by Amy | Jan 23, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
While in Louisiana I spent a good deal of time with one of my greatest friends in the world. In addition to a lovely husband, she has three roommates full of personality and antics. While staying over a snapped a few quick portraits of them.
Meet Sam.
He was Megan’s first dog when she lived along shortly after college. He may be tiny, but he loves his mom and will protect her from any and all threats. Be it slippered feet moving a bit too quickly, a dog on TV, or the doorbell, Sam is on guard. I think deep down he is happy to have Dallas out of the house so he can have his momma all to himself.
Meet Stella.
She was in a litter of puppies at the animal control center in Enid, OK. Megan and Dallas adopted her and rescued her from the clutches of death. Now she likes to spend her time cuddled under blankets, rolling over for belly rubs, and on long walks. Actually, she likes to be carried on long walks. In the car her favorite spot is slung around the back of Megan’s neck between the headrest and her mommy. Best of all, she loves her dad {and men in general} and cannot wait for him to come home.
Meet Mo-Kitty.
Mo was once a nursing home cat. He took long walks around the old folks home in the basket of his owner’s walker. His career as a therapy cat was cut short due to his habit of nipping at the residents on occasion. From there he moved on to his new home where he quickly packed on a few pounds and discovered his passion for bird watching from sunny windows.
I just love pets.
by Amy | Jan 2, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Faith, The Art of Gathering, The Art of Living, The Art of Projects, The Art of the Kitchen, The Art of the Moment, the house
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe we have entered another year. If your life is anything like mine…it’s felt like a whirlwind ever since Thanksgiving. Yikes. But now the festivities are behind us and it’s time to learn from the past year and step into a fresh, new season.
The year goes by so fast that I often feel like it passed in a blur. {Any one second that?} I have to remind myself that a year is a long time. A lot can happen. One life can do a lot in one year. I really believe that and I hope you do too. For me 2013 could have been a very hard, negative year…but I think we chose how we spend our time and resources and energy. We can let negative circumstances weigh us down…or allow them to give us a chance to brush up on our hurdling skills. I may have banged my shins on hurdles a few times in the past 365, but I can confidently say that I cleared them all.
And if you don’t believe a lot can get done in a year…let’s look back at the biggest moments of a year with Amy Allender. (more…)
by Amy | Dec 18, 2013 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
On a day, not so long ago I was in one of the greatest places on earth: Elkhart, IN. While I was there, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to do a few Christmas photos for my favorite {and only} Allender sibling. Newsflash. My sister is precious.
We debated staying indoors, but thought that temps in the 20’s would be warm enough to face. That was a mistake. They look beautiful, but I was behind the camera coat on, scarf tight, and hood up…shivering. Those pups, cute, right? Watch the big one’s eyes. She’s completely absorbed by the squirrel activity going on around her. The little one is in a sweater, but that didn’t stop her from being completely pathetic in the winter air. Sweet babies. Can you tell my sis likes her dogs?
by Amy | Dec 12, 2013 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
My how I’ve missed you. Let’s see…all kinds of things have gone on here since we last caught up. There was a Thanksgiving miracle–which I’ll tell you about in a couple days because I need a few extra photos. I went to Indiana for a wedding. I got trapped in a 5-alarm Chicago snow storm, which lead to a long night in the O’Hare Airport and a 24 hour commute back to Practically Canada. Whilst stuck en route my throat began feeling like it had been rubbed down with sand paper. Once I made it back home I was fully sick and the PraCan air welcomed me with a cozy -3 degrees {F}. That was nothing compared to this morning’s -18. So yes, I’m back and I’m diving into the jolliness of the holidays head first. Well, DayQuil first, but I’ll be there as soon as my nose lets me breathe again.
But I’m getting off topic. Let’s kick the Amy Allender Christmas Season with a look at my favorite shots from all of my chalkboard mini sessions. Golly that was a good investment of time and energy. It totally worked over time and I had a blast taking all these Christmas photos for so many precious families! Tonight I’m sharing my absolute favorite shot from each session. {Seriously, have you seen cuter kids??} Take a look.
{Recognize that last name? Yep, that adorable couple is my mom and dad.}
And if you thought I wasn’t using this for our Christmas card…you were sorely mistaken. Of course we posed for a few in front of the “wall.”
Have a jolly night. See you tomorrow.
Amy
PS–It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without a few melt downs from these cute kids. I had one cry when her daddy did a Santa impression. Another took a tumble off one of the props. Another was throwing poinsettias. Of all those moments the only one I caught on camera was this melt-down-moment. Classic.
by Amy | Nov 25, 2013 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
If you are a fan of the Facebook page, you may have seen a small post about a super secret mini session I did a week ago. Well…the secret is out! And now you get to see the big reveal.
Some dear friends are expecting baby #2. You may recognize baby #1 from her pumpkin patch session, family photos, cake smash…She’s so stinkin’ cute, I can only imagine what the next one will be like!
So darn cute. This session alone proves that my giant chalkboard was so worth the effort. And if you like this, just wait until you see the Christmas sessions I shot this weekend! Adorbes.
Amy
by Amy | Nov 15, 2013 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Projects, The Art of the Moment
Thanks for the input on the upcoming Christmas sessions. I took your advice and made a giant chalkboard. Take a look.
My floor is a chalky mess, but it was worth it, because this is precious. Here’s the finished product. Email me, call me, text me, facebook me if you want a session. All sessions come with high resolution digital images and a print release…and hot cocoa.
Amy
by Amy | Nov 12, 2013 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Being chosen for the job of wedding photographer is always an honor. It means that someone is trusting me with a once in a lifetime event. It’s a tall order…but always a blessing. The blessing is just that much sweeter when the bride is a dear friend. That was the case a few weeks ago when I had the great privilege of capturing Kate and Jacob’s wedding day. Their love is pure, they have a full understanding of what it means to take on the roles of husband and wife, and {most importantly} their relationship stands on the rock that is our savior Jesus Christ.
Oh, and you may remember them from our engagement session over the summer. They were the couple that battled fierce North Dakota mosquitoes between shots. Yeah, that was them.
Anyway, without further ado, feast your eyes on this blissfully sweet day.
For years Kate has kept a journal of prayers and notes written for and to her future husband. Before getting dressed she passed the notebook to Jacob. The man that God answered those prayers with. (more…)
by Amy | Nov 9, 2013 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Believe it or not…it’s time to start thinking Christmas. If you are like me your Christmas card might just barely make it out before the holiday. Or it might not even get stamped until after the New Year. Well…this year I’m trying to bite that problem in the bud by starting preparation early. And that means fun Christmas Photo set ups!
Okay…this is especially good news for those of you in the Minot {Practically Canada} area. Because you’ll benefit from this. I’ll be offering Christmas mini sessions in the coming days. But I need your help. I’ve got three themes in mind and I need all of you to tell me which one you prefer. Even if you don’t live in PraCan…gimme your input anyway. Here are my inspiration boards.
Option #1: Merry & Bright
This theme is inspired by hip window displays from shops like Anthropologie and Selfridges, bright colors, and minimalist-modern props.
The photos in the upper right are from Beth Strong Photography. I love her set up!
Store window: Anthropologie
Option #2: A Chalkboard Christmas
Pretty self explanitory. This theme is all about the chalkboard. I’ll create a full chalkboard backdrop and create a typographic/artisan vibe with my very own hand lettering. Bonus: I’ll be able to add your family name to the background.
Don’t you love that chalkboard portrait? Go check out Amy Lee Sullivan…that’s where I found it!
Chalkboard in upper…via Chalkboard House
Option #3: The Great Outdoors
Beautiful, yes. Cold, definitely. This theme is inspired by soft colors and rustic, outdoor Christmas scenes. We’ll use cozy props like blankets and mugs and set up in the rural back roads of Minot.
I fell in love with the photos of that couple and the Christmas Tree. Go over to view the whole session at Stephanie Hunter Photography.
Oh, and that other couple is me and Der-Bear. That’s our Christmas card photo from last year.
So. Leave a comment. What do you prefer? Cast your vote. This year your Christmas card will be epic.
