{Sneak Peek} Chris + Jordan Maternity Session

I can still remember when Jordan emailed me asking if I could photograph her wedding. And when she emailed me back to make sure I was still willing to do it after I made the announcement that I wouldn't really be focusing on weddings any longer (I only plan to do 4-5 each year). She was frantic, and while I felt so bad that she thought I was "ditching" her, I also felt excited that this crazy awesome girl wanted me to take her wedding photos some kind of crazy bad. 

2013 | A Year in Review

I cannot thank my clients enough for the amazing year they have given me. Receiving so many beautiful Christmas cards with your photos on it -- it just means more to me than you know!
This year has been such a blessing to my heart. I have had so much fun learning so many new and interesting things about myself as a photographer.

I enjoy looking back on my photo sessions through out the year and seeing the changes I have made in my editing style and post processing.

Less editing. More real :)
January This past year began with my very first newborn session. Little Violet came into this world with a beautiful head full of hair. She was just as gorgeous as could be, and it's amazing to think she was this little not so long ago. 
February
The month of love came with a cute little pregnancy announcement. Little Mason was a trooper on this cold winter day. It even snowed for about 5 minutes!

March
It warmed up just a little bit in March, but the lingering snow made for extremely wet ground! Both of my sessions in March ended with boots caked in mud and wet bottomed jeans. It's moments like those that make me love my job even more. In March, I learned to wear muck boots and old jeans rather than worrying about dressing professionally. Professional clothes don't last long in muddy fields, in case you were wondering.

The Dennis family celebrated their youngest darling girl's first birthday.

Michael + Jessica celebrated their love...and their truck ;)

April
I was still dealing with soggy butts in April...but I couldn't figure out if it was because of rain or simply because my clients really love fields and farms :)

This extended family was SO much fun! They had me in stitches the entire time.

Sam's sunrise senior portrait session was wonderful. I was able to try out a few new poses with her, and she was very willing to do whatever I asked! Sam is an aspiring photographer, and I can't wait to see where her career choice takes her. 

May
April showers bring May buttercups flowers! This field behind my in-law's house was just beaming with them in May. I couldn't help but take advantage of them! I'm hoping to offer just a few mini session's here this coming Spring. It's just oh so magical!

May also brought a gender reveal for the Bobst family! Once again, God had His mind set on allowing it to rain that day, but thankfully, by the time this little family's session came along, the rain was no where in sight! Momma had the brilliant idea of getting a blue and pink umbrella for their gender reveal session. It's a girl for the Bobst family!  Oakley Mae made her first grand appearance this Fall -- and she is just the cutest chubster ever!

One of my favorite sessions in May was this absolutely stunning generational portrait session I did for one of my favorite clients. I love photos that have stories, and generational photos are my favorite stories. However, in this one, my shutter clicked at the same time as grandma's emotions and memories. She tried holding back the tears as she wrapped her arms around her beautiful daughter and granddaughter, but as we know, grandma's are good at crying. In fact, I had to hold back a few tears myself. Such an inspirational family this is!

Little Reid had his newborn session in May. Our first attempt....you guessed it...rain. I've been so blessed as to never get rained out these past 3 years, but this year....nope, not so lucky. So I came back the following day, and it.was.gorgeous. And warm!! Reid and Hunter were such troopers, sweet little angels!! Momma left Reid with me a few times, just the two of us, and I couldn't help but snuggle him close. Talk about baby fever!! He slept almost the entire time and was the perfect little model. 

June
June, it was a HOT one. But we had lots of nice days too! The day of this equine clinic photo shoot though...not so cool! I reallllly enjoyed it though. It gave me a lot of great experience in taking photos of horses and their riders. I was so grateful to be able to take these photos for my Aunt's equine clinic that she held at her home this Spring. She is so amazing to allow me to use their farm in Remington for my clients. So much thanks and praise goes to her and my uncle -- their farm is my most requested location for portraits!

I was honored to photograph this pretty lady's professional head shots in June. She is so talented, and won a major scholarship to finish her degree. She needed her photo taken so that it could be printed along with the essay she wrote in a nationwide police magazine. It has also been posted and printed in our local newspapers.

Love.this.family.
I could photograph them every single day and I wouldn't get tired of it.
Jeet is amazingly beautiful, and I just loved Jesse's sly look in his photos of the two of them. They totally rocked this Vintage Americana mini session in June!!

Also in  June, I was delighted to do a Vintage Americana mini session for fellow photographer, Jamie Cardine!! Of course, she has plenty of photos of her children, but hardly any of her and her wonderful hubby!

August
I love this family, too. I have watched little Harry grow these past 3 years. His personality has blossomed so much since the first time I met him! Stephie is incredible with decorating, and she had the tables and chairs set up in the field, ready and waiting for me!! The Foard Family has something new in store for me every year -- they always have to go for "that one pose" and I think they totally nailed it this year!! The unfortunate part of the session is that, as soon as I left, it started...bet you can't guess...yep...raining!! The most unfortunate part is that their house was struck by lightening that evening, literally minutes after I left, and caught fire :( I felt so horrible for this sweet, loving family. Thankfully, they didn't lose their entire home and were able to restore the damage in about 6 months. But my heart certainly did sink when I got her message that evening telling me what happened!! So so so happy everyone is ok!!

September

This is my second time capturing this little family's fall session. This year, we were even able to get some great candid shots!!

Doug + Morgan's engagement session was probably one of my favorites this fall, if not my favorite this year. They brought their cute little pup with them, and Doug and Morgan were wonderful to photograph. The session came together perfectly. It's one of the few sessions that I have where I sit back and toot my own horn. I tooted it loudly that night. Their love really shined through during their session, and Doug gave us some good laughs as well ;)

 October

Chris + Jordan's wedding came in October. It felt like it took a lifetime to get here. And guess what, IT RAINED. I was so incredibly infuriated that morning as I packed my gear. Whyyyy could it not have stopped raining for just 10 minutes!! I know the bride was just as disappointed, but hey, we dealt with the mess (oh yes, I was muddy), and the day was still amazing!!

The Wharton Family's mini session was wonderful! I was actually trying so very hard not to crack up for the first 10  minutes, because their spunky little girl was very  much afraid of the bridge!! But, she toughed it out and we got some wonderful photos :) Of course, I just realized, I never got around to  blogging their session :(

The Bower's Family had (almost) perfect sunlight for their session in October. The fall colors really showed themselves as the sun started setting! We go to church with this lovely family (and Tiffany is an ahhhmazing insurance agent at Maloney and Ward in Culpeper as well, shameless plug!!) so I was delighted to take their photos for them this fall!

November
November brought an entirely new set of challenges for me. As many of my clients knew, I was dealing with a severe case of carpal tunnel this year. My right wrist, especially, was to blame. Many times through out sessions, I'd literally have to stop and shake my hand awake. And by the end of October, I was in a lot of pain. No amount of "jiggle fingers" could do the trick. So, I decided to finally take the next step and went ahead with carpal tunnel surgery at the end of November. I'm extremely happy that I did. But before surgery, these were my final sessions of 2013....

The Denison Family, I just love them to pieces. Every time I talk to Ashley, I feel like I've known her for forever. She is so laid back and easy going. I love clients like her!! And, gracious, look how big little Reid has gotten in such a short amount of time!!

Jason, Marie and their boys -- my my, I can't say enough great things about these people. These boys are the most well behaved children I have ever had at a photography session. They were so willing to do and go wherever we wanted. They never once complained or mumbled. And they are just so handsome!! Marie came with lots of idea's, and I'm so glad that she did. Because I was burnt.out. at this point. The pain that I had to deal with during sessions did not make photo sessions enjoyable for me, at all, but this family....they made my job easy!!

The Dawson family -- I have to say I love them because, well, they are family. But I love them more because they are our Pastor and his family! They are so raw, so real. SO hilarious -- these boys had me laughing the entire time.

I have been wanting to photograph this family (especially Ryan and Brittney) for a few years now.
I.was.ecstatic. when I was able to get some photos of this beautiful couple by themselves. So scandalous ;)

My last session of the year, I could not have asked for better weather or a more beautiful sunset. I'm so happy we were able to capture the sun going down behind the tree's, and these two kiddo's were a joy to photograph!! Since my surgery took place the week after this session, I didn't have any time to blog it. So bummed! I might get around to it sooner or later! For now, you can view their sneak peek on my facebook fanpage.

 I want to take a moment to thank each and every single one of you who have been with me for through out my photography journey. Your support, encouragement, and criticism are very much appreciated. I have met so many fabulous people over the past few years, and I get more and more excited every year -- the more I learn, the more I want to photograph!!

I'm hoping and praying that my left hand will not bother me this year as my right hand did last year. However, I will, eventually, have to have surgery on my left hand as well. Your patience, once again, will be so needed and appreciated if my hand does begin to act mean. You may find that I smack my thigh constantly -- I promise, I'm not a weirdo. And if, at any point you see me raising my hand in the air, you're free to wave back....like you just don't care....

I look forward to all that I have in store for you in my little brain this year!! I have big plans, and I hope to bring them to fruition almost immediately in this new year. Stay tuned!! And, as always, to stay "up to date" make sure you "follow" my blog by email by simply putting your email address in the little section over there to the right hand side of the page ==>>

Many blessings to your and your family this New Year!!!

xoxo

Special Dates to Remember in 2014

Happy New Year!!

One of my New Year goals for 2014 is to blog more. I have totally slacked these past few months, but I think I'll hop back on the motivation train again :)

As I know many of you have a tradition of creating New Year Resolutions, I've decided to make your life a little easier in 2014. Some of you may have vowed to be more "organized" in the new year. Other's may have vowed to be more in touch with their planning side. Either way, I've developed a nice little "cheat sheet", per say, for you guys. 
This sheet includes special dates for mini sessions as well as special promo's for certain months of the year. Of course, I do not have complete details for all of these special promo's that are listed, so you'll need to refer back to my facebook page or website often in order to stay up to date with these special promotions. Or, if you'd prefer, you can simply "subscribe" to this blog by email, over on the right hand side, and you'll receive an email whenever a new blog or promo is posted.

Without further ado...

To see this sheet larger, simply click on the photo. If you'd like to print it, you can simply click on the photo, save it and print it on a regular sheet of printer paper. Make sure you "fit to size" so that it doesn't cut any of the words off.

I hope that you have an amazing new year!! If you'd like to see what's going on with my business in 2014, I encourage you to click here to read my recent blog post about important changes and marketing for my business this year.

Stay tuned later this week for a special "Year in Review" blog post!
xoxo

Goodbye 2013, Hello to a New and Exciting year

In just a few short days, the New Year will be here...
This year has been quite the exciting and hectic year, in so many ways. Between working an (almost) full time job from home, photography, being a wife, mom and homemaker -- life has been busy, to say the least. I have had some overwhelming moments when I thought that I would have to hang my hat up on photography simply because I didn't have the time for it.
But I love it so much.
And I love you guys so much.

So I kept on trucking.
Some of you noticed the baggy, puffy eyes. You  noticed less of a pep in my step and more of a slouch in my shoulders. But you still loved me and blessed my heart -- I appreciate you so much. You were all, every single one of you, so understanding as I struggled through clicking the shutter when I couldn't even feel my fingers. And you were especially understanding when we had to reschedule sessions due to my wrist surgery in November.

The truth is...

you.keep.me.going.
Watching your children grow before my eyes. Seeing those first baby grins, literally just a few days "new". Celebrating your love with your soon to be significant other, and drooling over the engagement ring in the process. And most recently, celebrating that very special day of love with you -- your wedding day. And then we start with the baby grins all over again...
I am a professional photographer. But by no means have I finished learning. I have learned so much this year, and get used to it, because I'm pretty sure I'll say that every year. I look back on sessions from even just 6 months ago and think "I wish I could re-do it...because I know that I could do it better now". 

And you guys are there, tooting my horn and being patient with me the whole way. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I am amazingly excited for what 2014 is bringing for my clients -- old and new. And for my personal life as well. It seems as though I'll be having some more time on my hands come the end of January, as I will be leaving my newspaper position (still doing the magazine for those wondering) -- it's bittersweet, but I think it's also a blessing in disguise. No matter what happens, we know that our God has an amazing plan for our lives and for our little family.

So, with more time on my hands, I plan to take on more sessions and will be offering more fun and amazing things. But this doesn't mean they'll be cheesy :) Of course, before photography, my little man comes first. He will be starting Kindergarten this Summer/Fall, and Kindergarten takes place right at our kitchen table.

This momma is going to be busy....

This new year is a re-branding year for me. I love my clients, and I want more like them. I love those of your who get caught up in the details, the art of your love for one another. Those of you who don't want to be a stick figure and take the extremely posed photos. Those of you who say "just go with it, we'll do anything you want"...and actually mean it.
I love those of you who come with idea's, but also allow me to be me. If you're looking for a pinterest photographer, that's not me, and quite honestly, it intimidates me and makes my brain shut down.
I love those of you who take hours to match your outfits, and most of the time, buy 2 different sets because you can't figure out which ones match properly. I love it when you email me 20 times asking what you should wear, it's fun for me too!! I want you to know the importance of your outfits, because outfits really can make or break a photo. I hope to post a blog about that soon. Until then, email me 21 times if you have to. :)
I love those of you who trust me 100% with your children. Being a mom, I know how hard it is to put the safety of your child into another person's hands, especially those tiny little newborns. I especially love those of you who know the importance of family photos and make it a priority to take family photos every year -- even if I'm not the one taking them.

Because I know that you value business just like I do (and much of this has to do with my clients), I want you all to be in the "loop" on the business side of things for 2014.

• Marketing -- I plan to build my maternity, newborn, and wedding clientele. So please keep me in mind when someone you know may be looking for a photographer in these area's. My family and children portraiture is steadily growing, but I have neglected the newborn and wedding side of my business for far too long. In other words, I have way too many newborn props that I am just itching to use!! ;)
• Preparing for sessions -- I will be spending a lot more time on the pre-planning stage of each session (story boards, inspirational pinterest boards, etc), even small sessions. Prepare to be bombarded with idea's and maybe some cool props! If you'd like for me to create an inspirational board specifically for your session, that's a possibility too ;)
• Camera Gear + Upgrades -- I am saving up (as much as possible) for a new camera body. I have severely outgrown my camera and it irritates the dickens out of me. I cannot produce better quality photos without a better camera. Yes, I know that sounds stupid, especially to me, and especially to all of you who hear photographers say "it's not the camera, it's the person". Seriously, get real, there's a reason they make $3,000 cameras. I can limp along with what I have, but if I want that beautiful depth of field and clarity that I long for, that I know I can offer, then I am going to have to splurge on a camera upgrade and use my current one as a backup. So, please excuse my frustration with my camera during your sessions, at least until I get a new one.
  Other upgrade's will also include props -- purchased and handmade. If at anytime there is a specific prop that you are interested in using or having me create, please let me know!!!
• Weddings -- I have tossed the thought of going full steam ahead with weddings for the past 2 years.
  But in November of this year I decided that it was time. I am now booking for 2014/2015 weddings. However, I will only be booking 6 weddings (for now) for the entire year. I will not book myself up with weddings to the point where I cannot take care of my regular family and children portraiture clients!! I love them way too much to do that to them! Family, children and newborns are still my top priority in my business.
• Information + Packages -- Each client in 2014 will receive a reminder card in the mail at least 2 weeks before their session. This reminder card will have helpful information about your session and is great to hang on your calendar. Each client will also receive a flash drive with their photos in 2014, along with a small little box in which to keep your flash drive.
• Networking + Training -- One of my most favorite things to do is help new photographers get their business off the ground. I know, it sounds kind of like I'm helping competition, right? Totally wrong. We all have different styles and businesses, and I absolutely wouldn't be here if it weren't for a very few fellow photographers who have helped me along the way. I simply want to help others along their journey as well. If you are a new photographer, feel free to network with me. I have also started setting up shadowing sessions, where new photographers can get some experience under their belt without having to actually offer "free" sessions all by themselves. Clients: You are NOT obligated to allow other photographers at your session, so please, if I ask you if you are interested in having another photog tag along and you aren't interested, please just say NO. My client (you) is my very first priority.
• Policy + Deposits -- Each and every single client (unless I've told you otherwise) is required to pay a $35 non-refundable deposit when they book their session, otherwise, their session is not book. I hate having to do this, but I had 4 different sessions scheduled during the holiday season, and those 4 particular sessions did not pre-pay (because I just didn't make them), and all of them canceled their session. I understand that things happen, and that is completely fine. But my time is extremely valuable, and when you cancel last minute simply because you forgot or because you don't want to do the session, that is money out of my pocket -- I could have filled that space and time with someone who truly did want to take the time to do a photography session. Or even worse, I could have planned a fun night with my family. This $35 deposit is put towards your session fee and is used as a "holding" fee. Please know that at any time your session can be rescheduled due to illness, weather, and other non-changeable life situations. I am very flexible and I understand that life happens -- I am happy to reschedule, however, an additional $35 deposit will be required (which will also go towards your session).
  In order to give me more time to edit your photos, it will now take 3-4 weeks for you to receive your photos in the mail unless otherwise noted. It takes 2 weeks to edit your session, and it can take another few days to make its way to the mail (and through the mail system). Most clients receive their sessions before or at the 3 week  mark. However, adding that extra week covers all bases for me in case something unexpected comes up (computer problems, mail problems, vacation, personal life, etc).
• Design + Handmade Props -- I will be doing more digital design (logos, marketing products, etc) for photographers in the new year, and they will be for sale on Etsy. I will also be making many of my own props, which will also, eventually, be for sale on Etsy. If you are a photographer and are looking for something particular, please contact me directly. Click here to go to my Etsy shop.

That's pretty much it, jack :)

Be on the look out for my new business cards and branding...
If you're a vendor or business that would like to have some business cards, please let me know and I'd be delighted to drop them in the mail to you!
Most of all, I want to thank every single one of my clients for making 2013 such an amazing year. You have been an inspiration and motivation to me. You inspire me to be better and do better, and your love for your life and your family bless my heart so much!

If you wouldn't mind, I would love for you to stop by my facebook page and leave a little review of your experience with Amy Fewell Photography. And if you haven't yet done so, give the page a "like" while you're there! So many people skip websites now days and head directly for facebook pages, this this would help me out a lot! www.facebook.com/amyfewellphotography 
I look forward to working with so many of you again this year, and some of you for the very first time!

Love, hugs, and blessings...

xoxo

BLACK FRIDAY SALE {REGULARLY $175} One Hour Portrait Session {BEGINS NOW!!}

Because I am so thankful for all of you, I have decided to offer a BLACK FRIDAY SALE this year, like no other :) This year I am offering 30% off a ONE HOUR PORTRAIT SESSION {regularly $175}.  This gift certificate can be used for family and friends, or even for yourself ;)

And because I love you guys so much, I'm starting my sale TODAY!!  But hurry fast -- only 10 of these gift certificates are available!!

More details here ===> https://www.etsy.com/listing/170940367/black-friday-sale-portait-session-gift?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! 

Chris + Jordan {Married!} | Sneak Peek

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of enjoying this beautiful day with Chris + Jordan. We had been watching the weather for a week, praying so hard that it wouldn't rain -- but they tell me rain is good luck on your wedding day, and it's a good thing, because it poured for 3 days before the wedding, and drizzled on the day of. Thankfully, we were still able to get a few photos outside! But it was tricky :)
Jordan approached me last year about doing her wedding and I was delighted to do it! She was the only wedding I booked in 2013, as 2013 has been a 'rearranging' year for me. None the less, I loved working closely with her over these past few months!

Here are just a few of my favorite's from their wedding in October :)

The below photo just melts my heart. Love them!

Such a beautiful bride!

I wish the rain would have held off for some more photos of the bridal party outside!! But aren't they dashing :D

And they'll live happily ever after :)

Chris + Jordan, thank you so much for sharing your special day with us. You are two very amazing people and I know that if you can kindle and rekindle the love you share every single day, nothing will be impossible with the two of you. Love and hugs, and welcome to the wonderful life of marriage!! It's not always easy, but it is so totally worth it.
Venue + Catering: The Inn at Kelly's Ford Music/DJ: Bill Pittard Cake + Cupcakes: Lisa Sak Bride's hair + makeup: Pam Jeckell Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaid's Dresses: Designed by Target Groomsmen: Men's Warehouse, designed by David's Bridal Officiant: Pastor Chris Ryman