Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer: Blog https://www.leighphotos.com/blog en-us Michelle Leigh Photography (Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:16:00 GMT Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:16:00 GMT https://www.leighphotos.com/img/s/v-12/u801803132-o96996503-50.jpg Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer: Blog https://www.leighphotos.com/blog 78 120 Ashley's Senior Session at Concord Park https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/ashleys-senior-session-at-concord-park Another beautiful young lady finishing high school next month. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer high school senior portraits" knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/ashleys-senior-session-at-concord-park Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:15:39 GMT
Cindi's Studio Maternity Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/cindis-studio-maternity-portraits When mom says I want to do something different for my maternity portraits and embrace the belly since it's my last baby, then yes let us embrace the belly! I loved every minute of it. Stunning lady and priceless portraits. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity pictures maternity portraits pregnancy pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/cindis-studio-maternity-portraits Thu, 07 Apr 2022 23:36:06 GMT
Baby D's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/baby-ds-newborn-session Here is a beautiful set of newborn portraits from this gorgeous family!

The proofing gallery had over 50, but we narrowed it down to 20 favorites. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/4/baby-ds-newborn-session Thu, 07 Apr 2022 23:32:31 GMT
Tionna's Birthday Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/tionnas-birthday-portraits Tionna wanted to capture her 28th birthday in style. I love she gave herself such a great gift.

A truly beautiful lady inside and out. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer headshots knoxville photographer portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/tionnas-birthday-portraits Thu, 24 Mar 2022 20:18:09 GMT
First Birthday Watermelon Smash Studio Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/first-birthday-watermelon-smash-studio-session Happy First Birthday to Miss Alivia! 

I'm not kidding when I say watermelon (and bananas) is my favorite food and I don't usually do favorites. I think picking favorites is rude to the other fruit, but I buy two watermelons a week when they're in season. I'd like to think I share them, but it's usually just me eating it for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner.  Alivia rocked her watermelon eating too!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/first-birthday-watermelon-smash-studio-session Thu, 24 Mar 2022 20:13:54 GMT
Michelle's March Madness 2022 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/michelles-march-madness-2022 Michelle's March Madness

 It's been so long since I've taken the time to get real with you all. The past two years have been a test of all sorts: career, parenting, marriage, friendships, life.  That looks like the perfect outline for this blog post.  Happy Early 39th Birthday to me (March baby).  Let's get started. 

     Career.  I opened the new studio location October 2019. I barely had time to update my google address when Covid struck a pandemic in March 2020. The government advised all non essential business to shut down. Well hello, that's me.  Who needs to make rent money?  Rationally knowing a slow down in business is required, but twiddling my thumbs is not the best option for me. It was fine, my kids were home so we did a whole lot of hanging out. Fast forward a little to 2021. It's honestly a big blur, but I reached an unhappiness with the struggle. I lost a piece of my love for the repetition of creating, not making enough money to pay myself, and not booking as many newborns. The new location did grow some pieces of my business, but it didn’t happen like I thought it would in my head. Did Covid cause me to not meet my goals, or was it something I was missing?  Running a business is mentally exhausting. My funk followed me into 2022, but I tried exercises to get myself out of it. I did free photoshoots of stuff I wanted to do, I went to a workshop with a big name photographer, and I even looked at other career choices. Looking at other options makes you think. I’m a hobby day dreamer, so this was fun for me. When it comes down to it, I could not imagine myself not taking pictures.  Regardless of what I’m doing I’m always observing. Always looking at stuff like a camera is in my hands. And I love to love on other families. I can do that with a camera in my hand or with a basket of veggies one day.

I’m living this song by Miranda Lambert, “Settling Down.”  Which way am I going? It’s fun and exhausting to have so many loves in life. I could do this, or I could be this. I want to raise goats and plant a garden. I want to live in the city and be close to everything and everyone.  Anyone else experience the want to do it all?? 

“Should I give up sunsets for marigold mornings?
Should I look for rainbows or wait for the rain?
Is happiness on the highway or it is parked in the driveway?
Should I lean on you, babe, or should you lean on me?

Am I looking for comfort?
Am I looking for an escape?
Am I looking for you?
Am I looking the other way?

I'm a wild child and a homing pigeon
Caravan and an empty kitchen
Bare feet on the tile with my head up in the clouds
One heart goin' both directions
One love and a couple of questions
Am I settlin' up or settlin' down?
Am I settlin' up or settlin' down?

I could plant a pretty garden, just send myself flowers
Be a jet-set Friday or a Sunday hometown girl
I could stay a little lonely or let you get to know me
Yeah, I could love a picket fence if it wrapped around the world”

           Parenting. The constant and yet evolving journey of parenting can warm your heart and bring you to your knees all in one day. I feel like someone should have warned me 8 was going to be hard, so here’s my formal announcement, age 8 is not an easy age.  Being a twin mom to two 8 year old girls is not any easy task. They are smart, they are helpful, they are helpless, they hold grudges, they will judge you. They know when something is wrong, they care deeply, they love big, they will test all the limits. Covid brought on the constant weight of the world on their shoulders. The fear others placed on them. Wearing a mask everywhere hiding all the smiles of reassurance. Delaying understanding academics, but working hard to overcome being behind. Even through the fears and news stories they remained to amaze me with their resilience. Right now I’m listening to The Optimistic Child by Martin Seligman, PhD. This book was written in the 90s and he predicted a lot of what I see in today’s culture, like helplessness and self-abortion.  His book is to help us retrain our brain to not think like the pessimist inside us and ingrain a life of optimism.  I find the book to be very helpful as we come out of a pandemic and 24/7 newsfeed of all the bad in this world.  We can’t focus on the catastrophic thoughts, but focus on the good in our lives. Don’t dwell on the bad, but all the good things.  It’s these mind sets that take practice, but with hard work I can learn this and pass it on to my girls, so when career and life funks hit, we can mentally overcome it!  I’ll come back and give you all a book review when I finish it. I’m obsessed with psychology books right now.

 

            Marriage. To be honest of all these things listed it’s probably been the easiest. I’m not saying we’re sporting the perfect marriage, but it works for us. That’s all that matters. There was a huge adjustment when husband went from traveling half the year to living with us full time and his mother-in-law for 8 months. We both gained some weight, had a few too many self-medicating cocktails, maybe some blood, sweat and tears. I think the blood and sweat came from all the yard work though.  The hardest part of this stage in our marriage is parenting the twins and juggling a work life balance at home when we both work from home. We mostly see eye to eye on things, but when buttons are pushed and tempers escape things can always get heated. I mostly get super annoyed at the constant, never ending phone calls, texts and emails at all hours of the day.  When you have a tunnel focused husband he forgets to forget his phone.  There are way worse things in life.  You have to live in the moment better, and don’t focus on the bad and past mistakes. I assure you no body is perfect. My other recent book, The Like Switch by Jack Schafer, PhD,  says to not make everything about you.  Don’t project what you feel about yourself as feelings other people are having about you. Those are lies your brain tells you. Our insecurities can sabotage so much. His book was a great reminder to just listen to what others are saying. Be present in the moment. Kind gestures and people will naturally like you because you made them feel good.  I think we forget to do this for our spouse. We get so focused on everything going on we forget to let them know we think the world of them. That what they say matters. So go hug your spouse and tell them something you’re proud of them for, maybe they'll return the favor without you asking. ;)

          

 

              Friendships. You know the sayings about everything has a season. I feel like friends are a lot like that. We get caught up on our lives raising babies and everyone is in your life for a reason for the season. Sometimes things happen and they no longer make time for you or you no longer make time for them. Other times it’s ok to love people from a distance if they don’t make you feel good about yourself when you’re around them. I was just chatting with a super close girlfriend and we were exchanging the same thoughts about texting people that never reach out, only if you reach out. Oh the one sided friendship. My brother accuses me of this as well. He always calls me, but since he always calls me I get in the habit of waiting on him to call me. I honestly don’t do this intentionally, but that’s how the relationship evolved. If you love the friend and they are good to have in your life don’t give up on them yet. Maybe they are really bad about texting.  Be sure it make it awkward and tell your close friends you love them too. 

 

            Life. Seriously I don’t know what more to type today. HA that’s not true. My brain is always blabbing, but I think I’ll leave you with all the stuff from above and these pictures from our recent family beach trip. My husband had a work trip to Orlando, so the girls and I tagged along since it was Spring Break week. At the end of the week we went to Clearwater Beach. That was my first time there. I found Julie Stash Photography a few months ago and booked her to take our pictures.  It’s through these photos I came home to a revived career moment. The reason why I love portraits. I want all my families to have the same wonderful photos I have of my children. I fell in love with newborn photography after I hired my newborn photographer, Jill Geisler.  Jill later became a friend and mentor. She passed away to cancer a couple years ago, but her work lives on in so many houses, like mine. Those newborn photos are worth more to me than anything in my house. I have 3 wedding photos hanging, but I have pictures of my kids growing all over my house in all shapes and sizes. This is the why and the reason I can’t possibly put my camera away. I'll be referring back to this post or schedule more family photos the next time I think I need a career change. Take care friends. I hope you find something in my words that resonate with you. 

XOXO

- Michelle


 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits motherhood parenthood photographer's life https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/3/michelles-march-madness-2022 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:07:02 GMT
Maternity Sessions in the Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/maternity-session-in-the-studio Hello My Friends!

I find that pregnancy is such a miracle of life. I had a miscarriage three years before I gave birth to my beautiful twins. Getting to photograph women during this amazing stage in their lives brings backs all the feelings from pregnancy. The anticipation of your new life to come. How everything is going to change and you have no idea how something so tiny suddenly completes you.  The pure love from the first moments holding your baby (babies for me).  I was able to celebrate this beautiful miracle with these three woman in the studio. These are some lucky babies. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer motherhood parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/maternity-session-in-the-studio Wed, 16 Feb 2022 17:43:52 GMT
Charlotte's 2 Year Studio Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/charlottes-2-year-studio-session I've loved getting to know this sweet family the past year. Charlotte is very cautious of me, but we always manage beautiful portraits of her. If only we had a behind the scenes video of her parents and I being crazy. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/charlottes-2-year-studio-session Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:43:50 GMT
Sweet Z's 6 Month Studio Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/sweet-zs-6-month-studio-session She was such a beautiful doll baby and so much fun!  Bring me all the babies!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/2/sweet-zs-6-month-studio-session Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:38:50 GMT
Savage 2021 Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/savage-2021-family-portraits

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/savage-2021-family-portraits Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:53:58 GMT
Alivia 8 Month Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/alivia-8-month-portraits  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/alivia-8-month-portraits Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:40:32 GMT
Christmas in the Studio - Clark Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/christmas-in-the-studio---clark-family  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2022/1/christmas-in-the-studio---clark-family Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:35:35 GMT
Fall Session at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/11/fall-session-at-ut-gardens

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/11/fall-session-at-ut-gardens Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:25:32 GMT
Christmas in the Studio - Artymovich Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/11/christmas-in-the-studio---artymovich-family And the winner goes to the last image!  Enjoy!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer knoxville studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/11/christmas-in-the-studio---artymovich-family Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:54:47 GMT
Fall Family Session at Seven Islands https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-at-seven-islands This beautiful family has to embrace the fog at the beginning!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-at-seven-islands Sat, 23 Oct 2021 23:17:25 GMT
Fall Family Session 3 at Mead's Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-3-at-meads-quarry  

What a wonderful Grandparents Session! 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-3-at-meads-quarry Sat, 23 Oct 2021 23:12:01 GMT
Fall Family Session 2 at Mead's Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-2-at-meads-quarry I've been photographing all these boys since newborns. What a special place my client's have in my heart. The opportunity to capture these big milestones, yet tiny humans, is amazing!  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/fall-family-session-2-at-meads-quarry Sat, 23 Oct 2021 23:05:45 GMT
Fall Family Session 1 at Mead's Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/family-1-at-meads-quarry Fall Portraits Have Begun! This is my first Fall Mini family. 
 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/family-1-at-meads-quarry Sat, 23 Oct 2021 21:41:00 GMT
Family Session at Seven Islands https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/family-session-at-seven-islands These two cuties are always a blast to see every year! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/10/family-session-at-seven-islands Sat, 23 Oct 2021 21:30:06 GMT
LUCA 1 Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/luca-1-year-session L U C A  ONE  Year Session!!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/luca-1-year-session Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:36:51 GMT
Sisters Portrait Session in Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/sisters-portrait-session-in-studio These girls are always a delight to photograph. We went for an heirloom look and then some dress up at the end!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/sisters-portrait-session-in-studio Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:32:08 GMT
Baby Boy 1 Year Session in Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-boy-1-year-session-in-studio Baby Boy One Year Session! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-boy-1-year-session-in-studio Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:26:43 GMT
Baby Girl One Year Session - Sophia https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-girl-one-year-session---sophia  

A fabulous dual one year session for this sweet raspberry!  Family outside at UT gardens and a cake smash in studio. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-girl-one-year-session---sophia Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:23:35 GMT
Ellie 8 Month Milestone Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-girl-8-month-milestone-session Sweet Ellie was back for her 8 month portrait session in the studio!


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/8/baby-girl-8-month-milestone-session Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:18:06 GMT
Kyrie Newborn Session in Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/kyrie-newborn-session-in-studio Beautiful kiddos and the best big brothers for this sweet gal. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/kyrie-newborn-session-in-studio Sat, 26 Jun 2021 19:10:12 GMT
Twinkies at Meads Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/twinkies-at-meads-quarry They grow up so fast!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/twinkies-at-meads-quarry Sat, 26 Jun 2021 18:53:33 GMT
Child Session at Mead's Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/children-session-at-meads-quarry Sisters <3u


 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/children-session-at-meads-quarry Fri, 25 Jun 2021 22:58:04 GMT
Amanda's Family Session at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/family-session-at-ut-gardens---ar  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/family-session-at-ut-gardens---ar Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:55:29 GMT
Maternity Session for Tabitha https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/maternity-session-for-tabitha  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer maternity pictures maternity portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/maternity-session-for-tabitha Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:23:29 GMT
Baby Boy Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/baby-boy-newborn-session  

Sweet Baby Boy! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/baby-boy-newborn-session Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:17:55 GMT
Kindergarten Graduate Session - Girl https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/kindergarten-graduate-session---girl I'm loving all the Kindergarten Graduates in the studio!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/kindergarten-graduate-session---girl Wed, 09 Jun 2021 23:35:57 GMT
Twinkies Turn 7 Portrait Party in the Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/twinkies-turn-7-portrait-party-in-the-studio 7th Birthday Studio Session

These twinkies turned 7 last year during Covid and for some reason I forgot to blog these photos. They were so much fun. Here's a few of my favorites. A truly fun and unique to document your child's birthday with friends. 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/6/twinkies-turn-7-portrait-party-in-the-studio Wed, 09 Jun 2021 23:33:03 GMT
Jack's Pre-K Graduate Session Fun https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/5/jacks-pre-k-graduate-session-fun Jack's Pre-k Graduation Session

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/5/jacks-pre-k-graduate-session-fun Wed, 19 May 2021 11:51:51 GMT
Gina's Baby Girl Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/4/ginas-baby-girl-newborn-session This sweet girl was a dream for her newborn session. I'm looking forward to watching her grow! Congrats to an amazing family!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/4/ginas-baby-girl-newborn-session Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:34:39 GMT
Luca 9 Month Session - First Year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/4/luca-9-month-session---first-year We had way too much fun with this little guy and this awesome family. I'm already looking forward to his one year session. 

 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/4/luca-9-month-session---first-year Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:30:39 GMT
Spring Studio Portraits - Four Sisters https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/3/spring-studio-portraits---four-sisters It's always a great time when I have these Harper ladies in the studio. This time they were back for Spring portraits with their precious bunny Popcorn. 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/3/spring-studio-portraits---four-sisters Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:46:43 GMT
Barrett Senior Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/3/barrett-senior-portraits Here's a snapshot of the awesome session I had with Barrett for his Senior Portraits.

I'm excited to see where his next steps lead him since he's such an amazing young man. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer graduate pictures knoxville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/3/barrett-senior-portraits Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:40:19 GMT
Gina's Maternity Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/ginas-maternity-portraits We had way too much fun doing these maternity portraits! I love that we were able to capture their personalities so much.

 I can't wait to capture their newborn portraits next. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/ginas-maternity-portraits Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:27:01 GMT
Carmani Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/carmani-newborn-portraits This beautiful little lady was only 6 days old when I got to capture her newborn portraits. She was perfect capturing the outfits they brought for her to wear. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn pictures knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/carmani-newborn-portraits Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:21:43 GMT
Six Month Session for Luca https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/six-month-session-for-luca Luca has to be the happiest baby. Such a joy to photograph this fun family as part of the Watch Me Grow program. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/2/six-month-session-for-luca Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:37:01 GMT
Baby Boy 1 Year Session with Cake Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/baby-boy-1-year-session-with-cake-smash I think I could photograph One Year Cake Smashes every day and be as happy as my cake smashing babies!


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer knoxville studio one year cake smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/baby-boy-1-year-session-with-cake-smash Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:35:21 GMT
Precious Eleanor's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/precious-eleanors-newborn-session  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville studio newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/precious-eleanors-newborn-session Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:45:58 GMT
Jasper 8 Month Milestone Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/jasper-8-month-milestone-session Jasper's 8 Month Watch Me Grow Milestone Session fell during Christmas so we took advantage!

So Cute and So Much FUN!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 8 month milestone 8 month pictures child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/jasper-8-month-milestone-session Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:40:42 GMT
Charlotte 1 Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/charlotte-1-year-session She is such a beauty!!! I love capturing the first year and cake smash. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year cake smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2021/1/charlotte-1-year-session Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:32:13 GMT
Christmas Session for Ashley Hayden and Charlotte https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/christmas-session-for-ashley-hayden-and-charlotte So happy I got to meet this precious family! I look forward to Charlotte's One Year Session next!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/christmas-session-for-ashley-hayden-and-charlotte Tue, 24 Nov 2020 23:46:30 GMT
Stella 1 Year and Christmas https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/stella-1-year-and-christmas This beauty rocked her first session. Happy First Birthday Stella!

 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/stella-1-year-and-christmas Sat, 14 Nov 2020 14:10:55 GMT
Marcantel Fall Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/marcantel-fall-family-portraits Another beautiful session from one of my favorite families. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/marcantel-fall-family-portraits Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:47:01 GMT
Townsend Fall Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/townsend-fall-family-portraits I've been photographing this beautiful family five years and it's always a joy! Such wonderful girls. 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/11/townsend-fall-family-portraits Mon, 02 Nov 2020 18:50:22 GMT
Elam Family Fall Portraits at Meads Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/elam-family-fall-portraits-at-meads-quarry Time to share some major cuteness from a recent Fall mini session!! 

When kids get are a little older I can capture a lot of personality in a 20 minute session. 

 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/elam-family-fall-portraits-at-meads-quarry Wed, 21 Oct 2020 12:51:21 GMT
Reilly Family Portraits at Cades Cove https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/reilly-family-portraits-at-cades-cove I love getting to see this fam once a year in or around Gatlinburg. We opted for Cades Cove this year. 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/reilly-family-portraits-at-cades-cove Tue, 20 Oct 2020 22:51:31 GMT
Derek 6 Month Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/derek-6-month-portraits They're back to see me from MI! Glad I finally got to meet little Derek.

 

The ending was epic toddlerhood.. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/10/derek-6-month-portraits Tue, 20 Oct 2020 22:47:39 GMT
Baby Boy Newborn Session With Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/baby-boy-newborn-session-with-family This is such a beautiful gallery of images and what a great family.  



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/baby-boy-newborn-session-with-family Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:53:29 GMT
Fall Family Portraits at Ijams https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/fall-family-portraits-at-ijams Ward Family Fall Portraits from November 2019. I forgot to blog these and really want to use them for examples. I'm so late. HA



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer fall pictures family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/fall-family-portraits-at-ijams Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:16:10 GMT
Spring Maternity Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/spring-maternity-portraits My sweet friends moved to Michigan so during a visit they stopped by my house for some Spring maternity pictures. YAY!! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity family pictures maternity pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/spring-maternity-portraits Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:04:53 GMT
Newborn Twin Family Studio Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/newborn-twin-family-studio-session  


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn newborn photographer newborn portraits twin pictures twins" twins' https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/newborn-twin-family-studio-session Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:56:31 GMT
Family Session at Ijams Meads Quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/family-session-at-ijams-meads-quarry

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer meads quarry https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/9/family-session-at-ijams-meads-quarry Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:44:00 GMT
Holston Hills Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/holston-hills-maternity-session This sweet baby boy made his way into the world this month. I'm excited to share the mommy and me maternity session. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/holston-hills-maternity-session Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:14:30 GMT
Zain and Moore Extended Family Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/zain-and-moore-extended-family-session One of my favorite families and I got to catch up at UT Gardens for some updated extended family portraits. It's been years since I photographed their wedding so it was super fun to have a reunion. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/zain-and-moore-extended-family-session Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:45:12 GMT
Piper 8 Weeks New in Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/piper-8-weeks-new-in-studio Sweet Piper at 8 weeks and big brother (2) came into the studio last month. Such a sweet family that I've been photographing since their wedding 6 years ago. One of the favorite parts of my job is getting to see these families grow. 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/7/piper-8-weeks-new-in-studio Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:16:23 GMT
Child Portraits of Rosemary https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/child-portraits-of-rosemary Rosemary missed her dance recital, but that doesn't mean we can't put her dress on and go have some fun. What a beautiful little lady inside and out. Child portraits are the BEST!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/child-portraits-of-rosemary Fri, 12 Jun 2020 17:01:00 GMT
Newborn Session for Amelia https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/newborn-session-for-amelia Sweet Amelia was born right as the world started closing. We waited until things opened back up and did her session the beginning of May. She was turning 8 weeks, and cute as a button. Big sis was turning 2, so we captured her too.  

 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/newborn-session-for-amelia Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:35:38 GMT
Baby Cameron's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/baby-camerons-newborn-session  

Welcome to the world baby Cameron! We were very excited to have a set of grandparents in town to be captured all together. 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/baby-camerons-newborn-session Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:26:28 GMT
Suzanne's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/suzannes-maternity-session  

What a stunning maternity session at Sequoyah Hills Park and the studio. 

 


 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity pictures newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/6/suzannes-maternity-session Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:04:27 GMT
Newborn Session for Jasper https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/newborn-session-for-jasper We're living in uncharted times, so I was extremely happy I got to meet this sweet little Jasper this month. He was my first little guy in the studio joined by his parent and big sister Nyla. I met Nyla when she turned 1. It's truly an honor to photograph the same families and to watch them grow.  Best job ever and Jasper was a dream to work with!! Their gallery is stunning. Thank you for stopping by to see them. 

 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/newborn-session-for-jasper Mon, 18 May 2020 23:55:58 GMT
Megan's UT Graduation Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/megans-ut-graduation-session We added Megan to our family back in February. She was going to be our summer home childcare after school let out. Well, school was let out early so we have been blessed to have her start earlier as my work picks up. It wasn't long before Megan's mom informed her she needed pictures (of course she does I agreed). Megan still doesn't know if she'll even get to have a graduation ceremony, but at least she'll have professional portraits to document this very special milestone in her life.

I haven't know Megan for very long, but I can tell you she's beautiful and full of life and fun. She loves people, and her smile and laugh are infectious. 

On top of her college graduation her brother, Ryan graduated from High School this May too (no ceremony). We were excited to capture the whole family on UT's Campus.  Ryan will not be following in Megan's footsteps going to UT. We won't hold it against him I guess. ;)

 

 I hate to see them miss their graduation, but we didn't let it steal our smiles and fun for the session. Joy and Love Wins!

 











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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer graduation knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer senior pictures senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/megans-ut-graduation-session Mon, 18 May 2020 16:34:46 GMT
Anna One Year Home Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/anna-one-year-home-session Anna Turns ONE!  

The first year goes by so fast and I've loved watching Anna grow and getting to see her sweet sisters. We were able to capture her one year session at their family home. Someone wasn't feeling the love for her chocolate cake. You'll enjoy her reaction. :)







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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/5/anna-one-year-home-session Thu, 14 May 2020 18:46:34 GMT
Abbey's Graduation Portraits at UT Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/4/abbeys-graduation-portraits-at-ut-knoxville Congratulations to the amazing Abbey on her upcoming graduation from the University of Tennessee.  She's off to an amazing start in life. I know she'll do great things. 

I had an extremely hard time picking favorites so I'll just share almost all of them.  :)


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/4/abbeys-graduation-portraits-at-ut-knoxville Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:22:53 GMT
Mermaid Princess Aria's 4th Birthday https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/3/mermaid-princess-arias-4th-birthday  

I photographed this precious princess last month. What a joy!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/3/mermaid-princess-arias-4th-birthday Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:24:58 GMT
Miles Christmas Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/1/miles-christmas-session I know these are a little late and past Christmas, but they are too cute not to share. 

 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/1/miles-christmas-session Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:08:44 GMT
Jules and Harper Turn One https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/1/jules-and-harper-turn-one I was so happy to have these beautiful girls and their fun family back in the studio for their One Year and Cake Smash Session!  Enjoy all the cake images. I couldn't help, but keep them all for the gallery and now I'll share with you!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2020/1/jules-and-harper-turn-one Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:59:23 GMT
Honeycutt Backyard Fall Family Pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/honeycutt-backyard-fall-family-pictures  

The middle of the day is not a great time for little kids to take pictures, but when you're family we work some pictures whenever possible. At least the backyard was full of pretty colors. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/honeycutt-backyard-fall-family-pictures Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:11:54 GMT
Grady Turns One Session at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/grady-turns-one-session-at-ut-gardens Grady Turns One! 

 

Cousins!


 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/grady-turns-one-session-at-ut-gardens Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:02:03 GMT
The Hill Family Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/the-hill-family-session My Twin Friends.

Older kids are perfect for my Fall petite sessions. These boys were ready to bounce on out of their pictures, but they stopped long enough for me to capture their cuteness. 

 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/the-hill-family-session Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:47:05 GMT
David's One Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/davids-one-year-session This is a love story of an EMT and city police officer following in love. I photographed the engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn. Fast forward another year and little David is 1 year old and about to be a big brother next year. See I told you it was a story of love! What a joy to photograph such a beautiful family. Happy first little man! Oh and Merry Christmas. We started with the Christmas set up. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/12/davids-one-year-session Tue, 03 Dec 2019 12:41:23 GMT
Harper Ladies' Studio Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/11/harper-ladies-studio-session Sweet Neighbors! I'm proud to say these lovely ladies are not only pretty on the outside, but they are beautiful on the inside. I'm so happy to have such amazing girls for my girls to grow up with in our neighborhood. Not to mention a great mom friend to be part of my village. 

For this session I wanted to capture a simple Christmas setup and mom wanted updated professional headshots for herself and their grandparents. I love child headshots. It's amazing to hang their beautiful faces on the walls each year and watch how they change. I highly recommend child headshots! They aren't just for adults. 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/11/harper-ladies-studio-session Wed, 13 Nov 2019 19:12:14 GMT
Ava's 3 Year and Christmas Pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/11/avas-3-year-and-christmas-pictures I'm never unhappy to spend a cold morning in the studio with an adorable toddler. (fyi I LOVE toddlers!)

 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer knoxville studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/11/avas-3-year-and-christmas-pictures Mon, 11 Nov 2019 13:59:19 GMT
Marcantel Fall Family Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/10/marcantel-fall-family-session Oh I just couldn't wait to share this session on the blog. It was overcast and rained all night so the leaves and ground were all wet and darker. With overcast light I have to shoot my images a little darker to keep skin tones from being too bright. The end result is different from my sunny/shaded sessions.  The overall images are usually darker and richer in color. Different and beautiful. Thanks for looking.

 


 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/10/marcantel-fall-family-session Thu, 31 Oct 2019 16:56:43 GMT
Martin Family Fall Portraits at Ijams Nature Center https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/10/martin-family-fall-portraits-at-ijams-nature-center Fall Session are happening now. This awesome family and I ventured over to some other parts of Ijams Nature Center. It's been a hot Fall so far, so I appreciate them braving the heat. I love getting to see everyone this time of year. It's a busy blessing. Stay tuned for more, but in the meantime check out this cuteness overload. 



 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/10/martin-family-fall-portraits-at-ijams-nature-center Thu, 03 Oct 2019 14:29:46 GMT
Summer Family Portraits at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/summer-family-portraits-at-ut-gardens Summer time fun and portraits.  I started photographing this two year old when she was in her momma's tummy. I'm so thankful for all my wonderful families. 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/summer-family-portraits-at-ut-gardens Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:48:42 GMT
Summer Family Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/summer-family-session Summer family sessions are hot, but full of fun and playing around. I love getting to see how much kids grow year over year.  I seriously have the best job and best families to photograph!





 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer family pictures knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/summer-family-session Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:36:48 GMT
Miles 9 Month Session at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/miles-9-month-session-at-ut-gardens What an honor to photograph your friends and favorite people. 

Little Miles just turned one, but I'm behind on my blogging. Here is his 9 month session. One year session coming soon. 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/miles-9-month-session-at-ut-gardens Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:15:01 GMT
Anna 4 Month Studio Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/anna-4-month-studio-portraits I love the Watch Me Grow clients. It's so much fun watching their little babes grow. 


 




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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/9/anna-4-month-studio-portraits Fri, 06 Sep 2019 18:04:53 GMT
Twinkie Time 2015 to 2019 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/twinkie-time My babies are going off to Kindergarten in August. We're so thankful for the past four years at FUMC's Child Development Center. Those sweet teachers loving on my kids made it possible for me to leave them when they cried for me as I walked out the door. They were very much part of my village. 

There were many points during my kids early years I didn't know how I was going to make it through the day without my own meltdown. I call the early years survival years. Their time at preschool not only gave them a solid education start and personable skills, but it gave momma time to work and build my business of beautiful faces. 
Only recently did I feel my brain starting to fire again (about the time they finally started to sleep through the night every day). It's actually thinking, thriving and not just merely surviving. I silently think to myself, "I can actually do this parenting/work/life balance thing." Then it all comes crashing down again and I think about all the therapy my kids are going to need from how we probably aren't doing something right. It gets easier in some aspects of life, but harder in others. So I'd stick to the theory its just different. Each stage is different, with it's own challenges and joy. At the end of the day there may have been tears, but there was a lot of smiles and laughter too. Our house has toy horses and tiny trinkets everywhere, but it's also overflowing with LOVE.  I wouldn't change a thing. My two favorite tiny humans are growing faster than I care to admit. They are turning into amazing little people with big caring hearts. They love so many things, going places, and most of all having fun while playing with friends and family. 

Raising twins isn't for the faint of heart. New adventures await and we can't wait! 

 

 

September 2015

 

August 2016

 

August 2017

(The pumpkins are a bit odd for August, but I bought them at Kroger a few days before so I decorated early that year. Winning!)

 

August 2018

Today, June 28, 2019

At some point in the past 10 months my little babies sprouted into full blown kids. The pictures from August to now have me baffled. That's a lot of growing. 

Lexi's Favorites:

Color: Aqua, Animal: Hummingbirds, Song: Thunder by Imagine Dragons, Place: Arizona, Best Friend at School: Claire

Reagan's Favorites:

Color: Purple, Animal: Horse, Song: Shake It Off, Place: Home and the Dentist (?), Best Friend at School: Josephine

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/twinkie-time Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:32:07 GMT
Abbigail 1 Year Pictures with Cake Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/abbigail-1-year-pictures-with-cake-smash There's something magically about our babies. They truly are amazing. However, they are people too and some days they aren't feeling all the smiles. It doesn't make them any less beautiful. Abbigail LOVED her cake so much tho! 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer first year pictures knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year old https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/abbigail-1-year-pictures-with-cake-smash Sat, 22 Jun 2019 13:14:33 GMT
Watch Me Grow - Baby Girl 6 Month & Big Brother 2 Year Pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/watch-me-grow---baby-girl-6-month-big-brother-2-year-pictures Beautiful Ginny and Handsome Big Brother Jack were back in the studio over Valentine's Day. They brought along some family heirlooms again and fun soccer shots. :)





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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child studio pictures family photographer first year pictures knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/watch-me-grow---baby-girl-6-month-big-brother-2-year-pictures Sat, 22 Jun 2019 13:06:05 GMT
David Turns 6 Months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/david-turns-6-months My sweet friends that never sleep.

David wasn't as full as smiles as we hoped, but they work night shifts and I think David may too. :) The session was cute as ever with and without smiles.  


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 6 month pictures child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits UT gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/6/david-turns-6-months Fri, 14 Jun 2019 17:27:33 GMT
Conrad One Year Pictures with Big Brother in Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/conrad-one-year-pictures-with-big-brother-in-studio I have the cutest neighbors.  Could they be any more handsome?!? 





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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) baby boy child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year one year pictures https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/conrad-one-year-pictures-with-big-brother-in-studio Wed, 17 Apr 2019 01:38:13 GMT
Winter Family Portraits Downtown Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/winter-family-portraits-downtown-knoxville We popped downtown for a fun Winter family session a few months back. We thankfully had warmer weather, and downtown still had their lights on the trees. It made for a fun pretty back drop. This whole session is gorgeous in color and black and white. 


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer family pictures knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/winter-family-portraits-downtown-knoxville Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:58:33 GMT
Newborn Portraits for Twin Girls https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/newborn-portraits-for-twin-girls Presenting Beautiful Haper and Jules. 

They were so wonderful to photograph, and I've loved getting to know this awesome family. I have a special place in my heart for twins as a twin momma myself. 


 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2019/4/newborn-portraits-for-twin-girls Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:42:43 GMT
Newborn Portraits for David https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/newborn-portraits-for-david Precious David has arrived! Love this awesome family!


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/newborn-portraits-for-david Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:41:42 GMT
Townsend Fall Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/townsend-fall-family-portraits  

Another year photographing this beautiful family. It was a cold November morning, but you'd never know from their gorgeous pics. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/townsend-fall-family-portraits Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:28:11 GMT
Ranwez Family and Maternity Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/ranwez-family-and-maternity-portraits This sweet face is about to be a big brother to not one but two baby sisters very soon! More twinkies!  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity portraits newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/ranwez-family-and-maternity-portraits Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:20:08 GMT
Two Year Portraits for Ava https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/two-year-portraits  

Happy 2nd Birthday Ava!


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/two-year-portraits Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:13:19 GMT
Christmas and Six Month Portraits for Abbagail https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/christmas-and-six-month-portraits-for-abbagail  



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer six months studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/christmas-and-six-month-portraits-for-abbagail Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:02:49 GMT
One Year Portraits for Luke https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/one-year-portraits-for-luke I can't believe Luke is a year old! It seems like yesterday I met this sweet family. It's been so much fun watching him grow this past year. 





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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/one-year-portraits-for-luke Sat, 22 Dec 2018 01:54:30 GMT
The Martin Family Fall Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-martin-family-fall-portraits Brittney and I met at her twin's newborn session through our sweet friend photographer, Jill Geisler. I was assisting Jill and gobbling up all her newborn photography knowledge. Jill touched both of our lives and I'm so thankful she trusted me with her clients. I've since photographed this sweet family twice. Their one year session and now their Fall portraits. So much fun! I look forward to watching twin friends grow!









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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-martin-family-fall-portraits Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:44:40 GMT
Keelean Family Fun https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/keelean-family-fun  

That morning you make your family dress up for a few minutes to take some pictures. 

Lincoln 5/6 months, Nathan 3, Kingston 12, & Nick 14

Lexi & Reagan 5




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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/keelean-family-fun Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:23:01 GMT
The Huies Fall Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-huies-fall-maternity-session  

It's hard to believe this sweet little one will be a big sister very soon. I'm very excited to meet the Huie's newest little girl next year. 



And a little cute photo bomb! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity portraits newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-huies-fall-maternity-session Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:05:54 GMT
The Griggs Fall Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-griggs-fall-family-portraits  

I was super excited to meet this new family. They were so nice and fun to work with on a very cold morning!  


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer fall portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-griggs-fall-family-portraits Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:54:46 GMT
The Falatos Fall Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-falatos-fall-portraits  

Love this precious family! They were such good troopers on a very cold morning. 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits fall portraits family family photographer family pictures knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-falatos-fall-portraits Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:47:15 GMT
The Hills Family Fall Session at Home https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-hills-family-fall-session-at-home The Hills had their Fall session at home this year. Gorgeous views so why not! Love this fam!

 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer fall portraits family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/12/the-hills-family-fall-session-at-home Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:35:02 GMT
Father and Son Studio Portrait Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/father-and-son-studio-portrait-session It's such an honor to me when friends reach out and trust me with their precious memories. I'm so thankful for all of you! 

Congratulations to Kenneth on being a new proud dad to little Rayne. He's so very loved. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/father-and-son-studio-portrait-session Sat, 17 Nov 2018 01:34:01 GMT
Newborn Session for Landon https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/newborn-session-for-landon  

"Hi! I'm Landon and my photographer loves me!" GAH He is so handsome! 





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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/newborn-session-for-landon Sun, 11 Nov 2018 02:54:04 GMT
One Year Session for Juliet https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/one-year-session-for-juliet I can't believe little Juliet is a year old already. It's been a fun year getting to know her, big brother, mom and dad. I'm looking forward to the years to come. 


 





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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer one year pictures watch me grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/one-year-session-for-juliet Sun, 11 Nov 2018 02:39:46 GMT
Arbogast Late Summer Family Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/arbogast-late-summer-family-session It's so fun getting to see this family every year. My how kids grow up so fast and so CUTE!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/arbogast-late-summer-family-session Sun, 11 Nov 2018 02:25:54 GMT
Senior Session for Miles https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/senior-session-for-miles  

Senior sessions are always so much fun. Especially since I met him when he was a tiny guy in preschool. It's possible he's aged and I haven't right?

CHEERS to an awesome Senior Year Miles! 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) high school senior knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/senior-session-for-miles Sun, 11 Nov 2018 02:00:53 GMT
Falato Family Fall Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/family-fall-session-1 I'm a bit behind on my blogging, but I'm excited to share this family's portraits tonight. I've been working so hard finding the right new editing style to fit my current work. So I hope you like it. No I hope you love it! 

This is the whole set of images from their session and I love how it unfolds like a little story of our cold journey that morning. We had so much fun and captured so many beautiful smiles. 






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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/11/family-fall-session-1 Sat, 03 Nov 2018 00:14:43 GMT
Miller is ONE https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/9/miller-is-one GOSH I love these boys! They are so much fun and TOO CUTE!!







 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/9/miller-is-one Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:42:31 GMT
Newborn Session for Beautiful Ginny https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/8/newborn-session-for-beautiful-ginny Ginny was such a trooper throughout her newborn session. She even let us pose her in the family heirlooms. 

So ADORABLE! 



 

Family and Big Brother Portraits


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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/8/newborn-session-for-beautiful-ginny Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:40:41 GMT
Gentry's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/8/gentrys-maternity-session It was fun getting all dressed up for a maternity session in studio. I loved how it showed their different personalities. Little Jack is going to make an awesome big brother. 



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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits studio maternity portraits studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/8/gentrys-maternity-session Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:04:16 GMT
One Year Session for Joelle https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-joelle I was super excited to photograph this beautiful family in our Smoky Mountains. Joelle turned 1 year old and we celebrated with portraits and putting her feet in the cold mountain creek. The cold didn't even phase her. In fact she loved it! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer milestone newborn portraits one year session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-joelle Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:04:36 GMT
Newborn Session for Cruz https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/newborn-session-for-cruz Cruz's newborn session was so cute. His mom brought his lion outfit which matches his nursery. 

Featuring Little Lion Man

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits newborn studio session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/newborn-session-for-cruz Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:53:58 GMT
One Year Session for Wright https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-wright Pretty little Wright finished up her Watch Me Grow. How can she be ONE already? Happy 1st Wright! 

 

3 Months

7 Months

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer milestone newborn photographer one year session watch me grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-wright Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:43:11 GMT
One Year Session for Kayleigh with a Doughnut Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-kayleigh-with-a-doughnut-smash Kayleigh was back in the studio for her one year session. What a huge difference a year can make with our little ones. She was never given sweets before, so the doughnut was for real a first time treat. She LOVED it as you can see!

Happy 1st Kayleigh! 

One Year Ago Sweet Kayleigh. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash child photographer child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/one-year-session-for-kayleigh-with-a-doughnut-smash Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:14:52 GMT
Sweet Juliet's 8 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/sweet-juliets-8-month-session Sweet Juliet, Big Brother Patrick, mom and I enjoyed the outdoors at Ijam's Nature Center to capture Juliet's 8 month session. I'm already looking forward to her one year session right around the corner. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer milestone session watch me grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/7/sweet-juliets-8-month-session Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:14:23 GMT
Abbagail's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/abbagails-newborn-session  

Abbagail was perfect and beautiful! I'm so happy for her and her amazing parents. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/abbagails-newborn-session Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:40:09 GMT
Nyla One Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/nyla-one-year-session It was so much fun meeting Nyla and photographing her ONE year session in the studio.  

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/nyla-one-year-session Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:19:56 GMT
Rachel and Joshua's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/rachel-and-joshuas-maternity-session  

I'm so excited for this happy couple. This baby girl is going to have the best parents!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/rachel-and-joshuas-maternity-session Sat, 23 Jun 2018 00:51:07 GMT
Miller's 8 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/millers-8-month-session I just love all these sweet handsome fun boys. We got together to capture Miller turning 8 months, but I greatly enjoyed getting to see the whole family.  It's hard to believe I've photographed all three since birth. Where does the tine go?

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/millers-8-month-session Sat, 23 Jun 2018 00:33:52 GMT
Grayson's One Year + Cake Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/graysons-one-year-cake-smash Taking a few minutes out of my day to make a blog so you can look at all the cuteness from this little guy's one year session with a Wild One Cake Smash. 

It has the best ending. Enjoy!

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year session studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/6/graysons-one-year-cake-smash Tue, 12 Jun 2018 18:53:51 GMT
Grady Rockin His Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/5/grady-rockin-his-newborn-session  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/5/grady-rockin-his-newborn-session Thu, 10 May 2018 20:11:55 GMT
Emersyn's One Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/4/emersyns-one-year-session Little precious Emersyn's one year and final session. It was full of fun and a beautiful cake. I'm so sad to see them move across country, but happy for her family's new adventure. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/4/emersyns-one-year-session Sat, 07 Apr 2018 00:43:18 GMT
Luke's 4 Month Session For His Watch Me Grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/4/lukes-4-month-session-for-his-watch-me-grow Happy Four Months to Luke! Such a beautiful family. I'm so happy to watch him grow this year. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville family photography knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/4/lukes-4-month-session-for-his-watch-me-grow Sat, 07 Apr 2018 00:19:12 GMT
Newborn Portraits of Matthew https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/newborn-portraits-of-matthew Sweet little Matthew and his awesome family were in the studio for his newborn session  He was an excellent model and trooper through all the portraits. We even had some extra family stop in during his session for a few portraits. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn pictures newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/newborn-portraits-of-matthew Fri, 23 Mar 2018 01:28:15 GMT
Grayson's 10 Month Session - Watch Me Grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/graysons-10-month-session---watch-me-grow Grayson was super handsome for his 10 month session and I'm looking forward to his one year cake smash session next week. Fun and Yummy Portraits Coming Soon!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/graysons-10-month-session---watch-me-grow Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:59:35 GMT
Ellie's 4 Month Session - Watch Me Grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/ellies-4-month-session---watch-me-grow I was so very excited to meet sweet little Ellie last month. She's part of the Watch Me Grow program. I'm looking forward to spending the year with her and her family. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/ellies-4-month-session---watch-me-grow Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:40:03 GMT
Malana's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/malanas-newborn-portraits Malana was so good for her newborn portraits at just two weeks new. What a beautiful family. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn newborn photographer newborn pictures newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/3/malanas-newborn-portraits Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:45:00 GMT
Mickey & Paul's Baby Announcement https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/mickey-pauls-baby-announcement Baby Romero is on the way!! 

Maternity and Newborn Portraits coming soon. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) announcement pictures baby child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/mickey-pauls-baby-announcement Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:32:16 GMT
Little Wright's 7 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/little-wrights-7-month-session Sweetheart Wright was a little serious for some of her 7 month session, but she was a trooper modeling all her pretty dresses. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 7 months baby pictures child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/little-wrights-7-month-session Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:21:38 GMT
Maddi & Morgan One Year Cake Smash Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/maddi-morgan-turn-1  

Rewind to December 2016 I met this sweet family helping a friend photograph their newborn session. Fast forward a year and I had the privilege of seeing them again, and photographing them in my studio for my friend. We had a blast with the double cake smash.  I, myself, have a love for food, so there's cuteness overload of the cake smash part. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) baby pictures cake smash child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer one year twin girls https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/maddi-morgan-turn-1 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:09:18 GMT
Stand Studio Maternity Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/stand-studio-maternity-portraits  

This sweet family joined me in the studio last month for their maternity session. It was cold and rainy so we were thankful to be indoors.
Now I can't wait to share baby Stand's newborn portraits.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity pictures newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/2/stand-studio-maternity-portraits Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:33:16 GMT
Watch Me Grow Program https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/watch-me-grow-program New for 2018

It's a new year and the studio is continuing to grow. I'm expecting great things this year, and huge things to come in 2019. Hey if you don't set yourself some goals what's the point?!

This year I've changed my milestone sessions to a Watch Me Grow Program. This change is to better capture your new little baby's first year. You won't regret these priceless portraits. They change so fast. In the past milestone sessions occurred 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, but over time we've found that waiting until they are 4 months is better. Their personalities really start to shine and I'm more likely to capture more smiles at this age. Four months is the laying session. We do a lot of laying down poses looking up at the camera, and tummy time pictures. The next recommended session is around 7/8 months for the sitting session. They are good and strong, yet normally not mobile. Even if they are a little mobile we have props to capture their cuteness. The next session is, of course, the one year session.  We can capture your little loves outside or inside depending on the time of year, but if you want the famous Cake Smash Session at the end then it will be a studio session for sure! 

A special I'll be running for my clients in the Watch Me Grow Program is an 18 month family session. In case your little guy or gal was worn out for their one year session a great way to capture a family session outside is at 1.5-2 years old. This session's timing can vary due to weather and schedules, but it's something I want to offer my families. The session fee is an extra $75. So instead of doing four sessions in one year I recommend doing three sessions, then a fourth session outside with the full family before they turn two. 

Remember the more your little one gets to know me, the better our session experiences. Connection is always reflected in your portraits. I like to capture it all, smiles, laughter, serious, and sometimes the tears. 

 

Full details on the Watch Me Grow Program below:   

Watch Me Grow First Year Session Fee:  $225 For Three Sessions
3 Guaranteed sessions 
Up to 2 hours of shooting time (best in the morning when kids are happiest)
Styled session using colors of your choice and props if needed
Session Ages: 4 Months, 8 Months, and 1 Year

After completing three sessions you get a 12x18 Gallery Wrap Canvas.

All prints, digital images, products and packages are purchased separately for each session and can not be combined. Digital packages start at $300. 

Full list of packages click here.

 

4 Months

8 Months

One Year

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/watch-me-grow-program Tue, 16 Jan 2018 20:47:39 GMT
Wright's Three Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/wrights-three-month-session  

All the super cute expressions made it hard for me to pick favorites of this lovely little lady. I'm looking forward to her next session this month for her 6/7 month milestone.  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer milestone newborn photographer three months watch me grow https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/wrights-three-month-session Wed, 03 Jan 2018 19:18:46 GMT
The Johnson Family Christmas Session Downtown Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/the-johnson-family-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville  

The super sweet Johnson family is on the blog for their Christmas session downtown Knoxville. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits christmas session downtown knoxville family photographer knoxville family portraits knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/the-johnson-family-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:57:07 GMT
White Family Christmas Session Downtown Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/white-family-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville This fabulous family is back on the blog. I love these sweet girls. They are the best. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer christmas portraits downtown knoxville family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/white-family-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:35:45 GMT
Hill Christmas Session Downtown Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/hill-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville My Hill friends are back on the blog for their Christmas Session.

The twin friends and big brother Oliver have been growing like crazy. Enjoy!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer christmas session downtown knoxville family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2018/1/hill-christmas-session-downtown-knoxville Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:24:04 GMT
Juliet's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/12/juliets-newborn-session Little Juliet was as sweet as her name. I'm so excited to get to watch her grow and spend time with her family over the next year. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/12/juliets-newborn-session Sun, 10 Dec 2017 14:53:44 GMT
Mason's First Birthday Milestone Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/masons-first-birthday-milestone-session  

I can not believe this little guy is a year old already. I'm so happy I was able to watch him grow in front of my camera his first year! What a fun year it's been!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer milestone session one year session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/masons-first-birthday-milestone-session Fri, 17 Nov 2017 02:45:00 GMT
Sweet Little Alanna's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/sweet-little-alannas-newborn-session What a sweet little darling she was for her session! She was not so nice to momma the night before. I'm happy I was able to capture so many sweet memories. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/sweet-little-alannas-newborn-session Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT
Fall Family Fun with the Tidwells https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/fall-family-fun-with-the-tidwells I've been photographing little Natalie since she was two days old in the hospital. I love watching these kids grow up. 

We had fun and captured some precious memories. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/fall-family-fun-with-the-tidwells Wed, 15 Nov 2017 02:14:52 GMT
Jackson Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/jackson-newborn-session Sweet handsome Jackson and parents on the blog.

I had the awesome of privilege of photographing their wedding and now their little man. Amazing!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/jackson-newborn-session Tue, 14 Nov 2017 20:32:43 GMT
Downtown Knoxville Christmas Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/downtown-knoxville-christmas-sessions  

SOLD OUT!  Thank you all so much!

 

Downtown Knoxville Christmas Session Special

November 26, 2017  - 3:00 - 5:00 PM

 

I don't usually offer a lot of little sessions, but since I didn't get to see as many people in the Fall I'm offering a 20 minute special session downtown Knoxville on November 26. Sessions will start at 3 pm and go till 5 pm. Grab your spot fast. If weather is bad we will move the date to the following Sunday. 

Session Fee $50+ tax due to hold your spot. Invoices will be emailed. Non-refundable.

Digital Image Packages:

Peppermint Package $75+ tax includes 5 High Resolution Digital Images with Print Release

Gingerbread Package $125+ tax includes 10 High Resolution Digital Images with Print Release

Hot Cocoa Package $200+ tax includes 15-20 High Resolution Digital Images with Print Release

 

You don't pick your package until after you see your gallery. All images will be delivered via download. USB drives available for $25. 

 

Merry and Bright

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) christmas session downtown knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/11/downtown-knoxville-christmas-sessions Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:24:10 GMT
Adalynn's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/adalynns-newborn-portraits  

Beautiful Adalynn's Newborn Portraits with Family. She was full of fun smiles and faces.

 

 

Sisters and their new babies. What an awesome thing to share together.

Welcome to the world Adalynn and Bentley.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville family photographer knoxville newborn photographer newborn photographer newborn pictures newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/adalynns-newborn-portraits Sat, 02 Sep 2017 01:53:17 GMT
Bentley's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/bentleys-newborn-portraits Welcome to the world Bentley and Adalynn!  These sweet cousins were born not even a week apart so what better way to celebrate than a double portrait session.

 

Now more of Bentley, Mom and Dad.

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn pictures newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/bentleys-newborn-portraits Sat, 02 Sep 2017 01:41:46 GMT
Moore Family Grandchildren Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/moore-family-grandchildren-portraits Super awesome family and we had fun capturing some new portraits of the grandkiddos.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/9/moore-family-grandchildren-portraits Sat, 02 Sep 2017 01:21:12 GMT
Showalter's Family Portrait Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/showalters-family-portrait-session Lots of fun with this sweet family of three celebrating Owen's first birthday. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/showalters-family-portrait-session Sun, 13 Aug 2017 02:00:00 GMT
Abbey's Senior Prom Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/abbeys-senior-prom-portraits My last prom session for this lovely lady. I'm going to miss these sessions, but maybe something else will come along in the future. Cheers to new chapters!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer prom prom sessions https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/abbeys-senior-prom-portraits Sat, 12 Aug 2017 01:30:00 GMT
Huie's Maternity Portraits at UT Gardens https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/huie-maternity-portraits-at-ut-gardens  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) baby bump knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/huie-maternity-portraits-at-ut-gardens Sat, 12 Aug 2017 01:15:00 GMT
Ella's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/ellas-newborn-session Beautiful little Ella was 3 weeks new for her newborn portraits, and she did a fabulous job for her first session. I hope to see her again soon!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer" "knoxville newborn photographer" "newborn portraits" https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/ellas-newborn-session Thu, 10 Aug 2017 01:15:00 GMT
Christian's Senior Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/christians-senior-portraits What a handsome young man. I'm glad I was able to meet him and capture such an awesome time in his new chapter of life. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/christians-senior-portraits Tue, 08 Aug 2017 01:00:00 GMT
Owen's One Year Portraits and Cake Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/owens-one-year-portraits-and-cake-smash Cutie little Owen was back in the studio for his one year portraits and cake smash! He loves some cake too!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/owens-one-year-portraits-and-cake-smash Mon, 07 Aug 2017 01:45:00 GMT
The White Sister's Spring Portrait Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/the-white-sisters-spring-portrait-session Love these lovely girls!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/the-white-sisters-spring-portrait-session Sun, 06 Aug 2017 02:00:00 GMT
The Falato Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/the-falato-family-portraits I had a hard time picking my favorites so I pretty much am showing you all their family portraits! We had fun even tho it was super hot!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/the-falato-family-portraits Sat, 05 Aug 2017 00:45:00 GMT
Emory's Third Birthday Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/emorys-third-birthday-portraits  

Some fun family portraits at the UT Gardens to celebrate sweet little Emory's third birthday!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/emorys-third-birthday-portraits Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:30:00 GMT
Caroline's One Year Cake Smash https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/carolines-one-year-cake-smash OH do I love this kid like she loves cake!!!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash child photographer child studio portraits family photographer knoxville photographer one year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/carolines-one-year-cake-smash Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:31:30 GMT
Kayleigh's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/kayleighs-newborn-portraits What a loved baby girl and she's been the best baby at her portrait session I've had all year! So much sweetness. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/kayleighs-newborn-portraits Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:25:10 GMT
Mason's 8 Month Milestone Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/masons-8-month-milestone-session This is Mason's 8 Month Milestone Session in studio with family. I had to much fun with this family in studio. I'm already looking forward to his one year session outdoors and a cake smash in studio.  

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/8/masons-8-month-milestone-session Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:14:41 GMT
Nolan's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/6/nolans-newborn-session I have so many favorites from sweet little Nolan's session. It's always an honor that people trust me to photograph their precious tiny human. It's an even bigger honor when I get to photograph another photographer's newborn. Plus they are a super gorgeous family on top of it. See for yourself. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn pictures newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/6/nolans-newborn-session Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:13:48 GMT
Happy Momma's Day Everyday https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/5/happy-mommas-day-everyday To all my beautiful friends I want to wish you a very special day. You are loved and appreciated everyday. Even when you don't think you are. It sometimes fails to show and sometimes we fail to see it. I promise you are very much loved.  So while everyday you should be celebrated today we take the extra day for you to say Happy Mother's Day.

 

 

And one to my mom. I wish she wasn't so far away. We miss her so much.

Happy Mother's Day

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/5/happy-mommas-day-everyday Sun, 14 May 2017 12:26:34 GMT
Emersyn's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/emersyns-newborn-session Sweet little Emersyn is as pretty as her name.  

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer","knoxville newborn photographer","newborn portraits" https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/emersyns-newborn-session Mon, 01 May 2017 01:49:25 GMT
Michelle's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/michelles-maternity-session I loved this sweet maternity session on their farm from over a month ago. It was a surprise gender, but the whole session I kept calling baby a girl. Mom did too and we were right. Baby Girl! Her session on the blog next. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville maternity portraits knoxville photographer maternity maternity portraits newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/michelles-maternity-session Mon, 01 May 2017 01:32:43 GMT
Cooper's 1st Birthday https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/coopers-1st-birthday Some how I missed posting this blog of Little Man Cooper. He's too adorable so I must share. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/coopers-1st-birthday Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:56:33 GMT
Keisy's Senior Portrait Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/keisys-senior-portrait-session I love spending time with amazing young people. I try to make my senior sessions a fun memory. It's all about beautiful You! 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer knoxville senior portraits portrait photographer professional photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/keisys-senior-portrait-session Sun, 23 Apr 2017 14:08:01 GMT
Connor Turns ONE https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/connor-turns-one I'm so happy I was able to document this little guy's first birthday for such an awesome family.

A Cake Smash is always lots of fun!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer one year pictures one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/4/connor-turns-one Sun, 23 Apr 2017 13:59:00 GMT
Beautiful Zoe's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/3/beautiful-zoes-newborn-session What a pleasure to meet this sweet beautiful baby girl.  She was so wonderful for her first portrait session.

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville newborn photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/3/beautiful-zoes-newborn-session Thu, 09 Mar 2017 17:43:24 GMT
Mason 3 Month Milestone Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/3/mason-3-month-milestone-session Little adorable Mason and his beautiful sister Addi were in the studio for Mason's first Milestone session. I'm so excited to watch them grow over the next year! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer four months knoxville photographer milestone session newborn photographer three months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/3/mason-3-month-milestone-session Fri, 03 Mar 2017 20:35:10 GMT
Prom Sessions Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/prom-sessions-knoxville Prom Sessions 2017

 

Petite Prom Package

Cost $150+ Tax Includes: 

20 Minute Session in Knoxville

15 Retouched Digital Images with Print Release

One to two people (one couple)

 

Grande Prom Package

Cost $250+ tax Includes:

40 Minute Session in Knoxville

25 Retouched Digital Images with Print Release

One to four people 

 

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) knoxville photographer knoxville prom prom pictures prom session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/prom-sessions-knoxville Mon, 27 Feb 2017 01:11:12 GMT
Studio Easter Mini Sessions https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/studio-easter-mini-sessions Date set for Studio Easter Mini Sessions! Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 25. I can add a few more week day spots if needed. This might be my only Saturday though. 

- Bunny backdrop
- 30 minute session in studio kids only.
- 10 Digital Images with print release via download thru online gallery. 
$99 + tax

Message me to reserve your spot. Payment in full before your spot will be reserved. I know several families that have their own bunny they are welcome to bring. I will not be providing any live animals though. 

Are you laughing at my crying drooling baby pictured? Real life! Smiles and tears.

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits easter easter mini family photographer knoxville photographer studio mini https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/studio-easter-mini-sessions Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:52:55 GMT
Dinner time A Valentine's Day Blog https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/dinner-time-a-valentines-day-blog  

Dinner Time

Lets talk about dinner or supper on this Valentine's night. My kids are finally all sleeping in their beds while visions of sugar plums dance in their head. For real my kids have no idea what a sugar plum is. In fact I think I tried to get them to eat a plum once and that didn't happen. Raise your hand if you live with a picky eater? I live with two half size ones. Here starts the dilemma everyday. What they will eat, I probably shouldn't eat. Husband and I have to eat healthy, kids need to eat healthy, but sometimes it's not worth the battle. A full tummy at bed means a better chance of them sleeping through the night, and not waking up at 3am wanting a snack. Come on now. I need my sleep.  The newest solution to break through the rut of standing in the kitchen angry while you're fixing multiple meals: 

MUSIC

I know I know.. Your parents and my parents said 'If you don't like what I made for dinner go to bed hungry.' Did I mention the sleep part? I'm not sending my kids to bed hungry. Lunch or breakfast is one thing. They don't like what I fixed for lunch fine. Dinner I will keep trying to find the magic button. EAT kid!

As I finish this blog I'm going downstairs to walk on the treadmill. Here's the deal I want to be around to play with my grandkids in good shape. At the rate I keep eating chicken nuggets and fries it's not going to happen for me. I feel like an 80 year old woman some days. I have no idea how an 80 year old woman feels like, but when I'm 80 I want to say I feel like a 60 year old woman in good shape. Or something like that. You get my point there. 

My point of the blog is that we do what we need to do to make our lives work. Right now I've found music to be my best solution for dinner blues. And not the jazzy blues. Have yourself a cooking dance party. We work out to music because it helps bring a beat to our moves, helps us to push ourselves, and deal with doing something hard. My hard right now is the fuel I'm putting in my family's bodies.

Let's start dancing through our rough times every day together. 

 

Happy Valentine's Day Loves!

XOXO

Michelle 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/dinner-time-a-valentines-day-blog Wed, 15 Feb 2017 02:10:14 GMT
Little Men on Valentine's Day https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/little-men-on-valentines-day Happy Valentine's Day from these Handsome Little Men! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/2/little-men-on-valentines-day Wed, 15 Feb 2017 01:57:20 GMT
Nick + Nat Valentine's Day Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/nick-nat-valentines-day-session I've been photographing sweet Little Nat since she was born. I met her at the hospital fresh after birth. I love watching these little loves grow up in front of my camera. These two did amazing at their session. I'm not sure what all their momma bribed them with, but it was a success. Happy Valentine's Day from these cuties!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/nick-nat-valentines-day-session Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:48:48 GMT
Allison's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/allisons-maternity-session This maternity session happened last month, and I get to meet this sweet baby next month. We ended up staying in the studio due to rain, but we still had lots of fun and captured this beautiful time wonderfully!  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer maternity pictures maternity portraits newborn photographer studio maternity https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/allisons-maternity-session Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:37:36 GMT
Valentine's Day Special https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/valentines-day-special  

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child pictures child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer studio pictures valentine mini https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/valentines-day-special Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:27:01 GMT
Nate Turned ONE! https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/nate-turned-one This handsome fellow is my nephew. He actually turned one in October, but we still celebrated with some portraits in the studio over Christmas. I think it was a great idea. Look how cute! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer milestone session one year one year pictures studio portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2017/1/nate-turned-one Sat, 07 Jan 2017 15:29:16 GMT
Little Ada's Christmas Sesson https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/little-adas-christmas-sesson Ok so I'm a few days late, but she's sooooo CUTE!

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer one year studio christmas https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/little-adas-christmas-sesson Fri, 30 Dec 2016 22:21:25 GMT
2017 Sessions - Book Now https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/2017-sessions  

Looking Back

 

I have met some wonderful couples over the past couple years, and was given the amazing opportunity to photograph their weddings. While I still love weddings so much, I've decided I will not be offering wedding photography services next year. I'm not saying I'll never photograph another wedding or even second shoot for some other photographers, but for now I'm setting that business aside. So to all those couples and families I thank you so much! 

 

Looking Forward

Looking into 2017 I want all my faithful clients and clients I haven't met yet to know what I'm focusing on. YOU! I'm focusing more on you by specializing my sessions.  

Maternity, Newborn, Milestone, Families, Seniors, and Individual Portraits. 

Maternity sessions are best photographed around 32-34 weeks. These can be done outside, inside or a combo session. Family is welcome to join. I'm adding new maternity dresses to my wardrobe all the time. 

Newborn sessions are offered at the hospital (Fresh 48) or around 5-14 days new. Portrait newborn sessions take place in my home studio, and lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home.  The studio session is going to include more posed shots and props, while a lifestyle session is going to be about your new little bundle's life in your home. 

Milestone sessions are absolutely the best and most fun! I highly recommend capturing the most amount of change by doing a 4 month, 7-8 month and 12 month session. Another option is 6 month and 12 month. They change so much the first year (really two years), so why not capture it with a personalized milestone session. Family can come or we can make it just about him/her. 

Family sessions are offered outside only, unless part of a newborn or milestone session. I offer family sessions year round and locations all over Knox County and surrounding areas. I can even come to your home. The best time to capture your family outside is Spring, Summer and Fall. 

Senior sessions are a special session for your high school or college graduating Senior. These sessions can take place at any time 5 weeks prior to graduation.  Most people only think to get high school senior portraits made, but what about college. Nothing says hello working world like a new head shot to market yourself, but also some fun portraits to capture your youth. Embrace and relish this time in your life since it passes us by so fast. 

Individual portrait sessions can be for a number of reasons. We offer several packages for my portraits depending on your wants and needs. For example, professional headshot or personal branding to meet your business needs. We also offer modern day glamor and a touch of classy boudoir.  Glamor? Yes you know the glamor shots I'm talking about, well those aren't gone, they've morphed into something even more beautiful. Pamper yourself with hair, make-up, and what will feel like a modeling session, but way more fun.  

Click the link to see my packages for 2017.  You're worth it!

http://www.leighphotos.com/pricing2017

 

Commercial Business

I'm excited to continue servicing and grow my commercial business. I love offering professional headshots to your whole office. They can come to my home studio or I can set up at your office. Giving your employees a fresh new headshot can help with your overall company branding. People are the most important asset. Show them off in the best possible way. 

 

Goodbye 2016 and Hello Beautiful 2017! I love nothing more than fresh starts, beginnings, and change. I clean, purge, and make plans during the winter months.  It fuels my soul. I look forward to booking a session with you soon. 

XO,

Michelle

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) branding family family photographer head shot headshot knoxville photographer maternity photographer milestone newborn photographer one year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/2017-sessions Fri, 30 Dec 2016 15:20:14 GMT
My Christmas Helper Baby Owen https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/my-christmas-helper-baby-owen Happy 8 Months to this little sweetie! He rocked his studio Christmas session while showing off two of my new backdrops.

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/12/my-christmas-helper-baby-owen Tue, 13 Dec 2016 01:46:56 GMT
White and Family Fall Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/white-and-family-fall-portraits I love extended family sessions. I know that sometimes they can seem a little bit hard trying to get all these people to smile and look pretty, but I enjoy the challenge.  Look how beautiful the results can be. Priceless images forever!  Some of my favorite little ladies are in this blog! You'll love the fun leaf throwing at the end. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) fall family pictures fall family portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/white-and-family-fall-portraits Wed, 23 Nov 2016 19:57:07 GMT
J + A Fall Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/j-a-fall-family-portraits  

Sometimes you plan a photo shoot months in advance, then the day of your littles just aren't feeling good. We can only plan so much. We still managed to snag a few adorable photos anyway. Bless our babies this time of year and all the sick germs. 

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, yummy, and healthy Happy Thanksgiving! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) fall family pictures fall family portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/j-a-fall-family-portraits Wed, 23 Nov 2016 19:34:32 GMT
N + A Fall Family Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/n-a-fall-family-portraits It's been two years since I photographed this beautiful family. Where has the time gone?  We said we won't wait that long next time. Good! Our babies grow up way too fast. Don't skip out. You'll never regret family portraits. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) fall family pictures fall family portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/n-a-fall-family-portraits Wed, 23 Nov 2016 19:18:42 GMT
C + J Family Fall Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/c-j-family-fall-portraits  

I'm so happy I got to spend more time with this sweet family.  

I LOVE Fall and all its beauty. Such a beautiful family too.  Enjoy!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) fall family portraits fall pictures family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/11/c-j-family-fall-portraits Wed, 23 Nov 2016 18:23:27 GMT
Garrett's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/garretts-newborn-session  

I'm so happy I got to meet this wonderful family for sweet little Garrett's newborn session. Older Brother and Old Sister did such a great job with little brother. Check out all the cuteness. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) knoxville child photographer knoxville newborn photographer newborn photographer newborn photography photographer Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/garretts-newborn-session Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:19:11 GMT
Lovely and Honeycutt Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/lovely-and-honeycutt-family  

Some more Fall Family Fun! Getting young tots to cooperate is always funny.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) fall portraits family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville fall pictures knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/lovely-and-honeycutt-family Sun, 23 Oct 2016 20:50:27 GMT
Ada Turned ONE | First Year Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/ada-turned-one-first-year-portraits I'm so excited I met this awesome family. Their baby girl is such a doll. 

We had so much fun watching her cake smash. She was a professional!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Ada!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash family photographer first year portraits knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/10/ada-turned-one-first-year-portraits Wed, 19 Oct 2016 00:13:15 GMT
Photog Twinkie Mom Blog I https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/photog-twinkie-mom-i My friends, 

If you are reading this I thank you. I fear for people when they get to see inside my head. Writing is a glimpse inside my head and I've always found it to be enjoyable. I do not always find time to accomplish the task. I'm a stay at home mom, so there's lots of time right? Well technically I run a small photography business, I run a household because I have a traveling husband (when I say household I mean the garden outside too that never gets the care it needs), speaking of traveling I act as husband's secretary from time to time, a few other various hats, and 24 hours a day I'm a mom. They go to preschool two days a week for 5 hours each of those days. So basically I have 10 hours to myself to get things done I can't do with two toddlers. 

We all wear the numerous hats and care for different people in our life. People with only one kid ask all the time "how do you do it?" I don't know how the people with 6 kids do it. How do you work a night shift every day? How do you manage to work 40+ hours a week, drive your kids to sports after school, find time for homework and dinner? 

How do we do it?

The saying "God doesn't give us more than we can handle." How many of us have questioned that some days too? 

I remember the girls were about 3 weeks old and I dreaded the nights. The long painful nights were I didn't get to sleep. Husband had a work meeting the next day so he was going in the other room to sleep. I laid on the bed holding both girls. One in my arm, one on my chest and I just cried. Cried hard because I didn't know how I could manage to survive the night alone. I was so exhausted. That is one of my few memories around that first 6 months. Most of the first two years of my kid's lives are filled with blurs. Not sleeping was ruining my brain. My ability to function as a human in society. Determined to do it on my own. 

My kids are 3 now and they sleep so long that they aren't sick. Mostly. I look back and I wonder if maybe I had cashed in my 401k and paid a night nannie I'd remember my kids first two years. Someone to sleep train them, or something. Paid a night and day nannie, and went back to work, how would our lives be today. I don't regret my decisions to do it on my own, I'm just wondering. I'm a terrible village person, but I'm trying to learn to except all the help I can get. Maybe if I'd been better about that early on I wouldn't have stayed so tired. It's hard to change who we are though. 

I'm an independent sole and it's taken years to be okay with my husband being the sole income and provider. I do so much and really I never stop. Literally working around the clock. I've seen my husband after leaving him with the kids for an afternoon. He couldn't handle every day around the clock. This life works for us right now.

These are the realities of our lives. Full of wonder, what ifs, and looking forward to what today holds. Learning as we go to make our tomorrow better. 

The 3 year old twinkies are simply my new favorite. They fight, they cry, they whine, they are full of smiles, laughter, starting to question, making their own opinions, helpers, care takers, animal lovers, full of kindness, kissing others boo boos, causing boo boos, swimming, talking your ear off, being sassy, watching crazy shows and movies, and they are simply just the best.  I loved each stage before, but today is my new favorite stage. 

Here's a few images from their first day of 3's class at preschool. They've grown 3' inches since this time last year. They've grown exponentially in our hearts. 

Don't fear the tomorrows. Embrace the change that's going to happen and has to happen. It's okay to miss it from time to time, and I know I will sing a different tune when I'm watching them graduate and move out of the home. But I can't fear and worry about what will come, because it's going to come. We just stop and enjoy today for tomorrow it will be our memories.  

Carpe diem. Everything can be fun times spent together. Yesterday we washed the dogs together. Today we'll go to Sam's Club and for a swim. But the important part is we are doing it together. 

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/photog-twinkie-mom-i Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:49:34 GMT
Natalie Turned ONE https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/natalie-turned-one Happy 1st Birthday to Sweet Natalie! 

She wasn't feeling her cake smash session. As a mother of twins I find crying pictures to be part of life so, of course, I had to share those too! 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 1 year portraits child photographer family photographer knoxville child photographer knoxville family photographer knoxville photographer one year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/natalie-turned-one Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:40:12 GMT
Emily the Dancer Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/emily-the-dancer-session What a fun beautiful way to photograph a gorgeous young lady! I wish I had sessions like this one every week. Thank you to this family for letting me capture beautiful Emily with such grace and elegance. 

Capture your babies big and small. You will never regret it! 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer dancer dancing portraits family photographer knoxville photographer knoxville portrait photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/9/emily-the-dancer-session Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:06:54 GMT
Sweet Little Aria Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/sweet-little-aria-newborn-portraits More precious baby snuggles in the studio. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer","knoxville newborn photographer","newborn portraits" https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/sweet-little-aria-newborn-portraits Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:51:54 GMT
Beautiful Newborn Portraits of Harper https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/beautiful-newborn-portraits-of-harper Baby Snuggles in the studio. She only liked one pose, but we still got some adorable keeper portraits. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer","knoxville newborn photographer","newborn portraits" https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/beautiful-newborn-portraits-of-harper Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:37:05 GMT
Alex + Josh | Wedding Day https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/alex-josh-wedding-day Congratulations to this awesome couple! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day.  

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness. 

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/8/alex-josh-wedding-day Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:26:41 GMT
Twinkies Turn 3 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/7/twinkies-turn-3 Life passes us by so quickly and if we do not capture the moments they'll only be left in our memories. I don't know about you, but three years of not sleeping well has caused my memory to fail me more often than not. Everything has it's challenges, and there are days that I'm not sure how I'll make it through the day. Tears, blood, sweat, exhaustion, but tons of smiles, laughter, tickles, stories, playing and most of all LOVE fills my days. We always say, "what did we do before we had kids?" Well the truth, we did lots of stuff. Mostly we watched a lot more TV than we do now. :) No loss there. I'd rather be making memories with my beautiful girls than whatever it was that we did before.  

So to my precious beautiful fun loving spirited gorgeous amazing awesome daughters, 

Happy 3rd Birthday! 

You make our lives complete. We love you more than we could ever explain. I'm so excited to share the rest of our lives with you, and watching you grow and explore everything this beautiful planet has to offer. 

Here's the Party Animals at Zoo Knoxville. Thanks to all that came and celebrated with us. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 3 birthday family photographer knoxville photographer michelle leigh photography motherhood parenthood toddlers https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/7/twinkies-turn-3 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 21:00:23 GMT
Little Brothers Cooper 2 Years + Tucker 6 Months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/little-brothers-cooper-2-years-tucker-6-months Oh these little fellers have to be the cutest! I've enjoyed photographing Big Brother Cooper since he was a newborn and now I have the honor of photographing little brother Tucker. I love my job!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 2 year portraits 6 month portraits child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/little-brothers-cooper-2-years-tucker-6-months Tue, 21 Jun 2016 01:58:26 GMT
Prom Portrait Session Downtown Knoxville https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/prom-portrait-session-downtown-knoxville What a pleasure and fun evening photographing a dear friend's beautiful daughter and handsome prom date. I'm very much looking forward to her Senior portraits this Fall. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Downtown Prom Old City Knoxville downtown Knoxville family photography knoxville photographer prom portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/prom-portrait-session-downtown-knoxville Tue, 14 Jun 2016 22:31:09 GMT
Holland Turned ONE https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/holland-turned-one  

Sweet Yellows, my momma's homemade quilt, their family's 100 year old Christening gown, balloons, cake, tutus, and outside play (it was cold that day for April). You name it we tried it for her One Year Session. 

 It saddens me when my Watch Me Grow babies turn ONE. I don't get to see them as much. I guess I'll need to be having some play dates soon, because I miss her already. Sweet baby bumble bee!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer first year portraits knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/holland-turned-one Tue, 14 Jun 2016 17:38:36 GMT
Eva 3 Years & Everleigh 8 Months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/eva-3-years-everleigh-8-months I don't think I can say it enough, I love beautiful babies and fun cute toddlers. Maybe a little sassiness and wildness in my toddlers too! These two have charm and I loved getting to photograph and spend time with them. 

The Perfection is in the Imperfections! Life! 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 8 month portraits child photographer child photography child portraits family photographer knoxville photographer toddler portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/eva-3-years-everleigh-8-months Tue, 14 Jun 2016 14:23:42 GMT
Spring Time In Our Back Yard https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/spring-time-in-our-back-yard Spring Time in Our Back Yard

Since I'm so far behind on blogging I thought I'd start getting my act together with a personal blog. These sweet beautiful girls light up my life. They are getting closer to the Big 3 every day. Talking, talking back, opinions on everything, potty training, swimming, learning, exploring, and new adventures all the time. This has to be one of my favorite ages. They drive me crazy all the time, and they keep me smiling too. Just when you think you can't love a tiny personal any more, they prove you wrong. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child portraits children photographer family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer two year old portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/spring-time-in-our-back-yard Tue, 14 Jun 2016 02:09:28 GMT
Allie's ONE Year Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/allies-one-year-session It's hard to believe I've been photographing Allie for a year. 

What a sweet fun loving girl with awesome parents too! 

Happy 1st Birthday Allie! I love her like she loves cake! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) baby portraits cake smash family photographer family portraits first birthday knoxville photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/6/allies-one-year-session Tue, 14 Jun 2016 01:42:15 GMT
S + A Engagement Session 2 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/4/s-a-engagement-session-2 Our second engagement session is the love story of this couple. They met on the job and this session was meant to reflect that piece of their life. So happy for them and I can't wait to photograph their wedding soon. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement portraits knoxville photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/4/s-a-engagement-session-2 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:19:40 GMT
Maelee's ONE Year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/3/maelees-one-year I arrived at Maelee's birthday party with backdrop stands, white seamless paper roll, camera gear, husband, two toddlers and a birthday gift.

All images were taken with the natural light I had coming through some small windows. We made due and managed to snag some very cute shots.

 

 

Images from the party!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) birthday parties birthday photographer family photographer knoxville photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/3/maelees-one-year Mon, 14 Mar 2016 23:06:18 GMT
Newborn Maxx Is Here https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/3/newborn-maxx Maxx is no longer in Ms Bekah's belly. We're all delighted to get to know him. Please check out some of the images from his newborn session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/3/newborn-maxx Mon, 14 Mar 2016 20:23:59 GMT
Bekah's Maternity https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/2/bekahs-maternity This beautiful lady and I have been friends for many years now. She's been trying to have baby Maxx for many years as well. I am all too familiar with the processing of "trying" to have kids. I am beyond excited to share these images that represent the miracle she prayed for. She delivered baby Maxx one week from these images. It's never too late for a maternity session.

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity photographer maternity portraits newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/2/bekahs-maternity Sat, 27 Feb 2016 00:32:28 GMT
Holland 9 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/1/holland-9-month-session This sweetheart turned 9 months last month too. I've loved getting to watch all these little girls grow this past year, and connecting with their families. I'm looking forward to watching them turn into beautiful little ladies. I hope you enjoy all the cuteness below from her 9 month session. 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 9 month portraits baby portraits child photographer child portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/1/holland-9-month-session Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:34:16 GMT
Allie 9 Months Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/1/allie-9-months-session Time is speeding by yet again. This sweetheart Allie turned 9 months last month. She has one session to go in the Watch Me Grow package. I'm already planning her One Year Session. I hope you enjoy all the cuteness overload below from her 9 month session.  Their studio portraits were taken inside Southern Honey Studio, and their outside portraits were taken down the street from the studio. 

 

        

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 9 month portraits child portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2016/1/allie-9-months-session Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:05:08 GMT
2015 in Review https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/my-year-in-review Good bye 2015 and Hello 2016.

What an amazing year I had personally and work related. I never dreamed I would end out the year so successful. It was only possible because of all these beautiful people. You're helping make my dreams come true.  By allowing me to show your images and my art, you've brought me so many wonderful referrals too. I can not THANK YOU all enough. 

I can't wait to meet new people in 2016 so please continue to spread the word for me. 

(This isn't all the faces, but a huge portion of them. I had a few commercial jobs and a few clients that do not want their images on the internet.) 

Hugs and Joy, 

Michelle

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/my-year-in-review Wed, 30 Dec 2015 16:44:11 GMT
Suzi + Arty Marina Engagement Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/suzi-arty-marina-engagement-session I'm excited I get to photograph the wedding of Suzi and Arty next September. What an amazingly sweet couple and I'm so glad they've found each other. From the images below you can tell they love each other, going to the lake, and sweet boy Ransom! Congrats you two!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement portraits knoxville photographer knoxville wedding photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/suzi-arty-marina-engagement-session Tue, 22 Dec 2015 02:42:31 GMT
Christmas with the Hills https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/christmas-with-the-hills Merry Christmas from our favorite Twin Friends and Family! 

These boys will for sure make you smile. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) christmas portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer knoxville photography lifestyle photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/christmas-with-the-hills Mon, 21 Dec 2015 13:00:00 GMT
Christmas with the White Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/christmas-with-the-white-family Merry Christmas from some of my favorite people small and tall. 

Happy 5th Birthday to Miss Olivia!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/christmas-with-the-white-family Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:00:00 GMT
Green-Luby Wedding Day | September 26, 2015 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/green-luby-wedding-day-september-26-2015 Here is my final wedding blog for 2015.

It took me a couple months, but I'm still very excited to share this day with you. It was a wonderfully fun and beautiful wedding at the Tellico Yacht Club. Second shooter was the multitalented Lisa Mueller.  Congratulations to Rachael and Daniel! Thank you for letting us be part of your day. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Tellico Yacht Club wedding knoxville photographer wedding photographer wedding photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/green-luby-wedding-day-september-26-2015 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:15:23 GMT
Children's Christmas Party https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/childrens-christmas-party A local company has a Christmas party for their employee's families. The party comes complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus bearing gifts. Here's a few adorable images from the night. 

Some kids love Santa and some do not! I like to capture it all.

 

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,

everything is softer and more beautiful." 

~Norman Vincent Peale

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) christmas portraits commercial photography family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/childrens-christmas-party Tue, 08 Dec 2015 03:18:41 GMT
Alex + Josh Engagement Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/alex-josh-engagement-session We are about to add one more to the family. Welcome Josh. Alex and I had a good time taking engagement portraits. Josh acted just like my husband during our session. Complaining and repeating "are we done yet?" He's in for a real treat on the wedding day, but I think he'll fit in the family just fine. Here are some of my favorite images from the session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement portraits knoxville photographer knoxville wedding photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/alex-josh-engagement-session Wed, 02 Dec 2015 00:08:27 GMT
Adorable Tucker's Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/adorable-tuckers-newborn-session This family is so much fun to have a session with. We got to welcome sweet baby brother into the world for their November session. He was less than two weeks old and big brother is 1.5 years new. Getting a picture of the two of them was for sure one of my biggest challenges this year. Thanks to dad's help we got ONE!

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/12/adorable-tuckers-newborn-session Tue, 01 Dec 2015 14:40:14 GMT
Lifestyle Newborn Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/lifestyle-newborn-session My family and I travelled very far to meet this little guy. Welcome Baby Nathan to the world. He has two big brothers and two 2 year old cousins to show him the ropes. It's not very often I get a newborn to smile for me, so I'm pretty sure he sensed we have a connection already. :)

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle newborn lifestyle session newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/lifestyle-newborn-session Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:41:59 GMT
Senior Portraits + 1 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/senior-portraits-1 Here's a preview of some of my favorite images from Stormie's Senior Session plus some with her boyfriend. Always a good time with the Fee family. Looking forward to her 2016 Prom already. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/senior-portraits-1 Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:02:16 GMT
Brown-Curry Wedding Day | September 6, 2015 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/brown-curry-wedding-day-september-6-2015 Announcing Dr and Dr! They got Curried away. 

This amazing couple's beautiful wedding is on the blog. Congrats to two very awesome people that make an even more awesome married couple. Love you guys!

Second Photographer: Alisha Massengil, Wedding Venue: The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farms, Hair: Alchemy Salon, Make-Up: Bangs and Blush

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) hunter valley farms knoxville photographer knoxville wedding photographer wedding photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/brown-curry-wedding-day-september-6-2015 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:52:41 GMT
Trish's Bridal Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/trishs-bridal-portraits Who doesn't love an excuse to wear their wedding gown another day?! I cannot express how much I love bridal portraits. Beautiful Lady, beautiful dress, and a lady who feels like a princess in her wedding dress photographs beautifully. No pressure of the big day. It's a relaxed session with lots of fun. 

Here is the beautiful Trish and her gorgeous gown. Hair by: Brittany at Alchemy Salon. Make up by: Bangs and Blush.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) bridal portraits knoxville photographer wedding photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/11/trishs-bridal-portraits Tue, 03 Nov 2015 23:47:45 GMT
Natalie's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/natalies-newborn-portraits I'm a little late on this blog, but better late than never. Sweet little Natalie is on the blog. We were so excited the grandparents were in town and got to be part of the special session. She was such a little doll baby for her session. Parents are wonderful too! :)

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/natalies-newborn-portraits Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:28:43 GMT
Grandparents https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/grandparents A little side note about the images below and why they are so special to us. First, they are the most wonderful people. Second, I never grew up with grandparents. Didn't really have a ton of active family member's in my life growing up either since we lived so far away from family.  I lived my early years as an introvert. Nothing wrong with that. Then I met and married my husband. He grew up with grandparents and family that still eats lunch every Sunday. I'm so happy to say my daughters have great-grandparents.  Also, I'm no longer an introvert.  I have lots of wonderful people in my life to learn from, look up to, spend time with, laugh with, have fun with. Life's too short to spend it alone at home all the time. I'm so very thankful for my husband (we make each other better people), my daughters (best thing I ever created), and the family that loves them. Well they probably love us a little, but they definitely love them more. :)

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/grandparents Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:32:50 GMT
Our Lives https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/our-lives Due to the wonderful invention of everyone having a camera everywhere we go, sometimes our lives look prettier than reality.  We judge each other's lives by the glimpses we see of them. Of course I mean social media, but also out in public, at the grocery, at a friend or family member's house, family events, etc., etc.  Last week I was a little judged at the store. I'm pushing my twins (2 years) through Target. It's not a long trip, but to them it was getting close to lunch time, which also means nap comes next. One child starts hitting the other child and no matter what I say to her quietly she will not stop. Seriously we were in desperate need of food in our house, and the husband was gone again on a work trip. I was not shopping in the fun parts at Target. That kind of shopping is saved for days the kids are not with me. Finally I snap at her and a woman down the aisle stairs at me. Yes I just yelled at my 2 year old in a public place, but she drove me to it. She also stopped hitting her sister because I got her attention. I have no idea how loud I actually yelled. At that moment I looked like the impatient mother I felt like. There are also other times our life looks so pretty, with all my pretty pictures.  The truth is we're just plugging along like everyone else. We have wonderful parenting moments, then we have guilty moments, then bad moments, then it cycles back around to good days and bad days. We are very blessed and I thank God every day for what we have, but we also worked very very hard for everything.  Even my children we worked extra hard for, and experienced loss of our first baby along the way just trying to get to today. I regret no moments, because that's what makes us who we are. It's what we do with our today that matters. Happiness does not fall in your lap or grow on a tree. My 85 year old neighbor (widow and lives alone) was talking about a friend being depressed, and she told her friend you have to create your own happiness no matter what.

Be Happy. Spread Love not Hate!

Hugs, 

Michelle

 

Photo taken by me. Camera on tripod and remote in my hand.  Edited with a matte finish. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer motherhood parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/our-lives Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:10:47 GMT
Miranda + Michael | August 22, 2015 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/miranda-michael-august-22-2015 What a privilege and pleasure it is to be asked to photograph a friend's wedding. After all the photos I even got a dance or two in with my husband thanks to a second photographer helping me that day. Here are some of the highlights from the beautiful day. Congratulations to Miranda and Michael. I'm so happy you found each other. Love you both!

FYI, the worst thing about blogging a wedding is picking the images. I love so many!!!!

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/miranda-michael-august-22-2015 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 17:50:57 GMT
McDonough Family + Ellie's 6 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/mcdonough-family-ellies-6-month-session I'm behind on my blogging! This week I'll be playing catch up and working on last weekend's wedding. Looking forward to a fun October full of beautiful people and places! Check out a session from last month below. 

Some awesome images from one of my favorite families. 

   

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child photography family photographer knoxville photographer maryville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/10/mcdonough-family-ellies-6-month-session Sun, 04 Oct 2015 01:39:09 GMT
Rachael + Daniel | Engagement Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/9/rachael-daniel This couple is getting married this week! So excited for them and I know it's going to be one epic day on the water. Traveling in and out by boat. I can't wait to share some of their wedding portraits.

At the end of the engagement session they ended up taking a splash in the water, but I left those images out just in case they didn't want me sharing with everyone. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement family photographer knoxville photographer maryville photographer portrait photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/9/rachael-daniel Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:24:57 GMT
Becca + Dustin | July 25, 2015 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/8/becca-dustin-july-25-2015 Here is a quick blog of this awesome couple's big day. Shout to Lisa Mueller for helping second shoot this wedding. We both had a great day with the happy couple.  

Wedding/Reception: The Barn Event Center

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer portrait photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/8/becca-dustin-july-25-2015 Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:26:02 GMT
Collin's Senior Session Downtown https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/8/collins-sr-session-downtown I'm so excited to share my last Senior Portrait Session that took place downtown. His mom did an excellent job styling him. Collin is a handsome young man so he helped make my job easier. They were both wonderful to work with, and we had a great time wondering around taking some awesome images.

 

And one for fun!!!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maryville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/8/collins-sr-session-downtown Tue, 04 Aug 2015 23:14:31 GMT
Allie's Three Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/7/allies-3-month-session This sweetheart I get to watch grow over the next year. This was her first session at 3 months, but we saw her parents in Southern Honey Studio for a maternity session not to long ago. So happy her parents are willing to make the trip from Cleveland to the studio, and totally worth it in my opinion! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 3 month portraits family photographer family photography knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/7/allies-3-month-session Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:42:58 GMT
Holland's Three Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/7/hollands-three-month-session I'm so excited to share some images from this sweet hearts 3 month session. She had so many fun expressions! This is our first session and I hope to see more of her soon. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) 3 month portraits family photographer knoxville family portrait photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/7/hollands-three-month-session Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:18:47 GMT
One Saturday In the Life of Infant Twins https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/one-saturday-in-the-life-of-infant-twins I'd like to do a tribute to my husband on Father's Day.  Going from 0-2 kids in a matter of minutes changed our lives forever. One Saturday I decided to have my camera out all day when the girls were four months old. Saturday, November 23, 2013 was of course during football session, and we stayed in by ourselves all day. As much as you don't mean for it to happen, your babies consume your lives the first couple years. There is no way around it, they need us without a shadow of a doubt, and honestly how could you not want to be there for them every second of the day. Even with all the love for them, there are trying times. They stretch the inner parts of our souls and exhaust us to the bone. Exhaustion mentally and physically hurts and looking back I remember so little of this time. It really was one big blur of sleepless nights and catnaps during the day. I had mastitis twice, which made me very sick. I laughed as I saw the image of me holding the girls and cabbage sticking out of my shirt. I almost left that image out for fear of what people would think is going on in my shirt. But this was my life that day. I chose to feed my children from my body as long as possible. I honestly think it was trying to kill me, but I did it. Then when it came time to give it up it suddenly became very easy. Go figure. Through all the exhaustion, sleepless nights, hormones, mental break-downs, and chaos my husband stayed by our side. Lesser men might have left when it got hard, but even through his own trials we found a way to make it work and love one another. I've probably said this before, but staying in love is a choice we make on a daily basis. The point of the fairy tale is they LIVED. Maybe not perfect, but they lived. Maybe we survived that first year, but now we are taking it day by day and living!

Thank you to all the wonderful Dads that make the choice to love and be there for their children and wives unconditionally every day. The more people we have in the world without "daddy issues," the better our world will be.  May God bless you all! 

The soundtrack for the slideshow is called "Wonderful to be Here." YES it is wonderful to be here, and wow, am I thankful to God for this awesome husband and our beautiful daughters! Love you Honeys! Happy Father's Day!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/one-saturday-in-the-life-of-infant-twins Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMT
Maelee's Three Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/maelees-three-month-session This little sweetheart came to the Studio for her three month session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photographer knoxville photographer portrait studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/maelees-three-month-session Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:17:58 GMT
Twin +1 Friends https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/twin-friends We love our twin friends! Lots of work went into this season. We got sweaty, a twin had a bloody nose, there was a wreck on the turnpike. HOWEVER, we managed to get some great images regardless of our circumstances. WOOHOO!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) "child photographer","portrait photographer","oak ridge photographer","maryville photographer" family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/twin-friends Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:54:35 GMT
The Piper-Parrott Engagement Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/the-piper-parrott-engagement-session This awesome couple is getting married next month! I'm so excited to photograph their wedding. You can totally tell from their images what a great time we had together photographing their engagement session. There's a story to these images as well. They were engaged downtown, and the "Kimball's Jewelers" on the building is in the set of images for a reason of course. 

Congrats to these two and more photos to come soon from the big day!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement engagement photographer family photographer knoxville photographer knoxville wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/the-piper-parrott-engagement-session Wed, 10 Jun 2015 16:28:50 GMT
Portraits and Head Shots https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/portraits-and-head-shots This beautiful young lady was in need of some new head shots. The head shot (aka a portrait), is used in a more formal setting such as your line of work. She's starting a new journey and needed these for some applications. Head shots are always wonderful to have and many people need them for various reasons in life. You're never too young or too old for a good portrait!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer headshots knoxville photographer portrait photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/portraits-and-head-shots Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:28:07 GMT
Cooper's First Year https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/cooper-one-year I've been seeing Cooper for a year now. I'd like to take a quick look back at his first two sessions, then show you his one year session. Of course you're going to smile. He's so adorable, and his parents are awesome, good looking people too.  He loves to smile with his tongue sticking out, which is absolutely one of the cutest things. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer child portraits family photographer family portraits knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/cooper-one-year Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:39:30 GMT
Brown-Curry Round 2 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/brown-curry-round-2 Ben and Trish are one of my couples getting married this year. They are truly awesome individually and as a couple! We did an engagement session at their wedding venue last year back in the Fall. We hit the streets downtown to catch a few more portraits. Then we had some awesome burgers at Stock and Barrel. YUM! Go check it out after checking out a few of their images. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement portraits knoxville engagement knoxville photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/brown-curry-round-2 Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:31:45 GMT
The Taylor Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/the-taylor-family Welcome new baby brother to this sweet family. Baby brother was three weeks new for his session, and took a little extra work to get him to nap for us. Big sisters did great though. So proud of these little beauties! Here are some of my favorite images from their studio session. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family portraits knoxville photographer newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/6/the-taylor-family Mon, 01 Jun 2015 18:53:58 GMT
Toddler-hood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/toddler-hood The stage of infant into toddlers is where my life is sitting. It's like having middle-schoolers miniaturized with less words. Trying to find their way, but yet oh so lost. They seriously do not want to eat what you fix them anymore, sleep when it's time to go to sleep, or pretty much anything that involves listening. Oh they know what I'm saying and they choose to ignore me. They are way smarter than we give them credit for. But also way cuter than they need to be.  Watching their little minds work fascinates me way beyond belief. They make you laugh and smile all the time. Trying new stuff and learning to do stuff themselves. Talking back. As their mother, it's very hard to let them do it on their own. As soon as I let them try to go down one step alone they take a tumble. Clearly there is no right or wrong answers right now. It's about doing what works for us.  

Hello Summer!  I know we are loving this journey right now, so Godspeed to you friends!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/toddler-hood Sun, 31 May 2015 19:02:47 GMT
Knoxville Prom https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/knoxville-prom I had the pleasure of photographing this young lady and young man's prom portraits.  We ran around downtown Knoxville, and someone might have gone barefoot at one point even though her mother said no. Good thing her momma is a good friend of mine. 

 I'm already looking forward to her Senior session this summer. Here are some of my favorite images. They looked like movie stars. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Prom family photographer knoxville photographer knoxville prom https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/knoxville-prom Sun, 31 May 2015 18:40:51 GMT
Mathison Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/mathison-maternity This awesome couple is expecting a baby girl in July. I had the pleasure of photographing their maternity session, and I can't wait to meet their precious newborn to photograph in July. Here are some images from their session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits motherhood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/mathison-maternity Mon, 18 May 2015 14:00:22 GMT
Tidwell Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/tidwell-family ​This family loves camping, but the good kind of camping with your own bed, kitchen, and bathroom. I met them at their campground for some family portraits. What an excellent way to not only take portraits, but to capture a piece of something you love doing as a family. 

Here are some of my favorite images. The kids make us work for every smile, but oh so worth it.  

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/tidwell-family Fri, 15 May 2015 12:38:35 GMT
The White Little Ladies https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/the-white-little-ladies This adorable family is back on the blog. Madalyn turned 1, Caroline turns 3, and Olivia is an adorable 4 year old. We went to a local park on the water for their session. The girls did great and we got some awesome images. Nothing like a few skittles and M&Ms to bring a smile to their faces. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle portraits motherhood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/5/the-white-little-ladies Thu, 14 May 2015 16:10:41 GMT
Dream Dance Studio https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/dream-dance-studio Dancing and Dancers such beauty! I could photograph them all day. Check out some of the images from their session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) dance dance portraits family photographer knoxville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/dream-dance-studio Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:54:23 GMT
"I Believe it When I See It For Myself" https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/-i-believe-it-when-i-see-it-for-myself

I'll do a quick share before starting a day of editing and an evening photo session. Yesterday I had the rare occurrence of being alone in a vehicle. I went to Lowes and Food City. On my ride from Lowes to Food City the song Heaven by Live came on the radio. I've always loved this song, but love it even more now. This is the chorus.

 

 " I'll believe it when I see it for myself

I don't need no one to tell me about heaven

I look at my daughter, and I believe.

I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth

I can see the sunset and I perceive, yeah"

 

When I arrive at Food City, I park and find the place is pretty empty. As soon as I walk into the area outside the cash registers there is a manager yelling at a homeless man to get out of the store or he’s going to call the law. His words not mine. The homeless man had filled up one of those trays at the salad buffet. At this point the damage is done, and the man doesn’t understand why all this delicious food is sitting there. He was missing a few marbles you could tell. I wanted to do something, but walked on feeling helpless. The manager wanted him gone I’m sure to keep his customers happy. My agreeing to pay for his food probably would have made the manager even more upset. Than again I don’t know because I did nothing, but get out of the way.  Feeling defeated and sad for this man. Sad that he is in this circumstance. Sad I did nothing.

 

I continue my shopping through Food City. I didn’t have many items to purchase, so mostly I shopped on the outside isles. When I get to the yogurt I notice a little middle aged woman picking some valutime yogurt off the top shelf at yogurt. Of course I’m buying Greek yogurt to cook with and some ORGANIC yogurt for the kids. Probably some of the most expensive stuff they have in the little pouches. This woman only has a few items in her cart, but again I don’t think much of it.

 

Then I go to check out and end up behind this woman. I notice she has really cute jeans on, and I’m dressed in walmart crop active pants that were once black. My hair hasn’t been washed in who knows how long, so it’s in a terrible messy bun (not the cute messy kind) and a head wrap band.  No make-up, and the list goes on. Never judge a book by it’s cover should be inserted here.

 

The lady has a government check of some kind to pay for her groceries.  She didn’t have enough for the box of cereal, but enough for a couple extra yogurts. While running back to grab more yogurt the cashier, older gentlemen with an awesome grey beard, finished up with the checking out process with this check. He puts the cereal out of the way, but I politely offer to pay for the cereal and hand him a $5 bill. He doesn’t say much, the lady returns, he rings up the cereal, then puts it in her bags.  She says nothing about the exchange the cashier and I have, and leaves the store.

 

The cashier and I exchange a story about a family at Christmas time. Thanks me for my generosity etc.  I leave the store.  Then as I’m loading my groceries the woman drives by in her pieced together van and says thank you out the window and drives off.

 

Back to the lyrics of the song. On my way to Food City I almost tear up because it's the truth. I look at my beautiful daughters and how could I not believe.  To think nothing is at play to create such beauty in this place is beyond my imagination.  How could I not believe in God, and something bigger than me.  I no longer worry and argue about the exact rights and wrongs around the various denominations found in Christianity, even other religions for that matter. I’m sorry, but can you all be right? However, you can find a life that works for you.  If your life is not working for you then change it.  Start with a prayer and see where that takes you.  I don’t feel generous; I feel my cup is running over with things to be thankful for every single moment of every day.  I know there is much disaster in this world. Many people could argue why would God allow such things. Well that’s man’s hand at work and our Free Will. Those are the exceptions, and I truly believe there is so much splendor and wonder left in people. I believe it can be spread like a virus if we could learn to love more and judge less those that are different than us.

 

Lots of Love and May God Give you a Reason to be Thankful Today!

 

-Michelle 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/-i-believe-it-when-i-see-it-for-myself Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:59:39 GMT
Miranda + Michael | Engagement Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/miranda-michael-engagement-session This adorable awesome couple is getting married soon! I have the awesome privilege to not only photograph their engagement session, but their wedding in August. Looking forward to my next session with Miranda, her Bridal Portraits! 

Check out some of my favorites from the engagement. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement portraits family photographer knoxville photographer wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/miranda-michael-engagement-session Mon, 20 Apr 2015 22:42:19 GMT
Natalie's One Year Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/natalies-one-year-portraits It rained so we had a studio/cake smash session. I got to try the cake and it was amazing. I'm so glad she's not a cake smasher since that cake was too good to waste! She got pretty serious on us, so we had to bring out the cake before we got to all of mom's outfits. :)

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) cake smash family photographer knoxville photographer one year portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/natalies-one-year-portraits Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:53:57 GMT
Maelee's Newborn Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/maelees-newborn-portraits Sweet beautiful Maelee's is here and I finally have all her newborn portraits finished up. Mom and dad are doing great with their new bundle of joy. So happy and excited for them. Here are some of my favorite images from their session. A perfect Easter blog of a perfect little girl. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle photography parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/4/maelees-newborn-portraits Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:39:07 GMT
Sweet Baby Ellie & Family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/3/sweet-baby-ellie-family I had a session with Jessie not too long ago for her maternity portraits. Well, we finally get to meet sweet baby Ellie Rose. I just love her name, her, and her wonderful family. Here are some of my favorites from the session. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/3/sweet-baby-ellie-family Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:28:27 GMT
What We See https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/3/what-we-see Photography like any other art, holds beauty to certain eyes. I painted in watercolor for many, many years. Not for myself, but for art classes in high school and college. Really the only reason I took a watercolor class in college was due to the fact I couldn't get into the photography classes. I was so focused on getting all my classes I needed to graduate I forgot to enroll in classes I was passionate about or enjoyed. I had to take so many hours of electives, so what ultimately fit in my schedule and what wasn't full all ready ended up being dance (tap) and watercolor. So back to my point about watercolor. I don't really like it. I'm not bad at painting in this medium. I've accomplished some okay watercolor pieces, and yet I still don't like them. I've looked at famous pieces in museums and I'm still not draw to them. The transparency and the way the color bleeds is what I’m not found of. I like rich full colors. I enjoy the thickness in acrylics and oils. Regardless of my reasoning, it's okay that I don’t like it.

Photography is the same way. I have a constant need to grow and learn. I want to be better and I want to keep clients happy and coming back. I want to document my life in a way that truly captures the feeling when you look at an image of my babies. You may ultimately not like my style or my editing and that's okay. You may not like every picture. I know I don't like all my pictures. I find too many flaws. Ways to improve and make it better. 

That takes me to my next point, critiquing images. I like to throw myself into an image and decide what I like, what I don’t like, what to change.  Mostly for myself to see how I can use that information.  There are places and classes you can take your images to have them critiqued. Facebook pages especially. I occasionally try this method. Not for pats on the back, but to really look for ways I could improve. Although it turns into people’s opinions and I find my self back to my first sentence. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

If you like what I do and we jive then lets work together. If not, then it’s okay no offense will be taken. Thank you for looking though.

LoVe, M 

Ed Sheeran's song "Photograph"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NWnF_cdtIA

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/3/what-we-see Mon, 02 Mar 2015 19:54:42 GMT
Lindsey + Brad Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/2/lindsey-brad-maternity-session Well we waited so late that she almost delivered that baby girl during our session. That's an exaggeration, but she is due in less than two weeks (yet still so tiny). So excited!! Newborn portraits soon!

Check out Lindsey's maternity session in the studio. Side note, I got a new light and I'm loving the studio set-up and look. Now if I could just finish the painting and final touches. Like organizing.  Sorry for the messy studio Lindsey! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity portraits newborn portraits studio maternity portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/2/lindsey-brad-maternity-session Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:54:11 GMT
Carrie's Maternity Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/2/carries-maternity-session This beautiful momma and I have known each other a very long time. She was always the happiest, smilingist person I'd ever met. Yes I just made that word up.  I could not be more excited for her and husband. This is their first child and it's going to be a gorgeous baby girl! They came to the studio for portraits. Here are my favorites, but really so many awesome ones to pick from. My aunt and I sewed a white sheer dress together last month, and it's been working great for maternity portraits. However, as beautiful as they are they are also very intimate, so I'll be leaving a few of those to her eyes only. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer maternity maternity portraits motherhood newborn photographer newborn portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/2/carries-maternity-session Tue, 10 Feb 2015 15:13:57 GMT
Jessie's Maternity https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/1/jessies-maternity Jessie is a very close friend of mine and she's very pregnant. I may have bullied her into this maternity shoot at first. I allowed her the chance to back out, then she drug her pregnant beautiful self on over to the studio after all. We ended up having way too much fun dressing her up though. You're not pregnant for very long, so it's very special to get to document such an amazing time of your life. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) . knoxville photographer maternity portraits. motherhood newborn photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/1/jessies-maternity Sat, 31 Jan 2015 19:38:24 GMT
The Last Bottle (Personal Blog) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/1/the-last-bottle The year of firsts also brings us to the year of last times with baby stage items.  It's hard not to feel sad when you see the baby sliding away and a little child emerging each day. They are little sponges taking in so much everyday. The words they are speaking now plus their ability to do more. It's so much fun and joy to watch them learn these new things. To go from sitting to standing to walking. With twins the walking made my life a little easier. Then with learning words, they can stop whining and tell me what they want. That will also make my life a little easier. However, seeing these things happen is so bitter sweet. 

As of right now our family is complete. (Like all things plans are subject to change and we'll deal with change at that time.) Having two at once has it's challenges and a little sadness. Only one baby stage, learning to sit, stand, walk and talk so close together. Starting school, dances, sports, studying, field trips, graduation, college and every stage of life for two ladies happening together. They will share a bond that so few of us get to understand. I've always longed for a sister bond and I'm so beyond happy they get each other all their lives. I hope they understand how blessed they are to have each other, and their mom and dad too. Even though at times we are going to make their life a little hard, it's only for their benefit. We want them to be wonderful well rounded adults, but I'll love them unconditionally regardless.  If we fail I'm going to place blame on Travis and grandparents for spoiling them too much. 

I am experiencing the sadness that comes from knowing your family could be complete. It's a female thing and I think so many women will understand this. Honestly one pregnancy was enough for me really. It was the sickest I've ever experienced. I'm still out of shape from it, but it's getting better. And yet so worth it! This summer we have so much in store and so many things to look forward to. As we near the end of bottles I'll try not to mourn the end of each stage too long. Don't judge my sentimental emotions. :) Happy 19 Months to my Baby Girls. Mum Loves you the most and I get that right since I grew you in my belly for 9 months! 

Remember we all are fighting our own battles. Big or small. We can't walk in other people's shoes, but we can try to have a little empathy and compassion along the way for others. Don't judge what you don't understand and worry doesn't get us anywhere. Use our good judgement and senses and spread a little extra love. 

Blessing and almost Goodbye to January 2015! I'm so ready for Spring. 

Love, 

Michelle

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family family photographer knoxville photographer life maryville photographer motherhood parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2015/1/the-last-bottle Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:17:23 GMT
The Honeycutt's Year of Firsts ~2014 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/the-year-of-firsts-2014-honeycutt-family Merry Christmas from my family to yours!  We're excited to celebrate the love and birth of our King in the Honeycutt home. 

 

So we've reached the toddler stage and it's harder to take portraits of my children now. They want to play with my camera. That's why I have to hire a friend that's a pro. Now that they are a year and half old we just do it annually. These Christmas photos where taken by me here at the new home studio. 

2014 was a Year of so many firsts:    Sitting, standing, walking, learning new words, traveling to new places, new jobs, selling a home, buying a home, buying a new car, packing and moving twice. So many to name them all.

All while lacking a lot of sleep.

I feel so extremely blessed in the middle of this crazy whirlwind called Life. My husband and i celebrated our 10 year anniversary. Such an amazing journey we've had so far. I can't wait to spend the next 10 years and the 50 after that together.  We had hoped to have a big celebration, but that has been postponed to another year. We'll get around to renewing our vows one day. He is such a hard worker, sometimes a little too hard since we miss him a lot. Hopefully we'll see him a little more in 2015.  

I can't get over how amazing it is to be parents to twins. They are such a joy and so much fun. Who knew you could love somebody so much. With their recent developments, it's like meeting a new little person every day and falling in love them all over again each day. They do have bad days where you want to hide in a closet, but that's mostly the snot and teething. It too shall pass and it does. So remember mommy's and daddy's this too shall pass. Try to enjoy the moment. Sometimes we have to let the laundry pile up and the house get a little messy to do so. 

2014 also had some recent sickness this fall and start into winter. Not in my little family so much, but in the extended family. I'm wishing and praying for healing and health for 2015. Also for safe travels for my husband and I as we travel for work soon. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you all in 2015 and watching your lives take shape in a new year. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's Loves!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle maryville photographer parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/the-year-of-firsts-2014-honeycutt-family Wed, 24 Dec 2014 20:21:33 GMT
2014 Reflection on Michelle Leigh Photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/2014-reflection-on-mlp

I've decided to have two separate blog posts reflecting the past year. This first one will be about the business over the past year. Let me first say that I can be brutally honest to a fault. I'm working on that. I'm a terrible liar. So my compliments are true when I give them. I'm a terrible liar remember. So regarding my business, I have yet to profit my first dollar or even pay myself, but I have high hopes for next year. Do I do it for the money or do I take your photographs because I love it? I do it for both. One because I do love my job. While it's hard at times. Wondering if she will see herself as beautiful as I do. If she doesn't have I failed? Do you give up on yourself because you failed? Two, yes I do it for the money. I have bills to pay like everyone else, so yes I have no choice but to charge to pay the bills.  It's hard in a market with lots of other amazing photographers and some up and coming cheaper ones. Everyone has a camera phone or a digital camera, so most don't see the value in what I do.

 Could I make money doing something else? Yes I could and I did it for years. I have two degrees in Business Management and Human Resources.  I still enjoy using the others side of my brain, and will continue to do so. Photography is a passion and a constant learning experience for me. It also keeps my mind a little sane while I raise my twins. 

Now lets look into 2015. Up until now I have mostly done on location photo sessions. With the addition of my home studio I get to really expand my business in 2015.  I now have the option to photograph when it's raining and cold.  It's still under renovations right now, but coming along nicely. It's small, but it's mine. Nothing can make you more proud than knowing that you created something and it's all yours. When things are handed to us, we never truly appreciate them. Building a business from scratch is hard, but it will be so worth it. Also, coming in 2015 I have added a session package to my pricing. I will be running less specials and let families buy a package that works for them. We live in a digital world, so I want people to have digitals to store in a way that will be forever preserved. I also want my families to print their photos. What is the point in all these digitals if we never see them? Display those beautiful faces all over your walls and in albums. 

This year (2014) was hard for me.  Selling a home, moving into a rental, building, not building, then purchasing an older home in an area you had no idea existed. It was very up and down. The process of trying to keep a house in shape to sell. The moving twice. Husband traveling a lot. Boxes, boxes, and more boxes. All the ups and downs, add to the main factor of no sleep most of the year, made it hard to truly focus on growing the business most of the year. I'm not going to regret one-second I spent focusing on my family over the business though. 2015 should be the year that I can improve more, grow more, and achieve more goals.  If I don't get them all, I'm not going to be devastated or anything, but we must have goals in life.  What are we here for? What are you here for? It doesn't need to be to save the whole world. Don't over think it, but we all need to do our part.  

The best part of my job is capturing a family or your special day to be able to remember for generations to come. That's the value. It's truly priceless to know a mommy and her new baby have professional, non orange images, taken on a camera that can capture the details your smart phone will never see. Like that tiny little birthmark on her forehead.  I want to leave you with something positive. All my life I've only heard the message we are never good enough. I'll be beautiful when....... What when you loose those 10 pounds, you get in shape, you get that mole removed, your nose is smaller?  You're beautiful or handsome now, the way God made you.  Be sure to stop and  Love yourself. You are beautiful now. Not when you loose 10 pounds, not when you get in shape. You are beautiful now! People are listening. Your children are listening. Take care of yourself, and love yourself so that our children will learn to love themselves for who they are and not what they think they should be. Be beautiful on the inside and it will reflect throughout. You have the control over what kind of person you are, so be awesome!

Have a very Merry Christmas!  I pray you have a happy and healthy 2015! 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer knoxville photographer motherhood photography wedding https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/2014-reflection-on-mlp Wed, 24 Dec 2014 20:00:24 GMT
HaPpY Birthday to Miss Olivia and Merry Christmas from the Whites https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/happy-birthday-to-miss-olivia-and-merry-christmas-from-the-whites I believe this is my last session of 2014. Oh and FINALLY a session where one of these precious girls did not have a bathroom issue. This was our best session this year. It was a short session, a little chilly, but the girls smiled and cooperated. They look fabulous and beautiful. Miss Olivia turned 4 so we did a combined 4 year session with a little bit of Christmas. Love the results. Here are some of my favs, but I love them all!

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) children's photographer family portraits knoxville photographer lifestyle motherhood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/happy-birthday-to-miss-olivia-and-merry-christmas-from-the-whites Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:11:16 GMT
The Hill Boys Are Back https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/the-hill-boys-are-back Cuteness over-load with the twins, Joey and Theo and big brother Oliver. We love our twins around here. One of my favorite parts of my job is capturing moms with their babies. Moms are always the one with the cameras, so it's nice to capture a certain age with their mom (and dads too). We did a pretty good getting this beautiful mom with her boys. And oh boy do these boys LOVE their momma!

The Hills were able to come to my home studio for a session back in November and the portraits turned out great. You can see for yourself. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) children photographer family photographer knoxville photographer lifestyle moms parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/the-hill-boys-are-back Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:04:50 GMT
Natalie and NIcholas Christmas https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/natalie-and-nicholas Due to life, we were unable to capture miss Natalie at 6 months. I caught up with her at 9 months for some Christmas pictures though. Loving the new studio set up. They turned out adorable!     

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Christmas children portraits family Photographer motherhood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/natalie-and-nicholas Sat, 13 Dec 2014 18:37:21 GMT
Brown-Curry Engagement https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/brown-curry-engagement I am beyond excited for this amazing couple. They are getting married next September. I'm also super excited to be a part of their big day by photographing their wedding. It's going to be amazing, spectacular, and beautiful all rolled into one!

Below are some images from their first engagement session. We used a lot of Save the Date props for this session. We are planning a second one soon, no props. :)

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) engagement photography photography wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/12/brown-curry-engagement Thu, 11 Dec 2014 14:42:07 GMT
Piper and Korbin's Christmas Session 2014 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/piper-and-korbins-christmas-session-2014 Piper and Korbin are back! Their last session was in July. Kids really do grow like weeds. Their mother, Ashley, has been helping me with my Christmas props this year. I'm not huge into props, so any extra input is great with me. She's very crafty and made my Merry Christmas burlap signs. They are so cute I'm stealing them to hang on my own mantel this year. 

I hope you enjoy the beautiful images I caught of them. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Christmas photography Knoxville Photographer family family photographer moms motherhood parenthood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/piper-and-korbins-christmas-session-2014 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:37:11 GMT
Maggie's Senior Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/maggies-senior-portraits My latest Senior portrait session was so much fun. I used to work with Maggie's step-mother, so it's always nice to reunite with old friends. They bought Maggie this session for her birthday and wow what an awesome birthday present. So glad I got to be part of it!

Here are my favorites of course. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Senior Portraits knoxville photographer maryville photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/maggies-senior-portraits Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:42:13 GMT
Arden-Curtis Engagement Fall 2014 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/arden-curtis-engagement-fall-2014 On a quest to find newly engaged couples I gave away two engagement sessions. The goal is to grow the wedding business next year. Weddings are very special and it's something you want to be the perfect fit. First off you need to love the photographers style, and second you need to mesh well with your photographer. Not just the couple like the photographer, but I need to like you back. So it needs to fit and work on both sides.  Your photographer is going to be with you on one of your most important days. Going with the best deal will most definitely make you regret that decision later. I was on a very tight budget for my wedding, and I skimped out on the photographer because I didn't know any better. Looking back I wish I had done more research and found someone that was a better fit for me and not based solely on cost. A few photos and my memories are all that are left of that day. Let me tell you it's hard to remember such a busy filled day after time. That's where great photos can fill in the gap. Flowers die, but pictures last a lifetime. Priceless! 

This beautiful lady contacted me about her recent engagement. They are getting married next fall, so why not fall engagement photos. Here are some of my favorites

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Knoxville photographer Oak Ridge photographer engagement wedding wedding photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/11/arden-curtis-engagement-fall-2014 Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:04:36 GMT
Madalyn Turns 6 Months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/madalyn-turns-6-months Somehow I didn't make a blog post for this first family studio session. We had so much rain for two weeks and this was one of the many sessions that got rained out. We decided to tempt an indoor session with three kiddos. It was a little rocky with a few tears, but we managed to get some good images and eat some good pizza (and mac n cheese of course). 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer family photography knoxville photographer lifestyle maryville photographer moms motherhood oak ridge photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/madalyn-turns-6-months Sat, 25 Oct 2014 13:25:18 GMT
Cooper @ 6 Months https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/cooper-6-months Cooper's newborn session was one of the easiest babies I've ever photographed. Well, his 6 months was just the same. We got so many fun and cute images of not just Cooper, but his momma and dada too. I had a hard time picking which ones to share, so here are just a few of my favorites. What a beautiful family!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) child photographer family photography, knoxville Photographer, life lifestyle moms motherhood parenthood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/cooper-6-months Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:00:10 GMT
Lincoln & Lola Fall 2014 https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/lincoln-lola-fall-2014 My mini spring session with this family didn't turn out as well as we had hoped because Miss Lola wasn't up to modeling that day. This time it was a different story. Their dad wanted to catch them in the moment, aka Candids, I think I got lots of those. You should see the whole gallery. Shew, lots of images. Here are some of my favorite images of this beautiful family. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Photographer" Ridge family lifestyle moms"family motherhood parenthood photographer""Oak photographer""knoxville photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/lincoln-lola-fall-2014 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:23:16 GMT
Family Time https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/family-time So happy I was able to take this family's portraits at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. Beautiful family and beautiful location that I enjoyed photographing. Catie contacted me about portraits as a Christmas present for the family. They went with my platinum package that includes the canvas. In case you didn't know I love canvas! So happy they have these images to cherish this time forever. Here are my favorites.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family photographer family photography knoxville photographer maryville photographer oak ridge photographer https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/family-time Tue, 14 Oct 2014 18:12:43 GMT
Corporate Head Shots https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/corporate-head-shots A few years ago my beautiful dear friend got engaged and she asked me to do her engagement session. She came back again in need of some professional head shots for her speaking engagements and various items you need when you work for a city government. I needed someone in my studio to help me work through my new studio set up so it worked out perfectly. I had her laughing at me for being a goof ball, and for trying to get her into all sorts of different poses. Only so many made the cut. Here are a few of my favorites. Beautiful. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Professional head shots corporate head shots knoxville photographer maryville photographer photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/corporate-head-shots Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:21:30 GMT
Senior Portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/senior-portraits What an important time in a person's life, the beginning of a new chapter and end of another. Oh to be a Senior again, well not really. I prefer my life much better now, but to be that young and have the experience and knowledge I have now.  That's the ticket. This is a beautiful young woman in her Senior year of high school. I photographed her sister a few years ago and now she'll be going off to college soon too. I had a hard time picking images to share. The location was downtown Maryville. A beautiful place for portraits as you can see. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) knoxville photographer maryville photographer senior portraits https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/senior-portraits Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:32:05 GMT
The Value https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/the-value I read a very sad post in a photography group yesterday and for some reason I feel the need to share the jest of the story. A woman reached out to a photographer to have pictures of her daughter made for her 25th birthday. Upon seeing the prices the woman decided to not have the pictures made. Then her daughter was in a horrible car crash and passed away. She was writing the photographer to tell her she regretted not having the photos made since the last professional photos they had of her she was 16. Everything was quick family snapshots and camera shots. She didn't see the value in her work, but now she does and thinks she's was worth every penny. She just didn't see it at the time. The photographer was of course super kind back telling her not to regret the decision, and she'd help her doctor the snapshots they had of her. It was a very quick reminder of how very precious our time is on this earth. Living in a state of fear that something terrible can happen is not what I mean by this post, but simply to value our lives, our time, and the people in it.  I'm finishing up a family's portraits today and I just love that they took the time to all get together to make this happen. As our generations age its wonderful to have beautiful portraits to remember who we were when they were taken. 

Carpe diem! 

Pictured my daughter picking a leaf in our front yard. Taken October 2, 2014.

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family family photography" "carpe diem" life lifestyle moms motherhood parenthood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/10/the-value Thu, 09 Oct 2014 17:15:16 GMT
Honeycutt Girls https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/honeycutt-girls As you may well know now, I have twin girls. I LOVE girls, I am a girl and before I got pregnant I wanted a girl. It's only natural I think. So when we found out we were having twins I thought for sure it was a boy and a girl. A couple weeks before the reveal Husband thought it was two girls. I thought that's not possible, but maybe. Our friends were pregnant with twin boys, so maybe the universe needed us to even it up. Sure enough it was twin girls. Even though husband had been predicting that, he still couldn't believe it.  I, of course, was elated. I'm not kidding when I say he walked around in a funk for two solid weeks. He was in and out of the funk for the next oh…. year and a half. Fast forward to this week. My husband's brother and his wife are expecting their first baby.  Most bets were on it was a boy. First, we need a little boy in the family and second, someone needs to carry on the Honeycutt name. Then there is the fact that I have two of everything girl I can pass on to a little girl and save them so much money. Little Girl it is! We are all so excited. Honestly when it comes down to it, we will love the baby the same if it's a boy or girl. Just want a healthy happy Honeycutt.

So, photographing for your family is almost like being an accountant 40+ hours a week then doing your families' taxes on your time off. (Insert sarcastic font. ALMOST, it's really not that bad.)  Everyone wants you to bring your camera though. I don't mind for events that I can capture more than a snapshot, but now that I have kids I like to actually be in the family photos with my children. Oh those motherless twins (Reason number one I hire a professional to take family portraits, it's the only photos I'm ever in with my kids).  So for random family snapshots, we all own a camera for that. Doesn't every phone have a camera? This was a real occasion that called for MY camera and lens. I was happy to be apart of it since these two had no idea what gender baby they were having and wanted to find out with everyone else. One person knew of course to prepare the box, but she was a vault.  The reaction on their faces is priceless. Check out the slideshow of the Honeycutt baby gender reveal. 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) . family photography knoxville photogprapher lifestyle photography maternity moms motherhood newborn photography parenting https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/honeycutt-girls Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:31:01 GMT
Family of Four https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/family-of-four As I've mentioned before I love to capture toddlers in action. Of course these aren't my kids, so my patience is way better than the patience I have with my own family. Shelby a typical three year old was not too interested in taking photos with her one year old baby brother Andrew. Frustrating for mom I'm sure, but a little funny for me. I think I've got plenty of cute images though. Such an awesome family and so glad they allowed me the opportunity to capture this time in their lives. Enjoy!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Knoxville Photographer, child photographer family photography, life lifestyle moms motherhood parenthood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/family-of-four Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:37:44 GMT
Aeriona's 5 Month Session https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/aerionas-5-month-session I'm so happy to have met this family. This little girl is so darling. It was another hot humid session, but we managed to capture some beautiful images at the Grist Mill in Norris Dam State Park. Maybe our next session it will be a little cooler. I'm excited to watch her grow. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Knoxville Maryville Norris Photographer Photography children family life lifestyle moms motherhood newborn parenthood twins wedding https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/9/aerionas-5-month-session Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:02:02 GMT
Twinkies First Birthday https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/twinkies-first-birthday I'm like any other proud mum that loves her babies and wants to share them with people.  Sharing my kids with the world is a little scary though. I'm a photographer, and that's what so many of us photographers do. We share our art with the world. It's who we are and I am nothing without my family. They inspire me to be better. I have ups and downs, but they are the ones that love me unconditionally when it's hard to love yourself or your work. An artist's work says so much of who we are and inside my brain is a scary place (I tell my husband this all the time).  I'm moving on to another subject I'll divulge the inter-workings of my brain another day. 

My daughters started with one party, but the rain caused us to change our minds. We planned to cancel the big party and reschedule. Well instead of canceling everyone we ended up having a friends with kids party, then two separate grandparent parties. Blended families, three sets of grandparents and two great-grandparents (see at the bottom). OY VEY! ;)

Here are a few of the shots I got of the cuties. I tried a group shot of all the kids and it totally failed. They make me laugh though!

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/twinkies-first-birthday Mon, 18 Aug 2014 13:51:15 GMT
Isn't Clay Adorable? https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/isnt-clay-adorable Long story how I met this family, but I'm happy to finally get to use the pre-purchased photo shoot on someone so adorable. Mom and dad are good looking too of course. This little one year old was a little unsure of me at first, but as you can see from the images he warmed up pretty fast. I hope to see them all again soon. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/isnt-clay-adorable Sun, 10 Aug 2014 19:52:54 GMT
Hello Sweet Piper and Korbin https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/hello-sweet-piper-and-corbin Korbin Danger was one of my first blogs last year. I was pregnant when I went to the hospital to see my friend and her new baby boy. What a treat it was to photograph him, and it also scared me. He was so big and I thought she was a hero for delivering him. It had me a little nervous about my own delivery of twins. I thought the odds were on my side that they would be smaller than him since there were two of them. Turns out they weren't much smaller, but that's off subject.  Over a year later I finally got the whole family back in front of my camera. They weren't so full of smiles for me, but I did capture some cute images anyway. I think we are going to try for some more in the fall. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/8/hello-sweet-piper-and-corbin Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:04:49 GMT
Extended Families https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/extended-families I recently decided I'd give it a go at a Living Social ad. I've met some awesome new people from it. This family was vacationing together in Sevierville. The parents aka grandparents have been married 40 years. They have four beautiful daughters with awesome families of their own. I hope they had a wonderful time in the beautiful smokies. Here are some images from my visit with them.

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/extended-families Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:08:01 GMT
Farewell to Amber Dawn https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/farewell-to-amber-dawn We said goodbye to our home last week. I know attachment to inanimate objects is silly, but I think females tend to do this. We had so many wonderful memories attached to this home. Living next door to good friends, walking and running the greenway, walking to the library, great parties, football seasons (need I say more), and bringing home our babies. You will forever be in my heart Amber Dawn! You served us well. Thanks to all the family and friends that helped us make it awesome. Especially that deck. It was the best. There is a season for everything and time for change. We move on to our next road with excitement!  

Blessings!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/farewell-to-amber-dawn Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:00:21 GMT
Donna and her family https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/donna-and-her-family I got the sweetest phone call a few weeks ago from Donna about a family session. Donna and I hit it off immediately. I love it when that happens! The session was for an extended family session, but those are always fun. This was nothing but fun from the get go too. It was 92 degrees at UT's Gardens and everyone was in good spirits. I had been moving boxes and cleaning all day upon arrival, so for me this session was my escape from working.  Here are some of my favorite images from the day. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/donna-and-her-family Fri, 11 Jul 2014 18:00:58 GMT
Lil Sis & Big Bro https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/lil-sis-big-bro Sweet little Natalie is back and already 3 months old. Her big brother, Nicholas turned 4, so we had a great family session capturing this age for both of them.  Big thanks to Christy and Christopher for roughing the 90 degree weather. Actually it was in the 70s, but so humid we all left soaked in sweat.  I think it was worth every drop though. What an awesome adorable family!

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/lil-sis-big-bro Fri, 11 Jul 2014 16:53:48 GMT
Chad + Sam's Wedding Day https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/chad-sams-wedding-day May 31, 2014 Chad & Samantha had their day in St. Augustine, Florida at the St. Johns Golf & Country Club. There were a few bumps at the beginning, but it turned out to be a wonderful day and beautiful wedding. I haven't know Sam very long, but I've know Chad all my life. He is my brother after all. Everyone has a story and his does not lack in uniqueness for sure. I'll leave out the details of his past, but it's made him the person he is today. For that we are all thankful. He's a great father and I'm sure a wonderful husband. We are so proud of the person he is today and for everything he's had to do to get where he's at now.  We are beyond excited to have Sam in our family and for taking on a huge role as the mother of Chad's two boys and my nephews, Nick and Kingston. Nick was born a premie under 2 lbs the day before my husband and I got married. Kingston went full term, thankful and he came along a few years later. He's survived his brother's abuse, but Kingston does outweigh Nick by many pounds. Love those boys. Enough talking, here are some of my favorite images of the day. It was almost impossible to pick which ones to put on the blog since there were so many great ones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/7/chad-sams-wedding-day Tue, 08 Jul 2014 22:27:46 GMT
Photographing Another Photographer's Children https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/6/photographing-photographers-children Photographing another photographer's family is such an honor. It means they ultimately trust you and your creative eye. Sweet little Katherine turned 2 and we needed to capture her at this age! Her mother, Bonnie and I have known each other for a long time now. She was my manager when I interned at Knox County and helped me get my first job out of college.  Bonnie is now a full time mother, full time HR Consultant, and photographer.  How she keeps up with it all I'll never know. I finally got to meet her husband Josh for the first time at our photo shoot.  We all hit it off so well. I'm also happy to say all the smiling images of the kids happened when I got mom and dad away.  Sometimes children listen to other adults better than their parents.  (More to come on this subject in another blog. I'd like to share some tips with other photographers and parents.)  I'm in love with so many images from this session, but I'll only share a few of my favorites. OH and lets not forget we added a 10 week old puppy to mix things up. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) children family moms motherhood photography toddlers https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/6/photographing-photographers-children Mon, 02 Jun 2014 20:09:12 GMT
Destination Wedding in Destin https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/destination-wedding-in-destin April 12, 2014 two good friends declared their love on the beach in Destin, FL. I had the awesome privilege to be involved from the beginning.  We did two engagement sessions, save the dates, invitations, and photographed the wedding. Just recently I sent them their Thank You cards. Thank you Bryan and Courtnie and Congratulations! May you spend the rest of your lives enjoying life together! 

Here are a few images from the amazing day with this amazing couple. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) Wedding bride destination groom photographer wedding https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/destination-wedding-in-destin Thu, 22 May 2014 15:05:04 GMT
Our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/10-year-anniversary To sum up the past 10 years of my life with my husband/partner/love/best friend and not bore you to death might be kind of hard. I mean I married him when I was 16, we practically grew up together. Well not exactly 16, but we did do a lot of growing up together. I'm still waiting on him to grow up.  !0 years ago on May 22, 2004 our wedding was held at the church I worked at and the reception took place following at the Tea Room in Norris Dam. The whole thing cost around $2000 and my wedding pictures were taken with film. (Side note, I went too cheap on the wedding photographer. Please learn from my mistake and hire a professional!).  We were both still in college. I was studying for finals, finishing up wedding plans, and working. We could have waited, but life is always full of stuff and reasons to wait. I had prayed and prayed about this decision to the point that I just don't think God wanted to hear me anymore. I was at peace so we moved on with it. The first year of marriage was the worst for us. Adjusting to me being a saver and him a spender, but both of us very poor. I wouldn't change a thing. We've had very challenging times. Love and marriage don't come easy, but most things in life don't come easy. At the same time it was never so hard that we had to give up. Or even thought to give up. We live in a society where everything is disposable. I'm not saying a divorce is bad.  Sometimes we make mistakes and that's the only cure.  For Travis and I we went into this with no other decision than this is going to work. Til death do us part, via I may have to kill you if you screw this up. (Please understand I can be sarcastic and I'm still working on making sarcasm it's own mandatory font.) My husband was always switching jobs after college, trying to find his place. Running marathons, biking, hiking, trading vehicles, boating, and what other flavor of the month he got into. It's exhausting at times keeping up with him. Luckly I'm a little more stable. I had two jobs after college. I did go back to college for my Masters, which of course he soon followed suit. Seemed like something cool to do to fill our time and resume. Then four years ago, we started trying the whole family thing. I guess we'd reached the point in our relationship to add new people to it. That was a bumpy time. You think "trying" to have a baby is easy.  Bunny rabbits and spring flowers. Not for some folks. Fertility is such a sensitive issue and I had no idea the toll it could take on you as a person and on your marriage. (I'll share my fertility story with anyone going through the same stuff, just ask). It turned out to be one of those things that if it doesn't destroy your marriage it will in fact make it stronger. I didn't know that my husband had it in him to actually fully care for another human being. Turns out he's pretty good at it. I had no choice, but to fall in love with him again. Stuff and the crap we buy each other every year will fade, but our love grows with each hurdle and bump. Life is different for all of us. It's not easy, but it's shouldn't be hard to love someone on a day to day basis either. I think if I believed in soul mates, I would say I'd found mine.  Instead I'll say I truly have a wonderful partner/best friend for life and the best person for me. There are times when we get on each other's nerves. Just throw the empty box away! BUT in fifty years, that empty box on the counter won't mean a thing. All the fun and loving moments will outlast. 

May you the Lord Bless your life as he has mine! 

Happy 10 Year Anniversary Honey! I LOVE YOU! You are my favorite. 

Photo by John Shim Photography

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) anniversary life wedding https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/10-year-anniversary Thu, 22 May 2014 11:26:16 GMT
Husband's Work Conference in Hawaii https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/personal-husband-work-conference-in-hawaii Let me just say that my husband and I enjoy doing things for the challenge of it.  Nothing could be more challenging than traveling half way across the world with twins. We were smart enough to take help. Thank goodness for mothers. We took my mother on this adventure. I think we wore her out too. The hardest part about the whole trip was the 6 hour time difference. It liked to killed us. My older twin adjusted fine after a day or two. My wild child was up all night and day. Then congestion kicked in and she couldn't breath. Its been two weeks and we are still struggling to get her back on track. I can brag on them for riding in planes so much better than expected. Never cried and were super good. Sitting on all those flights was way harder on the old folks.. aka us. 

The first image I want to share is from the beach at our resort. My older twin hated the sand, the ocean, the grass. My blondie loves it all and takes it all in.  So amazing to see the differences and watch them grow and learn. 

Here are a few other images from the trip. 

My kids make the craziest faces some times. 

Last, but not least. Our little traveling Tennessee bear. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) lifestyle parenting travel twins https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/personal-husband-work-conference-in-hawaii Tue, 20 May 2014 14:25:35 GMT
Baby Cooper https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/baby-cooper This family was fabulous to work with in my home studio! Not to mention little Cooper slept through everything and only woke up towards the end. He's going to be a touch guy running around with his dad, and I'm sure sweet like momma. I can't wait to watch him grow. 

 

Here are a few of my favorite images. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) baby boys family maternity motherhood newborn photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/baby-cooper Mon, 12 May 2014 21:59:19 GMT
One Year Twin Boys https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/twins WHAT ARE THE ODDS? One of my best friends found out a few months before me that she was pregnant with twins.  We can start our own twin club where all we do is talk about how much sleep we don't get anymore.

I've had the privilege of photographing big brother before and was excited to be apart of the twins memories.  Here are a few images from their one year session taken near their mom's dance studio, and some from their birthday party.  Happy Birthday Joey and Theo! Love all you guys!

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) family lifestyle moms motherhood parenthood photography twins https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/5/twins Fri, 09 May 2014 21:41:41 GMT
Mommy Knows Best https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/mommy-knows-best I suddenly have a bunch of new moms as clients/friends. Even second and third time moms. Let me just say you are all doing an amazing job. There are days when we can't imagine how we can possibly make it to bedtime or through another sleepless night. Not to mention we have so much to do. Right now I have billions of items I need to get done before going out of town. I wanted to take a few minutes to myself to write this blog to tell you about you!  You Rock! I know your family or maybe your own self-esteem is telling you different, but ignore all that negativity. You can mess up and its okay!!  Hug and kiss that baby and move on.  I had a daily or maybe weekly struggle with people and myself making me feel like I'm not doing it right.  First I am a first time mom and I had twins. I had no idea what I was doing, but I figure lots of crazies raise kids. Apparently children are more resilient than you realize.  I wanted my sweet girls so much and I was going to do it no matter what happened. (I'll share more of my story later). We can do this!  People say to me all the time, I don't know how you do it with TWINS.  I don't know how people with triplets do it. Constant help I suppose and that's great, but I'm a do it myself kind of person.  I didn't like the help all the time. I don't like people in my home non-stop. It's mentally exhausting. So I figured out a schedule and I do it myself, with help when I need to get extra work done on the business side. Luckily, my job is mostly weekends, and I can work when I have free seconds.  It's hard because honestly I'd rather take a nap.  You just can't unless you didn't sleep the night before. In that case I say screw it and nap when they nap. The work will be there later. I digress from my original thought. Women are clearly some of the strongest creatures on this planet and I personal know some moms that somehow manage to do it all. I want you to know that you are loved beyond belief. Keep up the amazing job. Don't second guess how you are raising your kids. Our parents fumbled their way through it and we will too, but only better. Picking up where they left off. Happy Early Mother's day, every day.  Love you ladies! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) life moms motherhood parenthood https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/mommy-knows-best Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:18:25 GMT
Blog about Blogging https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/blog-about-blogging It came as a huge surprise to me the other day when I saw the number of hits I get on my blog page.  I was blown away. I'm terrible about blogging. Well I'm about to change that. Time to add some real life journeys so stay tuned. This momma of twins has all kinds of funny, crazy and sad stories to share. 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) blog dads life moms motherhood parenthood photography https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/blog-about-blogging Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:57:39 GMT
Welcome Madalyn https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/welcome-madalyn Here I go again. These precious sweet babies keep appearing before my camera. All I can say is I'm in love! I wonder if I can sweet talk my husband into more babies in a few years..  Probably not, so keep coming sweet little ones. 

This is baby number three for my friends and she is girl number three. They wanted it to be a surprise and hoping for a boy, but I suppose God had different plans for this family. Three beautiful girls if I do say so myself. Here is sweet Madalyn. 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/4/welcome-madalyn Wed, 23 Apr 2014 20:40:04 GMT
Welcome Natalie https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/3/welcome-natalie I, in no way claim to be a specialist in newborn photography. I do love photographing my friends beautiful babies though. It's such a privilege when someone asks you to take on such a magnificent task. This is a lifestyle session I did at the hospital. No special lighting just all natural. I love it! Did I mention she was one day new! 

 

 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) lifestyle newborn https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2014/3/welcome-natalie Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:57:51 GMT
Welcome Korbin https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2013/5/welcome-korbin

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2013/5/welcome-korbin Fri, 03 May 2013 13:50:35 GMT
Welcome Iam https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2013/1/welcome-iam

Baby Iam is welcomed by Big Sister Syrianna, Mom Keyla, and Dad Mark.

indoor lighting can always be a challenge, but thanks to mom and dad helping out we made it work.

Looking forward to watching these adorable little ones grow! 

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(Michelle Leigh Photography | Knoxville Newborn & Family Photographer) https://www.leighphotos.com/blog/2013/1/welcome-iam Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:21:40 GMT