looks on the website, your own intuition and emotions may compel you love or hate you school choice. 

Lining up a school tour or simply stepping foot on a university campus may save you years of regret or give you a serene confidence that bolsters your college decision all the more. 

4. Explore Other Possibilities. 

Some people believe that college straight out of high school is the only option. Familial pressure or traditions based on previous notions may influence a teenager's decision on college entry. Also, quite candidly, college is not for everyone. Yes, it can help to have a degree for some higher paying jobs, but a degree in itself is not everything. 

However, there are other alternatives to mediate the gap between attending or not attending college. Recently, the term "gap year" has become more prevalent in modern culture. A gap year or two is simply a time frame in which a high school graduate can work, study, travel or do things otherwise they would not be able to do while at university or afterwards. 

While gap years are not for everyone, they can prove to be an excellent alternative for students not quite certain about a major or career path. In this time, the student can explore different possibilities in the forms of: internships, unique jobs, volunteering, mission trips, religious ministry opportunities, etc. For example, some excellent world wide missions and Christian evangelism training base schools that focus on community, self-discovery and identity, include: Thunder School in Nashville, TN, YWAM, Hillsong College and many more. 

These valuable years could be spent experiencing real-life applications to interests and generating authentic interest or disinterest in subjects. After these few years, students could then apply for university and know exactly what goal and direction they have in mind. Not to mention, it's always handy to save up a little extra cash for school on the front end while narrowing one's focus. 

5. Consider the Costs. 

Education is valuable, but is it worth years and years of debt? Unfortunately school in the twenty-first century is NOT CHEAP. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2015-2016 year at private institution was $32,403, $9,410 for state residents, and $23,893 for out of state tuition at a public institution... For ONE YEAR. Tell me that is not ridiculously expensive!? 

Thus, it is crucial to take college seriously and to know what you want and understand how you can get it. Planning out financially with your parents how much they can contribute,  how much you are expected to cover, and how much you can can obtain from scholarships and grants is especially helpful when determining a school. 

Sometimes, making certain accommodations such as living at home or attending community college for general ed. courses may be wise, frugal decisions that save in the long run. 

Well I hope this was insightful for you! Good luck on your college journey! 
Feel free to email me at emilyannephotoart@gmail.com and let me know your thoughts about this article, how it has helped your, or your own personal struggles and I would be delighted to hear. 

Love and Light Forever, 

Emily Anne 

Sarah was a delight to work with! Her serene yet bright personality puts you at ease immediately. I had a blast shooting this Artist Musician Portrait shoot for Nashville Singer and guitarist, Sarah Pearl. 

AH, I love this one! The sun illuminates her gorgeous dark hair from the back, casting a golden halo of light around her. 

You should absolutely check out this amazing Nashville musician's music which is soon to be released or go hear her perform live at a concert or maybe on Broadway. One of my favorite moments during the shoot was when I asked her if she could play something or pretend to play so I could get a shot. Immediately she breaks out into this incredible instrumental electric guitar solo and acts as if it was second nature and could do it in her sleep!! Talk about talent. :) 

Would you look at this headshot of Sarah.... isn't she absolutely gorgeous!! What a natural beauty. 

Would you just take a look at that electric red guitar!? I'm in love. Hello new album cover?? :) 

Shot in Brentwood, TN at the perfect secluded park Marcella Vivrette Park. 

Want to see a beautiful shoot of a stunning senior in High School?? Meet Marcella... Class of 2017 Top at Nashville School of the Arts. 

We shot at Watkins Park in Nashville as well as on Clinton St. near Provision International's Foundry and the Fortress on the corner of 16th. 

Marcella is passionate about music and theater arts and is a talented actress in the Nashville area herself! Look out... you may see her one day on Broadway. She's the best!! :) 

Beautiful Amy. Radiant inside and out. 

Aboslutely capturing Amy's compassionate, outgoing nature through portraits. Officially being a senior at St. Cecilia Academy Class of 2017 is absolutely an occasion to celebrate! 

Isn't she just the best? Simone de Beauvoir once stated that "One is not born, but rather becomes a woman." I believe this statement is true of Amy, she carries her self with such dignity, poise, and elegance yet with an endearing aura. I am confident she will succeed at anything she puts her mind to pursuing. Sky's the limit. :) 

This family so dear to my heart, and I am absolutely thrilled with how theses photos came out. Shot on a beautifully cloudy day in Biel (Bienne) Switzerland near Lac Bienne. 

The Swiss landscape never ceases to amaze me. The gorgeous lakes rippling the reflections of the magisterial Swiss Alps in the background are breathtaking. However, nothing fills me with more joy than capturing love and the people that make the scenery all the more beautiful. 

This sweet little one month old baby girl is absolutely gorgeous. Although, my dream is to shoot Swiss weddings... or a romantic dreamy wedding in the Swiss Alps one day, I am completely satisfied capturing newborn life.

Would you just look at those beautiful eyes. She's absolutely adorable!! 

"The littlest footprints make the biggest footprints in our hearts." - Anonymous 

Love is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children. Love and nurturing... there's no bond as special and as unique as a love of a mother for her daughter or son. What an absolute blessing it was to freeze in time these special family moments. 

Traveling is one of my greatest joys in life, so this trip to Switzerland was absolutely over the top! I love when my work brings me to different nations. 

Wow, these two were such a blast to work with. Kishore decided to surprise his newly wed wife with a 1 year anniversary photoshoot in Brentwood Park Marcella Vivrette to commemorate their first year together. Isn't that absolutely precious? 

We shot this anniversary shoot at the golden hour at dusk at the Marcella Vivrette (Smith Park) in Brentwood, Tennessee in late July (half way between Franklin and Nashville). The location was absolutely perfect because we had plenty of gorgeous fields to shoot through as well as a perfect line of trees in the back. 

I always love finding out interesting facts about my clients, and found out that these two were originally both from India. Being half Indian myself, I immediately felt a connection on another level as we were able to talk about the culture, food, and traditions.  We decided to shoot with two different outfits: one formal look as well as a casual, natural look to diversify the looks. 

Their chemistry was so adorable and beautiful, it almost felt as if we were shooting their engagement photos! So natural and fun together. 

Albert Einstein once cleverly wrote, "You can't blame gravity for falling in love." While that statement has some truth to it, this beautiful couple had so much love and joy. 

"Let us always meet each other with smile, for smile is the beginning of love." - Mother Teresa. I absolutely love this quote because, many wedding, engagement, and anniversary shoots later, I have found this statement to ring true. The couples that express the greatest amount of love and affection are the couples that laugh and smile.

Hope you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing these precious moments. 

Senior portraits of Asiana. What can I say? She's beautiful, fun, adventurous and won he pageant for Ms. Williamson County this past year.  We took these gorgeous pics at the Factory in Franklin. 

She's truly such a natural in front of the camera. 

Look out world! Here comes a world-changer! Centennial High School graduate Class of 2017. 

Loved shooting at the Factory in Franklin, TN. Wooded backdrops to curtain backdrops matched the style and character of Asiana perfectly. 

Misty was an absolute delight to work with. This beautiful woman is an inspiration to me in more ways than one. We created this photoshoot to commemorate her 9 extensive month fitness journey culminating with a fitness model competition. 

Paleo eating, gluten free, dairy free, clean eats and working out 2 times a day 6 days a week. That takes motivation strength in more ways than one.        

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson professional wrestler and actor, couldn't have said it better himself, "If something stand between you and your success, move it. Never be denied." That's precisely what Misty did. I am privileged to capture Misty in this beautiful way, with sunshine, ethereal dresses, and with bohemian floral headbands. 

I am privileged to capture Misty in this beautiful way, with sunshine, ethereal dresses, and a bohemian floral headbands. What a dreamy, magical portrait photoshoot this was shot in Franklin, Tennessee at the wonderful Harlinsdale Farm. 

One look at those mountains and I knew I was destined to reach the peaks. Not just literally, although I do hope to one day climb a mountain, but figuratively. 5 years ago today, I embarked on one of the most exciting yet daunting adventures: becoming a business woman and photographer. 

Capturing the beauty in others behind the lens, has always been one of those things that makes my heart flutter. As my clients know, I get just as excited if not even more thrilled about creating their dream images. Having the privilege of creating art, showing clients what I see behind the camera and watching their reactions are a few of the things that make my job absolutely priceless. 

However, the business and career of photography has not always been glamorous. To give you a glimpse, there are days I have come home crying about not being able to please everyone or have become way too stressed out comparing myself to other more "successful" business people in this field of expertise. 

One of the many things I have learned along the way is to: NEVER give up on your dreams. No matter how hard, no matter how painful it is at the moment, I promise, "this too shall pass." Whatever you are doing, keep pressing on and climbing higher, because the higher you go the more perspective you gain, the more ground you cover, and the stronger you become. The view is ALWAYS worth it from the peak.

As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I am truly thankful for every person along the way who has encouraged me in my journey along the way. I am by no means at the top of my mountain, but I am headed in the right direction. I truly couldn't do it without your love and support!! And without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has guided me every step of the way.

Wherever you are along your journey, keep pursuing your dreams no matter what other people say. Do that special something that makes your heart skip a beat. ❤️

Now, sappy post ends here.😝I hope it inspired you to keep moving forward!

What challenges have you overcome this past year or what are you learning to overcome? I would love to hear your story. Email me at: emilyannephotoart@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram HERE or even feel free to comment on this blog post below. 

Love & Light Forever,

Emily Anne

This beautiful lady, Rachelle, is stunning both inside and out. Here is just a taste of our exotic photoshoot in the heart of Malaga, Spain in an ancient Castle: Castillo de Alcazaba.

You should absolutely check out this talented woman's music... Rachelle Fisher is ridiculously talented!!! Here is the link to here music: http://www.rachellefisher.com. Do yourself a favor and go listen! Bob Marley said it so well, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” 

When I listen to Rachelle's voice, I truly feel this way! She has SUCH a gifting to bring uplifting joy and peace through her original music. One can just feel  soul and passion in her music. 

This venue is absolutely gorgeous. Alcazaba de Malaga was built in the early 11th century by the Hammudid Muslim Dynasty. This fortress overlooks the entire city of Malaga including the pier with a clear view to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Interestingly, in 1487, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain captured the entire city of Malaga from the Moors. The inner citadel called the "Torre del Homenaje" became renown as their place of victory.  

I hope to one day photograph the dreamiest wedding up in this Alcazaba of Málaga fortress, perhaps in one of the inner citadels laden with rustic brick, palm trees, and marble floors. 

All photos taken by Emily Anne Photography, an international traveling photographer specializing in weddings, senior portraits, family photos, and professional business headshots based in Nashville Tennessee. 

Ah, words cannot express how lovely this family is and how happy I am with how these family photos turned out!! 

Shot on a beautiful cloudy day in the Appenzell region of Switzerland outside this absolutely adorable tea room! From our view we could see perfectly green rolling hills framed by the Swiss Alps in the distance.

This photoshoot was the perfect combination of both modern and yet rustic styles and the most beautiful people! 

It was truly a delight capturing the Adams family. What a gorgeous, rustic shoot in Franklin, TN on an overcast day. And these two adorable girls.... ah you just want to squeeze them! :) 

We had quite a windy day... but, don't worry! The "windblown look" is in style. ;) Nothing like a beautiful outdoor family photoshoot. 

Princess Diana said it quite well, "Family is the most important thing in the world."  

I'm absolutely in love with the photo of this daddy and his girls. Every daughter desires to be loved and cherished by her father, and this photo encapsulate so much love. 

Sisters. Sisters can truly be the greatest friends in the world. These two precious sisters did so well posing... well actually being natural for the camera... I asked them to smile and they naturally and instantly embraced each other. So sweet!! 

Look at those pretty smiles. Family portraits are the best!!! 

Giggles & laughs. Smiles & hugs. A precious memory forever frozen still in time. These are the reasons why I, as a portrait photographer, am in love with my job and the privilege to meet such incredible families like the Adams. 

I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed creating them & please subscribe to my blog so you don't miss the next post! 

Love & Light Forever, 

Emily Anne 

This couple is just wonderful. Needless to say, I had such  blast working with them and capturing their joyous celebration their announcement of a lifelong commitment to one another!!

This setup was one of my most favorites. In the past, clients have talked about bringing props, but none have gone as far to create this rustic, charming picnic set for a romantic, dreamy look! 

They are so hilarious. I absolutely love how Ross makes Lauren laugh all the time. :) 

They are so adorable together... I love how Ross makes Lauren laugh all the time. Having fun while shooting is what it's all about!! :) And the titles of the books were so perfect. 

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To get this shot, I basically laid in the grass to get an earthy, close & artsy look... and I love how it turned out. 

SO beautiful. Look at that gorgeous engagement ring!! 

These antique books were absolutely perfect!! I mean best LOVE poems... come on. :) 

I love the way she looks at him. ;) 

And here is that adorable picnic setting. Can't get enough of this look. 

Even the picnic blanket was a special family quilt, which makes the memory all the more worth treasuring. 

The golden wisps of sunlight in the back of this image literally makes me SO happy!!! Wow, they are one good looking couple. :) 

"It's one of life's greatest treasures... to love and to be loved in return." 

I think this quote pretty much encapsulates these photos: "It's one of life's greatest treasures... to love and to be loved in return." 

Just the perfect amount of blur in the background and the right amount of love. 

They could really both be part-time models, haha! :) 

One of my favorite shots. Surrounded by nature. 

And of course we must have the beautiful artistic look. 

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." 

"Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?" Songs of Solomon 8:5

I love the verse on Songs of Solomon talking about Solomon's wife leaning up on him, which is a mirror image of when we fully trust Jesus, we are able to find rest, peace and protection, and that's what I am reminded of when I look at this image of Lauren. 

Smiles, smiles & more smiles. 

And for another look, I LOVED this rusted iron shed. The blue tones look so good on their skin. 

Nothin' like a nice floppy hat... Lauren pulled it off so well, haha! 

Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood was such a lovely location to capture this amazing couple. 

The balloons, the symmetry of the barn, this beautiful couple... I love this shot! 

I'm not on the fence about how this image turned out. They both have a light in their eyes that is irreplaceable. 

I hope you have enjoyed these photos of this beautiful couple as much as I've enjoyed shooting & sharing. 

Love & Light Forever, 

Emily Anne