My family and I were at one of our favorite events—the annual Mother’s Day Rodeo at Helena Hollow. We pulled into the parking field right as the sun was going down. It wasn’t fully dark yet, but headlights were already starting to pop on around us. I saw the lights, the shadows and the field, then I envisioned Jamie and Amy standing in front of the pickup truck headlights.

I approached the two of them, told them my vision and asked if they wanted to shoot. Not only did they say yes—they were excited. That kind of trust means the world to me as a photographer (especially when the idea is a little untraditional).

The first days with your newborn are a blur of feedings, snuggles, and tiny details you wish you could hold onto forever. That’s exactly why I love offering at-home newborn sessions here in Birmingham AL — so you can remember this season just as it is.

My approach as a Birmingham newborn photographer is simple: sessions are baby-led and designed to be calm and comfortable. There’s no rush, no forced poses — just your family in your own space, with plenty of time for breaks, cuddles, and quiet moments.

There’s something special about photographing newborns in their own home. The pace is slower, the setting is familiar, and the memories we create feel like they’re stitched right into the family’s everyday life. As a Birmingham newborn photographer, I love the way an at-home newborn session lets families relax and just be themselves.

(Spoiler: You're not the only one who's shown up with cereal on your shirt.)

Let’s set the scene. You’ve scheduled family photos, the date is finally here, and you’re determined that this will be the year you show up looking polished, glowing, and effortlessly put together.

And then, real life walks in.

A toddler melts down because their sock seam feels “funny,” your teenager refuses to wear what you picked, your husband is pacing like he’s late for a root canal, and somehow someone already got syrup on their outfit. It’s 8:06 a.m., your stress level is at a 12, and you’re wondering if maybe you should have just waited for “a better day.”

Let me stop you right there:
This is the day. And it’s okay if it’s a mess.

Some sessions just feel like home from the moment they begin. That was the case with this one—from the moment I pulled into the gravel lot and spotted Jamie and Amy’s pickup truck waiting to escort me across their property, I knew we were in for something special.

“Does this mean I get to ride shotgun?” I yelled as I stepped out of my car.

“Heck yeah!” came the answer without hesitation.

That pretty much set the tone for the evening: laid-back, full of laughter, and overflowing with the kind of warmth you can’t stage. It was a moment to freeze this season of life in the land they love.

You’ll Be Glad You Said Yes

Most clients tell me afterward that they weren’t sure how they’d feel about having someone there—but once they saw the photos, they were so grateful they made the decision.

It’s hard to remember the details when you’re the one going through them. Birth moves quickly and slowly at the same time. You are too deep in the experience to step back and really see it.

Married couples, this one’s for you.

In the middle of a downtown family session, we slipped into a quiet alley—and I asked them to just be together.

You don’t need a big occasion to deserve photos. Sometimes the quiet ones mean the most.

Want me to save a moment for just the two of you in your next session? Let’s make it happen.

Fall calendar is open. $500 sessions through the birthday special.

You’ve bought the cap and gown. You’ve marked the calendar with senior nights and final games. Maybe you’ve even started drafting a graduation party list.

And now it’s time to plan the senior photo session.

If you’re like most boy moms I work with, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and… a little hesitation.
Because let’s be honest—most boys aren’t begging for a photo shoot. They don’t dream of outfit changes or scroll Pinterest for pose ideas.

But here’s the good news: that doesn’t mean the session can’t be meaningful. And it definitely doesn’t mean you won’t get photos that make you stop and stare when they land in your inbox.

You just need the right approach.

Some sessions are emotional because of the light, the weather, or the life season. Others are emotional because of the people—and the history you’ve shared with them over the years. This one had all of the above.

I've been photographing this brother and sister for years. I’ve seen them as kids, preteens, and now teenagers who—shockingly—still like each other. That’s not something you can fake, especially in the middle of downtown Birmingham, on a stormy summer night. We shot under the overpass for a moment and then we moved into the rain, and yet, there they were—laughing, teasing, and making each other crack up the way only siblings can.

We had one night. That’s it. Just one little window between graduation, practice schedules, work schedules, a family trip, college move-in dates, and the general mayhem of summer. The forecast? Not exactly promising. A storm was rolling in, the skies were dark, and the humidity was out for blood. But with no other options, we decided to go for it anyway.

The result? Perfection!!

Family is everything, and there’s no better way to celebrate the bond between generations than with a family photo session. Extended family photos are a beautiful way to capture the love, connection, and memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to preserve the moment, extended family sessions are an investment in your family’s legacy. Here’s why extended family photos matter and why you should consider booking one with Kristie Allen Photography, the premier Birmingham family photographer.

Senior year is one of those moments that seems to sneak up on you, yet it also feels like it’s been years in the making. As your teen gets ready to step into the next phase of their life, there’s no better way to celebrate this monumental time than with a Senior Photo Session. But why exactly do senior photos matter? In this blog post, I’ll dive into why senior photos are so important and why you should invest in preserving this fleeting chapter with stunning portraits.

Let’s be honest—most senior boys aren’t counting down the days until their photo session.
They’re not texting their friends about what to wear or dreaming up poses.
But that doesn’t mean the session can’t be meaningful.
And it definitely doesn’t mean it can’t be good.

Still Not Sure if Birth Photography Is Right for You?

That’s okay. It is a big decision, and it is not for everyone. But here’s what I would say: If you’ve ever looked back at a photo and felt something stir in your chest, then you already know how powerful images can be.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, embrace the season, and capture moments that matter. We often think of family photos as something for special holidays or milestones, but the truth is, the everyday moments in summer can be just as beautiful—and they tell the most authentic stories.

There’s a moment at every extended family session that sticks with me. Sometimes it’s a quiet glance between grandparents. Sometimes it’s a group laugh that only happens when siblings are back under the same roof. But more often than not, it’s the simple joy of being together—because it doesn’t happen as often as we wish it did.

For the Class of 2026, the cap toss is more than tradition. It’s a celebration of every late night, every early morning, every exam, project, and practice that brought them here. It’s the punctuation mark at the end of a long and incredible chapter.

You’ve built something beautiful.

Not a mansion. Not an Instagram-perfect lifestyle. Something far more meaningful: a life, a family, a home that hums with everyday chaos and quiet love.

You’ve just brought home your baby. You’re running on very little sleep and a whole lot of love. Your house may not be spotless, your hair may not be done, and your arms are probably full almost all day long. So let me start by saying this: that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

Your newborn session isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about slowing down just long enough to see what this season really looks like—and giving you the gift of remembering it later, when it all feels like a blur.

He showed up with a truck he was clearly proud of—clean, polished, and well taken care of. You could tell it mattered to him. Not in a flashy way. Just in that quiet, steady kind of way some high school boys carry themselves.

We made sure to include it in the session.