Family — Blog — Leigh Ann Atwell Photography

Posts in Family

Collier Family & Announcement Session June 2021 Jasper TN

Collier Family & Announcement Session June 2021 Jasper TN

Let me start with the first time I met Sierra. She came to me as a single mother of two boys for a family session. The next session we had was a family session last year after she literally met the love of her life, Alex who came with a boy and girl of his own. Our next time shooting was at their elopement at Greenway Farms when they combined their big blended family - it was literal magic. Two people in love with four small children. This time, when Sierra reached out to me, she had a big secret. Scroll on to see what it was. And the kids reaction to the news!

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, Portraits, Pregnancy RevealLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 11, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographycouple, couples, family, families, blended, mom, mama, mommy, mother, dad, daddy, father, kid, kids, son, sons, daughter, daughters, husband, wife, husbands, wives, child, children, pregnancy, pregnant, baby, babies, sonogram, announcement, reveal, golden hour, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, tn, tenn, tennessee, chatt, chattanooga, downtown, lookout valley, east ridge, ooltewah, cleveland, field, woods, trees, canon, tattoosComment

Lexie's Baby Shower June 2021 Chattanooga, TN

Lexie's Baby Shower June 2021 Chattanooga, TN

Shooting for another photographer can always be a little nerve wracking, but Lexie is so sweet it was honestly a breeze. I am always so in my element with events. I shoot a lot of them, birthday parties, anniversaries, baby showers, they are a specialty of mine. This was no different, her family and friends were all so warm and welcoming. I’m not going to share all 169 images, but I think this gallery will give you a great idea of how the day went.

Couples, Event, Baby Shower, Family, Lifestyle, Maternity, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 11, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographybaby shower, event, baby, pregnancy, pregnant, maternity, family, friends, friend, tennessee, river, tenn, tn, hamilton, marion, county, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, lookout valley, downtown, lifestyle, candid, newborn, party, parties, coverage, midday, photographer, photography, canonComment

Aker Family Session May 2021 Jasper Highlands

Aker Family Session May 2021 Jasper Highlands

We shot this session on May 29th, which in any other reality would be relatively warm, but we had a major cold front come through. It was windy and chilly. In between each shot we had to cover the kids back up. Despite the goosebumps, I think we got some really great images and it was a really fun session. I’ve known Sylvia for SO long, and seeing her with her children was so special.

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, Portraits, TeenagersLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 11, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, families, mom, mama, mother, dad, daddy, father, son, sons, daughter, daughters, girl, girls, boy, boys, baby, toddler, preteen, teenager, teen, jasper, highlands, marion, county, whitwell, south pittsburg, golden hour, mountain, cold, sister, brother, siblings, chatt, chattanooga, downtown, hamilton, lifestyle, candidComment

Ivey and Her Girls May 2021 South Pittsburg, TN

Ivey and Her Girls May 2021 South Pittsburg, TN

Ivey came to see me with both her sweet girls. When they arrived in matching dresses I almost fell apart. She’s such a great mom, and you can just feel their love through this set of images.

Children, Family, Lifestyle, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 11, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographykids, kid, baby, babies, toddler, toddlers, family, families, girl, girls, daughter, daughters, mom, mama, mommy, mother, matching, dress, dresses, single, south pittsburg, tn, tenn, tennessee, jasper, whitwell, chatt, chattanooga, downtown, cedar, avenue, play, candid, lifestyle, photography, photographer, midday, sunComment

Clint, Sara, Max & Duckie May 2021 Downtown Chattanooga

Clint, Sara, Max & Duckie May 2021 Downtown Chattanooga

Clint, Sara, Max and Duckie came to see me all the way from Indiana! They were just the sweetest little family. We hit some of the usual spots, took Max to cool off at the Passageway next to the Aquarium and Duckie (who’s a certified rescue dog!) even got to meet one of Chattanooga’s finest!

Morrow Family Spring 2021 - Jasper, TN

Morrow Family Spring 2021 - Jasper, TN

Debbi and I have been friends since high school. Not to give away our ages, but that’s a VERY long time. And she has always supported my business. We make sure to get new sessions as soon as possible, because her kids are just growing so fast. We shot these early in the morning at Little Cedar Mountain Trail. I think adventuring really helps to loosen kids up and we can really capture those perfect candid moments.

Children, Family, Lifestyle, Portraits, TeenagersLeigh Ann AtwellMay 7, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell PhotographyKid, kids, child, children, family, families, blended, forest, woods, cedar mountain, tn, tennessee, tenn, chattanooga, chatt, downtown, hamilton, county, marion, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, hike, hiking, log, trees, boy, boys, girl, girls, daughter, daughters, son, sons, single mom, mom, mother, mamaComment

Meek Family Spring and Maternity Session - Renaissance Park

Meek Family Spring and Maternity Session - Renaissance Park

Hands down one of my favorite families. They are just the sweetest. Jessica, Evan, Lola and Lucy will be welcoming a new baby very soon and we needed to document this time - and her PERFECT bump! We shot these on the North Shore at Renaissance Park.

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, Maternity, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellMay 6, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographykid, kids, child, children, girl, girls, daughter, daughters, sister, sisters, family, families, maternity, bump, pregnant, pregnancy, mom, mama, dad, daddy, dresses, dress, curls, curl, downtown, chattanooga, chatt, hamilton, county, marion, renaissance park, coolidge park, walnut street bridge, jasper, tn, tenn, tennessee, south pittsburg, whitwell, canon, midday sun, baby, babie, babies, pearls, little girls, little girlComment

Potoski Family - Spring Session - Jasper Highlands

Potoski Family - Spring Session - Jasper Highlands

I had the pleasure of working with the Potoski Family last weekend, and let me tell you, this was one of the easiest sessions I have ever done. The kids were so well behaved and just complete sweethearts. We had an absolutely perfect sunset with tons of golden light.

Children, Family, Lifestyle, Portraits, TeenagersLeigh Ann AtwellApril 30, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, families, brother, brothers, sister, sisters, blended family, kid, kids, child, children, boy, girl, jasper highlands, portrait, photography, golden hour, canon, lifestyle, candid, jasper, tn, tenn, tennessee, chattanooga, downtown, south pittsburg, river, mountainComment

Erica and Adam Maternity Session Jasper Highlands

Erica and Adam Maternity Session Jasper Highlands

Erica warned me beforehand that Adam hates having his picture made. BUT I think he even had a little fun! We shot at the Jasper Highlands. They are both so excited to be parents and I cannot even believe how beautiful Erica is. Just absolutely glowing.

Couples, Family, Lifestyle, Maternity, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellApril 8, 2021Leigh Ann Atwell Photographymaternity, couple, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, mother, mama, dad, daddy, father, couples, baby, babies, newborn, jasper highlands, jasper, tn, tenn, tennessee, chattanooga, chatt, downtown, hamilton, county, marion, belly, bump, canon, golden hour, gloomy, sunshine, maternity gown, dress, cream, lace, floral crownComment

Kirby Family Session March 2021

Kirby Family Session March 2021

Kirby, Tristan, Ryan, Blaine, Sam and Treyton

I was so fortunate to shoot Kirby and Tristan’s wedding session on and around the Walnut Street Bridge so it only made sense to take the whole family there for their session! The perfect day, the most coordinated outfits, a beautiful couple and four of the sweetest boys made this entire session so easy. We got all of these and more in less than 20 minutes!

Sessions never need to be stressful, you just have to find a photographer who works FOR you and your family.

Grimes Family Summer Session

Grimes Family Summer Session

Marion County’s very own Johnny and June celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They asked me to take their family portraits in August at the Wren’s Nest in Monteagle, TN. They brought together their entire family, Lindsay, Brent, Asher and Beckett; Lauren, Joe and Will. This session was a complete and total breeze.

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellSeptember 4, 2020Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, extended, mama, mom, mother, dad, daddy, father, grandpa, grandma, grandparent, grandchild, cousin, cousins, aunt, aunts, uncle, uncles, big, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, marion, county, tn, tennessee, tenn, chattanooga, chatt, downtown, monteagle, hamilton, sewanee, sherwood, mountain, valley, scenic, view, anniversary, wedding, golden hour, sunset, canon, 5d, mark iiiComment

Lehr Fall Family Pictures

Lehr Fall Family Pictures

I have been taking the Lehr Family pictures since Gavin was just a tiny little baby. We’ve celebrated birthdays and holidays and a new baby brother, Tripp. Plus I have known Sherie since we were little kids. This year we shot in Sewanee and I just love the checkered Tennessee overalls on the boys!

Children, Couples, Family, LifestyleLeigh Ann AtwellAugust 28, 2020Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyjasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, new hope, marion, county, chattanooga, lookout valley, ooltewah, hamilton, tn, tenn, tennessee, fort oglethorpe, trenton, wildwood, chickamauga, ga, georgia, sewanee, sherwood, university of the south, golden hour, UT, jerseys, overalls, family, brother, brothers, bros, mom, dad, canon, 5d, mark iiiComment

Scissom Family & Pregnancy Announcement

Scissom Family & Pregnancy Announcement

Peggy and I had already planned her family session, talked about details, clothes, ideas. Then randomly Peggy facetimed me with a big, secret surprise. She needed to announce she was pregnant! Such a sweet family and unique way to tell all her friends!

Children, Couples, Event, Family, Lifestyle, Portraits, TeenagersLeigh Ann AtwellAugust 20, 2020Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, baby, announcement, pregnancy, sister, sisters, girl, girls, husband, wife, married, families, sunset, golden hour, balloon, mountains, valley, river, tennessee, tenn, tn, marion, county, hamilton, chattanooga, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, new hope, downtown, clouds, canon, canon 5d mark iii, 35mm lensComment

Schrock Family Maternity Session

Schrock Family Maternity Session

This session was a dream. Beautiful family, perfect sunset, amazing little girls and twin boys on the way. I have known Robbie for basically my entire life. It was such an honor that she traveled home to Tennessee from Florida for this session. It was an even bigger honor to meet her husband and two sweet girls.

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, MaternityLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 19, 2020Leigh Ann Atwell Photographymaternity, baby, babies, twin, twins, boy, boys, belly, mountain, sunset, view, mom, mama, mother, dad, daddy, father, daughter, daughters, sister, sisters, tennessee, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, tn, tenn, new hope, marion, county, hamilton, chattanooga, best of the best, canonComment

Grandkids Campfire Session Marion County, Tennessee July 2019

Grandkids Campfire Session Marion County, Tennessee July 2019

This is my third time shooting Cheryl’s sweet grandkids. This year she asked if we could do a campfire session. She and Kevin joined Weston and Hanson for a fun shoot this summer. It was SO hot but from the looks on the boys’ faces, you could never tell. We had a lot of fun and laughed a lot too!

Children, Family, Lifestyle, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellAugust 27, 2019Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, families, grandkids, grandkid, grandson, son, sons, boy, boys, brother, brothers, grandma, grandpa, nanny, granny, pawpaw, papa, grandparents, grandparent, sunset, lake, river, camp, camping, campfire, fire, smoke, joke, laugh, funny, laughing, tn, tenn, tennessee, riverside, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, marion, county, hamilton, chattanoogaComment

Dancy Family Summer Session Sweeten's Cove, Tennessee

Dancy Family Summer Session Sweeten's Cove, Tennessee

Sarah reached out to me about a session for her and her family. Let me just tell you, this was a wonderful family to meet and get to know. They were all four so sweet and fun to spend time with. We started at their home, which was amazing, they have incredible views. We then moved to private property that belongs to a family friend. Last we made a quick stop at the Primitive Church.

FamilyLeigh Ann AtwellAugust 27, 2019Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, families, photography, sweetens, cove, portrait, portraits, mom, mother, dad, father, sister, brother, siblings, adults, grown, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, bridgeport, marion county, tn, tenn, tennessee, canon, sunset, primitive, church, water wheel, field, bridge Comment

5 Tips for Photographing Blended Families

5 Tips for Photographing Blended Families

Photographing blended families can sometimes be stressful. Sometimes you will feel more like a therapist than a photographer. It can be tricky to navigate the waters of family dynamics, particularly if there’s tension between the children and a step-parent. More often than not, you’ll need a few tactics to help you through it. Today I want to offer you five simple tried and true techniques for your next blended family session.

Children, Family, For Photographers, Lifestyle, Portraits, Tip TuesdayLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 31, 2019Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyphotography, photographer, tip, tips, hints, hint, trick, tricks, blended, blend, families, family, mom, dad, mother, father, brother, sister, kid, kids, child, children, capturing, stepdad, stepmom, canon, nikonComment

Amanda and Kaileigh Downtown Chattanooga July 2019 Family Session

Amanda and Kaileigh Downtown Chattanooga July 2019 Family Session

Amanda and Kaileigh came up to Chattanooga for a weekend getaway and decided to get some family pictures made while they were here. First, let me tell you, it was INSANE hot. So we shot quick and got ourselves indoors under the AC. Kaileigh reminded me so much of my daughter Gracie with her funky glasses and cool hair. And Amanda was just so super sweet and down to earth. Of course, it never hurts that all my clients are beautiful!

Stacy Davis Jasper, TN June 2019 Family Session

Stacy Davis Jasper, TN June 2019 Family Session

Stacy contacted me after finding my website. She wanted pictures of her three children and herself. Stacy met me with Bailey, Ayden and Mazie in June. We spent part of the session in a big open field, but then we quickly realized we were losing the kids attention, so we took them over to the playground. Seriously, it couldn’t have been a better idea. They played and laughed and we got the best smiles!

Children, Family, LifestyleLeigh Ann AtwellJuly 6, 2019Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, child, children, kid, kids, boy, boys, girl, girls, playground, midday, noon, play, swing, sunset, brother, sister, mom, swingset, slide, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, chattanooga, chatt, marion, hamilton, countyComment

Hoback Family Summer 2019 Session in Jasper, TN on Courthouse Square

Hoback Family Summer 2019 Session in Jasper, TN on Courthouse Square

Dana and I had such a hard time nailing down the perfect date for these. You see, all three of her boys play baseball, so their schedules are extra tight! We finally had an opportunity to take them. The weather was great, the sunshine was golden, and it was an easy session.

Children, Couples, Family, Lifestyle, PortraitsLeigh Ann AtwellMay 29, 2019Leigh Ann Atwell Photographyfamily, families, photography, photographer, boys, son, sons, boy, mom, dad, mother, father, golden light, sunshine, parents, session, small tonw, town, square, jasper, south pittsburg, whitwell, new hope, kimball, chattanooga, trenton, hamilton, county, marion, courthouse squareComment