I love spring.  I truly do!  The sun peeks out, the flowers bloom and the families come out to play and allow me to photograph them!  I love it!  I had the pleasure of working with one of the nicest families recently.  Their session was almost *too* easy.  They were so fantastic in front of the camera and allowed me to do what I love to do with very little direction!  I absolutely love being able to capture the fun, playful side of people.  Thank you S family for being so wonderful!

Love is beautiful, love is sweet, love is gracious and graceful, love is fun, love is laughter during good times and bad, love is everything.  This couple defined the word love.  To say they were enamored by each other is an understatement!  I recently found myself in the Atlanta, GA area and I felt so blessed to be there in person to capture their emotions in photos!  This is why I love what I do!

Without boring you with more words, I’ll let the images speak for themselves!  I truly hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

Engagement session by Amber Anderson Photography

It’s been 2 years in the making, but it’s finally happened…we’ve moved!  My poor blog has been horribly neglected this spring as I’ve been working hard to balance sessions, packing and 2 toddlers!  It was a long and difficult process, but we up and moved all the way across the state to the Portland/Vancouver area.  You’ll be flooded by posts from me very soon, promise.

And no post is complete without a photo of some sort, so here is one from good ol’ Pullman.

I first met Miss L this past December when she was a mere 4 months old.  She’s now a bubbly 6 monther and so much more alert than our last encounter!  I was so impressed with her sitting skills at such an early age!  She was quite aware of her ability and proudly showed off her skill for most of our session.  We didn’t have much time together during this mini session, but I definitely enjoyed the time we did have!  Thank you C family for spending part of your Saturday with me!  I keeping this short tonight, but I hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

I absolutely love this age.  It’s endearing to see such wonder in their eyes when discovering something as simple as a little foot!

I felt these called for a vintage look!  She’s such a classic beauty!

What a fantastic day for a session!  January usually means snow and very cold temps, but we had an almost spring-like day this past Sunday!  I met with such a fun mom and senior for my last senior session of the 2010 graduating class.  This poor guy had to be exhausted.  He does it ALL!  Football, baseball, basketball…he had 3 games last week alone including a 5 hour bus ride the night before our session.  I was worn out just talking to him about it!  I can only imagine how his parents feel!

It was difficult for me to narrow this sneak peek down to only a handful of images.  Some people are just naturals in front of the camera and G is definitely one of them (whether he wants to hear it or not!)  It was such a pleasure working with him and now…the session preview…

Now, I have to tell a little story about this last set of images.  Only under one circumstance will the local high school allow a player to keep his football jersey–and it’s not a reason that anyone actually wants to experience.  This fall, this jersey was cut from G’s body by paramedics during a game.  It may be difficult to see now, but fortunately, all that’s left of the event is a seam down the front where the cut was mended.  G escaped any permanent injury.  He finished the fall season, is currently battling through the midst of the basketball season and he’s anxiously looking forward to spring baseball!  What a blessing!

Well, I was totally looking forward to a vacation and my time off, but I just found myself bored and aching to pick up my camera for a session!!  I’m technically still on break, but thought I’d post this engagement session I shot while on vacation.  They were such a beautiful couple and SO in love!  I absolutely love shooting engagement sessions.  The love and passion the couples share have me on a high for days afterward!  Today I’m sitting bundled up in my home, cringing at the thought of going out in the snow.  However, one look at these photos and remnants of warm weather, salty ocean breezes and young love are enough to put a smile on my face and bring hope that spring will be here soon!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

I love my job!  I get to play with adorable babies, sneak little cuddles and send them off with mom when they get tired and cranky!   Miss E was a little leery of me at first, but oh, once she warmed up we had a great time together.  She really wanted her nap more than anything, so I’m very happy that she put up with me long enough to capture her sweet little face!  J family, I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

She needed some mommy cuddles near the end!  Look at that content little face!

I met this family back in late October and after going back and forth with scheduling conflicts, we finally settled on a date for their session.  I was very excited to work with these two teens after all the wonderful things their mother had to say about them.  Well…the day of the session came and it was a whopping 13*F with a windchill of 1*F!!  I thought for sure they would want to reschedule and I was prepared for the disappointment, but they were all for an outdoor session, regardless of weather!  I have to admit, it was C-O-L-D, but so worth it.  It isn’t often that you run into a family like this.  The kids were there humoring their mom as she hadn’t had professional photos taken of them in a long time.  Though it wasn’t the way they would’ve chosen to spend an afternoon, they were there and very cooperative because it’s something she really wanted.  Not only was there an unspoken love and respect for their mom, but for each other as well.  It was so awesome to see teens like this!

Okay, on to the photos!  He had the most amazing dimples, but didn’t want to show them off!

I love this shot for a few reasons and I’ll tell you why.  This was one of those ‘in-between’ moments where she was getting situated  (and freezing her rear end off) while I was getting my gear out and getting set up for some shots.  We had horrible, icy wind blowing and I know she wasn’t happy to be there at the moment.  Her mom and brother were behind me cracking jokes and having a good time and she just lit up at something they said.  I love the movement of her hair in the gusty wind, her gorgeous, natural smile and the genuine look of happiness on her face.  That’s why I love this image and capturing moments like this is why I love my job.

“Back in the saddle again…” I’m sure you know that song!  I’ve been SO buried in album creations, year end orders, last minute card designs and the holidays that I had to clear my schedule for a couple weeks!  I’m about to break for the holidays, but before I do I have a few sessions that I get to finish up!  Taking the photos is my absolute favorite part of the job, so it felt wonderful to get behind the camera again!

I had a holiday session with a very special family yesterday.  They made a long drive to meet with me and had no idea how COLD it was up here this week!  It was 20* with a windchill of around 7*, so our outdoor session became a studio session.  L family, it was so wonderful to finally have the honor of photographing your beautiful family!  I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

This sweet little guy was short on sleep and a hard one to crack, but we still managed a smile or two!

Isn’t she beautiful!? 3 years old, full of energy and sass, but oh so darling too!

As I was sitting with my family today,  thinking of all I’m thankful for, I realized that I’m incredibly blessed.  I try to give back as much as I can in life, but  I’m constantly thinking of how I can give more.  I don’t have much, but what I do have is my camera and ability to capture memories.  This holiday season, I’m giving back with a contest worth $1,000.  The details are below!

You know someone.  You know someone who has experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances.  You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season.  You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone.  I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography–$700 worth to be exact.  I’m giving a complimentary session fee and including my Signature Collection, worth $700.  Whether it’s an album, large prints, photos for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part?  The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary session complete with my Petite Collection–a $400 value!  What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules (you knew there had to be rules, right!?)

*You cannot nominate yourself and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a $2 million dollar vacation home in the Bahamas does not qualify as sincere financial need)

*The nominee must reside in these three areas, the Palouse (ideally), the Seattle area or the Vancouver, WA area.  Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing and why they deserve my artwork.  Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

*You must include the full story

*All nominations MUST be received no later than December 22nd, 2009 because the winner will be announced on Christmas Eve after being reviewed by a panel of professional photographers!  Now get nominating!!

ENTER HERE!!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season–and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine!

With love,

Amber