12.03.2010

Shewweee.

WOW. I believe that is all I can say today. I received an email from a client, that was super sweet, and she didn't even know it. It wasn't long, or thanking me for doing the photos. It was short. It was saying that she didn't expect me to do more for her than I would normally do. What? I'm sorry ... I don't think I understood that ;-) While most people don't ask directly, they hint at it... and well.. some directly ask for it.

Today has been all about getting photos ready for Facebook Albums and blog posting (Which will be happening MUCH more frequently now!) My list of photos to get online is almost TWO pages long.

In leu of this, I really must say Thank you. For believing in my work. For trusting me when all you've known is the studios at the mall. Thank you All. I wouldn't be where I am today without the concrete support of my clients. The ones that send a message just to say 'hey.' For those of you who I know are struggling in this economy, and believe strongly enough in my work to choose ME, when others are offering their photos for free/bogo/etc.

I have a few after the Holiday Specials I will be posting in a few weeks. Lots of stuff to come for all of you who have stuck with me from day one, and for those of you who have been wanting to give it a whirl, but haven't taken that plunge.  My photos are about more than the price tag, they are about the feelings that you will remember every single time you look at it. It's about having these memories forever. It's about you.

I hope everyone is gearing up for a fantastic Holiday, I know I'm so ready to spend time with our families, and laugh uncontrollably, and take in the beauty of life.






:)Amanda

11.23.2010

November!

I have had such a great holiday season so far! A few things to keep in mind for all of my awesome clients!
- Proofs take 7-10 Business days before they will be ready. Your viewing appt will be setup Tues- Thurs.
- Collages are the best way to capture your favorite photos from your session, and they make great gifts!
- Gift Certificates are a great stocking stuffer, add on gift for your loved ones, or for any Secret Santa gift!
-Facebook is for a few of my favorite shots. If you wish to get all of your photos for your facebook or sharing you can purchase a proof cd for $30.
-You will be able to tell the difference in my professional prints as opposed to taking your Photo CD (if you choose to purchase one) to Walmart, or any other consumer printing source.

I am SO thankful to have each and every one of my clients! Sincerely.
Please take 10% off your Print order of $150 or more until December 12th.

If you are interested in Gift Certificates, I have a great deal for you!
*Spend $50 in G.C.'s - receive $10 g.c. for yourself!
*Spend $100 in G.C.'s - receive $15 g.c. for yourself!
*Spend $150 in G.C.'s- receive $20 g.c. for yourself!
*Spend $200 in G.C.'s - receive $30 g.c. for yourself!

If you are interested in more than $200 in Gift Certificates please contact me for your deal!


Here is a sneak peek of a few of my favorite sessions!


Just a little bit of what I've been working on!

11.13.2010

Today, I was at the park doing pictures of an absolutely adorable family.. and then this older man came up to us and asked "Is that your Fusion?" I said yes... As I stood and chatted with him about my car, and how much I loved it.. I stared at him.. into his soulful eyes.. and I thought of my pop.. who I miss SO dearly. 


And how I regret not spending more time with him, and somehow I know that my pop was right there.. I could feel his presence and now I smile with tears in my eyes.. and thank God for those little signs. <3


Today I am thankful for the greatest blessings in my life. The friends that I've made over the years...how we've lost touch and bounced right back after years.. like it was yesterday. I'm thankful for the people that have came into my life, who I no longer talk to. And I'm thankful for the people that came into my life long ago and are still here, who've never left. 


I'm thankful for the clients that have trusted me with their precious memories. These photos, of moments, frozen in time that they will be able to have forever. I don't think I can say in words how happy I am that I can call many of my clients friends, and we can sit and chat about anything all day long. So Thank you. For believing in me, more than I believed in myself sometimes. 


So this day, November 13th of 2010, I resolve to take in the moments and hold onto them.. because that is what life is all about. These moments are life, and we have to make them the best they can be. I don't want to look back in a few years and realize that I've floated through and not really taken the time to capture these moments for myself. 


-Amanda

11.12.2010

Career Day

A few months ago I was contacted by a few teachers that work at Greensboro Elementary School and asked if I would like to present my career to the kids.

...Wait. Have I reached that Level? I think so, but what can I possibly tell these kids. ... back up. You want me to present to kids? Kids... the people that say whatever they think. What if they don't like me? What if the laugh at me? omg. I am so not a speaker. I hate talking in front of people, but of course I said, yes.

I've spent days the last few months wondering what I can talk to these kids about..  after conversations with my friend.. a teacher.. I felt at ease. sort of.

Well.. Today was the day.. And I must admit, I did laugh alot. And they laughed at me some, but I think I learned and I grew a little bit too! They will really say whatever they are thinking. So, what did I do? I hauled my back drop stand, one of my creative backdrops, lights, camera... action.  I took in a small wedding book, My christmas card, pictures, and frames, and everything! And we had a great time.

I was even asked for my autograph. Really? I think they liked me!

I think they'll love me when I give them their photo that we took(silly of course!) next week! I am so thankful to have been asked to be a part of this, and I loved talking about what I do... It really made me love what I do that much more!

So, Thank you to the girls that kept after me to do this, I really loved it! I hope to do it again next year, and to be able to have new and exciting things to show all of the kids!

-Amanda 

10.03.2010

Specials for October!


Much anticipated Specials for the Holidays! Remember that saying.. "The early bird gets the worm"? Well It's true! Get your Christmas cards now and save 20%!!! 
 
Get what is sure to be Mom's FAVORITE gift, what Grandma will have proudly displayed for years to come, or just a little gift for you NOW and save a bundle!

You can use photos from a past session or  if you are booked be sure to let me know so I can make sure we get you the deal!
 



A.P. Photography
By: Amanda Parks
Denton, MD 21629
443.786.7252
ap.photography@hotmail.com

Specials!
(Valid 10/1-10/31)


**Photo Gift Items!
Set of 4 Coasters w/ Holder $32.00
11 oz. Coffee Mug: $14.00
15 oz. Coffee Mug: $16.00


**Custom designed flat cards: great for invites & announcements:
           

4x5 ½
            Set of 12: $16.00
            Set of 24: $26.00
            Set of 36: $38.00

            4x8 or 5x7
            Set of 12: $18.00
            Set of 24: $ 31.00
            Set of 36: $ 45.00



**Custom designed Folded cards: great for invites, announcements & thank you cards:


4x5 ½
Set of 12: $22.00
Set of 24: $39.00
Set of 36: $57.00

5x7
Set of 12: $29.00
Set of 24: $50.00
Set of 36: $75.00

5x5 TriFold
Set of 12: $35.00
Set of 24: $60.00
Set of 36: $80.00


*Choose from Standard, Linen, Pebble, or Pearl Paper for your Cards.




9.22.2010

Cowgirl don't cry. Ride baby Ride.

You know those days that everything falls into place, and you can count your blessings so easily, and couldn't wipe the smile off of your face?  Well.. Yesterday was Not one of those days.

I have so much to be thankful for. I've told myself that all day...When I get stressed or have too much to think about Pop comes to mind. I know this is a good thing. I know he is watching over me. I know that... but today while I was cleaning out some notebooks I came across a note dated 5/8/10. Clearly more than a year after Pop passed... As I read over it a flood of memories came to mind.. a flood of emotions... I will be married in less than 7 months. I've dreamed about this day since I can remember.. not about the details, not about the colors, but about dancing and laughing and loving all day long. The closer our wedding gets the more I start to freak out about the fact that the one person I want to be there, sitting in the front row smiling... won't. He won't be here.

Pop passed on February 13, 2009. Literally days after I returned home from a family vacation to California. I remember the calls, I don't know who called and told me the news first, either Kevin or Fran but I balled. "Pop-Pop is in the hospital." I froze. I knew I should have went to visit them before I got on that plane. I KNEW IT. . . but  I didn't. "Don't worry, it's just routine." is what they said... He was always in and out of the hospital.. he was a fighter, I knew that.. The next phone call wasn't as calming... He is in ICU. I was going to buy the first ticket home, but they kept saying, don't worry it's ok... I balled and balled and balled. This is my POP. It's hard to put into words what he meant to me.. but he was definitely one of a kind. I was surrounded by love in California, but the rest of the week I was haunted with what was happening in Maryland. In Easton.

We flew in on Tuesday, got back home around 630pm and it was off to Easton for  Bud and I. It was so much worse than I was ready for. Nothing anyone said prepared me for the condition he was in. He couldn't breathe on his own, therefore he couldn't even talk to me. They tried taking out the tube a few times and he couldn't breathe on his own.... I had to realize that he wasn't going to make it. We all had to realize it. I went back to see him the next night. Thursday I just couldn't go.... I went to work on Friday morning and knew I needed to get to Easton. Fran called me at 10:30ish and asked if I was home, .."no at work, why?" Then I knew... I knew it.. I could hear her voice shake when she said.. "you have to come to Easton, now... this is your last chance."


"Phone rang early one morning... mama's voice she'd been crying...said its your daddy you need to come quick.. this is it.. I think he's dyin.."

I drove 80 all the way to Easton, then turned around to pick up my brother outside of Denton, then flew 80 all the way back to Easton. I got in there, everyone was there... what a weird way to see all of your relatives, right? I mean what do you say?  I so wanted Bud to be there with me. . . he was coming from work. It was a few hours of in and out of his room.. the nurses were all so nice, they knew it was his last day. . . We asked him if he was ready to go home,  he nodded.. I cried.  I stroked his soft white hair and looked into his eyes and  knew I would never ever have someone like him in my life again. He knew he was ready to go home..We knew he was ready to go home... He couldn't talk, but he winked and smiled at me to let me know that it was all gonna be okay... That is the worst pain I think I've ever felt. 

My dad, his brothers and sister and my Mom-mom went in and said their goodbyes to him before the nurse came in to take out the tube and turn off the machines. Then there we were.. all of us... standing in the waiting room, waiting for the nurse to tell us we could come back in.... Then the elevator door opened and there was Bud. What a gift from God.  Together we walked into that ICU room and watched, with my family at his bed, my Pop take his last breath.

And just like that ... he was gone. 

"This is my temporary Home,  It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This was just a stop,on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know... this was
My temporary home."

9.18.2010

"Now that's a cute kid.."

Hey all!

Hope this weekend brings you nothing but awesomeness! We'll start here! I'm holding a contest called " Now that's a cute kid.."! Simple email me your entry at ap.photography@hotmail.com, all kids can be entered up to age 10! I will break down groups and make it fair. I'm working on the prize list,  But you'll get a full session with me and some other goodies!

RULES:
1. Fairly recent photo. ( I don't want a newborn photo entry of your 2 year old!)
2. Send photo, name and age.
3. Up to ten years old.
4. One photo per child.
5. Make it fun!

Entries will be accepted until 9.30 Voting will then take place for one week! The photo with the most like in each category is the winner!


Have a great weekend!

9.17.2010

I LOVE A Deal!

Hey guys I wanted to let everyone know that there are some AWESOME specials coming up!

Now through the end of September Gallery Wraps are 20% off! That's A HUGE DEAL! Now is the time to get that wrap you wanted from a previous session. Now is the time to book your session to get your wrap! They look amazing in your home! We are updating our wall above our Couch with Gallery Wraps, starting now! :)





Custom Designed Greeting Cards are on sale for the Month of October! I'll have details for you about that! Be an early bird! Get your session done and your Holiday Cards ready to get out NOW!

I'll have more specials for the Holiday Season coming, so STAY tuned!

Sweet Baby.

Last week I had the pleasure to meet baby Gunner. I've known Lindsay for years. I've known her wonderful, awesome, family for.. years. None of this prepared me for what I was about to meet. I know I love babies. I know that when we have babies (In years, calm down!) that I will be the best mother I can be.. And they will probably have photos taken every single day.. hehehe.. But every singe time I meet a baby, I'm literally speechless. They are so innocent and pure and ADORABLE. Gunner, was everything I expected and more! Cuddly and Cute. Good Job Lindsay, and don't let Grammy spoil him too much! ;)



This makes my heart smile a little :)

Loved his little hands. Sign = I love you.


So thoughtful while he was awake.


Being a model is hard work.


He's gonna love this picture as much as we do. With his little hand gun already!


"I dig dirt." Is what his overalls read. SO cute!



Absolute Favorites. Hands down.

Gunner was such a joy to work with. I can't wait for many more sessions with him and his awesome family!

9.15.2010

Sunset Love.

Long before Bud & I had our engagement session I was determined to do a really cool Sunset shoot on the beach, but when we had our session with Larry Huffman I was more determined than ever. As fate would have it, I set up the a session only a few days after our session with JoElyn & Sean. I graduated High School with Sean, and played volleyball with JoElyn. He went into the military shorty after high school and has been in Afghanistan serving our country. He was flying back to Maryland on Sunday the 29th of August, so we booked the shoot for that evening. It's been awhile since I've gained this renewed sense of passion for photos.  I was so proud of the immense concentration I put into the lighting and working everything so we could get these awesome shots. Sean is going back to California in a few days to continue serving our country. I applaud all of our service men & women. Thank you to all of you for serving our country so that we can continue to do what we love over here.


There were a bunch of people on the beach that evening for our shoot. The group of guys in the background were fishing.. they kept looking at us, so I thought it was fitting to have them in a few of the photos!


 What a great day for a beach session! I learned alot, and I'm challenging my limits! I love doing new things and having them work out!

9.14.2010

Learning.

Today I've woken up with a new perspective. *Be different. Be you.* Well it's not a totally different perspective, but it's more defined now. It all started with an email..

WPPI started a Roadtrip & they were coming to DC and Jersey. Somehow I knew I just had to go. I asked a good friend of mine, Logan, to tag along. We decided DC was perfect so we confirmed our spots and paid our money, not quite sure of what to expect. See, I've been doing this for about 3 years now and I've gone online, talked to other professionals, joined forums and all kinds of things, but I've never put myself out there. I've never said, "Hey, I'm here, I'm real, It's my time." I'm SO thankful I went to DC yesterday. I learned so much about everything, and we met some really cool people! Jasmine Star was the last speaker of the day, we were tired and ready to get some grub, but we were ready to hear what she had to say. WOW. What an eye opener, she is very honesy, very open, and showed me that no matter what you have... where you are.. what you charge.. I can do this. I have to believe in Me. Everything she said is still floating around in my head, but I do specifically remember her saying: "If you don't believe in you, how will your clients believe in you?"

I believe. I know. I am ready to do what I need to do because that's what I want. So thank you to all of the people that have believed in me, when I didn't believe in myself because now I do. I know that I am a photographer, I am a professional, but most of all I am me. A human who will make more mistakes than most, A girl who loves and laughs, who cries and screams. I'm timid and scared of rejection, but I am going to make that valiant effort to put myself out on a limb, so that when I look back I can know that I am doing everything possible to make it in this business.

This is my rock. My best friend. And with out him I wouldn't have pushed myself as far as I am right now. I believe in love and I believe when you are happy you make everyone around you happy.

7.20.2010

Surprise!

While it's NEVER a good idea to surprise a woman with a photo session, it's always a Great idea to surprise anyone with photos from a secret photo session! This family went above and beyond to surprise Mom with photos of the entire family for Mother's Day! We also created a photo book, just for her and an 11x14 Gallery wrap, which all turned out fabulous!
















This family is definitely one of the nicest I've met! I always enjoy working with them!