AMY FREE photography

AMY FREE photography http://www.amyfree.com/ lifestyle photography that celebrates the beauty of life as you know it. en Copyright 2010 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:53:08 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification kendra barker: senior session It's a living book, this life;
it folds out in a million settings,
cast with a billion beautiful characters...

And so my hope is that your story will have involved
some leaving and some coming home,
some summer and some winter,
some roses blooming out like children in a play.
My hope is your story will be about changing,
about getting something beautiful born inside of you,
about learning to love
about moving yourself around water, around mountains,
around friends,
about learning to love others more than we love ourselves.
We get one story, you and I, and one story alone.
It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?"
- Donald Miller

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/kendra-barker-senior-session.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/kendra-barker-senior-session.html Lifestyle portraiture Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:53:08 -0500 baby brooks on the way. "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 :)

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/baby-brooks-on-the-way.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/baby-brooks-on-the-way.html Kids and family Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:20:59 -0500 anya + alder 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!

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

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/anya-alder.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/anya-alder.html Kids and family Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:06:31 -0500 evan + sam
Around the house:

Having a little adventure outside:

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/evan-sam.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/evan-sam.html Kids and family Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:37:44 -0500 it's officially official. This engagement is particularly near to my heart because of the 7 girls that I lived with in college, this will be these last wedding that we celebrate all together. It's been amazing to watch each of the stories of our lives and loves unfold... and I have a feeling that this wedding will allow us all to come together and celebrate with gusto!! I wish that I had a photo of Claire and James together (that will be coming soon!) but until then I just want to cheer for and celebrate Claire's beauty. I can't wait to see her as a bride!

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/its-officially-official.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/its-officially-official.html Lifestyle portraiture Personal Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:22:27 -0500 bridal beauty: elizabeth hunter "Brides always look beautiful. However, their beauty lies not in their attire, but in the warm glow of love that radiates from their countenance."

Elizabeth defined this warm glow of beauty for her bridal session. Truly, her joy is so evident from her lavish smile, and her stunning dress and natural beauty absolutely make for the total package. Her pup, Opie, also shone for the camera in his flowered collar....

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/bridal-beauty-elizabeth-hunter.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/03/bridal-beauty-elizabeth-hunter.html Wedding/Engagement Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:21:55 -0500 a page in time. When I go back and thumb through pages that I've written from years ago, I'm thankful to be able to read the thoughts of my heart and to see how far I've come... yet also how all the experiences I've walked through have specifically shaped me to be the person I am today...the good and the bad.
So, as I start the first page of this new book ...I challenge you to consider what are the things that tell the story of your life and who you are? Whatever it may be, keep it up because I believe in the beauty of celebrating your story.

** I included this old photo of myself since this is one of my happiest memories. It was the morning of my 22nd birthday, the summer after I graduated from college. I was working out at Lost Valley Ranch and the girls on my crew surprised me with a special birthday breakfast which included that fabulous waffle and lots of toasting with orange juice in plastic champagne flutes. Clearly, I was really really happy about all of it :)
]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/a-page-in-time.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/a-page-in-time.html Personal Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:53:01 -0500 and harrison makes three. Maddie and Keifer, last year and just got to meet their sister Harrison to complete the set. This was a fun reunion because the twins have both been accepted and have decided to attend UNC in the fall - go HEELS!
Much like her younger sister, Harrison (who is a senior at Appalachian) was a natural in front of the camera and I was crazy over her mom's vintage mink coat that she wore over her sassy dress (and with fabulous MK shoes to boot!). Harrison has an obvious gift with fashion, which will serve her well once she graduates from college this spring and ventures into the world of high-end event planning and PR.

Harrison, good luck as you finish school and girl... you are gorgeous.

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/and-harrison-makes-three.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/and-harrison-makes-three.html Lifestyle portraiture Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:15:52 -0500 baby lillian and a move to London "Madeline, Madeline! Where have you been? We've been to London to see the queen!" - Ludwig Bemelmans

You may remember my dear friend, Caitlyn, and her precious little family. Well, they've had a lot going on these past few months since a third baby girl has been added to the crew and they are moving home from Memphis, TN to London! And you thought your life was crazy right now?! Ha. Of course, Cait and Josh are handling all of this transition with the grace and strength that I would only expect from such incredible people. Plus, she looks AH-mazing for being a new mom of three! Cait has always been such a beauty in my eyes, and I love that she is passing along all the elements of her beauty (internal and external) to her little girls.

All that being said, it was really important to capture them all in their last days enjoying time with family stateside... plus celebrate/document precious little baby Lillian!

Ellie is a woman of many faces - which I loved seeing this time since during our last session she wasn't as willing to show off this awesome range of movement with her mouth! Caitlyn says she makes her laugh all the ways she can contort her lips :)

Annie sang me a few songs, and I was loving how she pondered the words while she sang...

The whole crew. Quite a handsome group if I do say so myself!

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/baby-lillian-and-a-move-to-lon.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/baby-lillian-and-a-move-to-lon.html Kids and family Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:43:36 -0500 a special week I feel like I always appreciate Ross as a husband (and as an all-around amazing man), but knowing that we are going to be apart making me cherish him all the more. For example, the fact that he has been SO encouraging for me to taking on some crazy cross country travel adventures for my Lost Valley project while he is gone. I love that he cheers for me to dream up crazy ideas and then go DO them. I love that He loves me when I know I'm being cranky and intolerable, and that he won't give up until he can make me laugh. I love that he is coaching our 9 year old nephew's basketball team. I love that he is passionate about his job and about promoting a balanced and informed perspective on the agriculture industry. I love that he "gets" how important it is for me to make our house feel like a home. I love that he can make me feel small despite the fact that I'm almost six feet tall. Ah, and the list could go on... so I won't bore you. I just needed to take a moment to recognize the man that I'm crazy head over heels for and still have a crush on.

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/a-special-week-1.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/a-special-week-1.html Personal Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:43:45 -0500 twins + one = the white family "In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." - Eva Burrows

Two year old twin girls plus a newborn baby boy makes for a busy house, but as I shot this session I was struck with the sweetness of capturing these images to help document these crazy days. Especially when days and nights feel equally as long, I think that taking some time out to allow me to simply document their interaction will hopefully provide them with memories to always look back and smile upon. So, thank you Elizabeth and Ian for welcoming me into your home and trusting me to snap these images of how your family and your life are changing once again!

I'm in love with this series of the whole family - especially that grin from baby Court.

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/twins-one-the-white-family.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/twins-one-the-white-family.html Kids and family Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:25:03 -0500 senior session: caitlin parker "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.

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/senior-session-caitlin-parker.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/senior-session-caitlin-parker.html Lifestyle portraiture Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:14:08 -0500 wallflower friends. 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.

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/wallflower-friends.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/wallflower-friends.html Learning Personal Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:55:21 -0500 crazy awesome inspiration: nick onken 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...

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/crazy-awesome-inspiration-nick.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/crazy-awesome-inspiration-nick.html Learning Personal Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:27:57 -0500 city view magazine 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!

]]> http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/city-view-magazine.html http://www.amyfree.com/2010/02/city-view-magazine.html Personal Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:48:50 -0500