Sunday, December 26, 2010

Baby Love Giveaway | Charlotte Michigan Newborn Photographer

   Do you know an expecting Mama?

Are you an expecting Mama? 

In the spirit of the season of giving I think it is time to give away some love.

And I LOVE Newborns! I mean who doesn't?! 

So tell your friends! Tell your family!

Starting January 1st 2011
Amanda Marie Photography of Charlotte Michigan will be hosting a giveaway on my Facebook Fan Page

The Goods: One Expecting Mama will receive a Newborn Session on me ($150 Value) and a Brag Book to show off her new bundle of love to her friends and family
How does it work?

Email a photo of the mama and her beautiful bump or an ultrasound photo to: Amandamlipsey@yahoo.com Please include her name
Photos can be emailed anytime between now and midnight on December 31st 
**Please do NOT email copyrighted images with a water mark or an image you do not have permission to redistribute they will be deleted**

I will then upload them to my Facebook Fan Page

Starting January 1st 2011 Send your friends and family there to become a fan and vote by "Liking" your image under the Album "Baby Love". Only Amanda Marie Photography Fan votes will count. So be sure to let them know that.

Voting will end January 8th
***Don't Forget to share it on your Facebook and Twitter to get more votes***

Please Keep these Giveaway policies in mind

1. Only one photo of one mama can be entered
2. No Copyrighted Images please
3. Only Fans of Amanda Marie Photography Votes will count
4. YOU MUST HAVE FUN! AND BE EXCITED!WOOOHOOOO!

Good Luck!!!

***This giveaway does not include any prints, they may be purchased separately after session is completed and gallery is posted***






Sunday, December 12, 2010

Blissful Day

    
   2010 has been a very busy year for our family. Mostly for the Mama. With my business taking off much faster than i ever knew and me having half the information of what i should have had...it was Chaos. It was a necessary evil, yet a saddening rude awakening. I needed to be busy to pay the bills and also to learn. But i missed out on SO much family time. I feel like my family hates my computer. I feel like i have gazed into the computer rather than into my husbands eyes. I feel like the computer has become this thorn in the family. But it also is part of the lively hood of this family as well. We didn't do very much out of the home as a family at all this year. And i feel terrible about that. But i just know that each year things get better. And i can feel that 2011 is our year. For the first time we are going to be doing things we want to do. Just enjoying family more and worrying and stressing less. 

 Today was a great day here. I knew this morning when i woke up that it would be. Jer and i turned off our phones and made Sid turn hers off while we were tree hunting. 

  We spent the morning having coffee and chatting while the little ones played. We then headed out grabbed Sidney from her Mama's and headed off on our Tree hunting journey. I take my camera every year. I love the experience. This year was technically Adeline's first year since we were out of town last year and didn't get a tree. After the tree decorating (and naps) we then had some hot cocoa and candy canes. Just a super blissful day. We really needed the time away from the world. And it was a total success. 

It has ended with Adels puking however. But even that couldn't have ruined this day. She is already back to normal.









Ahhh Love the room in this van

Silliness in the back


Mama is never in any pictures, so here she is!










Adeline

Sidney

Daddy

Jeremiah

She found the Ice Cream to be a bit confusing

"Hello, Grandma are you there?"



Friday, December 10, 2010

All about The "Fluff"!

   I decided a few months ago that there were SO many things that i wanted to learn. I got it stuck in my head that 2011 would be "The Year of Learn".  Not learn like go get a degree learn. I wanted to teach my hands. Well the fire was lit well before 2011, i just could not wait. I have never been told i am a patient person. And well i have never claimed to be one either HAHA!

    I approached my Mother about a few skills i wanted to learn from her. My mother has always been a fabulous cook, a sewing diva, and she has the know how to make homemade applesauce and also the ability to can tiems. Why oh why was i such a self centered teen? I could already know this. I mean she did it in the house right there where i grew up. She had a HUGE garden when i was younger. Yet my plants die almost the second i bring them in the house.  We started with sewing. I have a lot to learn still. I am so excited for the things her and i plan to create. Creating with my mom is something i love. Those moments are so important to me. I scoop them up and keep them somewhere special in my memories.

   The learning bug has taken me over like a vicious flu and i am throwing up beautiful finished products. HAHAHA did i really just say that?! Yes, yes i did.

SO now onto the beautiful throw up i speak of......

 Family, Friends and Clients meet "Fluff"

 We know i like to make up my own names for stuff. Its just something i do. I have created my own language i am pretty sure.

 What is Fluff? Fluff are those fun pieces that add a little flare and fun to your photo and or life.  Whether it be A headband, a hat, a tutu or a boa. Fluff is fun and Fluff is silly. Fluff adds personality to a session.  Call me crazy but that is what came to mind when i was trying to come up with a name for the new line of accessories i am creating. Honestly, my teacher is my writing class used it when talking about filler in your paragraph. And when i was thinking of a name for things you add to your session spice it up, fluff came to mind. I can't explain why,  it is what it is.

 What will Fluff consist of? Right now i am making headbands like the one below. That is a prototype. I am still perfecting it. I will be making many variations and lots of styles.

 I also took up knitting. What does that mean? Cute hats for all sizes!  Mama's we will be having fun playing dress up with the kiddos. I have been making Tutu's for years so of course those already exist.

 Not only will these be available for sessions but they are also available for purchase outside of your session. I am hoping to have the online store up and running in a few weeks. And for you local folks they will be available at a local Children's Boutique as well. More on that soon.

Are you as excited as i am?!?!?! I am currently working on the logo for Fluff. I cannot wait to get the store up and running.

"Hi, i am Fluff"
 

Adorable right?!

 I would love to hear your feedback on this. And any crafty pointers you may have for a girl who is learning!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Hip Mountain Mama Giveaway!

Just a quick Blog to let you know about a great Giveaway.....

Hip Mountain Mama is offering a really great Green Giveaway on The Organic Sister blog. Check it out Here on The Organic Sister. Want to just Check out Hip Mountain Mama your self? Go Here!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

At home with the "W" Family | Grand Ledge Michigan Family Photographer

First i want to say how fun this was. We had one who really really didn't want her photo taken. And i think it made for a funny moment when everyone cracked up at her. Sometimes you just have to get them outside in the fresh air. And there is where we got her real true smile. I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as i do. 

Second i want to say that i LOVE these kinds of sessions. These are good for the winter when you can't get outside in the parks. Documenting families at home just being themselves. We don't always get that "Perfect" Family photo where everyone is looking and smiling. BUT we always get shots of them in their element. These moment are what makes a family. And these are those moments we usually miss as we are living them.





These moments are a true family photo. These are family moments.

There is that smile!!!!

Big Brother "D" the sweetest boy!!


Daddy's are always good to have on hand for some giggles

I love this picture. I turned off my flash and let just the star light it. I think it turned out perfect!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Baby "B" | Hello World | Potterville Michigan Newborn Photographer

One thing i have been wanting to do is really start taking my Newborn Photography to a new level. And thank to such great people in the community i am getting the opportunity to try it out on actual babies HAHA. Today i was able to accomplish something i haven't been able to before. Thanks to my wonderful Assistant Carli, a couple of willing parents and one handsome little dude. I am just on cloud 9 about these pictures. So i had to get a couple of them up for others to see. I hope you enjoy them as much as i do!






Such a Handsome little man!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Small Business Saturday Fun!!!


Its Small Business Saturday!!!
To Celebrate my good friend Carli and i have gotten together to bring you a special!
Here is how it works.....

1. "Like" and Post a Link to Carli's Page on your Facebook



2. "Like" and Post a Link to my Page on your Facebook


3. Come back here and comment that you did so. The first 5 people to comment that they did wins.....
*A $50 Gift Certificate from Amanda Marie Photography
for a 2011 Session
&
 * 15% off a Family Service with Carli Silvas at Missy's Shop of Style in Downtown Charlotte
 You can get your family looking all Spiffy before your session!


Happy Small Business Day from your Local Small Business Owners!!!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Florabella Giveaway!!!

Hey Photogs!!! Florabella have an awesome giveaway going on. Get there Here!

Its a day of Grand Give Away's for sure!


Hope you are all having a fabulous Black Friday with lots of Deals!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!!! Winner Announced

Photobucket

WINNER IS #7  They said....
I left some "love" on your page! ;-)
~Bridget


How to Enter?!?!
 Its so easy!

Each way is another entry into the drawing. I will be using a random number generator to pick the winner. Winner will be announced Saturday morning at 9am.

                       1. Visit my Facebook Here and "Like my Page" Leave me some love on my page
                      
          2. Repost the link below to this giveaway on your Facebook Page 
http://tiny.cc/i50oc
                       
                       3. Tweet this giveaway.    http://tiny.cc/i50oc

                       4. After you complete an entry leave a comment here. Leave a different comment for  each entry you complete.

**ONLY COMMENTS ON THE THIS BLOG COUNT....BE SURE TO LEAVE THEM HERE
*Winner has 24 hours to respond back to me or i choose a new number. Make sure you check back*

 That's it! Tada! Good luck to to you all! And remember you don't have to keep the free session you can give it away as a gift to family or friends!





        

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

True Love | Lansing Michigan Family Photographer

True Love is something only the person experiencing can really ever understand. True Love comes in many forms. None stronger than the Love between a parent and a child. To me it seems to be the strongest,  most joyously painful love of all. Only those with a child can ever really understand the love we have for such a small soul. Not even the child can ever really truly know the love we have for them. This picture screams TRUE LOVE to me. So i felt the need to share it.

***Remember: A perfect picture is not always formed from the one you have in your head. But by the one that is formed in your heart or soul from a moment that really happened.





Monday, November 22, 2010

Charlotte Michigan Portrait Photographer | New Policies: 2011

When you start your business on friendships and family members it makes it easy for things to be left undone or  procrastinate on something. Now that my business has officially taken off to new heights, i think its time to install some policies. These will help things run smoother for me and Clients as well. I feel like my blogs are going to be logistical until after the first of the year. But i want everyone to know what is going on in Amanda Marie's world so we can all have a smooth process. And Speedy!

      Some of these are new and some remain the same. If you have any questions you can contact me any time at Amandamlipsey@yahoo.com

 * Creative Session Fee is now due at the time of Booking. Why? When i book your date i am counting on it. Photographers only take a certain amount of appointments and just like you we budget our money. So if you back out and we cannot replace a session in that day it can really mess up our program. You can get a full refund within 24hrs of booking the session. After that it is a sliding scale down to the date.

 *All print orders MUST be placed within 2 weeks of receiving link to Proof Gallery. Again we can only pay ourselves when we get paid. This also helps streamline my work and keeps me on schedule.

* Galleries will be deleted after the 2 weeks. There will be a $25 republishing fee for the Gallery to be put up again

 *All Session booking should take place via Website or Email. Facebook is just not reliable enough to count on. No Facebook inquiries will be returned

* All Client proofing will be done online via my Website. You will be provided a unique password to access them. Feel Free to share the password with others. The more the merrier i say.

Most Photographers do these things i just have been learning why. It definitely makes life easier for everyone when things are clearly laid out and done in an orderly fashion...Who knew?! HAHA My Dad always tells me to quit trying to reinvent the wheel. I now understand what he speaks of.

 I really appreciate all of the people who have been supporting me from the beginning. You have helped me grow so much. If not for your time and patience there is no way i could do this. Thank you so much!

Proofing Made Easy!

I have been working on ways to make my business better and easier for clients...And for myself. I have learned this past year about many ways to make things faster. If you are one of my wedding clients you know how slow its been. I feel like i have been in front of my computer for more than half the year. With that said i want to explain the new Client Proofing.


 What is Client Proofing?

This is where you view your images and decide on which ones you would like to order

In the past i have been editing every picture to a T. Only to have people order a handful of the different images. After speaking with an instructor and also other Photogs i realized i have been doing it all wrong.

How does the new Proofing work?

If you visit my website Amanda-mariephotography.com you will see a client proofing button at the top. Click on that button. There will be a place for you to insert the password i provide you with. Here is where you will view your images. Next you will decide on which images you would like. Some will be full edited to show you what a final image looks like. When you order you can choose to have black and white, color or even a hazy tone. I will then fully edit all the photos you choose.

 How does this make things better?
 This makes it so i can get your pictures edited printed and back to you faster...Woooohoo everyone loves that.

More changes are coming for 2011. You will be able to choose and also order your pictures in the same spot. There will be bigger collection options and SO much more! Stay Tuned!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Journeys are Hard

With the winter coming i think i am feeling the affects of winter depression. It happens this time of year to me. I start to feel claustrophobic and cold. Two things i sincerely despise. I have the RV itch really bad too. I have put so much energy into trying to figure out how we are going to do this. Its still quite some time away but i am just wishing so hard. I have been visiting some on Craigslist and other places but i feel like i am just torturing myself. On a more positive note i have been doing so well at saving my pennies for this. I just want so bad to be out on the road teaching my children about real things. Having real rich experiences that cost next to nothing. I know the right one will come along at the right time. I just wish the right time was now. I have never been a patient person. I wont pretend that i am.

On another topic we have been doing pretty well at changing out food thinking. I have totally given in and eaten some really nasty stuff. Only to feel guilty and yucky sick moments later. BUT we are learning and getting there.

I feel like i am taking so many new journeys that may be overwhelming me. So i have tried to just focus on a couple of things at a time. Honestly, its not working HAHA. I cannot help it. I long to know new things. I am an over analyzer. I need to learn the begeezus out of everything i learn. And well it works for me.

Its late and i should be sleeping. But all i can do is sit here and think and wish.



I always feel weird taking pictures of myself. But i felt an updated photo was seriously necessary

Party Time with Miss "M" | Charlotte Michigan Child Photographer

Miss "M" turned 1!! She celebrated in Charlotte Michigan at Grandma and Papa's house. "M" Mommy and Daddy actually live out of state and came back for a visit. I was very excited when her momma called for me to photograph her birthday party. Check out her celebration below. I think she had a pretty special day complete with lots of family, friends, gifts and CAKE!













Thanks Again for having me!