New blog...

So, friends, it's official. I made the switch. Since I'm moving forward with photography, I felt the name of my blog needed to match up with my website. So, if you would be so gracious, please head on over to:
www.amypphotos.blogspot.com

And if you'd ever like to check out my website, feel free to go to:
www.amypphotos.showitsite.com

I hope you'll join me over there! You have no idea how much I appreciate you taking time out of your day to check out my stories and the stories of others!

I have been away for awhile

I know I have been away for awhile...

But it is all because some new things are brewing

A new blog address

A new website

and new stories from my life and the lives of other awesome people

Heck, I even have a new email

Stay tuned for the complete rollout

Here is a taste of whats to come...

There's a lot to come...

So many stories, so little time. This has been a full few weeks of adorable children, beautiful couples and so much more. I don't have time to post much because I am shooting my amazing friend's wedding in Louisville this weekend, but here's a taste of what's to come. Soon. I swear.

I'm a Mess

Today I doubt everything. Today I am a mess. Today I want to run and hide.
I am overwhelmed. I am inadequate. I feel alone. I feel judged. I feel stupid. And I feel like running from it all.
But today, I feel that gentle whisper that’s glued to my soul. The deep places of my heart quietly remind me. He loves me. And He is here. And He will carry me when I need it. And He will wipe my tears when I find that taking one more step seems too scary for me. And He said that He goes before me and beside me. And even when everything within me screams failure and impossible and whatever other hopeless words come to mind, He screams beloved, cherished, possible and faithful.
So, with that in mind, I put before you some pictures of two constant reminders of that love in my life. (And I need to put a picture up of the third soon, that amazing husband of mine…) Because when I look at them and my heart gushes like Niagra Falls in the middle of a downpour and I realize that in my imperfection I cherish them this much…I guess He does love me like He says He does. I think He really means it.

I Heart Faces - Week 37

Life is full of giggles for her. Running, singing and random acts of dancing define her. She is passionate, excited and typically unbridled. That's why I find this picture so compelling. I caught her.
This week I Heart Faces is having a completely candid competition. For lots of other great photos, head on over here and check them out:




In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this photo as much as I do...

Nicole and Cam

"Amy, I just wanted to call and let you know, I found out I'm pregnant. And it's a boy." She actually found out all that information in one day. When Nicole went to the doctor to find out why she was feeling sick, she received a completely unexpected diagnosis. That was the day she found out she was 6 months pregnant and in a few weeks, an adorable little man would be making his way into her home.
I would have died. When I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified. Quite honestly - I cried. (For clarification, I have since learned that Hannah was one of the greatest things that ever could have happened to me) And I found out at the beginning. I had those nine-seems-like-eternity/excruciatingly long months to prepare. And pray. And be overwhelmed. Nicole on the other hand, embraced the quick turn of events in a beautiful (and highly organized - no wonder she helps coordinate weddings...) way. With the help of her amazing mother and friends, she prepared herself to welcome one of the most adorable little men I've ever laid eyes on. Nicole is beautiful, brave, patient and so many other things I would like to be.
She gave me a precious opportunity to spend a little part of the morning together with them. Though he had some hard moments I was overwhelmed with emotion as I watched Nicole patiently wrap him up in heaps of love. Enjoy precious little Cam. His photos bring tears to my eyes. And Nicole, thank you so much for letting me spend time with you guys. Watching you two interact reminded me of how thankful I should be for every moment.
(Side note - for any horizontal photos, just click on the photo to see the whole thing. In my lack of technological prowess, I have not yet been able to widen my blog so that these fit.)

Recipe for Greatness

1. Find the most adorable little lady you possibly can. (I'm in luck - I live with her on a daily basis.)

2. Whisk her off to a surprise filled day.

3. Have her get her nails done. (Working at a spa does make this easier)

4. Go to the city. Soak in every moment...AKA don't answer your cell phone or even check it

5. Explore.

6. Make up songs.

7. Snuggle at dinner.

8. Get ice cream. Totally get ice cream.

9. Go to the beach and prepare to get wet and sandy. Running full force into the water is a must - hand in hand.

10. Whenever possible - repeat. (As a side note, there will probably be a large-esque cleaning task ahead of you after your sand-filled friend enters the car. But alas, you'll smile every time you find grains of sand in your car - I promise)