the expecting jakel family | grosse pointe, michigan

Nothing was going to stop this session from happening on this summer day-- Stephanie and I were determined. With busy summer schedules and maternity timing just right, we didn't want to postpone. 

The light was exceptional and Niko was happy-- two factors that just minutes before we started shooting were looking pretty grim. We waited two hours to start this session and very happily took the time to catch up instead, while anxiously waiting to see what the weather would do. But the thunderstorm passed and Niko got his second wind, and we set out to the lakeshore to capture this sweet time of waiting they are in, waiting for baby Jakel to make his or her entrance into this world. It turns out, after all our waiting that evening, God had an exceptional one planned for us. How awesome too to know that He has already planned the life of this little one on the way-- he knows every minute, every choice, every detail of their life, and this family has the privilege of watching it all unfold. 

I'm thankful for this sweet family and the friendship Stephanie and I have. I'm thankful for this little one on the way. I can't wait to photograph them as a family of four!

Norah {Casper, Wyoming}

Ten minutes of laughter in the Wyoming sunset and we've added to our 25 year long, beloved catalog of memories. 

Living far away from Norah has now become part of my normal. Time together is always special and feels like home to me. 

Our spur of the moment decision to capture their growing family on Thanksgiving day resulted in exactly what I shoot for--  pretty images that speak loud with memories. Thank you Norah and Cody and Baby Kuhn for allowing me to get my photog-fix while on vacation and for continuing to foster friendship with me and my family from afar.

xoxo Amanda

Grayson James {Buckley, MI}

Babies!

2016 surely has brought its share of infant photography for me-- and I absolutely love it. I found, in this last session, that I have much more confidence, allowing me to work more at ease and more out of my creativity. All while enjoying every minute. It's seriously so fun! I love this job.

Kenny and Summer have been our friends for years. I've known Summer since we were on opposing t-ball leagues {way way back} and Kenny since I met my {now} husband 11 years ago {they're besties}. When Summer and Kenny got together, it was a really really good thing. And I love spending time with them. Add little Grayson to the mix, and it gets even sweeter. 

For this session, my family spent the day with our new-parent-friends at their home {with our two year old... who kept waking poor Grayson up and asking, "pick him up?"... Let's just say I'm a little worried for June when her brother arrives!}. We snuck in pictures when Grayson was feeling especially photogenic-- aka rested and recently fed. As you will see, at four weeks old, he was calm and alert. Kenny and Summer just adore him, which is evident here. They are a trio I'd like to be around more. Enjoy their sweet photos.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me here on the blog! If you'd like to learn more about booking a session, contact me here! I'd love the privilege of taking photos for you. xo - Amanda

In Waiting for Baby Youker {Michigan + Wyoming}

I've been withholding these photographs, thinking I would share them collectively when Baby Girl Youker arrived. But in waiting for her arrival, I've decided to share them here in an effort to share my excitement that her due date is arriving and she really could be here anytime! From talking with my brother and his wife, I get the feeling that maybe they are in this tension between "come on, baby girl!" and "wait, are we ready to be parents?!". I have a very familiar understanding for this confusing place in time.

Even though they live in Wyoming, I've been able to photograph my beautiful sister and her growing belly three times throughout her pregnancy. I offered these sessions to her in hopes that she would be able to look back on the moments we captured and cherish the miracle of carrying her little one all these months, especially near the end now when I'm sure she'd rather be holding her in her arms.

To Andrew and Trisha-- you are going to be wonderful parents. And keep in mind wonderful does not equal perfect. While we can't offer perfection to our children, your efforts to love and nurture this baby is what will make you wonderful. I have no doubt you will take on this role like champs. My advice to you-- you need Jesus and you need each other. He is the source of love that will get you through everything! From those who offer help-- take it. From those who offer food-- eat it. From me {and many others} who offer support and love--  know you are loved and supported and reach out for anything {and I mean anything!}, anytime. 

Until she comes, here's the cutest expecting couple you ever did see!

{14 weeks}

{26 weeks}

{33 weeks}

Greta {Lansing, MI}

This weekend's hangout included a casual maternity session. With the football game on and our husbands, dogs, and kiddo hanging in the room next door, I had the opportunity to spend some time hearing about the excitement of a very loved little boy on the way.

Greta is stunning. She had a vision for indoor photos, which was meaningful and sweet. Thankful for the natural light shining in, I posed her near windows and was happy with the results. These photos seemed to be really special to this mommy-to-be. But later, as I saw the sun going down and its glow seeping through the windows, I convinced her to come outdoors with me for a few poses-- and it was so worth it. 

I've notice lately that when I get behind the camera, I can't help but be energized-- in a giddy, can't stop smiling kind of way. While it may sound silly, in this season of thankfulness, I feel the need to say that I am thankful for the individuals who trust me to be behind the camera. Being here brings me joy in a way that I never thought possible. I'm trying my best to love others through this God given blessing; I'm so grateful. 

To Greta-- My hope is that these photos will have captured this moment in time so you remember how content you were, waiting for little Rock, preparing for his arrival with patience and love. It was so special to me to be a part of-- thank you!