knoxville, tn photographer - a special cakesmash session

All birthdays are special, but I wanted to speak of several families that may go through a bit more to make it to that special milestone. Premie babies, babies that have NICU time, and the families that have to stay strong for their little fighters.

Hendrix’s mom, Haley, reached out about a newborn session- she said I was strongly recommended and apologized for reaching out so last minute, but her baby was 4 months old. His original due date was April 2nd, and she reached out to me on April 8th. She was told he wouldn’t be going home any time near his due date, but mentioned he had been breaking the rules since day one! He got to go home with them on April 4, 2022.
Hendrix was born at only 23 weeks, 6 days and weighed only 1 pound, 8 oz. He dropped down to 1 pound, 5 oz after the first few days, but soon after he started gaining back again.
I was able to schedule them in, and we planned for their newborn session at my Knoxville, TN studio location. I was so glad I was able to schedule them and meet this sweet baby that was breaking barriers since birth! He was such a sweet little one, and I am so thankful his parents trusted me as their newborn photographer.

Fast forward - Haley reached out for Hendrix’s first birthday - a huge milestone that he’s reached on top of every other milestone he has overcome in his first year.
We planned a sweet, simple smash set - all focus was on him! He wasn’t sure about his cake and being away from his mama, but his images turned out perfect - just like him! Haley brought along a framed image from his NICU stay and dressed him in a shirt that read “brave little ones,” which is the perfect description of Hendrix. The comparison of his NICU photo beside him as a one year old makes you stop and think just how much these little babies truly fight.
Haley says his favorite things as a one year old are food, her (his mama), his balance bike, Ms. Rachel videos and climbing everything!
Thank you for letting me be such a part of Hendrix’s story. He sure is a brave one!
Scroll to see a few images from his newborn session, and his cake smash at my studio in Knoxville, TN!