After attending an AMAZING seminar this week, it got me thinking…who am I!?  Do my clients and readers know the REAL Amber?  How am I perceived by others?  Merely as a photographer?  A professional?  Or as ME?  I decided to embark on a new journey.  To make a turn on the path I’ve been walking.  II know myself inside and out and am confident in who that person is.  Now I want you to know ME!  The real me, not just the photographer you’ve decided to hire.  I want you to walk into your session saying, ‘hey, I know we haven’t met in real life until now, but I feel like I already know you!’  You know, like the way you feel know your fav celebrity (not that I’m a celebrity or will ever even be close, but you know what I mean )  So here we go.

First things first, I speak in sentence fragments!  My English teachers probably hated me.  Haha!
I type the way I speak.  I may not always use correct punctuation either!  Sorry, grammar police.
I never wink in person.  I use winky dudes constantly when I type, but I will never, ever wink at you in real life!
I love flip-flops and adorable flats
I love, love a great pair of comfy jeans!  I will likely shoot your session in jeans–not weddings or events, but definitely regular sessions!
I have moments when I feel like a failure as a mom.  I believe that anyone who doesn’t have moments like this in life is in denial!  It’s the things like, “Would my kids be better off in daycare where they can socialize?  Did we choose the right carseat?  Did I give them enough veggies today?  How did I forget the diaper bag AGAIN!?”
I hate being late! I will always be on time or early if I’m getting somewhere alone.  If my children or husband are involved, we will be late.  As much as I hate it, I’ve come to accept it!
I have an incredible sense of direction, but am notorious for getting on freeways going the wrong direction!!  Need to go South?  You can bet I’ll end up going North!
I used to hate my husband’s relationship with his iPhone. I even called it the other woman for awhile!  After a 2 year relationship with my own iPhone, I found myself falling asleep with it on my chest last night!!  I apologized to my husband this morning.
I am a peacemaker.
I love all things vintage and all things modern.  Odd mix, eh?
I am a perfectionist, but am FAR from perfect.  I will admit when I’ve made a mistake. Mistakes make us human and REAL!
I prefer to think friend rather than assume enemy!  Local photographers as competition?  Naw.  I think, colleagues!  Potential friends!
I love meeting new people.
I use a lot of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when I type!!!  I know it drives people nuts, but hey, I get excited sometimes
I LOVE wasabi peas.
I treat people the way I want to be treated–with kindness and respect.
I am a courteous driver.  I always hope that allowing someone to merge ahead of me will cause a chain reaction of courteous driving!

So, you feel like you know me a little better now?  Didn’t want all that info?  I apologize.  It’s out there now and I’m feeling liberated!  In fact, brace yourself…there will be more personal posts here from now on!  I may not be a perfect business woman, a perfect wife, a perfect mom; but I’m ME and that makes me happy (There’s the winky dude again!)

I’m far behind on blogging right now, but PROMISE to have a few recent weddings up on the ol’ blog soon!

I had the pleasure of second shooting with the wonderfully talented Nate Yaroslaski of Nate Yaro Photography this weekend.  This is how I came to know Tim and Katie.  I’ve never seen a bride and groom so relaxed on their big day!  It was an absolute pleasure witnessing their celebration of love.

I remember when I was young, my mother told me that love is an action; a verb.  Love isn’t just a word you speak, it isn’t a ‘thing;’ love is in everything you do.  This weekend I met Tim and Katie.  Their energy was infectious!  But more inspiring than that, the love they shared was evident in their every action.  They embodied what love should be!  They were radiant.

Her grandmother’s ring, which meant a lot to Katie

Katie’s uncle drove her down for her grand entrance

Sorry, that’s my best drum roll impression!  We have a WINNER!!  Ding, ding, ding!!  First of all, I apologize for a hiccup in the voting system on Saturday.  However, it did not impact the outcome because we have ourselves a landslide!   And the winner is….

Before I announce the official winner, I have to thank all that entered.  I couldn’t even vote for a favorite, so I’m not sure how people were able to choose only ONE!  And now the winner…

Oh wait, I should post an image with this post now shouldn’t I!  Okay, okay, I’m being mean!  The winner is:

COREY AND ALYSSA!!

Congratulations you two!  A very heartwarming story indeed.  I look forward to working with you and capturing that love in your photos!  I’ll be in touch!

It was SO difficult to narrow the finalists down to only 5…and that’s why you see more than 5 here!  Thank you so much all who entered.  All of your stories were amazing and worthy.  I’m just happy I wasn’t the one deciding the finalists–thank you judges for toiling over this on my behalf!  Without further delay…THE STORIES!  Below you’ll find a section of each finalist’s story.  You can vote by clicking the survey link and selecting your favorite entry!  Good luck everyone!  I’d choose each of you if I could!

Michelle:

Time moves too fast. The excuses are always there for not doing professional photographs – “maybe when the baby loses his infant acne”, “maybe when I lose 10 pounds”, “maybe when I get a ‘good’ haircut”. And before you know it, your kids are almost 7 and 3 and you *still* have never done any family pictures. Your mother-in-law offers to get them done at Sears/JCPenney, but it’s just not your style. So again you think of more excuses.

And then when your boys have lost their grandfather and you are looking back at old photos at his memorial, you realize that time moves too fast.

Kathy:

I was just reunited with my boyfriend of 2 years (Mike) after he spent a year overseas. I have two boys – Andrew, 6 and Matthew, 4 – and a 2 year old black lab named Trixie. We’ve been a strong family through and through, but are just now beginning the process of becoming a blended family. It’s been my dream to be a whole family – mom, dad, kids and dogs – for my entire life. I’m in a totally blissful state right now, knowing that this man is “the one”. My outlook on love, trust and forever is being restored. We’re all riding the pink cloud and I would love nothing more than to document this magical time in our lives! Who knows…there may be a wedding somewhere down the line, too

Kim:

I don’t necessarily know if our story is extra special or anything but it is an event that I am extremely proud of.

Last year our family found out that we were expecting! We were over the moon, super excited and couldn’t wait to meet the new baby. When I was 7 weeks along, I was having some severe stomach pains and my doctor decided to order an ultrasound. Much to our suprise we were shocked to find out that we were having TWINS! We were excited but afraid because I was instantly labeled “high risk”. The entire time, I was warned about the NICU, preterm labor and premies. At 31 weeks, to my horror, I started contracting and was put on bedrest until the babies were born. My rockstar husband took over all of the household responsbilites including tending 100% to our three year old daughter…  This was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to physically endure but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Corey:

The reason why I think My Wife Alyssa and I should win a free session is……..I met Alyssa Online in 2008 we started talking, and I really liked her. So her mother and her flew to Seattle to come to Fort Lewis to meet me. And it was Love at 1st sight. I proposed to her 2 weeks later on Valentines Day in 2009. And we didn’t see each other again until July. I flew out to VA for a week to meet the rest of her family and then she flew back with me for a week to meet my family in WA. I was set to deploy to Iraq 2 weeks after she left WA, and we had planned to get married in 2010. But While she was in WA with me meeting our family, we decided to elope and go ahead and get married and we did. She had to fly back to VA 3 days after we were married for her job, they wouldn’t let her have time off unpaid. We were apart for the 2 weeks I was left in the states. She wasn’t even there to watch me leave for IRAQ. I know it was hard for her. I was gone from August 2009 to June 2010. Almost the whole 1st year of our marriage, She is one of the Strongest most beautiful Amazing Woman I know. She sent me care packages every week, emailed me everyday, didn’t mind getting woken up at 3 am to talk on the phone even though she had to be up at 6am to go to work. She moved all the way from VA to WA in May by herself, I know she was so scared and was having a hard time, but she always kept a smile on her face and in her voice. I arrived back in the states on June 10 2010, the moment when I walked in that gym and saw her beautiful smiling face sitting there on those bleachers was the best day of my life. We celebrated our 1st year Anniversary on July 16 2010. Just 4 days ago.
We never were able to have portraits done of us, And I want to give her something that she can cherish the rest of her life. Because she most certainly does deserve it. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her and maybe one day 50 years from now, she can have portraits to look back on, and remember all of the time we have spent together. And I end with this quote “I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me, and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I’ve succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and for me, that has always been enough.” Thank you for reading our Love Story.

Melissa:

{‘My middle daughter is 19′}  She is a beautiful girl with inter-struggles. She is a full time student and works part time at our local mall. I tell my daughter over and over that I love her dearly just the way she is, however I believe that she does not believe this herself…and struggles with depression at times.

I would love for her to have this opportunity to see her true beauty and have her chance at her own “fame” for a moment in time. I believe it would give her a little more self assurance and confidence that she is truly a gift.

Pamela:

We have 5 kiddos. Isn’t that enough? hahaha~I am just kidding. I know that there are probably many other families/couples that have had a rougher 2-3 years than we have and we are so grateful that we have always had a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, and food to eat. Hubby has a steady job (he has been teaching 3rd/4th grade Special Ed in Battle Ground) and has been working a part time job at Marriott for over 2 years now. We moved to Vancouver in August 2004, hoping that we’d pave the way for family to follow. Well, my lil’ brother is the only family that we have locally. So, hubby and I don’t get out much. We had a bankruptcy in 2008 and then had a rough time selling our house…and it was foreclosed on in May 2010 (it sat empty for almost TWO years. Isn’t that crazy?!?!). Through all of this, Ian has been the rock. He (rarely!) complains about working 2 jobs, about being tired, and about doing the husbandly/fatherly duties after working 12+ hour days. Because of the lack of funds, I have never been able to do anything special for him. I have tried taking some pictures of the kiddos by myself. I would love to have a photo shoot done of my kiddos; I would love to have an awesome framed pic that he can proudly display on his desk at work. My crappy P&S camera just does not do the job correctly! And my kiddos are at ages where it is impossible for me to pose them AND take their pictures. I am a great mom, but I just don’t have the experience needed to take great looking photos. I would like my husband to see the happiness (through my childrens smiling faces…okay, if it is possible to get all of them to cooperate at the same time) that he has done so well providing for.

Lori:

Hi amber, It is hard for me to talk about why i feel i am deserving of a free session but i will try. I am married and we have 2 kids. It took my husband and I ten years to get pregnant and it was hard going through that but now we have these beautiful children (2 and 4)  I had 2 incredibly hard pregnancies.  With both, I was sick everyday for the entire 9 months and for most of the time I was in the hospital. It was pretty tough, especially the second time around when I already had a child to take care of. I flew to Houston for 3 months, where my parents were living so they could watch my daughter while I was in the hospital. my husband was in Japan working at that time. We are doing good now. We just had our 13 year wedding anniversary on July 1th and that is so exciting to me! we never did get the chance to go on a honeymoon due to him and I serving in the Army at the time we got married. We are both out now and loving life in beautiful Portland, Oregon with each other and our children! I would love to have a family session of photos and show off our wonderful marriage and beautiful children. thank you for this opportunity.

Adrian:
I would LOVE the opportunity to have professional portraits taken of my family. Our daughter is turning 3 and we’ve never had professional pictures. We are a very easy going family who loves being outdoors.

Notes from Adrian’s friends:  “I nominate my friend Adrian Graham cause she’s a great person with a big heart and she deserves this!!!!!!” …    “Adrian has been my best friend since we were freshmen in high school. She recently moved to OR from Texas and I miss her terribly. As far as I know they have never had a family portrait done professionally. I would love for them to share this experience since they are expecting a new baby and will soon no longer be a family of 3!”

Now, GO VOTE!!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!

I have girls.  I know this.  However, I’m totally reminded of exactly *how* girly my kids are when I’m blessed with little boy sessions!  Last night I photographed my favorite 3 year old boy.  He is no ordinary 3 year old.  No.  He knows nearly everything there is to know about heavy machinery and trucks.  He told me all about them!  Did you know that the big claw thingy those burly guys use to dig stuff up is called an excavator?  I didn’t   Until last night, that is.  He was definitely an expert on heavy machinery.  Oh, and at picking clover.  Most definitely an expert clover picker!  He was very methodical as he culled through for the greenest, lushest strands!

We had so much fun running, jumping and chasing grasshoppers!  He found it particularly hilarious when I ‘pretended’ the grasshoppers were about to attack my head.  Little did he know, those shrieks and jumps were mostly real!!  Those suckers were everywhere and not shy about letting me know I was trampling through their stomping grounds! (I’m still shuddering at the thought of those little hoppers bouncing into my face!)  The bugs were worth it though, for the giggles and smiles captured.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat.  B family, you have a very special little guy here and I felt very honored to spend time with him!  I hope you enjoy the sneak peek.

How can you not smile when you look at him?

Ever heard the phrase, “if it sounds too good to be true, it is?”  Well…I’m debunking that oldie!!  Here’s your chance to get in on something really great.  I’m giving away a FREE (yes, completely FREE!) session to someone deserving!  I’m feeling great about our recent move to Vancouver and want to give back to the wonderful people of this community!  Just complete the form in the link I’ve provided and tell me why YOU deserve a free session!  Feel free to nominate someone instead, if you feel inclined!  This can be a session for your newborn, that family session you’ve been wanting, photos of your kids, your high school senior, your engagement photos…just tell me why you deserve to win!  A panel of professional and unrelated judges will narrow the results down to the top 5, then voting will open to the public!!

Enter today and YOU could be the lucky winner!  This can be a session for your newborn, that family session you’ve been wanting, photos of your kids, your high school senior, your engagement photos…just tell me why you deserve to win!  Don’t wait…this contest is a quickie and will be over before you know it!!

*Event photography (including weddings), large groups and extended family sessions excluded from this giveaway.  Your session must take place before Dec 31st, 2010.

**ALL entries must be received by July 21st, 2010.  Voting begins July 22nd, 2010.  Winner announced July 26th!

ENTRY FORM–CLICK HERE!!

Hey you!  Yeah you, the one that’s been meaning to schedule a session before your baby grows another inch, while your 6 year old still has that precious, toothless grin, before your teens leave the house…yep, talking to YOU!!  Don’t waste another minute! I usually only offer mini sessions once per year and NEVER during my busy season, but I’m so excited to be in Vancouver that I’ve decided to host minis to celebrate!!  Minis are a perfect way to get a few shots of your kids or an updated family portrait!  Not to mention being a fabulous deal with discounts and waived session fee!   Don’t miss out.  These book quickly and space is limited!  These will be outdoor field sessions only and will take place on Saturday July 31st and Sunday August 1st.  A $100 deposit required upon booking (will be put towards the purchase of a package upon completion of your session)

**Due to the nature of the mini sessions as well as time constraints, the following are excluded: event photography, newborn sessions, large groups/extended families

On July 31st I still have the following times available:
6pm–GONE!
6:35pm–GONE!
7:10pm
7:45pm

On Sunday August 1st I still have the following times available:
6pm–GONE!
6:35pm-GONE!
7:10pm
7:45pm–GONE!

…As love’s young dream – Thomas Moore

There’s something special about weddings.  Beneath the stress and chaos of the day is an energy felt by all involved in the event.  It’s exciting.  It’s intoxicating.  It’s love.  I had the honor of shooting for Heidi of Velvet Owl Photography this past weekend and assisting in capturing a new life for Christy Rider and Jonathan Tanner.  Never have I seen a groom so enamored by his bride.  I couldn’t help but smile when I saw how he looked at her as she walked down the aisle!  I felt honored to witness true love and the start of their journey together!  Jonathan and Christy, I wish you the best!

“Just trust me, I have a vision!”

I’m not sure how many times I usually say this per session?   I see my clients looking at me out of the corner of their eye…one eyebrow cocked in suspicion.  They are wondering what in the heck I’m thinking as I have them follow me to a 10×10 patch of grass in an abandoned corner of a city street.  Some are more vocal as I drag them along .  Most laugh, shake their heads and tell me they just don’t see it.  That is, until they see their images.  That’s when it hits them! “Ah…Amber ISN’T crazy!”  And that’s when they wish they would’ve relaxed, followed my direction and let me do what I do best.

Trust is so important!  When you trust someone, you relax.  When you relax, you can be yourself and let those natural expressions flow.  So here it is, a blog post dedicated to trust, just for you doubters!  Take a look at the images below.  What do you see?  I see a little girl transformed into one of her favorite fairy tale characters.  I see Alice, about to have herself a little nap under a big shade tree; soon to be lost in  world of enchantment and wonder.  If you’d seen the pull-back of this setting, you would’ve seen a hospital on one side, an office building on another and a freeway on-ramp on the other.  Many may drive by this small corner and never give it a second thought.  It’s all about seeing potential and beauty in the everyday!

Now, there’s one more thing about these images that’s quite important to note.  Little Alice is not sitting perfectly and flashing a forced smile at me.  She’s in her own little world, exploring her surroundings and mom is not prompting her to “smile!” or “say cheese!”  (Though admittedly…there were a couple promises of a big, fat ice cream cone after this session )  Children tend to tense up when parents are stressed and pushing for smiles worthy of hanging on grandma’s wall.  I may ask you to take a walk while I play with your child.  I may ask you to sit back, relax and play one of those addicting games you have on your iPhone for a bit.  Know that your family is important to me and is in good hands!  Again, trust me

And here we go…the images I promised during all that rambling…

“Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank”

“…what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice ‘without pictures or conversation?’

“…suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, ‘Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!”

Is there anything more beautiful than a head full of red hair?  I don’t think so!  This senior was gorgeous inside and out!  We were cursed with heavy down pours all afternoon, complete with the occasional lightening strike!  Regardless, she smiled, posed and followed along happily.  I should say the same about her mom–aka, my fabulous assistant who held an umbrella over my camera too many times to count while I shot away!  Thank you again for not being afraid of a little rain!  I had a fantastic time.