Amanda Marie Photography | Charlotte Michigan

Emma Grace | Michigan Newborn Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-12-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

Ari | At Home | Michigan Newborn Photographer

2011-10-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

World meet Ari. He is such a handsome and squishy little man. I came to Ari's home to photograph him. Although i have a studio, i do still love coming to my clients homes too. It makes for a totally different type of experience. Be prepared to fall in love. He is just too adorable to not.

"Let them be Little" IheartFaces challenge | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-10-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across iheartfaces.com and their challenges. This is my first time entering!! This weeks challenge is called "Let them be little". Letting them be little is more than just letting them be kids. But, let them be dreamers, dancers, artists and story tellers. Let them be calm and wild and silly and inspiring. Let them take your breath away while stealing your heart. Let them be carefree and curious. Let them run, jump and breath imagination. Because after all, what they dream may be the future you know?

And that is what this photo is about. Letting them embrace their imaginary world. Let them be. Little.

A dream of mine is in a Daydream of theirs: Michigan Child Photographer

2011-10-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

When i started out as a photographer i knew exactly what i wanted to do. I wanted to be a child photographer who put a new spin of childrens portraiture. I knew what i wanted but i wasn't sure how to get there. I also knew i needed to master my craft before i got there. I spent day after day photographing everything in sight. I think i am almost there. And these images tell me so. This is what i was meant to bring to the world. And after meeting the perfect artist to team up with. They finally came to life. Here i give you a sneak peek into "The peculiar lives of Children".

Keep checking back. There will be many more where that came from!

The Magical Woods + Mom Time | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-09-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

I feel life has been spinning much faster lately. Jeremiah started kindergarten and i had a breakdown over it. I was not ready. He had been ready for some time. Adeline already knows who she is and i can't even remember if she was ever a baby. She is so head strong and solid. I hope she got that from me, lol.

Daddy was gone for 5 days to California for work and we really missed him. Actually i am awaiting his arrival as i type this. He missed his flight. And i miss him.

While he was gone i tried to really revel in the time with the kids alone. I tried to be mom and not "working" mom. It was fun. But its a struggle, i wont lie.

On this day we took a trip to the woods. They are actually within walking distance from our home but the kids feel its this magical place far far away (ok so do i). I love the way their eyes light up with amazement and wonder. They get so curious about the tiniest flower or bug. And in those moments i find myself the happiest. I wish we could stay there and never return (the bugs would probably carry us home though) to the real world. Its our never land. And i feel the moments are so fleeting as they grow so extremely fast. So i of course stole some moments on the camera as to not forget.

Back to School Model Shoot | Sydney | Michigan Child Photographer | United States Child Photographer

2011-09-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

First i have to say thank you to Miss Sydney and her Family for letting me borrow her for this shoot. She was the perfect personality i was looking for. And she is such a gorgeous young lady, i just had to have her for this shoot. I often find models for my visions. This turned out just as i had imagined. Maybe even better than i had imagined. I had been feeling in a funk creatively and this pulled me right out of that. Just what i needed. This is the same set up i will be using for my Back to School Minis this coming Sunday. So don't forget to reserve your spot! Send me an email to Amandamlipsey@yahoo.com

Tayler + DeAndre | Baby Love | Michigan Maternity Photographer

2011-09-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tayler and DeAndre are expecting a sweet baby girl! I am SO excited for them. I was so happy when they wanted me to photograph them. They are too cute and very much in love with one another. We went out to Eagle Eye golf course and just spent the time basking in some seriously gorgeous light. I am so excited about all of these images!!

Brittany + Josh | Married | Grand Ledge Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-09-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Brittany and i went to College together. I was completely 100% honored when she asked me to photograph her and Josh on their wedding day. I always get nervous to photograph other Photographers. She made me very comfortable and let me just take the lead on the photos. We had a blast and finished just in time for the rain to fall. Their reception was a blast. I had so much fun!

Andrea + Tom | Engaged | South Haven Engagement Photographer

2011-08-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tom and Andrea met me up in South Haven during my beach session weekend. I think a beach engagement was the perfect theme for them. We proceeded to wander all over South Haven and get some great shots everywhere we went. They were recently married in Charlevoix at Castle Farms. Check back soon for their wedding blog!!

P.s. I love Andrea's face when she felt the water. Priceless. You can click on the images to bring them up larger.

Double the Trouble, Double the Love | Charlotte Michigan Child Photographer | Michigan Twin Photographer

2011-08-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

I love meeting new families! The Shilling family was so much fun! These boys are busy busy and OH so adorable...And hard to tell apart. Thanks to the scratch on errr ummm, well one of their faces it really helped haha. I cracked up when even daddy made the mistake of who was who. I don't know how they do it, but their color coding system seemed to help a lot too. I cannot wait to play with them again soon!!

The Argo Family | Grand Ledge Michigan Family Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-08-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Say "Hello" to The Argo Family! I adore this family. I photographed their girls last year in Bellevue Michigan and this year we went for Grand Ledge Michigan instead. The morning was absolutely perfect. Cloudy soft light. Just loved it. Dad got a call and had to head off to work during the session. But not before we took some pictures with him of course. After that it turned into an about Maddie and Piper session. Which they loved. These girls love the camera and it loved them back. I do have to add that just a week or so after this session Miss Maddie crashed her bike and broke both arms. You better believe i will be stopping by to get a cast photo. Don't worry, i will add it here.

Sovey/Franklin Family Peeks | Grand Ledge Michigan Family Photographer

2011-08-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend i got the chance to photograph my high school mentor and her awesome family. I just wanted to share a couple peeks from their session. Talk about a good looking bunch of folks!

Heidi + Greg | Portland Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-08-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

So i had announced a while back that i will be back Blogging. So here i am, starting with my very first wedding of 2011.

Heidi and Greg's Wedding was so much fun! I mean pictures in the snow?!?! Who doesn't love that? Well, other than the Bridal Party hahaha. We even hauled a vintage chair out in the middle of a very much used Bridge hahaha. Bridal party members were directing traffic, no worries.

I still look back at this wedding and laugh and cry. There were so many fabulous and heart melting moments. The photographer is not suppose to cry, right? Well, i did. Especially during the ceremony and the Maid of Honors speech. Good stuff i tell ya!

A + B | Year 1 Peeks | Charlotte Michigan Child Photographer

2011-08-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

These two handsome young men are celebrating their first year! Talk about adorable and quite entertaining!!!

Argo Family Peeks | Grand Ledge Family Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-08-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last week i got the honor of photographing the Argo family again! I was so excited to see them again. Its been nearly a year! Here a few peeks from their Grand Ledge Session.

Brittany + Josh Married! | Grand Ledge Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-05-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Josh and Brittany were Married today!!! More peeks to come soon!

Brittany is a Photographer...This was of course fitting for her.

Home + Growing | Charlotte Michigan Photographer

2011-03-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

With all my effort into my business my home and personal world suffered greatly the last two years. I decided that it would be a goal of mine to change this in 2011.

I feel change is upon our house. I feel the air changing and i am loving it. I can tell my family is too. Most things are in their beginning stages. We try to play more and work less when the kids are home. My yard has suffered the most i think. That will be my big home project for the summer. I decided to share some sad but true images with you of the sad sad yard i am dealing with. But i promise to soon share some beautiful garden and grass in yard shots.

Here is what i am dealing with....

We hat to cut down some dying, ugly and grass killing trees

We seriously have NO grass

This is where the Garden will reside. I can see it now (insert dreamy music here)... An abundance of veggies just flourishing!

While cleaning out the above sad garden spot i came across all these spare fence and chicken wire pieces. I will be recycling these into my compost holder.

This is my very sad attempt at a bird spot. I really need to make it a little more attractive for sure!

This is the piece offering i have been giving to the birds whom's homes we may have destroyed when cutting down the trees. I hope they make some beautiful and colorful homes with these yarn scraps

Here is Garden spot #2 i am think Corn and maybe some Sun Flowers. I may be a bit over ambitious on this spot but we will see.

So now you have seen it, you can hold me accountable.

More Growth......

I spoke in another post about the upcoming HUGE change in my Photography Business. The keys are now ours and we are just itching to get in there. We are ready to begin creating a space that is unique and funky and artistically pleasing. I cannot wait. This is a big moment. It Amanda Marie's version of the first footprints on my own little hot pink moon. Ahhh so excited!!!

We have Keys!!!!!

Big Changes!!

2011-03-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who are on my facebook you may have seen that i posted some HUGE news was coming....Well here it is!!

Please say "Hello" to the future home of Amanda Marie Photography in Charlotte.

Don't mind the mess. I know you creatives can see past that. I am NO studio photographer but i really needed a place outside my home to work and be creative. With me being so spacey sometimes i just get too caught up in work and neglect my family or home life. Yup thats right i am big enough to admit it. i am human, its cool.

I will keep everyone posted on when we think it will be up and running. We plan to open the space up to other photographers who are in need a place by the day or hour as well so keep that in mind.

YAY i am so beyond excited and as soon as i know more i will let you know. And of course will be posting After shots as well. Consider these the before shots.

The other BIG news is about the other blog i will be contributing to SHOOTBABY! is a blog all about All thing Newborn Photography related. I am getting ready to submit my first blog so be sure to follow there too. Especially if you are a photographer.

And the last and final big news is i am getting a new Website!! I am hoping to launch it when we open the new studio space. I will keep you posted on that as well!!

I am just SO excited for the future i can barely sit still.

Referral Program = Free Session YAY! | Michigan Family Photographer, Michigan Child Photographer, Michigan baby Photographer, Michigan Newborn Photographer

2011-02-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Do you Love Free?

Do you Love Amanda Marie Photography?

Do you Love Fun?

Do you have Friends and Family?

WooooHoooo Kick up your heels!!!

Introducing the Amanda Marie Referral Program!

I have the best clients who are always sending new faces my way. I am ever so thankful for that. If not for the fabulous folks i get to spend my creative time with i would not be able to do what i love.

I have decided to share my thanks with you by offering the Referral Program. Its Easy!

Refer 4 friends or family members to Amanda Marie Photography of Charlotte Michigan and you get a FREE session!! Yup its that easy! Be sure to tell your friends and family to tell me who sent them!!!

The fine print: All 4 sessions must be completed before credit will be given. Not applicable towards weddings or births. No Cash Value. All parties must have fun. Now go rant and rave, share the love! Post about it, tweet about it and just general gush about it!

Cruz | 15 Days | Charlotte Michigan Newborn Photographer

2011-02-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

We had been waiting for this little guy through his Mama's whole pregnancy almost. From the day she told me she wanted us to photograph him my wheels were turning. I think when its a good friend you tend to feel more comfortable thinking outside of the box. I began planning fun little props and ideas for him. We usually say that between 6-10 days old is when we like to photograph newborns. He was a little older than that and shockingly he was such an easy going dude. Never really put up much of a fuss. He was a super star! And we could not be happier with the images we got.

5 Hard Lessons for a Photographer | Charlotte Michigan Photographer

2011-02-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

The journey to become a photographer for me was not a smooth process. I didn't wake up all knowing about the mechanics of a camera. I spent countless nights sick to my stomach and in tears over bad photos. Frustrations over just not "getting it". It was a long LONG journey and still is. I would never trade any of those lessons, but some were so beyond painful. With each i learned something to do or not do. I wanted to share a couple with you and maybe just maybe you may learn from a few of my lessons.

1. White balance. Oh you little devil you. Master white balance, you will fall in love with your photos. Once i figured this out my life and photos took a turn for awesome.

2. SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT! I get emails all the time about how i achieve my photos. I am not sure if i could even teach it. I learned from shooting A LOT. In the past u would read a million tutorials but never shoot. I would buy a ton of actions, yet never shoot. You HAVE to shoot to learn.

3. ALWAYS ALWAYS know where your equipment is at all times. SLOW down. Pay attention. Here is a great reason why. See below.

Yep this is a 50mm 1.4...Well it was

This is the result of being way overly excited and not paying attention to where my equipment was. I was so excited about doing some night shooting. While loading my tripod in the car i set my camera bag down. We were on the side of the road. I shut the door and jumped in the car speeding off to our other destination. I realized down the road that i did not have my camera bag. When we went back this is what i found. It was scattered across the road. I cried. A LOT. Thanks to such a great friend who started a facebook group, him and a ton more friends helped me replace it. I am so thankful for all of them to this day. LESSON LEARNED: Take care of your stuff. Respect your stuff. KNOW WHERE YOUR STUFF IS. Slow down.

4. Take time for your family. They are your support system. I was once told that no amount of success at work can make up for failure at home. It is so true. I missed the first year of my daughters life. I have horrible regret over that. I lived at my computer and on my phone.

This i my ever so awesome family whom i adore and would do anything for. Thanks to Michelle at Mariposa Photography for this great image she took just this past weekend. She rocks!

5. BAAAAACK UP BACK UP!!!!! i am screaming this at you right now!!! Can you hear me? Well do it, do it now!!!

This here is an External Hard drive. Get two! Heck why not.

We all start somewhere. We all learn so much. Its our story. But making less mistakes from learning from other can make for a better story. I promise.

No really, It doesn't matter! | Michigan Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer | Michigan Family Photographer

2011-01-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

I get asked a lot about where to do photos in the winter. When i respond that i can do them in your home i get quite the look or long pause on the phone. I see something in your home that you can't. I see beautiful light or even a perfect backdrop. I also get told quite a bit "My house is too small" or "My house is a disaster". I am here to tell you that no one cares. Because no one will know. I have my way of photographing so that only what we want seen or to be believed is shown.

And for the record my own house is a disaster 24/7 ask any one of my family members. I am a terrible house keeper some times and we have 3 kids. If i spent the entire day making sure my home was perfect, my children will have been neglected the entire day.

Today was a perfect example of this. I bet you cannot tell in the pictures below that my husband was in this room painting and remodeling while we are in there shooting at the same time. True Story!!!

Beds make great photo spots. Go ahead throw all the laundry in the closet or on the floor. No one will know but you and me and the floor boards. Bedrooms usually have the best light any ways, because that is where all the windows are.

Living rooms with big windows are great too. Especially Bay Windows!

Even dining rooms. We move the table out of the way (sweep up the dust bunnies) and TADA a beautiful back drop. Dining rooms sometimes have wainscoding around them as well which is also beautiful in pictures. Or trim which looks great too!

Old claw foot bathtubs can be be really fun too!!!

The family home is just that HOME. The true moments of your family happen there. The most intimate moments of you life happen there. Its the place your child took their first steps, Where you rock them every night, Where you spend countless hours cooking, cleaning, caring, reading, loving and just being. Why NOT photograph yourselves there. Your home is your safe place, you protection, the place you go to be with the ones you adore. The place where full bellies and warm beds wait.

Your couch has held your entire family for a movie, rested your feverish child, cushioned you after a hard day, gave you a place to sort laundry, the place where cars and dry cereal hides, the magical place of coins and the fort blanket holder-upper. Why not photograph you being where you are comfortable and with what you know?

Your bed is the morning crawl in spot, where snuggles of bed head inner twine with giggles from tiny faces. Little toes peeking from beneath the blankets. Its where you curl up each night with the one you love and where you land after a long day of living life.

Are you now seeing the beauty of your home that i see?

It doesn't matter that last weeks dishes are there because last nights homework is done.

It doesn't matter that laundry has piled up because those clothes show days of grass stains and sandy hand wipes from moments of play. Moments that actually happened because you were NOT doing laundry.

It doesn't matter. I promise.

Like i said i can always get creative in almost any space, with the right light. And sometimes keeping sessions simple and limited to one space is best. It So no more cringing! No more excuses! WE can do it!

Hope you all had a Wonderful and Creative weekend!

F.A.Q.'s of Newborn Sessions | Michigan Newborn Photographer

2011-01-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that i absolutely love love LOVE photographing newborns. I love photographing children in general. I get many questions a week about how i do it, where i do it, when i do it. So i thought a F.A.Q. post might be just the answer. So here goes!

Q: When should i schedule my newborn session?

    A: We prefer you schedule it at about 8 months along or before. We schedule it by your due date. We book up so fast, usually about 2 months ahead of time. We want to make sure you for sure get into the schedule.

Q: How old should the baby be?

    A: We love it when we get them around 6 days old. They are SO much more sleepy and willing to participate. They change so much in the first even just days. And they will only be that small for so long. We want to capture that!

Q: Where do you do them?

    A: Right now we do them right in your home. I find it works out great when you have everything you and baby need right there. We just need a window or sliding glass door that lets in some good light. And a little space to set up our gear. There may be a place like a studio in the future but right now in home works best.

Q: What do i have to do during the session?

    A: NOTHING! In fact its better for you to not be too involved. Babies can smell mommy. Especially breastfed babies. I know it sounds crazy but its true. They tend to wake up more and be fussier. So grab a cup of tea and a book and head to the couch or take a long hot shower. Daddy, grandma or auntie can hang out with us while you get some YOU time (maybe even a little cat nap). Or maybe you can spend some one on one time with the big brother or sister. 

Q: How long is the session?

    A: Newborn sessions are all unique. Just like every little person is unique. We tell parents to plan on between 2-4 hours. There is a lot of Shhsh-ing, Rocking, bouncing, feeding and cuddling. Usually more of that than actual photographing.

Q: Do we need to have anything for the session?

    A: Nope, but i do recommend that we use any items that you love. This personalizes it. We have hats, headbands and other items. And sell some items here . But if you have a hat or something that you love, we almost always can incorporate it. Believe me, we are creative so whatever you have we can use it! Do you know something you want but don't know where to find it? Let us know, we are pretty crafty.

Q: How long does it take to get my proofs?

    A: I say  about 2 weeks. I then upload them to an online gallery for your viewing  pleasure. We can then do the order after you view and fall in love.

Q: What is the best way to display my images?

    A: Honestly? Ok well our area is a bit behind the trends. People really no longer hang up the 8x10 that they switch every 3 months. Big canvas gorgeous prints above the babies crib are huge right now. Digital albums are a great way to show off you images. Think Story Book/Coffee Table book. These are images you don't have to take down. They can stay up for always. They tell a story.

Q: Are there any specials on Newborn Photography if i do it with another service like Maternity or Birth? 

A: YES! We offer a couple packages that include a variety of options. Birth packages are new right now so i am working out the details. But i can tell you that a newborn session will be included in one of the birth packages. And there will be a "Bump to Bundle of Love" package that includes Maternity, Birth and Newborn all in one.

And now the BIG question!  

Q: Why should i photograph my Newborn?

A: Your child is special. They are amazing. They are tiny only for a moment. You can never go back to this time. We hold them for such a short time, and then they are off and independent. You can have their 6 day old self whenever you want by looking at the Beautiful Canvas on their wall or in your living room. Most often than not we regret the things we didn't do, not the things we did. You will never regret these.

I so look forward to meeting you and your sweet bundle of love. My heart sings with joy every time i get the news that we have another sweet face to photograph.

I hope this post was able to answer some of your questions. If you still have more please email me at Amandamlipsey@yahoo.com

2011 Permissions and Wife-ing is not a word | Michigan Photographer

2011-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

New years resolutions should have already been made and broken by now. I am a little behind the game. But that's nothing new to a constant creative. I am always creating something. Just probably not in the order i should be. Like for instance right now i am here, blogging. But i started out cleaning off the couch to create a clean room. And then somehow ended up sitting on it with my laptop on my lap. How does this happen?! I don't even realize it.

2011 just feels like my year. I feel myself completely morphed. I have passed that young 20's mom and wife trying to find her way, to a Mom and wife who is on her way. I am feeling more confident in my mothering and wife-ing(totally NOT a word by the way) skills. I have made the decision to be a better home maker this year and all around better mother and wife. I have given myself permission to just be. And i like just being. It feels good to be me. So i made a list of permissions and goals for myself.

1. Take better care of myself
2. Be a better homemaker
3. Listen more and talk less
4. Learn to hoop
5. Read more
6. Rid my life of negative influences
7. Try harder to understand those i don't understand
8. Give more
9. Write more handwritten letters
10. Over use the words I. Love. You.
11. Grasp the concept of being organized
12. Learn about true forgiveness
13. Read my bible for real this time.
14. Use the computer less
15. Play on the floor more
16. Take the kids to do....anything!
17. Grow my own garden without relying on others to take care of it
18. Learn to Sew, Can, Crochet and Bake.
19. Find patience.
20. Think before i speak.

I feel like there is more. There probably is. But this is enough for now. I should probably get back to cleaning that room.

Happy Wednesday to you! May you pick up a pen and send a hand written letter to your aunt in another state. She will love it. I promise.

A bit of life | Michigan Photographer

2011-01-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

 Many things about life bring me joy. Waking up each day and thanking the lord that i actually woke up is on the top of my list. Life has been going and going lately and i have given myself permission to slow down and enjoy moments. Its the moments in between that i love to photograph. Yet i forget to enjoy MY moments in between. 

 Jer and i took off for an adventure last week. We had high hopes for the day. It didn't end up working out quite like we had hoped. It ended with me in tears that my favorite restaurant was closed and i was overly hungry (hence the tears). I am no fun to around when i am hungry. Ask jer. He will tell ya! So instead of sushi we had pizza. 

BUT i did get to go to my favorite store and buy my baby girl her big girl bed. I did get to spend alone time with my husband. I knitted on the way. It was a good day. I of course took the camera along just in case hehe.

On our way!

"Hello favorite store" 

Just hanging in a Bathtub 

My Favorite Boots (In the bathtub) 

My peace offering to the birds. 

We cut down a tree and i felt bad. I hope they can use these scraps to rebuild.

I knit my first Newborn hat. 

 It didn't quite turn out right. So i thought. 

Jeremiah loved it and so did his beloved snowman

"May the little things and unexpected moments bring you some smiles and perspective this next week" ~Me

The creation, growth and understanding of an Artist | Michigan Photographer

2011-01-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

I started my photographic journey because i just loved the way taking photos made me feel. The feeling you get when you get that breath taking shot is something unknown to many people. I know that feeling. I love that feeling. And for lack of a better analogy i will say its like a drug for me. I am constantly seeking out that feeling and the high i get from it. I love when i see something in my head and can produce it to a hard copy image. I feel i am first a dreamer artist and second a photographer.

My journey has taken many twists and turns. I have learned SO many aspects of life as a photographer. Some were very unknown in the beginning. Like how attached you get to your clients, or exactly how much actual work goes in to a single 8x10 photo.

I have shed so many tears, spent hours frustrated and days elated over a single image. I have shared in such precious moments of other human lives and danced and cried with them in many ways. I cannot truly translate to words the photographer i want to be. I feel like i am getting there. There is always something to learn and things that can be tweaked.

I have made some big changes in my business this year and it is not going unnoticed by my clients. For one the big thing being prices. I was feeling so sheepish and shy about announcing my new pricing. Not because i was procrastinating but because i was a little scared of people sounding off about it. I didn't want to "Upset" anyone. I have spent the last two years tiptoeing around making my business what i want it to be. Why? To appease others and to not lose clients.

I have been doing some real soul searching lately. Some business soul and personal soul.

I spend hours on end editing photos or planning sessions. I spend days returning emails and answering questions, researching new techniques for improving my photos, marketing, blogging and many other business related tasks. These are all "Work". All these tasks take me away from the ones i love. And i like you need to be making sure i am getting paid for the hours i work.

I always hope that when my clients receive their products that they know in their heart, that their investment was totally worth it. That is the whole goal. I don't want to give you photos that you plan to change in 3 months. I am not walmart's portrait studio. I don't just want to be there to capture what your child looks like at age 3. I want you to be able to see their 3 year old soul, the love in their face, the silly and the curiosity of a child's mind. I want you to invest in a true piece of art not just a picture. I strive to produce images that can absolutely melt you. Even if you look at them 10 years from now.

I have spent quite a while improving my craft. I have invested countless hours and dollars. Not because i just want to be a photographer and make money, but because i want to melt hearts, create art and be able to do it without being hindered by a 9-5 job.

"I do not want to be hired for my prices, i want to be hired because you love my work and absolutely have to have it"

The birth of a child, a newborn session, a wedding and so many other special moments will never be able to be recreated. You get one chance, one shot to capture those moments. There is no redo.

I find myself heart broken for people when i see someone skimp on their childs first photos because they wanted to save $50+ or they let a family member with a point and shoot do their wedding photos to save money in the budget. No one will remember that you had chair coverings at your wedding or that it was at the most expensive place in the state. The only memories of that day that will last 100 years from now, are the ones the images captured.

Nobody, not even you, will remember exactly what your child looked like at 5 days old. But the beautiful images on canvas that hang in his room, will forever tell you of his chubby face and whispy little hairs on the top of his head. Only those images will show the fine little hairs on his shoulder and his pouty pink lips pursed just so.

These are YOUR moments. These images are all you get for those moments, for the rest of your life. Like any other long term investment there is a price. But there is one thing that is different from other large investments. The love you will feel for these images will not fade with the style. The style fades with the newest washer and dryer, or the fanciest pair of shoes, or the sportiest car. The same love for a photo is always there. Even a hundred years from now. It may not even be you loving the photo. A hundred years from now it may be your great great grandchild loving the photo.

And that is what i strive for. I want people to love my work the way i do. Not love my price more than the work. I want people to say "Amanda Marie Photography does the BEST work" not "She has the cheapest prices in town". I was cheaper than Sears. That, is a problem. Sears says sit here and smile just so. Anyone can do that. Like i have said before it takes a true artist to capture your soul. I truly feel i am a true artist. And i hope you feel the same. I understand if i lose clients over pricing. It saddens me but i understand.

Here is a wonderfully written article about custom photography. I urge you to check it out. This article really gives great insight into the world of pricing for custom photographers.

I am so thankful for the clients who have stayed and supported me as i have grown into the photographer i am and am still becoming. I am so thankful for the past clients who gave me a chance to practice on their families. Without them i would have never been able to learn my craft.

Fluff Originals | Charlotte Michigan Photographer

2011-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have neglected my blog lately and i apologize. My grandfather passed away last sunday and i was busy missing him so much. I feel a little closer to peace as the days go by. I am so thankful for his quick and painless passing, rather than a long suffering. That brings me much peace. Thank you to all the wonderful folks who sent condolences. Your kind words really made the week bearable.

 Ok no more sad talk! I have exciting stuff going on here. I announced about "Fluff Couture" or "The Fluff" a while back. You can read that post here. I have changed the name just a little as the product has changed a little bit too. So it is now...Wait for it, wait for it "Fluff Originals" POW hahaha.....Why? Well heres what has come to me. See i love recycling and also upcycling....What is upcycling? Check out the Wiki here.

So i have decided to make my products out of second hand items or items that would normally just be tossed out (to end up filling our landfills). Scrap left over fabric, mismatched buttons, and any other cool items i may find along the way. Looks to me that about 90% of my supplies will NOT have been purchased brand new. I will be scouring the towns for cool fabric and funky buttons. I have even called on family and friends for their left overs and scraps. 

The "Originals" part came about as i realized most items may be original creations where only 1 will be sold. I might be able to make more than one of an item if the supplies allow for it. Right now i am working on building the headband line as i have TONS of newborns on their way and i want to have them ready for those sessions. But future plans include knit hats, cocoons for photogs and other such items. My Etsy store will open next week with  few items. I will be posting on my Twitter and my Fanpage when i add new items so keep your eyes there as well. Below are a few items that will be listed next week. 

1. An Infant headband. Made of a revamped fabric flower (its bigger than a newborn but not quite a toddler) 

2. An Newborn headband. Made from a scrap of torn fabric

3. An Adult/Teen headband made from a scrap of tweed and some ripped satin fabric.

These are just a simple preview of more items to come. I am so excited to be able to offer these to my clients and other photogs.

**I am also in need of some models for these and others in the future. If you are interested in the model program please email me at Amandamlipsey@yahoo.com for more details.

Baby "K" | 9 Days Old | Laingsburg Michigan Newborn Photographer |

2011-01-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

Amanda Marie Photography has been loving all these newborn sessions we are booking. Baby "K" was the winner of our recent Baby Love giveaway.

"K" is 9 days old. She is such a doll. She put up a fight but we (Mommy i should say) were able to get her nice and sleepy for some great shots. She was quite strong and was giving Carli a run for her money in the posing department. We tell everyone that there is lots of bouncing, shooshing and snuggling that takes place. More so than actual photographing. And that is ok. That is how it goes. The babies lead the way and "K" told us lots of stuff. For instance she doesn't like be on her belly. Many babies don't. Totally normal. So we just adjusted her and moved on. She really enjoyed the beanbag. Mama and Daddy might want one of those for her to snuggle in! HAHA.

Introducing Baby "K".....

BABY LOVE Winner Announced | Michigan Newborn Photographer

2011-01-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU!!!!

The Baby Love giveaway was more amazing than i had ever thought. We had 18 entrants and over 600 (YES 600!!!!!) supporters come to the Amanda Marie Photography Fan page

I am hoping those new fans hang around and enjoy the art that they see shared there.

Ok, no more messing around and no more mushy stuff. On to the prizes!!

WINNER is....

Melissa Torres with 189 votes

Melissa wins a Newborn Session with Amanda Marie Photography($150 value)and a Brag book to show it off to all her friends and family

In a very VERY close second was

MIRIAM CHASE ROGERS with 170 votes i am still in shock of the amazing support for this event, so i have decided to give Miriam a FREE Newborn session with Amanda Marie Photography($150 value)as well.

EVERYONE WINS!

Again i am still in shock and overcome with excitement over this Give Away. Thank you again ladies for participating! To show my thanks i would like to offer a $50 print collection credit towards a Newborn Session print collection with Amanda Marie Photography to all of the other Mama's!

Thanks Again!! And Congrats to all you Mama's on those baby bumps and soon to be little bundles of joy! I look forward to creating art for your walls of their adorable little faces!

***Give away sessions are only valid on Newborn Sessions and are not transferable.

***Collection credits are only valid on print collection orders placed from a Newborn Session

***Amanda Marie Photography of Charlotte Michigan usually books about two months out. Be sure to contact me ahead of time to be sure to secure a spot in my schedule. For newborns a tentative date is set based on your due date.

Hello 2011, so nice to see you | Michigan Family Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-01-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

I opened my business officially in January of 2010. At that time i was still totally scared out of my wits. With this last year there have been so many changes. LOTS of learning took place, huge equipment upgrades and one gigantic confidence boost. Along with so many great moments shared with fabulous new friends and clients.

When i started out i knew i wanted this to be my career. I wanted this to be my lively hood. I just did not know how to get from opening my new Nikon camera box, to getting paid to actually use it. I have finally made it across that bridge. Of course not without the help of many many people...Teachers, fellow photogs, youtube etc HAHA. The learning is never done, i will always be learning. But i come into 2011 knowing that this IS what i am meant to do. Creating art for the walls and hearts of wonderful families.

I do not consider what i do just taking a photo or just capturing a memory. I consider it an Art. I expect to see it hanging on walls not locked in a shoe box somewhere. I take my work very seriously. When you invest into your session i know you are investing into your future. How? These are memories for a lifetime. These are images that will bring back a time in your life, a feeling or even a song. Anyone can take a photo. And anyone can charge you to take a photo. It takes a real true artist to capture your soul, your love, the little things that you remember. Anyone can tell your child to say "Cheese" and snap the shutter. But it takes a true artist to capture the right moment where your heart skips a beat because of that deep look in their eye or that silly face that always makes you laugh. I want to be a true artist. Not just a "Photographer". These days everyone is a photographer. Just ask anyone with a Dslr they will tell you so.

2011 is my year to really set myself apart from others. I don't want to just be that girl who takes photos anymore. The changes that are coming are exciting. New branding, New products and packaging and with that new pricing and policies. You can view some of the new pricing on my website here.

I am just so thankful for all the folks who have stood behind me these last few years pushing me and supporting my dream. I really could not have gotten here with out all of them who let me practice on their families time and time again. I hope you will join me this year and let me create the art that is your family. Happy 2011 to you all!!!!

~A

The Love for New Life + Details of a Newborn Session | Michigan Newborn Photographer | Michigan Baby Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer

2011-01-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

In the last few months i have had the opportunity to photograph a couple Newborns. I have been wanting to do this for a while. I had only had a couple experiences with them and really wanted to have a chance to do more. I fell head over heals in love with the few sessions i have had. I am still learning the ins and outs of getting those fabulous sleepy shots. But i always have my own spin on things anyway. I wanted to make a blog post dedicated to the few newborns i have shot. To show what i love and also maybe to spark some interest in those wondering what its all about.

Why have your Newborn Photographed in the first 10 days? First of all they are only that small for the length of a blink, i promise you that. Also they are so squishy and adorable i mean why not? The art of new life is beautiful art. It never goes out of style and it will always be the most meaningful art on your walls. Well until the hand drawn images the new life then produces later in life and posts on your refrigerator. Also in the first 10 days they are their sleepiest and they tend to be more willing to do whatever your mind can dream up. I prefer my newborns between 6-10 days.

 What to expect at a typical Newborn Session? Lots of silence. A very slow paced gentle session. Some burping, feeding and accidents. Yes accidents will happen. I am prepared for them. I have a washing machine so i am not concerned and neither should the parents be. The heat is cranked so we will be uncomfortably warm. Its ok sweat away for the art of it all. There is also feeding rocking cooing and singing. A typical newborn session takes about 2-4 hours. Babies need us to be patient and once we are they tend to be fabulous posers for us. 

 When should you schedule your Newborn Session with Amanda Marie Photography? I am usually booked about 2 months out. The sooner the better. However i would not turn someone away with a last minute request if i have the room. 

Where does the session take place? Right now i am currently doing them in your home. Don't worry about what your house looks like! I have 3 children i KNOW how it goes. All i need is a window with some good light and a small amount of space to put my equipment up and an outlet to plug in my heater.

I look forward to all the New Life coming in 2011!!! I also look forward to creating the art of your child for your walls!!

All Images ©Amanda Marie Photography of Charlotte Michigan
Please do not copy or use any images without my permission.

"Bye 2010, Hello 2011" | Michigan Family Photographer | Michigan Child Photographer | Michigan Newborn Photographer | Michigan Wedding Photographer | Michigan Senior Picture Photographer

2011-01-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

2010 was the year for my business. It was the year i decided to say "Yes i am a Business". I was no longer that girl who was practicing on people for pennies. I decided that i could do this for real and maybe even pay my bills. I finally felt comfortable with the quality of images i was producing and felt i really had something to offer. 

My confidence was completely boosted my all of my FABULOUS clients. They kept me going with all their kind words and referrals galore. I am so thankful to live in a community of great people who just get me. And even if they don't "get" me they still appreciate my art.

I have also had the Honor of joining forces with two wonderful women and fellow photogs to create the group M.A.D. Love Photography with
Denise Hummel and Michelle Weisenberg

These two women are as much as family to me and its so great to have someone who not only shares in your passion but is so willing to help you get there too.

2011 has snuck right up on me. I was feeling really prepared until i awoke this morning. I haven't finished the 2011 pricing completely but i am almost there. There will be a separate Blog about all the new things in 2011. There are lots of big and exciting announcements coming in 2011 for Amanda Marie Photography and for my clients.

THANK YOU for supporting my dream in 2010 and making it a reality for me. I don't even feel like Thank You is enough.

~A

Baby Love Giveaway | Charlotte Michigan Newborn Photographer

2010-12-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

   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***

Blissful Day

2010-12-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

    
   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?"

All about The "Fluff"!

2010-12-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

   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!

Hip Mountain Mama Giveaway!

2010-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2010-12-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2010-11-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

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!

Small Business Saturday Fun!!!

2010-11-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Florabella Giveaway!!!

2010-11-26T12:07:00.001-08:00

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!

BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!!! Winner Announced

2010-11-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

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!

True Love | Lansing Michigan Family Photographer

2010-11-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Charlotte Michigan Portrait Photographer | New Policies: 2011

2010-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

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!

Journeys are Hard

2010-11-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

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!

Playing Catch Up!

2010-11-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

I have been going off on tangents about so many things on here. I am feeling guilty i have not shared any photos of all my beautiful clients. So here is a catch up post on the wonderful people i call my photography family.

These are just a few. I think i may have to do a second catch up blog. Shame on me for not keeping up!

Learning, Journeys + Rants

2010-11-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Oh life how fast you go!

I have been feeling so overwhelmed these days. I have started so many Journeys at once. I am assuming this is where the problem stems from. Not to mention the fact that i think i took on WAY too much work for my first year. Am i regretting that? Absolutely not!! I am just disappointed with my turn around time. Mostly with Weddings. I have learned so much this year though. I am making big changes for next year.

I am so thankful for the wonderful clients i was so blessed to learn on this year. They have all been so patient and understanding. I guess i miss judged the amount of time that goes into weddings. I have also been learning some ways to streamline my work flow which has helped tremendously.

Work has slowed down with the colder days that have been arriving. I was a little nervous for that to happen in the beginning. But now i am basking in it, as i am getting caught up on so many edits.

These past couple months have been hard on my body. My body has not liked me. I had some heart issues last month and took a decent fall this month. The heart scared me. Scared me so bad all i wanted to do was hold my children. I was too afraid to do anything else. I drove myself crazy with thoughts of what if... I then ran straight to my insurance agent and did the responsible life insurance thing. It didn't make me feel any better.

As for the leg. It still hurts, a lot. But its been a blessing. I have tackled so many edits in my comfy chair. It feels good.

The new life Journey we are on will come in many blogs. We are aching for change. Jeremy and i are no straight line thinkers. We have always been different. Even before we met each other. We long to just be ourselves. But we find that mainstream society is trying to hide us in the cube if its thoughts and ways. We just see life a bit differently. A bit more sacred and on a timer. I don't believe in status quo. I don't believe that "Things" make the person. We are conditioned to believe bigger is better and more means more important. I wont lie i myself have been caught up in those thoughts before. But it always leaves me feeling yucky. Every designer must have bag i purchased, i just felt dirty and fake. The sad thing. Most of THEM were fake. I don't need to make up for a poor childhood with bags and shoes. And by "poor childhood" i am referring to money, not memories. I have great memories but my mother was a single mother for a long time. Therefore that meant we didn't get everything we wanted.

I have found a number of blogs that have been so awesome in helping me head in the direction i want to go. I would love for you to experience them and support them as well. Check them out! Who knows maybe you might find a new way of thinking too. And the list goes like this HappyJanssens, The Organic Sister, and RowdyKittens. There are a few more but my eyes are closing on their own right now. Time to sleep. Thanks for reading my rant.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Love,

Jeremiah

Working on Our Plan

2010-10-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have been preparing and researching for our Dream Trip. I know it may seem excessive to start preparing now, but i think its really important. I started a binder with folders. I have a list started for many things like, Places to visit, Places to do Photo Sessions, Ways to make and save Money, Free Parks and Parks referred to and just any other helpful tips. The Making money part is one area i have been focusing on. The main sources will be from our skills. Jer = Construction stuff and Me = Photography stuff. I am working on some other ways too.

*I started an Etsy account to sell prints and other crafty items. It should be up in the next few weeks with items. i will post a link here then.

*Another way is affiliate accounts. I signed up with Amazon as an affiliate account. See image below. I could not figure out how to move it. Also at Zulily has some pretty awesome kids stuff and deals on it. So if you feel like showing me some love. Zulily is a great place to get gifts.

*I signed up as an Ambassador for Barefoot Books.
These are awesome books and gifts for kids. You probably already know about barefoot books but didn't realize it. Check them out!!
*Our Donation Button. I am not one to beg for money but i felt this could be a great way for our family and friends to send gifts in the future. We will be limited on space so sending material things will be hard. And also i love to visit random blogs of people doing cool stuff and sending them a couple bucks to their dream or cause. I think everyone should have a donation button. I see so many cool blogs by people i feel like i know and would love to send a gift to.
So this is where we are so far on the monetary part of the trip. This has been a repeat question by so many. I thought this might help explain our plan a little. Also keep in mind that it doesn't cost nearly as much a month to live on the road as it does to live in our home.

If you have a suggestions or ideas on this please please leave a comment below. I am all about other cool ways to raise funds to keep us going.

Zombie Ball and the E.R.

2010-10-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. I love getting dressed up all crazy.  Our friends started having a Zombie Ball, this year was the second year. The theme this year was "Dead Rockers". Jer and i went as Jim Croce and Wendy O Williams. Below are some images of my pals and their significant others. We go all out! I was getting my groove thang going on the dance floor and well took a fall. My night ended with me in the E.R. Umm totally worth it though. We had a great time. Now i have a bum leg. Waiting to hear from the radiologist on whether there is any kind of fracture or not. 

My schedule is pretty open next week as far as Photo shoots and you know what, i am not sad. I am going to have a week long "Get caught up" editing session. And this bum peg leg is a good excuse to keep me seated. 

Hope you all have a Fabulous Halloween!

FAQ: Winter + Studio | ?

2010-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

So with the blustery weather on its way i seem to get asked the same question a lot. And i have some fun answers. Outside of the box fun answers.

Q: What do you do in the Winter time since you have no studio?

A#1: I have fun! In your home! I know what you are thinking...In my HOME?! Whats fun in the home? You are fun! Your family is fun! Think more documentary style. You and the kids making cookies, Bath time, Silly time, Story time, and Bed time. Are those not the true moments of a family. THAT is a true family photo. Doing what families do. Where do i come into this? I am the fly on the wall documenting the moments. No saying Cheese, No yelling look at the camer, just you , your family and your life....Being documented.

A#2: SNOW BALL FIGHT!!!!!! How fun would it be to just go sledding, have a snowball fight or make snow angels together? And then come in for a cup of Hot Cocoa. Another real family moment!

Q: Why don't you have a studio/ When will you get your studio?

A: I do not have a studio for quite a few reasons. Reason # 1 I feel confined and so do children, Reason #2 I feel like studios produce the same image for everyone, i like to let my clients create their own moments not create a moment for them and then set them on the proper spot, Reason #3 Studio lighting does nothing for me as of yet, Reason #4 I am a rebel, i have always been different, and well i choose to remain that way into my adulthood.

A: When will i get a Studio? Probably not anytime soon. Studios are a dime a dozen, you however are one unique creature. I plan to take my Photography (and Family) on the road. Opening a studio now would make no sense at this time, as i would have to shut it down.

I hope these have helped answer maybe a couple questions about my Photography you may have had. On-Location Photography is so much fun and can really become whatever you want it to be. Just have to get yourself out of that Mass Production Portrait Studio box.

Hope you have a Fantabulous Weeked!!!

Camera | Love

2010-10-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with a new piece of Jewelry. I just had to share it with you. Can you believe it cost me $2?!?! Yea i was pretty stoked myself! It puts a smile on my face to be out in my mundane parts of life, and catch a glimpse of its reflection. Reminds me of a strong love, similar to my Wedding ring and my Mothers rings. Its camera love. And i truly do have a love affection with my new beautiful contraption. I need to name him. He is fabulous and needs a fabulous name. Some suggestions are welcomed!

Where was this taken? Umm yea on my Mannequin Torso. Did i fail to mention i really lurve vintage mannequins? Umm yea i do, a lot. And yes i did just say Lurve. I might have a head of one in my front window whose hair and accessories i change for those who pass by to see. I find it highly entertaining, and so does the neighborhood i am sure. Good Stuff.

"Hello little visitor"

2010-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Say "Hello" to our little visitor. Jeremiah discovered him today as we were walking up the driveway. He was on the large side of the Caterpillar scale. I love to see such curiosity and excitement in the kids faces at these moments. Jeremiah really wanted to touch him. I asked him to "Pleeeeeease be gentle", and he was.

The right way to Pose

2010-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick thought i wanted to share. I always say i don't like posing people. Its true. Kind of. Sometimes the best pictures come from posing them and waiting.

So I think i now believe it's not about the "Right" way to pose, its about any pose and waiting for the "Right" moment.

Here are two examples of what i would consider the "Right" moment.

These are two people very special to me. Travis and Carli are not just clients of mine they are my good pals. If only you could hear the conversation during these..."Smile like you love me", "Mmmm your hair smells so good". HAHAHA Guess you had to be there.

Under Construction

2010-10-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

If you have been anywhere near my Blog the last week, then you have seen the changes. There are many more changes to come. I have decided to take this blog in a different direction. I love to write and share my life with everyone. Not just my pictures. I want this to be one place family, friends, Photogs ,and just readers can come to read about what we have been up to and see the images i love to share. 

The Lipsey's are taking some new paths in their life. Big changes! One i can share is our change to our four year old sons diet. Which also affects us. We have decided to take out red dyes from his diet. He has had some wild behavior and we feel it has already made a change. We are changing out diets in other ways too. But slowly. I don't want to send the kids into shock. But we will be cutting out all processed foods and yucky yucky stuff. Slowly but surely.

Jer and i had some good conversation(on date night!) about the RV trip and he is definitely on board. Now to get that RV. Saving starts now. I am so excited, its actually ridiculous how much. I sleep, eat and think RV RV RV. How can we do this. SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE living. I am so ready.

We have a lot to do before we get there. And when i say a lot i mean AAAAAAA LOT! AHH! 

I just know we were meant for this. Now its just letting things fall into place and getting our ducks in a row. So keep checking back to see what we are up to. It is about to get really interesting and highly entertaining i am sure.

Of course i cannot leave you without a picture so here is one of my beautiful child. She turned 12 this summer.

Getting our Minimal on!

2010-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

They Lipseys are getting swallowed up by things. Ugh! Clutter is everywhere and it is driving me batty. Jer and I both have the tendencies of a Hoarder and it is scary. Today i have decided to update my Blog and write my Column and that is it for digital work. Today is PURGE day!! I am so nervous. I am so excited. I need some more coffee i think.

Jer and i took a weekend sabbatical. No computer, barely used the phone and lots of campfire. It was so amazing. We needed it. Bad. I feel rejuvenated. I think he does too. I am trying to get him ready for Life on the road byt giving it to him in small doses. HAHA. He told me "You are really making me like this camping thing". I was beaming with joy from that statement.

I feel like there are steps to getting to the day we pull out of here in out rig. The first step is to slowly teach the children (and the husband) that less is more. We do not need 175 dvds. We do not need 12 pairs of shoes and 14 pairs of jeans. We really don't NEED much. Its all about looking at things in a different way. I think this concept will be harder for Sidney (our Oldest) and Jer (the oldest HAHA).

I was reading a Blog last night and it really put things in perspective. Ok well actually there were two blogs the other is here. They both really explain the Less is More idea. We are all just trained to thing we need more and more and more. We need the best and the most. But we lose sight of the most important. Do i want my kids to look back and say "WOW mom and dad were so cool they bought us everything we ever wanted" UMMM NO! I want them to look back and say "Wow mom and dad taught us so much" Or look back and just remember special times and cool experiences. Not remember things. I want them to remember moments. So small steps start today with big purging!

Happy Monday to you!!!

I don't have an iPhone so this is my version of like Hipstamatic

Our Minimal Campsite. That is it. Where did we sleep? In the Van of course. Nomads we are.

FREE STUFF!!!

2010-08-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Woohooo!!! Got a print order to place?? Do so by Friday and receive an 11x14 or 8 wallets of your choice. Why? Just because i am in a giving mood and you people rock! 

Happy Monday!

~A

Balance and Swings

2010-08-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Business this summer has really been very steady. I have a hard time taking time for myself and sometimes i am even guilty of not taking time for family. I have had to learn to walk away from the computer sometimes. I have had to learn to really manage my time better. I still can do better but i am feeling like i have spent more time with my family lately. I quit scheduling myself so much and tried to space sessions a little more. There are lots of exciting and new changes coming in the next few weeks. i cannot wait to announce all the new stuff. My dad asks me "Why reinvent the wheel"? And he is so right. Sometimes i try so hard to march to my own beat that i march right off the path i am trying to take.

With saying NO to over working myself i have found some great moments i would have missed. Here is a time out i am so SO happy i decided to take. Just a couple swings and a couple kids to some. To me this is my heart and soul.

Although taking these moments put me a little behind on work. I know it has been the right thing to do. I will catch up on the behind items by staying up a little later and being creative with time. I cannot get these years back. It is so important that i ind a balance between life and work. I am still working so hard to find it. I have faith that it will all work itself out.

Hope you had a wonderful meaningful weekend.
A~

Perfect Vs Perfect

2010-08-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I have been Photographing "B" since she was about 5 weeks old. She has always been my "Serious" child. Never got a smile from her until her 1 Year pictures. She has always captivated me with her deep thought type looks. She has always had something going on in her since the very first day. Her Firey Red hair makes it all the more interesting and fabulous. I recently got to hang with "B" and her family again...Twice. We were hoping the second time would produce some smiles. It did not. And you know what. I am not sad about it. I left thinking..."B" is who she is.

Is a Perfect picture really a child smiling so perfectly? For "B" the answer is no. I truly believe that the photographs i captured were Perfectly "B". Her as herself. Not some fake smiling kid. Just her. And she is absolutely perfect in all of her shots. Because they are all of her being "B".

Here is a Sneak Peek of "B" in all her perfectness.

Beauty and Dirt

2010-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Thats my Girl! Wearing a white dress sitting on a dirty tire.

And this is how we started our morning.
Beauty amongst the ugly.
Or so some would think.

I have always hated my back yard and the fact that no grass grows. Not even the grass that they claim can grow on a rock. But this morning in this moment it was perfect. It was a perfect scene for how i was feeling. I am trying to learn to love what i have and not wish for something bigger or better. I am trying to take what i already have and make it into what it CAN be not what it is NOT.

So for this morning i will not ask my yard to grow grass but i will just look at it in a different way. And here in this photo is what i saw in my yard looking at it a different way.

Happy Friday Morning to You!

A~

Just a little like a Gypsy Today

2010-08-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have always been a Dreamer Gypsy type. I have always dreamt of a road trip across the country. Actually that was the plan when i graduated. My Good friend and i were to take all the money we received for graduation and buy an RV with it. She graduated 8 weeks along and well we decided that giving birth in a campground or on a road somewhere not only sounded terrible but just was not very smart. She married. And i left town in my sunbird. I landed in Atlanta. I loved it and i hated it. I moved to quite a few places there after. I then married. 3 kids i have and 3 she has.

That pull of freedom is still there. Yet it is much different now. I have much more luggage and many more hearts to look out for now.

With the typical day in and day out we lose our freedom thoughts. I am not talking freedom like single. I am talking freedom like not being a slave to the necessities and trials of life. The laundry, bills and responsibilities that pile up.

I have been on a search for a long time for freedoms. Whether saving time on things i dislike so i have more time for things i enjoy, Like playing with my kids. I don't want to be a slave to the technology as much anymore either. Facebook lost its glow to me a long time ago. But since a big chunk of my lively hood comes from social networks and technology i have to hold onto some of it. I am just learning to do it my own way. Make my own hours. Things like that.

I recently was introduced to a blog about a family who is RV-ing around the country right now. It brought back that 18 year old girl who wanted to see things. But now she is 26 and has children and a husband she wants to see these things with. So Jer and i talked. And i think i have him convinced to do this. When i was 18 had imagined that my face would be wide eyed pulling up to things like the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore. Now i hope to photograph their wide eyed faces. I had daydreamed of my extended family members running out of their houses to greet me as i pulled in. Now i get to introduce them to my beautiful family they have only known in pictures. And i hope they would feed me HAHA and they will. Thats how my family is.

So My mommy/wife journey is one part, As is my Photographer journey and now i am looking forward to an actual journey that includes real movement not the metaphorical type. I post this now to hold me accountable...Why? Because this is one thing i REALLY want out of life. And now i plan to make this happen. Starting with all the research. Where, When, How much and just other things like what to do with our stuff especially this house.

So thats what i am Daydreaming about today. I hung all my laundry on the line today....It made me feel just a little like a gypsy and quenched a small bit of my urge.

Climbing that Mountain!

2010-08-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

Through Tears, Frustrations and Sweat a Creative Soul is Born...

When I started shooting a couple years ago, i had no idea where it would lead. I felt that tug at my heart strings. I felt the want of a fabulous image. But i just couldn't produce what i felt i my heart. Patience is something i have always lacked. I lack this in every single aspect of my life. I am not afraid to admit it. I mean, admitting you have a problem is the first step right?

I remember days of frustration. Frustration over lighting, sharpness, color management, depth of field and well you name it. There were many sleepless nights and tears shed. I just wanted to be "There" You know to that point where it was second nature and you no longer thought about F-stops or Shutter speeds or shadows or anything like that?

I am now realizing you cannot just "Be There". You get there by experiencing all of those frustrations and tears. I am still not "There" but i do feel a little more confident in my endeavor.

I am so thankful for all the people over the years who have allowed me to practice on them. Some even let me practice on them and still paid me. I went from being a Full time Mom and a part time Waitress and Photographer to a Full time Mom-Blog-Ographer. And you know what? I love it. There are still some serious kinks to work out but the ball is rolling at a constant speed.

I want to thank all of my constant supporters for their time and comments. This past couple weeks have been full of such wonderful heartfelt comments and compliments from so many people. It really helps a girl put the world into perspective. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what i have always wanted to do and meet such fabulous people. I get to share in so many intimate and important moments in peoples lives. And in return i give them that very same moment in a form for which they can hold onto it forever.
This is an important role i take very seriously. I tie a string from my heart to each clients. Whether i shoot them once or 10 times. I will always have a special connection with them that i hold dear.

I am just so looking forward to what fun creative things that god and the world will throw my way in the future.

Jeremiah says just jump...Even if you are scared...Just jump...You just might land on your feet...And he did.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!!

Jamie + Josh {MSU Horticulture Gardens}

2010-07-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year i donated a gift certificate to a Cat Rescue Fundraiser here in Michigan. One day i got a phone call from Jamie. I get so excited to meet new people. And yet i still get nervous. I was nervous. I was hoping they couldn't tell.

We met at a Taco Bell and i followed them to these beautiful gardens at MSU. I had never been there so i was excited.

We just walked around and pointed out spots and snapped away. It was a really great and relaxed time. We got some great silly shots too. Just a great way to spend a morning.

Josh had a hard time not cracking up with the serious face HAHA!

The slippery bridge

We found this boy in the children's garden...So they read a book with him HAHA!

Thanks Jamie and Josh for such an great morning...And i surely hope i am spelling your names right!!

Sarah + Ben Wedding Weekend {South Haven}

2010-07-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is by far my FAVORITE wedding yet. They both have such a great eye for something cool and fun. They are Quirky and Classic all at the same time. I just enjoyed our weekend together so much. I love to shoot people who love photos. They just seem to fall into place so easy. Very little direction needed. They had a wedding weekend full of their character. Complete with talk of Zombies, A Vintage Broach Bouquet, A Self Designed Dress, Fabulous green pants and lots of love and laughter!! Oh and a Rehearsal dinner at a Junk Store!!

HAHAHA! This cracked me up!

We had some really great light

Shopping check list: My Man

Well she got him!

This picture just explains their fabulousness!

And now i give you THE Wedding.....

Beautiful Ceremony on the Bluff

The Stunning Bride and her Awesome Bouquet

And SHE designed her own Dress!!!

Can we say FUN?!

I could have posted pictures all day long from this. I had to stop myself.

Good Morning!!!!!

2010-07-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!!

Love, Adeline

Sadie's Bridal Shower {Charlotte}

2010-07-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

When i approached the door i was met by a Big Movie poster. It was a Breakfast at Tiffany's movie poster to be exact. I knew right then this was going to be awesome. And it was! All guests were dressed in black and pearls. Their were three maids in black and white also. Beautiful decor and just so much fun all around. Sadie looked Stunning! She gave out big plastic diamond rings and a strand of pearls to her guests...And me too! My kids instantly stole them the minute i walked in the door HAHA!

I am just so glad she had me there to join in this fabulous occasion...

HAIR BY: JENNIFER BENNETT {BRADS GRAND LEDGE}

Look for Sadie & Sam's Wedding photos in a few weeks!

Permission to laugh and an award won.

2010-07-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have been so slow on the Blogging lately. I have been so crazy busy lately. Amanda Marie is really taking off lately so i have been trying to keep my nose to the grind. Lots of new products and some new changes coming. Time to really step away from the kind of student, kind of hobbyist into The For Real Photographer spot. I am scared.

So Amanda Marie won an award and i wanted to share it with you. Click here and check out page 9. A small town award won but a big time smile on my face.

I am just so thankful for all my great clients who voted for me.

Life seems to have taken a hold of me lately and i am go go go. Its a double edge sword for me. I need to stay busy to sustain a house and life for my family, yet i am gone and working a lot. This is why you will be seeing lots of changes being made. All for the better of my clients and my family. I will post all the fun new things soon.

With all of us being so busy...I think we forget to laugh. We forget to hug and say i love you. We forget to say thank you and show appreciation. I hope the photo below can help you laugh. It cracked me up. I give you permission to laugh. Just because.

Heart Stopping Moments

2010-06-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I think every photographer, Be it amateur or professional has those moments. Whether it be when its snapped or when you come across it when editing. It just hits you. Your heart is in your throat. Maybe even a tear in your eye. Its hard to breath just for that second of time. And just in that same second of time you hear that familiar voice thats says "YES! this is why you do this. This right here is it. Your reason".

This is one of those moments. Those reasons. My tiny voice was screaming. And my heart did a little fluttering dance. And in this moment...I am happy.

Whimsy & Daydreams

2010-06-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

My heart all a flutter.

There is nothing more thrilling and exciting than to get that shot you saw in your daydream. I daydream in odd tones of color and sun flare is always present. I daydream in a world of fairy tales and silliness. But i also daydream in a world of love. I love, love and all things lovely. Not just your typical example of love. Its a given there is love between a mother and child and husband and wife. But there are other types of love. The kind we don't plan on. Those little treasures of a moment that remind us of home. Or an object we see that sends us back through time to a moment when we were free. We are all born open minded and dreamy. Over time those moments of whimsy can become few and far between. I look for the whimsy. I look for the moments in which i forget whether its really happening or if i am in my daydream.

My latest collection of Whimsy Daydreams......

I Love Dirt!

2010-06-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great friend of ours and her three sons over to play last week. They really reminded us of what kids are. They are little explorers. They are dirty. They are silly. And they could wear themselves out any day, any time with a good amount of dirt and mud. I am so thankful for these images. So glad i was able to realize to get the camera. I love everyday situations. I love the beauty of everyday situations. I am an everyday person and we are an everyday family.

A little Dirt don't hurt

My baby Girl Likes dirt too!

The dirty Knees

Such Curiosity!

Very Stand By Me Ish

May we all get some time to play in the dirt now and then!

Transformer Tea Party

2010-05-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Adeline received a birthday gift today...It is a very adorable and animated Tea Set. I love it. I LOVE anything girly. I have been surrounded by Cars the Movie and Spongebob for far too long. After baby sister was in bed, Jeremiah had his turn. He and his Tranformers enjoyed some YUMMO tea and crumpets. We shared some fun chatter and some pretend nibblets of cake. I love this boy.

May they always stay this young and have such an imagination. I wish.

I am growing up!!!

2010-05-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

This lady has graduated to Twitter Status!!!

Twitter/AmandaLipsey

So if you want to follow me (sounds like a stalker) go ahead! I don't mind a little stalking HAHA!