First Birthday Sessions

The past few months have been hopping with first birthday sessions. Using the small studio space at my house, I've gotten to take pictures of three of my favorite one-year-olds. The studio space is great during these winter months. 

I love how all of the babies are wearing special first birthday outfits. They're all so different, but so cute! The shirts and accessories are a great way to add personality to the pictures.

This little lady was all dressed up for her special day. I love the coordinating bow and skirt!

I'm a sucker for bow ties and suspenders and smiling baby boys.

The shirt, the hat, the cloth diaper! Such a great ensemble!

Sometimes the weather cooperates and we get to go outside for these sessions, too. As long as the babies are happy, we don't mind to get a little bit cold. In my experience, babies are much more tolerant of winter weather than most adults.

Sometimes the whole family joins in.

It was a little chilly, but he was perfectly happy hanging out in that basket.

Gabriel had a special announcement to make. He may be little, but he's going to be a big brother!

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from these sessions. I'm telling you, there is not a better way to spend an afternoon than taking pictures of a happy one-year-old!

Contemplating exactly what it means to be old enough to enjoy desserts.

I love that colorful cake.

Look how comfortable she is!

In conclusion: bring me all of your one-year-olds! I thoroughly enjoy these sessions, and not just because I sometimes get cupcakes out of them :-)

The Mains Family Session at Carl Sandburg

Were you out and about this past Saturday morning? The weather in Hendersonville was absolutely perfect for family pictures. The sky was blue, the humidity was low, and the temperature was just cool enough to put a little spring in your step. 

I met the Mains family for the first time at the Carl Sandburg house, and besides being charmed by the adorable kids, I was immediately impressed with their outfit choices. I often have clients ask me what they should wear for their photo shoots, and I'm going to start referring them to these pictures as an example. Everyone is comfortably dressed, they coordinate without being too matchy, and the colors chosen (lots of neutrals with a pop of color) complement the beauty of the setting without detracting from it. And the accessories are perfect, too: they add personality, but they aren't distracting.

Apart from wearing amazing outfits, these guys were altogether enjoyable. The baby hardly made a peep, and the little guy was so fun and full of life. He had me completely charmed before I'd taken the first picture. 

Really, all of that is to say that I would have enjoyed this Saturday morning even if I hadn't been taking photos, but getting some awesome family pictures at one of my favorite places in Hendersonville made it even better. 

Thanks so much for letting me spend my Saturday morning with you guys!

Adam's Senior Pictures

Adam is my third cousin. I think. He might be my second cousin twice removed, or once removed, but I'm not great with genealogy. Let's just say that we are cousins, but we only see each other once a year or so. We're related enough that I knew he was probably going to college soon, but I hadn't realized that he'd be going this fall.

I was thrilled when his mom contacted me about doing his senior pictures. I'm always thrilled when someone contacts me for a shoot, but doing senior pictures with family is about as fun as it gets. To familiarize myself with the kind of guy he's grown into, I sort of kind of stalked Adam on social media before the shoot, and I then proceeded to bombard him with all of the facts I'd learned. I was going for "hip and relatable" but I'm afraid I came off as "unsettling." Sorry, Adam. But I'm glad to know that we like some of the same TV shows. You clearly have excellent taste.

Did I mention that it was pouring throughout this whole shoot? I started seeing tiny raindrops on my windshield as I drove to Ridge Haven, and I hoped against hope that it was a quick shower that would stop any moment. But it didn't, and it was okay. We worked with the rain, and Adam and his mom helped me find some really great locations to use that were under cover. 

We took pictures and trampled on trails and chatted throughout, and I have to say that taking Adam's senior pictures was one of the most fun things I've done in a while. It helps that he was super photogenic and cooperative. He has been a camp counselor at Ridge Haven for the past few summers, so he knew his way around the site like a pro.

After we'd gotten a good number of pictures and the shoot was winding down, Adam suggested that we go to a nearby waterfall. I agreed, of course, because I never say no to waterfalls. We hiked down through the muddy woods, got a few pictures, and headed back up to the car.

As much fun as I had taking pictures (and trust me, I had a LOT of fun taking pictures), I have to say that rainy walk to the falls was my favorite part of the day. Sure, I walked back blindly because my glasses were completely fogged up and useless, but it was such a great experience to hang out with a cousin of mine whom I rarely see. Adam, I'm thrilled to see that you've grown (and grown and grown and grown) into such an awesome guy. Best of luck at school next year, and I look forward to seeing you at the family reunion in July!

Welcome to East Branch Photography

Hi, I'm Emry Trantham, and I'm excited to announce the launch of my new photography venture, East Branch Photography. This company has been in the project stage for several months now, and after lots of work and planning, I'm ready to start taking some pictures! Or rather, keep taking pictures. I never really stop.

I hope you're able to find everything you need on the site. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or, better yet, you'd like to book a session. 

I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has helped me so far, whether by helping me build a portfolio, giving me encouragement, or pushing me to get stuff done. I couldn't have made this happen without help from a whole lot of people. 

It's spring now--it's warm, sunny, and the best time for new beginnings. I couldn't be happier to be opening East Branch Photography, and I can't wait to take your picture.

If you'd like to follow along elsewhere, check out the East Branch Photography Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.