Introduction: My sessions are FUN and FULL of laughter! Let’s make memories and gorgeous wall art for your family to cherish forever!
Planning to elope? I’ve got you covered. Planning a surprise proposal? Check out my reviews on Google and find me on Instagram @capturedbycelestemartinez to get some idea of what a proposal session with me includes. I guarantee we'll knock it out of the park together!
A brief disclaimer
thumbtack charges photographers as soon as you make contact with them, even if you don’t book their services. The amount they charge is based on the cost of services so the higher our prices, the more they charge us. Because of this, I’ve lowered my prices but please know that my starting price is going to be no less than $250 per hour.
Working with me.....
I firmly believe that you need to really like your photographer. No, seriously. I don't just mean like the stuff you see in their portfolio... I mean the WHOLE person. If we can laugh and be silly together, you're going to love your photos but if you just feel awkward and uncomfortable and your photographer can't get you to have fun, you're probably never going back and you definitely won't like your photos. I want to connect with families who enjoy working with me as much as they love their photos.
The guys are usually the ones who are the least interested in taking photos to start, so I take pride in the fact that I regularly get glowing reviews from them and they ALWAYS say they had fun. THAT is important to me because I want your experience with me to be a memorable one that you can reflect on when you're looking at your photos in 20 years. I AM the photographer who will lay on the ground, climb a mountain, trek through mud and streams and do whatever it takes to get GORGEOUS photos and we will laugh the whole way through.
What Is Lifestyle Photography Anyway?
If I could sum it up simply, I would say that it is connection over perfection, because where there is perfection, there is no story to tell.
But if that isn't enough words, keep reading.
Lifestyle photography to me, is photography that breaks a lot of the "traditional" photography rules. Some of us are hardwired to stare straight at the camera and smile when someone is pointing a camera in our face.
For most of your session with me, I'm going to tell you not to look at me. I want you to look at each other, touch each other, laugh with each other & play. I will guide you & occasionally position you the way I want you and ask you to look at me for a few photos, but for the most part I'm giving you moving prompts or telling you to whisper silly stuff in each other's ear. I'm going to make you laugh, no matter how shy, awkward or introverted you think you are. I am going to make your partner flirt with you and I am going to capture that on camera.
Remember, this is about capturing lovey, squishy, kissy, affectionate photos that show real connections.
We're playing games with the kids to keep them involved & we're working hard to create photos that tell a story. Because that's what this is all about- YOUR story. Your love. Your legacy.
You do not need to worry about how your kids are behaving. I'm a mother of 4- I understand how kids work and I don't have unrealistic expectations of them during your session.
Their attention spans are short, so my sessions move quickly from one activity to another, and they are allowed to break free and run around while we focus on other things.
My approach to your session is based on the following goals.
1. create & capture genuine connections
2. facilitate an experience that is memorable
3. deliver photos that your family will cherish for a lifetime
4. exceed all of your expectations
5. create a lasting connection with you and your family
I do it all
Whether you're wanting a traditional family session or an extended family session, I am here for it! I love working with large groups. Some photographers are intimidated by the larger families, but I am happy to oblige.
If you need a Gatlinburg or Asheville Photographer, I'll travel to your cabin or you can let me choose the location. I know all the best spots and have established relationships with vendors across the region so I can take you someplace gorgeous, safe from tourist traffic and beautiful. I offer newborn & maternity sessions and I have access to indoor venues for inclement weather.
Lifestyle Newborn Sessions
I believe that babies are perfect just the way they are and I believe that what you will want to see and remember when this fleeting moment in time has long passed, is what it felt like to hold them in your arms. I believe you will want to remember how small their head was cradled in your hands or what it felt like to have their tiny fingers wrapped around yours. It is for this reason that I do not center my newborn photography around photos of your baby wrapped in a blanket or posed in a basket. There are countless photographers who are very talented when it comes to creating this type of photo & if that is what you really want, by all means, find a photographer that you love.
This time passes so quickly- I want you to remember what it feels like to be part of it.
When you book with me, you don't need to block out 3 or 4 hours for your session. We can capture everything we need in an hour- tops. You won't be asked to leave your baby alone with me. I don't need to touch your baby, especially if that makes you uncomfortable and I will absolutely wear a mask if you need me to.
We can do your session in your home but if that isn't an option, I can rent a venue. If you are open to having the session at home, all we need is a room with good natural light and one good sized window. You don't even need to clean up for me. We'll remove clutter if necessary, but the focus of the photos will be on you, your family and your new baby- so if your house isn't tidy, it doesn't matter.
My newborn sessions are BABY LED... that means we do whatever baby needs. Baby is hungry=baby eats. If you're a nursing mom who is comfortable with me photographing while your baby nurses, then I will keep shooting. If not, I'll go hydrate & check out my camera roll.
Surprise Proposals and Elopements
If you need an engagement or surprise proposal photographer in Gatlinburg, Asheville, Knoxville, Greeneville or anywhere in between, you've come to the right place!
Some of my favorite sessions have been surprise proposals. I absolutely LOVE every second of this process from start to finish. My goal is to help you KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK! I'm going to do SO much more than take pictures and you're going to be glad you chose me for the occasion.
Most proposal sessions include a second photographer who captures a FREE highlight video that will be shared on Instagram, but that's just the beginning. I'm not leaving all my secrets here, though- so you'll have to get in touch with me if you want to know more.
If you're eloping to Gatlinburg or the Asheville area, I'm your gal! I have a special place in my heart for intimate weddings and my pricing is hard to beat when comparing quality and service. If you're looking for an elopement photographer in TN or NC, your search is over!
