Alabama wedding photographer Amanda Pair is based in Birmingham, AL

Coe - Oh, how I love and miss the wagon. I would buckle Justin in the “back” seat, fold down the front seat, turn toward the handle and hold the handle toward my chest. We would coast down the small hill on our street. We never wrecked, but had some close calls. I still remember his giggle and still have the flip flops that proved I was “using the brakes.” Love these pics Amanda!! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!January 26, 2012 – 8:41 am

jennrob - I cannot believe how quickly she is growing! She is too precious. Prepare yourself…..every.single.time. we walk outside, Jared says “Ride ‘da wagon! Ride ‘da wagon! RIDE ‘DA WAGON PLEEEEEEASE!”January 25, 2012 – 12:31 am

Crystal Hardin - adorable!!January 24, 2012 – 9:10 pm

Leah - She is getting soo big. I love seeing your work even if it is everyday life. I told myself I was going to do better getting my true life shots this year. (and pics of myself because it looks like I dont exist..lol)January 24, 2012 – 5:51 pm

Jessica - Ava is so stinkin’ cute! I love these photos!January 24, 2012 – 4:18 pm

Kristi - Looks like some GREAT outside time with mommy! And her friends look like that enjoyed their time with her too!January 24, 2012 – 4:06 pm

Paige - Nothing beats the wagon. We can still ride for hours in ours. Looks like Ava and her buddy were enjoying the ride.January 24, 2012 – 3:41 pm

imaging usa | new orleans

January 20, 2012 in my life | photography

Updated to add: Someone in the comments mentioned including the settings/metadata from the images for reference. In order to travel light, I only packed my 50mm 1.2 and 35mm 1.4 lenses. I rarely used the 50mm and constantly wished I had brought something wider than a 35mm. Oh well. You live and learn. I didn’t include metadata on all of the images since a lot of the daytime images are pretty standard. Scroll down to see my thoughts and settings for some of the night time and indoor images. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments, and I’ll try to answer!

—

It seems that saying yes to last minute trips to photography conferences is becoming a tradition of mine. Two years ago I signed up for Imaging USA in Nashville just days before the trip. So it was only fitting that when my friend Heather asked me about heading to New Orleans last weekend, I threw caution to the wind and booked my flight. Mommy’s weekend away! Holla!

Our hotel was on Canal Street just across from the French Quarter. Just minutes after checking in, we were out the door exploring what the city has to offer. It was so refreshing to be out among the people with nowhere to be and nothing to do but see the sights and wander wherever our cameras may lead.

I think this is hilarious. The Saints game was on during our stroll and apparently everyone was glued to the TV!

ISO 2000 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/125 sec

ISO 2000 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/125 sec

By chance, we ended up on Bourbon Street during twilight. This is the time of day when you can photograph THE MOST beautiful blue sky. We killed a few minutes until the sun was fully set and then snapped and snapped and snapped away. It was so fun for me to shoot with no pressure and no time constraints, and these are some of my favorites from the whole trip.

The interesting thing about these photos is the way in which the settings changed as we tested the light and then adjusted to achieve the end result we wanted. Because the image is a balance between ISO, aperture and shutter, there are many different ways to achieve the same result. I included the time stamp too so you could see how they changed as it got darker and darker.

5:38 p.m. | ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/160 sec

Time: 5:52 p.m. | ISO 2500 | 66mm | f/2.8 | 1/30 sec

Time: 5:49 p.m. | ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/25 sec

Time: 5:46 p.m. | ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/40 sec

Time: 5:51 p.m. | ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.0 | 1/25 sec

We were up early the next day to hear a speaker and start making our way through the exhibit floor. By lunch, we were starving and made our way back out into the city for brunch at Arnauds. Mmmm… mimosas, filet mignon, bananas foster and a serenade by a jazz band. Now that’s a brunch folks!

There was a window to our back which helped filter in great natural light.

ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.2 | 1/200 sec

ISO 1600 | 35mm | f/1.8 | 1/125 sec

Awww… I love that Heather took this photo of me talking to my hubby and munchkin back at home. As much fun as we were having, seeing that face on Skype was a highlight of the trip.

If you have ever been to New Orleans, this little dive needs no introduction. We stopped by Cafe Du Monde for their famous beignets after dinner on the second night. Fried goodness and a mound of confectioners sugar? Yes please. I was in high-calorie Heaven!

Time: 9:34 p.m. | ISO 1600 | 35mm | f/1.4 | 1/125 sec

ISO 1600 | 35mm | f/1.4 | 1/40 sec

ISO 1600 | 35mm | f/1.4 | 1/125 sec

Even with all the fun, we did ACTUALLY work… some :) Walking the trade show floor was a great experience for both of us. I was able to try out some new gear and swoon over the lenses on my want list. I took away so many great ideas to improve my workflow and create new products for my clients this year. It makes me super excited for what 2012 has to offer.

ISO 1600 | 35mm | f/4 | 1/160 sec

We stopped by the Canon booth so that I could compare the 24mm to my 35mm. Drool.

ISO 1600 | 24mm | f/4 | 1/160 sec

This makes me giggle. Heather took the lead in playing tour guide which meant I got to sit back and enjoy the ride. With the help of the occasional information desk, she did an awesome job of finding us unique places to eat and cute little nooks and crannies to explore.

ISO 500 | 35mm | f/2.5 | 1/1250 sec

It was a lot darker out that it appears in this photo. It was riiiight before the twilight sky from the photos on Bourbon St above. This is the point in which we started trying to capture the motion from the trolley. I wouldn’t recommend shooting at such a low shutter speed in normal circumstances because of movement.

Time: 5:41 p.m. | ISO 1000 | 35mm | f/2.2 | 1/25 sec

Time: 5:47 p.m. | ISO 640 | 35mm | f/2.2 | 1/15 sec

Time: 5:49 p.m. | ISO 1250 | 35mm | f/2.2 | 1/30 sec

Time: 5:52 p.m. | ISO 1000 | 35mm | f/2.2 | 1/30 sec

Again… it was completely dark at this point. I was trying to catch the movement from the trolley and the glow of the building lights and adjusted my settings accordingly. I wasn’t crazy about the way the moving trolley photos turned out which is why I didn’t include them in the post, but the settings were the same.

Time: 6:07 p.m. | ISO 800 | 35mm | f/2.5 | 1/13 sec

Time: 6:09 p.m. | ISO 800 | 35mm | f/2.5 | 1/13 sec

Needless to say, it was a great trip. Not only did Heather and I have a blast in New Orleans with a girls trip, but attending Imaging USA was the icing on the cupcake. Unlike the really big photography conferences, Imaging was informative and inspirational without being overwhelming. If you are a photographer, I definitely recommend looking into attending in 2013.

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by Amanda

10 comments

deb w. - Funny, the travel photog thing popped-up in my brain, too. Not too many places better than nola to take bright, colorful, happy pictures. Favs: blue house, triple steeples, mail slot on blue door. Please remember to tell me about the library/book store.January 24, 2012 – 12:57 am

louisa - Wow, if you ever need a change from Weding photography, you could definitely make it as a travel photog! I love how your photos have a certain ‘Amanda Pair Magic’ to them. I wish I had half your talent!January 23, 2012 – 12:21 pm

Ron Pollone - Pretty as a picture!January 21, 2012 – 5:26 pm

Amanda - @Heather — The shots of me alone on this trip were taken by Heather. Luckily it wasn’t too hard to find another photographer around the conference for those of us together ;) I have taught Allen about focal points, but usually I just tell other people to make sure the red dot is on our faces. It gets it close enough. And of course, I only show the ones here that are right. There are lots more that are not so sharp! Have you ever seen this post? :) http://www.amandapair.com/2009/12/reason-264-why-i-love-my-husband/January 21, 2012 – 4:34 pm

Heather Odom - Amazing Amazing shots! Looks like you and Heather had a blast! I do have a photo Q. I’ve noticed in a lot of your images (not just this post) that you often hand the camera off to s’one else who may not be a photographer (your hubby or looks like in one of these a horse drawn carriage driver). Even those always seem to be in perfect focus. How in the world do you pull that off?January 21, 2012 – 4:04 pm

Amanda - @Melina – Ha! Not the kind of question I was thinking… but they are my favorite Frye boots from two falls ago. Not sure if it is the exact same pair, but this is close http://www.thefryecompany.com/womens-boots/view-all/77309/harness-12rJanuary 21, 2012 – 2:45 pm

Melina - All the photo-speak is fine and dandy, but I really want to know about your boots!January 21, 2012 – 2:17 pm

Pollone - Awesome shots. New Orleans is such an amazing city to photograph. You’re an incredible storyteller. One question: you ever consider Publishing the picture data along with your shots? I’d love to know what lens, iso and shutter speed you use to make your magic. Awesome stuff. –CPJanuary 21, 2012 – 10:28 am

Kristin Greenwald - What a lovely trip! I truly enjoyed viewing your story through your lens, esp the pics of the NOPD gate, the orange chairs && Heather by the train. I’m in Grand Cayman right now and was trying to decide between a day at the beach or wandering through town. Now I have to be sure I make time for both! Fantastic and thanks for sharing! xoJanuary 21, 2012 – 9:53 am

Tina - Love all your shots Amanda! Especially that street shot w/ the purple-ish sky…looks like you had an awesome time! SO wish I could have been there! :)January 21, 2012 – 9:37 am

i’m baaaack!

January 18, 2012 in my life | photography

Oh me. I can’t believe it has been a week since I last posted here. It was kind of crazy last week as I made a last minute decision to attend a photography conference in New Orleans over the weekend. When we weren’t scouring the tradeshow floor, my friend Heather and I spent our days walking the streets with our cameras and eating our way through the French Quarter. I’m stuffed. And tired. And still trying to wade through the reality-hangover that arrives after being away from home for four days. I have lots of fun stuff to share from our trip, but the baby is waking up from her nap, and the thought of my unpacked bags looms in my mind.

Here is a quick snippet from our photo adventures on Bourbon Street during twilight. The second photo was accidental as my focus slipped while taking another shot, but it is the perfect illustration for how I’m feeling post-vacation. See you on Friday!

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by Amanda

7 comments

deb w. - I also like the mistake. And, Heather is so right about that being most people’s vision… :)January 24, 2012 – 1:00 am

Jody - I couldnt be more jealous if I tried! I so want to go to NOLA! :)January 19, 2012 – 2:13 pm

Hillary - I want to go with y’all!!!!January 19, 2012 – 11:20 am

Melissa - god i love that city. and all weekend I was jealous of you!

(Pollone, that’s how I feel!)January 18, 2012 – 8:41 pm

Pollone - Cripes… your -mistakes- are better than my real pictures! Best. Photog. Evar.January 18, 2012 – 8:16 pm

Kristin Nicole - What a pretty accident…love when that happens…January 18, 2012 – 7:23 pm

Heather - Much fun was had indeed. (How’s that for incoherent?) I love the out of focus picture….that’s probably most people’s vision of Bourbon Street anyways. I had a blast with you friend! You’re the canon to my nikon! ;)January 18, 2012 – 6:35 pm

out of excuses

January 10, 2012 in my life

Shortly after our baby was born, I went out and bought brand new running shoes. I did this in hopes that it would help get me focused on getting back in shape. But old habits are hard to break, and my commitment to exercise only extended to a promise of starting tomorrow. More than six months of “tomorrows” passed, and I was no closer to getting back in the gym. With the new year comes new resolutions and, of course, this is one of mine.

Two days ago, I reluctantly laced up my running shoes and paced around the house trying to psych myself up for the inevitable. On the way to the gym I managed to convince myself that I was indeed going to DIE. I would succumb to my laze and procrastination right there on the indoor track. I tried to tell Allen I had made a mistake — I wanted to get back in the car. I wanted to go home. I wanted my mommy. Waaah! Finally out of excuses, I regrouped and marched my post-baby body right into the gym. I took it “easy” that first day by focusing on a cardio workout. There was some sweating, some cussing, some praying and ultimately some celebrating. I did it! I pushed myself to finish my first good workout in more than a year. I’m still super sore from running intervals for an hour, but guess what? — I am still alive! Woohoo!

There is a point in me telling all of this. You see, I have a big milestone approaching… I have committed myself to the next seven(ish) weeks to finally make good on my tomorrow and get back in shape. I hope that putting it out there in such a public way will hold me accountable. Come February, I want to be able to run circles around my 30th birthday and maybe, just maybe, shake those last five pounds of baby weight in the process. Wish me luck!

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by Amanda

15 comments

Becky - yay Amanda! I started off 2012 with the same goal! Where are you working out? If you EVER want a workout buddy…LET ME KNOW please! Its so much more fun that way. ;)January 25, 2012 – 1:04 pm

Ron Pollone - Not only a talented photographer, but a gifted writer, too! Nice.January 14, 2012 – 10:26 am

Marissa Nicole - Good luck! I am in that procrastinating boat with you. I keep pushing it off & off & off, but my goal is to be ready for my first bathing suit season as a mom. Bikini ready? Ha yeah right. I will be happy to be ready for a Victoria Secret 1 piece…that’s the plan at least. Good luck to you too!January 13, 2012 – 5:34 pm

katie o. - I need that motivation. Of course, I also need more hours in a day. :) Good for you for getting out there, but honestly, you already look great!January 12, 2012 – 10:51 pm

Deb - Pre-pregnancy weight, wedding weight, intervals, 5K, stroller jog, body pump? Y’all make me tired! BUT, I am impressed that you have so many friends that are encouraging and healthy. Keep going… I’ll babysit. =)January 11, 2012 – 8:09 pm

Erin - You did an HOUR of intervals?? I’m super impressed. Keep it up! Although, you look great as is!January 11, 2012 – 1:50 pm

Maggie - You can do it! You have inspired me to start exercising again! I’m not sure why I don’t exercise more. I really do feel better when I’m active. Good luck!!!January 11, 2012 – 11:22 am

Gracie Johnsey - Good for you. I don’t know what it is about those last 5 lbs, but they’re the toughest. Good luck girl, I’ll join you on a stroller jog sometime if u want! Ok maybe a stroller walk…I dont do cardio these days, just a little strength training via body pump twice a week :) Keep us posted on your progress, oh yeah, and your 30th bday celebration!January 10, 2012 – 10:59 pm

Paige - Way to put it out there!!! Nothing makes you more accountable than letting EVERYONE know what your goal is. Keep it up for 5 weeks….after that it can become a habit and it is much easier. You got the gear…now throw that little one in that stroller and hit the road!!! PS it makes a much better workout pushing those jokers!!!January 10, 2012 – 7:22 pm

Gail - Good luck hon! Think about signing up for a 5K. Nothing gets me motivated more than a name on a registration form and a bib ;)January 10, 2012 – 7:08 pm

Christie - That’s awesome Amanda! I send you much encouragement! I know you’ll do it and feel so much better for it! You look fabulous now, but I know it’s more about how you FEEL, and reaching that goal you have set for yourself! So you go girl! Get your runnin’ shoes on!January 10, 2012 – 6:33 pm

Jimmy - Good luck Amanda!! I am working on getting into shape for my 30th Bday this year as well :) I have about 35 pounds to shed :(January 10, 2012 – 6:18 pm

Tina - Good for you! It’s SO hard getting back in shape after you fall out of your routine….unfortunately that’s where I’m at right now!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Coe - You are me 6 years, one baby and 20 lbs ago. I know it’s negative encouragement, but I ENVY YOU! The baby weight was “easy” to loose after number one. Now, I didn’t just wish it away. I did have to diet and I did have exercise, but by exercise I mean literally took some high pace strolls around the Springville park and poof…10 months later – hello, pre-pregnancy weight. Fast forward to now, over 3+ years post baby #2 and that weight is still here. You know what they say about breastfeeding and loosing weight. I stick a big ole tongue out at that one. Baby #1 – B/F for 16 weeks; Baby #2 – I B/F the whole year and even at that one year mark I was 20 lbs over the pre-pregnancy mark. The closest I’ve been is 6 lbs. away from the pre-pregnancy weight. I’m sitting here now at a not-so-comfy 12 lbs away from pre-pregnancy; 17 lbs away from my goal weight (my wedding weight). I say all of this to encourage you; to tell you you’re not alone and to tell you one last thing. I try to negatively encourage myself by reminding myself THIS is the youngest I’m ever going to be. If I’m going to keep aging (and I can’t control that one); I can control what I look like. If you’d like, follow Operation Skinny Sista (in conjuction with my sister) on FaceBook for hints, tips, encouragement and honest moments when I do slip (like finishing Casey’s Cheez-its a little bit ago). You can do; I’m sure of it!!!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Brittani - Go Amanda! You can do it! And if you’re willing to throw it out there and hold yourself accountable in the most public way, then deep down you know you can do it too :) Just live for that feel-good feeling when you get to walk out of the gym feeling SO good!January 10, 2012 – 6:07 pm

sunday & chris | birmingham wedding

January 7, 2012 in wedding photographer

Sunday and Chris. I don’t know what to say to accurately describe how much I like these two. Sunday is the consummate southern belle turned city girl. Her charm and sense of grace shines through in everything she does. Chris is a Boston-to-Birmingham transplant who through his 11 years in the south, has stayed true to his Red Sox and Patriots roots. His sense of humor and magnetic personality draws you in from the first introduction. Together, Sunday and Chris are one of those couples who leave an impression and make you want to be friends with them. Sunday lives in New York City, and Chris is leaving Birmingham to be with her. I know they will be sorely missed by everyone they leave behind.

I have been looking forward to their New Year’s Eve wedding since my first meeting with Chris. He and Sunday wanted their wedding to be the ultimate celebration, and I can honestly say that it was! As the crowd counted down the last seconds of 2011 and celebrated the ringing in of the new year, I couldn’t have been happier for these two. Their wedding was one for the books, and I’m excited to share it with you!

In our first meeting, Chris told me that he and Sunday did not want to see each other before the ceremony. But after discussing logistics and realizing that their wedding ceremony would end long after the sun had set, it was decided to coordinate a first look. It was such a special moment, and Sunday told me later how happy she was that it had worked out in that way. I always love the first time a groom sees his bride.

Because we had ample time for portraits, we were able to sneak Sunday and Chris away to nearby neighborhood The Preserve for their portraits. We were racing a setting sun, but I am so happy that we were able to pull them away and give them somewhere special for their photographs.

Sunday and Chris’ wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama.

The Wynfrey Hotel was a beautiful setting for Sunday and Chris’ wedding reception. The formal details and sit down dinner perfectly fit the feel of their wedding. I loved how the table settings tied into the New Year’s Eve theme and pulled together their entire paper suite from the save-the-date cards all the way down to the table assignments.

In October of this year, Chris was admitted to the hospital for a migraine. After some tests and a diagnosis, he was quickly scheduled for surgery to remove a brain tumor. Yes, a BRAIN TUMOR. It was a really scary few days, but the surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor. Chris was back to work just three weeks later and by all accounts is doing great. I tell this story because talk of “in sickness and health” was a recurring topic throughout the day. One of my favorite moments was when Chris’ brother and best man, Marc, stood to give his toast. As he recounted the days surrounding the surgery, emotions shifted between laughter and tears (mine included). Marc’s toast will go down as one of the best I have ever heard.

Remember when I said that Sunday and Chris wanted their wedding to be about celebrating? Well, celebrate they did! Their wedding reception at The Wynfrey is one of the most fun I have been to. A big thanks to Chris with Amerson Events for doing a great job! Guests were dancing from the first song and didn’t stop until well after the new year.

I LOVE this picture! Chris’ 91-year-old grandma was right in the mix all night. When I headed out well after 1 a.m. she was still smiling and having a great time.

If you know Chris and his love of technology and social media, you know why I think this photo is hilarious. There was even a #hashtag for those tweeting about the wedding which made it so fun to keep up with the excitement of the day!

Champagne toasts at midnight!

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by Amanda

9 comments