Hello and welcome. I'm a lifestyle/editorial photographer now based in Fayetteville, NC, and working regularly with clients in both Charlotte and Raleigh. My goal is to capture the beauty of life as you know it. My passion is to create images that celebrate life and emotion with a fresh and modern style. I'm happy to share my journey with you here on my site.

Available for travel assignments and adventure, always.
Kids and family , Learning :: 03.29.10
Pronounced "eye-la"....This beautiful baby girl is just one of the many, many highlights of my stop in Nashville, TN.

My time with lovely little Ila made me go back to a quote I scribbled down in my journal and that I've made a "theme" of sorts for this trip:

"We step on more than we look at. We do not see as a child. A child, who hasn't been told what is pretty and what isn't, just looks at everything and its a new experience. And because it's a new experience, the child sees differently. It behooves one to try not to lose vision, objectivity and interest in seeing things anew.
We tend to get bored with what we've seen before. We don't see with a fresh eye and me miss so much that is right in front of us. It's a challenge to keep your eye and your mind responsive - in a child-like way. We become so sophisticated that we become dull in our own thinking. "  - BIll Bulter


ila.jpg

(5) comments add a comment send to a friend
Rebecca says:

OH! I did YL with Ila's mom in college. I LOVE small worlds. And how CUTE is SHE?

(03.29.10 @ 07:30 PM)
Regina Gouge says:

Amy-noon-free - you are amazing! What beautiful pictures - ila must love you very much to look
that pretty for your camera:-) Thanks for taking these and thanks for posting them. I can't wait
to keep up with you as you travel. Drive safely and have fun.
Love you lots, Regina

(03.29.10 @ 08:17 PM)
emily says:

look at those eyes! gorgeous images!
xx

(03.30.10 @ 07:46 AM)
Paige says:

she is simply precious!!!

(03.30.10 @ 03:00 PM)
Lisa Rohrer says:

Thanks again Amy for grabbing a few shots after lunch! It was so good to spend time with you. Love to you and safe travels!

(03.30.10 @ 06:43 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: ila. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amyfree.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/203
Amazing. Yesterday evening I went from the dry, craggy, and magical desert in 29 Palms to the lush wafting smell of jasmine in Pasadena. I have thoughts and photos to share, but just HAD to share these images of a very special little baby first.

Dear Davis:
I remember the day that I found out that you existed in your mom's belly. My heart went straight to my throat because I looked at your mom and dad, and knew that you were going to be one incredibly adored, cherished and celebrated little babe. I'll never forget the giddy excitement that glowed in their eyes. You see, little Davis, your mom made an impression on me from the first day we met. She is this dynamo package of beauty, character, humor and sass.  I got to sit, work and live life at a desk facing hers for a long time. Those days of constant banter as we shared the ups and downs of work, we also wove an incredibly strong friendship. Your mom has provided me with countless amounts of thoughtful and wise counsel on everything from simple bits of etiquette to guidance on following the passions of my heart with photography. And on top of all that, Davis, your mom and dad together just have an incredible zest for living life together and enjoying one another. Their love is rich, deep, true and pure. I have no doubt that they will show you how to enjoy all the simple joys of life.... like love, family, good food, and having adventures no matter where you might be. The best part is that this is just the beginning of your tiny life, and there is just so much joy around you. Someday when you grow up, I hope that you will look back at these moments that we captured and be filled with the assurance that you were deeply and completely loved from the moment your mom and dad laid eyes on you.

xoxo
Amy



(6) comments add a comment send to a friend
Julie says:

with every set of pics I think "best ones yet" but these really made me want to have a baby. so that's powerful stuff. i love your letter and the cute pics. beautiful family!

(03.15.10 @ 11:01 AM)
Stan says:

Thank you Amy for the great pics & kind words! Enjoy your time in CA!

(03.15.10 @ 11:13 AM)
Kristen says:

I'll be able to truly look at these pics you've put together for us as soon as I get the tears to stop clouding my vision!! Weeping like a baby. Wow-You are the dearest friend and I thank you for the amazing letter and these incredible images of my little boy and our family. Thank you so much Ame. xxoo

(03.15.10 @ 12:30 PM)
claire says:

Ames - I don't know David or his parents, but I can tell you that I love these pics and your words are so beautiful. Love.

(03.16.10 @ 10:03 AM)
Connie says:

Amy, Your words are so beautiful. I should have known that photography was not your only talent! These photos are heartbreakingly beautiful! It is true that Davis is a loved and cherished little boy. We are all so thrilled to see Stanford and Kristen beginning this new chapter in their lives. It is a rare event, it seems, to find a couple in love that will stay together and raise a family together as God intended. Our best to all of them and to you. I look forward to the next set of pictures. I know there will be many.

(03.22.10 @ 12:33 PM)
Leezah says:

Amy, these are amazing! Of a truly amazing family!! The pictures and your letter brought me to tears. What a lovely friend you are...He is also the cutest baby ever (which helps to take good pics). XO LP

(04.12.10 @ 10:37 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: welcome little man davis. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amyfree.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/195
"She affected all others around her. Quietly touching one heart, who in turn touched another. Reaching out to ends further than she would ever know." - Kobi Yamada

Katherine is a special lady.... a dear friend.... and words just can't seem to wrap themselves around how excited I am for her to become a mom. Literally, I'm sitting here at my computer wondering what are the right words to express the journey our our friendship and all the days we have laughed, cried, lived, worked, and dreamed together. She walked into my life shortly after I moved to Charlotte and has been a steady source of encouragement through a break up, a new job, a new relationship, an engagement, a wedding, a new career, and countless little details and dramas that took place in between. I guess what I'm trying to say is that THIS is a remarkable woman, and the thought of seeing her take on this new role of motherhood simply fills me with joy because I know that she will be amazing. And this little baby girl, well if she is anything like her mama, she is going to be quite a remarkable little lady as well.

** Rick, I can't wait to see you as a proud papa too! I didn't want you to feel left out :)

brooks.jpg

(0) comments add a comment send to a friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: baby brooks on the way. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amyfree.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/192
Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep.
-- Elbert Hubbard


I've gotten quite a bit of experience watching parents of small kids and the thing that I consistently observe is how selflessly they love their children. I'm sure that in those weeks and months it seems like it will never end... the feeding, diaper changing, playing, holding, rocking, comforting, bathing and dressing. But it's really not very long before those kiddos grow up, become independent and want to do it all on their own. So, part of what I strive to capture is the sweetness of these early years that you never get back as parents.

So, let these images be a celebration for all the selfless love that the Vogen's have given to their beautiful kiddos (and I MEAN beautiful) - and for all the simple, lovely moments that deserve to be captured and remembered for many many years to come!

vogen_1.jpg
Okay, okay just a few more of the family because they are so irresistible...
vogen_2.jpg 

(1) comments add a comment send to a friend
Emily Barefoot says:

man! great looking family and kudos to their color coordination!!!

(03.09.10 @ 03:42 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: anya + alder . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amyfree.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/191
It's been a full and incredibly blessed weekend for me here in Charlotte- with 2 more really special shoots to go today! All the festivities started on Friday afternoon when I got to meet baby Sam and see how MUCH his big brother, Evan, has grown up since I saw him last. Ginny and Andy are such a joy to watch as parents because it seems as if they were made for it... and that makes my heart happy. I hope that as I continue to document their lives I will help to tell the story of the little men that their boys will become. Evan is already leading the force with bounds of energy and excitement for life, and it seems like Sam (although he is only 8 weeks) might be more laid back... but ah, time will tell. And yes, I'll be there with my camera, ready to capture this amazing family as long as they keep welcoming me into their home!

Around the house:
schmidt_1.jpg
Having a little adventure outside:
schmidt_2.jpg

(5) comments add a comment send to a friend
meredith huntley says:

WOW! these are so amazing i really have no words :)

(03.08.10 @ 09:53 AM)
Maddy K. says:

I love these shots! I love the angles, the lighting and the poses! :) good job!

(03.08.10 @ 05:32 PM)
Mallory says:

Gorgeous family! Evans eyes are heartwrenching beautiful. Love these!

(03.09.10 @ 10:34 AM)
Connie Owenby says:

What a precious family!!!! The children are positively gorgeous!!!!! And Mommy and Daddy are adorable! Amy, you have done an awesome job! WOW!!!!

(03.09.10 @ 01:17 PM)
Connie Owenby says:

What a precious family!!!! The children are positively gorgeous!!!!! And Mommy and Daddy are adorable! Amy, you have done an awesome job! WOW!!!!

(03.09.10 @ 01:17 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: evan + sam . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amyfree.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/190