Adeline was 16 days old when we met. Her parents are completely smitten by her! They have been hoping for her for sometime and their giddiness over her is quite apparent. I love it … almost as much as I love her nursery!

Newborn Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

If you are like me, you’ve still got some shopping to do…and only nine days left! But, before I go any further with gift ideas, I have to share the news that this Christmas, you can track Santa on Google Maps! There is even a kids countdown, so check it out with your family.

As you know from previous blogs, I’ve been checking out a lot of the local artisan markets and finding some great things for family members and friends. But, I also tend to purchase items online, and one of my favorite “shops” this holiday season is Little Paper Planes. With tons of letterpress prints (also a theme for me this year), jewelry, and fun accessories like limited edition printed wallets, I could probably spend all day browsing these original artsy gifts.

This morning I noticed Benny’s collar and was reminded of Earthdog, a local earth-friendly dog accessories shop run by Dave and Kym Collela. The collars, like the one below, are made out of hemp, which is “good for the environment and even better for your dog.” Earthdog also sells hemp dog toys, beds and blankets, and pewter dog tags and medallions.

Elizabeth Broyhill, a friend and owner of Monkee’s of Nashville (which always has wonderful women’s shoes and accessories) has partnered with The Next Door, an organization that is dedicated to helping women in crisis, equipping them to develop lives of wholeness and hope. Through December 27, if you purchase a pair of shoes, fill up the empty box with gifts (new items only) for women and children. Or just bring donations to Monkee’s to be wrapped and delivered to The Next Door. In honor of your holiday spirit, Monkee’s is giving a 15% discount on your next purchase.

And, in case you haven’t been able to secure a Zhu Zhu pet hamster for your child (this year’s most sought after toy), Nashville Parent has put together an online gift guide for children of all ages. Good luck!

Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

Meet Rhimsky. He is a Wheaten Terrier from another session in New York City. He reminded me so much of my Benny - both very active, love new people and always looking for a good opportunity to play. For his session, I was so pleased to have blue skies in the middle of New York winter. Even though my trip was quick, I really had such a nice time. I’m sharing this photograph because I love the great repeating patterns and it’s European feel. More to come of Rhimsky!

Dog Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

This past weekend and week I was in New York City for a couple of dog sessions. They were wonderful and NYC is a magical place to be during the holidays. I’m still playing catch-up from being out of the office, but wanted to share a quick preview of what’s to come. Meet little miss Sophie - all 2.8 pounds of her!

Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

Supporting our local artists!

This past weekend, I went to Handmade in the Arcade, an art fair featuring local artists including a favorite, ASK Apparel. If you missed the fair, there are still items available for purchase at Twist Art Gallery, organizer of the event. This Friday, December 11 from 11 am to 3 pm, stop by Cummins Station (2nd Floor) to check out another Artisan Fair. And, on Saturday from 4 to 8 pm, Crema, in partnership with Twist Art Gallery, is hosting their second annual Crema Christmas to raise money to donate to Safe Haven and other local charities. Local artists will be selling their work and thirty percent of the proceeds are donated to Safe Haven. Stop in to buy a holiday gift and enjoy a delicious hot beverage from Crema.

One of my favorite holiday gift ideas is a collaborative project of Olive & Sinclair Chocolate and Isle of Printing - a one pound chocolate bar wrapped in a limited edition print by Bryce McCloud. Available for a limited time, you can buy these at Isle of Printing. These are definitely prints you’ll want to frame - maybe even all four! And, the chocolate is delicious! Check out the website to see where you can buy the regular chocolate bars for a taste of goodness.

And, there are always ways to give back…

• Heifer International is an organization whose mission is “to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.” This holiday, you can donate a meaningful gift to a family member or friend that will help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. For example, donating $20 will provide a family with a flock of geese and show them how to care for and sustain the flock.

• The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Give the Gift of Land gives you the opportunity to honor someone special a donation to an organization that is protecting Tennessee’s natural landscapes. Not only will they have the peace of mind that together you are making Tennessee a better place, but they will also receive a limited edition, letterpress printed card by Bryce Mcloud (mentioned above), with a custom holiday message from you.

• My sister works for Opportunity International, an organization that is working to end global poverty mainly through micro loans.  This season, you can give a meaningful gift card a micro finance project in honor of a friend, family member or coworker. Your donation helps to fund a loan that will bring a person or family out of poverty.

• If you are looking for more ways to give back this holiday season, check out Hands on Nashville’s Volunteer Holiday Guide.

Have a great week!

Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

Kathryn and Jason are huge football fans and I’d have to say Bailey (Labrador Retriever) and Harley (Golden Retriever) are as well! I thought it’d only be fitting to start off our session with a little game of America’s favorite sport. (Or, is that baseball?)

Here are both Bailey and Harley getting ready for our game to begin…

And Harley’s in the lead only to get intercepted by Bailey for the touchdown!

It was so fun watching Harley and Bailey play together - it sealed the deal for my wanting to get a second dog. They are such good playmates, and I want that for my Benny as well. More on that in the future! After our game of dog football, we caught some beautiful light in a nearby field.

Aren’t they a great couple together?

Have a wonderful weekend! I’m off to NYC for a couple of sessions, but Laura will be in the offices while I’m away in case anyone needs to do some last minute holiday shopping. Happy Friday!

Dog Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655

December has arrived! This means we’ve all got some shopping and more importantly, giving to do. There are a lot of local non-profit organizations that need financial assistance to continue providing their wonderful services. Here are some of the organizations we care about.

Blood:Water Mission is a wonderful humanitarian organization based in Nashville and is close to Adrian’s heart. (She worked there prior to opening her photography business.) This season they are raising money to provide water filters to families in Zambia. By donating $85 you can purchase a biosand water filter which eliminates up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria and in turn provides clean drinking water to a family for 20 years. Visit the website to help them reach their goal!

Nashville Humane Association’s “Give the Gift of Hope for Homeless Animals” gives you the option to make a donation in honor of a family member or friend that will provide food, toys, health services and more to animals at the shelter. There are also adoption gift certificates available if you know someone looking for a furry companion.

The Brown Dog Foundation is part of the Opry Land Hall of Trees event with a gorgeous tree decorated by CJ Advertising. Bid on the tree (and all the amazing gifts, including a dog session with Adrian) to help the Brown Dog Foundation continue to provide funding for dogs whose families cannot afford expensive medical treatments. Check out the full list of gifts here and make a bid by December 20!

A Place to Bark is a wonderful animal rescue located in Portland, TN whose mission is to provide assistance and care to animals in need. Founded by Bernie Berlin in 2001, the organization rescues animals from high kill shelters, fosters them until they are healthy, and organizes adoptions throughout the country. Bernie is able to save hundreds of dogs of every year, and in our books, that makes her a modern day hero. Click here to see ways that you can get involved.

I also wanted to share a few fun gifts that we recently discovered. The first is the Brake-Fast bowl which is designed to prevent large dogs from eating too fast, which can cause bloat and lead to shock. The second is a necklace for dog lovers and you can insert a photo of the dog who is loved to personalize it.

We’ll be back with more fun gift ideas and ways to give next Wednesday. Until then, have a great rest of the week!

Photographer - Nashville, TN
Adrian Hitt Photography
www.adrianhitt.com
615•715•4655