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a new perspective

February 25, 2010 in my life

Well, my year of becoming an “adult” has passed. I briefly considered turning 27 again, but I have reclaimed my senses and am fully embracing 28.

Did you know that I share my birthday with my late Granny? She was born on February 25, 1927. As I looked in the mirror this morning I thought of her and wondered about her life at 28. I’ve seen photographs of course, but what was she really like? Was she counting the wrinkles and crow’s feet, cursing another birthday? Or was she embracing being young, vibrant and full of life while she lived out her dreams of being a beautician? I can’t say. But I know that if she had to do it again, it would without a doubt be the latter. My thoughts of Granny were not morose, but rather energizing. Growing older doesn’t scare me. The numbers don’t scare me. Birthdays don’t scare me. I love them actually. They hold such promise of the year ahead.

Twenty-seven was a good year. One of the best I’ve had. But I have a feeling – just a sneaky little suspicion – that 28 will be even better!

In keeping with last year’s theme, here is a photo from birthday 13 (seriously, where did 15 years GO?). Ironically, my friend Kristen also shared our February 25 birthday. This is the only birthday photo I could find of me with my Granny, so I hope Kristen won’t mind.

P.S. Thank you for all the love you’ve sent already this morning. I had enough birthday wishes before 8 a.m. to fill my whole day. You guys are the best.

by Amanda

19 comments

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Katy - Ooooooooo my... Look at those bangs!March 3, 2010 - 1:03 pm

Erica Cone - Hilarious! Kristen looks great! :) I love the photos you did for Wynter!March 1, 2010 - 4:14 pm

Melissa - love it! Happy birthday. I hope it was wonderful!March 1, 2010 - 9:48 am

Maggie - I love this post. Happy late birthday. I have a feeling your 28TH year will be amazing!February 26, 2010 - 3:31 pm

Shelia - Ohhhh, now I know why you wanted Granny's date of birth. What a wonderful thing for you to do. Granny would be so surprised and just thrilled to know you did the comparison of she and you. You're a good girl! Happy Birthday. Love youFebruary 26, 2010 - 11:36 am

Carmen - Wow! What a great birthday! Just saw the Showit winners. Congratulations and Happy birthday!February 25, 2010 - 7:21 pm

Rachel B. - Wow! Happy Birthday, Amanda! You are right! The best is yet to come! - Funny. This is something that we have in common. My birthday is one day after my grandmother's birthday and we always celebrate it together. She just turned 88 a couple of weeks ago and I turned 37. And I can tell ya, getting older is AWESOME...so far.February 25, 2010 - 6:10 pm

Allen - 28 will be better! Love the post, and love you. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!February 25, 2010 - 4:23 pm

april - Happy Birthday my sweet friend. This post has filled me with emotions. Just last night I passed a photo in my hallway of my late "Nannie". Rosston (who never got to meet her) smiled the biggest smile ever....it was like he knows her:) I love grandmothers and all of their grace and wisdom. How special that you got to share your birthday w/yours:) I love you and hope you have had a great day! I hope to be the kind of friend to you that helps you count your crows feet many years to come:)February 25, 2010 - 3:40 pm

Mary - Hey:) Just wanted to say Happy Birthday ! And to say Congratulations too ! for your big win;) I voted for you. One thing I appreciate the most is hard work and I can see that here everytime I read your blog :)February 25, 2010 - 3:22 pm

deb wood - Your Granny would be so proud of the adult you and "tickled pink" that you wrote about her. She was the happiest Granny in the world the day you were born - her birthday and her only granddaughter. Happy birthday baby girl.February 25, 2010 - 3:20 pm

paula - how fun! Happy birthday!February 25, 2010 - 3:18 pm

Gail - HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY!!! Since we celebrate our b-days less than a week apart, I feel like your February birthday twin! :) Hope yours goes as great as mine did! (and that you don't get sick after yours - UGH)February 25, 2010 - 2:59 pm

Sarah Rogers - I LOVE your blog! Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to ya! Hope you have a great day!February 25, 2010 - 2:21 pm

sarah elizabeth - Happy Birthday! That's so cool...my birthday is on the 28th (Sunday) and I share a birthday with my grandmother! :)February 25, 2010 - 2:08 pm

Rossi - This is precious! I love it. I don't think our grandparents freaked out about growing older like our generation does. I'm not complaining, though. I plan to make lots of money, one day, off the freaking out of others!February 25, 2010 - 1:57 pm

Kristen Collins - I love our bangs! I actually remember going to your Granny's house and I remember "riding" their donkey. Granny's are the best! I hope you have a happy birthday!February 25, 2010 - 1:15 pm

Kristen - Happy Birthday!!! I hope "28" is the best year yet. Cheers to you!February 25, 2010 - 12:46 pm

Addie - Much better!February 25, 2010 - 12:17 pm

she’s fabulous, fun and a makeup extraordinaire!

February 23, 2010 in birmingham wedding vendors

The artistic talent is deep rooted. As a child Rossi liked to paint and draw. She took art classes and was inherently creative. In college she worked for a makeup counter at the local mall where she began to shine in a new creative outlet. In the years that I have know her, Rossi has dabbled in makeup artistry — even lending her talents to my own wedding back in 2007. In the last year or so I have seen her passion grow into a calling and am so proud to see her pursuing her dreams.

On Saturday, I tagged along to a makeup consultation to take some promotional photographs for her. It was the first time I’d met bride-to-be Shana, but the three of us had so much fun talking about makeup, photography and the upcoming wedding.

Shana = gorgeous. Rossi = hilarious. Colorful makeup and brushes = fun to photograph. And all the world was happy. The end.

It was a lot of fun for me to watch Rossi in action. Her makeup is always pretty, never overdone. As someone who thinks “getting ready” is applying mascara before I leave the house, I admire her ability to look so fabulous. She has an eye for color and shape and the artistic vision to see it through. Shana was beautiful before, but the subtle touches of a classic makeup style were stunning.

 

We grabbed a few “after” shots to show off Rossi’s hard work. Without a doubt, Shana is going to make a beautiful bride.

And of course I couldn’t let Rossi get away without a few head shots of her own. It was midday, but I found a wonderful little pocket of light in the side yard of the house. She pretends like she’s photographically awkward, but it’s a lie. These are some of my favorite shots of her ever… EVER. (Who loves Van Wilder? Raise your hand. Hand raised.) 

There is no better time for professional hair and makeup than on your wedding day. And this is coming from the poster child of dressing down (me!). I won’t get into the mushy details, but I’ll never forget the way that Allen looked me the day we got married. I was not overdone, not unnatural. I was me, but better, and I shined brighter just knowing. If you are a bride-to-be in the Birmingham area, getting in touch with Rossi is a must. You can e-mail her at rossimorris [at] gmail [dot] com or get in touch with me, and I’ll hook you up.


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by Amanda

10 comments

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Shana - Amanda, Thank you for capturing our trial run fun. I had a blast with you and Rossi. The pics are fantastic. Thank you for sharing your talent with us that Saturday. I hope to see you again soon!March 1, 2010 - 3:24 pm

Katy - I am officially commenting that I love the second-to-last picture of Rossi. I have hair envy.March 1, 2010 - 9:45 am

Allen - Great work Rossi! I like the last one of the bride and Rossi's last two. You two together are dangerous!February 25, 2010 - 4:33 pm

ashley - Rossi does great work! The Bride to be will be beautiful on her wedding day. The pictures of Rossi are awesome!February 25, 2010 - 10:44 am

Heather - I love, love, love this second to last shot! Meow, Rossi! :)February 24, 2010 - 9:36 am

april - These are so good! As someone who wears too much make up usually (yes I know:), I love Rossi's natural style! She is going to be very successful! The headshots of her are fabulous!! I hope she will be using these in her promotional materials...just beautiful!! Good job, again, my friend:)February 24, 2010 - 9:25 am

Jordan - I love this post!! I actually sent Rossi an email yesterday, and I sure hope she's available on July 17th!!! Thanks again for the rec!!February 24, 2010 - 9:25 am

Will - This may sound crazy coming from a guy, but you make putting on make up seem soooo fun :) Awesome job Rossi! And as always, the photos are great Mrs. Pair :)February 24, 2010 - 9:19 am

Amy Frith - How wonderful!! Look at what a creative pair you two are!! I can vouch as the #3 bride who was lucky enough to have Rossi make me "beautiful" on my big day, too -- I was entirely confident with her abilities and so pleased with my "look" that day and in all of my photographs. I will never forget going to pick out my colors at the Clinique counter that one day where we tried their entire collection of reds on my mouth, and Rossi convinced me to start using lip liner for the first time in my life :0) Hope you remember those good memories, too, Saucy! Amanda, you did a fabulous job capturing what appeared to be a super fun day!February 23, 2010 - 11:14 pm

Rossi - Amanda, you outdid yourself with this post! Thank you for the kind words. It means so much coming from such a talented artist like yourself, as well as a dear friend. I had a blast with Shana and you! Shana looked beautiful. Too bad we couldn't have gotten you on the other side of the camera in the makeup chair. But I'll always have the memories of your wedding day makeup session. You're an easy canvas!February 23, 2010 - 10:23 pm

awakening

February 22, 2010 in photography

I don’t think this will come to a surprise to any of you, but I love photography. A few weeks ago, my dear friend Will Nash surprised me with a gift. While attending Passion 2010 in Atlanta, he picked up a copy of Awakening by Louie Giglio and Jeremy Cowart. It was the most thoughtful and spot on gift of inspiration that I could have received. It is a compilation of photographs from the Passion World Tour narrated by blog entries by Passion leader Louie Giglio and personal accounts from others who were involved. Knowing little about Passion, I sat enthralled in the stunning images and uplifting message that it held. By capturing the culture of each city and raw emotion of each gathering, Awakening tells a beautiful story to which words would not do justice. 

What I love most about the book are the vivid images from each stop along the tour. It is obvious that Jeremy Cowart went above and beyond to get to the heart of each city. In places like Stockholm, Sao Paulo, Paris, Johannesburg, Hong Kong and Seoul, there are breathtaking images of the people and places who live there. The book masterfully threads lifestyle, architecture and human emotion together in such a powerful way. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Passion World Tour is the common thread that ties each city together. The gatherings attracted some 100,000 university students all over the world. Each time I flip through the pages, I am amazed at the pure emotion coming from these images. It is honestly inspiring.

The cool thing about Awakening is that it is not narrated with a “this is where we were, this is what we did” tone. It is a diary in the form of blog entries that really capture what Louie Giglio was feeling during each stop along the tour.

Powerful images combined with powerful words make this book what it is. “I’m more convinced than ever. Life is not about us. It is about leveraging all we have in this life toward the goal of making Jesus famous. That’s not a one-liner… that’s my mission statement.”  – Shelley Giglio.

by Amanda

4 comments

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Will - The least I could do to add to the incredible inspiration fire of Mrs. Pair :) Man, it is so cool see how great you becoming with producing stunning imagery. Plus, being able to express how you feel and paint pictures with words makes you utterly dangerous :)February 24, 2010 - 9:09 am

Rossi - Will is so sweet. What an awesome gift! I haven't even seen the whole book, but the photos you posted of it evoke deep emotions. Love the colors, too.February 23, 2010 - 11:19 am

kristen - Passion is such a life-changing thing. I love that Louie Giglio has documented his blog in such a real way. The photos are awesome, very inspiring!February 23, 2010 - 10:09 am

Rachel B. - Wow! What a cool book! I didn't know what Louie Giglio had been up to lately. About six years ago, my Sunday school class went to hear him teach at a 7:22 meeting. I will have to go check out his blog now. Thanks for the heads up!February 22, 2010 - 3:46 pm

little rosston is growing up

February 19, 2010 in children's photographer

For those who have been following my blog from the beginning, this post may catch you off guard — I’ll admit the session sure snuck up on me… Last weekend I met up with April, Scott and Rosston for his ONE YEAR SESSION! One year. I can’t believe it. I have watched him grow from belly to baby to toddler. I want to tear up just thinking about it. Our little Rosston is growing up. As we finished up the session I turned to April and asked if this meant I didn’t get to photograph him every three months anymore. Sad face.

The biggest change since our last session is that Rosston is walking! He is a little unsteady at times, but is gaining confidence with each step. I almost died from the cuteness when April surprised me with this awesome bear-ear hat. It was perfect!  

April and Scott walked Rosston back and forth for a few minutes to show me how well he was walking. His little face wrinkled in deep thought as he concentrated on each and every step. I was so proud of him! 

It was cold, and the wind was really starting to pick up. We took just a few quick mintues to grab some family shots and per usual they totally rocked it.

Rosston has been one of my very favorite babies to photograph. Although we are through photographing his first year, I’m 100% sure this won’t be the last we see of his sweet face. As a matter of fact, there was a part two of this family session that I can’t show just yet. Check back soon – you seriously won’t believe the cuteness!

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by Amanda

18 comments

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Kimmie K - I have been following your blog for a couple months now (first time I've commented) & LOVE!!! your photographs. You make an average book look so amazing & you blow me out of the water with your people talent. This family is amazing & you show it. Great job...againFebruary 23, 2010 - 1:54 pm

Denise Saucedo - OHMYGOODNESS!!!!!!!!!! That baby is soooo adorable. Those eyes!!! Wow. Great job Amanda. Cuteness galore.February 21, 2010 - 8:17 pm

ashley - Amanda, I know you had beautiful people to photograph for this session, but your skills are amazing!!! I am so proud to have such a talented friend!February 21, 2010 - 8:35 am

Jill - For some reason these pictures make me want to sing "cold speghetti cold speghetti." The Evans family makes me smile :). I'm looking forward to part 2 because I was about to be disappointed.February 20, 2010 - 12:22 pm

Kaye Evans - Amanda, thank you for capturing our precious Rosston at this time of his life. You do have a special gift from God and thanks for sharing it with our family. KayeFebruary 20, 2010 - 8:38 am

Jeddy - Nana - Amanda, you have out done yourself this time. These are GREAT!!! Of course you have great people to work with. What a beautiful little family!!! I can't wait to see the rest of them.February 19, 2010 - 11:37 pm

Amanda - @addie- those eyes came from his mama and daddy, not his photographer! :) @mom- it did me too. Sniff, sniff.February 19, 2010 - 3:24 pm

Addie - #2 is seriously one of my favorite photos you've ever taken. How did you get his eyes to match his outfit like that?February 19, 2010 - 3:18 pm

deb - Well, April's comment just choked me up. It has been fun watching Scott and April's family grow and grow-up this past year. I love the last picture of the family and the one of Rosston walking.February 19, 2010 - 1:00 pm

Michelle - I can't even find the words!!!! You have an amazing talent Amanda! Maybe one day you can take pics of my family! :0) Now that would test your skills! LOL!!! But seriously, these are the best yet!February 19, 2010 - 12:14 pm

pattie - these are great--as always! of course it helps that they are a beautiful family too!February 19, 2010 - 10:33 am

Rachel B. - Oh my goodness! Amanda, these are wonderful! I think that April said it all.February 19, 2010 - 9:50 am

april - Oh, and #3 is my fave!!!! You think I can get that in a wallpaper?? :)February 19, 2010 - 9:46 am

april - Amanda, we are so blessed to have you in our lives...not only as a photographer, but as a friend. I will cherish this entire year of photos. You have captured so much of our joy and our hearts with every snap of your camera.I think about my sweet Rosston being able to look back at these pictures that tell the story of our little family and the blessings he has brought us in just this short year.I am so proud of you and the photographer you have become. You have this amazing gift to show the inside of someones soul through a photograph. That is something that can not be taught...you were born with that. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We love you!February 19, 2010 - 9:40 am

Ravyn - He's getting sooo big! These are adorable. Oh, and the bear hat is super cute.February 19, 2010 - 9:37 am

Allen - Definitely takes after his mom! Nice job as always. I hate it I missed you guys, will see you soon.February 19, 2010 - 9:36 am

Lindsay - He is the cutest!! Great job Amanda!February 19, 2010 - 9:29 am

Gail - That little guy is SUCHHHHH a cutie pie! Well done girl, well done!February 19, 2010 - 8:29 am

lauren & brett | engaged

February 17, 2010 in engagement photographer

Lauren and Brett. I don’t know what to say except that I love them. They have this super cute way of interacting that was honest and refreshing. From the first image snapped, they were complete naturals, falling in sync with each other and genuinely having fun!  They live in Charlotte, but we were able to meet up for their engagement session last weekend while they were in town.  

Remember this look folks – you’ll see it again. This was not something that I asked Brett to do. It was so natural that I didn’t really even notice until I was sorting their engagment photos later that night. It’s a look of pure adoration and love for his bride-to-be. And it makes me happy on the inside. 

One of the coolest things about Lauren and Brett is that they were totally up for whatever. They wanted an urban feel to their pictures, but had no pre-conceived ideas about how anything should be. We went to one of my favorite downtown spots, but they gave me the creative freedom to lead them around and find all sorts of new places to shoot. Although I’ve been down there many times, I feel like I left their session with a new appreciation of what Birmingham had to offer. These next two are in the running as favorites…

Oh wait. This next one might win. LOVE it. I asked them if they were ok to hike over to the train tracks promising that I wouldn’t let them get run over. There are about eight lanes or so of tracks with large, rocky medians in between. We climbed up and settled in. A few minutes later we heard the whistle of a train so we stood up to wait and see from which direction it would come. Next thing I know, there are two trains on either side of us and we were trapped! Don’t worry mom, we weren’t trapped in a dangerous way. There was plenty of room for us to move around, we just couldn’t leave the tracks for a few minutes. We had a good laugh about my earlier promise, and settled in to wait it out.  

Lauren is originally from Birmingham, but Brett is from Michigan. I couldn’t let them get away without one good ‘Bama shot. Nothing fits that Alabama stereotype more than a rusty ol’ Ford pickup truck!

Lauren and Brett, thank you so much for such an adventurous and fun afternoon. It’s couples like you that make what I do worth it. See you in June!

 

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by Amanda

14 comments

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Cherie Budde - The pictures are fantastic!!! I can tell you both had a blast. Can't wait for the wedding. Aunt CherieFebruary 21, 2010 - 3:10 pm

Maggie - Cute couple! Love all the pictures!February 18, 2010 - 5:18 pm

Kristy Dickerson - Love these pictures.... and adorable couple!February 18, 2010 - 2:10 pm

Gram - The pictures are great!!! We love them. You two certainly are naturals. Love you much, GramFebruary 18, 2010 - 12:18 pm

deb - Those train tracks make me have a panic attack! I'm glad you were safe and I really love the shot between the tracks with the bridge. The photos with the red wall and green dock are fun too.February 18, 2010 - 8:18 am

camille :) - hey, i know them!!! lauren, you are beautiful. i can't wait to meet your groom. amanda, thanks for taking photos of one of my greatest friends - i am grateful for you.February 18, 2010 - 4:03 am

april - I love these! The color is amazing:) Good job, friend. This couple looks at ease with each other...love that:)February 17, 2010 - 9:13 pm

Hillary - LOVE the train track ones. I'm always afraid to go there, you must give me tips.February 17, 2010 - 5:22 pm

Rachel B. - Awww! These are so sweet! Funny about the trains coming through. I really like the shots in the middle of the tracks, framed by the bridge overhead and the trains on either side. And the last one is so cute. The photo seems to say Lauren or Brett.February 17, 2010 - 4:38 pm

Melina - I'm in love with the shot of them 'trapped'February 17, 2010 - 1:24 pm

Ravyn - I love these!! These two have a great chemistry, you can tell their wedding is going to be fun! I'm trying to find some good urban spots in Indy ... except, I'm likely to get shot if I go to the wrong parts, haha.February 17, 2010 - 11:30 am

Melissa - I love the train track shots. but it also gives my a slight heart attack every time I see them. (the horror stories Lee heard while working for CSX were enough to terrify me) Please be careful! beautiful shots!February 17, 2010 - 10:56 am

Coe - I too, am speechless...INCREDIBLE!!!February 17, 2010 - 10:34 am

Lauren Holcombe - I LOVE them! Amanda you did such a beautiful job! I am just speechless!February 17, 2010 - 9:32 am