Ben Finch Photography » Maternity

Tara Love Carter {Fashion Maternity | Athens, TN}

Ben Finch — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:00:41 +0000

When Tara & I discussed her maternity session, we immediately connected as she explained that she wanted a maternity shoot that reflected her style & love for glamour. I had so many ideas instantly come to mind. Then, she totally caught me off guard when she said that she was a Photography major from Florida State University. Say what? I had no idea. I quickly reminded her that I have no formal training in photography & that I would likely break all the rules in the book. Thankfully, she was game!

This past Wednesday, Tara & her husband, Allen, came by the studio for her maternity session. The Carters are expecting their first child, a little girl to be named Povey Love, due mid-April. Tara spoke with excitement as she talked about this upcoming state of life. And we had a great time in & around the studio. Tara was so patient & I really enjoyed taking our time. And let’s just admit… she rocked it out!!! I’ll refrain from further commentary; they’re pretty much all my favorites!

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The following were taken just outside of the studio in our courtyard… yeah!!!

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The Carrolls {Lifestyle Maternity Session | Athens, TN}

Alan & Jenn — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:25:43 +0000

I love the opportunity to photograph families. More often than not, one family session will lead to another. Pretty soon, you feel like a part of the family. Such is the case with Nate and Chrissy. Several months ago you may remember Jennifer and I photographing Nick and Cassie’s wedding. You may have also noticed that one of the bridesmaids was pregnant at the time. That was Cassie’s sister Chrissy. Fast forward a few months, and Jennifer and I were honored recently to take maternity photos for Chrissy and her husband Nate. We started out for a few at the local college, and then moved to a farm with a beautiful view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Just as during Cassie’s wedding, it was more than a little warm outside, but Chrissy did great! I believe we even had Nate enjoying himself! Congratulations you two…we can’t wait to meet baby Major!

As a side note, these images were taken almost two weeks ago. We had to stall getting a preview out because Cassie was planning to surprise Chrissy with the images at a baby shower. Too cool! However, it was SO hard to keep finding excuses as to why we hadn’t posted the blog preview. I can safely say now, though, that the waiting and stalling were worth it; Chrissy was completely surprised at her shower! Also, if you’re wondering if it’s hard to keep the names Chrissy and Cassie separate (especially when you’ve photographed both of them), it is! However, I think we only mixed it up twice during the maternity shoot…hopefully we’ll be forgiven for this!

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I love these two of Chrissy!

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On the right hand image, Chrissy is actually laughing hysterically at some nearby cows; they were making quite a fuss!

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As the sun set, some off camera light allowed us to capture the fading sky.

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The Nations {Lifestyle Maternity Session | Athens, TN}

Ben Finch — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:25 +0000

Let me start by saying that I love this family. You may know the Nations by now. Alison is a very talented graphic designer who is responsible for putting her signature craft on Ben Finch Photography wedding albums as well as design work for The Visible Group. Her husband, Don, is a police officer who keeps the neighborhood straight. My boys love it when they see those flashing lights!

You may have seen their first session almost two years ago (on the old blog) when she & her husband, Don, were preparing for their first little one, Capri. Then, when Capri was a newborn, I visited their home for their newborn session. It seems unreal how much Capri has grown. The Nations are now getting very excited about the soon arrival of Campbell Nolan Boyd Nation. We spent the morning together capturing this season of their life. We began the session at their home.

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Whew… I better get used to this. Capri really enjoyed getting her toenails painted.

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I’m not normally a cat person, but Amos is one cool cat!

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Next, we ventured down to Veteran’s Park for a leisurely walk.

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Look at that beautiful red hair… carrot top!

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It was time for Capri to go to school so I went with Don & Alison to the new park outside of E.G. Fisher Library. They are so much fun together!

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Congrats Nation family! Can’t wait to meet little Camp.

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The Neills {Lifestyle Maternity Shoot | Watts Bar Lake, TN}

Ben Finch — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:05:01 +0000

I’ve known Mandy for as long as I can recall. We grew up in the same neighborhood & in the summer, me & my friend Tyler Mayo would show up at her house. We’d knock on her door on those early summer mornings, only to be greeted by her mother, who would politely invite us inside for brownies & milk. We’d find ourselves sitting in her parent’s living room for several more hours until she woke up around lunchtime & we could finally hang out. This became somewhat routine for us.

My oh my how things change. I still love brownies & milk, by the way, but now we find ourselves with our own little families. It was so much fun to meet up with Mandy, her husband Gantt, & their little boy Owen last Tuesday while they were in town from Nashville for the fourth of July. Plus, they are expecting their second child soon & we wanted to capture this current season of life. We spent the morning at her families lake house reminiscing about old days & looking forward to the fun times ahead. Soon, we’ll have kids showing up at our doorsteps wanting to play with our kids.

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A boy & his dad!!!

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These are some of my favorites… loved seeing Mandy & Owen interact.

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What a good looking family!

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I’m officially jealous of Owen’s hair.

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Jason & Jessie {Lifestyle Maternity Session}

Ben Finch — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:00:30 +0000

It seems I’ve been on a bit of a sabbatical from my blog & other social media… sometimes a brotha’ just needs a break; know what I mean?! But don’t worry, I’ve been working like crazy (& possibly going a bit crazy too)!

Aside from a numerous photography projects (several of which I’m unable to release yet), it’s been a fun & challenging season being entrenched in design work. I generally take on a few design projects around January-March in what you would think would be slower months… not exactly the case this year, thankfully! Lately, I’ve completed several new branding & corporate identity projects, as well as some promotional collateral. Of exciting news, this upcoming Saturday, Joy & I get to dress up fancy & attend the 2011 Addy Awards (AAF: American Advertising Federation). I entered several pieces this year & I received word that I won a number of awards. Praise-a-lujah!

Now, for the good stuff! Since before Christmas when Jessie’s mom, Lynette, came by & purchased a Session Gift Card for Jason & Jessie, I’ve been eager to do this session. Yesterday morning I met up with the couple at their home where Jason & Jessie are expecting their first child at the end of March. Around this time next month, their new life will commence & they’ll bring home their little boy, Jack. Love that name (nickname of one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis)! It was a privilege to visit the Lovingood’s in their home & see how they’ve prepare to welcome him home. Here’s a peek:

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Jessie’s grandmother quilted this blanket for Jack… such a special keepsake (L). And the mobile above his crib (R).

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The nursery was incredible!

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Jessie’s dad works for the Electric Company; he was quite proud of this bucket truck. This pics for you Greg!

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We ventured into their backyard for some pics… the lighting was perfect. Really love these; their personalities begin to come forth.

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Jessie looks great!

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Of course we had to make a trip downtown… a quick visit to a personal favorite, Greeks Bearing Gifts. We forgot they were closed on Wednesday so we opted for a bit of window shopping.

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One of my favorites!

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By a landslide, here are my favorites!

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What a great couple! I can’t wait to meet Jack & see Jason & Jessie begin this new chapter of their lives. Congrats Lovingood family!

The Bohannons {Lifestyle Session}

Ben Finch — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:43:18 +0000

When I first met the Bohannon family I felt immediately connected. Kim is one of the most personable & welcoming persons I’ve met. Eddie is such a kind & considerate man who is always careful to make sure you’re taken care of. Then there’s Isaac who seems years ahead of his age… he’s a highly intelligent guy. And, 16 month old Jonathan is rarely without a smile; he’s a happy boy!

You may recall this incredible family from a few previous sessions. It was my pleasure to photograph Kim & her family about 18 months ago when she was pregnant with Jonathan… here’s a quick recap:

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Then, upon Jonathan’s arrival, I was able to capture that little guy just a few weeks after his birth. Here’s his birth announcement:

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Several days ago Kim contacted me & let me know it was that time. She & Eddie are expecting again & wanted me to come out & spend some time capturing this season of life… before it all changes again! It’s such a pleasure to hang with the Bohannons!

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Can you believe how much Jonathan has grown?

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It’s neat to see Isaac & Eddie interact… such a great insight as to how I want to interact with my boys. Here they are in their element!

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Kim is such an incredible mom; I don’t even see how it’s possible that she home-schools Isaac while having this little guy running around.

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Isaac plays both the piano & the guitar. And, might I say that he is quite good at both! Being a guitar player myself, I had to get some pics of him playing. As I photographed him I said, “Isaac, these are your cd cover pics!”

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It was as though Jonathan was expecting me to follow him… he leaned up against the stairwell & let out a big grin.

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Just as you step outside the of their home, this is the view. Here, Jonathan had a strong grip on Isaac’s hair.

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The view of their home from the road.

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My favorite of the day… the Bohannon family!

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Micki & Brian | Lifestyle Maternity Session

Ben Finch — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:38:46 +0000

I suppose I’ve known Micki since we were freshmen in high school. She’s always been a wonderful friend & a consistent encourager & her family is absolutely top-class. A few years ago I was able to meet her husband, Brian, whom I had heard so many good things about. I remember the occasion when we met: Joy & I had just moved back to Athens, TN & lived just a block off the historic downtown square. We found ourselves window shopping & taking a leisurely stroll around town when all of a sudden I hear, “BEN FINCH!!” I turned around & Micki was yelling my name as her & Brian pulled the car over. It was a fun memory & we were able to meet one another’s spouses. They’re great folks & we enjoy every opportunity we have to hang out with them.

It looks like Micki & Brian Key will be busy in the near future. They were surprised several months ago when informed that not only are they pregnant, but pregnant with twin boys. I can only imagine the sense of exhilaration & shock that must accompany such news. I had always heard that twins usually skip a generation or two but not in this case, since Brian has a twin as well. I’ll show you more, but Micki & Brian have been preparing their hearts & home for their little guys: Sullivan Alexander & Lucas Emerson. They are 29 weeks along & I was eager to spend some time capturing this stage of life. I had a wonderful time in their new home, which by the way, is gorgeous (I was having some serious architecture design envy). Speaking of envy, they have 3 dogs: Ace, Charley, & Stuart. And, can you believe it!?!? Ace is a Weimaraner. I love Weimaraners. No kidding… call it a fantasy if you will, but I really want a Weimaraner named Hank. He’d be my sidekick, my wingman… like Conan & Andy, Dave & Paul, Wayne & Garth, Batman & Robbin, Mario & Luigi, Milli & Vanilli… you get the point! I’ll just put it out there: I will work for a Weimaraner. Pass it on!

Back on track… here are some fav’s:

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The nursery is really fun… it’s neat to see two of everything!

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Micki can already distinguish between the two boys… she says Sully is the wild man, always active.

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And Lucas has a more passive & easy-going personality.

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They told me about Skippyjon Jones… a cat who thinks he is a Chihuahua… right down my alley. I’m certainly going to have to get a copy.

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Doesn’t Micki look great!

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The view from up here!

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A photo of Brian & his brother… a preview of what’s to come.

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This is probably my favorite photo from the day!

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The dogs were loving the opportunity to be on the bed!

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Here’s Charley… a friendly & curious little guy.

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And Ace… thinks he is a lap dog & must be touching people at all times!

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And Stuart… I kept thinking he was going to start talking to me in a deep male’s voice.

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What a great time with the Key family! Thanks friends for such a fun opportunity & we can’t wait to meet Sully & Lucas!!

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