we're moving, ya'll!

Oh hey there! Checking in here on the blog for a big family update 😊

photo by Chelsea

The Wyse crew is moving to Charleston, South Carolina!

Actually Charleston area but that doesn’t write quite as catchy.

I think we’ll fit in just fine because I already say ya’ll 😂😜

I have a lot of things to say. My hope is that they’ll all come out clearly and leave you in a warm and fuzzy place. Hang with me?

If you’re here for the short version:

☀️My family is moving to South Carolina in December! The goal is toes in the sand on Christmas Day 🎄

📷 I’ll continue to offer photography services here in Michigan, through myself (limited) and Chelsea (year-round). I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too!

🤗 I want you to be in the know and dream to stay connected— you can always see what I’m up to on instagram @a.k.wysephotoanddesign or sign up to receive my newsletter in you inbox, here.

Here’s the (much) longer version:

A little backstory: It has been on Drew and I’s radar that moving could be in our future, for many years. More recently, as I’ve been on a journey of healing and learning to advocate for myself, I started talking about it again. Actually, more asking. Asking if we could consider it, and find a place with more sunshine, more salt air, and more to explore all year round.

I want to say something romantic like “Charleston stole our hearts” but in reality, once we experienced it we just really liked it and thought it’d be a dang good place to live. After pursuing it more, it was clear that God was paving the way, going before us with connections, timing, and provision. We are grateful. And we are SO excited!

We are also sad. Leaving Detroit is bittersweet. We have started our family here, made life long friends here, and experienced so much joy. I have also experienced some very dark days here. We are ready to move forward and step into what God has for us, near the palm trees.

Okay, cool, but what does this mean for my portrait photography business?

It is my desire to continue to serve my clients and capture beautiful photographs for their families to cherish. Outside of my own family, one of the greatest joys of our time here in Detroit, for me, has been the people I have met and grown to know and love through this business in the past seven years. I am so grateful for the relationship and trust that we have built. I don’t want it to end.

That said, I would love to continue to offer photography services. There are two ways I plan to do this, if you’ll have me:

First, through my email list, I will communicate with you trips back to the area (Detroit and Traverse City) with opportunities for sessions. I have high hopes to do this twice a year, in months that we can count on decent weather 😉

Secondly, it is an even greater joy to continue to offer you sessions year-round through my associate, Chelsea. Chelsea is a professional that has been trained to shoot in a similar style as me, uses the same gear, and is delightful to be around— bottom line, similar experience and end result. I will continue to manage client communication and edit photos of your beautiful faces. Chelsea is eager to know more of you and help provide you with quality portraits! My hope is that you will take us up on this great opportunity to remain in partnership to create authentic photographs for your family, year after year.

Actually, there is also a third: I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too! You are always welcome to come and visit + hire me for a beach photo session 😉

This also feels worth saying: if you would like to part ways, be blessed, friend. There is no expectation for you to remain, now or ever. As a client or even as a reader/follower. Be free! Peace to you!

This is so very bittersweet. I ran into a friend last week, who looked at me and asked me how I was doing, really wanting to know. With tears I told her my fears. She prayed for me and reminded me that the Lord has already gone before me in your hearts, just like I know he has gone before us in this adventure we are about to begin. I am comforted and at peace.

Because we are moving south, it was really important to me this fall that we get portraits highlighting the fall colors— something we’ve never done before! For 8 falls now I’ve been photographing so many of you in this delightful, colorful season and it was about time we had some keepsakes of our own 🥰 (We normally get portraits in winter or on vacation!) Of course, we scheduled with Chelsea, and I am so delighted with our photographs. What a beautiful send off from the midwest! It’s also a good opportunity for you to see what Chelsea can offer!

Care to see more? Keep scrolling!

That’s all the photos for now. Thanks for scrolling ☺️

I leave you with some requests: If you’re ever in Charleston, will you tell me?! I’d love to see you there and buy you a cup of coffee. And if you know anyone who I should know in that area, would you send them my way?

You’re the best.

xo

amanda kay

azoni family | lifestyle family photography | troy, michigan

Last fall, the Azoni family invited me into their home for a lifestyle family session. It was so precious to document them in their space. Because of the comfort of their own home, the girls were able to quickly warm up to me and we ended up having a blast. I wanted to share this session because I believe that one day in the future, this type of work will be possible again. Amidst a global pandemic that is honestly making this concept seem foreign, I choose to look back at this sweet time in these photos while looking forward and believing more of that is to come.

I miss you, friends. All of you.

You’ll also see we ventured outside, in the snow, for a few shots too (It is also currently snowing, today, in April, so…there’s that.).

Stay safe, stay home, and see you soon, friends.

xo

amanda

brian james | lifestyle newborn photography | clinton township, michigan

Brian James came into his family as the third child, third boy, third little guy I had the privilege to photograph with their cute owl blanket. The extra-specialness that this little guy brings is out of this world.

{Head on back to the archives to see his brother Shane’s session. I didn’t blog Luke’s session but am adding his photo at the end of this post!}

and here’s a photo of Luke, for evidence that the blanket made it to all three sessions ;)

happy quarantine, friends.

xo

amanda kay

elliet elizabeth | lifestyle newborn photography | traverse city, michigan

friends! another baby on the blog, coming at ya!

I’ve had the privilege of photographing Val, Kyle, Payton and Samson (can’t forget the pup!) in the past, but this time, they’ve added little one to their family! Meet Elliet (Ellie!) Elizabeth.

Being invited to capture this time in their life gave me mad feels, ya know?! This job just keeps getting better.

Val is such an inspiration to me when it comes to keeping it real and executing serious self care (see what I mean and give her a follow at @fit_dentalgrl on insta!). Keep scrolling to check out their in home newborn session (Ellie was actually one day from a month old!), complete with dog and crazy good coordinating colors!

xo

amanda kay

harbour annelies | lifestyle newborn photography | detroit, michigan

Last week I met Harbour; she is the sweetest addition to her family, whom I met in July for their maternity+family session. I love meeting new babies in their home surrounded by their loved ones. I love witnessing parents in their first couple of days or weeks as they adjust to this new human in their arms and in their hearts. And I’m honored to be trusted to capture it.

Do you have photographs from when your baby was just born? I have very few with me in them, but the ones I do have, I cherish. I don’t want to forget that version of me, or them. I want to remember the feeling of holding the little human who I labored over to get into this world, healing me with every snuggle and coo. I want to remember that new version of me who was so drastically different than just days before, when I hadn’t yet met this tiny life.

I hope you enjoy this little snippet of the Arntson’s new normal captured in these photographs!

xo

amanda

sloane | lifestyle newborn photography | detroit, michigan

meet Sloane!

She’s well over a month old now, but I had the pleasure of meeting her after her first week of being born! She was so sleepy, which honestly, has been rare for my newborns these days. It was so precious to capture her peaceful self during her session.

I was invited to document Maureen and Nate’s journey in pregnancy and then once baby arrived— this, friends, is my favorite. I love being able to capture your story along the way! Thanks for inviting me in!

xo

amanda

christensen family | vacation family photography | traverse city, michigan

This adorable family was planning to vacation in Traverse City this summer, and contacted me desiring a family session to document their time there. I thought it was such a clever idea! To approach something that you really desire, but might be stressful, and execute it while in relaxation mode on vacation! Andrea, you’re a genius. And it paid off, because we had so much fun running around on the beach and throwing rocks and shells in the water.

If I could do every session with this weather and this backdrop, I would. Thank you summer!

xo

amanda

gangwer family | detroit, michigan

For living in the city, you’d think I take more advantage of Eastern Market + The Dequindre Cut— for work and play. After this session with this family I certainly plan to! I loved all the vibrant colors, coverage from the threatening rain, and wide open spaces. 

Hanging with this family came easy. I’m grateful they brought some of their own fresh vision for this session and trusted me all the same— it felt personal and real and I really really like that. Thanks for asking me to capture your family, friends. 

xo

amanda

augustine palmer | newborn | detroit, michigan

On his 4 week birthday, I’d love to introduce you to Auggie! Or Augustine Palmer, more properly. I had a blast having him and his adoring siblings and hero parents in my studio— my biggest group yet, at 8!

come back soon, simkins!

xo

amanda

augustine's birthday | birth photography | detroit, michigan

When Vanessa invited me to capture her birth, I was counting down the days till that babe was born. Being part of such an intimate occasion was such an honor!

On that winter afternoon, she let me know when she was pretty certain labor pains had begun. It was only a mere 4 hours later that Augustine arrived! All 9 pounds 4 ounces of him! It was such a whirlwind and I’m so impressed with the female body. Vanessa, you are a warrior. I’m so proud of you!

Vanessa was kind enough to write a testimonial:

“I am so thankful to Amanda for being present at Auggie’s birth, one of life’s most precious moments. After my births, since my brain is usually in a fog along with sleepless nights and visitors, I can sort of lose the memories. These photos capture the intensity and emotion of such a sacred moment. I'm able to look back at these photos in such awe and emotion, especially as I write my birth story and begin to remember details that  I couldn't have without the pictures. This is my last baby and I only wish I could've had such a beautiful and detailed memory as I do now with Auggie’s photos. For this, I am forever thankful. Thank you for the gorgeous photos Amanda! Thanks for shooting Auggies birth announcement, maternity photos, birth & newborn photos (what a journey). Thanks for having mimosas ready for two sleepy parents as we came with our troops for family photos ;) you're the best!”

Thank you to this family for letting me capture such a special occasion, and for being gracious enough to encourage me to share it here!

This year has been full of new and exciting things for my business— first, the studio, and now, an obsession with birth photography! ;) Thank you for all of your support, friends! If birth photos are your thing and you live in the Detroit area, I’d love to be considered to capture your birth story!

xo

amanda

the pyle family | ann arbor, michigan

Are people blogging anymore? I’m honestly so out of touch that I don’t even know. But! There are so many photos from this fall that I want to share, and this seems like the best way, so I’m going to do it regardless.

I’ve been photographing the Pyle Family since I started out. This family {among so many others} trusted me when I barely had a portfolio! And for that, I am so grateful. For them. For the opportunity they gave me to grow. Personally and professionally.

They’re outfits coordinated well as always and their energy kept me on my toes, in the best way :) Enjoy these cuties!

Thanks for making it to the end! Would you do me a favor and spread the love? Share this blogpost or write a comment or even just hit “like!”— especially if seeing more of this season’s work is something you’re interested in!

xo

amanda

the kroupa family | traverse city, michigan

Guys. This family. 

I don't even want to talk about how the sky was the perfect color or how their outfits were on point or how the low hanging tree branches were picturesque or how Grace was the perfect little model. But yes, all true, as you'll see.

This family is dear to me and I'm honored to continue to photograph them year after year. They even let me design their Christmas card every year and trust me to make outfit and location decisions without blinking an eye {more families than just them, by the way, but this is a shout out to the Kroupas!}. They laugh with me {maybe sometimes at me? ;)} while I arrange them and offer them posing cues while we capture them right where they are at. 2018. Embracing this season of life and doing it really really well. 

That's all.

xo

amanda

uresk family | casper, wyoming

One of my favorite things about traveling and having family and loved ones who live all over the globe is that I get to take my passion for photography with me and connect with others in a way that I definitely wouldn’t otherwise. If you’ve been following along for a while, you already know this about me. But it’s worth noting again. My favorite part-- I feel so loved and energized through the whole process: while my family/friend is getting the word out of my future travels to potential clients, encouraging them to trust me; reconnecting with friends I’ve met solely because of photography, who desire to get portraits again; actually meeting up with said friends and photographing them; getting their feedback and staying connected as I get their images ready for delivery...the list goes on. 

Yep, even this introverted soul loves connection and our human need for it. 

All that to say, I’m so thankful for Bree and her family, who are displayed in the photographs that follow. She has been a treasured friend and colleague to my mom since some of family moved to Wyoming a couple of years ago— it seems like we’ve known them way longer! Bree has even entrusted my mom with the role of “Grandma Beth” to her littles. It makes my heart sing to witness their connection and the numerous ways God has filled needs in their lives with simply the existence of each other. 

Thank you Uresk family for your love. And your cuteness. Goodness, you are cute together. 

xo

amanda

hey! you made it to the end of one of my longest blogposts-- thanks for scrolling through, friend!

elodie jo | newborn | traverse city, michigan

When I first met Jen, I had known of her for quite some time, but we never crossed paths. When a dear, mutual friend was getting married, we officially met in all the pre-wedding festivities and were instant friends. You know when you meet someone, and you feel like you've known them forever? That's Jen for me. So each time I've spent time with her since then, it feels like old friends reconnecting.

As you can imagine, when she asked me to capture her daughter as a newborn, I was over the moon. A chance to hang AND photograph Elodie? Yes please. 

One thing is for sure, these three belong in front of the camera. Thank you, Andersons, for the authenticity and joy you brought to this session. 

xo

amanda

the chin family | gross pointe, michigan

This family is simply so lovely. I'm so thankful we met. During their session, we got to chat about the city of Detroit, the many connections we have through our communities, their sweet kiddos {and mine}, and our beloved university {go blue!!}. It was such an easy, relaxed time, it could have been over coffee and not with them in front of the camera. These images convey that, too. Also, pro tip from Laura-- mini marshmallows make excellent bribes+rewards for the cooperation of littles :)

Thanks for the privilege of capturing your family, Laura + Jeff!

xo

amanda

justin + jenna + alyvia | traverse city, michigan

It's no secret that photographing friends, new and old, is one of my favorite pastimes. So far, photographing families, babies, couples, seniors, and events has gone with me all over the United States-- Idaho, Arkansas, Florida, Wyoming, Illinois and of course Michigan. Living in Detroit happens to be super cool for many things, and photographing people is no exception. But honestly, my favorite place in the state for sessions is not Detroit-- drive a lot further north and everywhere between Buckley and Northport is where I'd like to be all summer snapping away. 

This spring, I had a full weekend of sessions in the Traverse City area. Chilly was expected, even a little snow, but not to the volume that was found. It happened to be a beautiful weekend (high 50s!) but the snow was so abundant that even after days of this warm up, the snow remained. So, we went with it! Sandals and snow? Sure! If you are reading this and you are from Michigan, you understand. 50 degrees warrants sandals every. single. spring. Am I right?!

This family had the best attitude about the melting snow, high sun, and mild temps that weekend. We had a blast walking around Traverse City, finding good light and catching up. 

Thanks for keeping me busy, Jenna! Can't wait till I get to photograph your sweet family again :)

xo

amanda

traveling to kenya | africa through my portrait lens

Recently, my husband Drew and I traveled to Kenya with group of incredible humans represented by Kids Alive International. 

sunrise from the safari jeep | msasai mara national reserve

We went as guests of our friends + mentors who encouraged us to join them-- a married couple 30 years our senior, who have experienced life with beauty and love, trial and imperfection, and now exude wisdom and understanding into our life like no one else has. They are invaluable to us. We knew this trip would be good, solely because of being with them! 

sheri + tom | our friends + mentors | nature walk on aberdare national reserve

What we didn't know, was, that we would see another part of this world that we immediately loved. We didn't know we'd meet so many incredible, God fearing people, on our team and nationals to Kenya. That we would experience first hand an organization doing so much good, in Jesus' name, rescuing children from poverty, fostering change in individual lives and culture alike. That we'd be amidst so much hope. That we'd leave inspired and encouraged. We didn't know!

We also didn't have any idea what we were in for on our three day safari (!!!). It was incredible. I'm talking, jaw dropping landscape, wildlife for miles and miles and miles, elephants for days, rivers filled with hippos (okay, one river. but it was FULL of hippos!) Guys. It was so amazing! 

There's just too much to tell in a single blog post. But as I do with most life experiences, I'm going to attempt to describe it through photographs. And I encourage you, if you are curious to learn more about Kids Alive, Kenya, or traveling in general, just ask! I love to share and connect through my experiences.

I hope you enjoy Africa through my lens!

{sidenote, I was so drawn to the above tree, and photographed it many times. It's called Crown of Thorns-- the type of tree used for Christ's crown of thorns placed on his head when he was mocked by the Jews, later to be crucified, buried, and rise again.}

thanks for sticking around till the end! 

xo

amanda

the gray family | ann arbor, michigan

Today I'm taking an editing break for a long overdue blogpost! This session had so many images I wanted to share, so making time to share here was a must in my book. 

The Gray family is so. much. fun. to be with, and Lucy is a precious little soul who loves to smile and laugh, which translated extremely well for their photographs. 

As always, it is THE BEST to reconnect with returning clients + friends. Thank you Kristine for trusting me again for your family photos! It's an honor and privilege! Enjoy these sweet images. 

xo

amanda

the pyle family | ann arbor, michigan

the summer seems to have wrapped up according to my schedule but the weather keeps on being warm, which means these days I'm over dressed with layers and that leave me much too warm... anyone else out there loves their fall wardrobe the best?

The Pyle Family chose me again this year for family photographs and I could not be more honored + thrilled to spend another hour with them! I absolutely love reconnecting with clients {friends!} year after year! This fall has been a really fun combination of new faces and familiar ones-- I love the excitement of meeting new friends and the ease that tends to come with reconnecting with old ones. 

Nichole brought balloons along to have a mini birthday shoot within their family session for Justine, who turns one this month. The balloons and the light and her smile came together to make something beautiful, and I do believe this milestone will be remembered and celebrated with these images for years to come!

Also, the "one" romper seen on Justine + the quilts used were all made by Nichole! Isn't she amazing?!

Thanks for inviting me into this season of life, Pyle family!

xo 

amanda

shane alexander | 8 months | clinton twp, michigan

This blogpost was very much not planned, but while editing these photos, I just couldn't help but share. I've edited these images in black and white-- I feel this session is captured perfectly that way. I can't really explain it but I'm hoping you see it too!

Shane was seriously serious, and threw in some smiles for the camera {or maybe it was the swinging...or daddy talking to him!}. 

I'm excited to share these photographs and I hope you love them too. Joe and Kristy, enjoy this sneak peak-- your images are coming soon!

xo

amanda