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

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

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

adela james | six months | plymouth, michigan

As soon as I met Adela, I knew I was in for a fun session. 

I mean, look at that precious face!

I photographed Kristen while she was anxiously awaiting baby, and it was so fun to see this little life in action! 

Despite having colds all week, this cute family stuck it out and made being photographed look easy. 

Thanks for making my job so fun and for sharing Adela with me, Kristen and Rich! You're rocking this parenting thing and I'm so honored to have captured you as a family of three.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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