• Welcome to the home of the “NEW” Photographix blog!!!

    We can't wait to share our ventures with our AMAZING clients... We are truly blessed to work with each of you! As always, we will try to stay up to date with our posts so make sure you check back regularly or SUBSCRIBE to our blog. This is all you will need to keep up to date with anything regarding Photographix... our unique style, upcoming contests and events, or even just a note to all our peeps out there! We love staying connected with EVERYONE so please feel free to comment (WE LOVE COMMENTS), and let us know how we are doing! Thanks again for visiting us and we hope to see you soon! **Ann & Jen**

  • Our Artistic Accomplishments:

    People Magazine, People Magazine "Country Special", People Magazine "Best of 2008", People Magazine Yearbook 2008, Country Weekly, E! News, The Daily 10, CMT, Good Morning America, Southern Exposure Magazine, Theknot.com, AshleysBrideGuide.com, Photographer's Forum Best of Photography 2005, The Nashville Scene Wedding Special , Nashville Lifestyles, Seventh Generation/Wee Generation, Introduction to Black&White: by Joy McKenzie, CelebrityBabyBlog.com, Marsha Blackburn Campaign 2010 with John Rich & Trace Adkins

A little “Get To Know Us” article by Amy Bailey {Franklin, TN Photography}

We were honored when we were asked to be featured in the June issue of our Westhaven Community publication! Interview day came around and Amy Bailey came out to our office to collect information. We had a great time with her and absolutely love how the article turned out! Thank you Amy, and Westhaven for asking us to be a part of your publication! Read the full article below!

Walking into the office of Photographix, I’m greeted by two girls with smiles so big I think they should be in front of the camera, not behind it. But moments into our conversation, it’s apparent that the smiles Ann Carroll and Jen Cook wear so well come from their passion for photography and the success they seem to have so effortlessly achieved fairly early in life.

As with all success stories, there is a beginning.  Some are hard-fought battles, some are so simple that you knew a person’s fate from the moment they picked up their first guitar, drew their first picture, or took their first photograph.  For Ann, her artistic ability shone through the moment she took a crayon to a coloring book.  Ever the artist, Ann found herself at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville with a goal of becoming an art teacher.  But as many plans go, that changed after taking an elective black & white photography class.  Photography quickly became her passion and off to Watkins Design & Art she went.

Jen’s passion was evident from the moment her uncle gave her he first camera.  From an 8-year old running around yelling “say cheese” to her Union University college dorm room wallpapered in various magazine photo shoots, Jen thought “I can do that”, packed her bags and went back to Nashville telling her parents “college just wasn’t for me.”  Without hesitation, Jen’s parents supported her passion and enrolled her in Watkins Art & Design the next semester, albeit admitted on academic probation, a story her mother loves to tell to this day considering the success Jen has achieved.

So how did the dream of two young, ambitious girls become a reality?  Most of us have heard the stories time and again about how our parents trekked miles and miles in the snow everyday to get to school or work, but for this dynamic duo, that is quite literally the case.  What is now a successful photography company located right here in our beloved Westhaven, Photographix is the product of an 8-hour car ride that should have taken a mere 20 minutes during one of Nashville’s worst snow storms almost 10 years ago.  Acquaintances’ but not yet friends and both students at Watkins Art & Design, Ann & Jen opted to brave the storm together and head home to Franklin, TN.  It was during this what-seemed-to-be-never-ending car ride that Ann & Jen discovered their shared passion for photography and the dream of what that passion could become.

And so the plan was in motion as Ann & Jen worked together to sharpen their skills, hone their craft and turn words into action.  Initially doing family photographs separately, they both credit CJ’s off the Square with helping them break into the wedding world nine years ago where they have been working side-by-side ever since.

As their experience grew, so did their client list.   With names like Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn, Marsha Blackburn, Little Big Town and Sheryl Crow, it’s safe to say Ann Carroll and Jen Cook have made it to the big leagues.  But when was the moment they knew they had “made it?”

“I was good friends with local party planner Traci Phillips who was good friends with country superstar Sara Evans,” says Jen.  “Traci hired me to do a few private events for Sara, one of them being Sheryl Crows baby shower.  That was the moment I freaked out and knew I had made it!”

For Ann, the Sheryl Crow baby shower led to her most memorable moment.  “After the shower, Sara Evans got engaged and hired us to do her wedding.   I was 8 months pregnant and almost fell in a hole. We were published in People magazine the next week. We both ran through Target like giddy fools and bought 20 copies. We were so excited!”

Clearly pros at capturing that special moment between a bride and groom or that moment when your crying 2-year old suddenly flashes that sweet smile, Ann & Jen found, quite by accident, their latest talent – boudoir photography.

“A fellow photographer asked us to do boudoir shots for her husband,” recalls Ann.  “Then we shot a couple of our friends to expand our boudoir portfolio and we just kept getting requests even though we didn’t advertise this part of our business for about a year.”

“We found ourselves constantly driving from one place to another photographing women in a boudoir setting then it finally hit us, we need to open our own boudoir studio and have them come to us.  We are just as surprised as anyone that this part of our business has blown up,” admits Jen.

And as if phenomenal success in photography isn’t enough, Ann recently had another brilliant idea with the inception of their newly launched computer frames, {Framed} by the Photographix.  “We would take our computers to bridal shows so we could show off our photos and I just thought we needed something prettier to showcase our work, so I thought we should make our computer look like a picture frame.  We got so many compliments on it, we thought we’d just start making them and selling them on our website,” says Ann.

So what’s in their future, besides inevitably more success?  “We are in the process of expanding and renovating our boudoir studio and continuing to hopefully get our name out there and expand the business,” says Jen.  In the more immediate future, Ann & Jen are happy to fill up their days capturing all the moments that define a family in the beautiful setting that is Westhaven.  Personally, I will take advantage of the talent of these self-proclaimed “triers” who took an idea that came from a shared passion – and lots and lots of snow – and turned it into what has quickly become a picture-perfect career.

To schedule your family photo shoot, or ladies, to book your boudoir session, email Photographix at info@thephotographix.com or call Ann Carroll, 615.519.5458 or Jen Cook, 615.828.5100.

To check out the beautifully designed computer frames, visit their website.

Sneak Peek! {Boudoir Photography, Franklin TN}

Could not be more excited to share these images with you all! We had so much fun shooting with Miss Allison this week to help show off our newly renovated studio. SHE is AMAZING!! We are literally squealing with excitement over our shots! Huge thanks to Allison as well as Arzelles for letting us borrow these fabulous jewels. We hope you’ll love these shots as much as we do! Many more to come! xoxo

Boudoir Testimonials Part 2 {Boudoir Photography, Franklin TN}

Miss S:

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? I knew my husband would love it because he had mentioned wishing that he had some pictures before, but he didn’t know it was even really a possibility.It was our 9th anniversary. 

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? A friend of a friend told me about you guys and I researched it online and liked how tasteful the pictures were. 

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? I didn’t really do much to prepare other than picking out my outfits. I did make a makeup appointment downstairs and that was well worth it!

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? It was wonderful and actually a lot of fun! Ann and Jenn were very professional and coached me on exactly what to do. 

What did you think about Ann & Jen? They are very sweet an professional, but also laid back and funny during tthe shhot. They work well together and always make sure you are comfortable.

What did you think about your boudoir photos? I love my photos and so does my husband! I am usually very picky about my pictures so the fact that I loved them is really saying something!

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Absolutely!

Miss M:

Age: 32 (at the time)

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot?  I thought it would be the perfect wedding gift that he would never expect, and enjoy.

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot?  Because one of them happens to be my BEST Friend who I have had for over 20years!  LOVE YOU JEN!  And not to leave out Ann, one of the sweetest girls in know, who always makes me feel comfortable, like I have known her for years.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  I did have my hair and makeup professionally done at the salon below the Photographix studio, which was wonderful.  I also brought a ton of options to wear, as I had no idea what would look good in photos or what would look good on me…LOL

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot?  It was wonderful, the girls made me feel so comfortable.  I will say it is hard work getting into some of those positions, but they do a great job of demonstrating how it is done and how to move.

What did you think about Ann & Jen?  One word…AMAZING!

What did you think about your boudoir photos?  I loved them! They were the perfect innocence I was going for.  I am not a real sexy kind of girl, so I wanted them to reflect me in a sort of sexy sophisticated way that my husband would love.  End result…HE LOVED THEM!!!

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend?  Absolutely, they are so professional, and make you feel so comfortable, when you are wearing next to nothing.  They have an amazing studio space, with tons of props and accents that make your images really pop.  I look forward to doing another shoot one day with them!

Miss B:

Age: 35 (When I had shoot)

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot?  To preserve my body in pictures after two kids and be able to look back at them in the future.

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot?  These amazing ladies have been doing our family pictures
for 7 yrs since our daughter turned 1.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  A lot of crunches!

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot?  FUN!  They kept me laughing the entire time and never made me feel
self conscious.

What did you think about Ann & Jen?  LOVE THEM!!!!!!  Great personalities.  They treat you as if they’ve been your best friends
your entire life.

What did you think about your boudoir photos?  I love them, maybe even more then my husband.  When I’m old I’ll look back and be proud.
Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend?  Yes and I already have a few times.  
Miss A:
Age: 31

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? I wanted to give my hardworking hubby a very special gift for Christmas. It also gave me a chance to do something fun for myself that made me feel beautiful and glamorous!
Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? I choose Jen and Ann from Photographix after visiting several other photographers websites. Jen and Ann had the best gallery of images that showcased their exceptional talent in capturing that “boudoir moment”. Every client looked beautiful, sexy, and simple amazing.
How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? Wardrobe and accessory shopping was so much fun! I found the perfect ensembles and used a fabulous Makeup Artist (Andrea Smith Makeup Artist) to bring to life my boudoir look.
How was your experience during your boudoir shoot?  It was fun, and relaxed! Like an afternoon hanging out with girlfriends…only this time you get to take home some amazing images from a glamorous photo session.
What did you think about Ann & Jen? I take all my posing advice from Jen and directions from Ann;) They made me laugh…a lot!…which made holding those impossible yet sexy posses possible!
What did you think about your boudoir photos? I love them! The best part though is that I can look back and say that was ME…not the “me” who was worried about losing 5 more pounds for the shoot or wishing for someone else’s body. I love my body, I did not stress about “fixing” un-toned muscles….Ann and Jen showed me how to embrace my shape and I will forever love my photo book because of it.
Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Of course…I recommend them all the time! Ann and Jen are simply the best Boudoir Photographers!

Boudoir Testimonials

We wanted to share some more testimonials from our fabulous boudoir clients. We had so much fun with all these ladies! Thank you all for sharing your experiences! xoxo

Miss G:

Age: 26

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? I wanted to do the boudoir after seeing all of the amazing women on Photographix’s boudoir site. Partly because I thought it would be a great present for my fiancee the night before the wedding and partly because I wanted a chance to get dolled up. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but if not now – when else would I do it? 

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? We are working with them for our wedding, so I already had a relationship with them. But, regardless – after spending lots of time on their blog and site, realized how great they were at doing classy but sexy pictures. I had never heard of or seen boudoir pictures before, but knew immediately I had to do itThey are so incredible!

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? My original plan was to workout a little extra and stay away from carbs. That didn’t really happen. I did spend some time at the mall tracking down cute outfits and awkwardly trying them on at home for my sister, though! I also got professional hair and makeup, which I think gave me just the confidence boost I needed! At the end of the day, I really appreciate Jen + Ann being encouraging about celebrating your body as is and you realize you don’t to be 110 and 6’1″ to be sexy. 

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? It was a really great time – The set is great and time flew by. I wasn’t nervous once I got there – just followed directions and tried to smile pretty.

What did you think about Ann & Jen? I absolutely adore Ann & Jen. They are amazing at what they do, I was totally at ease and 0% self conscious, which I think comes across in the pictures. They are wonderful at making you feel comfortable and beautiful at the same time. 

What did you think about your boudoir photos? Although I blush when I see them, I LOVE them. I cannot, cannot wait to see my fiancee’s reaction. I am excited to get a few framed (for the bathroom) and getting a book made. 

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? I have already told my best friends that for their weddings I will be giving them a boudoir session. I have showed all the females close to me these pictures as I think everyone should do it. I think Photographix has landed on something super awesome – celebrating women and providing them an opportunity to feel gorgeous, with pictures to remind themselves of it again, and again. 

Miss M:

Age: 30

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? Because I was planning to get pregnant and knew my body would never be the same, so I wanted to do something for my husband to remember what it used to look like!;)

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? Jen and Ann are so incredibly easy to get along with and make you feel comfortable the second you meet them.  Stripping down to your skivvies can be awkward, but I knew that they would be supportive, encouraging and make being in front of the camera an enjoyable experience.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  I didn’t eat for 3 weeks.  Just kidding!  I was already heavily involved in BarreAmped as an instructor, so I increased the number of classes I was taking on top of teaching.  I already ate fairly healthy, but I went super clean the few weeks leading up to the shoot – lots of fruits, veggies and lean proteins.  I also secured Stephanie Harrison to do my hair and makeup – I knew she would do a fantastic job getting me camera ready!

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? I had a blast!!  Most of the time was spent giggling as we played around with poses.  Jen and Ann did a wonderful job at helping me to feel sexy and empowered in front of the camera rather than silly or nervous.

What did you think about Ann & Je I love them.  A lot.  They are so much fun to work with on top of being unbelievably talented.What did you think about your boudoir photos?  I’m my own worst critic – and I loved them.  Now that I’ve had a baby and am trying to reclaim my figure, I want to go and shoot with them again!

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Already have – many, many times!!!!:)

Miss J:

Age: 51

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? My fiance thought I would enjoy it.

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? We searched the internet and were most impressed with Photographix.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? Unfortunately I wasn’t prepared enough.  I did purchase some nice lingerie but should have planned my outfits, etc.  Next time I will be ready!

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? Loved it.

What did you think about Ann & Jen? They were so much fun and really put me at ease.

What did you think about your boudoir photos? Loved them!!!!!!!

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Absolutely.  I have already done that in fact.

 

Miss A:

Age:  27

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot?  I wanted to do something special for my husband for our first wedding anniversary.  Something that would really surprise him!

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot?  I came across their website during my wedding planning and enjoyed following their blog.  They had a few blog posts about their boudoir photography which peaked my interest but I ultimately hired them after they did a post about their personal boudoir photo shoot experiences.  It really eased my mind of the whole process and made me certain I wanted to do this.
How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  I got a mani / pedi and had Artistry Salon (below their studio) do my hair and makeup for the shoot.  They did a wonderful job!

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot?  It was awesome!  I was definitely nervous at the very beginning but as soon as we got going I had such a blast!!
What did you think about Ann & Jen?  They are precious!  They were so sweet and encouraging the entire time.  They made me feel like a million bucks!

What did you think about your boudoir photos?  They were amazing and my husband LOVED them!! 

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend?  Absolutely!!!
Miss A:
Age: 26

Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? I wanted to give my fiance the BEST wedding present ever, so I thought that the Boudoir shoot was the perfect gift. His Birthday happened to be five days before our wedding, so it was a combination wedding/Birthday gift and he absolutely loved it!

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? I decided to hire the Photographix girls because they were extremely professional. The work that I saw at their office was incredibly well done and very classy. The set that they created and designed for photo shoots was gorgeous, as well.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? I did a lot of working out. I also purchased very classy lingerie for the photo shoot.

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? My experience was incredible! I had the best time and it was such a fun day!

What did you think about Ann & Jen?
 Ann and Jen are awesome! They are professional, knowledgeable and a blast to do a photo shoot with.

What did you think about your boudoir photos? I loved my boudoir photos! They were gorgeous and very well done.

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Yes, I would definitely recommend Boudoir by the Photographix! They ROCK:-)
Miss C:
Age: 31


Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? To give the pictures to my husband for our anniversary.

Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? Their pictures were beautiful and classy. I also wanted to work with a female staff so that I would be comfortable.

How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot? I wanted the photos to look like the real me so I tried not to go overboard with hair and makeup and went for a natural look. I also looked at other boudoir pictures that I liked for outfit ideas. 

How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? I had so much fun! I was a little nervous at first but Jen and Ann made me feel so comfortable. They showed me exactly how to pose which helped a lot. 

What did you think about Ann & Jen? I really enjoyed working with them; it felt like I was hanging out with my friends. 

What did you think about your boudoir photos? I love them! My husband was so excited when I surprised him with his photo book.  

Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Yes, I would highly recommend Photographix. I think every woman should get Boudoir pictures done at some point in their lives! I had such a great experience with Photographix and I definitely plan to use them again.
Miss J:
Age: 26
Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot? It was a wedding present for my husband.
Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? 
It impressed me that Jen and Ann posted their own Boudoir pictures on their blog – I felt much more comfortable knowing that they knew what it felt like to be on both sides of the camera – and after they did such an incredible job on our engagement pictures, they were the obvious choice.
How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  I scheduled my Wedding hair and makeup trail on the same day so that I could make the shoot special and also ensure that my hair and makeup would photograph well for the wedding.
How was your experience during your boudoir shoot? L.O.V.E.D. IT. Ann and Jen put me in positions that flattered my body and that I was comfortable with.  It was extremely empowering and absolutely fun.
What did you think about Ann & Jen?  I couldn’t say more positive things about Ann and Jen – they are a great team and a joy to work with.
What did you think about your boudoir photos?  They are outstanding – my husband loves them and I felt proud to show them to him!
Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend?  YES! Absolutely already have!
Miss M:
Age: 30
Why did you decide to do a boudoir shoot?  I did the shoot my last day of being 29. I wanted to do something nice for myself for my 30th, as it can be a big “feeling old” milestone.
Why did you hire the Photographix girls for your boudoir shoot? I loved their work and I felt like the location in Westhaven gave me assurance that it was an above board place. Then, Jen was so so nice and made me feel comfortable in our email correspondence that I felt a lot better about it. Oh! And I will say that I had my shoot shortly after you all posted your own photos and wrote about really honestly about the nervousness, etc. on your blog and that made me feel about 1000x better about booking.
How did you prepare for your boudoir shoot?  Just a bit of shopping.
How was your experience during your boudoir shoot?  It was great! It is true that you relax after awhile. I’d like to do it again when I can! I work in creative production, so I always like repeating things to see how they can turn out better now that I’ve learned a bit from the experience.
What did you think about Ann & Jen?  I only met & worked with Jen, but I’m serious that she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
What did you think about your boudoir photos?  I loved them! They turned out great, especially the one that ran in the ads. 
Would you recommend Boudoir by the Photographix to a friend? Yes, I already have!

FAQ Boudoir Sessions {Franklin, TN Boudoir Photography}

We get so many boudoir inquiries and you all have the same questions, so we thought it was about time we did a little FAQ for you. Let us know if you have other questions and we will be happy to add them on here. We look forward to seeing you at your shoot!

How much are sessions? Sessions start out at $275.00 + tax.

What does my session include? Sessions start out with 1 hour and 2 outfit changes. Extra outfits with an additional 30 mins can be added on for an extra fee.

How long after my shoot will my images be ready? Approximately 2 weeks after your shoot your images will be ready to view via your password protected site. Albums, prints, etc ake another 1-2 weeks to get back to you after approval. Rush shoots/orders are available for an extra fee.

Do you have hair and makeup available? We are located right above our favorite salon, Artistry SpaSalon, and they do about 90% of our clients. Their work is amazing and know what kind of shoots we are doing, so they are excellent at giving you just the right look.

How do I book a shoot? You secure your date and time with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit. This deposit goes towards your balance, but is non-refundable if you cancel your shoot. If you need to reschedule your shoot, you must do so within 6 months, otherwise an additional $50.00 deposit will be taken.

Do you work with plus size women? Absolutely! We work with all sizes and ages and only put you in positions that flatter YOU! We know not all positions flatter every body type and we want you to look good just as much as you do, so we work with what you’ve got and accentuate all your best assets:)

Are my pictures private? YES! We never use your images without your consent. All of the girls you see on our site, blog, facebook, have all given us permission to use their images. We would love to use everyone’s to show off our work, but realize the nature of this type of photograph is personal, so it is completely 100% up to you.

Do you have a studio or do you come to me?  We have a studio located in the town center of Westhaven, just 3 miles west of downtown Franklin. We don’t typically leave our studio for this kind of shoot, but can for an additional fee.

Who will be my photographer? Jen Cook and Ann Carroll! We typically tag team throughout your shoot. One of us will be photographing and coaching you, while the other will be primping, fanning, and just making sure you look your absolute best! We tend to switch back and forth so you get the best from both of us. We coach you through the entire shoot and you’re never left to just “pose” on your own. We make you feel comfortable and relaxed! Lots of stupid jokes from Jen, but they usually work:)

Do you retouch my photos? We shoot in such flattering light that honestly we don’t HAVE to do a lot of retouching. However, we will get rid of any imperfections you have that you don’t want shown (under eye circles, blemishes, veins etc.), and soften skin. We do not however, make you smaller than you are, enlarge boobs, or distort of any kind! We want you to love how you look for REAL, not a fake barbie doll:)

Can I bring a friend? You can bring a friend for moral support but only females, and you must make sure that you will be comfortable posing in front of them. We don’t want you to be hindered by what another thinks. It will totally come across in your photos and makes our job (and yours) more difficult. If you want to have someone here with you, get them to do a shoot with you! You can take turns and it makes for a fun girly day!

More questions? Leave a comment below or email us at info@thephotographix.com. We look forward to hearing from you! Jen & Ann xo

 

 

A little push to get you in here for your Boudoir Shoot!

We posted this last year about our own personal experiences doing a boudoir shoot and got so much great feedback! Thought we would repost to help push you over the edge if you were on the fence:)Come on girls, it’s super fun! Get in here and get your sexy on!

Ann and I started shooting boudoir photography about 3 years ago. A friend of ours asked us to shoot hers, and while we had never done one before, she wanted us to do it and we thought why not?! We had so much fun shooting her session that we started talking about adding this on to our business. Just a few short weeks after we did hers, we randomly got a call from a total stranger asking if we would do hers! We explained we were just getting into it, but thought we were up to it, so if she was willing, WE were willing! Things spiraled after these 2 shoots! It was like all of a sudden, we had all these new random inquiries wanting to do boudoir shoots, and we hadn’t even really put it out there yet that we were offering them! So we got a few of our friends involved and bribed them to be guinea pigs so we could start showing examples of our work:) (their husbands were very happy:)  We put a website together, and after that, we were AMAZED at all the calls we got. Never in our lives did we think we would be shooting boudoir photos!! But I gotta tell you, it’s one of our favorite things to do.

Ah… I digress… this post was supposed to be about Ann and myself:) As you can imagine, our husbands were VERY on board with us doing these kinds of shoots… then they were bummed bc we never showed them any!! HA! They have been asking US for the last 3 years now to do shoots for THEM! We always brushed them off saying things like “yea right… in your dreams… that’s never gonna happen…” etc, etc:)Well as you have probably guessed by now… we gave in;)Yes, yours truly, finally did shoots and we and our husbands couldn’t be happier with them:) We wanted to let all you girls out there that are thinking of doing a shoot but hesitant, know first hand how WE felt about doing ours. So read on! I now can say… If WE can do it, YOU can do it! xoxo

Jen’s Story:

After we started shooting these sessions, I thought I always wanted to do a boudoir shoot. I knew my husband Daniel would LOVE it, and how fun would it be to get all dolled up?! So it was on my list of “things to do when I have time and feel good about myself” list, but it wasn’t anything I really thought about a lot. I don’t know how, bc literally he asked me once a week when was I going to do mine;) I would always brush him off bc in the back of mind I was thinking, you know, I really am going to do one at some point, and when I do I want it to be a HUGE surprise! So I acted the whole time like it was never going to happen. Last year I decided it was finally time to do it. We had a new studio, it was perfect. Well then life threw us a major curve ball and dropped twins in our laps, so my shoot got put on hold. After we had the babies about 6 months I decided if I was going to do it, I needed to just do it now and give it to him for Valentines Day. I don’t hate my body, but I don’t love it either. But I thought, Jen… you hate working out, you don’t diet, you’re never going to look better than you do today… Daniel tells me on a daily basis how “cracking (this is an English term I guess)” my rack and backside are (teehee! Mom if you’re reading this, try not to blush:), so just do it!! eeeek! In came the nerves! People… Ann and I live on the BACKSIDE of the camera… not the other way around!! So onto the internet I went in search of flattering outfits, hair styles, make up, etc. Once I got my glam team (a HUGE thank you to Natalie and Angelisa at Artistry SpaSalon), it was the day of my shoot. I was so nervous!! WHY?? We do this every week for girls and tell them how NOT to be nervous, and they’ll love it, and the outcome is fabulous, and the thing is… we MEAN it! We get girls of all ages and sizes in our studio, and EVERY single one of them leaves us with a huge grin on her face wanting to do another shoot! Why in the world was I nervous?? I suppose it’s just natural… I mean you are about to get in your skivvies in front of a CAMERA…that would be nerve racking for anyone I assume.

So into my first outfit I got and my wonderful friend and biz partner Ann, and another friend of ours, Noelle, started primping me and telling me what to do. Immediately, my nerves went away and I forgot about what kind of outfit I was in, and just started having fun! MAN! I did NOT realize how hard some of the poses we did were!! I now feel a little guilty for making our clients do some of these, but not a one of them ever complained. Me on the other hand… I was like… you want me to bend what? Like what? OW!:) I can’t really explain to you how fun it was. I just remember laughing…a lot… swearing a little:), and feeling 100% beautiful and confident about myself. Ann and Noelle took care of me the whole time and only put me in poses that were flattering to ME. They made me feel comfortable the whole time. I really had a blast! After the session we of course immediately downloaded them and I LOVED them! I have never looked like that before and the thing was, it was all me. A little enhanced with great hair and makeup, and fabulous lighting and photography, but that girl looking back at me, was ME. I’ve never felt prettier, sexier, confident… fabulous.

The thing I took away from my shoot was that every girl should do one how they are today. We get a lot of calls and inquiries saying they’re going to do one, but they want to wait till they lose 10 more lbs or tone up, or whatever. I say, do it how you are today. If you’re going to lose the weight for the long haul, great. But if you’re just losing it for the shoot, why would you want to lose it, do the shoot, gain it back, and then look at your pictures down the line and think “man I was skinny back then:(” and be all sad and discouraged when you look at them? I say, do it NOW. In the body that you’re most likely going to have for awhile. That way, when you look at them, you can say “Wow! I am gorgeous just the way I am, and HERE IS THE PROOF!!” At least that’s what I think:)

 

Ann’s story:)

And forgive me if I start rambling and not making any sense!!  I am not the best at describing exciting moments:)

I don’t know how to start this really.  You can ask almost anyone, especially my husband, that I do not have a great self image.  Not the kind that wants everyone to pity me and say “Oh you’re crazy…of course you’re pretty” but literally a childhood illness that left me with some scarring I would have to live with the rest  of my life.  And THAT is what makes me feel not so pretty.  I know it is psychological and hopefully one day for myself I can look past that…maybe my session was a step in the right direction:) Not a cure for my insecurities but definitely an eye opener to seeing that beauty lies somewhere in my soul…I just have to find what it is that makes me feel beautiful!
So let’s change directions now…as Jen described Daniel’s pleas…that would be my husband as well!  Begging and pleading!!  In the beginning it was “NO…NEVER…STOP ASKING…NOT GOING TO HAPPEN…you get the picture, right?!” and I TOTALLY meant it but then I slowly started thinking about it…SLOWLY:) Over 3 years I watched all these women come in for their session and ROCK IT out and the outcomes were almost contagious!  Every woman that came in here wanted to feel beautiful and that is exactly what happened…I wanted that…I wanted to feel the beauty in myself that they were experiencing.  It didn’t matter the shape, color, scars, stretchmarks, age (you get my point!) of any of these women…They were fearless and made me have more confidence than you will EVER know to do my session!…BRAVO to all our clients…EACH and every single one of them are so amazing:) So with a little nudging from Jen and Brandon’s 30th birthday coming up…I said ok!!!!!
I can’t explain how amazing this experience was!!  I would do it again in a heartbeat and that is coming from someone who literally hates the way she looks so that in itself should give everyone that has any doubts the confidence to get their booty in here:) I tried to think if I was nervous the day of and I have to honestly say I wasn’t…not in the least bit because I knew Jen was going to take care of me and make me feel amazing!  I mean after all, that is what we are known for so why be nervous?!?!  I started having my hair done and oh yeah, I did extensions:) I always wanted them and said if I ever did one that I was going ALL out…so yeah baby…now I really want my hair that long ALL the time!  And then came makeup…whoa!…amazing how hair and makeup can make you feel so confident, beautiful, and excited.  I highly recommend professional hair and makeup…don’t skimp on it!  Our studio had been working on new sets and I got the be the first on 2 of them…so exciting!  It was exactly what I wanted and envisioned the outcome would be…a good mix of soft, pale, simple, elegant photos with some colorful, rich, and dramatic ones as well.  And best of all…I LOVE, LOVED, and STILL LOVE THEM!!!  Eeeeeek!!  So if there ever comes a time I start to doubt myself and feel negative…I will always go back to those pictures and say, “I am beautiful” and here is the proof:)
Jen, THANK YOU so much for being a great friend and talking me into this and making me so pretty!!
AND NOW…THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…your Photographix girls in YOUR shoes!!
Hair & Makeup: Artistry SpaSalon
View more pics here.

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Photo by Ulmer Studios 

We Have A New Website! {Nashville, TN Wedding Photography}

We are thrilled to launch our new and improved wedding website!! We still have a long way to go with adding images, sections, etc, but we wanted to get the new look out there as we feel it shows off our style better than our old site. Please have a look around and tell us what you think. We would love your feedback! xoxo!