Emma Grace | Michigan Newborn Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

Emma Grace is here!! This child is near and dear to my heart. Her mama and i have known each other since middle school. I was so excited for Sara the day she got married and then just completely exploding with joy when i heard she was going to be a mama. I knew she would be the most amazing mother. Sara and Nick made a gorgeous little lady for the world to love. Emma has the most adorable little toes. She looks just like her daddy and is so sweet and snuggly. I was just so honored to photograph her. Cannot wait to watch this little beauty grow up!

I heart Faces | On Your Feet | Michigan Child Photographer

The challenge this week for I heart Faces is themed "On your feet". I instantly thought of this image i had just taken last weekend. Brooklyn was really not into the Christmas Mini's we were doing. And honestly this was my first time doing them and i was a little nervous too. So we were just a pair i am sure LOL. But i loved this image. She wouldn't let me take her photo. So instead i focused "On her feet". And it turned out to be one of my favorites from the session.

Courtney | Hot Mama Session | Michigan Boudoir Photographer

Anyone who knows me and is familiar with my photography can probably count on no fingers how many times i have blogged a Boudoir Session. Thats because i NEVER have. Sure i have done the sessions before (not many) but no one has ever let me put them up. I was so super excited when Courtney gave me permission. She is so beautiful and we had so much fun, how could we not share them?! Courtney's awesome husband is currently deployed fighting for our freedom. And she wanted to give him a little something for Christmas. What guy would NOT love this gift?!?! I may have to rethink the whole boudoir session thing. I had WAY too much fun doing these. And The Studio has the most amazing light for them. Courtney is one Hot Mama! All Mama's are beautiful. Sometimes i think we forget and need a little something to remind us. These sessions definitely do the trick i think!

Snow Day! | Michigan Child Photographer | Lansing Child Photographer

I have never really been much for snow. But something has struck me this year. I just fell in LOVE with the snow that we were covered in on the other day. The night before it kept coming and coming with no end in sight and i just knew that school would be canceled the next day. Even though they had not called it off yet we called our own snow day! There was no way i was going to be heading out in that mess NO WAY. The little ones woke me up the next day so excited. I threw on my boots and ran out the door. I am sure my neighbors thought i was looking pretty good in my plaid pajama pants and my plaid boots of which did not match my pajama pants HAHAHA. But was it gorgeous.

We had so much fun being home all day. We built Mr. Frosty and made some cookies. While the kids napped i made some bread. Which in the end turned out to not be very good :(. I am no baker. But i am learning. The kids gobbled up the cookies (and so did the husband). I ended the day in silence and some hot tea. AND some flames shooting from the microwave. Dear Santa, I need a tea pot. Our whole town looked like a winter wonderland. BUT many were without power and there were lots of trees down. Including one blocking our road. It was much safer to stay inside snuggled up.  Below you can see our day. I tried to document as much of it as possible. It was my first snow day home with the kids since Jeremiah started Kindergarten and i was feeling all weepy. Happy Winter to all!

Cruz William | 8 days New | Michigan Newborn Photographer | Unique Child Photography

World meet Mr. Cruz. Such a handsome little man. I have to say this baby holds a piece of my heart. His momma is not only my newborn assistant but also one of my best friends. His big sister Avery just loves her baby. You can tell by all the kisses she gave. And she was NOT happy when we were putting him in the sling. She over saw the entire session to be sure we were treating him properly. Such a little doll she is. We spent nearly 3 1/2 hours at the studio just having fun with him. He did not care much at all. I like it when they have that kind of attitude! Such a sweet little man.

The Details

Nikon D700

50mm 1.4

Sling made by Lil Sprout Creations

Visor by Merry Props

Hats we made by his mama :)

Devin Iris | Hello World | Michigan Newborn Photographer

Oh my my my what a beautiful little lady Devin is. I just photographing her. She is such a sweet little bundle. Welcome to the world little dreamer.

Get your Small on! Small business that is! | Michigan Child Photographer

When it comes to the holidays we all feel the pressure. But who feels the squeeze a ton? Small Business owners. I have been wanting to blog about supporting your local businesses but needed to find a way to make it fun and inviting. SO, i visited some of my favorite places in my local economy and thought i would share some really fun ideas with you.

I don't know about you but i hate nothing more than getting a gift i have zero use for. I end up feeling bad that someone spent money on it for no reason. I think its important to really take the person whom you are buying for and really think about what it is that they like and or use. Everyone has a hobby, a place they go every week or at least a place they want to go often. Whether it is a coffee shop, gym, restaurant etc...you get it. So why not support them while they support locals. I would LOVE to not pay for coffee for a week. Or i would LOVE a month at my favorite LOCALLY owned gym. People use those things. Believe me NO ONE is going to forget to get free coffee for a week.

Here are a some of my favorites. These may spark some ideas about what you could do at your own local stores.


Fays Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop (Where i get my fix)

*Gift cards are GREAT! We coffee drinkers LOVE them. But they also sell lunch and Ice Cream too! Great for kids or adults! They Cater as well. Someone having a shindig soon? Why not pitch in on the goodies. I am telling you people LOVE free!

The Yarn Garden (Where i learned to Knit!)

Oh come on, we all know some Yarnies out there...You know the type. They have their bag full of projects in process or a spare room with multiple skeins hidden away from their husbands. Why not stop in and get them something to help them along with their projects

* New Needles
* Project Bags (These are a MUST, they reduce serious tangling! And promote organization lol)
* A Chicken Tape measure is every girls dream!
* Custom buttons
* Super cool Pattern books
* She also has some yarn in that is from someone local!! Double the Support!

Corey's Carousel (Where i get my Calories on!)

Corey's is for sure an adventure every time! OH WHICH FLAVOR?!?!?! I am serious the cupcakes are TO DIE FOR! Oh man the frosting OH the frosting. And Cakes galore anything you can dream up! And she also offers a create your own sundae. Talk about options. Its horrible for Gemini's we cannot possibly make a decision if our lives depended on it. SO many toppings

* Who does not LOVE cupcakes? Seriously, you bring home one of those pink boxes and you will be queen for a week..Or King...Hint Hint guys.
* Or maybe just pick up a gift certificate and treat someone
* Know someone getting married or having a birthday? Why not cover the cake for them.
*SHE HOSTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!! How cool is that?!

Missy's Shop of Style (Where i get my hair did)

*Hair cuts are something we pay for regularly why not get your lady or gent a giftcard.
* And if you are feeling extra generous add a color and highlight while you are at it!
* They also sell great hair products. Step away from the Pantene!

Bella Grande and Bella's (Where i get my accessories and cool clothing)

* Again gift certificates rock!
* Accessory Land! They have SO much to choose from
* Also a great place to bring th clothes you are no longer going to where and consign them!! CHING CGING money in your pocket
* P.S. the ladies there have fabulous fashion sense they WILL NOT let you walk out of there with something that does not look good on you. Scouts honor!
*P.P.S Say "HI" to Maxine for me! She would be the furry four legged creature :)

Michigan Untapped (Where all things are from Michigan ONLY!)

* Michigan Beers! Things you cannot get anywhere!
* Yummy Jams made right here in good Ol' Michigan
* Local art
* Even kids toys and books all from Michigan Folks!

They are Celebrating their One year Anniversary in December so get in there and check out what they have going on for their celebration!

Annnnnd Don't forget me!!! Amanda Marie Photography

I offer gift Certificates! Mama's LOVE pictures of their babies no matter what age they are! Also, they make great baby Shower and wedding gifts. The gift of memories is something people will cherish for the rest of their life and onto generations after them! Keep an eye out i will be offering a sale on Gift Certificates VERY soon!

Also just a side note...Do you know a photographer? We offer studio rental at The Studio. Why not cover a couple hours of rental time for them? We all gotta start somewhere!

Get creative, think outside the box. Go small. NO ONE WANTS A FOOT MASSAGING BATHTUB THING!!! Seriously!


Happy Local Holiday shopping to you!!!!