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a gift for nanny

March 9, 2010 in family photographer

Remember Kristen and Brian? After our impromptu family photography session with their huskies, Kristen and her sister Kelly had the brilliant idea to surprise their mom with REAL family photos for her birthday – which by the way is TODAY. Kelly and her son Caleb drove over from Atlanta this weekend for our session in downtown Birmingham. It was one of the nicest days we’ve had weather-wise in months, and I was excited to get out and shoot with them.  

Caleb was a little shy at first and was defaulting to what I call the “robot” pose – stiff posture and a big “cheese” smile. I explained that’s not how I roll and that we would just tickle out all of the nerves. It worked like a charm!

Um… LOVE this next one. In the photography land of babies and weddings, I don’t get to photograph many six-year-olds. I think it is the most precious age. It is the middle ground between toddler and pre-teen. There is a layer of maturity and honest conversation you just don’t get from the younger ones, but if you watch closely, you can still catch small glimpses of the baby they once were.  

And of course we had to include a few photos of the girls and Caleb. In the time that I have known Kristen, I’ve heard lots of stories about Kelly and Caleb, so it was nice to finally put faces and personalities with the stories!

I love that Kristen and Kelly thought to do this for their mom. Unless someone spilled the beans, this post is the first she has seen or heard of her birthday surprise. Happy birthday Nanny!


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by Amanda

8 comments

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deb - Awh... I think Nanny was really surprised! Beautiful photos.March 9, 2010 - 5:01 pm

Pat - Amanda. Thank you so much for being a part of my birthday surprise. When Kristen called me and told me to look at your site this morning, I thought she wanted me to look at the pictures of Gray, Willow, Kristen and Brian. I saw the "Gift for Nanny" headline and thought, isn't that neat. Then I saw the tops of their heads. What a wonderful and special gift. Thank you, thank you, thank you.March 9, 2010 - 2:28 pm

Addie - Too cute! Love them.March 9, 2010 - 10:03 am

Will - These are some really snapa-rific photos! This is a great gift!March 9, 2010 - 9:36 am

Ravyn Stadick - I love the colors in the photos. :) They are wonderful.March 9, 2010 - 9:23 am

kelly - thanks, amanda! these are great! ;)March 9, 2010 - 9:00 am

Rossi - Kristen, your mom will love these and cherish them. My parents loved ours when we did it for Christmas. These are great!March 9, 2010 - 8:49 am

Kristen - Thank you Amanda for helping us surprise mom! She's so hard to shop for, but I'm confident that these photos will mean more to her than anything else. You did a great job! Happy Birthday Mom, we love you!!March 9, 2010 - 7:27 am

my favorite things | house shoes

March 5, 2010 in my favorite things

As in so many other parts of the country, this winter has been especially brutal. I am cold by nature and prefer a hot summer day over any other. I have tried really hard to not publicly complain here on the blog, but rest assured it has been a miserable few months for me.

My saving grace through the whole winter has been a beloved pair of house shoes. I am not ready to put them away quite yet, but in hopes that the nice weather we’re having this weekend sticks around for a while, I thought I would make a farewell tribute to my favorite winter weather item.

—–

Dear My Favorite House Shoes,

I have loved you from the minute I found you on the clearance rack at the Gap. Before that, the touch of my own toes on my own leg made me gasp. It was worse for my husband who was forced to sit with my feet between his bum and the couch in order to warm them up. You have returned my flesh-colored icicles to the toes they once were, restoring warmth and happiness to my marriage. A mainstay in my after-five wardrobe since the day I brought you home, you have become a cherished part of our family. My husband thanks you. I thank you.

Love, Amanda

—–


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by Amanda

15 comments

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Rossi - This is HILARIOUS. I'm pretty sure I saw a lady wearing this same outfit at work on Friday. Why didn't you do one with your pants pulled up really high, too? I know Allen would have appreciated it. ;)March 9, 2010 - 8:51 am

Gail - Between your house shoes and my fuzzy socks, well, I knew there was a reason I liked you so much girl :) hahaMarch 6, 2010 - 8:03 pm

Kim - You crack me up. I dislike cold weather too so I can relate with the bum warmer...but never thought of posting about it. Funny stuff, thanks for sharing.March 5, 2010 - 6:09 pm

deb - So cute! It's funny that you have so many comments on your house shoes. Next post should be those gloves without fingers. My hands have not been warm since October. :)March 5, 2010 - 5:45 pm

paula - too cute! I am ready for spring.March 5, 2010 - 4:35 pm

Melissa - it must run in the family. right now, as I type, I have on socks and shoes. And my toes are freezing. I wish I had thicker socks on!March 5, 2010 - 3:24 pm

Keri Doolittle - This was the cutest post, thanks for sharing! And, those shoes are adorable!March 5, 2010 - 3:20 pm

Leah - LOVE IT!! My sister and I started laughing when we read this. Thanks for the fun!March 5, 2010 - 3:12 pm

Katy - Those are adorable. In fact, I may go see if I can find some on clearance somewhere this weekend. I'm sure you flip-flops are eagerly awaiting your return.March 5, 2010 - 3:04 pm

Allen - THANK YOU MAGIC HOUSE SHOES! GeezMarch 5, 2010 - 2:10 pm

Ravyn Stadick - You are too funny! I have a pair like that from a little hippie type shop here in Indy. They are just cozy! And don't worry, I am sure that warm weather is soooo close.March 5, 2010 - 1:52 pm

kristen - LOVE the letter & can totally relate!!March 5, 2010 - 1:49 pm

Coe - Little sister beat me to the comment...my mother (the UA grad) gives the BEST Auburn presents. My favorite pair of house shoes used to be my HUGE Aubie ones; I now only have one of them thanks to one of my dogs thinking it was a chew-toy. I now love any comfy pair I can find in my size...a whopping size 6 (it's rare I find them, but my mom managed to get me a pair for Christmas.) But, hell No...mine do NOT contain any elephant paraphernalia.March 5, 2010 - 1:40 pm

jennrob - hahahahaha! that's funny. love the letter. glad your icicles have turned back to toes and that allen's bum gets to remain warm again. i want a pair! if you ever see them again, keep me in mind :)March 5, 2010 - 1:35 pm

Jordan - You are too cute! I haven't worn any since college, until recently. Mom gave Coe and I pajamas with matching house shoes for Christmas this year. Mine are pink and white with little grey elephants...imagine that.March 5, 2010 - 12:15 pm

cade turns two

March 3, 2010 in my life

Our nephew turned two on Sunday. Two. I can’t believe how fast another year in his life has passed and how big he is getting every day. We celebrated with dinner and cake (ice cream cake!) at Allen’s parents house Sunday afternoon. We arrived a few minutes early and found Cade jumping on his new trampoline. In the months leading up to his birthday, he has become obsessed with jumping. On more than one occasion the cushions have been pulled from the couch, or the comforter from the bed, so that they could become makeshift bouncies. Allen’s dad brilliantly bought this pint-sized trampoline as a birthday a gift for Cade. To say it is a hit would be the understatement of the week.

If one image could sum up Cade’s entire two-year-old birthday experience, this next one would be it! He is a jumping machine.

We tried to take a few two-year photos and *just one* family photo, but little man wanted none of it. This is the best family photo we could get. Ha!

Cake time!  At Cade’s first birthday party he wasn’t too fond of the birthday cake experience. Tears were shed. Wow what a difference a year can make! Cade blew out his own candle and really seemed to ENJOY sticking his fingers in the yellow icing.

Remember this sweet little nugget? He’s still as smiley and happy and chilled out as he was a year ago, but has grown so much.

After stuffing ourselves with ice cream cake, we gathered in the living room to play. LOVE this next one of Cade with his Uncle Shane and Aunt Andrea.

 It was such a fun party and such a fun day. The personality busting out of this little person has been such a cool thing to see. Here’s looking forward to a year of big trucks and trampolines. Happy Birthday Cade!


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by Amanda

10 comments

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jennrob - Great pics! I love the one of him laying down, looking up and smiling :) Can you message me where they got the trampoline? Jack's grandparents are thinking that might be a good gift for his 2nd birthday!March 4, 2010 - 9:31 am

Maggie - Cade is such a cutie! I can't believe he is already two. I can't wait to have kids so we can get a trampoline. The party looks like it was a great time : )March 4, 2010 - 8:24 am

Shelia - Aren't babies fun, Amanda and Allen!!!! He is such a cutie.March 3, 2010 - 9:09 pm

Melina - I can't believe Cade is already 2...it means Cole's almost 2. I love Cade's shirt, and I love the last picture of him! There's talent in those Pair women!March 3, 2010 - 1:56 pm

Jacquelyn - Yeah!!! I love all the pics. Thank you so much for capturing this special day for us. WE LOVE YOUMarch 3, 2010 - 11:09 am

deb - I think I just heard a big sigh of relief from the beds and sofas in the homes of Cade's family... Love the tickle photo with Shane and Andrea.March 3, 2010 - 10:47 am

april - Happy Bday Cade! These are precious!!:)March 3, 2010 - 9:27 am

Katie - I love these! I always call favorites and they are as follows: #2, #4 (you did get a great family shot!) and #6. Happy Birthday Cade!March 3, 2010 - 8:51 am

sheree - GREAT PICTURES --especially the "jumping machine" one. And, I love the ones of ----well, i just love them all. Thank you so much for capturing the day and all the ones I love.March 3, 2010 - 8:49 am

Allen - He is growing like a weed. Your trampoline picture was better than mine. Enjoyed seeing everyone at the party, thanks for having it! I am sure # 3 will be here before we all know it.March 3, 2010 - 8:20 am

family portraits for wynter

March 1, 2010 in family photographer

I’ll admit it — I get nervous before each of my sessions. What if they don’t like me?  What if I can’t think of anything to talk about? What if my tricks/poses don’t work? What if I forget how to use my camera? It’s silly, but it’s true. I get nervous. But I was extra nervous about this family session. Wynter is also a Birmingham wedding and family photographer — a really good one. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a nerve-wracking thing to photograph another photographer. And even though Wynter and I are photo friends (she shot all of the photos of me on my blog and portfolio site, and I shot a couple of weddings with her in the fall), I was definitely internalizing the pressure of making sure her family photography experience lived up to those that she gives so many others. 

All the nerves completely melted away the moment Maddie jumped out of the car and cheerfully reminded me that we had met. Four times. Maddie is a bundle of pure joy. And cuuute. My goodness is she cute. Her sideways ponytail and black leggings had me from the get-go.

Brian Scott is a sweet soul. Wynter and I have talked before about his artistic eye and interest in photography, so I thought it was great that he took a few minutes at the start of the session to find the perfect spot for us to shoot.

Although we focused on family portraits that included Wynter (since she can’t take those herself!), I couldn’t help taking a few dozen shots of each of the kiddos. These first two are so representative of our session. Maddie — cheerful and smiley, eyes on the camera. Brian Scott — serious and contemplative, about to bust a smile at any second. 

Wynter’s mom, Kathy, was a big part of the shoot as well. At first she hung back letting Wynter and the kids take center stage. I was starting to think we may have to work a bribe to get her in front of the camera. But once we starting shooting the whole family, she warmed right up. Although we had been together for nearly an hour, it wasn’t until I had them alone in front of the camera that I really took note of the striking resemblance. This one is a framer! 

We couldn’t have Wynter in front of the camera without grabbing a few headshots too. The girl knows how to work it out. For real.

The wind was really picking up and the temperature was dropping as we headed back to the car. We made a quick pit stop on the street corner to get a few pictures of Maddie and Brian Scott with “Lolly”. Wynter jumped in to snuggle and get warm and these ended up being some of favorites of the day. Genuine smiles and real family moments are as good as it gets.

I love that Wynter took the time to have her own family photography session. As photographers, we’re so busy capturing these moments for other families that we often neglect our own. It is for that reason, I added updating my own family photos on my 2010 to do list. Who’s with me!?


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by Amanda

21 comments

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Jill - These pictures are great!! Wynter is beautiful and you can see that her precious children adore her! I love them all. You both have so much talent :)March 6, 2010 - 7:09 am

Ashley - These pictures are great!!! The pictures of Wynter and her kido's melt my heart! They look like such a precious family.March 2, 2010 - 8:20 pm

camille - i understand being nervous/scared before the shoots. definitely. but, those feelings went away quickly -- obviously. GREAT work. i love what you got of her but specifically what you got between her and her kids.March 2, 2010 - 5:16 pm

Katie - the picture of Wynter with her son in black and white steals my heart. it is really wonderful! my other favorite is the last one where everyone is laughing at her little girl. really gorgeous family. they look like fun!March 2, 2010 - 9:03 am

Dallas - Ooo... I can see where you'd be nervous shooting another photographer... but the nerves don't show in these images. AWESOME JOB!!!March 1, 2010 - 9:17 pm

Jennifer Henderson - Amanda-these pics are incredible.March 1, 2010 - 9:08 pm

Hillary - #1- she's not old enough to have those children. #2- if she is, what is her skin secret? Can you do a blog entry on that please?March 1, 2010 - 9:07 pm

Stephanie Hixon - LOVE the pics! Wynter and her family are dear friends, and she is such a special photographer...I know she will treasure these pics of her on the other side of the lens! Great job, Amanda!March 1, 2010 - 5:49 pm

Maggie - Beautiful family and wonderful work like always. I love all the pictures!March 1, 2010 - 4:10 pm

Lindsay - These are wonderful! Wynter looks gorgeous and her kids are precious! Great job Amanda!!March 1, 2010 - 3:33 pm

Gail - GORGEOUS Amanda! Wow - Wynter is so beautiful and so are her kiddos and mom!March 1, 2010 - 3:27 pm

deb - Beautiful family, beautiful photos. No way I could choose a fav but I love the b&w of Wynter and her mom.March 1, 2010 - 2:03 pm

Casey Hecklinski - Hey Amanda and Wynter! Amanda....great pictures! I really enjoyed looking through them. Wynter....I cant believe how big the kids have gotten! I love Brian Scott with missing teeth...so cute! And you and Maddie are as pretty ever!March 1, 2010 - 12:50 pm

Heather - These are GREAT!! Her kids are just so cute, she's gorgeous and they are all so photogenic. Amazing genuine shots of everyone. Good work Amanda!March 1, 2010 - 11:54 am

Keri Doolittle Photography - LOVE these shots!! You did a GREAT job!March 1, 2010 - 11:46 am

Ravyn - These are adorable. I think I was smiling the whole time I was looking at this. Wynter is sassy and her kids seem like they have the best little personalities. I would love to take photos for you and Allen when we're in AL.March 1, 2010 - 10:10 am

Leisha - BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL!!!! Everything about these are beautiful! I love the one of Brian Scott hugging Wynter!! Great pictures!March 1, 2010 - 9:33 am

Wynter - Message from Maddie: Amanda, these are the cutest pictures I have ever seen. The first two pictures are my favorite because my mom is tickling me and that was so funny to me. Hey, Did you know my brother sold his teeth to the Tooth Fairy?March 1, 2010 - 8:37 am

Laura - These are just wonderful family photos! You've captured them so well, great job!March 1, 2010 - 8:31 am

Wynter - I want to start by saying that I AM SOOOOOO IN LOVE WITH THESE PHOTO'S! I knew Amanda wouldn't deliver anything less than AMAZING.... but WOW! When I first contacted Amanda about scheduling our session, I made one thing clear. Sure we were friends, but that was not my motivation in scheduling with her. I contacted her because I am a huge fan of her work. Amanda did an outstanding job in capturing the individual style and personality of us all. Not only will these photos be cherished by me and my children, but by generations to come. Thank you so much Amanda! You ROCK!!!!! :)March 1, 2010 - 8:24 am

Melissa - Wynter is so beautiful! And lucky to have you as a "photo friend". I think my fav is the one of her and her son in black and white, but as always, they are ALL awesome! Also, glad to be back from out of town so I can keep up and comment again! love youMarch 1, 2010 - 7:18 am

a sneak peek and a thank you

February 28, 2010 in family photographer

It’s been a crazy weekend as I wrap up my birthday week (and a half!) and try to stay caught up. I received the best birthday news late Thursday afternoon when Showit announced the winners of the Showit Best of 2009 contest. I won the “Brand BOOST!” category! I was up against some seriously talented and brand-concious folks which made the win even more special. Thanks a million to everyone who voted for me and for the outpouring of congratulations and support I received. Ya’ll are amazing.

I’ll be back first thing tomorrow with a family photography session that is oozing with style and cuteness. I have never had to weed my way through so many “favorites” before! Here’s a quick sneak peek to tie you over. See you in the a.m.

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by Amanda

7 comments

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Shelia - Congrats!!! You are super!! Can't wait for our session.March 3, 2010 - 9:16 pm

Jacquelyn - Congrats on the award... You are a great photographer to me who has soo much talent and I am so proud of you. Thanks for coming out yesterday to the party. The pics of Wynter and family are adorable. It's easy to take pics of such beautiful people huh?/March 1, 2010 - 1:18 pm

Hillary - I've been wanting to meet Wynter! What a beautiful image to go with the name.February 28, 2010 - 10:15 pm

Wynter - As a photographer, I do not have many photos with my own family. It was so much fun being on the opposite side of the camera for a change. Amanda's super cool and laid back personality makes you feel so comfortable that you forget that you are being photographed. You feel like you are hanging out with a old friend. I can't wait to see what she has in store for our family. I know it will be nothing less than AMAZING! So who does this photographer trust to photograph those most precious to her? Why Amanda Pair of course! ;)February 28, 2010 - 8:40 pm

Leisha - I can't wait to see these! Wynter's kids are precious!!February 28, 2010 - 3:00 pm

Kristen Collins - I've known Wynter for a very long time and have always admired her work. You are a great photographer as well which is obvious since Wynter chose you to shoot her family.February 28, 2010 - 1:04 pm

deb - Nice colors! I'll be waiting...February 28, 2010 - 12:54 pm