Ashley Spears Photography

Brand New Blog!

2011-08-17T00:10:00.003-05:00

The blog has moved to a new home. To visit the new Ashley Spears Photography Blog click here.... http://ashleyspearsblog.com/blog/.

Brady ~ 5 years

2011-07-06T01:10:00.005-05:00

Brady

(A little boy with a million things to say.)

A most wonderful fairytale...

2011-07-04T21:15:00.005-05:00

Life itself can be a most wonderful fairytale....

Yep. Definitely a GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-05-30T00:17:00.007-05:00

I am in love with the new designer frames! So in love that I feel the need to share! Love is meant to be shared, scattered, given away!

This is the first designer shape ZAM frame and there are many new fabulous designs on the way! To kick off the fun I am giving one away!!!

Want to win this frame???

Anyone can win! keep reading to find out how....

You may or may not know that I love quotes. I collect quote books and have a slight obsession. Some of my favorites change often.... Some I've loved forever...

"We May not have it all together but TOGETHER we have it all."

"She BELIEVED she could so she did."

"Wether you THINK you can or you think you can't you're right."

Henry Ford

"DO all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as you ever can."

John Wesley

Ok, ok, I could go on forever but I won't.... let's get to the good part!

How you win the giveaway!!!

1. -Comment your favorite quote on the photography facebook page.

(you can comment up to 3 separate quotes for 3 chances to win!)

2. -You must be a fan of the facebook page.

3. -Share the giveaway on your Facebook

You must do all 3 to win.

There is a link to the fb page right at the top of this blog.

Winner will be announced Friday!!! (June 3rd)

Maybe a giveaway????

2011-05-14T11:30:00.003-05:00

I'm in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, crazy love!!!

ZAM has busted out if it's box!

This is the first of many new designs coming to the Zam I Am framing line.

I am so excited about these I can hardly stand it!

Isn't she lovely???

So good maybe I should do a give a giveaway???

hmmmm..... wheels turning.....

Sweet, Sweet, Anna Reece

2011-04-13T09:13:00.003-05:00

Ohhh la la, Picture Perfect Products....

2011-03-10T10:20:00.001-06:00

Picture perfect products I LOVE!!!!

Brand New Mini Albums:

Fine Art Paper Albums

Custom Image Boxes

Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Precious little details:

Story Boards:

Birthday Beautiful....

2011-03-05T21:10:00.004-06:00

Most Loved

2011-02-14T14:25:00.013-06:00

In honor of Valentines I wanted to share my most loved images of 2010. I wanted to do this at the beginning of the year as "the top 10 of 2010" but there was a slight problem.... I couldn't narrow to just 10! When I first sorted all of my favorite images from the year into one stack (no pictures of my own children allowed) I had 228 images! I have narrowed and narrowed. I must say this has been very hard!!! In absolutely no particular order these are my most loved images of 2010.... enJOY!

ENJOY the flavor of life...

2011-02-03T00:22:00.005-06:00

ENJOY the flavor of life,

take BIG bites!

-Robert Heinlein

Lee 9 months

Angel Baby

2011-02-02T00:58:00.001-06:00

Oakley ~ Almost a Birthday Girl

2011-01-29T01:05:00.002-06:00

Capture For a Cause

2011-01-06T12:25:00.006-06:00

CAPTURE FOR A CAUSE

I truly love my clients. My clients are more than clients they are friends, some more like family. I have three amazing clients who are sisters. I don't have a sister but if I did I'd want to be one of them. Their relationships with each other inspire me. Through capturing their families I have had the honor of getting to know their parents. You can't help but love them. Their family needs our help. Their Dad (aka POP) desperately needs a medical treatment with a $9200 co-pay. I am attaching a link here to read Pop's story.

POP's Story

CAPTURE FOR A CAUSE

FEBRUARY 2nd through FEBRUARY 7th

SESSIONS $75 (regular session investment $135)

100% of this session fee will go to help this family.

PLUS: You get one Complimentary 8x10 & one Complimentary 5x7 just for contributing to this family's need.

Please email me today to find out how to sign up for your capture for a cause session.

ashley@ashleyspearsphotography.com

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-12-18T02:02:00.001-06:00

Maybe it's because it's 2am but this video is SO funny. I've always said I will never drive a mini van... but if I ever decide I need one I believe this one takes the cake! I'm sold! lol.

One Grand Reason.....

2010-11-04T23:49:00.003-05:00

Just one grand reason why I love on location sessions.....

I just never know what I might capture!

Oh how I love a good adventure!

Ginny is such a doll baby. This was @ her recent one year session. I just finished posting a few more from this on location shoot (@ Long Hollow Gardens & Nursery) on the facebook fan page!

Kason

2010-11-04T21:20:00.005-05:00

My GIGANTIC Halloween Treat....

2010-10-31T14:22:00.004-05:00

It may just be that this year I have received a bigger Halloween treat than my children!!! Oh I hope it's not a trick! lol

I have just learned that for the second year in a row Ashley Spears Photography has been named "Best Children's Photographer" by Sumner Parent Magazine!

What an honor. To get to love what you do and be rewarded for it.

I am just as surprised this year as last. Ok... Last year I nearly fainted then began to dance in Kroger parking lot... If you've ever seen me dance you know that's just crazy & I was clearly suffering from shock. It closely resembles Elaine from Seinfeld's dance moves.... not good. A real treat for the other Kroger shoppers that day. Maleah danced and cried with me.

This year I was standing in my room @ Hotel Indigo when I received a text message from my best friend Rachel. I cried. No dancing just tears. My husband thought it was bad news. I was truly shocked. I know I asked you to vote.... but Moms are busy. Very very busy. Our cups are overflowing at all times. I am first a mom. I live in crazy town. I know. There is always more to do than there is time to do it. The fact that you took the TIME to vote.. for me... is overwhelming. I feel incredibly blessed and ever so humbled. Thank you is not a big enough word.

I asked my hubby to pick me up a copy @ Kroger.... he brought the entire stack. I am blessed.

Custom Image Boxes

2010-10-30T11:23:00.008-05:00

It's only acceptable to leave your portraits hiding inside a box if it's one of these boxes...... :)

Grace & Lee

2010-10-27T12:23:00.007-05:00

I absolutely love when clients invite me to their home or a special place to their heart for a session! It's always an adventure and I know I am going to capture something I've never had the chance to before!! I get so excited!

Jodi~ Thank you for inviting me into your home! I really enjoyed our session and I hope you love your images as much as I do!!!!

Christmas Cards!!

2010-10-19T10:46:00.010-05:00

It's Christmas Card Season @ the Studio!!!!

Brayden & Tatum

2010-10-07T00:54:00.004-05:00

Squeezing Summer

2010-10-01T15:06:00.007-05:00

We managed to squeeze in one final summer session....

Two of my favorite girls.... Adalyn & Anaston

Technically our objective was a 2 year session for Adalyn but we also hoped to catch a few sweet sister shots as well and I must say this one is my favorite......

I just love it!!!

(Chris... This is going in your new house... on the wall... big.... it's not optional, lol!)

Oakley ~ 6 months

2010-09-21T22:09:00.008-05:00

Sweet Oakley. So much fun! 6 months is my favorite session!
At 6 months, their personality is shining and they are so much fun to play with... but they can't yet get away! Perfect!

Anna Reese ~ 14 days old

2010-09-19T17:03:00.003-05:00

Want to see a few more pics of sweet Anna Reese? I posted a few more on the facebook page!

Kailey

2010-09-19T14:18:00.004-05:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! Celeigh's First Birthday Album!!

2010-09-16T10:58:00.013-05:00

New Album, New Slim Design, Something NEW to LOVE.....

If you're house is burning down you'll run back in to save it.

The fire escape plan at our house:

Nick will grab the kids, I will grab the albums.... GET OUT!

You may think I'm joking but I'm not.... Let's pray we never have to put our plan into action but I would totally run into a burning building to save my albums. (and the children, lol)

Sorry I caused your road rage...

2010-09-11T11:08:00.005-05:00

Driving home from an evening session this week the sunset was breathtaking. A marvel just waiting to be captured... but It won't wait too long... I know in only moments it will disappear into the horizon.... I must act fast!!! Of course there is no where to pull over. As soon as I get stopped by a red light I grab my camera out of my bag and swap the lens. The light turns green. The car behind me honks. Geez. I go... the next light tuns RED... YIPPEE! I whip up my camera like the paparazzi and begin shooting images out my window. YAY! I am so excited! The car behind me lays on his horn in frustration... I nearly fall out the window. The light is green. As I whip myself back into driver position I catch a glimpse of the person in the car beside me in the turning lane... the lady looks half scared and half confused. (Wish I had a pic of her face).

As I speed under the traffic light I can't help but laugh out loud. As soon as he possibly can the man in the truck behind me races around me and darts me an angry look. (I wish I had a pic of his angry face too.) I smile big and wave at him... not to antagonize him but to say thank you for letting me know the light was green and sorry I caused your road rage!

The New Skinny Duet

2010-09-06T11:29:00.005-05:00

The new SKINNY DUET canvas...I get bored.... I like new things... I don't like to do the same thing with all my portraits! I am always on the quest to design new products to add to my lines...

This new gallery wrapped canvas is slender, sleek, modern, & twice the fun. Featuring not one but two images for a high impact twist. Amazing on a table top easel or on your wall, this little duet hits the "NON-boring" spot... I LOVE it!

Leave me a comment... I want to know what you think!!!

It's My Party Shoppe

2010-09-04T07:50:00.009-05:00

One of my super talented clients has the cutest most uber creative business of her own. It's called "It's My Party Shoppe". Her ideas are grand. She she creates custom birthday party decor that turns a otherwise ordinary birthday party into a precious whimsical event!

"It's My Party Shoppe" has a brand new fb page: Click here to check it out!

I am so excited to know about this that I had to share! All I have to say is bye-bye Party City... Hello It's My Party Shoppe!

You can also reach It's My Party Shoppe (Britney) via email @ it'smypartyshoppe.gmail.com

LAUREN ~ Senior Session

2010-08-30T00:33:00.006-05:00

I LOVE Senior sessions!!! So much fun! This past week I got to shoot Lauren's senior portraits... is she not beautiful!!! We had so much fun hoping from location to location. From a garden to a hayfield, old brick buildings to church doors, and wrapped up with my favorite antique sofa! We got so many amazing shots. I'm going to post a few more on the fb fan page. Check those out too and be sure to let me know what you think! :)

Lauren you shine.

(inside & out)

Just so you know...

2010-08-27T15:25:00.003-05:00

Just so you know... Princess cell phones and microwaves do NOT mix.

Ever wondered what would really happen if your toddler put their play cell phone in the microwave and cooked it???? This.....

Yikes! Lol! One of my best friends sent me this pic as proof... I didn't really believe her little angel could blow up the microwave... but she did! Her Mom had only left the room for 2 min. TOPS because the phone rang... not even long enough to begin a convo when she heard a loud pop followed by the cry of her almost 2 year old.

Almost TWO years old and in almost TWO minutes of time she managed to push the stool up to the microwave, get the door open, put her princess cell phone inside, close the door, smash some buttons, and blow up the microwave! As her Mother rounded the corner there was smoke flowing out of the kitchen and the little pink cell phone was in a blaze of glory... No joke, it was on FIRE. She cleaned up Ash all the way into her living room!

It could have been worse, I'm thankful no one was hurt... but the lives of a hard working microwave and a loyal pretty princess cell phone came to an end that hot summer day. The poor microwave never saw it coming, the cell phone never had a chance...

One thing is for certain... this little angel will never try to cook another toy... OK I never say never but it's highly doubtful! lol

and the WINNERS are......

2010-08-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

AND THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS ARE....

Amanda Clark

Emily Couts

Woo-Hoo! Ok, Amanda & Emily call or message me... we've got good stuff to chat about!!!

Lesley ~ 1 year

2010-08-23T08:27:00.002-05:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS!! Lola's Baby Album!!

2010-08-20T13:57:00.018-05:00

Wall Collections & a GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-08-16T17:40:00.017-05:00

The HOT HOT HOTTEST trend right NOW for displaying your portraits...

Wall Collections!

Featuring gallery wrapped canvas.

No need to frame. The best way to accomplish this is to plan for your wall collection before your session. Think about your space... Plan your clothing selections and location to become art for your space.

GIVEAWAY!

Want to WIN A portrait SESSION or a 16x20 CANVAS PORTRAIT???

Here's How: Head Over to the facebook fan page by clicking on the link @ the top of this blog...

Leave a comment on the fan page and then one on your fb page to let your friends know about the give away. {Must post a comment in both places to win}.

Every person who comments both places will be entered to win.

TWO WINNERS will be selected!

Ends Sunday Aug. 22nd, winners will be announced on the blog & fb pg on Monday Aug. 23

WINNERS will have their choice of a complimentary SESSION {$115 Value} or 16x20 CANVAS PORTRAIT {$325 Value}.

Random.org will be used to select winners.

Finally... Photographer Gets Flashed!!!

2010-08-10T01:05:00.007-05:00

Finally! The Photographer gets flashed!!!

Our long overdue family session.

Talk about nervous... I was super nervous about this shoot. I am used to being the one flashing... not the one getting flashed! lol!

Behind the camera. That is my comfort zone.... But I reeeeaaalllyy wanted a family session. We kept planning this last fall and our plans fell through every time. Mother nature was not working with me last fall. I never got our family session. I missed an entire year with no family session! (gasp) Our last family session was in the fall of 2008. Wow the kids have changed so much since then!

I really worked to plan our location and wardrobe around our personalities and I can't wait to show you what I did with our pictures! I finally got a Canvas wall collection of my own! Woo-hoo! Wall collections are the HOTTEST thing going right now & I'll post pics of mine SOON! You guys ask me all the time what I do with my portraits @ my house... We've recently made a lot of changes over here and I'm going to show you where all my portraits are!

So.... last but not least... one question remains... Just WHO exactly takes the photographers family pictures??? Keep checking in to find out because I'm going to tell you, VERY SOON!!!

Good stuff. :)

Focused Imaging

2010-08-07T13:55:00.005-05:00

I never even thought to try the 3D ultrasound experience when I was pregnant with either of my children. Now I wish I had!! Rick & Barbara of Focused Imaging a local 4D Ultrasound office recently asked me to donate a wall display for their Nashville office. While I was there measuring the space I mentioned to Rick that I had not had experienced this exciting advance in technology. He was happy to share with me some video from an ultrasound earlier that morning..... WOW! It's unbelievable the detail. It's breathtaking. It gave me goose bumps. I was in awe.... Ok, I'm sure you get the point. I walked out of their office amazed. I waited for the elevator thinking... I want to do that. I rode down the elevator thinking.... Maybe I should have just ONE more baby. In my fantasy world I gracefully strolled through the parking garage wondering what my new baby would look like. Then it hit me. I stopped dead in my tracks as I remembered that I was now on my way to pick up Levi. (A.K.A. the grumpy old man trapped inside the body of a 4 year old who lives at my house.) I laughed out loud... very loud. Back to reality. I am so thankful that all of you share your precious babies with me every day! I love babies. I really do. I just don't have any marbles left to give another of my own. So really thank you for sharing yours with me!

If your expecting and interested in the 4D ultrasound experience here's a link to the Focused Imaging website: FOCUSED IMAGING (tell them I recommended them!)_

Here's a few snapshots of the final wall collection & wall portraits we put together for their office. Some of you will recognize some of these sweet little peas. :)

They are mobile uploads so the quality stinks... I forgot my camera, how bad is that!!! Still I wanted to share!

Mommy Moment

2010-08-06T11:11:00.005-05:00

I'll warn you, this post is going to have nothing to do with photography. I am about to have one of my own Mommy moments.. So if you're annoyed by people gushing or whining about their children stop reading now. lol.
This past weekend Levi turned 4. This was huge, Well it felt huge to me anyway.

4 is BIG. To me 4 is like "no more toddler". It's official.

His party was fun & flew by in a crazy blur as always. When it was over I told my Mom that I'm grieving. She looked at me like I was nuts & asked why??? I said "Because my days of having a baby or toddler at home are over".
We are not (planning) to have any more children. Our family is complete. I only put the word "planning" into parenthesis because I learned a long time ago to never say never. lol.
My baby days are behind me... I have already lived this part of my life and it's over.... done.... complete.... finished. Already lived. Checked off.... and I am sad about it. So I needed a glass of wine to go with my whine.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the stages my children are in now & I love looking forward to the future and all that is to come but just for a moment I am going to morn the baby stages of my life. Levi turning 4 was enough for one weekend....
Then the next day came....

(This is where you are going to start agreeing with my Mother that I'm crazy)

Sunday Maleah came bee-boppin up the stairs and as both she & her voice bounced she asked "Mom can I use your flat Iron to straiten my hair?" My eyes glazed over.
"Mom did you hear me?... hello?"
"Yes, I guess. Just be careful." I said with fear.
She bounced down the stairs.
Nick was totally unaffected. I said to him "I need you to pause the movie."
He pressed the pause button on the remote & released the flood gates.
I cried. When Nick asked why I was so upset I wailed "Just 6 months ago she was terrified of a curling Iron, Now she's using my flat Iron all by herself!!"
Too bad life doesn't have a pause button.
She practiced on her hair for the next two days, then on Wednesday (a.k.a the beginning of the END ~insert scary music~) the First day of 5th grade, the first day of her LAST year in elementary school, she got up at 5 a.m. just so she could flat iron and fix her hair all by herself. Absolutely no help wanted. At 6:30 she woke me up with a smile. She said "Good morning Mom, I fixed my hair and got ready, then I MADE YOU COFFEE, time to get up.
Am I having a nightmare and a sweet dream all at the same time? I can't be awake.

I was indeed awake... Her hair was cute. Her school supplies were all packed and by the door. My coffee was perfect.
Then she warned me that she was not going to be this chipper every morning and a huge wave of relief passed over me as I thought thank the Lord... Something normal.
We got to school and the line was long. As we go closer to the un-load spot she gathered her things.
I said "Hey you are going to kiss me bye right?" She scoffed "MoMMMAAAAA!" jumped from the car, muttered a quick "love you" and ran towards the school with a smile.
I cried.
This was all worse than the 1st day of kindergarten. At least then I made it until day four before I cried.
First day of Kindergarten & First day of 5th Grade.

That night Nick & I teased her that since she's too big to kiss us Goodbye in the school line then she's big enough to put herself to bed... without needing anyone to tuck her in & scratch her back. Then she cried... so we quit picking on her, lol. When I went to bed that night Nick & I both had little decorated envelopes on our pillows. She had written us both letters telling us that she'll always be our little girl.
Once again all was right with the world.

Thanks a MILLION!

2010-08-06T01:38:00.002-05:00

Thanks a MILLION to those of you who have already voted for Ashley Spears Photography in the Nashville Parent Magazine, Best of Parenting 2010 Poll!!! I appreciate all of your support!

I have received lots of emails asking how exactly you get to the poll... apparently the magazine has to because they have moved it! lol. This link will take you directly to the poll...

BEST OF PARENTING 2010 POLL

Please VOTE....

2010-07-24T23:49:00.002-05:00

Please Pretty Please...

Visit the Nashville Parent site now and vote...... parentworld.com

Capturing a miracle

2010-07-20T23:39:00.007-05:00

Have you ever captured a miracle???

Just a few days ago I had the honor of capturing a big miracle in a small package. Wow, what a blessing just to get to say that!!! She may look small now but Kailey was born weighing only 2 pounds and 10 ounces. Now she is 3 months old. As you might expect capturing a miracle is not necessarily an easy thing to do... She gave us a good fight! She doesn't yet want her Mommy to take her hands off of her and who could blame her! After all she did have to come into this world far sooner than most babies.....but fight or no fight the images... so priceless. The days will go by in the blink of an eye and everyone will be trying to remember how small she really was. When today becomes "Once upon a time" these precious tiny baby portraits will be even more priceless than ever.

Lesley, Thank you for sharing Kailey with me. I feel so blessed to be able to capture this precious little miracle for your family.

Lee ~ 3 Months

2010-07-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

A sneak peek for Lee's Mom!

Jodi, Thank you for sharing your family with me! Lee looks just like his big sister but he has his own personality and sweet spirit! It was so exciting to finally meet him!

Angel Baby

2010-07-18T17:28:00.004-05:00

OH Jenna! You are cuter, and sweeter, and funnier every time I get to see you!!!

~9 Months~

Charming

2010-07-12T11:20:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what prince charming looked like as a toddler? Surely this is it. This is Hunter and though he may be seriously shy he more than makes up for it with charm. Besides who needs to talk when you have eyes like these??? My heart goes out to his parents because I don't know how in the world anyone could ever say no about anything to this face... those eyes....

A new girl in the world....

2010-07-10T16:42:00.003-05:00

There's a new girl in the world, her name is Oakley......

and she is already stealing hearts with her big blue eyes & sweet cheeks!!

Allyson, Thank you so much for sharing your precious doll baby with me! I am truly excited about capturing her first year! I look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday!

MORE from Mansker Station ~ Colton & Emma

2010-06-21T00:15:00.009-05:00

They are such a fun duo. It's easy to think Colton & Emma are siblings but they are actually cousins. They have such a sweet bond. Of course it should be captured!! So for the second year in a row now their mom's have decided to session share. (which I welcome & think is fabulous!)

For this session we decided to hit a new location since both Emma & Colton have had multiple sessions @ the studio. We met @ Mansker Station in Goodlettsville for their session. (Part of Moss Wright Park.) This is a great session location... as you can see! I just love that tree line in the portrait of them together!

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! Christopher's Baby Album!!

2010-06-20T23:44:00.017-05:00

Hot of the press & soooo sweet your heart will melt like butter. Could there possibly be a better way to chronicle all the precious details & milestones from the entire first year of your baby's life? Hmmmm.... nope.

I am so in love with these albums! I get so excited about designing them, pulling all of our favorite images from an entire year of sessions and creating an artful heirloom that a family will cherish forever~ oh I love my job.

This little Cutie pie is Christopher. I am going to miss his big bubbly eyes... those big pretty boy eyes can tell you a story all on their own. Then when you add in his sweet smile you have quite a charmer on your hands! I could not wait for his parents to arrive for their album pick up last Friday! When we create an album you always have the option to proof it before it goes to press but Christopher's Mom & Dad are so cool that they decided they wanted to be surprised & said they trusted me 100%. (I love you guys!) So since they had no idea what the album would look like I felt like Santa!

Lily ~ 18 months

2010-06-17T22:54:00.003-05:00

Sweet Lily. It's hard to believe she's 18 months already. She began coming to see me when she was just 3 months old. 18 months is such a curious stage. You can literally see her thinking and if you look closely you can see the wheels turning in her pretty little head. I love the way she looks to her Mother for her to say "It's Ok".

The last time I saw her (at her 1 year session) she didn't have all these beautiful curls!! I love them! I was so delightful to see this sweet little face surrounded by curls when she emerged from her car @ the park.

We met for her session @ Moss Wright Park/ Mansker Station for Lily's session. This has been a popular session spot lately & I will be posting more from this hot spot soon.

A Birthday Girl & An Awesome Big Brother

2010-06-08T22:59:00.010-05:00

Ella & Preston

Hot Tears & A Hot Mess

2010-06-04T21:29:00.006-05:00

Ahhh Lola. Another one of my precious babies has had a Birthday. Over a year ago I did Brittney's Maternity session.... Then she & Travis hired me to photograph at the hospital when Lola was born. I LOVE hospital shoots. Being there to photograph the first time a Mother kisses her daughter and the moment the new big brother meets his baby sister... capturing in an instant the moment a man becomes a father... it's priceless. It's also humbling to be asked to be a part of such a monumental moment. To be a part of the family.... everyone bubbling over with excitement & nerves...welcomed into a family that way in such a raw moment... Capturing a moment that shall never pass again... It's such an indescribable blessing.

When you have the honor of photographing a birth you can't help bond with the family. Sometimes the ENTIRE family as was the case here. This is one VERY loved little girl. Every session has been special. Her newborn shoot @ just 6 days old she sure gave us all a run through the ringer! It's funny now thinking back....

Yesterday was her ONE YEAR session.....
everything was going perfect....

We were almost done.

Brittney brought a pink cupcake so we could end the one year session right!

This is my absolute favorite way to end a one year session.

Brittney brought along the banner from her party & her little party hat....

as we were getting all these sweet little things ready to shoot all those sweet memories from the hospital throughout the entire year rushed over me. Followed by that little sad reminder that this is it.

The last baby session for Lola. I was there when she was born. There when she learned to crawl, I captured her first tiny teeth, held her, made her laugh, laughed at her, chased her, looked into her big blue eyes and adored her and now at the present moment as I fought to get the lid off that big pink cupcake I found myself fighting back big fat hot tears.

Go ahead call me sentimental, I already know I am.

We gave Lola her BIG PINK cupcake and let her go!

WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS CUPCAKE????

PLEASE, PLEASE watch the slide-show at the top of this page.... It is just too much!

This is where the HOT MESS comes in!!!!

Go on... Scroll back up and watch the slide-show.

This Hot Mess is not to be missed.

Lola, Brittney, Travis, Nolan, I will miss you!

Thank you for blessing my life with yours.

NewBorn Portraits ~ The Secret Ingredients

2010-06-01T08:27:00.021-05:00

OH How I LOVE Newborns.....

It's no secret that babies are hands down my favorite subject! Of all the baby stages, there is nothing more magical than photographing a newborn. I meet so many wonderful clients as they are welcoming a new blessing into their world and it's a tremendous blessing & honor to be a part of this time. The tiny features of a newborn, their fuzzy hair, fresh baby skin, and all that is new about them should be captured for you to remember and cherish always.

Successful Newborn Sessions

A precious newborn is one of my most favorite subjects though it can be a tricky session. A little planning is essential so lets chat about the secrets to success.....

The most important ingredient for a successful newborn session is

WHEN TO SCHEDULE:

The best time to contact me is BEFORE your baby arrives. We will plan your session based on your due date and finalize your date once baby arrives. This way I am expecting your little one and we have your session all planned out because the most important, ideal, successful time to photograph your newborn is within the first 7-10 days after birth. This time frame is so important. The first week will give you the best peaceful, sleepy, curly and brand new baby images. (While they still make womb like positions.)After about 10 days babies tend to stretch out and not curl up so much, they also spend more time awake. More time awake means it will be more difficult to get the artistic images where babies are curled up in a hammock, a tea cup or bucket. After this time colic and baby acne can also set in (sorry for the reminder!). So whenever it is possible PLAN your session BEFORE baby arrives and plan to have your session as soon as possible after baby arrives. It's never to early to chat about a newborn session. I hold reservations for only one newborn per week so the earlier you set-up your baby plan the better.

Sessions can be held in your home or my studio. 90% of all newborn sessions I do are in the family's home. It is easier, more convenient & comfortable for you & baby. Newborn sessions require very little space and I bring along everything needed.

During a newborn session:

Newborn sessions can be done in either my studio or your home and can last anywhere from 1-3 hours. It's important to allow plenty of time for feeding and comforting. Typically I begin newborn sessions by capturing all the tiny details of your new baby, their sweet little face, their hands, feet, wrinkles, their tiny lips and sweet little lashes. Next we will move on to any family images. Parents are not always up for their first family portrait quite yet and that's ok too, We have all year. However we may use your hands or even arms in the portraits and therefore you should always wear black to your baby's newborn session. Then after all this, if your baby is content (hopefully good and sleepy) we will wrap things up with a few artistic baby images such as the baby hammock, an antique bowl, baby cocoon...you never know!

What You need to have with you:

Newborns photograph best in their fresh baby skin. I keep all of the hats, tutu's, baby wraps, antique bowls, bucket, suitcases, furniture and sooo much more on hand to use at your session. If the session Is done at your home I will bring a stash with me so truly the only things you need to provide is a fresh newborn, food and diapers!

The only other thing I recommend you have on hand is an extra shirt for yourself, just a suggestion.... because honestly it's highly possible that you might get peed on. :) And it's much easier to laugh about if you have an extra shirt. :)

Lesley ~ 9 Months

2010-05-30T11:22:00.003-05:00

A sweet Sneak Peak for Ashley & Ben!!!

Like Peanut Butter LOVES Jelly

2010-05-26T23:51:00.008-05:00

Anaston stopped by the studio this morning for her FOUR YEAR session. OK, really her Mom brought her but on with the important stuff... we had a super fun time because not only is she one of my favorite little chickadee's but she is Levi's best best best-est friend. He loves her like peanut butter loves jelly. Of course you KNOW we bribed them.... you give us picture time / we give you play time.... :) Everyone wins.

A NEW Baby Album...HOT off the press!

2010-05-24T12:05:00.016-05:00

A brand New baby album just went out & I just had to share it!

We recently wrapped up Maely's first year of portraits with a custom album to tell her story. She does her part to make the world a cuter place to live and her album captures it all!!!

Oh my goodness, I love this sweet baby! I am going to miss her & her big bubbly blue eyes. (Actually I am going to miss seeing all of you every 3 months!!!)

Thank you for sharing your family with me, It has been a blessing. I love it when baby plans turn into friendships. :)

Jenna as.....

2010-05-05T15:05:00.007-05:00

This is Jenna. Isn't she a doll! Not only is she adorable, she already has a sparkling personality... Which I'm certain she gets from her Mama! She was quite the little character @ her 6 month session....

Chicken Jenna

Monkey Jenna

Shar-pei Jenna

If this doesn't give you a chuckle you need to have your funny bone checked!

Erica & Trey, Thank you for sharing this precious baby with me!

Petite Picasso

2010-04-27T00:15:00.006-05:00

"Every child is an artist." ~Pablo Picasso

When local artist Resa Fleming shared her pendants with me, "Petite Picasso Pendants" as she calls them, I fell in love. I had to have one. It's a pendant that is made from your child's art work. This can be anything from the scribble of a toddler, to the hand writing of a kindergartner, watercolors, finger paintings, or the more refined art of an older child. When I fist caught a glimpse of Resa's own Petite Picasso pendant for the first time, It was dangling from her neck. It was modern, abstract, black & white swirls, totally unique.... I LOVED it (as you know I love black & white). Then she told me it was the art work of her 18 month old son! Get outta town! I had no idea the art was done by a child and she of course was an oh so proud Mama to share something sentimental to her. As previously mentioned I had to have one! So I began to dig through art... you know the trillions and billions of things your kids make for you. Ok maybe you don't keep them ALL, but I do! Every drawing, love note, you name it. I had my heart set on something cool and abstract that no one would know was the handy work of my kiddo but me. However, a week later the piece that just wouldn't let me go was a piece of princes paper Maleah had filled with random sentences when she was 5. A random piece of paper... worthless to most anyone else but priceless to me. Of course I didn't want the paper destroyed, I need to keep it forever. I also do NOT want a pink princess necklace :) So Resa made a black and white copy on art paper to use to create my pendant.

Levi is currently obsessed with drawing zero's so I had him doodle me some red and black zero's on white paper for another "abstract" pendant.

I was so excited when I received my Petite Picasso pendants, LOVE them! And even more excited to say that you can order a Petite Picasso for yourself now at the studio! I can help you through the process of how it works and getting your little one's art work or copies safely to Resa. Don't you just love originality!

Location Scouting with Maleah, Levi & James Dean

2010-04-09T02:47:00.004-05:00

I photograph children almost every day of my life... occasionally I get to photograph my own. When I go out to scout new locations I always try to take them along. This is how my newest session of my own two kiddos came about. I have several shoots coming up this weekend in Nashville so I thought I could prep & snag a few pics of them @ the same time. Now let me take a sec to tell you how I prepare for this... I stopped worrying so intensely about prepping for pictures of my kids a long time ago. I literally waited until about 30 min before I needed to leave to pick Maleah up from school... went into both of their closets and just grabbed a ton of junk. I'm not joking... I seriously just grabbed a huge armful of each of their clothes right off the closet rack & hung them in the back of my SUV. Then I filled a huge bag with shoes, another with accessories, & one last bag with a bottle of wrinkle releasor, a comb, hair spray, wet wipes, and a water bottle. Added all this to the back of my vehicle, then my camera bag, buckled in one cranky little kid who had not had a nap... then Decided in light of this that I needed to go back inside to quickly grab an assortment of snacks! We picked up Maleah from school. She got into the car crying b/c she had had a dreadful day @ school. Dreadful, A word that sums up this 4th grade year for us. With one cranky kid & one sad kid I was thinking that my idea to use them as my location scouting guinea pigs was not going to fly this time.
The first place I had in mind I had only seen from the interstate.... Abandoned colorful old train box cars. I thought they were just wonderfully inspiring, that was until I finally found my way to them & realized that I might not be in the greatest part of Nashville. None the less I circled the block trying to come up with a game plan. On my 3rd trip around the block my senses came to me as I looked beyond the freight cars & nervously noted that I was being stared down by multiple little groups of people. Some sitting on the sidewalks in their lawn chairs & Some on front porches in their lazy boy recliners, with drinks covered in brown paper bags & combs worn in their hair as if to be fashion accessories. Now, I love all people and I'm sure all of them would have treated me neighborly but I couldn't shake the feeling that someone might try to sell me crack, so I sadly ditched my game plan & got the heck out of there.
Where we ended up taking pictures in the end was just perfect & I'm in LOVE with how they turned out. My favorite pictures of my kids in a long time... no contest. They had so much fun checking out a new place and we even introduced Levi to James Dean.... NO JOKE.... You must must must watch the slide-show, If you're paying attention you'll see James Dean for yourself! lol! I am posting it above so watch it... NOW! :) ....... and if you feel the need for a funky urban chic session of your own, email me - ashley@ashleyspearsphotography.com For those of you who have Nashville sessions this weekend ~ Get ready for a fun shoot! I love my job. :)

Mary Brynlee

2010-03-28T23:44:00.004-05:00

Sweet Mary Brynlee! Last week she came for her one year session & wasn't quite herself. Typically she has a bit of flirt to her but not this day. She simply wanted her Mommy!!! (and a few cookies.) We thought maybe it was her teeth bothering her.... She was really putting the vanilla wafers away! We had planned to do "Mommy & Me" pictures also so those went great but all else seemed to be tricky...

The Next day I got an email from Brooke (Mary Brynlee's amazing Mom) that was titled "The reason for NO smiles" That night they discovered the reason for Mary Brynlee's discomfort as they found themselves in the ER with one sick little cookie. :( Recently having been there myself with my own little one I can say It's really scary how quickly things can unravel. I am very thankful that Miss Mary Brynlee has made a speedy recovery & to add that she'll be coming back to the studio this week for a re-do!!! Yay! Complimentary of course!

I'm a mom too, I know what it's like to have a sick little one... the last think any of us Mom's need to worry about is a photo session! Most of the time sessions go perfectly... sometimes there are things that we can not control, or make better... no matter how many cookies we dish out! So for me as the photographer, I'm glad that as a family they think capturing this stage of Mary brynlee's life is as important as I do. I feel blessed to get to say... don't worry about the pictures, we'll get them! I love that I can invite them back to the studio for round two and give a another Mom one less thing to worry about. It also means I get to see this little ham again and who wouldn't love that right?!

Adalyn ~ 18 Months

2010-03-23T00:49:00.005-05:00

I simply love this girl.....

Does she look familiar??? She's the angel baby @ the top of the blog!!!

The angel pictures were done @ her 3 month session. This is her latest session @ 18 months & I am wondering why the time has to fly by???

MY GIRL

2010-03-17T03:01:00.005-05:00

My Sweet girl. It amazes me how when I look at my precious child every day I see my "little" girl looking back at me. But the camera won't play along... the photographs remind me that she is now my "big" girl. They whisper to me that time is fleeting by & I need to slow down and savor these days.

Reese ~ One Year

2010-03-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

After one precious entire year of sessions, this one topped the cake!

I adore this sweet little bear & her Mom, I am going to miss you girls! The one year session is always fun but always sad too, for me!

We ended this one year session with a birthday cake. Fitting right? Of course! It was big fun. White with pink polka-dots. We sat back & let Reese dig in! Me with camera in hand & shutter clicking! The pictures are the most adorable (and messy) you have ever seen! I know Amanda (her beautiful Mom) is anxiously looking forward to seeing these & hoping for a sneak peek.... but I'm sorry.... anticipation is much more fun! See you girls on Thursday!

Where have all the sneak peek's gone???

2010-03-04T01:16:00.002-06:00

Hey Bloggers! Wondering where all the new sneak peeks are? There on the New Facebook Fan page! Are you a fan? There's a link above, come on over to the page and see what your missing... You may find yourself smiling, there are some stinkin cute babies over there!

Wednesday's HOT New Product...

2010-03-03T16:10:00.008-06:00

Story Boards

You asked for it, you got it!

3 of your portraits in one beautiful print.

Already a studio hit, these come in 10x20 and 20x30.

Is it time you did something different on your walls?

Simple Story Board:

Artful Story Board:

Tuesdays HOT new product is.....

2010-03-02T09:36:00.004-06:00

Custom Image Boxes
This is the one and only time it's OK to leave your portraits sitting in a box!

Can't live without a copy of all your beautiful portraits? Now you don't have to! These stunning little boxes come with a 5x7 copy of all your images @ a fabulous collection price point that knocks the socks off purchasing 5x7's a la carte!

New Goods for 2010

2010-03-01T15:15:00.011-06:00

It's finally here, New product week! There are so many new goodies being added to the studio this year and I am excited about all of them. A few have already been showing & selling here @ the studio for the last month and have quickly become popular goods. The fact that you guys are excited makes me excited so I have decided to showcase one new product each day this week here on the blog.

First up:

Picture Jewels

{Custom Portrait Jewelry}

Love, Art, and Fashion Collide here.

A gift that truly captures life.

My personal favorite piece is the oval ring. It's beautiful. I didn't realize how beautiful until I saw it in person. Let me put it like this. If you don't want the person in front of you in the check out line to grab your hand and gasp "How Beautiful!".... "Where did you get this!?".... "Is this your baby!?" ... "Your Kids are Beautiful!".....then this might not be the ring for you. As for me I love it... It's a much nicer way to show off my little ones than having a wild 3 year old in the back of my shopping cart! That gets me a much different look! Mothers Day anyone????

Each piece is beautiful solid sterling silver heirloom quality jewelry. Wait there's more... This is only a sample of the new jewelry line. I have an entire catalog here @ the studio that you can flip through and soak up @ your next session!

Sneak Peek for the Turner Family

2010-03-01T15:06:00.006-06:00

A WILD one it was!!!

2010-02-25T23:07:00.006-06:00

OK, so lets just be honest... Even though it looks easy in all the beautiful pictures.... Sessions do not always go as planned. They are not always easy. Sometimes they are WILD!!! But if you are calm in the face of crazy... if you pay attention and enjoy the moment... you can capture real life and to me It's beautiful. Simply and absolutely beautiful. Real life is not perfect.

This session was no exception. With Suttree who is totally two and doing his own thing and his 4 month old baby bro Ollie it was just a little wild. Later this week, working on their images was such a joy just because I love all of the real emotion and real life in their images. Of course they had many more than these to choose from, but though these are silly and quirky, and so not perfect... These are just the kind of images that I personally would take and make a "wall Collection" in my own home with... I would print them different sizes.... build a wall collection and every single morning when I wake up I would walk past with my sleepy eyes (on my way to the coffee pot) and I would smile. Some days I might even laugh out loud but every day I would smile and think to myself Yep, those are my boys! I would be reminded that love lives at my home, that we have something to smile about because love lives here.

Yep. I want my walls to say that. I need a photo session pronto! This WILD session has reminded me to appreciate real life.

Thank You, Thank You, to the WILD White Family.

Colton ~ 10 Months

2010-02-25T00:27:00.010-06:00

Oh Colton! In just 2 months he'll turn one... and then I will miss him hangin out @ the studio in all my cute hats!

At this session we also did some special portraits for custom first birthday invitations. His party is set to be all about baseball. (since his daddy is a former baseball star) :)

I had a hat made just for Colton & this special occasion and those portraits, oh I love them. His invitations are going to rock. Want to sneak a peak @ some of the birthday portraits???

They are on the NEW FaceBook Fan Page!!!

Click the link to check it out & become a fan! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Spears-Photography/250791079787?ref=mf

Almost a Birthday Girl!

2010-02-18T20:06:00.002-06:00

Mary Brynlee is almost a Birthday Girl!
Mary Brynlee came in last week for a "mini birthday session" so that we can cook up some very special custom birthday invitations. She's a little doll, Her invitations are going to create some smiles!

A Sweet Sneak Peak

2010-02-09T20:05:00.003-06:00

A sweet sneak peak for my newest member of the baby plan.... Virginia Cadence.

Amy & Hartley, Thank you so much for sharing your little doll with me. I do love a baby who loves to wear a hat!

2010 Casting Call

2010-01-31T01:04:00.005-06:00

The 2010 Casting Call

WOO-HOO! A Golden Opportunity!

Ashley Spears Photography is currently looking for Newborns that will be born in the months of February or March to be little models for some of the delicious new 2010 studio designs.

AND a set of Newborn Twins that will be born in February or March also.

All who are selected to participate will receive complimentary sessions and goodies!

Email me @ ashley@ashleyspearsphotography.com or you can always email me directly from the website ashleyspearsphotography.com to request a 2010 little models application if you'd like to participate.

SLOTS ARE LIMITED!

GOOD STUFF

2010-01-30T15:55:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone! I must say I love January! I have been having so much fun!

OK, I love every month for one reason or another but January rocks for a few reasons... (none of which are below freezing temps).....

Each Jan. I get to spend a week @ Imaging USA as a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America). Thousands of professional photographers come together for this rockin event each year to learn, fellowship, check out the latest & greatest in the industry, and of course get inspired. This is something I look forward to every year. As soon as one convention ends I start counting down the days until the next one. You could compare it to the excitement & obsession of a star wars groupie who attends the star wars convention each year only I don't dress up as any character other than myself. I get to meet, talk with and be educated by other artist in the industry who I look up to. It's like dreaming of becoming a music great while your singing your heart out in a little old Nashville hole in the wall & suddenly finding yourself in the same room with Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Sheryl Crow, Tina Turner, Pink, Rob Thomas.... and they are sharing their stories with you..... If you can just imagine. Add to that room old friends, new friends, amazing art, cool new gear, & you have a glimpse of what this experience is like for me. Then, re-charged & very inspired I spend the next couple of weeks focusing on my own studio & my own art. Taking the time to focus on making what I do even better for my clients. This is why I only see baby plan clients in the month on January. We are working on some fabulous changes to the studio & I have been hard at work designing the New 2010 product line. There is good stuff coming I tell you, Good Stuff! I will begin debuting these delicious artsy creations within the next couple of weeks. I hope you will come grow along with me this year, be inspired & live your art!

ASH

Sneak Peak

2010-01-09T09:27:00.007-06:00

Reese @ 9 Months. Times flies by way to fast. Thank goodness the click of a camera can capture these precious stages for us Mommy's to hold onto forever.

Amanda, Thank you for sharing Reese with me.... She is beautiful & precious beyond words.

Sneak Peek ~ Maely 9 Months

2009-12-31T09:48:00.010-06:00

Sweet Maely... Her big blue eyes get me every time! Most of the time I lean towards black & white pics but not with Maely and those big baby blues! She is irresistible.

TOP 10 2009 Chirstmas Cards

2009-12-24T22:17:00.015-06:00

For a merry Christmas post I thought it would be fun to count down my 10 favorite Christmas cards of the 2009 holiday season. This wasn't easy! After all I did put out over twelve hundred Christmas cards this year! That's amazing to me! It was more difficult than I thought it would be to pick only 10. I love designing cards & I can never share them or blog them because this might spoil the fun for the friends & family who are going to be receiving them in the mail. Now that Christmas is here I thought it perfect to share my favorites & add to the fun! Here we go!

#10 #9

#1

Last but not least I wanted to share our family Christmas card. The cards I sent out to my family of clients this yr was very similar to this one that we sent to friends & family.
When it comes to my own Christmas cards, I really get stressed. I feel like everyone expects our family cards to be grand since I'm the "photographer". Last year I changed our cards 3 times and still wish I'd gone with the first one I designed! This year I decided I'd just come up with 2 designs I was happy with and let Nick decide!

Spinning

2009-12-13T01:44:00.005-06:00

As this year is nearing it's close my brain is racing with a thousand different things & I stop to wonder why am I not sharing?!?! I have an obsession with notebooks. I have like a baGillion different ones. I jot things down all over the place. I love unique ones. I picked one up that I was oh so proud of while shopping with my girlfriends in the fall. The front says "She packed up her potential & all she had learned. Grabbed a cute pair of shoes and headed out to change a few things." It has a drawing of a girl carrying a pair of red high heels & a big yellow bag which has a tag that reads "to the world". I was so proud of this notebook. I beamed as I clutched it (it doesn't take much to make me feel happy). My bf turned to me and said "so what will you write in this notebook?" "Oh all sorts of stuff" I proclaimed! I explained how I have so many, keep one on my desk, one in my purse, one in my car, and on and on. That I jot down messages, make to do lists, write down thoughts, ideas & inspirations. She said "so how do you keep up with where you write something down, how do you find it?" Well.....

Like everything else in my life, my notebooks are a bit of beautiful chaos. (Sometimes not so beautiful, but mostly beautiful so we'll go with that.) For the last few months business and life in general has been so busy and chaotic that I have not had time to blog. I have continued to jot things down in my cute little notebooks that I want to blog.... but that's as far as they get because the moments pass by faster than I can spin myself. Have you ever felt like this? Like time is passing so quickly and you're only a spool of thread. A spool that is trying to sew something beautiful and so perfectly but you can only go so fast and in so many different directions. I love that by pushing myself I learn new things about myself. New things about life. I love that by pushing yourself to the limit and then going beyond your comfort zone... that is the place where you create something brand new. Where you find inspiration & make things happen. I love the quote that says:

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right"

True.

That said, It's also wise... to know when enough is enough. To know when to let go. When you go beyond your limit... this isn't just where magic happens, it's also where "whoops" happens. That's OK because the smart girl knows that "whoops" is a good thing. "Whoops" allows you to make yourself better. From "whoops" can come good change. If you're able to let go of the oops and make change happen.

I myself find myself in quite a spot. 2009 has been nothing short of extraordinary. My family has been an entire year happy & healthy. That alone is worth celebrating. Business has grown in ways that I did dare to imagine but seeing it actually happen... living it... has been amazing, exciting, and humbling. The "Zam I Am" framing line came to life this year & has been very well received. On top of these things I also began selling the angel wings I use here @ the studio on etsy.com. I make these myself with the help of my fabulous hubby. They began selling quickly. Our bonus room remains covered in feathers. This grew into the addition of tutus and now templates for holiday cards, birth announcements, & birthday invitations which I sell directly to photographers across the country & even a few in Canada! Exciting? YES! Overwhelming? YES!

Wondering where the WHOOPS is coming? Keep reading...

In the fall with the addition of the new website my wheels began to turn again. I thought to myself, before I was a children's photographer I didn't know I'd be good @ it. What other kinds of photography could I fall in love with?

So... I decided to stick my toes into wedding photography.

I added this to the new website. I instantly started receiving calls & booking consults. Exciting? Yes, but not for long. Maybe it could be good, but my heart belongs to babies. I LOVE baby & Children's photography. This is me. Self already found. The year coming to an end has me reflecting. Direction is good. Focus is good.
At the same time I bought that cute little notebook I also purchased a fabulous quote book. There's a quote inside that reads- "We should cultivate the ability to say no to activities for which we have no time. If we learn how to say no to many things, then we will be able to say yes to the things that matter most." (Roy Blauss)
With clarity I will yet again make a change. The wedding section of the website will soon be coming down. All so that I can say yes to the things that matter most to me. My family and specializing in baby and children's portrait photography! I am already so excited to see what wonderful things will come in 2010!

My Kiddo's

2009-12-08T20:19:00.006-06:00

I am grieving the loss of fall weather. I think it's officially gone. Rightfully so since it is December! I love outdoor sessions. I will miss them dearly until they return come spring. As Christmas sessions and Christmas orders are wrapping up and things at the studio begin to return to normal my my thoughts are turning to my own holiday celebrations & festivities. I love this time of year! In the midst of busy season I did manage to get in a session of my own Children for our Christmas cards. This was about a month ago but I thought I share a few with you. Photographing my own Children is a million times harder than anyone else's Children on the planet! (Mostly thanks to Levi!)

Colton ~ 6 Months

2009-11-25T00:29:00.005-06:00

If these sweet portraits don't put a smile on your face I just don't know what will!

This first one is enough to make me want to climb up into my attic and yank out my Christmas tree, string some popcorn, make hot chocolate, & sing Christmas carols!

Too Much??? Well then we'll just say it puts me in the Holiday spirit.... The others make me feel just plain happy & miss when my little guy was this little!

Tim & Amy, Thank you for letting me share your joy & tell your family's story! 6 months is my favorite baby age. I love them all but this is my most favorite baby stage! So much fun & Colton did his part to keep my favorite going strong.

He was all over the place, by the time they come back for his 9 month session It's going to be a wild adventure! I love it!

Fresh New Favorites!

2009-11-25T00:13:00.016-06:00

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

2009-11-21T00:23:00.003-06:00

WOW! Today I am in shock & awe.

Ashley Spears Photography has been voted the 2009 "Best" Children's Photographer by Sumner Parent Magazine!

That's Me! I can't believe it! I know I'm using a lot of exclamation marks here but that's how I feel!!!!

All thanks to you wonderful moms who voted for me! I am overwhelmed with gratitude. From the bottom to the top of my heart I thank you. As a mom myself I know that we moms have more than a million things to do... so the fact that you took the time to go to the Nashville Parent website & vote for me is overwhelming. I am so blessed. Thank You!

Let me just tell you how I found out this exciting news...

Earlier this week I received an email from Nashville parent about something completely un-related... At the bottom of the email was one tiny little sentence that went something like "Oh, by the way congrats on being 2009's best photographer voted by Sumner parent readers." I felt very confused. Part of me was very excited. Another part of me thought "No way....get out of town!" So today as I left Kroger with my kids (we go there for the car buggy & free cookies) I told Maleah to grab one of those Sumner Parent Magazines. As I loaded the groceries I told her to get in & flip through it to see if she could find a page that said something like "2009 Best of Parenting Winners". She gave me a weird look & began flipping through the pages. As she turned each page she grumbled "I don't know what I'm looking for." Until silence... then she said "I think I found it." She held up the magazine. "Yep, that's it I said... Now scroll down & look for it to say children's photographer." A second later she said "OK, found it". I looked up at her just sitting there... "Well... what does it say under Children's Photographer???" She looked back down, fumbled to find her place and suddenly she looked back up at me, saying nothing just peering at me over the seat with 2 brown eyes as big as silver dollars. I knew.

I knew it said my name & hot tears began to flood down my cheeks. Followed by a quick little dance in the parking lot which I am certain the other Kroger shoppers enjoyed. Maleah finally said "You gotta call Daddy."

Now I know It's not like I just won an Academy Award... but every little bit of my work comes from the heart and to be recognized in the area in which I live and work for doing nothing but what comes from the heart is just overwhelming. I am overwhelmed with appreciation for all of you. For allowing me to do what comes from my heart.

Then I got into my car & it would not start. All I could do is laugh. From the back seat Maleah said "Well, Now you really need to call Daddy."

Sibling Love

2009-11-18T09:44:00.010-06:00

We've all heard the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words." If that's the case then these are surly worth a million!

I am in love with the story they tell. Maybe it's because for those of us lucky enough to be a sibling (like me) it's a story that we know very well!

Preston & Ella, thank you for making my heart happy this week and making me laugh out loud!

If you haven't already, Watch their slide-show above... The story is even better in motion!

Appreciation

2009-11-16T14:21:00.003-06:00

I've said it before but I'll say it again... It's crazy here! Very Crazy. Good kinda crazy that I'm thankful for. While business being crazy is a good thing and a home with kids that's crazy is a normal thing, I myself prefer to NOT go completely crazy. Most days crazy is where I live & I'm OK with being a little crazy because normal is SO over-rated. There are quite a few people who help to keep ME from going completely crazy but one little girl more than any other.

Of course it's my Maleah Grace a.k.a our mother hen. Last wk I wanted to take her to do something special just the two of us. To let her know how much I appreciate her helpfulness & how wonderful she is with Levi.

We went Ice skating @ the Nashville sports plex. It was so much fun, We are still talking about it. I have not been since I was a teenager! She went Ice skating with some friends last year but had never been to the sports plex. We had the entire rink all to ourselves for over an hour and a half! She's pretty good. I was proud of her for being so brave not that it surprised me. She did fall a couple of times but always laughed & got back up. I somehow did not fall, not even once! (Yes, I did let go of the wall!) We decided we'd love to take lessons together... How fun would that be!

It was wonderful to get away from the crazy and just spend a day with my girl.

I love love love my job. That's no secret and the busier it gets the harder it is to find balance, to prioritize, to be everything to everyone. Sometimes you just need a time out. Sometimes you just need to stop and appreciate. Time to be undivided and fully present with those we love & appreciate. It stinks that we have to remind ourselves to do this but that's life. I recently read this... "Saying I don't have time is the same thing as saying I don't want to."

I don't remember where I read it but It hasn't left me. At first it really ruffled my feathers. I felt a twinge of anger at that thought because I really don't have time to do all of the things I want to do. Then I had time to process the quote and really honestly... complete honesty... We make time for the things we really want to do.

Meet Molly

2009-11-06T00:10:00.006-06:00

Meet Molly....Is she not a doll!?! She was one of my favorite tot's last fall and I was so excited for her to come back this year. Quite simply, to know her is to love her. She is as smart & sweet as she is beautiful. She's got an eye for fashion too. She brought a special necklace & let me wear it while I took her pictures....

Margaret & Brett, Thank you for sharing your precious little love with me!

Molly, Thank you for sharing your necklace & your smiles. Hope you had fun @ build a bear!

HaLlOwEeN

2009-11-02T23:26:00.007-06:00

CRUELLA DEVILLE and our ONE & ONLY one hundred & one DALMATION!

Just a few favorites...

2009-10-23T11:07:00.015-05:00

Hi Everyone! I am back to the blog world! I had to take a bit of a break once getting the new site up & running in my effort to spend as much time with my family as I do in front of this computer! It's a tough balancing act! The last couple of years have shown October to be the busiest portrait month of the year & this year is no different. I am so proud to say that sessions have tripled from last year & I have just a few slots left open for November. It's an exciting balancing act... Is there such a thing as balance? Well I'm striving for it anyhow! Thank you all so much for all the complimentary emails regarding the new website & for passing it along to family & friends. I appreciate you all so much! Getting back into the blog swing I just wanted to share a few of my favorite images from the last couple of wks...

Christmas Cards

2009-10-20T21:21:00.005-05:00

Christmas Card Promo

It's simple as pie. (I love pie)

Everyone who signs up to be a follower on this blog will receive 40% off all Christmas card orders!

Send Out Smiles this Holiday Season!

I have only a few November slots left open, Call or email me today if you'd like a portrait appointment. Want to use portraits from a session earlier this year? Call or email me to ask about this option, chances are it's easy as pie!
Last day to place Christmas card orders will be December 1st.

NEW SITE! ashleyspearsphotography.com

2009-10-03T21:29:00.004-05:00

The ALL NEW WEBSITE is ready for you!

All New Site ~ Same address

ashleyspearsphotography.com

New portrait galleries, Video, Product Showcase & So much more.

It Rocks ~ GO SEE NOW!

*Wedding slide-shows have been moved to the new website.

From a Shack to a Mansion

2009-09-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

I'm a ball of anticipation, a sack of nerves, sleep deprived & BEYOND EXCITED. Why? Well, drum roll please... the brand spankin new web site is going live later this week!!! (It will be there by the end of the week if it kills me!) I say this not only to let you in on the exciting new site unveiling but that if the old & new sites are both down for a period of time this week you will know why.

About that old site, yep it's old. Actually it's a dinosaur in web years. I am ready for it to go but I find a part of myself a little sad. Kind of like when you move out of an old house & into a new one. I suppose if that's the comparison I'm going with here then it's going to be more like moving out of a shack & into a mansion! Yay! Get ready it's coming soon!

My Encounter With the Cutest Teeth Ever...

2009-09-22T22:02:00.007-05:00

At Brandi & Kenneth's wedding I met the the Christianson family. The whole family is just beautiful but it was their tot Isak who took the cake. He flashed me his grin & I swear those were the cutest little teeth I have ever seen!
(I got a little camera happy.)

I was quite excited this evening when I received a sweet proud dad face book message from John asking if I had gotten any good pictures of his son Isak that I could share. I had to come post them right away!

It was truly wonderful to meet you guys, I hope you enJOY the pics! Thanks for letting me play paparazzi!

Wedding Bliss

2009-09-21T22:44:00.018-05:00

HOORAY! HOORAY!
The much anticipated wedding sneak peek is finally here!

Congrats Brandi & Kenneth! May your love for each other surpass what your heart can hold year after year.

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this monumental day in your life. I can not tell you how hard it is for me to choose the pics to sneak peek here! I am a smidgen partial. (For those of you who don't know, Brandi & I have been friends since elementary school. Back when we had teased hair in side ponytails & wore neon plastic t-shirt ties.) I know the rain threw you both through a loop on your wedding day but you'd never know from your portraits. There isn't a cloud grey enough to damper how beautiful you looked.

The entire wedding Slide-Show will be posted here on the blog very SOON!

Marvel

2009-09-12T12:05:00.002-05:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet & alone with the heavens, nature & God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be & that God wishes us happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. -Anne Frank

Side note from ASH: OR you could go marvel @ nature with your girlfriends!

Hello from CO!

2009-09-11T17:54:00.011-05:00

Wow, It's beautiful here! Simply beautiful & the weather... fabulous. I wish I could bring it home with me! 70 degrees today.

I thought I'd just share with ya'll how our trip has started. My best in the world little bro picked all of us up to head to the airport. We borrowed my moms van (thanks mom). We stopped for gas. When he hopped back in, the van WOULD NOT START! We were already running behind, of course. So we were experiencing mild panic.

The guy running this fine gas station pulled up his truck & out his jumper cables. He hooked it up & nothing. One of the girls called her husband to come 911!!! He arrived & thought maybe the jumper cables were not hooked up correctly. He moved them & saved the day! Thanks Justin!

(Late or not, there is always time for a quick pic!)

Zac then drove us like a pro speed demon (a very responsible speed demon of course) to the airport. While he drove we sang to him because his birthday is tomorrow. He looked embarrassed & a tiny bit flustered but I know he loved it a lot. Love you Zac. Happy birthday, you ROCK!

We made it in plenty of time to grab smoothies & coffee. :)

Thank you Zac, Thank you mapco guy, Thank you Justin... with out you we would not be having a fabulous time right now.

Yep, It's time!

2009-09-08T23:45:00.008-05:00

JOY, JOY! Christmas cards are here! If you love Christmas season half as much as I do, this is exciting. I wanted to share with you just a few of this seasons new card options as well as 2 favorites from last year. There will be more new cards coming over the next couple of weeks. The very best month for Christmas card sessions is October. (The most popular portrait month of the year & Also happens to be family portrait month. :) I am booking these sessions NOW! The very last day for Christmas card sessions will be Nov. 14th. Friday & Saturday appointments are already filling up. After much request I have decided to open up a couple of Sunday options. The Sunday options will be October 11th & 18th. These October sessions are the most popular for a reason... They are stunning! There couldn't be a better time for out side sessions.

You've only got a few remaining weeks if you want to book an out-door session this year!

Last years popular tri-fold card:

outside
inside:

NS+AS= BIG LOVE

2009-09-03T00:56:00.004-05:00

Just sitting here @ my desk processing orders. It's 1 a.m. and I'm thinking I need to go to bed. I have a very exciting on location shoot in the morning. Just as I am about to get up, I look down. This is what my eyes see...

My hubby doodled this on my desk. How could I have been sitting here for the last hour & not noticed? I must be sleepy. Now I am sleepy & happy. Very Very Happy. I love him for a million reasons but it's the small stuff that really gets me. Small stuff like a middle school doodle on my desk. Wonder what I could do to make it permanent?

An opportunity knocking & Mom's gone wild...

2009-09-01T16:20:00.005-05:00

I am very blessed to have a fabulous group of girlfriends. My girlfriend Rachel & I have a long time pact that we will never let each other drive a mini van. Let me pause to say this, there is NOTHING wrong with driving a mini van. My Husband reminds me all the time that he would love for us to have a mini van, He even convinced me to go see the new Town & Country vans when they first busted out the new model with the pop up table in the back. You know the one. He thinks being able to play UNO @ a table in your car while it's moving is the coolest thing since sliced bread. I however happen to feel that I am not a mini van Mama. The cross-overs are not so bad but a full fledged mini van is just not for me. I also feel this way about small cars. My BF Rachel share's my feelings about the mini so we made a pact to never buy one.

I along with 7 of my girlfriends are going on a little girls trip to Colorado. About a month ago we had a planning meeting @ the Cheese Cake Factory. As we discussed travel & hotels it occurred to us that we'd need to get a rental car. We would need a big car. As the cheese cake went to my brain It hit me... We could rent a mini van! It would be an adventure! We laughed and joked that we'd be moms gone wild. We could all hang our heads out the windows & make the budget rental guy take our picture... post it to the blog... It would be a hoot. Only I also knew that the 2 girls in our group who don't have kids would NOT think it was funny or an adventure. I was right. So we rented our Mini, they rented a car, & we're all set to rock & roll! We leave next week!
Why the trip? Well, another of our girlfriends is getting married. There couldn't be a better excuse for a girls trip. As if that's not enough to be excited about I have more to anticipate. This is also a great opportunity for me because I will be the wedding photographer! I feel honored to have been asked to this task. I have been asked to photograph several weddings over the last couple of years & have declined in order to keep my creative focus on children. I now find myself in a wonderful exciting spot where my business has grown, my roots in the portrait business are stronger, my foundation that I have built with babies & children is strong, & I feel ready to branch out. Ready to expand. Ready to grow. Is wedding photography what's next for me? I feel like photographing this wedding next weekend in CO is a wonderful opportunity for me to see. Is this my first wedding to photograph? No, but it will be the first since I have begun playing with the idea of expanding my business to this avenue. I am a firm believer that when opportunity knocks you should open the darn door. I am beyond excited about this opportunity for me to explore my creativity and getting to do it for & with my girlfriends... well that's huge icing. HUGE!

Picture Pause

2009-08-26T15:30:00.006-05:00

I am buzzing around here with excitement. So many new changes and wonderful things coming up. {well, preschool did not work out & that's not wonderful but a different story!} I am not going to be posting many pics over the next couple of wks. I will still be hard @ work and I swear I am not trying to hold out on you! As previously mentioned I am getting ready to bust out a new website next month & I'm saving up my new goods! To say that I am excited about this would be an understatement. Sooooo feel free to anticipate with me! There is allot in store. I will still be hanging out here on the blog & twitter chatting away... I will just be rambling about personal & random junk instead of dishing out new images. I am going to keep those locked away in my secret treasure chest until the launch of the new site. Who knows it could be fun. I have been previously challenged by a fellow photographer to share more of me {my personal life} here on the blog so here we go... I'm finally taking the challenge. :) Maybe I should apologize in advance! LoL!

25 things you may or may not know about me that have nothing to do with photography:

1. Before photography I was a L.M.T (aka a massage therapist.), before that I worked in payroll, before that I worked for a bank, before that I went to WKU in hopes of becoming a High School Teacher ( a short lived dream). THANK GOODNESS I found myself!

2. Nick is my soul mate. We have lots of inside jokes.

3. We dated for 1 week in high school & didn't like each other one bit. He thought I was a square. I thought he was crazy. Who knew crazy squared could be so perfect.

4. He proposed to me on the jumbo-tron @ a Titans game. When I read it I thought there were 2 other love birds there with the same name! Then I saw the ring!

5. I ate an oyster once, I'll never eat another.

5. I think Ketchup makes almost everything taste good... not oysters.

6. I have issues with Starbucks. White Chocolate Mocha with non-fat milk & no whip makes me weak.

7. Fall is my favorite season, so I'm starting to get antsy.

8. I think fresh air & sunshine are good medicine.

9. I'm not an animal person. (Please don't hate me, it's the way God made me!)

10. Red makes me really happy. Petal pink makes me gag. (When it comes to babies & little girls petal pink is a different story.)

11. I have been out of the country 6 times.

12. I would love to have a vacation home in Belize or Cabo. For kicks Nick & I search for our dream home in Belize. We do this regularly. Maybe someday we'll get to do it for real!

13. I LOVE to snow ski.

14. When I was a kid I ran away from home once. However, I didn't go beyond our back yard because my Mother dared me not to cross the property line.

15. I broke the windshield of a car with my face when I was in high school. Got to live @ Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, now have a crooked smile, live to tell the tale.

16. I can say with full confidence that I will never win a spelling bee.

17. 3 things on my bucket list: Drive across the country with no plan, color my hair blond, go to Italy.

18. I would never question the big guy upstairs but I believe I was really supposed to be in high school in the 80's.

19. I think bottled water is a HUGE waste of $.... I am still trying to find a way to reason my favorite $4.70 Starbucks, as I said I have issues.

20. I'm a night owl.

21. I am highly anticipating the new seasons of Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice. (If not for DVR I'd never get to see anything!)

22. Y&R is my little vice. I've been watching since childhood when I stayed with my Grandmother.

23. I dance like Elaine on Seinfeld.

24. My homemade Apple Pie won first place in the county fair one year.

25. On the last night of our Honeymoon (at the Atlantis ), After dinner & a quick trip to the restroom Nick & I headed to the Casino. We walked hand in hand with big cheesy grins on our faces. People stared and I thought we must look really happy. Half way through the Casino a lady working there ran up behind me & wrapped her arms around me. I was scared! Followed by extreme humiliation as she informed me that the back of my skirt was tucked into my undies all the way across the back. I won't go into what kind of undies I had on... (It was my Honeymoon). There is a long list but this still stands as the most embarrassing moment of my life.

Letting Go & Letting God.

2009-08-26T14:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning I started my day as usual a prayer, coffee, & a moment to collect my thoughts. I felt overwhelmed as I looked over my to-do list. As I prayed I gave it to God and vowed to just let go & let God. When last night rolled around I had not checked nearly enough things off my list. I felt panic. I then vowed that I would NOT go to bed until everything was checked off my list. At 11:30 my hubby suggested I come to bed, then warned me how cranky I'd be today. Somewhere around 1:11 I fell asleep for a moment at my desk waiting for a batch of pics to process. Then @ 3:06 my whole computer suddenly shut down. No joke. I hadn't saved anything since about 1 am. I lost some of the work I had done. I was too tired to care. I reached to turn it back on and then it occurred to me that occasionally God does give us a big fat shout out if only we'd listen. I had been given plenty of little nudges over the last 4 hours. Could be his way of holding me to my 1st promise of the day. I went to bed.

God often visits, but most of the time we are not at home. ~French Proverb

Turquoise Earrings

2009-08-21T18:41:00.005-05:00

My Nephew Tanner had surgery this past Wednesday. Shortly after I gathered with our family @ Vanderbilt, I received a phone call that started my day on a downward spiral. It didn't stop there, the hits just kept on coming. I had the worst day I have had in a long time. I won't get into why for one reason- it doesn't matter. All the junk that went wrong for my family was pale in comparison to what Kim & Bryan were going through with Tanner.

That night when Tanner was finally in recovery and doing well, we all breathed a sigh of relief, thanked the Lord, and went home. Except baby Tanner, Kim, & Bryan. When I left the hospital Kim was rocking Tanner in the recovery room. He was fighting to hold his eyes open. He wanted to cry and would get out a few whimpers but didn't have it in him. Cords and wires dangled from all amidst his little body. The 3 of them prepared for a long night.

I came home exhausted, cried a river, dealt with my own drama, and happily crawled into my wonderful bed.

The next morning I returned to the hospital anxious for the night's report. Kim met me in the hallway to lead me to his room in the NICU. She looked amazing for someone with no sleep, privacy, or peace. Tanner, standing up in his bed grinned @ me from ear to ear when we entered the room... OK really he was grinning from ear to ear @ his fabulous mom but we'll pretend. It was only a moment before he was insisting to get out of the crib. Visibly exhausted they took turns trying to contain him as he was still hooked up to a dozen wires, including an IV in his foot. As Kim held him in the rocking chair and tried to calm him she suddenly remembered something. She turned to Bryan saying "Hey Honey, Get that bag!" He looked down at their pile of overnight bags, Tanners things & her purse. She looked at him & said "You know "the" bag. He quickly turned grabbing a small clear bag filled with colorful tissue paper and curly ribbons. As soon as he handed it to her she shoved it towards me along with a beaming smile. Surprised I questioned her. "It's just a little something I got for you because you had such a rough day yesterday." she said ARE YOU KIDDING???? no, she was not kidding. Inside the bag was a beautiful pair of turquoise blue earrings that we had eyed together in the gift shop the day before. She was so excited that they just so happened to match the outfit I had on. I was blown away. Simply blown away. In the midst of worrying about her sweet boy, comforting him, coping, stressing, and no rest she was worrying about cheering me up!

People like this are rare. Heck, if you've ever met Kim you know that there is NO one like her. Not even close. but I tell this story because we should be.

I am not only urging you, I am reminding myself- Do something kind for someone else today for no other reason than the desire to make their day better, their load lighter, their world brighter.

*You can not do a kindness too soon, you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Emerson

* Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle. ~Watson

*I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. ~William Penn

* No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

*** Tanner update:

He's had a rough day, they all have. Tanner is still in NICU. He has been throwing up & running a fever since Thurs. night. They say the 3rd day is the worst so we are hoping for a better tomorrow. They are staying positive & hopeful he will get to move to a regular room tomorrow.

Prayers Please

2009-08-19T08:55:00.001-05:00

Tanner is having his next surgery today @ Vandy. Please pray for him, kim, bryan, & his big bro Graham.

Thanks to new software.

2009-08-14T00:32:00.003-05:00

I just signed on for some new program software. I was asked to select my age & given the following 3 options:

18-27

28-35

36-49

Apparently 5 days ago on my fabulous b-day I became middle aged. I didn't know.

I would just like to say thanks to my new software company.