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

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

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. 

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

eowyn ember | newborn | detroit, michigan

10 days new, Wynnie is here!

almost two years ago now, when I first made the leap to start my business, Lincoln and Alana were among the first to let me to photograph them. I look back at their session, my first blogpost, and am so deeply grateful for their friendship and encouragement and trust over the years.

and now they have A BABY!

meet sweet Eowyn Ember.

after a casual walk down the street to mural photographs and a hot cup of coffee at Red Hook, Lincoln and Alana showed me their beautiful bed that had been decorated by their sweet friend. all the while, it was evident Eowyn was designed for them, and they for her, all thanks to our glorious Creator.

they fit together so perfectly. what a joy it was to photograph them as a family of three!

xo

amanda

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

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

hello, clio | boston to detroit

Clio turned one!

I had the privilege of capturing darling Clio at 2 months old {see here!} and again one year old. She was the perfect little model, staring right at the camera, laughing and smiling on cue. It is clear she is a content little babe! 

Patricia and Nick, you are rocking this parenting thing. It's such an honor get to capture you and your precious little one! 

Happy New Year, friends! Thanks for following along in 2016-- cheers to more pretty photos and meaningful stories in 2017!

xo Amanda

Eva Jean {Grosse Pointe Woods, MI}

Eva Jean was two weeks old when I visited her and her mom, dad, and pup Ozzie for her newborn session. I have a special place in my heart for sessions like these, with new parents and new life-- precious firsts I adore capturing for friends.

I feel compelled to throw out a little advice today, so take it or leave it:

Do you know anyone who just had a baby {or is going through any other traumatic/difficult/crazy event, really}? Love on them. That way you express that love may look different between individuals, but figure out what it is that they need and be there for them! Do they need more help around the house? More meals? More sleep? More space? Someone to cry to? To make them laugh? To dream with? To listen to their woes? Trust me, your efforts to love are accentuated when you take some time to figure out what it is they actually need-- whether it be physical or emotional. And you may not get it right at first! And that's okay.

On the flip side-- did you just have a baby? {Or are you going through something else traumatic/difficult/crazy?} Don't be afraid to reach out and tell your loved ones how they are needed. Communicate. Let people in to love you. But also understand that all humans love differently and sometimes it's the effort that counts. 

Love, people.

Emilee, Andy, Eva, and Ozzie, thanks for inviting me into the delicate and special time you are in. It means the world to me and I hope your first weeks together can be looked back on with fondness!