Mini | Brentwood, TN

Meeting people through photography, whether photographers or other clients, is definitely one of the best parts of this job. So many people, in different walks of life and just with different perspectives and experiences than me, cross my path on a weekly basis, and I get to learn from each and every single one of them and just share the joy of life with them.

Even this past week, I got to call one of my clients from earlier this year and talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and how it’s affecting the dance world and just her perspective on it all. It was eye-opening and convicting for my own heart, and just so needed. And I wouldn’t have been able to have this phone call or this friend without this job, and for that I am so beyond thankful.

Another person that I’ve gotten to meet over these few months of following many random Nashville photography accounts, is Madeleine Johnson. If you haven’t seen her work, you need to stop reading this blog post and go check out her website here or her instagram account here. She is talented, fun, and kind and we had a blast taking photos of each other in a field in Brentwood.

The other night, Madeleine shared on one of her Instagram posts that she hates having photos of herself taken of herself, because of the anxiety that it brings her. When I saw that post, I immediately messaged her, telling her that we were going to shoot together that very day, because I thought she was beautiful. I told her that I fully understand and relate to the mindset of struggling with self love SO deeply and that I want to be there to support her. Especially as a photographer. See, as a photographer, you have the power of a camera. Cameras can sometimes be degrading — it’s easy to pick at a photo of yourself and hate the details that you always see in the mirror. BUT. I also think that photography has the power to empower you and make you feel unstoppable. Through a lens, you can capture beauty, love, joy, grace, and help others see the beauty in themselves. That’s why I fell in love with this job in the first place.

So check out these photos below and give Madeleine some HYPE. Because she’s actually flawless and absolutely stunning.