Darth Vader, Baby Chicks, and My Last Year in the Classroom

This year feels different. It’s my last year in the classroom, and I’ve been soaking up every little moment. Hatching chicks has been a favorite tradition with my students for years. This year we started our hatch in September. 🐣 And let me tell you—it made the beginning of the school year more magical than ever.

From the moment I got the incubator out, my students were hooked. We talked about the life cycle of a chicken, counted down the days, and excitedly waited for hatch day to arrive. Their excitement reminded me exactly why I’ve loved teaching all these years.

Meet Darth Vader 🖤🐥

Our first chick hatched fully fluffed and ready for the spotlight. The class proudly named it Darth Vader, keeping in theme with our Star Wars-inspired classroom. Vader quickly became a favorite, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect name for our first fluffy friend.

The Sweetest Moment: Chick Cuddles

While I take care of feeding and watering, the most exciting part for the kids is getting to hold the chicks. For many of them, it’s the very first time they’ve ever held a baby animal.

Their eyes light up. Their voices go quiet. Their hands cradle these tiny lives so gently. It’s a moment I never want to forget—and I don’t want them to forget it either.

So, I take a photo of every single child holding a chick. Each image is printed and lovingly placed into their end-of-year memory book.

Because Moments Like This Deserve to Be Remembered

As a teacher and a photographer, I know how quickly childhood moves. These little hands won’t always be so small. But with just one photo, that moment—their first time holding a chick—can stay with them forever.

These photos are more than cute snapshots. They’re proof of joy, bravery, curiosity, and growth. They tell a story these kids will remember when they look back one day.

A Beautiful Beginning... and Ending

Even though this is my last year teaching, starting it with something so engaging felt incredibly special. The chick hatch wasn’t just a science lesson—it became a symbol of growth, of trying something new, and of savoring the little moments.

We read chick books and drew chick pictures. But most of all, we made a memory together.

And now it’s one they’ll get to keep forever.

Want to follow along as I close this beautiful chapter?

You can find me over at www.littleriverlens.com, where I’m sharing more classroom stories and life behind the lens. Whether you're a fellow teacher, a parent, or someone who believes in the power of pictures, I’d love to have you along.

5 Creative Ways to Display Your Professional Photos at Home

5 Creative Ways to Display Your Professional Photos at Home

You’ve had the session. You’ve fallen in love with your gallery. Now what?

Too often, beautiful photos end up lost in digital space—buried in cloud storage or stuck in your phone. But your memories deserve more than a folder. They deserve to be seen, celebrated, and enjoyed every single day.

If you’ve had a family, newborn, maternity, or engagement session recently, here are five of my favorite ways to turn those moments into art in your home:

1. Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a timeless way to make a big impact. Mix and match sizes, frame styles, and even photo types (color + black & white!) to give your space personality. A hallway, staircase, or living room wall is the perfect place to showcase your growing family through the years.

Pro tip: Lay it out on the floor first or use paper templates on the wall to get spacing just right.

2. Frame a Statement Piece

Not ready for a full gallery wall? No problem. One large framed print—like a cozy family photo, a quiet newborn moment, or an epic golden-hour couple shot—can make a bold, beautiful statement in your home. Hang it above your bed, couch, or fireplace to anchor your space with love.

3. Design a Heirloom Photo Album

Albums are such an underrated way to enjoy your session. They keep your favorite images all in one place, and they're perfect for coffee tables, shelves, or gifting to grandparents. I always recommend Mpix for their quality and easy ordering process.

Bonus: Albums are especially great for maternity and newborn sessions. You’ll never regret having those early memories printed.

4. Use Wood or Canvas Prints

Looking for something a little more unique? Try a canvas wrap or a rustic wood print for a textured, cozy vibe. These work beautifully for maternity and family minis and add warmth to any room. They're lightweight, easy to hang, and make your photos feel like art.

5. Create a Seasonal Print Rotation

If you're someone who loves mini sessions throughout the year, consider framing a few favorite prints and swapping them out with each season! Display spring florals, cozy fall tones, or twinkly holiday minis depending on the time of year. It keeps your home decor fresh and meaningful.

Let’s Get Those Photos Off Your Phone ✨

You invested in beautiful photos—now let’s make sure they don’t get forgotten. If you're ready to book your next session or have questions about how to order prints, I’d love to chat!

👉 Click here to head to my contact form and get in touch!

Morning Portrait Session at Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, AL

Morning Portrait Session at Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, AL

There’s nothing like starting the day with a sunrise session at Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, Alabama. The crisp morning air, soft golden light, and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect time for portraits. Recently, I photographed one young woman here, and her session was full of joy, laughter, and beautiful style.

Why Morning Light is Perfect for Portraits

Morning sessions at Little River Canyon are pure magic. The light is softer and more even, giving portraits a dreamy, golden glow without the harsh shadows of midday. The canyon feels calm and quiet in the early hours, which creates a relaxed vibe for photos. This made the perfect setting for her solo portrait session in Fort Payne, AL.

Two Outfits, Two Unique Vibes

She styled her session with two completely different looks, and both were stunning against the canyon backdrop. Her first outfit was filled with bright, colorful tones that popped against the rocky cliffs and lush greenery. It reflected her fun personality and set such a playful tone for the morning.

Her second look was a mauve pink outfit, soft and feminine. Against the golden morning light, the mauve tones felt elegant and timeless. Having two outfits gave her session a perfect mix of bold energy and graceful beauty, while also adding variety to her gallery.

Capturing Confidence and Joy

From the very first shot, she radiated confidence. Her laughter carried through the entire session, and that joy made every portrait feel authentic and alive. Whether she was striking a confident pose in her colorful outfit or glowing in her soft pink look, her portraits captured her true self—joyful, beautiful, and full of life.

Pro Tip: Morning vs. Evening Sessions at Little River Canyon

Many people wonder if they should book a morning session or an evening golden hour session. Here’s the truth: both are gorgeous, but they give off different vibes.

🌞 Morning Sessions – The light is soft and glowy, the canyon is quieter, and the cool air makes it comfortable even in warmer months. It’s perfect if you want a fresh, calm, and bright look.

🌅 Evening Sessions – Golden hour in the evening gives warm, dramatic tones with long shadows and a romantic atmosphere. The canyon can be busier, but the sunset views are stunning.

It really depends on your personality and the look you want for your portraits. This young woman’s morning session worked beautifully because it reflected her cheerful energy and gave us soft, natural colors throughout the shoot.

Book Your Morning Portrait Session in Fort Payne, AL

If you’re dreaming of portraits that combine stunning scenery with natural light, a morning session at Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, Alabama is an incredible choice. You’ll have the canyon almost to yourself, and the golden sunrise light is unforgettable.

👉 Click here to book your session and let’s create portraits that celebrate you in the beauty of Little River Canyon.

Fall Mini Sessions with Little River Lens LLC at HEARTS Academy | Fort Payne AL Photographer

Fall Mini Sessions at HEARTS Academy | Fort Payne AL Photographer

Fall is the perfect season for photos in Fort Payne, Alabama. 🍂 The colors, the crisp air, and the golden light make it such a magical time to update family portraits. This year, I’m so excited to be hosting Fall Mini Sessions at HEARTS Academy on Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26th, 2025.

The grounds at HEARTS Academy (502 Crystal Lake Drive NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967) are absolutely stunning. With a peaceful lake and tree-filled views, it’s the perfect backdrop for cozy fall memories.

Session Details

✨ Dates:

• Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Sunday, October 26, 2025

✨ Times:

• October 25: 5 early misty morning sessions (15 minutes each) + 6 evening slots

• October 26: 6 evening slots available

✨ Investment:

• Book by Saturday, September 6th → $150 (regularly $200)

• After September 6th → $200

✨ What’s Included:

• 15-minute mini session

• Minimum of 5 fully edited portraits

• Delivered through a beautiful Cloudspot gallery for easy viewing, downloading, and sharing

Why Book a Fall Mini Session?

Mini sessions are the perfect way to capture updated family photos without committing to a full-length shoot. The short and sweet format is ideal for little kids, busy families, or couples who just want a handful of seasonal images. Plus, with Fort Payne’s fall beauty, your portraits will have a timeless, cozy vibe.

Limited Spots Available

Morning slots will capture the dreamy, misty light over the lake, while evening sessions will glow with golden-hour warmth. Whichever you choose, these spots are limited and will go quickly.

Reserve Your Session Today

🍁 Don’t miss out on this special opportunity! Book your Fort Payne Fall Mini Session at HEARTS Academy by September 1st to lock in the $150 price (a $50 savings). After that, sessions will be $200.

👉 Book your session now:
www.littleriverlens.com
Click here for inquiries!

The People Who Believe in Me

The People Who Believe in Me | Fort Payne AL Photographer

Two months ago, I picked up my camera and started the journey of becoming a photographer here in Fort Payne, Alabama. It’s brand new, it’s exciting, and at times it feels overwhelming. But the one thing that has made this adventure possible is the people who believe in me.

Why Support Matters So Much

Starting something new can feel scary. When you’re chasing a dream, it’s easy to wonder if you’re good enough or if it will actually work out. What has pushed me forward isn’t just my passion for photography—it’s the encouragement from the people around me. Having friends, family, and mentors remind me that I’m capable has made all the difference.

Friends Who Let Me Practice

Every photographer has a beginning, and for me, that meant practice sessions with friends. They stepped in front of my camera when I was still figuring out the basics. They trusted me, laughed with me, and gave me the space to learn. Those early shoots weren’t perfect, but they were filled with joy—and they built my confidence.

Family Who Cheered Me On

My family has been my biggest cheerleaders. From reminding me that growth takes time to celebrating every little win, they’ve been in my corner since day one. Their support has made me believe that this isn’t just a hobby—it’s a path worth pursuing.

Mentors and Community Inspiration

I’ve also been inspired by other photographers and creatives who’ve shared advice, encouragement, and their own stories. Seeing how others built their businesses and stayed true to their passion has shown me what’s possible. Even in Fort Payne, there’s a strong creative spirit, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

A Journey Built on Belief

When I look at where I am now, I know I wouldn’t have made it here without the people who believed in me. Their encouragement is woven into every photo I take. It reminds me that photography isn’t just about creating pretty images—it’s about connection, trust, and stories worth remembering.

Let’s Capture Your Story Together

If you’re in Fort Payne, AL and looking for someone who will put their whole heart into capturing your memories, I’d love to work with you. My journey may be new, but it’s fueled by the love and support of the people around me—and that passion carries into every session. Contact me here to plan your photos, or follow along on Instagram to watch my journey unfold.

Why I Started Little River Lens LLC | From Teacher to Photographer

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be starting my own photography business, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. But here I am—wrapping up my final year as a teacher and stepping into a brand new chapter with Little River Lens LLC. This journey has already been full of heart, growth, and a lot of beautiful light (literally and metaphorically ✨).

Trading the Classroom for a Camera

Teaching has been a huge part of my life. For years, I poured my energy into helping others learn and grow. But deep down, I knew I was ready for something new—something creative, something of my own, and something I could pour my whole heart into and do it while cherishing every precious second with GRANDCHILD number six!!

Photography found me at just the right time. In the last few months, I purchased my first camera, built a website through Squarespace, and started delivering galleries with CloudSpot. More than the technical side, I’ve fallen in love with capturing the little in-between moments. The real smiles. The connection. The story behind every single image.

Building Little River Lens LLC from the Ground Up

Like most new beginnings, this one has been filled with learning curves—but also SO much joy. What’s made it even more special is the support I’ve received from my family and friends. They’ve shown up in every way: letting me practice on them, cheering me on, sharing my work, and reminding me I can do this.

Launching Little River Lens LLC hasn’t just been about learning a new skill. It’s about creating something rooted in purpose. Something that feels like me.

What I Bring to Your Session

My background as a teacher has shaped the way I approach photography—with patience, empathy, and an eye for those real, natural moments. Whether I’m photographing a couple in love, a family giggling under the golden sun, or an idependent young woman chasing her dream, my goal is to help you feel seen and celebrated.

Even as a newer photographer, I bring deep intentionality, a strong work ethic, and a creative heart. Every session is an honor. Every story matters.