Monthly Archives: January 2010

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End of January [Columbia, SC Children's Photographer]

January 30, 2010 – 7:45 am

For some reason it feels like February to me.  Yeah, I know.  It’s the end of January.  But, I’ve  been feeling that way for at least two weeks now.  It certainly isn’t great to be wishing weeks out of the month away, is it?  No, it’s certainly not.  If you’ll please pardon me for this error, friends, and let me explain my reasoning. 

February has always been one of my favorite months as long as I can remember.  Growing up with my birthday two days before, it seemed as if Valentine’s symbolized a whole lot of celebration….not to mention that it usually made everything in ‘pink’ (my all-time favorite color).  I can remember growing up that my birthday meant ‘awesome pink birthday & presents’ and ‘equally awesome valentine’s and presents’.  I know that I didn’t receive as many gifts for my birthday as Christmas, but for some unknown reason, I was more fond of this Valentine month.

Could it have been because I usually received roses & flowers on my Birthday and Valentine’s at school (from my Dad, but obviously reminded by my mother).  I certainly don’t know, but whatever the reason, I’ll never know. 

The date today, holds meaning for me and my husband and my daughter.  And I’m loving every minute of it.

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Love of Life [Columbia, SC Photographer]

January 21, 2010 – 4:27 pm

Have you ever sat in silence thinking of what’s going on around you?  My daughter’s sound asleep and I don’t get many moments like these, so I’m basking in it.  But, the silence doesn’t feel that warm to me.  Because when I stop and unwind, I begin to think about what’s going on in the world…and, all I can see in the background are images of our children.  If Haiti had been the US would we had responded the same?  Or are we just a product of selfishness and greed.  It’s definitely something to think about.  No matter where you stand politically, the situation in Haiti is beyond heart wrenching.  I was chatting with a friend earlier today and we were trying to come up with the words to describe what’s going on over there and we came up with words like, pitiful, sad, heart wrenching, devastating, and many others.  Yet, none of them seemed to describe the emotion we felt in our hearts, nor the sadness of those children left without a family, or loved ones who don’t know whether their people are alive or dead. 

Choose to pull a little bit out of the coffee money, or whatever you splurge on each week.  For me, it’s clothes.  And NO it’s not clothes for ME!  It’s clothes for my daughter.  I almost cried last night as I was going through her closet to donate clothing my daughter’s outgrown, just thinking about the thousands of innocent, pure and loving children of Haiti, without a family, without clothing, yet still full of hope. 

Here are several places you can give a gift of love to these precious people. 

American Red Cross and designate Haiti Relief and Development

Doctors without Borders

World Vision

Max Lucado’s Message for Haiti Fundraising Efforts (Because I thought his perspective is much more representative of the Christian faith and this situation).

xoxo, Amy

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Valentine Photo Cards [Columbia, SC Photographer]

January 20, 2010 – 2:28 pm

My first Valentine Children’s Session is the last week of January.  I can’t wait to create some of the sweetest most loving images of  little ones this Valentines.  Who’s complete without love, huh?  I have to admit that my daughter has taught me so much about the ‘l’ word.  I don’t even know if I really understood it fully until she came along.  About an hour ago she started laughing uncontrollably at something that happened while I was bringing her dinner.  At first I wanted to discipline her for being silly at the table, but then I remembered how precious these moments are.  Not to mention that she’s been sick for days and me disciplining her for laughter after days of lethargy would be inhumane…

I’ll be hosting Valentine Photo Sessions until Valentine’s.  If you’re interested just send me an email.    Personalized Valentine Cards are great for your child to give to their friends.  I’ve been working  on ours and I can’t wait to finish so you can see the result.  For the past 3 years I’ve customized Valentine Cards for my daughter with images of her and things she enjoys, etc.  I hope she thinks fondly of that later, lol.

xoxo, Amy

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Family Photography [Columbia, SC Photographer]

January 15, 2010 – 7:20 am

Is there a deserving family that you’d like to bless?  If so, please comment with your story and nominate that special family. 

I’ve had the opportunity to read about what other photographers across the country are doing for families in need in their community.  Many of these families are going through some trials in there life and complimentary photographs seem to just bring a smile to peoples face.  One photographer Cristina Coco just announced the family she’d be photographing a couple weeks ago.  Reading her blog prompted me to do the same and reach out to someone deserving of something that they might not otherwise have been able to do.  And, that’s what life’s about isn’t it?  Sharing our God-given talent with others.  Seems as if it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

So nominate a special family and share a few things about why you’d like them to receive a day of photography.  We’ll include several prints for the family, as well. 

There’s nothing more special than ’family’…and, I can’t wait to meet this one.  Winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.  Check my blog for information or email me with questions.

[caption id="attachment_990" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="What's a post without an image right? Well, this family just makes me smile. So full of love and fun!"][/caption]

xxoo,

Amy

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Help Other People in Need [Columbia, SC Photographer]

January 9, 2010 – 2:58 am

Before reading, please pardon my hyperlink drama…my Wordpress system isn’t working the way it normally should, i.e. allowing you to see the name of the site instead of the full blown website.  Anyway, I thought this post was well deserved before I was able to wrap my hands around my dilemma. 

Real story starts [now]!

There are so many people who need help today due to unfortunate circumstances.  It’s a visceral feeling when you consider how fortunate some of us are to even have a roof over our head.  Yet, all too often, we’re so focused on our selfish needs that we ‘fail’ to realize what our ‘true’ needs are.   I minimized my computer screen and googled the definition of ‘need’, and as it turns out…the meaning is necessity.   The question I have for myself is, “What does necessity mean to my family”?  That’s when I stumbled upon http://www.cristinacocophoto.com/blog/a-visit-to-safehouse/. 

 The sincerity, courage and love for humanity shared in this message resonated with me. 

I encourage you to go online to http://www.safehouseoutreach.org/ and see for yourself what they’re all about to get a true picture.  For more reading visit http://learningtolivelove.blogspot.com/. 

Just imagine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_RVZgf1frM

In 1982, Philip Bray took to the streets to es and runaways in Atlanta, Ga. Inspired by his own experiences; he wanted to reach those who the church considered unreachable. A booth in a local hamburger restaurant became the headquarters for SafeHouse on Friday and Saturday nights. Within 6 months, over 200 volunteers came togethehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_RVZgf1frMr with manpower and compassion and began reaching out to anyone in need. Soon Safehouse outgrew the booth and moved to a storefront off Peachtree Street. They held church service at midnight on Friday nights and became known within the city as a place where the unreachable could come for assistance. This was the beginning of Safehouse becoming a full service community development organization.

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Children’s Valentine Photography Sessions [Columbia, SC Children's Photographer]

January 1, 2010 – 12:00 pm

I can hardly believe that we’re about to jump into Year 2010.  It is my sincere wish that 2010 brings hope, promise and love to many people, and especially those who faced such a challenging 2009. 

My gift of Love for 2010 includes a new project called -Vintage Valentine – where I’ll be hosting ‘vintage – inspired’ sessions for girls and boys this Valentine’s.  Since this is new, I’ll give you and idea of where I’m going with this.  Think white ruffled dresses and little girl bonnets.  A Radio Flyer filled with flowers.  Little girls and boys playing jump rope.  Babies dressed as cherubs.  Flower bouquets.  Complete with an old, red stool amidst beautiful greenery.

Each session will be curtailed to your child.  We’ll discuss the look we’re going for and all plans will be made prior to our session. 

free_vintage_valentine_card_2

valentine-cupid-free-vintage-clip-art-1

These are just a couple photographs I’ve found that motivate me for this project.  I can’t wait for it to begin and I look so forward to working with your little ones.

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