Frost

I can't believe how fast time flies. I also can't believe how many photos I've taken since my last post. I really should have been better at keeping up but everything happened so fast. First it was friends and family and then, bang, I was so busy my head was spinning. Now it's frosty and cold outside and I'm thinking of all the great shots I could get with families willing to get all bundled up and get outside with me.

So far I've had two willing participants in the Frosty Fun Photo adventure and they were quick, and I mean very quick sessions. 30 minutes or less quick. That got me thinking... Why not cut my sessions down to 30 minutes for people that want to get great outdoor shots but don't want to spend 2 hours out in the cold freazing their noses and toes off. So, I decided, anyone that mentions having read about half sessions on my blog will not only get my hourly rate split in half but will also recieve an additional 10% off. So, if you're reading this and can think of even one friend or family member that is excited about getting bundled up and having fun in the chilly air, please share this on your Facebook wall or email them the link.

As for the two frosty speed sessions, they turned out great as you can see:)

Michael & Jeanne, such a lovely couple

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting up with the sweetest couple. They've been married almost 4 years and they still have that sparkle of newness in their eyes.

They brought their three, very well behaved, furry friends. They were so photogenic...if you could get them all to look in the same direction at the same time.

Although I know this couple pretty well, I felt honored to be able to capture their little moments.

It was also my first shoot at the Finch Arboretum. What an amazing location.

I had such a hard time narrowing the photos down to the 20 that I have set as my limit. It really helps me to get the best of the best and helps keep the mood of the shoot in mind.

All on a summer's day...

It's such a gorgeous day today.

Bright shiny H.W.

You wouldn't know he's teething by looking at him.

It all worked out...One big family photo session

Yesterday I had the great pleasure to do a portrait session with a three generation family. Two families of 4 and their parents. It was such a joy. A bit crazy, and at times a bit like a circus, but it was certainly fun and definitely enjoyable.

There were little ones running everywhere, a dog named Stinky that wanted to be in every picture and there was even  a little mini 4-wheeler riding, complete with accident.

 That little guy on the right, that's Stinky. So photogenic. :)

These two are practically inseparable. Such a great bond for cousins to share.

Good 'ole Dad came to the rescue when this little one got crazy on the quad.

Mom said this was a sure way to get this tot to smile.

I did learn that when taking photos of large groups it is best to go with the flow.

H.W. Grass Walker

I assume all photographers start out photographing things and people that are close to them. I'm guilty of being like everyone else if that's the case. Maybe because I love to click the shutter or maybe because my loved ones and friends are important enough to me that I want to freeze them in time to remember the special moments always. Either way, this is my son, H.W., as he makes his way through the yard to get to his dad on the concrete, and non-prickly, patio.

While looking at these I can smell the BBQ'er and hear his grunts and squeaks as he tried to get his dad's attention. I can hear his grandmother cheering him on and see the dog sitting patiently as he makes his way across her lawn. A picture is pretty much forever. This moment is suspended in time.

My dear friend Shannon's maternity and baby shower

I had the pleasure of shooting Shannon's maternity photos over the last 2 weeks. She is very close to having her first baby. Although she is weeks out, she feels as if it will be any day. As I learned with my own pregnancy, a mother always knows.

I was also blessed to be a guest at her baby shower this weekend on a lovely sunny day. The decorations were elegantly simple and not overwhelming. The food was delicious and not weighty. Shannons mother is a superb hostess and was in motion during the whole shower. It was a lovely day for Shannon to share her joy with family and close friends. I can't wait to meet her new little bundle when he arrives.

The Beautiful Lauren

We had our good friends over on, Thursday, to enjoy our newst creation, farm burgers (beef, bacon, egg). Besides the excitement about the new culinary delight I was excited about the amazing light that was happening just outside our front door. So, I grabbed the lovely Lauren and off we went...

I couldn't have asked for a better subject to photograph in such beautiful light. What a pleasure... the burgers were good too. ;)

Jumping off...

I'm usually the person standing on the bridge watching all my friends down below splashing and enjoying themselves. I'm usually the person that spends an eternity deciding if I want to jump...weighing the odds of a tragedy. Well, not this time. I've jumped, I'm falling and I can't wait to hit the water.

My journey as a photographer begins.

My current hurdle...building a nice plump portfolio. This building process is also testing my netwroking skills. I'm sure every person on my personal Facebook page has already selected "hide all posts by Amber..."

So, at the risk of being redundant, here are a few of my recent bests...