The Neel’s 2022 | Downtown Chattanooga Family Photos

You know how some families just have a thing… a vibe, an energy, just a thing. And the thing just makes you instantly feel like MAN these people are awesome!! The Neels are definitely one of those families, in SO many ways. They’re all talented, funny, awesome people and also just so incredibly easy to be around. Taking their family photos at Renaissance and Coolidge parks in Downtown Chattanooga was truly a privilege!!

I was lucky enough to grow up with this crew, at a small town church in quiet North Georgia. I knew they were all musical – the Neel Family band was a staple at church gatherings (fun fact: if you get the extended family involved, you can make a whole band out of guys named Nick Neel).

But then I had the immense honor of photographing a Neel family wedding (see if you can find them in the weddings gallery!) and saw first hand how unfairly talented they all really are. They made a masterpiece of a Covid wedding, truly. I was so impressed and so glad to get to be there!

And now add to the list of over-achievements: making incredibly cute babies/grandbabies. This may have been a whole-family session full of really awesome ladies and gentlemen, but nothing was taking the focus off of their little star – that. baby. Seven adults, dressed to impress, all looking at one sweet little girl like…

Star of the show – a sweet (grand) baby girl

When I say all, I mean seriously all of them. Like I said to her parents during the shoot, its just such a shame that nobody loves this child… I mean when you’ve got the grandad and the self-proclaimed “spinster aunt” (NOT true by my definition, but I told you these people are funny!) doing full on baby talk and playing peekaboo over your shoulder, and you’re not sure if they’re trying to make her smile for the photo or if they just do that any time they’re in her presence…

I’m not sure this child will ever have the opportunity to want for anything, but if she does I feel certain her needs will be met, at least 7 times over. And in true Neel family fashion, baby girl seemed totally unaware just how impressed everyone around her was with her little self. To give you an idea of what happened when you took the baby out of a photo, it went something like this:

Sweet teeny feet – in memories and moments that last

For her closeup, baby Ada received an adorable pair of little tiny baby shoes. Her dad tells me they may be the first ones to ever fit her – she is quite the tiny dancer, this girl (which makes her all the more adorable, of course). He also told me he had previously let her know she’s not allowed to grow up, and that maybe that has something to do with her small stature. I don’t know about that, but I do know the sweet new kicks made for some really, really cute “what’s this on my feet” moments, plus the most adorable hand-holding walk you’ve ever seen.

Miss Ada, baby girl, you’re part of something special here. And you know what… I think they think you’re pretty special too 🙂

Neel family, thank you for letting me in on another set of sweet memories!! My favorite part of this job is when I get the privilege of following a family long term. Getting to be there for the milestones, and be there through the years. Being there with the Neels for both a wedding and a new baby, especially after knowing them almost my whole life, is something I really treasure. Thank you all for sharing these bits of your story with me!!

Next time, everybody brings an instrument, or piece of artwork, or handmade clothing item, no excuses. I can’t wait!! Now go back to kissing all over that baby, she’s clearly deprived of affection.

Ready to book your downtown Chattanooga family photos? 

Let me know!! Family sessions are so special, it’s an honor to help preserve your memories! I would absolutely love to be part of your family photos. Shoot me an email and I will send over the 2022 Family Guide with info on session types and availability. I can’t wait to document this incredible time in your family’s life!

– LINDSAY