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

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

Happy New Year! | 2012 in review

I'm a little behind on this post, just by a few days ;) 
I want to, once again, take the time to review this past year of being in business. I absolutely love every single session that I've done. Some presented challenges for me, but they were WONDERFUL learning experiences. I never stop learning, never. 
Just a little run down of Amy Fewell Photography (AFP) history before we get started.
I started AFP in June 2011 with my first official "people" shoot on October 31st 2011. Before I started doing portrait sessions, I did nature and landscape photography. Something that I still love to do!
2011 was amazing, and I had about two sessions per month (Oct, Nov, and December). 
So here are some things that happened through out 2012!
January:
In January I knew things wouldn't pick up from 2011. It was cold and blustery, so I had some time to write out a business plan (mostly in my head HA!) and pull some business things together. I did have some sessions though :)

The Myers/Lee Family

February:
February was another quiet month for us, but I was very busy with other work (as I work for a regional magazine and local newspaper). We spent some time at Mountain Run Lake, had our bouts of sickness and fatigue, and couldn't wait until Spring arrived!

In February, I also started making customized wedding hangers. Don't mind the fuzz etc., I had just finished the hanger. This particular one was actually made in January, for one my my dear friends' weddings :)

March:
In March, my husband and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary :) Hard to believe it's been almost 7 years now that we've been married! Unfortunately I don't have an anniversary photo :P

In March, we battled pink eye. Poor baby.

March was a big month for me.
My husband and I had made a deal that if we only had to pay a certain amount on our taxes in 2012, that we would immediately go out and buy my new camera. I had been borrowing a camera from a friend whenever I needed it, so you can see how complicated it was to book sessions!
Well, needless to say, we had to pay a lot MORE than what we expected in taxes in 2012 (from 2011), so I didn't get to buy my camera.

However, I am blessed with some incredibly amazing people in my life who surprised the heck out of me, and I came home to a beautiful new camera. I can never thank them enough!

April:
April was our goofy month. We were finally all HEALED from being sick for the past few months.

I tried my very first pinterest recipe -- c'mon ladies, you know this is BIG!! ;) It was delicious!!
But now, for the life of me, I can't find the pin for the recipe!! It's the cheesy chicken croissant bake.

Also scored some sweet new boat shoes ;)

May:
May was particularly big for AFP as I photographed my very first wedding! It was certainly exciting!
Christopher & Bethany's Wedding

I also had my first maternity session in May.
Michael, Amber, Makenleigh + Baby Boy!

June:
In June, business started picking up a bit, but I didn't actually have any sessions booked in June. However, they were booked for the coming months.

July:
July also came and went without any sessions, but that was completely ok with me. I was going through several changes with my other jobs and July was extremely hectic. 
We survived the famous Derecho storm in July. Wow, that was certainly scary!!
We had to bunker down in our basement for the first night while it was happening, and then the following 5 days were spent in our living room with a generator outside. We had to purchase a window unit air conditioner because it was amazingly hot outside. We sectioned off the living room with some sheets in the doorways so that it stayed cold.
Needless to say, I cleaned the house like CRAZY when the electric came back on!
We enjoyed fire works at Great Meadows in the Plains.

In July, we took the first vacation that we've had in about 4.5 years. It was DELIGHTFUL! And I cannot wait for vacation this year! We spent a few days at Virginia Beach. Nothing extravagant, but our little guy loved it, and so did we.

My little man and his Paw-Paw

We certainly had some awesome nap times at the beach!! He was tuckered out!

We visited the National Aquarium.

And we even enjoyed watching a storm just off the coast.

August:
August is when the photo "boom" started happening. I received email after email from clients wanting to book photo sessions. It was also just a busy month for us in general!

On August 31st, our little guy turned three....THREE! I can hardly believe it has been 3 years.
Here he is enjoying some cake icing -- yeah, it was a late night.

Also in August,
The Combs Family

Cindy DeVore | Valley Green Naturals

Vintage Cousins
Had so much fun with this session!! They were TOO cute!

The Groves Family | Puppies + Horses

This was my very first time for equine photography.....and I LOVED it! They are such sweet creatures, and curious too! ;)

September & October:

Business really started picking up now. I added a beautiful Nikon 50mm 1.8g to the camera lens gang. 

I also started offering flash drives.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with my grandparents and family at Graves Mountain Lodge :)

And I had several more sessions!

Terrie Owens | Keller Williams Realtor

The Marshall 'gals'

The Bovee Family

The Foard Family Love them to pieces!

Mike + Nicole | Fall Mini

Ashleigh + Doug

The Blevins Family
Yikes!! I just realized I never blogged this beautiful family's session!! Shame on me :(

November & December

November and December were even busier, especially since I began offering mini sessions for Christmas. 

SMASH cake | Bailee turns one!

Michelle + Grace

The Dyrholm Family

Steve, Carina, Ashton + Owen

Natalie + her girls!

Mark + Kim
I never blogged this one either, yikes. Really slacking here!! They are my in-laws, I think they'll understand ;) 

The Marshall Family

The Bobst Family

The Beahm Family
I haven't blogged this one yet either *blush* but will this week!

The Myers Family

I just finished this session up last night, so will be blogging this sometime in the next week :)

_________________
You guys totally swamped me during the holiday season and I thank you SO MUCH for that!! From September through December, business really picked up, so much so that I could barely keep up. And it looks like it is continuing into 2013! I'm already booking sessions for January, February, March and even into the Spring time. Thank you so much for helping me make AFP such a successful business in 2012. You amaze me!!

I have so many new things in store for you guys in 2013, so stay tuned! <3
Happy New Year!