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

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

evie catherine | newborn | ypsilanti, michigan

I met little Evie {pronounced E-V} when she was just 10 days old. That seems to be, to the day, the time I meet most of my little newborn models. The timing is the perfect pause to capture lifestyle images like the ones you'll see in this post. And on those days, during the session, I feel as though I can't quite express how grateful I am that their parents invite me into their home during such a new, sweet time. Hear me here-- I am SO grateful. I love photographing new life, new parents, new families. 

It was an extra-snuggles-required type of day for Evie, which I always welcome. You'll see lots of images with her wrapped up in mom or dad's arms-- the perfect backdrop for a peaceful baby. 

Chelsea and Justin, enjoy your sweet little one. Thank you for inviting me in to capture some of the first memories with your daughter!

shane alexander | newborn | clinton township, michigan

On Christmas Eve Eve, I had the privilege of meeting Shane. He was only ten days new! But his parents and I go way back, thanks to my husband. {sidenote-- does anyone else's significant other provide them with stellar friends?? Mine does.}

I have many things I adore about close friends becoming parents-- their adorable babies {of course}, the ability to relate on another level, the kindred spirits in the chaos. But my favorite is the unexplainable transformation that occurs from the moment they become parents.

It wasn't long before these photos were taken that I took maternity photographs of Kristy, and spent some time with her and Joe. They were tired, anxious, very ready. Then, meeting them for the first time as parents, to see them with Shane, so in love with this little life-- it was beautiful. I was {am} giddy for them and what they have for their life ahead. Don't get me wrong-- they were tired, maybe anxious, figuring out all the new things. Parenting {aka sleep deprivation; caring for your heart that's now outside of your body; etc} is hard work! But now "Shane's parents" is a part of their identity, and it looks so good on them.

Shane, we adore you. Can't wait to watch you grow, little one. 

As always, thanks for looking, friends. I'd love to capture your milestones, too. Give me a shout! 

xo amanda

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 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!

Baby Clio {Boston to Michigan}

Lately I've had a {very welcomed} upsurge of newborn sessions, and anticipate more in the future {yay!}. Little Clio and her parents were visiting family in Rochester, Michigan, from Boston. I'm thankful for good friends and connections like this that keep me doing what I love. What's more, I'm thankful for the individuals who continue to trust me behind the camera. Honored, really.

Clio is a precious babe with personality and the strongest neck I've ever seen on an eight week old. She was content and sweet and loved looking at her mama. As it should be. 

Towards the end of our mini-session, Clio made it clear she was tuckered out and needed to catnap. With a little soothing from mom, she dozed off; her sweet face was peaceful and still content as she dreamed.  

I had more laughs in this mini session than I've had in a while-- thank you baby Clio for being so sweet, making me laugh, and reminding me of the squishy newborn joy the babe growing inside me is going to bring in just a few short months. 

Baby Luke {Williamsburg, MI}

I've been anticipating the month of January for quite some time.  Awaiting the arrival of several babies-- those of friends, family, and clients alike, has been exciting and kept me checking my phone often. Then, three newborns arrived in the matter of four days! When I got the call that Luke had arrived, I couldn't wait to make the drive up north to photograph his squishy, newborn self and his adorable family.

I find it extremely special when a family invites me into their home-- especially so when it is to photograph their newest member. These lifestyle sessions are equally relaxed and fun and challenging for me. I've found as of late that beautiful pictures can be found indoors, too.

I decided to share these photos in all black and white. I'd love to hear feedback of what you think about this style/choice! 

Alicia, Jeff, and Ben, thank you for sharing baby Luke with me! I hope these have photos captured a time in your life that you'll cherish for years to come. {oh, and Go Blue!}