The "B" Family | Newborn Session

 

There's nothing more precious than watching a family grow right before your eyes. When it's your own family, some days it feels like time drudges by. Other days it feels like it was only yesterday. But when it's someone else's family, it seems like time never stops -- babies grow into toddlers, toddlers into little boys and girls, little boys and girls into teenagers and then off to adulthood they go. I'm not old enough to have seen a baby into adulthood just yet (through photography), but I have thoroughly enjoyed getting up in the morning and feeling the joy of getting to greet a brand new soul into a beautiful family that I have photographed for several years.

{Sneak Peek} Jesse, Jeet + Gisele's Fall and Christmas Mini's!

Christmas Mini Sessions were in full swing this year, and I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of the beautiful couple that allowed us to use their Christmas Tree Farm for that weekend. We had lots of fun, and I really enjoyed capturing everyone's Christmas joy!

This little family, I just adore them. They wanted to do their Fall and Christmas mini's this year, but we had to reschedule their fall mini for the same day as their Christmas mini. They were complete and total troopers, especially Gisele. She did so good, and that big smile on her face proves it!

Here are a few of my favorites from their sessions a few weekends ago!

Finding a Photographer | A little about my style....

Dear Clients; I love you. Really, I do. You guys amaze me and I am so grateful for you. Most of you "get" my style. And I totally get yours. However, to those interested in booking new sessions, let me just tell you a little bit about "my style". I love vintage, rustic, country, with a touch of elegance every now and then. It doesn't mean you have to dress that way, but that's the way I shoot and edit. So if you do dress that way, your photos will turn out so much better, I promise ;) The way you dress really DOES matter. Make sure you find a photographer that shoots in YOUR style....even if it's not me. I do simple editing -- nothing exaggerated or fake. There will be no fake sunsets in the background....because if it didn't happen, then why try to force it? And it doesn't make for natural photos. There will be no editing of wrinkles or facial blemishes (with the exception of teenage boys and those pesky ones that just "pop up" over night! haha). There will be no editing in of monsters, huge houses, a fake ring or things that were never there. I'm capturing something timeless and real, not something fake.  I prefer very little use of props, with the exception of mini sessions and some newborn sessions (even then, I want timeless), which I try to offer for those who love the props. My regular sessions typically have little to no props. It dates photos, takes longer with kids, and it takes away from the intimacy you need to have in order to connect with your family or special someone during that time. I love nature and everything it has to offer, I want to capture that. With that said, I do offer stylized sessions in addition to the mini sessions, but I try to wrap them all into the mini's to make it easier for everyone. I am a quiet thinker, so if you come at me with a billion and one poses from pinterest, I freak out and freeze up. I WELCOME your suggestions and photo ideas (and my clients know this!). Yes, please! But please also allow me to just be "me" and come up with idea's, and move with the sun, and shoot things as they "come to me". You can't "pose" real...you just can't. I love the clients who say, "let's do these main poses, and then the rest is totally up to you!" My regulars do this, and I love it!

Doug + Morgan's Engagement Session | 2013

I.love.REAL. And while these are just the top few things you should know about AFP, there are so many other layers that are fun and exciting.  Please, do your research when looking for a photographer, and please, find someone that matches YOUR style, not just a "good photographer". And if that photographer isn't me, I'm fine with that :) I would so much rather you find someone who matches your wants and needs, rather than sticking with someone who takes good photos but doesn't match your family's style.  With that said, I do have a stylized shoot coming up in September, which I have been working on for a few months (and will be roping my husband into building my main prop). This will be a vintage "camping" type theme, but it will be so much more. A quilted teepee/tent with rustic logs (handmade), blankets, baskets, lantern (not lit), old books. It will be the perfect time to capture those fun memories, laying out in the field, barefoot under the sunset -- spending time with your family or cuddling next to the love of your life.  If you are interested in booking one of these stylized sessions or a regular session in September through December of this year, please contact me immediately. There are many dates that have been booked far in advance (both personal and for clients), as, believe it or not, the fall colors and Christmas rush are beginning!  www.amyfewellphotography.com | amy.fewell@gmail.com | 540.827.8285  ... or shoot me a private message on facebook, www.facebook.com/amyfewellphotography  There is a $50 deposit required at the time of booking. I cannot tell you how many people have booked sessions with me in the past 3 months, didn't pay the deposit, and didn't show up for their session. This is why I require a deposit. Your session is not booked until the deposit is received.  Please know that I will always strive to give you my best, and I only expect the same in return.

love and hugs
xoxo

2014 Special Upcoming Promo's

©Amy Fewell Photography

Yikes. 
I looked over my schedule for the next few months and was quite surprised to see that with personal life and professional life, I don't have too many more weekends open for photo sessions.
If you would like to schedule a 2014 session, please let me know asap. If you are an Easter Mini Client and one of these sessions seems of more interest to you, please let me know asap as your deposit can be moved to that date -- however, deposit is non-refundable. If it is not for a mini but a full session, additional deposit is required.
A $35 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS DUE WHEN BOOKING ANY OF THESE SESSIONS!! Obviously some of the details need to be ironed out, but once you commit, that deposit is due by paypal immediately. I have the following promo's coming up, so please please PLEASE comment below on which one you are interested in along with your email address (or email or message it to me on facebook).
MAY Mother's Day & Generational 1 Hour Session -- $175. Includes 25+ digital photos on a flash drive and complete printing rights.
JUNE Father's Day & Generational 1 Hour Session -- $175. Includes 25+ digital photos on a flash drive and complete printing rights.
Vintage Americana Campout Mini's {WILL BOOK QUICKLY!}-- $115. 30 minute session, 10 digital images by instant download or $150 for 45 minute session and 20 images by instant download (flash drives available for additional cost, please inquire when booking). I am really looking forward to these sessions, simply because I cannot WAIT to take photos of my own little guy ;) This will be a themed session with hand made "teepee"/tent, very rustic and vintage. Little lanterns, quilts, blankets, books, crates, etc, in the middle of a deserted field. I do not have many of these available in June as they will all be early sunset/evening sessions, so please book these quickly if interested now.

Business Tips | The Great "Mini Session" Debate

On my quest to blog more of  the things I've learned over the past couple of years, I thought it only fitting to blog about one of the greatest debates between photographers....
Are mini sessions really worth it?
Let me first start by saying that, whether you choose to do mini sessions or choose not to do mini sessions, either way, you're right. It is 100% completely up to you as to how you want to run your business and if you have the energy and will power to make it work. I will also say that mini sessions are not a necessity for a photography business, but there certainly are benefits and perks to holding days of mini sessions.

Along your photography journey, you're going to meet different kinds of photographers. You'll meet those who charge $25 for a mini session, you'll meet those who charge $500 for a mini session, and then you'll meet those who think they are completely "above" mini sessions...like it's some kind of trailer trash that they just can't be seen with.

I like being somewhere in the middle, which means I enjoy doing them efficiently, while still making a profit, and I certainly don't think I'm "above" them. There are plenty of photographers who have 20,000+ facebook followers and yet, they still offer mini sessions -- it's all in what you enjoy doing!
Either way, here are a few tips on how to make mini sessions worth your time.

Set aside one day for mini sessions rather than offering them all year long. You should have at least 4 mini sessions in one day. If you don't have 4 mini sessions that day, scratch it. How do you get at least 4 in one day? Put a call out on facebook and your blog. Market it well in advance (at least a month). Hype it up and tell your clients what you have in store for them. Get them to share share share! Once you have enough interest, send an email out to all of the clients who were interested and have them choose a time (more on that in a second).

One location. That's right, just one. After you have at least 4 clients interested, set up one central location for all 4 of the upcoming mini sessions. Allow your clients to choose what time they want to have their session on the day that you've set aside. Times should be on a first come first serve basis. However, YOU give them a choice of times, not just any ol' time that day. For example, if the sun sets at 4:30 and you have 4 sessions that day, offer a session at 1:30, 2:15, 3:00, and 3:45. This gives you a 15 minute cushion in between each session, saves on gas money (since you won't be running around to 4 different locations), and allows you to only set up and take down one time. What are you setting up, you wonder?....

Spice up the background -- create a theme! Mini session's should offer something that you don't normally offer. They have to be interesting and fun. They can't be "BLAH".

Rustic Country Theme | September 2013

Go with the season, the holiday, or even just a nice vintage set up. Pay attention to details, and make sure there are a lot of them. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a set up either. You can find $5 chairs at thrift stores, and you can find your inner crafty self to make banners or signs. Hook up with a local vendor and swap props for professional photos of their products, or simply search the wonderful world of Etsy (but don't get sucked in...$200 later...). Whatever you do, make sure you let your clients know what the theme is so that they can dress accordingly!

Just because you're offering a mini session, doesn't mean you're supposed to offer a "mini" price. I can see the debacle here if you're already not charging enough for a regular session. Mini sessions are normally 30 minute (or less) sessions, but in order to make it a fabulous experience, you're going to have to offer more, which means more work, hence the theme etc. You're going to be at your sessions long before your clients -- setting up, making sure everything is perfect, and taking a quick breather before that shutter starts clicking. You're spending at least 3 to 8 hours on your mini sessions, depending on how many clients you have and how big your set up is. And that's not even including editing time. If you're only charging $50 for each mini session, then you're only getting paid $150 for several hours worth of work, plus gas money + flash drives + editing time....you've made yourself a whopping $35...maybe?

Offer a set amount of photos. If you are offering a 30 minute session, then you shouldn't be offering 20 photos with each session. I like to offer 10 images, because I know I'll have every bit of 10 images worth per client. This allows you to pick 10 of your favorite images from their session (rather than sifting through 40 photos), edit them in an hour or two, and then send them on their way. If you're drudging through multiple mini sessions and putting out 20+ photos per session, then you're wasting your time. You are not getting paid to spend 24 hours on editing photos, which is why we call them mini sessions. Mini sessions are beneficial to clients and to the photographer. Make wise decisions with your time so that you're making a profit while still offering quality work in a short amount of time. Not to mention, so many of us have our own families to spend time with. Of course, there are those "must have" photos that you might have to plop in as extras, but those don't count ;)

Get excited, and maybe offer some treats :) If you're photographing children, make sure you're not all down and out by the time your fifth session comes along. They.Will.Test.Your.Patience. And no one likes a grumpy photographer when they already feel uncomfortable. It will be helpful if you bring "bribes" along with you -- lollipops, fruit snacks, or cake pops (one of our favs!). Make sure you ask their parents first, just in case they have food allergies. Since you know who your clients will be, it might be helpful to ask before the day of the session so that you have something for everyone! It's also a great experience for everyone, when you can send some goodies home with the kiddos. Kids, generally, don't enjoy photo sessions, unless you're this girl right here....

Vintage Americana Mini Session | July 2013

Vintage Americana Mini Session | July 2013

Valentine Mini Session | 2014

Valentine Mini Session | 2014

Easter Mini Session | 2014

Easter Mini Session | 2014

All in all, do what you feel is best for your business. And have fun with it!! Make sure you're not short changing yourself, because mini sessions can be quite a lot of work. And for the love of all that's good, have an open mind when it comes to mini sessions -- trust me, you are so not "above" it. If nothing else, use mini sessions as an excuse to collect cute things for your home ;) Who says props can't be decor!! Which reminds me, I think I need to make a trip to the antique store soon....for photo props, of course ;)

xoxo

{Sneak Peek} Jesse, Jeet + Gisele

A few weeks ago I put a call out to any of my clients who might be interested in doing a Vintage Americana session. I'd been dying to do something vintage themed for awhile now, but I really wanted my clients to get into the vintage theme as well! I secretly had Jeet and her little family in mind when booking these sessions, and I am SO happy she decided to book one ;)

This little family is just gorgeous! Everything about their outfits went perfectly with the theme. And Jeet totally out did herself -- her beautifully styled hair, bright red lips, and ohh that gorgeous dress! Right down to her gloves! She was a natural.

Little Gisele was wonderful -- she had me cracking up the entire time. She isn't scared of anything and loved being goofy. Such a spunkster she is!! 

And Jesse..., the love for his woman was captivating ♥ They were so cute!

Enough blabbering from me -- here are my favorite's from Jesse, Jeet + Gisele's Vintage Americana mini session!

I love his serious face in this one -- just a littttle bit of a smile to really make this picture pop!






Jesse and Jeet, thank you so much for allowing me to take photos of your beautiful family!! I hope you enjoy them!! :)
xoxo

{Sneak Peek} The Cardine Family

This family is beautiful, inside and out. I first met Jamie last year when we both realized that we have one main thing in common -- we are extremely frugal, in every way. She saved me at my very first wedding. I couldn't afford a nice flash at the time, so she taught me how to "rig up" a cheap Walmart flash that got the job done. I'm not sure if I've ever properly thanked her for that ;) 

I'm not even sure how Jamie and I really "met"...which is sad. All I know is that she is such a beautiful soul, and one who I know I can count on to be helpful in any way she can possibly be. She is a wonderful friend, even on the nights she reminds me of what Christ's reaction would be as I vent to her :).

Jamie is a spectacular photographer -- Jamie Cardine Photography. She is someone I admire, both as a person and a fellow photographer. Her photography style is unique and beautiful, flawless. 

Thad and Jamie's four little ones are absolutely adorable. I cannot get over their cuteness and perfect little mannerisms. They were on cuteness overload this past Friday during their Vintage Americana session. 

Here are a few of my favorites from their mini session.

Thad and Jamie, thank you so much for letting me take a few photos of your beautiful family. And thank you for keeping me in stitches from laughter while editing your photos!! Ohh, if I could only share some of your faces and extremely fun moments ;)

xoxo

Newborn Session | Little Baby Violet

My husband and I met Timothy and Julie in our school years. They are two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet -- pure and genuine in everything they do. We have been friends with them for years, and they have been a blessing to us more than they know. 
Naturally, I'm delighted every single time a new life is born. One of my favorite children's books to read to my son is On the Night Your Were Born, and every time I know a little one has blessed this beautiful earth, I think of the line in the book that says, 
"...heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn, on the wonderful marvelous night you were born."
I thought of this line during Violet's session. She is gorgeous in every way, and I know that she will follow closely in the sweet spirited footsteps of her parents and siblings. 
Seeing as I just started my photography business only a year and a half ago, I didn't have the chance to photograph the Beahm family until this Christmas. We also took this time to get some maternity photos.

Our original plan was for me to photograph Violet's birth as well, but she gave mommy and daddy a big surprise and came very quickly!!! So, we did not have enough time to capture that. However, I was absolutely thrilled to photograph her newborn session last week :)

This was my very first newborn session, and I have to say that I loved every second of it, even the poopy ones. Though, I will be better prepared next time :). This session has taught me so much about newborn photography -- it is a completely different type of photography!! But I fell in love with it instantly. I did forget my heater, ugh! Silly me!! But thankfully Julie had one. So sorry about that!!

Here are some of my favorites.

Look at all of that beautiful hair!

Big sister Claire!

Big brother Wesley was tuckered out -- and so was Grammie!

And just for fun
(the bubble on her bottom is not in the finished photo. I'm a firm believer in discretion, especially on the internet!) 
A lot of people don't realize what goes into photo editing, especially for newborns. Safety is a MUST, especially when it comes to the little people!! Here is a before and after of just what needs to be done to make a good photo a GREAT photo to match your style and create a more "put together" picture.
Congrats Timothy, Julie, Claire, and Wesley on the new adorable addition to your family! Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph Violet, and for your patience with me as I continue to learn! Love you guys!
xoxo

Fall Session | The Foard Family

This time last year I had just officially started my business, and The Foard Family happened to be one of my very first families to photograph! In fact, I had so much fun and loved the setting so much that they were some of my very favorite photos of the entire year, and still are!

This year, they wanted their photos to be unique, and I am SO HAPPY about that!!!

When I first pulled into their driveway I saw an antique sofa sitting on the back of their ATV. My heart literally skipped a beat, I was so happy, thinking "I really hope this is for their session!" And lo and behold, it was!

We had a lot of fun, and I love this little family to death. They are just so natural and so fun to capture!

Here are some of my favorites:

Thank you so much Stef, Rick, and little Harry, for one again allowing me to photograph your beautiful family!!

In 2013 I will consider offering 'Stylized Sessions', such as this, with vintage furniture, large props, etc., starting at $300. If you are interested in a stylized session, please contact me immediately as only a few sessions will be booked through out the 2013 season.