Tennessee photographer

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

Published on April 19, 2019April 22, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

I always get asked the question, “What should I wear for my Engagement Session?” and my answer is always a long, solid-color fluid dress, heels and classic jewelry — estate or family pieces if you have them. Long dresses are very feminine. They catch the wind and add beautiful movement when you walk. That movement adds so much interest to your images. And, the fit of your dress should compliment your figure and show off your shape. If an outfit off the rack needs to be altered to fit you well, then do it to look your best. The reason we love so many celebrities’ outfits is that they are custom made to fit their bodies. My favorite silhouettes? It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE a one-shoulder dress. It’s a hint of sexy, but classy at the same time. I also love simple slip dresses and wraps that accent your waist.

When choosing a dress, keep in mind that solid fabrics are best, because prints and patterns can be trendy and distracting unless they are tiny florals or classic patterns like stripes or checks. Plus, so many trendy outfits can date your images very quickly. Same goes for big, chunky accessories. Choose simple and delicate instead. I love heirloom, estate pieces that connect you to your family and give just enough sparkle. Ask your grandmother if you can borrow her pearl and diamond earrings, or your mother her diamond necklace. If your location makes it a little hard to walk in heels, you can take them off. Holding your shoes as you walk gives the images a more relaxed feel (even though you are dressed up) and also gives you something to do with your hands.

For a second, more casual outfit, well-fitting jeans with heels and a dressy blouse or a tailored jumpsuit, is what I recommend. Both are always a win.

So, to sum it up in a few words…solid, flowy, delicate feminine, and classic with a just hint of sexy and a touch of tailored. If every piece you choose to wear for your session can be summed up in those words then you’ve nailed it and your images will be beautiful and timeless.

Be looking for my next post, which will be a Q&A with Walton’s Jewelry on how to confidently shop for and choose estate jewelry and antique engagement rings.

Dresses: Nordstrom | All jewelry: Estate pieces from Walton’s Jewelry, Franklin TN

Happy Holidays!

Published on December 25, 2018January 14, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

Published on October 9, 2018October 11, 2018 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Ahhhhh Fall! Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, pumpkins and mums on porches, firepit gatherings, s’mores, cozy sweaters, leather jackets and boots. All of these things make me extremely happy. I want our home to be a place that is warm and welcoming; however, Fall is also my busiest season, so I don’t have time for much fuss. I try to take what I already have and fill in with mums I purchase from our high school cheerleaders’ fundraising project and pumpkins from the little market down the street. I always lean towards minimal styling and non-traditional, greyed down colors. And, there always has to be shades of blue/green in my world…even for my pumpkins! Years and years ago, my hand tinting instructor told me “Always add a little blue to your image. It gives the eye a place to rest.” This is so true for me! Blues are peaceful.

Bright orange, black and purple for Halloween isn’t my jam, and red and green at Christmas is just a little too expected for me. Have you noticed the “other orange” pumpkins? They are a bit more subtle and go beautifully with the autumn colored mums that aren’t exactly yellow or orange, but have a hint of both. I plan to purchase a few rectangular lanterns like these, to add some flicker at night and a different shape to go with all of the round pumpkins.

Here are few vignette shots of my front porch and foyer table. Minimal. Nothing fussy, overdone, or even expensive. There’s nothing difficult about throwing mini white pumpkins in a unique bowl. If I had found where I put my pheasant feathers, I would have mixed those in with the pussy willow branches. Pheasant feathers are one of my favorite things to use in the fall because the colors and texture are amazing. My husband brought back real feathers from a hunt in North Dakota, but you can also purchase them online. I’ve included a link at the end of this post. Ostrich feathers and raw cotton branches are beautiful too!

I love to eat pumpkin spice and cinnamon flavors, but do not like for my house to smell like it, unless it’s the real bread or cake coming out of the oven. Sweet smelling candles give me a headache, so I go for more masculine and earthy scents in the fall like the Le Labo Santal candle shown here, cedarwood, tobacco and leather, etc. Locally, I purchase my candles at Two Old Hippies and White’s Mercantile, two of my favorite Nashville shops.

What about you? What do you do to keep your fall decor simple, yet interesting? What is your go-to color palette? Leave a comment here or on my Instagram! I want to hear from you! Happy Fall Y’all!

Highlights from 2017 [Franklin, TN] Fall Mini Sessions

Published on January 9, 2018January 11, 2018 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

Happy New Year! Christmas cards have all been mailed, opened and posted on the fridge. Gifts have been exchanged and holidays have been celebrated. Bowl games have been watched, the ball has dropped, and now I can share highlights from my Fall 2017 Mini Sessions in Franklin, TN and Birmingham, starting with Franklin sessions that I shot in historic and quaint Leipers Fork. I will follow up with a separate post for Birmingham portrait sessions.

Kids and family portrait sessions are how I started my business 15 years ago, so it’s always fun to shoot what began it all for me. This year, there were new clients and returning clients in front of my lens…so many beautiful families, kids, couples and pups! Mark your calendars for the first week of August when I will announce Fall 2018 Mini Sessions dates on social media and online booking through my website. In the meantime, here are some highlights from Fall 2017 in Franklin. And, you can see Birmingham, AL Fall Minis here.

Leipers Fork Fall Mini Sessions by Heather Durham Photography

Jonathan Savage Interior Design Hermes Christmas Tree

Published on December 23, 2017January 26, 2018 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

It was a pleasure photographing Nashville top designer, Jonathan Savage’s personal home decorated for the holidays. His Christmas tree was appropriately dressed in shades of his branded Savage Interior Design orange with Hermes bags under the tree for extra holiday cheer. His pup Artie was even in the holiday spirit for our shoot. Cheers!

Designer: Jonathan Savage Interior Design • 615.244.5674

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours

Published on December 21, 2017January 5, 2018 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Elle

Published on September 15, 2017January 15, 2018 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Welcome to the world Elle! You and your sisters are just beautiful!

15 Year Old Singer/Songwriter, Anna Grace Beatty

Published on July 18, 2017July 18, 2017 by Heather Durham Photography2 Comments

Last month I had the privilege of photographing 15 year old singer/songwriter, Anna Grace Beatty, who’s getting ready to release her first album. It’s not often you meet 15 year olds with such passion to pursue their dream career and at such a young age. I have no doubt this young musician has a bright future ahead of her, and I can’t wait to see where her talent and determination takes her in the music industry.

I love getting to play with different color treatments to set the tone and mood for editorial and commercial work. Here are some of my favorite images from our shoot in Historic Leipers Fork and Franklin, Tennessee.

Hair & Make Up: Lynsey Richardson | Wardrobe Styling: Celine Russell

Birmingham Magazine Summer/Fall 2017 Issue [Published]

Published on June 12, 2017June 12, 2017 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Loved working again with an amazing team of friends/talented creatives on a fashion cover story in the current Birmingham Magazine Weddings Summer/Fall 2017 issue. Brides…need some inspiration for your wedding style? Pick up a copy on new stands now for ideas for every occasion, and where to get the looks… from the Engagement Party to Bridesmaids Luncheon, Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding.

Here are some of my favorite images from our shoot in the studio…

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Beautiful Homewood Remodel by Twin Construction [Featured in Birmingham Home & Garden magazine May/June 2017]

Published on May 4, 2017September 1, 2017 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

It’s always a pleasure to shoot for my friends at Twin Construction in Birmingham, AL. This home was especially fun to photograph, since I know Rachael, the owner and love her personal style. Laurie Fulkerson, interior designer for Twin, did an exceptional job capturing and bringing Rachel and Dax’s style and personalities into the details of the home design. My favorite elements? The incredible black crocodile wallpaper in the study (slight obsession), the luxurious blue velvet sofas in the living room, the butlers pantry filled with natural light, the steel folding doors that open the dining room onto the screened porch for indoor/outdoor entertaining and finally the perfectly organized master bedroom closet with lighted shelving. There’s so much more…Pick up a copy of Birmingham Home & Garden to read the story behind this amazing Homewood (Edgewood) remodel.