Say Cheese! ... Um...NO!

Several parents have asked "How did you capture my child's real personality"? 

Well, we threatened them with their lives, and bribed them with pixie sticks and money, of course!! Isn't that what most photographers do every day?

No!! 

We just ask the parents to stay behind, run an errand or two, and we take the child on an ADVENTURE!!! While they are going into a MAGICAL LAND with maybe a princess, or a cowboy, or a dragon-slayer or two...we just snap away. And we never ever say CHEESE PLEASE! If they run, we run...Yes, I get sweaty and dirty...GASP! And there are frogs in my camera, too!
Tickle wars have been necessary. They usually win! Who can scream the loudest is always fun too!

The children are happy after their session. They usually need a nap!

The parents had a break, and all are happy with their results in the end! 

Visions of Vintage in a Dream....

 

From my head, to their feet! This story was inspired by a dream. 

We all dream in color, black and white, and even some in a vintage tone. 

The pieces are authentic vintage from my personal collection. 

The beautiful models are Hali Guess and Morgan Jones.

Commercial and Fashion Shoot Tips!

I was fortunate enough to learn what I know about commercial and fashion photography from the best...Glynis Arban Carpenter and her sister Lexy Arban She, and also Marion Webb. 

Here are some tips for a successful shoot:

1. Be well groomed...clean hair, clean face, zero nail polish or clear, clean teeth...you get it!
2. Bring your closet, not just what you want to wear. The more you bring with you, the more the photographer and stylist have to select from and the better your images. The one outfit you have never thought to wear together could be the best outfit ever. 
3. Photography is not a Spectator Sport! Love this quote :) That means do not bring your Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, Grandmothers and Friends to your Photo Shoot. Normally, several were booked at the same time as you, and room may be limited. 
4. Expect to be able to use 2-4 images from each Look. 
5. Study posing in fashion magazines if you are an aspiring fashion model.
6. Be sure to look at our website at www.amandasmodels.com under Photography for helpful hints and suggestions to make your photo shoot a stress free fabulous day!
7. We shoot to get you noticed by agents, and we shoot images that can be used on your card and headshots. Thankfully to some amazing mentors, we have reached the point where our images are approved by agencies in all major markets. We want you to look like you! We are not shooting a W or Vogue cover. If you have curly hair, we want your hair to be curly. If God gave you straight hair, we want to see your hair straight. If God gave you big hair...I love big hair...be proud and wear it big! You must look like your pictures. We will not shoot commercial models to look like fashion models. There is a difference and if you are with AM&T, you know the difference. If you are with another agency or school, they should explain what type of model you are, and you should know the difference. If you are competing in a convention type setting, the pictures you show the agents and managers should look like the current you. 
8. We have been taught by the best...Barry Shapiro and Jayme Pervis...on how to shoot an Actor's Headshot. 
9. We do not do Glitz retouching for pageants, modeling, or acting. 
10. We do natural retouching only. 
11. We want you to have the best shoot ever and if you are prepared, you will have a GREAT experience! 
12. If you own a modeling school or local agency, and hire me to shoot, you need to present to help with the shoot. No ones knows your people like you do, and your presence will instantly put everyone at ease. I will shoot, edit and burn all images for you. It is then up to you to burn the individual CDs and give to your people. If you have a deadline, please do not wait until the last minute to begin this process in case there is something needed. 

Senior Pictures....

It is hard for me to believe that Nathan is a Senior this year. It has been such a blessing to watch him grow up to such an incredible young man. We love him!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Adding to this list...

Ava Layne's beautiful blue eyes! 

Jumping on Air!

Ivey is one of the prettiest girls I have ever met...her beauty radiates from inside. She is such a sweet girl! We always have fun on her shoots. Her Aunt Amber loves dressing her and I could literally take pictures of her all day. Ivey...keep jumping for the stars!!

Oh how we love sassy Chesley!

I will hear her giggle every time I see this picture! We absolutely love this baby girl!