by Amy | Aug 22, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s no secret that senior portraits are my absolute fave. And when it comes to shooting seniors, I try not to pick favorites. As the summer progresses I meet one awesome kiddo after another and every session seems to be better than the last. But this year, I’m in limbo–living in a hotel room on the Surface of the Sun. Away from my beloved Practically Canada and all the teens there that are so very, very dear to me. All in all, this summer has felt odd, with the lack of families to photograph and seniors and their moms to tell lame jokes to in an effort for a “real” smile. But alas, in a far away place called God’s Country {northern Indiana} I traveled and photographed my one and only senior session of the season. My very favorite. Of all time. Ever. {At least for the next couple years.}
My precious cousin, Erik.
Does he approve of the word precious? I don’t know and I don’t care. He’s precious to me and has been since the day I first met him in the hospital when I was 12 years old. He was precious when he would giggle as I cradled him like a baby when he was six, and too old for that. And he is still precious to me now. But mixed in with the precious–perhaps even over shadowing it–is handsome, smart, and adult. When I look at him now, I see the little one I knew and the man he is–it’s a funny thing. Sometimes, in photographs I think he looks just like our grandfather. Sometimes when he laughs he looks just like he did when he was little and I didn’t live many states away. Sometimes I think he looks so grown up that I must officially be old. Most times, I hate that I live so far away. Which is precisely why this session is just so darn special.
I’m terribly pleased and proud to be related to this one. He drums. He’s smart. He built a computer {whhhatt??}. He’s kind.
Okay. No more gushing. I promise. My aunt is probably crying by now–and I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t tear up at the beginning of the editing process. Let’s look at these photos. The art of this moment.
Besides the fact that this session revolved around a family member, this session was super fun and special because I got to shoot it in some nostalgic places. Football is a pretty big deal in the little place called Jimtown and Erik is the Center Snare in our high school’s drum line–which I guess is a pretty big deal {we never had a marching band when I was in school}…so we took the drum out to the field. It’s a place saturated with music and cheers, a place that is iconic to every Jimtown Jimmie–and I’m so relieved we had the place to ourselves.
I know most of you aren’t familiar with Jimtown…but those of you who are will recognize this place: The old gym. It stands in the center of our little township. Abandon, unused, across from the pizza place, full of asbestos. A place that looks a little haunted and mysterious. A place that looks downright awesome in photos.
You know that thing that drummers do…where they are constantly drumming on any surface they can find. Yeah, Erik does that. But it totally works. Because photos always look best when the person being photographed is caught in the act of being completely normal. Right?
Well that’s it. Kind of. I’ll be honest and tell you that I went totally overboard on this. Family…I loved every minute of this session…and you are about to receive a giant flash drive. Oops! I just couldn’t narrow it down.
Happy Monday,
Amy
by Amy | Aug 8, 2016 | Blog, The Art of Design, The Art of Projects, the house
Today I’m going to tell you a tragic story. But don’t be scared. It ends well. Really well, actually. But it’s still pretty tragic.
Here goes.
It’s the wee hours of Easter morning. The sound of water wakes you up. Weird. You get out of bed to find that your bathroom is filling with water. Downstairs on the main level, water is raining through the fire alarm hookup in the ceiling. It’s everywhere and starting to seep through the drywall. Obviously, you shut the water off–but things are already out of hand. The ceiling bows and eventually caves. Water is standing all over your new floor and the furniture. Slowly it drains through the floor vents in to the basement where it proceeds to ruin your freshly hung drywall and soak loads of things you had in storage. The damage reaches from the culprit bathroom upstairs, through the hall and carpet on the stairs…through the living room, part of the kitchen and most of the basement.
It’s crazy, but it’s true. It happened to Katie and Sam. But as I said, it ends happily and the journey from flood to finished is a great testament to the body of Christ. But first, meet Sam and Katie.
This is Sam and Katie. They are super fun and awesome. Pretty much as soon as I met these two during the incredible summer of 2013 I knew that I loved them and wanted to be friends. Maybe it was the way they eagerly consumed the bread sticks I’d made for dinner and had no qualms about carbs. Maybe it was that they are quirky in a way that I totally dig. Or their vast Biblical knowledge and passion for serving youth–hey me too! Regardless of what initially told me deep inside that we’d be friends…I was right. We did become friends. And I’m so glad. I’m so glad for these two and the hours we’ve spent serving together, playing games, carving pumpkin carving, and making gingerbread houses. I always say…”It’s fun to have fun, but you’ve gotta know how.” And these two definitely know how. {As you can see from the images above.}
Okay…here’s a more professional image. And a couple more facts. Sam is our church‘s youth pastor. Katie has a day job that I don’t understand…and also owns a WAY COOL singing telegram business. {Told you they are awesome.}
And just to prove that we really are friends…here’s some photographic evidence. This is Katie and me–in the dorkiest helmets we could find–going horseback riding; and Derek with them at the annual pumpkin carve.
Just weeks before the big indoor flood {the root cause was traced back to an issue with the toilet–but I don’t have all the details, since I was home asleep at the time of the crime} Katie and Sam took me out for Applebee’s half-price-apps to discuss hiring me to finish up a few projects and do some decorating at their home.
Since they’d moved in {about a year ago now} they’d done some home improvement, but were looking for a savvy DIY-er with time on her hands to finish the job. They’d painted and installed some cute paneling and put in new flooring. They asked if I’d finish up the odds and ends of previous projects and spend some time pretty-ing and homey-ing it up for them.
At the time Derek was gone, already living on the Surface of the Sun {NM} and I was still in Practically Canada waiting for our house sale to close. I was fresh out of projects, no longer working, and going a little stir crazy. It was a match made in heaven.
After the flood, I was still up to help…but the project was now on a much larger scale. {Which was so fun for me–but a huge bummer for them.} Here’s a few photos from the house.
The photos above are from the living room on the main level of the home and a couple of the basement {because I was confused when I made the collage.} The bathroom that caused the flood is directly above the half bath on this floor. As you can see, the drywall had to be torn out from the ceiling and some walls.
The walls that were only cut away half way up the floor are in the basement. The yellow walls are in the living room {looking toward the front of the house and away from the half bath.}
The house was cleaned up and sanitized by Servpro. And as the Lord would have it, a friend and fellow youth group volunteer works there. The drywall was installed by our church’s tech director, Brandon {who does drywall professionally–and about a million other things on the side. Seriously, he’s amazingly talented in everything from sound boards to woodworking and plumbing.}
See? I told you. The family of Christ working together.
When I arrived on the scene the drywall was up and our fist order of business was getting the upstairs bathroom back to working order so Katie and Sam could start living at home again. Second order of business? Picking paint colors {see the swatches?}
But we’ll get to all that later. For now I think that’s enough. I’m so very sorry that this happened, but I’m so very grateful that I had something so in depth to fill my final months in Minot…not to mention that I saw Sam and Katie just about every day, since I was at their house every day.
I learned a few new skills {you know I love that} and I sharpened a few others. And {my favorite} I had the honor of turning a house into something better than a building. It’s cliche to say that I love turning houses in to homes. But it’s true. There is nothing I love more than creating a space where people can feel totally comfortable and secure. A place they love spending time and love coming back to. A place that they like taking photos in and are proud to invite others in to. A place that is lived in and tells a story about the people who reside there. I love it. And I’m so happy to have been able to work a little magic {okay, a lot of magic} for people who are so very dear to me.
Spoiler. You won’t believe how amazing it turned out. I won’t show you the whole thing…but here is one more photo–to prove that this really, really does end happily, beautifully, and cozily. {This is in the living room!! Who is wanting to steal that couch?!}
by Amy | Feb 24, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Killian and his proud parents. Last week, they were kind enough to invite me in to their home to capture his first portraits. He loves dragons, his new kitty-brother Flynn, and super soft blankets made by his Nanna. He’s got gorgeous deep blue eyes and just a hint of ginger coloring–and it’s safe to say he’s stolen the hearts of both his parents {and most definitely his adoring Nanna, who could look at his sweet face all day.}
I had a wonderful time getting to know this sweet family. Welcoming a new baby home is such a special blessing–as usual…I’m blown away and honored that they trusted me to capture these precious {and adorable} moments with their son.
I don’t typically show off an entire collage of black and white images…but I couldn’t resist. I love this series in monotone–it’s got a sweet stillness about it.
Okay, seriously–how peaceful does this baby look?! After being so wide awake at the start of our session I was thrilled {and a little shocked} when he finally dozed off. I love the way he looks sleeping in these images and the contrast between the highly textured blanket and hats and his brand new, smooth skin. These are some of the coziest images I’ve taken this year.
I can’t resist throwing one more image in to the mix. Killian has a super cool Pokemon onsie and his dad just happened to be sporting a very similar T-shirt. To his Nana’s dismay we snapped a few of him in the outfit that caused her to say,
“What is that poor baby wearing??!!” With an incredulous tone in her voice when she walked in on these images being taken. And while it might not be her favorite…I think it’s pretty darn cute {but really, what isn’t cute on this little guy?} and, after all I really do like photos with personality. So I’ll leave you with this:
xo
Amy
by Amy | Feb 8, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Everyone…I’d like you to meet Katie, Tim and Max. Max is the little one, with the brown fur and the gorgeous blue eyes. I’ll be honest…when Katie told me she’d be bringing her dog to the engagement session, I expected someone a little more mature. But this was definitely a pleasant surprise! I love, love, love puppies! {Who doesn’t??} And I’ll be totally transparent, Max kind of stole the show. {How could he not?}
Now I’m getting off topic. Katie and Tim are engaged and they’ll be starting their together-forever as husband and wife in October, and I am so flattered and honored that they chose me to photograph their engagement. We had a picture perfect winter day and I could hardly take my eyes off of Katie’s fabulous hair. {So. Pretty.} These two are full of personality and silly moments. I love couples who laugh together. I got so many good shots of candid, fun moments with these two I couldn’t really narrow things down–which is why it’s taken a little longer than I would have liked to get their preview up online. But alas, here is it, gorgeous photos from a lovely day, with an even lovelier couple. Take a look.
Oh, and did I mention that there was a near miss with a little snow fight?
Katie is a barista at Starbucks, so one shot she knew she wanted included Mr. and Mrs. coffee cups. Such a cute idea that showed off her personal style. And speaking of style—take note here. I get asked all the time, “What should I wear to my session?” Well, Katie nailed it. I want the outfit she is wearing. She’s got classic pieces that aren’t going to look dated years down the line. Then she added some “now” touches, like the cuffed jeans, wedge ankle boots and a chunky necklace–that keep things looking modern. And the texture in the sweater and flannel gives great dimension to the images. Love it!
Again, I’m simply honored that this couple trusted me to capture these moments. Congratulations on your engagement–savor this sweet season. I hope you enjoy this preview–your flash drive is going in the mail today!
Amy
by Amy | Feb 1, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Stella. Isn’t she just about the cutest thing?? When I arrived at her house she was sound asleep in her mama’s arms. Warm, snuggly, peaceful. So we laid out the soft, cozy blanket and the soft, comfy pillow. Stella laid down, sound asleep. Then I pulled the plug. I pulled the lime green, pacifying plug.
It was incredible. Like flipping a switch, as soon as the pacifier was out the wiggling began. Still seemingly asleep, but now squirming around. Tossing and turning and throwing arms in every direction. Not one to risk letting a sleeping newborn wake up, I put the plug back in. Immediately–sleeping again.
This happened several more times. Plug out. Wiggle, cry a bit. Plug in. Sound asleep. Plug out. Arms flying, crying. Plug in. Peaceful, sound asleep. Eventually through a slow, methodical technique of removing the plug over the course of several minutes–she stayed asleep. And the camera could see her whole, gorgeous face–without the lime green pacifier blocking it. Comical, precious, and totally worth the patience.
Toward the end of her session she finally did wake up. For real wake up. Look at these bright eyes. She was squirmy and happy and I loved capturing every moment of her personality.
I’m so honored to have been invited in to Stella’s home to get these first ever portraits of her. Congratulations on the new arrival of this precious blessing!
Amy
by Amy | Jan 28, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Many moons ago Heather bought a mini session I donated to a silent auction. Her gorgeous {and very fun} family opted to wait and use their session once we had snow…which turned out to be a pretty tall order. Even at Christmas card time we didn’t have snow and I was waltzing around in a sweater with no jacket. When the snow finally came, it brought icy temperatures and wind chill advisories. And although winter family photos look awesome {see above} and sound so fun and snowy…no one likes to suffer through with red eyes and noses and kids crying frozen tears because they are miserable and cold.
So we waited and rescheduled and rescheduled again. Then–just as we were about to throw in the towel and wait until March–Minot gave us a gorgeous, only slightly windy, 30˚ day. Such a payout. I’m loving these so much. The jackets, the boots, the snow….! I’m so glad we finally got it. And I sincerely hope this gang loves these images as much as I do {is that a canvas print I hear calling???}
This session was #2 of three outdoor snowy sessions I’m hoping to knock out this week. {The first was Emily and Author}. As soon as I hit publish on this little post, I’ll be headed out the door to set up for another engagement session. And this time instead of dreading the icy weather I’m actually a little concerned that it’s gotten too warm! {Is there such a thing in Practically Canada in January?} Most of the snow has melted away and I’m concerned the bride and groom to-be might get mucky. But we’ll just have to wait and see. If nothing else, I’m sure I’ll have a good story to tell…Look for a preview image up on the Facebook page tomorrow.
Amy
by Amy | Jan 27, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
I remember it clearly. This adorable, red-headed teenager asked if we could get together and talk. So we did. We met at Pita Pit and over sandwiches–excuse me, pitas–I got to know Emily. We talked about prom and how I couldn’t get a date to save my life in high school and how maybe I should read the signs a little better when three guys turned me down for prom. But I went anyway, and survived, and eventually all the weirdness that high school can bring gradually faded and I was left with a little more clarity and pockets of crazy stories to tell.
She mentioned Snap Chat and I played it really cool–like I totally knew what that was. In reality, after the pitas were gone and the iced tea consumed I immediately went to my car and Googled “snap chat” from the parking lot.
As time went on, the drama of high school and prom subsided–as it always does–but we kept meeting. Mostly for coffee, mostly early in the morning before her classes at the university started. And while I’m not a morning person, chatting with Emily and researching Scripture with her was a morning worth starting early. It was one of these days that I first heard about a boy named Author. “Aurthur?” “No…Author. Like an author.”
I called him Aurthur in our conversations for months–but I’m finally getting the hang of it. Just in time too…because this boy I heard of once upon an Americano-one-pump-of-vanilla-room-for-cream—is sticking around indefinitely. These two are engaged and I couldn’t be more excited. I love that their relationship is rooted in Christ. I love that Author spoke with our pastor and Emily’s dad before proposing. I love that they are in love with each other, but even more in love with the Lord. It’s a beautiful thing.
As with most winter photo sessions, these winter engagement photos were scheduled and rescheduled several times before we got it right, but in the end we had a gorgeous day. And I’m in love with the results. Congratulations guys!! And thank you for choosing me to capture your engagement. What an honor!
xo
Amy
by Amy | Dec 19, 2015 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s here. I know this has maybe taken too long to post up. But I’m not too apologetic. I think everyone can understand that things run a little slower in December. Among the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, business as usual, and taking time to prioritize reflecting on Jesus’ birth….it’s no wonder that I’m just now getting around to putting these precious photos online.
That…and…I don’t like to spoil the surprise of anyone’s Christmas photos. This way {hopefully} everyone has had a chance to post and share and print cards to their heart’s content. And now–I just can’t take another second of delay. This is perhaps my favorite crop of Christmas photos. I’m so happy that so many lovely Practically Canadian friends trusted me with their photos {especially after a very vague announcement about the set}. Like the trust fall in Mean Girls…I totally caught you and didn’t let you smack your head on the gym floor.
Oh–and one more thing. This year the proceeds from Christmas photos was donated to local causes. Because of the gorgeous, smiling faces in these photographs a lot of beautiful things were possible in Practically Canada. A donation was made to the Ward County Historical Society {because they were kind enough to let us use the fire truck}; the YWCA received a new crib mattress {they’d given one of theirs away to a single dad in need}; 11 pairs of winter boots, 10 pairs of insulated in soles, a jumbo pack of paper plates and laundry detergent worth about 300 loads was given to the Minot Men’s Winter Refuge; and gifts were bought for a family in need of some extra holiday cheer.
But I don’t want you giving me even an ounce of credit for even half a second. I’m sharing this list of goodies with you because it was your dollars and business that made it possible. Wealth of all kinds, every dollar I have in my wallet and bank account comes from the Lord–the creator of wealth. I’ve simply spent some time asking Him what to do with the money–and He opened my eyes to some local needs. God gets the glory for this….I give because He has taught me to give. My hands are open towards others’ needs because His hands are always incredibly open to my needs. I hope this testimony glorifies God and encourages you to ask Him how He may be more magnified through your own, unique walk.
Okay. No more delays. Now the photos.
Okay. I’ve gotta say just one thing. I was shocked that more people used the fire truck than this adorable Studebaker. Isn’t it just the cutest thing? Who is your favorite? I know loads of people are having dress envy over Kate’s adorable ModCloth ensemble. It’s so perfect. I’m a huge fan of Carson and Olivia, personally. {Fourth down on the left column.} They dazzled me with their cuteness last year when they came in PJ’s with milk and cookies. This year the whole family was there and they looked so sharp! I love Carson’s tiny vest and tie!!
I was very excited that Mr. Caswell–the legend himself–stopped by for a photo. He is the owner of this adorable car and was kind enough to let me borrow it {and drive it!!!!} for the weekend. He’s an avid local collector who showed me stalls filled with cars of all kinds and let me have the pick of the litter.
But I’ll be totally honest. I can’t pick a favorite. That’s why these collages are so huge! Okay. On to the fire truck. Everyone loved using this cool truck and I don’t blame them. It’s rustic and colorful and looks undoubtedly Christmasy with an evergreen stacked on the back.
Let’s take just a second to recognize all the super cute outdoor wear that came to the fire truck sessions. Hats galore! I’m especially partial to the little reindeer hat worn by the littlest member of the Forehand clan. {Insert excited squeaking here.}
Next I’d like to thank all the precious pups that joined their families on photo day. Everyone behaved so well, and most {except Mr. Taco in the right column} even looked at the camera.
I love these warm and wacky images–from the wreath around Eddie’s neck to the tight squeezes and piles of empty presents. This crop brings a smile to my face and a pitter patter to my heart. We have fun, don’t we?
I hope you are having a happy Christmas season–and that these brought a little smile to your face. I never stop being awed by how unique and beautiful every person and every family is. Thanks to everyone who chose me and trusted me with your Christmas portrait. I’m honored and flattered and hope your Christmas card list is floored by your gorgeous photos!
xo
Amy
