On the whole, this blog has been fairly serious, definitely emotional and client-focused. And that's been intentional so far : I didn't feel the need to create a blog that was about "me". I wanted to instead celebrate the subjects of my photos and to show my clients what I appreciated about working with them. This will continue to be an emphasis of my writing here.
But, I'm also going to try to put myself out there a little more. So that when we work together, hopefully you'll feel like you know me a bit. And when you see me break into silliness while photographing your children, you won't be surprised to see my goofy side.
So, to clarify, here's what you've probably assumed about me from reading my blog so far:
• I'm serious - In certain areas this is totally true. I'm serious when it comes to family and spiritual values, my work, and about finding meaning and purpose.
• I'm emotional - I take my work home with me. I am terrified for my children to grow up. I over-analyze most everything. I take things very personally.
• I LOVE my job - enough said.
And here's a little bit about me that you might not know...
• I am messy. My house is tidier than most perhaps, but only because my husband is Mr. Clean and he does FAR more than his share of the housework. My mom justifies my messy-ness by blaming creativity... I guess neatness stifles creativity? Not sure if there's truth in that or if she's just trying to find an excuse for me ;)
• I love to cook and eat Italian food. I have a girl-crush on Giada De Laurentiis (in an "I'm-not-a-stalker" kind of way) I would do almost anything to meet her and to photograph her with her little girl. And I am excited that her new cookbook comes out in March, just in time for my birthday!
• I love Cadbury Creme Eggs.
And since a post just isn't complete without a picture ... Happy Friday!
A couple years back, I had the opportunity to work with these boys for the first time. I remember it being busy - GOOD busy ... jumping on beds in Small Paul pajamas, a chase through a ravine, dragging plastic snakes, boys being boys... all the while, there I was, trying to seem relaxed and confident ... aiming to make an impression on their mom, feeling as if failure to deliver something fantastic may just be the end of what felt like such a beginning.
Last night on Grey's Anatomy, Meredith said that every Doctor can point to the single moment when they truly became a physician. If this is true for photographers, I'd have to credit Joelle with the defining moment. Her confidence in me extended beyond obligation. Her validation was like a big green light. Her friendship, a gift.
(I've been blessed with family and friends who have encouraged me over the years, and I am so thankful for each of them... without them I never would have started dreaming.)
To all my readers, a wish for 2010: May you find confidence in doing what you love ~ and someone to join you for the journey.
This sweet bit of happiness landed in front of my lens last week, sort of on accident. Lucky me! Can you even believe how cute she is? Her eyes dancing, her feet casually kicked up behind, her little chin tipped just ever so slightly as if she already knows her "best angles" ;) Get this girl to Gerber!! Seriously, the happiest baby I've met in a while.
January through March are kind of "Baby months" for me. The softer light of winter here in Southern Ontario, and the cold outdoors means I tend to work more with little ones who will hang out by a large window for a while. Stay tuned for more yummy baby goodness.
As life goes by, sometimes we lose track of our closest friends. We grow up. We break up. We go our separate ways. We move away. We lose touch. (Sure, there's Facebook, but it's just not the same.) ... Life just goes by.
Wouldn't it be great if we could hang on to that connection forever?
There are some people who do!...I received a call just after Christmas. The thoughtful caller asked if she could put together a shower gift of newborn photography for her girlfriend. What a great idea!
New Mommy K was ready and so relaxed. I met her at her home as I always do with newborn work. And guess who joined us for the session? Her two great friends from highschool... the givers of the gift! I loved watching their grown-up friendship, as they admired each pose and expression. Girls who had been kids together, now raising kids together. They casually sat, each with a baby, as if they were on a little baby playdate. It made me laugh to think of that commercial where the three women sit on a couch eating Doritos (is it Doritos?) and their little babies are in their car seats.
Enjoy each other and your babies!
Hello...oh... oh... oh!! Anybody out there...ere... ere... ere??
(K. that was my attempt to blog an echo. I'm in a silly mood today!)
I'm sorry dear blog that I've neglected you, and I'm sorry dear readers (if there are any of you left out there!) that I haven't been around so much lately. The fall season got a little out of control, working with so many lovely kiddos and families, and there just wasn't enough time! My blog had to be the first thing to be put on the back-burner.
I actually didn't think anyone would really notice... until I popped into Joelle's one day over the holidays and had the pleasure of meeting a fellow photographer and his wife who totally called me out. He was so kind and complimentary and I was flattered that he'd spent so much time on my blog - and shocked when he said "but you haven't posted anything since November 23rd!" (Alright Mr. Photog from Joelle's, I'm calling YOU out now! Blog stalking is all fine and dandy, but please oh please, don't be afraid to say hello or leave a comment every once in a while. It was so nice to meet you! ;)
And now that we've established that I've been neglectful, here I am to proclaim my working New Year's resolution: I WILL BLOG AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I'm going to try to do even better than that, but I think resolutions are best when "realistic" goals are set. (I think I can, I think I can...)
Here's to 2010! ~Amy
I first met Miss N at Snuggle Bugz. She was one of our star casting-call models and she's been featured as a spokesbaby in Snuggle Bugz advertising.
Four months later, I had the chance to work with her again and she's as lovely as ever!
All dressed-up in his birthday suit. Best costume on the block... and the sweetest treat too!
[Happy Halloween!]
Busy big-brother action + three-month-old unpredictability + "just-woke-up" shyness ...
When for a split-second, all three broke into their individually unique grins...
Making history in a home with true character, artfully accessorized by "still-in-the-closet-designer-mom"... letting kids be kids so that they can grow and learn and be themselves ("C" your science corner is fantastic!)... and holding their hand just long enough until it's time to let them jump.
(Sometimes it's the promise of that "jump" that composes a shot just long enough to grab a family photo... got it ;)
