[AM Photography]

New Blog!

2010-10-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

The time is here!

We would like to direct you all to our new blog here.
We will no longer be posting here at this address, so please update your bookmarks and RSS feeds.

Thanks for your interest in our photography and posts!

Memphis Photographer :: Stacey & Tim Sneak Peek

2010-09-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely Engagement shoot on Sunday with Stacey, Tim, and their 3 dogs.

We went to Shelby Farms and basked in the beautiful weather.

Stacey & Tim enjoyed a picnic with lemonade and a water balloon fight (!)

One of my faves from the day so far ::

Stay tuned for more from this session!

Memphis Photographer :: Laura & Chad Sneak Peek

2010-09-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to congratulate Laura & Chad on their new marriage!

Come back for more photos from this beautiful wedding at the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum!

Memphis Photographer :: Valerie June

2010-09-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Cooper-Young Festival was a hit this year! With tons of people, vendors, and local music, the whole day was full of things to buy and people to see.

One of those people is a local musician by the name of Valerie June.
We first saw Valerie play at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival downtown.

Valerie is currently playing shows in order to raise money for her new project/album.

Help her out by going here and donating!

Memphis Photographer :: Christmas Is Coming!

2010-09-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

To all of our past and present clients:

Let us know if you wish to purchase Christmas Cards with images from previous sessions.

$55 per pack of 25 cards with envelopes.

Cards are printed on card stock paper, vertical or horizontal, with 3-4 images.

Memphis Photographer :: Valerie June

2010-09-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I were in downtown Memphis this past weekend for the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival.

Free music + great food = happiness.

We came across this lovely lady who labels herself as "Organic Moonshine Roots Music"

And she rocks.

Valerie is raising funds for a new record titled "Manifest". You can help her out here.

You can check her out on facebook here.

And you can check out her website here.

Now go!

Memphis Photographer :: Easton & Family

2010-08-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Sharing this video with you from Easton and his Family Portraits.

Thanks Kim & Garret for letting us share this day with you and capturing your awesome family.

Memphis Photographer :: Vacation!

2010-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I were able to spend last weekend in beautiful Myrtle Beach.

We hung out with friends, ate lots of great food, swam in the ocean, played mini golf, and ate some more.

Here are a few photos from our weekend :)

Memphis Photographers :: Fine Art Prints

2010-08-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know we offer Fine Art prints for sale?
We have photos ranging from West Africa, London, Paris, and Memphis!

View our prints for sale here, and use the coupon code "summer2010" at checkout for $20 off!

Memphis Model Photographer :: Aviana

2010-07-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Had the opportunity to work with Aviana again in the studio. We are pushing some ideas for outside shoots, but will have to wait until it's not 100+ degrees outside. Here are a few shots from the session.

My favorite sequence of photos.

Memphis Photographer :: Baby Easton

2010-07-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

We were super excited to photograph Easton at his 6 months mark. He was such a good baby and held off the fussiness until it was time to get a bottle, so we took breaks and he appreciated that.

So cute!

Memphis Photographer :: Bridal//Rock The Dress

2010-07-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Bridal sessions are extremely fun as I get to create something beautiful and embrace dirty, grungy, and whimsical places.
I love finding those tucked away places that create stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery.

Sarah was very open to walking all over creation for us to get these shots, and here are some of my favorites:

We love to shoot Bridal portraits, and you don't have to be a newlywed.

So get back in your dress and let us create some beautiful portraits for you to cherish.

Memphis Photographer :: Happy Weekend!

2010-07-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

[Java Cabana, Cooper-Young]

This weekend is the 2nd to last weekend before I return to a full-time job in August doing social work.

I am thankful for a job where I help others, but it was necessary for me to have a break this month.

Tomorrow we will be shooting a lovely family with baby Easton. They are bringing his rocking horse and cowboy boots. I am super excited.

Being able to capture the true personality of people is what draws me to portraiture.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend full of family, friends, good music, and fun!

Memphis Wedding Photographer :: Jessica & Robert Engaged

2010-07-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

We were thrilled to head to Clinton, MS where we photographed Jessica and Robert.

They are truly a beautiful couple with a love for life. Jessica was prepared for the shoot with handmade signs. So when we came across a vintage bike, we put it to use. We walked around Mississippi College, old town Clinton, and ended the day at Robert's parents' home in Clinton. Thank you to his parents for making us feel welcome and offering us dinner :)

Thank you Jessica & Robert for having a fun day with us.

Can't wait until your wedding day.

Here is a little slideshow for you :)

Memphis Fashion Photographer :: Aviana

2010-07-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am posting a few more from yesterday's shoot with Aviana.

Beauty!

Let us know if you would like a shoot yourself. Just contact us.

Memphis Fashion Photographer :: Aviana

2010-07-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek from our shoot today with Aviana.

She has lots of talent, and I believe big things are in store for her.

You can find Aviana on Model Mayhem.

Are you a model looking to build your portfolio? Just contact us via email or phone!

Memphis Photographer :: HiFi Weddings Vendor

2010-07-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am sharing our great news with you. We are now a preferred vendor for HiFi Weddings blog. If you haven't checked them out already, you're missing out!

From vintage to modern, with music and details, this blog brings all kind of inspiration for your wedding day and beyond.

Check them out now!

Memphis Photographer :: Animoto!

2010-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

So I finally signed us up for the Animoto service that creates stunning videos from images. It takes what I used to do in iMovie and completes it in about 20-30 minutes! I really am in love with this service, and would recommend it to anyone. You can sign up for free to create 30 second videos, but to create full-length videos to download, you will have to sign up for the annual fee ($30). Sign up with a referral code and get $5 off! Use the code "wlvfqdkb" to sign up today.

Below are two of our latest videos ::

Memphis Wedding Photographer :: Adam & Sarah

2010-06-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

We were very blessed to capture such a beautiful wedding day. Adam & Sarah truly have a beautiful story to share. You can view their engagement photos and read their story here.

The wedding took place in Hernando, MS at Longview Heights Baptist Church, with David Anglin officiating.

Sarah & Adam decided they wanted to see each other before the wedding (which we love to do):

(I love Sarah's teary face, and Adam's look of amazement)

So sweet!

Here are a few more of our favorite captures:

Really love the boutonnieres that Sarah found on this Etsy shop, and the Bride's dress and bridesmaid's dresses were from David's Bridal.

Memphis Photographer :: We have a winner!

2010-06-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Survey!

Today our winner was chosen via random.org, and the winner is Kelsey Taylor!

You are welcome to continue to fill out our survey if you have not.

Look forward to future contests and giveaways!

Memphis Photographer :: The Online Wedding Registry

2010-06-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this post to share about Wishpot.

Wishpot is an online service that lets you add any product or service you could ever want. Stores and vendors sign up to offer their goods, and you add their item to your wish list.

Send this list to your family and friends, who can purchase whatever they want from your list.

This site offers comparison pricing, coupons, and price alerts for items on your list.

What more could you ask for in a wedding registry?

Don't forget to add me as a friend, and ask for photography services on your list!

Memphis Photographer :: Guest Post :: Advice for Choosing Wedding Flowers

2010-06-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Flowers are probably one of the most costly aspects of a wedding. In an effort to keep cost down, brides are trying to find new ways to trim the fat off their budget. Unfortunately, in an effort to save money some brides not only hurt their budgets but they sacrifice looks. Here are a few tips to help brides marry budget and style!

Choose Flowers in Season

This is a critical money-saver. It is also important to keep in mind that flowers look and smell best when they are fresh and in season. You can go to your local bookstore and they should have resources on picking out seasonal flowers.

Do it yourself

Consult with a florist. This could cost up to $100 in consultation fees, but the florist will be able to point you in the right direction and give you valueble advice! It is sure to add a professional touch to the end product.

Buy your flowers from a wholesaler. Wholesalers sell their flowers much more cheaply than a florist does. If you decide to deal with a floral wholesaler, it is important to make sure that you choose Grade 1 flowers.

If you are getting married in the spring/summer, visit the farmer's market and talk with the flowers vendors. Find out if they grow the flowers that you are looking for. Always be sure to ask them what they do with the flowers that they don't sell. You might be able to grab large amounts of them for a heftybargain!

Have a Garden Wedding

Consider having the ceremony and/or the reception in a beautiful garden! Do you know someone that has a beautiful backyard,or a venue with a gorgeous garden? There will be no need for arrangements if you are already surrounded by blossoming flowers.

Let Your Flowers Do Double Duty

If your ceremony and reception are in two separate places (or even two separate rooms), let the floral arrangements that decorate the ceremony do double duty by using them to also decorate the reception! Find out if your florist is able to transport and setup the flowers at your reception after the ceremony is finished.

Avoid having your wedding on or near a holiday

Flowers are generally in high demand around Mother's day, proms, graduations,Valentines Day and other special holidays. Because of this, prices rise dramatically and certain flowers are often impossible to find.

Use alternate centerpieces

[photo from elizabethannedesigns.com]

It is not necessary to have every table with a floral centerpiece. Candles are beautiful and provide an amazing ambience! Also citrus fruits are having their time to shine and are being submerged in vases of water to be used as centerpieces .

Rent outdoor plants or small trees for an indoor garden effect

Decorate with greenery. Many nurseries will let you rent plants for your wedding and it is much cheaper than buying them. This will allow you to fill the room with greenery and make flowers more or less unnecessary.

Boutonnieres and Corsages

[photo from emmalinebride.com]

Corsages are not as trendy as they once were. Modern Moms are trendy and don't always want a flower pinned on them. Boutonnieres no longer have to be a pinned flower on a lapel. Websites like etsy sell gorgeous and colorful ones made out of different materials.

C&N Events

c-nevents.net

amongalltheprettythings.tumblr.com

Memphis Photographer :: Mac Surgery!

2010-06-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

So my hard drive in my Mac died last weekend, and it was very tragic.
I am very prepared; however, and have backed up anything important on my desktop, and my external. Any good photographer would know to do so.

So I began my journey by going to Best Buy and purchasing a 500gig HD. I then followed some online instructions to remove the old HD and put in the new one.

I reinstalled Mac OS, booted up, and was very happy to see my laptop working again!

Lessons learned:

Hard drives do not last longer than 3 or 4 years usually.
Even Macs need to have replacements.
Don't pay the Apple store to do something you can do yourself (I saved $200+ dollars!)

Below you can see my new HD (top) and my old HD (bottom).

Memphis Photographer :: Free Coffee?

2010-06-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

So we are looking to revamp our website, services, blog, etc and we need YOUR help.

Please complete this very short survey and help us out.
As a thanks to you, one lucky person will win a Starbucks Gift Card (because who doesn't love free coffee??)

Please note: You may remain anonymous if you wish, but your email address will be required if you want to be entered to win.
One person will be chosen at random via Random.org and will get a lovely email from me requesting a mailing address for your GC.

Deadline to complete is June 16. So please refer your friends and family :)

Star Wars in Concert

2010-05-29T06:11:00.001-07:00

How much do you love Star Wars??
Since my husband is a huge fan of the movies, and in order to celebrate our Anniversary, I purchased tickets to see Star Wars in Concert at the Fed Ex Forum for a surprise.
He loved it, and I did too.
Anthony Daniels did the narrating, supporting the orchestra who did an amazing job.
They had costumes from the movies and people came dressed up, such as this young padawan below.

Vacation :: 1 Year Anniversary

2010-05-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I ventured to St. Louis last week to celebrate our One-Year Wedding Anniversary. We went to see the Arch, went to 2 Cardinals games (they lost), bowled, saw Young Frankenstein at the Fox Theatre, and went to the Moolah Theatre (where you can sit on couches to watch the movie!).

Here are a few photo highlights:

We are very blessed, and we thank our families and friends for your love and friendship that shows us how to better love each other every day.
Thank you!

Memphis Child Photographer :: Gray Gowen

2010-05-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I photographed little Gray for his 1 year birthday. His mom bought him this adorable "newsie" outfit. How cute is he?

Memphis Wedding Photographer :: Adam & Sarah Engaged::

2010-04-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful pleasure of shooting Engagement Portraits for Sarah and Adam. This couple has a truly amazing and inspiring story. Adam was hurt in a forklift accident, and ended up having his leg amputated below the knee. Sarah was always at the hospital, at the side of Adam.
After Adam's recovery and throughout physical therapy, Sarah was a constant companion.
Adam proposed to Sarah Jan. of this year, and they began to plan their May wedding.
So, when Sarah contacted me to shoot their wedding..I was ecstatic.
We love telling stories.

Here are a few of our personal favorites from the day:

Looking forward to May 22!

Memphis Portrait Photographer :: Rachel : Senior 2010

2010-04-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

We had a blast this past Saturday shooting a Senior session with Rachel.
Rachel is such a bright and bubbly personality, you can't help but to laugh when you are around her...and she has such beautiful blue eyes!

Rachel has been competing in state cheerleading for many years, and will be trying out for a cheerleading scholarship for college. Good luck Rachel!

Easter Egg Hunt // Mason's Bday Party

2010-04-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend kids and their families came to Peabody Elementary as Neighborhood Church sponsored their annual Easter Egg Hunt [with my husband as the Easter bunny this year]

Here are some of the highlights:

Cupcake face :)

Wayne & Eli

2010-03-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to shoot some family portraits at Overton Park on Saturday.
The weather was overcast, but we were determined to make the best of it.

Wayne wanted portraits with his grandson Eli for his 75th birthday, so they brought their two poodles and we had a fun time at the park despite the chilly temperatures.

Amber + Richard :: Sneak Peek ::

2010-03-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

This is just a sneak peek from our session on Saturday.
More coming soon!

Daily Inspiration

2010-03-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday and we are preparing for an engagement shoot tomorrow, as well as a family session.

In the midst of getting ready for the weekend, I always enjoy catching some shots of Elmer.

:: My Own Stars Hollow ::

2010-02-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

Despite being sick, I got outside for a walk, and as I started walking, the snow started falling..big fat flakes.
For anyone who has watched Gilmore Girls, we all understand that moment when everything is silent except for the falling of snow. This was my own Stars Hollow moment as I walked past the gazebo through the streets.

Then I went on a snowflake hunt..

In case you didn't know, you can buy these prints along with others at my Fine Art store here.

Tips for Engagement Portraits

2010-02-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

For those of you soon-to-be brides interested in having Engagement Portraits, you will appreciate the easy-going nature of these types of sessions. E-sessions [as we call them] allow you to be yourself, enjoy being creative, and enjoy being with your future spouse.

Why is it important to get Engagement Portraits taken?
Since this is often the first time most couples have their photos together, it is an important detail to remember. Not only are they essential to have for your Save the Date cards, invitations, and newspaper announcements, they are also great photos for your guests to sign during your wedding reception.
Having an e-session also allows you as the couple to interact with your wedding photographer. It's important for a photographer to "get the feel" of the couple and sense their chemistry. Many wedding photographers offer complimentary or discounted engagement sessions with their wedding packages for this very reason. You are paying alot of money for wedding photography, so allow yourself a day to get to know your wedding photographer in a stress-free environment.

What should you wear for your E-Session?

Choose things that are comfortable, yet "you".
Carefully consider trying out a new outfit or hairstyle..you want these photos to reflect you, and your love for each other will be very apparent without the drastic makeup or hair color. However, if this is your style, go for it!
I would suggest bringing 1 extra outfit, since most photographers allow at least 1 outfit change.
Don't wear watches, clothes with patterns, holes, stains, or words...since these are very distracting.

Where should we go for our E-Session?

Consider your relationship...is there an important place that has special meaning to you? We love to capture the special memories and quirks of each couple. Where did he propose? Where did you first meet? Where do you like to go on dates?
We appreciate the differences in each relationship and suggest that you plan to have an e-session that reflects your own sense of fun, creativity, romance, and love. For example: Memphis has a wide range of places for everyone from the outdoors [Overton Park] to urban [Downtown] and artsy [coffee shops and galleries] to fun [playgrounds and trolleys].

The most important thing to remember is to have fun.
Love life. Love each other.
Let it show to everyone else!

Fine Art Prints

2010-02-08T07:15:00.001-08:00

We are proud to offer Fine Art Prints for sale featuring items from MS, TN, Africa, London, and Paris.
[view slideshow below]
::Use code "winter2010" for $5 off::

Lora + Teddy

2010-01-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

Lora & Teddy are a couple that exhibit such powerful chemistry and fun. Their wedding was in Cleveland, MS where Teddy is youth minister. The church was decorated for Christmas, which added to the warmth and beauty of this marriage.

Have a look.

Lora encompasses such a classic and simple beauty.

These girls were real troopers for coming outside for photos.

365 Blog

2010-01-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are interested, Jonathan and I will be documenting our lives over the next year by participating in a 365 project. This is only for our benefit, but would love it if anyone else could benefit from this as well. Feel free to follow the blog (as well as this one) and comment as you wish. Ask us questions. Interact.

With that said, you can view our 365 blog here.

Family Photos at Overton Park

2009-12-03T13:53:00.001-08:00

We had the opportunity to take some family photos at Overton Park Nov. 14.

The weather was perfect, and everyone was great to work with.
The kids really had fun playing in the leaves.
Here are some of the highlights from the day!

Are you wanting to book a family or group session for the holidays?
Contact us now!

Military Discounts

2009-11-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

AM Photography is proud to offer discounts for engagement sessions and wedding photography to those serving in the military, past and present.
This is our way to thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country.

Laura + Chad

2009-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing time shooting their engagement photos at the lovely Crown Winery in Humboldt, TN. We got to meet the owners and hear a little background about the vineyard. The winery building itself was built in a Florence style with train track planks for windows. How awesome is that?

Laura and Chad are two wonderful people that have such a great personality and a love for life. Here are some of the photos. We are looking forward to shooting this lovely couple's wedding next September.

[Click photos for a larger image]

We are looking forward to shooting this lovely couple's wedding next September.

Christen

2009-10-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and I had the best time shooting Christen's very first birthday party. She was adorable in her princess skirt and matching headband :)

We would love to provide you and your family with fall portraits, as well as event photography. Just ask!

Are you a fan on Facebook yet? Follow us there, and keep updated about special discounts. We are working on a brand new studio space that will be open by Thanksgiving.

On another note, we will be providing portraits for an event next month called "Advent Conspiracy" sponsored by Neighborhood Church, which we are very excited about.
Feel free to visit and we'll see you there!

HOLGA!

2009-09-14T08:12:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to introduce my latest toy.

What is a Holga you ask?

Getting photos from this may take a little bit, as I have to get them processed.
Good thing I'm taking off work this week for a staycation here in Memphis.
Wait and see what I find :)

Cicada Production Photos

2009-08-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cicada had a very successful opening night!

The show is full of southern beauty and satire.
A sorrowful coming-of-age story for "Ace" the main character who is seeking after something lost...

This show is running through September 6.
Thursdays are pay what you can.
Sundays are buy one-get one free.
Go and support the local arts!

Cicada

2009-08-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Recently had the chance to work with Voices of the South on their upcoming show "Cicada" written by Jerre Dye.

Here are just a few of the promo shots for the papers and opening night's gallery.

YOU can support this show my buying tickets and coming!
Call 901-726-0800
Opening night is August 21 @ 8pm and runs through September 6. Go to their official website for more info and to see the promo video.

Michael & Rebecca

2009-07-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

I've had the privilege to take Michael and Rebecca's photo for their prayer card. They are preparing to go to Virginia for training before moving to Southeast Asia for the next 2-3 years.

Be praying for this couple as they transition to a new culture, learn a new language, and share the Gospel among the peoples of Asia.

Laura Leigh & Brian

2009-07-10T15:23:00.001-07:00

A few engagement portraits for LL and Brian, who are getting married August 8.

I have recently fallen into the world of Twitter, and would suggest you try it out if you already haven't. Follow me @amphotostudio!
Don't really understand Twitter? Here is a helpful tutorial.

Wedding and Honeymoon

2009-06-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I've updated, and what better way to update than with pictures from my own wedding and honeymoon?

Wedding photos were taken by Janna Whitehead @ www.majesticmomentsphotography.net.

Then we left directly for New Orleans, where we stayed at the Maison Dupey, walked around the French Quarter, ate alot of great food, and went on a steamboat cruise.

Beach Wedding

2009-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

I had my first destination wedding, and had the privilege of being assisted by my fiance Jonathan. The following are just a few of our favorite shots from the wedding. Still processing through all the photos we have!

Memphis

2009-03-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working with Teresa Simpson on about.com to provide a virtual tour of some of the most famous sites in Memphis. Here are just a few photos for the article:

Going Ons around Memphis

2009-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

My fiance and I have bought our apartment, and he will be staying there until we get married in May. We still need to get the furniture and other things for it, but we are very excited to have this taken care of!

Are you a Photographer looking for custom graphics?

2009-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

Visit these custom graphic designers who are tailored to meet the needs of photographers:

American Cowboy Photography
Designs by Christina
Pioneer Woman

Want to be added to my list of designers? Leave a comment!

Getting Published is Always Nice

2009-01-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

One of my photos from England was published in an online guide for travel destinations all over the world. You can see my photo as well as information on the Roman Baths here.

Woohoo!

More Engagement Portraits

2009-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more portraits from Krystal & Brad's Engagement Session:

Krystal & Brad

2008-12-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

I've had the privilege to take Krystal and Brad's engagement photos. They met over two years ago in Virginia, right before she was to leave for Africa and he for Peru as missionaries.
Now that they have returned to the states, they are getting married April 4.
Congratulations!

[Fine Art Prints For Sale]

2008-09-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

After traveling through France and England, I have added several prints to the website for ordering. You can do so *here*.
These prints make great gift ideas for the holidays :)

Fall is soon passed, and Winter is approaching!
Book your portrait session today :)