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Celebrate Life Photography by AmandaK bio picture

Welcome to my journal!

 

                                                    Who am I.

 I am a wife.  I am a mother to 3 amazing human beings.  I am a believer in God, and worshipper of Christ.  I am 37 years old.  I am an artist.  I am a widow.  I am a lover of warmth.   I am insecure.  I am short.   I am hopeful.  I am driven.  I am passionate.  I am not a genius.  I am blessed.  I am not amazing.  I am ordinary.

                                   I am Amanda K, and it's not about ME.

" Photography ....it is my passion.  I may never be likened to the great masters of photography, but I am learning every day.   My desire is to truly form a relationship with my clients, to create an unforgettable experience, and document their life.  Because their life is important. "

                                              Your LIFE ~ My VISION

Assistant Search!! / Southern Oregon Photography

In the recent month, I have learned that 2 of my assistants will be out of commission for a bit! One is having a baby, and the other is going back to school!  HELP!!!

I am now offering an INTERNSHIP photography assistant position, that will potentially work into a paid position. It’s a great opportunity for someone that has a love or appreciation for photography to get “behind the scenes”  and work with me on some fabulous sessions!  This is NOT a mentorship program.  I will not be teaching shooting or editing, but will train for assisting skills.

The assistants help at various sessions such as High School Seniors, Children, Engagement, and occasional Weddings.  Basically, they are my right hand man!! (I tip with Starbucks) :)

I am looking for at least 2 new assistants to bring on “staff”  within the next year.  If this sounds like something you or someone you know might be interested in, email me your info along with why you want to work with me!  I will then send you more detailed information such as schedule, and duties!

CHEERS!!

AK

How could you say no to face like this?? LOL

February 4, 2010 - 5:42 pm Tammy - I think I'll move up there for this. Woot woot! You go girl! I'm so so proud of you!

February 4, 2010 - 5:45 pm admin - Tammy!! Oh I wish! HA! I would be YOUR assistant though! :)

February 5, 2010 - 4:27 pm Brooke - Let me find a plane ticket :)

February 7, 2010 - 12:25 pm Chelsea Cook - Oh how I SOOO wish. I have admired your work for some time now. Whoever gets this chance is in for a real treat, I am sure! Chelsea

Proposal video sweetness / Southern Oregon Wedding/ Engagement Photography

I just HAD to share this precious proposal video by Stereo Waltz Films that was featured on the Wedding Chicks Today.

If you can watch it without crying,  well then you must be made of stone!  LOL!   I was a blubbering mess watching her reaction. :)

PROPOSAL

Happy Wednesday!!!

February 5, 2010 - 2:16 am Jana - *sniffle* I needed a good 'happy' cry! Thanks for sharing! What a creative and beautiful video!!!!

February Special! / Southern Oregon Fine Art Portraiture Artist

Happy February!!  January was a month for me to update my websites, pricing, products and camera gear.  I am locked and loaded!  :)  While it was a much needed month off from shooting, I am aching to get back out and shoot!!  So, what better way to celebrate a new shooting season than to offer a SMOKING deal!

I have had many clients express their desire for digital files as opposed to prints from their sessions.  I know this is the “digital age”, but it saddens me to see the quality print becoming obsolete.   In my mind, I feel that the art is not valued when all I deliver to a client is a disc, as opposed to a beautiful fine art print.  However; it’s not about me!  Ultimately it’s about the satisfaction of my clients. :)  I also want my clients to have ALL the images from their sessions.

I frequently get asked why digital files are so expensive.  The High Resolution digital file IS the finished product in DVD form.  The client is able to reproduce that image to any size they want, and as many times as they want.  In order to put value on my work, that file is going to cost substantially higher than a low resolution file or print.

I am now offering a low-resolution DVD of digital files that will accommodate all budgets.  ($300.00) The low-resolution files can be printed up to 4×6 for optimum quality.  They can be used for social media sites (Facebook/MySpace), wallets, and 4×6 gift prints.  The DVD will come with a pro lab recommendation, and a copyright release form.

Along with the digital files, I will continue to offer a variety of products such as Canvas Art, and Custom Designed Coffee Table Books.

SOOOO…that takes me to the even BETTER NEWS!  I am offering the new LOW RESOLUTION digital files FREE with NEW SESSION BOOKING OR $300.00 off the High Resolution Digital Files! This offer is valid with sessions booked February 2nd thru to February 14th @ midnight Pacific time.  That is a $300.00 gift to you!   This special will only be offered ONCE a year!

Terms:

1. Creative session needs to be fulfilled before December 1st, 2010

2. $175.00 creative session fee due in FULL at time of booking to receive the offer

Being the visual artist that I am, I think every post should have an image!

CHEERS!!!

AK

This is from a fall session with a little pumpkin. She kept walking right up to the lens thinking she could see my lens "wink" . LOL (Shot captured by my sweet Anna Lee. )

February 4, 2010 - 12:06 pm Nicole Kberg - What a fantastic offer! And of course another picture of Chloe is an added bonus!

Exercise / Southern Oregon Fine Art Photography

Trees. I undeniably have a tree obsession. I don’t know what it is exactly, but when I see a solitary tree in the middle of a field, on a hill, on the side of the road, I want to photograph it. I am fascinated by the shape and silhouette. I love to capture the sun flare coming through the branches. When I first started shooting with my “big girl” camera several years back, it was trees that I photographed. They were the perfect subject. They didn’t move. Maybe that’s why I love them so much. They represent strength. Unmovable strength. My kids are always making fun of me on road trips. Without fail, there will be this magnificent tree we pass by and I get all excited and point it out to the family. (insert eyes rolling here) Yep. They think I’m nuts. LOL

That brings me to a recent group I joined called “Develop on Fridays”. It’s a group that was started by a couple of amazing photographers that wanted to help inspire other photographers to “exercise” their eye and master their craft. It’s about finding who you are as an artist. It’s very easy to be influenced by so much imagery out there that sometimes we lose sight of who we are, and shoot for everyone else.

This weeks exercise was about shooting a subject that represents you, and something you are passionate about. We were supposed to shoot 75 images of the same subject at different angles, and choose our top 4. I doubt anyone reading my blog will be even slightly excited to see my “Tree shots” LOL, but thought it would be a great place to document my assignments.

The first 4 are my favorites from the exercise, and I will follow the post with a few of my favorite shots from past sessions that contain TREE’S.

Thanks for stopping by!!

January 29, 2010 - 3:29 pm Angela Giles Klocke - Actually, I'm a huge tree lover and LOVE when I find trees all alone! I'm learning to love trees in a new way since moving to Colorado from Georgia. I haven't found huge oaks and such, but the aspens are beautiful. Anyway, these are awesome shots!

January 29, 2010 - 4:53 pm Christine - That's funny, I love finding lone trees in fields too! I never have my camera with me when I find them though. :( They're kind of like old friends when I go back to a place I haven't been in a long time.

January 29, 2010 - 8:43 pm kristi - right there with you with the tree obsession, amanda. maybe we'll find some super fantastic ones in utah this summer!

January 30, 2010 - 7:34 pm Jana - LOVE TREES TOO! There is a lone tree on a hill near my house...I'm dying to venture out there to photograph it...I think the field, however, is surrounded by a wire fence...hmmm.....Anyways, Trees are beautiful subjects! Great work as usual Amanda!!!

Andrea & Landon / Oregon Fine Art Wedding Photography

Andrea and Landon united as one on December 19th, 2009.  The day started out very foggy, but as the morning progressed, the fog burned off to a beautiful sunny day!  The day started at Applegate Christian Fellowship and ended at the Historical Nunan Estate in Jacksonville, Or.

We were so blessed by how warm both Andrea and Landon’s family were.  There was such joy and excitement in the atmosphere as all of the preparations were taking place.  It was so evident as to how much this young couple are loved by their friends and family.

A sincere thank you to Susan for being so accommodating and for allowing us the opportunity to capture your daughter and son-in-laws special day.

Enjoy this sneak peek!!

Yep...that's the boy's playing Polly Pockets. :)

Landon didn't master the task of dressing the bride and groom. LOL

5 pages of vows....he wrote...amazing.

Sisters :)

Sister Taylors idea. :)

A little vintage. :)

Beautiful Ceremony

Waiting for me to "check my settings" . :)

Artist's Favorite :)

Absolutely LOVE this series with Dad.

January 22, 2010 - 7:43 pm Kami - Wonderful, beautiful, fabulous, amazing and wow. :)

January 22, 2010 - 7:56 pm Susan Krebs - Wow, these photos are amazing! Gorgeous bride! Great idea (Taylor) for the photo with the bouquets in front of the faces, wow, beautiful eyes on all three of you (one of my favorites). I will agree with you (Amanda) on the "artist's favorite" beautiful photo (my favorite also). You are truly blessed with your gift of photography.

January 22, 2010 - 8:28 pm Nicole Kberg - Cannot get enough of your wedding pics! Beautiful bride, handsome groom, beautiful bridesmaids dresses and that couch--oh my!

January 23, 2010 - 12:11 am Carolina Guzik - AMAZING!

January 23, 2010 - 8:38 pm Jana - WOWZERS!!!! What a beautiful couple (not to mention the photography!!!) I just love your fav too! And I love the shot of the vows...soooo sweet!!! You have (again) captures some wonderful memories!!!

January 24, 2010 - 7:38 am Liz - Oh wow! These are beautiful, Amanda!

January 24, 2010 - 7:52 pm Carrie Dye - That is a lovely picture of Paige (mom) and Landon dancing!

January 27, 2010 - 6:50 pm Jon - Amazing stuff, my friend!!!

Meet Nakesha

About 6 months ago, Nakesha contacted me in regards to one of my sessions she had seen linked to one of her Facebook friends.   She is an aspiring photographer here in the valley, and wanted to know if we could met for coffee.  About two months later, we finally sat down to chat.  She expressed her passion for photography, and felt she was stuck in first gear so to speak and was looking for some guidance.

I was very hesitant in the beginning as I do not feel ready to “teach” anyone at this stage in my career, but I felt led to give her what time I could.  Nakesha shadowed me at a handful of sessions, and decided we would move forward into a Mentorship in January.

Nakesha is also carrying her second baby due in March!  Perfect timing for her to be perfecting her craft. :)

So,  Miss Nakesha will be assisting and shooting along side me at a few sessions starting in May.  Your going to LOVE her. :)

Here is a little interview I gave her before I started the mentorship to give me an idea of who she is and what she is hoping to gain out this. I thought you might enjoy learning about her too.

She didn't realize "pack mule" was part of the deal. HA!

A:  Why did you start shooting pictures?

N: I started shooting pictures because I wanted to take the best possible pictures of my daughter and my digital camera wasn’t cutting it! As soon as I got it I just could never put it down. All I wanted to do was learn more. It was the best investment I’ve ever made because now I have stunning pictures of my daughter from all ages of her life!

A: What inspires you?

N: Usually what inspires me most about photography is big open fields! Cliché I’m sure, but every time I see an amazing field picture, I will look at it so many times! Something about them touches my heart, I’m not sure why. I have been reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge and in it they talk about God romancing you in the small things, like a beautiful smell, a song that makes your heart sing, and for me I think he romances me by beautiful scenery.

A:What do you LOVE to photograph?

N: I LOVE to photograph my daughter the most! ;) I like taking pictures of children because you don’t have to be so serious, you can act like an idiot and it just makes them happy. They are very difficult though.

A: What do you ultimately want to learn from me and why?

N: EVERYTHING! Haha… But more specifically, I want to learn my camera functions, how it works and why one mode is better than another in different circumstances. I also want to learn Photoshop, and more about composition and lighting.


January 21, 2010 - 12:26 pm Kelly Harper - Nakesha sounds a lot like me! Just starting out, inspired by fields, and learning like a sponge... taking it all in... AND, LOVE the book Captivating too! Hubster and I are seeing J and S Eldridge this Sunday at a marriage seminar!

January 21, 2010 - 7:33 pm Nicole Kberg - She is one lucky gal...maybe you should start holding workshops? ;o)

January 21, 2010 - 8:57 pm Tammy Chavies - Nakesha, you are where I want to be!! Have fun with Amanda and soak it all in. Amanda, thank you again for being willing to give back. I just wish I was closer so you could give some of it to me! ;) Have fun together ladies!

January 22, 2010 - 12:54 am Allison - She is so lucky... :) I would really love it if sometime down the road you did do workshops. Your photography is amazing.

January 22, 2010 - 12:49 pm Nakesha - Kelly, I am so envious that you get to see John and Stasi at a seminar! I hope you learn a lot of new and amazing things about your marriage! And thanks to everyone for your support, I am so excited to be starting this journey with Amanda as my teacher, she is amazing! I feel so blessed!

January 22, 2010 - 4:04 pm Carolina Guzik - AWESOME! What a great opportunity for both of you :)

January 24, 2010 - 11:16 pm Sheila Gunderson - Amanda, thank you for inspiring our beautiful daughter. We have always believed in Nakesha and we know she has multiple talents that the Lord had hidden deep within her. We can't wait to see them brought to the surface for the world to experience. We know that you will be an exceptional mentor to her and we are blessed as parents to see her blossom... May God's love be with you both as you explore all God has for you both!!! And just an FYI to Keshy, I love their book too!!!

February 2, 2010 - 9:13 pm Jessy - Aw Kesh looks adorable!

What I’m Working On / Oregon Wedding Photographer

Just a little teaser for Andrea.  You are a beautiful bride. :)  I will have a full Blog Post for you by Friday!

January 18, 2010 - 8:20 pm Nicole Kberg - Yes! So beautiful! Can't wait to see more.

January 18, 2010 - 10:26 pm Susan Krebs - Love it! You are an amazing photographer! Looking forward to seeing more. Thank you.

January 19, 2010 - 2:27 pm rosie - beautiful!!

January 19, 2010 - 8:43 pm Vibrant Photography - Gorgeous!!

Press on! / Southern Oregon Photographer

Sometimes in life we run into people and they just tear you down for no apparent reason. Your work, your style…pretty much everything that defines you.  It’s up to you to either take it in stride for what it’s worth, or allow it to discourage you and give up.

My wise 15 year daughter gave me this quote yesterday,

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent ” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor sure hit the nail on the head didn’t she?  SO true.  Through this little experience, it has not only humbled me, but it has inspired me to encourage other aspiring artists out there with kind words.  The power of life and death are in the tongue.

Pressing on! It’s a new day!

To end the week, I wanted to share with you a photographers wedding that absolutely captivated me.  Jessica Claire is one of the BEST wedding photographers in the industry.  She greatly inspires me.  Her own wedding video is featured on STYLE ME PRETTY today. .  Scroll down to watch it and be inspired!!

Happy Friday!!!

AK


January 15, 2010 - 3:05 pm elena w - you have a very wise daughter :) I love some of the sayings that eleanor roosevelt is know for. this has been my motto for a long time - "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." and you are so right! a kind word can change the course of one person's life just the way harsh and unthoughtful words do.

Embellish yourself!/ Southern Oregon Wedding Photographer

I am a prop junkie.  In fact, my husband and I spent last weekend organizing all of my …uh hem…stuff. (My husband uses a different adjective) Ha.  I have everything from a vintage couch, vintage chairs, wagons, hats, scarves, birdcages, newborn hats , baskets, and the list goes on.  It’s out of control.  :)

ETSY has been one of my enablers.

If you have never ventured into the world of ETSY, than you are seriously missing out!  There is a plethora of amazing artists selling their handmade goods.  I am especially fond of newborn hats and most recently, hair pieces for my brides and senior girls.  I absolutely LOVE embellishments.  And I believe every woman deserves to be embellished.  Whether it’s jewelry, a hat, scarf, or hair piece, it adds a unique element  to an image.  It gives us a visual “symbol” of what that person is about.

I am thrilled to announce that I will be working with Lindsey @ BlackBirdBlue and you.  I found her through ETSY a few months back and had her design a specific piece for a client.  (Which is amazing ) Lindsey is VERY talented!!  What I am encouraging clients to do is to contact her directly or through me about creating a unique “Embellishment” for their session.   Something special that no-one else has!  :)

Here is a peak at what Lindsey created for me!  (iPhone photography) LOL

Happy Tuesday!!

Amanda K

January 12, 2010 - 6:48 pm Nicole Kberg - Oh how I {heart} etsy! She makes beautiful things...thanks for adding another artist to my favorites category ;0)

January 13, 2010 - 8:40 am kristi - who knew iphone photography could yield such crazy fun shallow dof?!

January 15, 2010 - 1:08 am lisa darland - u know i love a jewel

It’s not about me (really?) / Southern Oregon Photographer

Maybe it was how I was raised, or maybe it’s just how I was born.  I have always been uncomfortable with attention. I get all sweaty and nervous like those little chihuahua dogs  whenever I have to be the center of attention.  I pretty much avoid it all costs.  I may have even pee’d on the carpet once or twice. (not really people)

I think, no….I know that is why I love to be behind my camera.  I am able to express myself  by drawing attention to others. :)  My camera has been gone for over a week now for servicing, and I have decided that it has become an appendage that I cannot function without.  I am aching to go out and shoot.

What it also showed me, is that I need to stop hiding!  I want to be able to connect with my clients and readers by sharing more about who I am and the fact that I am really not that exciting!  LOL  It goes against my nature and my beliefs that if we are to take the focus off of ourselves and make it about others first, this world would be a happier place.

SO…all that said, I am taking off my “camera mask” .  I am vowing to share more about who I am , what I believe in, and what inspires me.   I am a visual person.  I am NOT a writer.  So please don’t judge me and my terrible writing skills.  (Another “hat” I will try and improve on later)  HA!  I am also going to spotlight other photographers, vendors, people and artists who have inspired me in some way.

Out of desperation, I am going to be posting some images captured on my iPhone!  :)  (Desperate times, call for desperate measures)  In fact, I think it would be fun to shoot an entire session with one! LOL   Hmmmm…..

Anywho…today’s SPOTLIGHT is miss ERIN VEY !   She is one of the first photographers that I fell in love with on FLICKR about 5 years ago.  She is passionate about Pet Photography, and has really found her niche.  Erin is based in Seattle , Washington. She has an amazing Great Dane named Gracie that she captures in a way that amazes me.

Check her out!!!

ERIN VEY

In honor of Erin and her amazing work, here is a couple pics of my fabulous boxer Roxy.

January 11, 2010 - 3:38 pm Tammy Chavies - Amanda, I just want to thank you for sharing so much of yourself so far. YOU are one of the first people I fell in love with on flikr! I love whenever I see you have posted a new blog entry and I have learned so much from you already. Someday I truly hope to meet you and be one of your first workshop attendees! {hint,hint} I loved your post today as always!

January 11, 2010 - 11:05 pm Corin - I love it! I will definitely be checking back on you more often. You were one of the first photographers that really inspired me, especially because right away I noticed that it seems like your work truly comes from your heart. It's great that you're able to be so intro-spective with yourself.