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

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

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!

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

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 van arragon family | grosse pointe, michigan

I love meeting new families.

It has been some time since I photographed a family with older children, and the Van Arragon family reminded me of just of how fun and refreshing it can be! Don't get me wrong-- newborns, little ones running around, you are my absolute favorite. But it was so fun to be able to gently direct and see instant results and be able to focus more on successful composition and framing the photo just the way I envisioned. In fact, my biggest hurdle during this session was those pesky tiny flying bugs {no idea what they're called, clearly} that kept swooping in on us over and over! They even confused my camera's focus sometimes, as seen below. We laughed and kept in motion and made it work. I mean, the sunlight was perfect and it wasn't 90 degrees, so we were one happy group.

This sweet family also reminded me just how useful social media can be for small business, and I am so grateful they found me and took a chance on me to document this time in their life even when we'd never met. 

Enjoy, friends. 

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!

ellie ray | 10 weeks new | driggs, idaho

I think Idaho is the furthest I've traveled for a photo shoot? 

It may not have been why I went {it wasn't}. But I couldn't be around this cuteness and not document it. 

I was in Idaho this July was because I found myself within four hours {SLC with other dear friends!} of my dear friend Norah and I could not pass up the opportunity to spend 24 hours with her and her family, and to meet Ellie. So we took advantage of the situation and planned it. Being with them = pure joy. Our shared experiences go back to preschool, and now they include motherhood. Read: happy heart.

You may remember I photographed Norah and her new baby bump last Thanksgiving... here she is now with Ellie Ray, the sweetest little peanut who is the closest thing to a niece to me without actually being related. 

Ellie dear, I love you. Till the next time I get to kiss your cheeks and hug your mama, dear one.

xo

amanda

evie k at six months | ann arbor, michigan

One of my favorite sessions from the last month is this one right here. 

Evie K was so so sweet, smiley and giggly for the camera. She loved grabbing her feet, as you'll see, and showing off her big blue eyes. We met in the peony garden at the Nicholas Arboretum and took advantage of the hot day and green backdrop. Seeing my clients' littles grow is such a joy, and being trusted to document it is something I cherish. 

Enjoy these sweet moments.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

amanda

amalya june | newborn | gross pointe, michigan

seriously guys. so many sweet babies. 

Since I've known Beth, she has looked forward to the days of motherhood. This little peanut was long awaited and is already so so loved by her sweet parents. 

The best part about this session was that it was actually two-- I got to meet Amalya when she was under 24 hours old and capture her sweet little face in the hospital! This was also my first time photographing a fresh babe in the hospital, and I loved every minute. 

Then, one week later, her newborn session took place at their home. This family of three was so inviting and cheery on what I know had been little rest. Amalya opened her eyes once or twice but mostly slept like an angel through the whole thing. 

Beth and Bill, well done. Thank you for inviting me in and letting me be a part of your first week as parents! Cheers to many more playdates in our future.

xo 

amanda

ethan james | newborn | interlochen, michigan

Are you ready to feel all the feels?

Ok, but seriously, this is a story truly worth reading. Haley asked me to tell it here, on the blog. Maybe because of the redemption in life. Maybe to point people to Jesus. Maybe because she is unexplainably brave. Maybe all that and more. Whatever the reason, it is an incredible honor to share a slice of this story.

This sweet family is celebrating the recent birth of their rainbow baby, Ethan James. Oh, what a joy it is to see Haley hold him in her loving arms. 

In 2015, Haley, Brad, and Grace experienced an unimaginable loss— their baby, taken home to heaven, too early for their hearts to bear. A miscarriage. A baby lost; a life who’s future they had imagined in theirs. 

While they were suffering, I was pregnant with my son. I could not understand God’s ways— why her and not me? Why her baby and not mine? Why this pain? We had been pregnant with our first babies at the same time too, and it was oh so sweet. How fun to experience it together again! we had said.

Through her loss, her sadness, her pain, I experienced confusion, sadness. This story is not about me. But I want to share with you the kind of friend I have in Haley:

One day, a couple of weeks after her miscarriage was confirmed, still raw and very real, she asked me, had I felt any movements? In fact, I had, I told her; I cautiously told her I began feeling movement the very day her miscarriage was confirmed. This brought me deep sadness— but it was a sadness that brought me to pray for her each time I felt those flutters. I took it as from God, but didn’t share it with her at the time, out of sensitivity, and a little embarrassment. You know what she told me that day, as we sat FaceTiming, both crying? Something like this: Amanda, you don’t have to hide your joy from me. I am joyful with you! Just as you have experienced sorrow alongside me, I experience joy with you.

Love. Grace. 

This is friendship in Jesus. This is being like Christ. 

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

After struggling with infertility, loss, the pain in time, and waiting, waiting on the Lord, Haley now holds Ethan James in her arms. Yes, He can make good from all things. He will and he does. 

clare | newborn | detroit, michigan

At just one week old, I met Clare. 

I'll keep this post light on words and heavy on pictures because choosing which images to share here on the blog was no easy task— so much to love. 

Rachel and Andrew, you created a beauty. I’m so happy that God made you Clare's parents. He couldn’t have picked a more loving duo to bring her into this world! Thanks for sharing her with me!

the sosnoski family | detroit, mi

whoa, I haven't blogged since January! If I'm honest, the rain and sleet and gray and general winter-ness got me down. Also sick children, sick self, and teething. Oh, baby teeth, why must you disrupt my sanity so much?!

But this past weekend and into this week, it has been sunny and warm and all around GOOD here in Detroit. Whew.

I'm sharing a session from the fall with you because I didn't get the chance to share it in the {delightful} busyness of fall sessions, I adore the lovely people in these photos, and I feel like they must be shared, even if delayed.

This family brings me so much joy. They hold an extra special place in my heart-- I used to be Natalie's nanny when she was just a little babe... she's five now and I can't quite believe it! They are some of the most generous people I've ever known and they care deeply for their friends. God knew I needed them in my life. 

We chose the DIA as a backdrop for their session, and I can't wait to shoot there again. Enjoy!

All this beautiful weather has me excited for spring and itching to get outside... SO the first 3 people who contact me and mention this blogpost upon booking will get $25 off their one hour session! I can't wait to hang with you!

xo

amanda

The Mahanic Family {Grosse Ile, Michigan}

You guys, I have some really fun sessions from this fall to share with you! The light and the people and the locations all collided into something beautiful. And, I'm on vacation {mom's house, yay!} and might just find extra time to do some blogging. 

The Mahanic Family was a joy to photograph! It was such a privilege to capture their family. Matt and Candace, Madeline and Annabelle, Mimi and Grandpa Jim-- thanks for trusting me and making this session so fun! 

I'd love for you to visit again here on the blog later this week to see more of my recent work! 

xo

Amanda

The Mason Family {Traverse City, MI}

Today's blogpost is light on the words because some days you've just gotta GET STUFF DONE.  For me, in between caring for my littles and staying caffeinated, that's edit and laundry and pack and more laundry.  T-minus 3 days until family vacation!

Enjoy the Mason Family's photos and the beautiful fall colors! And if you want to see how much baby Luke has changed, check out his newborn shoot from January!

The Francis Family {Royal Oak, MI}

Before you scroll down to see one of my latest sessions, I'd like to attempt to express my gratefulness to you, my reader, viewer, client, and/or friend. I'm in awe of your support of me and my business-- you guys, word of mouth is awesome and I'm so blessed with work because of you! So far, this fall has been THE BEST as I'm meeting new clients and sneaking in sessions with old friends. Seriously. Can I ask something of you? Keep it coming!

Thank you, again, because I love what I do and I get to do it because you are awesome.

Below, meet a family who I met through another family I photographed last year. Matthew, Tracy, and Josephine asked me to photograph their first family portraits and it turned out to be a beautiful day with perfect light. As you'll see, we laughed a lot; I really enjoyed this hour with new friends. Scroll away!

The Gray Family {Grosse Ile, MI}

The Gray Family is adorable. Enough said.

But of course I'll say more!

After lots and lots of rain we finally got a gorgeous day for this long awaited session, and we were so relieved! I've known Kristine since I was in college, and I witnessed her love and joy for children as an early childhood teacher. It was such a joy to see this love and joy spill out of her for her daughter Lucy. And Lucy is such a sweet, sweet 5 month old little lady.

Kristine and Tony wanted to include some other family members in this shoot and I felt that this gesture was very special, loving, and others-focused. What a pleasure it was to photograph this sweet little family! Enjoy!

The Parks Family {Seattle to Michigan}

Life can be oh so sweet.

I mean, quite often I get bogged down by chaos and turmoil and drama and crazy but then there are those times when I get to experience pure joy. And it tastes sweet to my soul. {I'm grateful, Jesus. I really am!}

Recently I had a much too short visit with a childhood friend who was visiting home from Seattle. She hired me weeks ago to capture her family photos, and I've been anticipating it ever since. It was such a privilege to be trusted with this task!

With two kids in 2.5 years, it's no surprise that Becca and Phil have a lot going on. But their calm and patience and joy as parents and to each other was such a treat to witness. The day grew even sweeter since our session took place at her grandparents' house on the street we both grew up on. I convinced my husband to join us with our two littles and it was so fun to all be together.

Becca and Phil-- you're girls are so gorgeous and sweet. You two rock. Thanks for the honor of capturing you all!

If we haven't connected yet about your fall photos, shoot me a note and we'll get it on the schedule!