AMY FREE photography

"Any given moment can change your life, you just have to be there."
- Leigh Standley

I have really been captivated by this quote and ALL the designs from Curly Girl, so much so that I'm pretty sure I need to dedicate a wall in my house to some of the matted prints. There is just something about these sentiments that make my throat tighten with emotion that is genuine and true. So, I felt like this particular quote was perfect for Caitlin as she embarks on the new adventure of college... leaving high school and all its familiarity behind in just a few short months. Life is happening in a BIG way and I'm just excited for this gorgeous girl to take advantage of all the moments that are sure to change her life!

At the end of our session we wanted to capture some high energy shot of Caitlin in her cheerleading uniform, and I fell in love with this particular one because it just captures her so well... her love and dedication to this sport is 100% evident.

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meredith huntley says:

seriously i'm so envious of your fabulous talent. this is one gorgeous girl. killer eyes! keep it up! :)

(02.19.10 @ 06:56 AM)

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Learning , Personal :: 02.11.10

wallflower friends.

Another huge source of creative inspiration for me has been photographer Deb Schwedhelm. Her work is ethereal, captivating, and simple beautiful... but on top of all that her writing also strikes a chord with me because it is so honest. Part of my journey as a photographer has been real desire to nail down how I want to define and shape my style. As I've said before, I believe that a huge part of developing your style is being able to recognize who you are as an individual and really tapping into what you can uniquely bring to the table with your gifts and talents - not simply fixating on what someone else does and attempting to emulate that (more amazing words on this here). All that being said, months ago when Deb announced that she was going to be doing her first ever workshop with friend and fellow photog Leah Zawadski - I jumped in with both feet. Especially when I saw this as the description for the retreat:

informative and inspiring.
 open and honest. 
creative and exciting. 
a place where photographers and friends can gather together... 
to share, learn and grow.

a wallflower friend... 
a person who see's the world for what it really is, all the beauty and the ugly... 
someone who knows life is only for the one who is not afraid  and
that joy is only for him who does not fear to be alone.  
you will never, not even if you try, forget a wallflower friend. 
{adapted from urban dictionary}

So in preparation for the Wallflower Friends retreat, I've been combing through all my archives and finding/choosing photos that I love because I just love them... not because it is what a client would want or because everyone is looking and smiling... just because they resonate with ME.

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emily says:

hey there-finally checking all of the wallflower friends blogs! love your work so much!
can you believe it..only one more month until we leave?!
so funny b/c i just posted the description of the workshop on my blog.
e.x.c.i.t.e.d!!!!!
cannot wait to meet you!
emily

(02.13.10 @ 10:31 AM)

sharon clark says:

i spy my favorite little girl! i can't wait to see how your heart and passion explode after this workshop! xoxxo

(02.13.10 @ 08:45 PM)

Sarah Foster says:

Love these pics because they do feel like my sweet amy girl :) Do excited for you to go to the conference! I love your beautiful heart!

(02.16.10 @ 09:59 PM)

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Learning , Personal :: 02.08.10

crazy awesome inspiration: nick onken

One of my MOST favorite photographers, Nick Onken, has just made some crazy awesome updates to his blog and portfolio site. From the moment I came across Nick's work a long time back, he captivated me with his sheer creative genius and willingness to share the knowledge he has gained along the way. Seriously, if you are looking for inspiration just read back through his blog archives and stroll through his portfolio images. They blow my mind.

He is also releasing his new book March 16th, which I'll surely be investing in. Check out details on that here.

Nick's images are just chock full of motion and emotion. I just want to camp out in his images sometimes...

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Bobbie Brown says:

Cool! I'll have to check him out... Thanks for sharing!

(02.08.10 @ 09:55 PM)

Mallory says:

Nick Onken is one of my VERY favorites too! There is so much edge and energy in his work. They make you feel like your actually there, in the moment. This is a girl that never really idolized anyone growing up; that was just before I found Nick Onken :)

(03.04.10 @ 04:24 PM)

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Personal :: 02.07.10

city view magazine

I must confess that it's really fun to see my photos in print and working with City View magazine, here in Fayetteville, has made that come to life in their past 3 issues. I have felt really blessed to shoot editorially because it has given me a different kind of opportunity to be creative, but it has also allowed me to meet local artists and business owners that have been truly fascinating. It's also allowed me to shoot some really beautiful homes and hear the stroy behind what makes them so beautiful. Photography has been an avenue for me to connect with people that I would never have connected with otherwise, and overall I believe that is what I cherish most about it.

This cover is particularly near to my heart because I shot it right in our living room, with props from around our house! So, if you live in Fayetteville, please check out the newest issue of the magazine for lots of photo goodies in there, as well as my first ever print ad!

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Ellen says:

SO cool Amy! And I love your lamp! :)

(02.08.10 @ 11:14 AM)

Candice {The Beautiful Mess} says:

Congrats! Lovely picture too!

(02.08.10 @ 11:18 AM)

Grace says:

So exciting. All good books too!

(02.08.10 @ 02:27 PM)

Grace says:

So exciting. All good books too!

(02.08.10 @ 02:27 PM)

Cheyenne Schultz says:

so awesome, amy! congrats!!!

(02.08.10 @ 09:02 PM)

Kjelse Curtis says:

HOLY BUCKETS!!!! A print add!!!! BIG STUFF there miss amy! BTW whose dog is that and why is it NOT Bristol???

(02.15.10 @ 05:50 PM)

Kjelse Curtis says:

HOLY BUCKETS!!!! A print add!!!! BIG STUFF there miss amy! BTW whose dog is that and why is it NOT Bristol???

(02.15.10 @ 05:50 PM)

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:: 02.04.10

the monroe boys... continued.

I'm inspired by photographer Stephanie Beaty, who shared these words and I share her hope...

My hope:

Is that my sessions are filled with lucky shots that are no accident;
That I am not merely an observer, but a narrator;
and a craftsman that is masterful at fostering conditions that allow for real moments to unfold.

I aspire for my photographs help to tell the stories. Theirs. Mine. Yours too...

My time with these precious twin boys felt real and natural. I love these images because I feel like they tell the story of their sweet nature... in every day life, at home. Love it. I want more of my sessions to be like this...

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Settle Monroe says:

UNBELIEVABLE. How do you do it? You truly capture them. Thank you!!

(02.04.10 @ 10:05 PM)

Sarah Foster says:

L-O-V-E...these boys and these pictures. Fabulous!

(02.05.10 @ 03:29 PM)

Sarah Foster says:

L-O-V-E...these boys and these pictures. Fabulous!

(02.05.10 @ 03:30 PM)

Sarah Foster says:

L-O-V-E...these boys and these pictures. Fabulous!

(02.05.10 @ 03:39 PM)

Emily Barefoot says:

Love it!!! you are a true talent Amy! and Settle!!!!- what beautiful little men you have there!!!

(02.06.10 @ 01:14 AM)

Justyna says:

Oh wow, these are great. Love your work :)

(02.07.10 @ 10:24 PM)

stephanie beaty says:

so happy to see you found some tidbits to savor in my writings... lovely captures here. keep up the beautiful work. xoxo, s.

(02.16.10 @ 07:22 PM)

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