Knoxville Maternity Session on Digital and Film | Gracie and Cameron's Sunset Family Shoot

There’s something incredibly full-circle about photographing someone you grew up with—especially in a season as sacred as this one.

Gracie and I were the kind of best friends who spent countless hours running side by side in cross country, sharing secrets at sleepovers, and navigating high school hand-in-hand. She was one of the first people I ever asked to model for me when I started learning photography. To now be behind the camera capturing her as a mama, waiting on her second baby with her sweet husband, Cameron, and their son Greyson by her side, was nothing short of emotional.

Gracie and Cameron chose the most beautiful farm near their home for this session, and it turned out to be the perfect backdrop. We chased golden hour through the open fields in April, after a couple of weather-related reschedules. But let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The light was glowing, the air was calm, and the whole evening felt peaceful and playful all at once.

Greyson kept us on our toes (as toddlers do!) and brought so much joy to the shoot. Some of my favorite frames are the ones where Gracie is tickling him, both of them laughing so freely. It’s moments like those, the in-between ones, that tell the real story of a family. And when you add in the fact that they’re expecting a baby girl named Palmer? Cue all the heartstrings.

I shot both digital and film during this session, and while I love every image, the film photos hold a special place in my heart. There’s just something about the trueness of color and the gentle grain that adds a nostalgic, timeless feel. Especially when you're documenting such a fleeting, sacred moment like this.

More than anything, I hope when Gracie and Cameron look back at these photos, they see what I saw, laughter, love, and the beauty of this in-between season. A little boy who’s about to become a big brother. A mama glowing with grace. A family standing on the edge of something new, full of hope and heart.

Gracie, thank you for letting me be the one to freeze this season for you. I love you and your sweet family, and I can’t wait to meet baby Palmer.