Nashville, TN | Maternity, Newborn, Baby, Child, and Family Photos | Abby Gray Photography

New Blog...and Website!

2010-07-26T10:56:00.002-06:00

Dear Blogspot,

While I have sincerely appreciated your hospitality the last few years, I'm moving out!

Go check out the new look!!! There is a new site and new blog!

And, don't forget to subscribe to the new blog that will be full of new posts soon. Just needed something fresh and pretty to get me inspired!

Photos for the Flood!

2010-05-11T14:59:00.005-06:00

A little over a week ago Nashville received a devastating amount of rain in just two days. Many lives were lost and thousands were changed forever. But rather than seeing a city dwell in tragedy, I have seen a city rise to meet the occassion. The love and generosity that has flowed from the community since the flood is absolutely unmeasurable. And now the photography community is coming together to help in the best way we know how - through pictures! Please join us next weekend in a fun way to raise money for the great organizations dedicated to rebuilding our city. We will also be collecting food for Second Harvest Food Bank both days, so bring your {undented} cans!

Thank you Sarah for all your hard work getting this organized. We appreciate you!!!

After the flooding in our wonderful state, I'm sure many of you want to help those affected by flood. Maybe you have already, or are unable to roll up your sleeves or you were affected, too.

Please join me, my favorite ice cream shop- Pied Piper Creamery and my fellow photographer friends in a benefit for the victims of the flooding.

The sessions are 20 minutes (booked every 30 min) from 9 AM- 5 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM-6 PM on Sunday.
100% of the proceeds will go to the Nashville Area Red Cross and Hands On Nashville.

There are NO rules for this shoot- take advantage of the talent, folks- this could easily be your engagement photo, 1 year pictures, updated family photo, senior picture, pet portrait... Just know that you have 20 minutes. :)

Bring some props, bring a friend, bring a giving attitude!!!

Pied Piper Creamery will be donating 25% of their profits from this weekend to these organizations as well. So grab a homemade waffle cone and a homemade icecream for the road, for bribery, whatever ;)

Here are a list of the incredible talents donating their time:

Abby Gray
www.abbygrayphotography.com

Amber Vongsamphanh
www.lotusblossomphotography.net

Andrea Behrends
www.andreabehrends.com

Jessica Winn
www.jessicawinn.net

Kate Crafton
www.katecrafton.com

Kristen England
www.kenglandphotography.com

Melanie McLellan
www.mclellanstyle.com

Sara Rose
www.saraerosephotography.com

Shea Halliburton
www.byshea.com/blog

-------------------------------------------------

And Photographers standing by :)

Andrew McMurtie
www.andrewmcmurtrie.com

Heather Latimer
www.frogsandfaeriesphotography.blogspot.com

Kreslyn Ruckman
www.kreslynruckman.blogspot.com

Phil Thorton
www.phindystudios.com

Whitney Carlson
www.doveweddingphotography.com

(if you are a photographer and want to be added to the list, e-mail Sarah at sarah@sarahbgilliam.com)

MIA

2010-03-25T17:17:00.004-06:00

Getting bored waiting for me to blog again? Don't blame ya! There's a new blog in the works that I'm really excited about! And I'm guilty of hoarding all my pictures for it. But, in the meantime check out this blog. If you're getting sick of all the left-wing, right-wing bickering this week, you might especially enjoy it...

Yay For Snow and Babies!

2010-02-08T12:03:00.014-07:00

The time has finally come that our friends are having babies! It's so exciting to see our fun friends that we grew up with turn into parents overnight and fall hard for the new little loves in their lives. Jase Barrett is the newest addition, and every tiny inch of him is just perfect! Now we just have to teach him how to snowboard so we can get back to the mountains. :) But, I am happy to report that it is snowing...again...and the grass is almost covered!!!

She's Here!

2010-01-21T15:53:00.008-07:00

There's another sweet little face in the world! Noah was about two weeks old when we did her newborn shoot and was wide awake most of the time, showing off her big, bright eyes. But as always, we eventually got her to give in to her full belly and the warm house, and she eventually drifted off to sleep. At which time she was lovingly placed into a bucket - because we all like to nap in buckets, right?!

Tis Still the Season

2009-12-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are looking as forward to the New Year as we are! 2010 is going to bring a new town, a new house, and hopefully be a very healing, happy, healthy year. We're feeling very excited to finally start getting settled into our new life. It's crazy to think how much change one year can bring, and I find myself in a constant state of missing - someone, something, some place that I loved. And, it seems that the best way to stop dwelling on what we no longer have is to dwell on what do have and be grateful. No matter what challenges and changes this year has thrown at us, we have still always been blessed. We've always had basic necessities, comforts, excess of what we need. Even writing this, I know that I can't truly understand what it means to not have a roof over my head, a change of clothes, or food.

Driving through Franklin a couple weeks ago, we saw a house decorated with Christmas lights that spelled out "Jesus is the reason for every season." If you've heard my recent grumbling about rife consumerism, retail rescue, and the long lost meaning of Christmas, you know I got a kick out of this! I know we've just come through a big season of giving, but I encourage you to keep at it. Clean out your closet and donate the clothes and coats you never wear, give those Christmas gifts you don't like to someone who would really appreciate them, give your time. There are many hardworking people living right here who could use a helping hand. And luckily there are people and organizations to help!

Book a session before by January 31, 2010 and in exchange for your session fee, we will accept a donation for Second Harvest Food Bank. Bring me a BIG box (we're not talking a shoe box) of food to donate or even better, write a check to Second Harvest for the full amount of your waived session fee and provide 600 meals for people who would otherwise go hungry. If you don't want to book a session, donate anyway!

1 in 6 Tennesseans are at Risk of Hunger
50% of our clients are children; 10% are seniors
We are seeing more and more first time users and demand is up 38% in Davidson Co
Demand is up 75-125% in outlying counties (we serve 46 counties)
A little goes a long way – just $1 provides 4 meals for hungry men, women and children.

What they need:

Peanut butter, beans, baby food, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, cereal, and rice.
Please be sure not to bring any dented cans or expired food.

And, if you'd like a daily dose of other things you can do to help, subscribe to Cool People Care.

Coming Soon

2009-12-11T09:29:00.010-07:00

Her first baby girl will be arriving any day now, and I cannot wait to meet her. I'm positive that she will be nothing short of beautiful, and if she's anything like her mom, made for the camera. This is just a tiny sneak from the shoot...

Candice

2009-12-09T13:33:00.013-07:00

It's usually just the babies crying during my photo shoots, but this was the first time I cried. In fact, I spent so much time fighting back tears, I had to check the files when I finished to make sure they were in focus. I met Candice at a friend's wedding this summer, and she contacted me for pictures for her website shortly after we moved to Tennessee. I had heard her story before, but to hear her tell it, to see her love for God shining through despite her heart ache, was a completely different experience. Candice's husband, David, died in a plane crash while transporting and organ just 10 months after they found out that their 3rd baby has Down's Syndrome. The night David died, Candice said, "God is still good," and through her faith she is turning tragedy into something beautiful. To learn more about Candice and what she's doing now, visit her website.

Later, we headed to The Factory in Franklin to take some head shots. Wedding 101 is an adorable wedding boutique located upstairs that just happens to have the most awesome natural light streaming in. They were so gracious, and let us take several of her shots there. If you need help planning your wedding, this is definitely the place to go!

Go ME!?

2009-11-13T18:49:00.022-07:00

So, I took a little break today from editing and album design to do the old budget. This isn't exactly the most enjoyable thing to do in the first year of business. It's actually about as fun as falling into a deep well and trying to climb back out without a rope. But today, internet world, the day has finally come. I am in the BLACK! In fact, I have even made enough profit, that if divided over the course of the last year, I can pay myself a whopping...

$1.37 an hour.

Ouch.

As I saw the cold hard truth come through on the calculator I found myself contemplating if it was worth it. I mean sure, I'm glad I was able to do my small part in stimulating the economy and keeping Nikon, Apple and Adobe in business, but what about my economy? Quick calculations started adding up in my head about the vacations I could have taken had I not bought that better lens, gone to that workshop, upgraded to that monitor. Had I stayed at the old day job, I'd be how far ahead?! But the answer is ABSOLUTELY. Every single bit of this grueling, scary, expensive, exhausting, mind boggling, AWESOME, freedom filled year has been nothing but rewarding. I have met so many amazing people through the clients I've worked with and the photographers who have taught me or learned along side me. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll admit making less than minimum wage isn't so impressive, but nothing beats saying goodbye to the alarm, working in pajamas, having as many coffee breaks as I want, when I want (and the added benefit of being able to pee more than once in a 12 hour day), and of course, finally doing what I really, really love.

In light of this feat, I think I might go treat myself to a little something special - maybe from the dollar menu. Can't blow the budget! And, I also like to give a lot of thanks to the corporate world and my darling husband who works there. I obviously couldn't have done any of this if he wasn't such a trooper getting up at 5:30 to do whatever business people do. But, don't feel too bad for him. I went to see him at work a few weeks ago, and I found him in the lobby hanging out with his BFFAW's. They seemed to be working really hard...

Ok, so it was Halloween, but oh my gosh, I have never seen a company party like this! The only one I ever bothered to attend sent me home through a blizzard with food poisoning! But, this was SO FUN! Props to Mars Petcare for being the coolest corporate world ever! It kind of made me want to apply just so I could hang out with all these creative people! Parties aside, any business that has aspen trees as their decor and let's your dog hang out with you all day is AWESOME.

More from Boulder!

2009-11-07T09:16:00.011-07:00

What a productive week it has been, and it's only Tuesday! I think we have finally found our house! We are both so excited to start getting settled in, and I cannot wait for a weekend that does not involve driving around for hours with our sweet Realtor. :) And needless to say, I can probably get a significant amount of work done in the hours that have typically been spent on RealTracs...I hope it is a long, long time before I see that website again!

So, back to the blog! I got to spend time with these two beautiful girls when we went back to Boulder last month. It was so fun to photograph these ages - such a big change from the newborns!

On another note, I've been getting questions from moms lately wondering how they can take better pictures of their children. I'm considering putting together a fun day of helping moms get to know their camera, some basics on photography, and tips for getting better pictures. If you're interested please leave a comment or send me an email!

Just a Little One

2009-11-04T07:39:00.006-07:00

I am out of time already today and it's only 10 am! But, I thought I would at least share one image. This sweet little guy lives IN the mountains, and I'm just a tad bit jealous of him. We had a great trip to Boulder and I have lots of images to share soon!

Middle Tennessee Mini-Sessions

2009-10-10T14:00:00.000-06:00

Middle Tennessee Mini-Sessions will be October 24th!

This is a quick and perfect way to get gift prints for the holidays and custom Christmas cards to send to your friends and family!

Mini-Sessions are $300 and include:
A 20 minute session at a set location (Franklin/Nashville area)
6-8 proofed images and an online viewing gallery
5 table top or gift prints of your choice
25 custom holiday cards
(no additional purchase required)

Sessions will start at 4:00. Only 5 spaces available.

Brand New

2009-10-09T12:01:00.007-06:00

My first Nashville shoot was for my best friend's niece, and she was the teeniest, sweetest little baby girl ever! I promise, I'm not being biased. She just curled up into a tiny ball and had sweet baby dreams through her whole shoot. Not a bad initiation into the South!

Meanwhile, we've been getting settled. We're slowly starting to find our favorite spots. We've been relentlessly searching for a house, and I've made the executive decision to decorate the rental in hopes of it helping us find our house sooner. Isn't that how things work? So, if you have a cute house in Franklin with a big yard, I highly encourage you to sell it to me!

Tomorrow we'll be up bright and early to run the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Hope to see you there!

New Holiday Cards and Christmas Sale!

2009-10-08T17:48:00.003-06:00

Boulder Bound

2009-10-07T11:51:00.004-06:00

It's confirmed! We will be in Boulder October 16-20, and I have a few spaces left for regular sessions and mini- sessions! Thanks to all who booked. We're very excited about making the trip back!

Mini Sessions $300 | Saturday, October 17th in South Boulder starting at 3:00

20 minute session at set location
6-8 proofed images and online viewing gallery
5 Table Top or Gift Prints of your choice
25 custom holiday cards
*no additional purchase required*

Contact me by phone or email to book, and please note our number has changed to 615-438-4261!

Boulder/Denver Shoots in October

2009-10-03T20:06:00.011-06:00

So, I have a client in Colorado who is practically demanding hand delivery of the prints she recently ordered. Ok, really I think she knows that I'm secretly dying to come back, and I like the way she thinks! But, I like to make it sound like I'm willing to travel 1200 miles to protect those precious images from the mail. It sounds much cooler that way. So, I am considering coming back to Colorado sometime between October 19 and 23 for shoots...ehem, deliveries. Email me if you're in the Boulder/Denver area and interested in booking a session!

And now for some of those pictures that I hope to hand deliver...

It's Time to Get Crackin'

2009-10-01T15:02:00.009-06:00

Well, I am back from my "sabbatical," I've had sufficient time to recover from jet lag, and it seems there's nothing left to do but get back to work. And, I did have a friendly reminder in my email last night that my blog is dying a slow, painful death. So, first things first!

I am so enjoying this fall weather, and it's getting me excited about the holidays...especially since I don't even have to travel home this year! However, I'm sure I'll miss the snow and going sledding on Christmas Eve. Sniff. But who knows, Tennessee just might get a few flakes this year! I'll be posting the new holiday cards soon! So, if you're not a procrastinator like me and you actually plan ahead for the holidays, a fall session can make great gifts and cards for you family.

And now it's time for some new pictures! I was filling orders today and came across more pictures from one of my last Boulder shoots that I just love. I'll be scouting out some new spots to shoot around Nashville this week, and then I'll post the Mini Session date. Details to follow...

IF, I fall into the bad blogger role once again, which is likely, and you actually still read this blog after its weeks of silence, then I give you full rein to send me harassing emails and leave nasty comments about my slacking! :)

In Case You Were Wondering

2009-09-01T10:49:00.004-06:00

We are officially Tennessee residents, once again! Life has been insanely busy since we got here, and now I'm off! I will be out of town September 1-19. All calls and emails will be returned starting September 21. New things to come when I get back, including Nashville Specials!

There are so many shoots that I've haven't had time to blog lately, so I'll leave you with a quick collage I made from one of my last sessions in Boulder. Miss all our Colorado friends - xoxo!

Out with the Old and In with the New!

2009-08-11T14:13:00.005-06:00

Abby Gray Photography's phone number has changed to 615-438-4261! Please note that the old number will no longer be active as of Thursday. Just two more shoots to go in Boulder before it's time to pack up shop, and one of my clients still needs to be born! Come on baby, you'll like it out here...it's time to make your debut into the world!

Nashville Bound

2009-08-09T19:41:00.005-06:00

For the last three weeks I have been moping around my psychotically clean house, cringing at the sound of Jessie packing and consistently reminding him of all the reasons why it is completely asinine to leave Boulder. Does he not remember how big my hair can get in that kind of humidity? Who will entertain us if we can't sit on Pearl Street and watch all the characters pass by? The dogs will surely hate us when they discover leash laws, not to mention flees. And do you recall seeing the mountains out your window in Nashville, because I don't?!

But for every "con" I throw at him he has a more valid "pro," and so despite my tantrums, we are Nashville bound. Finally tonight, I've begun to wrap my tired brain around the fact that this is not the end of the world, but the path that has been layed out for us by someone much wiser than me. And as things continue to fall into place and opportunities arise, it is becoming more evident that this is not the worst part of a very hard year, but the start of a new season.

So, on that note, I am very excited about once again having air conditioning (it was 89 degrees in my office the other day.) I cannot wait to get some Mexican food (it's way better in Tennessee - I made Jessie leave the first Mexican restaurant I went to in Boulder due to the subpar cheese dip situation - it's true.) And even though I'm sure I'll leave a little bit of my heart in Boulder, a lot more of my heart is there. So bring on the southern accent and frizzy hair, we are coming home! And, I *might* even help pack a box tonight...

Love.

2009-07-14T15:21:00.005-06:00

I tend to leave myself in a constant state of being slightly uncomfortable, so as to not get bored. So it was only natural for me to wind up outside my comfort zone this summer with my shoots. It started off with new friends, martinis, relentless rain, and an engagement shoot. Despite the distracting martinis and big raindrops we eventually managed to get to work and take some great pictures! This couple reminds me so much of Jessie and me, and I can not wait to go float the creek and eat hot dogs with them this summer!

Cutie Pie

2009-07-13T12:32:00.008-06:00

Another little cutie pie was welcomed to the world a few weeks ago. He was just about a week old when we did his session, and he didn't make a peep! All these sweet babies that don't cry are going to confuse me and make me think I need one! My 85 year old grandfather frequently asks me, "Haven't you figured out how those things are made YET?!" Yes grandpa, I am aware.

Mr. O Arrived!

2009-06-30T14:27:00.008-06:00

I still can't believe all eight pounds of him was hiding in this little belly! I was blessed with the best babies last week. Mr. O was all sweet and squishy and chubby {my fav}, there was no crying {really}, and no one pooped on me {yay}! However, I can't report that this lovely white duvet had the same good fortune. What can I say, we were asking for trouble! All in the name of art...

The Good and the Bad

2009-06-22T12:49:00.009-06:00

I have been a bad little blogger for the last month, so I'm trying to redeem myself this week! Staying true to {I Hate You} 2009, June has brought more gloom. It seems that the bad news comes from every direction, almost every day. For now I'm holding out for my birthday in August to bring a new season I like to call Easy Street and lift this ginormous black cloud that has been hovering. But, in efforts to cheer myself up in the meantime, I will send some sort of wonderful prize to the reader who leaves the best "Good News" comment. And it must be real good news! No fabrications! And for your viewing pleasures, a little baby belly and a lot of love.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T06:00:00.004-06:00

Tuesday morning I got up bright and early and walked up the hill to the hippo house. I had gotten a call the previous week from a mom wanting to surprise her husband with pictures of their boys for Father's Day. When she started giving me directions, I new exactly where she lived. Who can miss the pretty blue house on top of the hill with a big hippo head hanging over the front door to greet you? I knew it was going to be a fun shoot! The boys were awesome and so adorable, and I left with fresh lettuce to plant in my garden and a cute little abandoned bird nest that we found. So, surprise to the dad of the hippo house! I hope you have a very happy Father's Day. And happy Father's Day to my dad too! {This is a test to see if you're reading my blog on a regular basis.} :)

To Daddy-

You are so awesome. Thank you for being such a terrific daddy! We love you!

The {boys}

June Gloom

2009-06-18T23:41:00.004-06:00

Rain, rain go away
You're making it very hard to get through sessions
And your lightening
Tried to strike me the other day
Amen

Princess Poops-A-Lot

2009-05-19T10:20:00.007-06:00

She likes country music, she likes her dad's belly, and you can only call her princess if it is followed in some way by poop...so that she doesn't get a big head! And this girl really likes to poop. How the sheep skin rug and I managed to dodge it, I don't know! Must have been my lucky day. She is the sweetest little ball of love though. I wanted to cuddle with her more than I wanted to take her pictures.

Shabby Chic

2009-05-12T14:05:00.010-06:00

There's nothing about her that's shabby. She's stunning. But her session was full of variety, little bit of shabby, plenty of chic, just like her life. Bouncing back and forth between Europe and the States, she and her husband are living the dream. At least my dream! Though the lack of ice, Mountain Dew and ranch dressing can drive a girl a little nutty after awhile, I think my arm could be twisted into living in Europe half of the year. I'm just saying, if you need me to be your full time photographer, I'll come with you! :)

For Those Who Love to Shop!

2009-05-11T15:51:00.004-06:00

Just the Girls

2009-05-05T18:58:00.007-06:00

Last Friday it was just the girls, well except for the little boy hiding in the belly. This *beautiful* little girl got to play dress up, run around the house in her undies, and snuggle with her mom. It's a good thing she has a brother on the way to fight off all the boys that are going to be chasing her around soon!

Sweet Cheeks

2009-05-05T11:03:00.004-06:00

This cutie was over 9 pounds when he was born, so at 4 weeks old he had the cutest chunky legs and round belly! His mom seems completely smitten with him and does such a wonderful job of making him a happy little guy. She has the sweetest, soothing voice that puts him right at ease.

Lillian Grace

2009-04-30T18:13:00.013-06:00

Lilly was named after two of her great grandmothers, and she is every bit as delicate and pretty as her name implies. She has the most beautiful, smooth baby skin I've ever seen thanks to her mama's wonderfully olive complexion.

Even the sweetest little girls cry sometimes...

And this is the chandelier I mentioned in her mom's post...
nurseries like this make me want to have a baby just so I can decorate!

It's a Surprise!

2009-04-29T16:53:00.008-06:00

Last week I managed to have a session scheduled on a day it didn't rain or even threaten to, yay! My favorite thing about this couple was how much they laughed. He put on fun music for her, joked about the absurdity of what a maternity session really is, and they just went on being themselves. Meanwhile I stood guard at the glass doors and made sure no children learned about baby bellies before they were meant to. Jenn and Mike don't know what they're having, which I personally find so fun! In the days of 4-D ultrasounds and all the great world of technology can offer, isn't it nice to just keep it simple?

As convient as technology can be, sometimes it just takes the fun out of things. Even with all that I have at my fingertips, I can still find myself feeling uninspired. And it seems, as always, the best thing to do is just get back to the basics. This Sunday just happens to be Pinhole Photography Day, the very thing that sparked my interest in the first place! So if you find yourself like me, occasionally complaining that your brand new Mac Pro is as slow as a dinosaur and wondering why it's necessary to plug a cable cord into your television in 2009, maybe it's time for good dose of old mother nature. I'm sure Ansel wasn't complaining about his photoshop actions taking too long to run...

Baby Jax

2009-04-25T20:09:00.009-06:00

Finally back to work after a dying computer, a new computer, Mac lessons, an escape to Cabo, visiting friends, welcoming home a new family member, and celebrating our first anniversary. It's been a chaotic couple of weeks to say the least. If I was cool, I would have made a seamless transition back into the work world, but instead I fell backwards off this family's couch and possibly broke my elbow. Oh yes, it's good to be back!

April Special

2009-03-31T21:03:00.003-06:00

Mini Coop

2009-03-31T13:15:00.011-06:00

This little guy made his debut into the world a few months too early and has been hanging out with his nurses and doctors in the NICU ever since. Cooper was branded "Mini Coop" by a witty doctor, as his mom puts it, before they even knew if he would make it out of the delivery room. Cooper's not so mini anymore. He's almost 6 months old now, and his parents are anxiously awaiting the day they get to bring him home. He also has a very wise older brother waiting to show him the ropes - as long as he's not on diaper duty! I normally would have shot this in a more documentary style, but the fact is, this family has more pictures than they ever wanted of the NICU, so we did our best to disguise the oxygen tanks, leads, and bags and just focus on Cooper.

The Prestons = The Perfect Saturday Morning

2009-03-31T13:10:00.013-06:00

Newborn shoots don't get any better than this. Good coffee, Bob Marley playing in the background, a big furry dog to love on, and a beautiful family...I was a happy girl. I even had a new found like of cats! I asked Jessie if we could get one. No, he says. What if we trained it to pee outside like a dog? Still no. Just as well. Scotch would probably eat it, or get his eyes clawed out trying. But it is painfully quiet around here. No wresting dogs, no barking, no yelling for dogs to get out of the kitchen or off the couch. I need some chaos, some noise! I thought a little sibling rivalry might do this house some good. No sibling rivalry going on at the Preston's though. Quentin, baby Cooper, the cats and the dog are all living in perfect harmony. Good job mom and dad!

Making Babies

2009-03-31T11:51:00.010-06:00

Pregnancy isn't something everyone wants to experience or gets to experience. But when it happens, when everything comes together just as it should, it's such a beautiful thing. Maternity shoots are by far my favorite. I love watching women celebrate their bodies, love watching their husbands look on, admiring their wives, truly appreciating them. I feel very blessed when complete strangers invite me into their lives and allow me to witness the intimate moments and the thoughtful moments and the playful moments. To me, there is no better job than documenting this time for people.

That's All She Wrote

2009-03-29T00:50:00.009-06:00

I am officially tired and out of words, but I wanted to get one more post up before I fall into a sweet slumber, and before my tired old PC officially crashes. It has developed a lovely new habit of typing *backwards* at inopportune times. So before I anger it anymore, here are a few from a sweet, sweet couple expecting their first baby soon. She wanted her session to be in a field, so I managed to find one sans cow poop, but that didn't stop us from leaving covered in stickers. And Lillian, I found your scarf in my bag! I promise to de-sticker it and mail it to you. :)

Pretty in Pink

2009-03-28T22:26:00.010-06:00

Rhonda is having a spring time baby, and to be more specific, a little girl. So, what else is a mom in waiting to do but don herself in a springy scarf, have a photographer come admire her growing belly, and hang out in her pink nursery? And maybe at some point we ended hanging out in the foyer and her husband might have let a sly comment or two slip about her prancing around the house half naked, but it was all in good fun. I am especially excited about baby Lillian's session. I'll just say that there is a perfectly dainty chandelier in her room...it's going to be so wonderfully girly and fun!

New Love

2009-03-24T21:23:00.011-06:00

This family came along at the perfect time. Will was 4 weeks old when we had our session, and it was a great excuse for me to quit moping around with Scotch, put on something that didn't resemble pajamas and go have fun! I love watching new parents get to know their baby. It's crazy to think how much parents love their baby the first second they lay eyes on them...the I couldn't live without you for another second even though we've only just met love. And it doesn't matter how tired or bewildered anyone might be, that same wonderful, goose bumpy love always shines right through. And that's just what happened this day. While I got to watch theses parents beam at their new baby, Will posed for us like a perfectly sleepy 3 day old - though I'm sure he was thinking he was much too grown up for these shenanigans and why in the world did I keep taking off his diaper?

Darling Ava

2009-03-12T18:26:00.012-06:00

Lately I've learned that the world waits for no one, but this sweet family certainly has been waiting a while for their sneak peek. So today I decided I should start being a productive person again and get back to work. There's nothing like staring at a sweet baby girl to cheer you up!

My Baby

2009-03-12T14:12:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday morning I woke up with Maddox pressed against my belly. These were my favorite mornings. Maddox preferred to sleep with his head under the bed, but every once in a while he stayed with me. He'd been there all night. Although my arm had fallen asleep hours ago, there I lay. Arms around him. My face pressed into his back. We finally made our way out of bed at our usual time of 8:45 and went for our morning walk. The boys have spent the last 3 years running free on a farm across the street from our house. It's a dog's paradise, full of lakes and creeks, cow poop and forgotten tennis balls, sticks galore and plenty of other dogs to sniff. As we set off, Maddox made his mean "I hate you because you're a dog on a leash and I was bitten by a dog on a leash, so you must be a bad dog" growl at the neighborhood bulldog. He got in the little dog's face and barked away. So I told Maddox that was very bad and put him on his leash. Scotch ran ahead of us, and as we walked together I thought, my dogs are so healthy. Nothing bad could ever happen to them. They'll live to be old, gray, lazy dogs. I truly believed this. At the end of the walk I let Maddox off his leash so he could sniff and be free and happy, and then we headed home.

A few hours later I finished an editing project that had been the bane of my existence for over a month. I was so excited to be finished and it had turned out to be such a nice day, I decided we should all go celebrate. I found Maddox asleep at the top of the stairs and told him to get his lazy butt up, we were going to play. I stuffed 3 tennis balls in my pockets, grabbed the chuckit, and we were off to the park. As soon as we hit the grass, I flung the chuckit to throw the first ball and Scotch took off. But the ball was stuck. It hadn't come out. Maddox knew - he was the smart one. So I said, "Come on boy, you go get this one," and I brought my arm back again and threw the ball. It was the first ball of the day. Maddox ran after it and as he leapt into the air to catch it, he let out a horrible yelp and collapsed to the ground. At that moment my world turned into a nightmare. For days after I tried to will myself to wake up. I was sure that it was just a bad dream, it wasn't real.

As he cried and writhed on the ground I tried to keep him still and screamed at the top of my lungs for help. We were alone in the park. Eventually strangers came out of their homes, Scotch was taken away, the vet was called, the car was driven into the park, and we were gone. I was in the backseat holding Maddox, trying to comfort him as a man I had never met before drove. The next 24 hours were filled with vets and x-rays, pain meds and sleepless nights, hope and tears, an MRI and then the room. You never want to be taken into the room. But that's what she did, and as we sat down she closed both doors. She was protecting the other people in the waiting room from the pain we were about to endure.

She said his prognosis was "horrible." He had an FCE, an embolus that had cut off the blood flow to his spinal cord that caused the paralysis of his hind legs. Most dogs do ok, but his injury was severe. A section of his spinal cord was dead and there was hemorrhaging around it. There was nothing they could do, no chance of recovery, and he could not live with this injury. We said we were taking him home.

For 3 days we didn't leave his side. We fed him filet mignon, his favorite treats, rubbed him, loved him, cried over him. We took care of his catheter, told him he was a good boy when he pooped. Tried to ease the blow of his lost dignity. A photographer came, neighbors came, friends came, flowers were delivered. There was hope of a cart, hope that they were wrong. There were second opinions, third opinions, research done. Thoughts that maybe we could make him happy, maybe we could be enough. Maddox would try to put on a brave face, give us a kiss when pressed, but other times he hid his face from us, panted anxiously, turned away from the toys he used to love. He let us know this was no life for a dog.

Saturday morning we let him rest by the fire. He hadn't slept more than an hour the night before. We stayed by his side, watched him, prayed. Later that afternoon it started snowing. It had been in the 60's for days, and it was snowing. So off we went. Jessie picked up his back end and we all walked to the park. We laid in the grass for hours. Maddox chewed sticks, let the snowflakes fall on his nose, we took pictures and tried to be grateful for that moment. We asked him what he would do that night. Would he go to the river, to the beach, would he finally catch a squirrel? When the sun started to set, Jessie picked up his back end again and let him wander in the grass. All he wanted to do was eat the sticks Scotch had been eating earlier. The sticks that had been beyond his reach. When we were ready to go inside, Maddox ran. We could hardly keep up with him, and every few seconds he looked back to make sure Jessie was still holding him up.

After another steak and half of a Woodchuck he was finally able to sleep. We laid down with him and told him the story of his life. We told him everything, all about his life in Nashville, San Diego, Memphis, and Boulder. We told him about all the friends he had made along the way. We told him every little thing we loved about him. As I laid there with his head in my lap, holding his paw, a woman came to free him from his broken body. He gave me one last kiss. We braced ourselves. Tried to be brave. Tried to breathe. We told him to fly, to have a fun ride, tell God we said hi. Told him to go to the river. Go lay in the sun and splash in the water. Told him we'd see him again. We told him we loved him over and over and over. Told him he was the best dog in the world. And then he was gone.

When she drove away with my Maddox I cried out - a sound I had never heard come out of me before. I collapsed in the driveway, snuggled contently next to someone's tire, and I waited patiently for the world to swallow me up and put me out of my misery.

Maddox was the best part of my day. He brought me more joy than anything in the world. He was my baby. My heart is broken. I want him to walk up, knock my hand off the mouse with his nose, put his paw in my hand and let me hold it the way he always did. I want him to nuzzle his nose in between my legs so I can rub his butt. I want him to crawl in my lap when I'm upset, smother me with his kisses. I want him to tell me that he's happy now. That we did the right thing. I want him to tell me how to find the grateful place in my heart. Because I really did have the best dog in the world.

Fun New Product

2009-03-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Say a quick hello or thank you in style! Five different designs available with custom color and text. These are perfect for family stationery or baby/wedding shower thank you's. Thanks Kate for the great idea. :) Stay tuned for her engagement pictures in June!

March Moms

2009-02-28T17:24:00.002-07:00

Little Mountain Man

2009-02-27T18:33:00.011-07:00

Griffin is all boy. He knows about bears and rocks and trucks and dogs and poop. I'm sure he will be catching his first fish soon with his dad. Griffin is On.The.Go. and full of life. He is sooo cute with his little curls and eyelashes that are to die for I could just squeeze him and gobble him up. He is almost 2 and having a rocking bug party this weekend. I had a great time with you guys! Happy birthday little man!

Rechibadihorrisuck

2009-02-27T11:41:00.008-07:00

It takes quite a word to sum up this week, so I had to go searching. If Webster's isn't cutting it for you, look here. I'll spare you the details behind the rechibadihorrisuckiness that was, but let's just say I found myself face down in a cup of tea this afternoon staring at my distorted face in the liquid and contemplating life.

On a brighter note, last week was much better, despite some household accidents. Last week I got to hang out with two very cool little boys. The first of which was Caleb. His mom Kim taught me just enough about graphic design to make me know I'd be better off just sticking to photography. :) We got to play with his red wagon, and his grandma read to him, and his mom gave his eskimo kisses, and we all made him giggle.

The Highs and Lows of a Tuesday

2009-02-17T19:12:00.016-07:00

Today has been an interesting day. Got to hang out with a sweet little boy named Caleb this morning (pics coming soon)! Managed to make lunch without leaving the stove on for hours. This is apparently my new thing. Sometimes I fear for the lives of the dogs. I really shouldn't be left here alone all day. And THEN, I was doing the dreaded. Vacuuming my stairs. With my new Dyson no less {that never loses suction-I can vouch for this,} and as I bent over to grab the cord, the Dyson grabbed me! A big hunk of my hair to be exact. Sucked it right into the little stair attachment and wrapped it all around until the vacuum was trying to suck in the rest of my head. Would not recommend it. The hair sucking that is. And so it goes. I am reminded daily of my shoddy attempts at domesticating myself. Here's to tomorrow...

What that little story has to do with this beautiful pregnant woman, I do not know. Maybe it's the little voice in the back of my head that says I need to remember to turn off the stove and master the art of vacuuming before I have a baby of my own. Knowing all that I know about pregnancy, I'm constantly left in awe of it. It's such a beautifully complicated miracle, and I'm so glad that I get to document it. I hope you enjoy!

New Birth Announcements!

2009-02-11T18:49:00.026-07:00

It's been a productive week at Abby Gray Photography. Well for {some} of us. While Scotch and Maddox continued to do more of this...

I periodically checked to make sure they were still breathing and worked on these...

I'm so excited about these new birth announcements! All the color and text can be fully customized to whatever your heart desires, AND there are new session packages coming soon. A lot gets done when I'm slightly over caffeinated. Happy Wednesday!
{Also if any photogs would like to know where to find more templates like these, shoot me an email and I'll send you the info.}

February Freebies!

2009-02-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sleepy Head

2009-02-05T16:45:00.004-07:00

I have two Golden Retrievers, and I think they must be the two laziest creatures on the planet. Since I've been working from home more, I've realized that the only time they actually move during the day is if they hobble downstairs to get a treat or if it's time to play (I am always alerted to when this time has come by the wet noses incessantly knocking my hand off the mouse until I finally stop working.) Otherwise - naps all day. As usual, Maddox didn't want to get out of bed this morning. Lately, anything before 10 a.m. seems to be unacceptable to him. But today, I got up bright and was ready to go. After some failed coaxing to get him up, I eventually just made the bed with him in it. He didn't seem to mind...

Referrals

2009-02-04T13:36:00.005-07:00

Love. Love. Love.

2009-01-28T14:38:00.015-07:00

So, this post was supposed to be way cooler than it is, full of slideshows and fun music. But, after several hours of fighting with the slideshow gods I surrendered. A girl can only take so much. So if any of you blog readers out there know of some wonderful slideshow program that lets you use your own music, rather than the 1990's version of some no-name jazz song they so kindly provide you with, lemme me know what it is! But please keep in mind, you're dealing with a girl who isn't 100% sure how to get songs on her ipod. So not too many bells and whistles please.

I digress. Lucky for me, Christy and Patrick are plenty cool all by themselves! They met last year on a mission trip in Brazil, and it was love at first sight. And, as luck would have it, they came to Boulder not long after they got engaged so we got to wander around downtown and play and be silly and take pictures. Christy has been my dear friend since the days of two-toned hair and overalls, and I couldn't think of anyone more perfect for her than Patrick. New love is all around lately, and I'm loving it! I'm so thankful that all of my friends have such wonderful people in their lives. And of course, I'm very excited for all of them to have babies so I can take more pictures! I'm still holding on to the chance that Christy and Patrick are going to arrange for that to happen while they're living in Italy so that I will HAVE to go visit them frequently. Babies grow fast you know. They need to be photographed at least every other month. And yes, this is a possibility...thank you Patrick and the Navy. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!) But for now, here they are - their young, fabulous, baby-free selves.

A Snidge of a Sneak!

2009-01-13T20:48:00.003-07:00

More on this fun couple soon...there were so many wonderful images from this session, I simply couldn't choose! But, I promised to have a blog post up for them today, so I had to give them a little something until I can sort through all of the fabulousness! (I realize that is not a word, but it works.)

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T12:37:00.016-07:00

This was an awesome session. I had so much fun doing an urban shoot. These kids were too cool for school. And the parents rocked!

And as we took our beautiful pictures in an old alley way, life went on behind us. Never a dull moment in Boulder!

They were freezing at this point and much happier when huddled together, but aren't these doors fabulous? I'm glad they hung in for this spot.
This is my first session when I thought we might not all come out in one piece. There was just enough snow left to sled and it was SLICK. And of course, sledding is always much more fun when you're going backwards!

This has been an incredible year. I'm so excited to being doing exactly what I want to do. And I want to send a big THANK YOU to all of you. Thank you for your support, your business and your encouragement. I've been thinking back about old New Year's resolutions, remembering the year I was going to get a portfolio together, and then the next year when I again resolved to get a portfolio together. And then the year that I wanted to get paid to take a picture. Just once. I don't even think I had a resolution this year, except maybe to survive my wedding, and perhaps that was the best plan. Maybe resolutions hold you back or distract you from what you should really be doing. This year with no set intentions I bought a new camera, started shooting, built a website, and quit my job. I've either gone completely mad or I have finally fallen onto the right path. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring and how things will change...and change is always exciting, at least in my world. Life would be awfully mundane if you woke up the exact same person year after year. So I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that next year will be even happier, more alive, and more inspiring than this one.

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs and My Poor Neglected Blog

2008-12-18T21:28:00.012-07:00

Life has a fascinating way of preventing you from doing all the things you really meant to do, such as blog posts, and instead making you do things you didn't really want to do at all. In the last week we've had the "pleasure" of buying a new vacuum (thank you Goldens), renting a saw...trust me, you don't want the details surrounding that, and buying a new storm door (I just can't wait to install it-sense the sarcasm.)

So here I am, finally back in my happy world of blog posts. Lately, I've been hanging out with people and their dogs. The dogs are crazy, playful, full of love and kisses and ENERGY and even a bit of shyness, but so sweet. Domino, I'll let you guess which one he is, is a very happy boy, and would be quite content to give his dad kisses all day long. In fact, he was so distracted by all the excitement of the day, that he didn't even notice the 15 pupperoni that I had sticking out of my hat. (Getting a good visual?) Taffy liked to amuse herself by "walking" her brother Truman, and Truman spent most his session adamantly hiding his face behind his mom. Oh, the personalities. Life would be so boring without our dogs.

And as I type, someone is shooting off fireworks. IN DECEMBER. Right. And little do they know that I will now be lucky to get 3 hours of sleep as my poor finicky Maddox is already pacing and shaking and probably thinks that the sky is about to fall on his head. If anyone has ever had a Golden who hides in the tub, you know what I'm talking about. If only I had the Dog Whisperer on speed dial!

Just Can't Get Enough of...

2008-12-03T17:51:00.008-07:00

Baby Girls! I just love their soft skin, cute little lips, and wispy hair. Lucky for me I've been able to photograph several lately! Although, I will say, nothing makes me smile quite like a little baby boy sleeping with his hand stuck down his diaper. :)

I was very excited to capture this yawn! Oh, the life of a newborn. Lots of naps and cuddles and everyone still thinks your bare bum is cute!

Beau.Ti.Ful Bentley

2008-11-25T11:21:00.009-07:00

Introducing Bentley Anne! This was such a fun session and a big day for her. Aside from her first photo shoot, her umbilical cord fell off! Welcome to the world sweet girl. Mom and Dad, hope you enjoy your sneak peek. It was great to see you!

Giggles

2008-11-12T17:21:00.007-07:00

I already posted a blog on these kiddos, but as I was finishing up with their images today I came across these...I don't know why I get such a kick out of these two, but they make me laugh. Happy Wednesday!

SPLAT!!!

hee hee hee

Darlings

2008-11-08T12:25:00.005-07:00

These sweet things have a special place in my heart, and I was very excited to finally meet them! India, on the left, is a teeny, sweet baby girl, and Kiran, on the right, is a very handsome little boy. India already seems to love being photographed as much as her big sister. Kiran however was perfectly happy to sleep through most of it! Can you believe it was these two hiding in this belly?!? http://abbygrayphotography.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

I love Kiran's wrinkled forehead in this one...

...and I love India's lips. She looks just like a doll.

Kiss Me ~ I'm Irish

2008-11-08T11:40:00.016-07:00

This was a great session! After worrying about the possibility of snow, we had a beautiful day at Wonderland Lake. I can't believe the leaves were still so pretty this late in the year. These parents are from Ireland and have a 3 year-old and a 19 year-old to keep them busy! I can only imagine the range of activities that go on every day! Enjoy your sneak peek...

Almost There...

2008-11-07T21:42:00.010-07:00

There is a pretty little girl inside this belly who will be seeing the world for the first time any day now. In fact she is due TODAY! She was a very cooperative baby and gave us time to take these pictures before she made her debut. This mom was 39 weeks the day of her session, and they were ready and waiting to meet her...and I am quite excited to meet her myself!

Siblings

2008-10-29T14:42:00.012-06:00

If there is one thing these kids showed me during our session, it's how wonderful it is to have a sibling (says the only child.) These two had soooo much fun together, and they definitely kept me on my toes! We had a perfect warm fall day for the session, and they had a blast playing in the leaves and making silly faces. Enjoy mom and dad!

Evie

2008-10-01T12:20:00.003-06:00

This is their first baby, and they are having a blast with her...and how could you not?!? She is such a sweetie and already very stylish. She wouldn't be caught dead in anything but her 7th generation diapers for her photo shoot! Doesn't she have the most beautiful blue eyes?

Stunning

2008-09-20T12:09:00.004-06:00

Isn't she beautiful? She was so fun to photograph, and I think she looks absolutely radiant. This couple adopted two children from Nepal and are now having twins! Her little boy and girl are the sweetest things and he especially dotes on his mama, so I know they will be great help when the babies come...and I can't wait to meet them!

Vann and Reese

2008-09-08T12:31:00.002-06:00

This is the most adorable family. I have such much fun with them every time we do a session. Vann is 3 months now and getting so cute and chubby. And Reese just melts my heart every time I see her.

Meg and John got hitched!

2008-09-02T12:55:00.001-06:00

I've been looking forward to this all summer! The wedding was absolutely beautiful on the lake behind her parents' house, and the reception was so much fun. And I would just like to add that Meghan has NOT forgotten how to dance! I took a few pictures that afternoon while she was getting gorgeous for her groom...

Brotherly Love

2008-08-30T12:40:00.002-06:00

Here we have a beach boy from Florida and a Colorado mountain man. When John came to Boulder to visit his brother Matt I got to do a session with these two handsome guys for a gift for their mom. She must be so proud!

Weekend Get-A-Way

2008-07-25T12:48:00.001-06:00

Can I just say, I love to get away! Jessie, the dogs and I spent four very relaxing days in July at our favorite spot on the Platte River. Scotch, our farm dog, was in heaven running free and found plenty of bones to chew and bury. All the while, Maddox was quite content wading in the river and napping in the sun. And Jessie and I got in some much needed hammock time and a little fishing. I don't actually like to "catch" them...just happy if I can fool them for a second! :)

Oh, the places you'll go...

2008-07-01T11:57:00.001-06:00

Kashmira graduated! And what a fun party with all of her friends and neighbors to celebrate!!! These teenagers make me feel old...gosh. But what a great mix of people from the cutie pie little ones to the relaxed retirees. Congratulation Kash, I wish you all the best.

"V" is for Vann (not Morrison)

2008-06-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the world little man! We've all been waiting to see your cute face for many months now. So without further ado...

Spring Time

2008-06-07T13:31:00.000-06:00

I love the first few weeks of spring here when it's so pretty and green. That's one thing I definitely miss about Tennessee.

Number Two is on the way...

2008-05-20T19:22:00.004-06:00

Tara is pregnant with her second baby, and we are all VERY excited to meet him. We got to spend the afternoon in the park, and just missed the rain...whew! Baby Vann coming soon...only a few weeks to go!