EMY LYN PHOTOGRAPHY

Thirst

2012-02-22T18:55:00.001-08:00

My Tattoo: What, Where and Why

2012-02-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you're probably thinking... HUGE!! I know! And I have to admit I love it!

I have been wanting a tattoo for literally years now, but just never had the guts or could find the right one. I found lots of designs I liked, but none of them had meaning for me. And I wouldn't put it on myself forever if it didn't have meaning.

What...
I found this design and fell in love with it, but, you guessed it... no meaning. So I starting looking at other designs. I looked at lots of ideas based around the word hope because it holds so much meaning in my life but none of them were quite right. Either I would like the design, but no meaning or it had lots of meaning but I didn't like the design.

I came back to this henna inspired tattoo and began to research this gorgeous art form. I discovered henna tattoos are meant to be very beautiful and feminine. They are not worn by men and usually put on the hands and feet of ladies because... (here's the crux of my meaning) they are meant to be seen!!! As soon as I read that it hit me between the eyes. This was my tattoo and it needed to go somewhere it could be seen!

Where and Why...
God has gifted me in ways that are very creative and in a lot of ways VERY public. It is just who I am. He did not give me my gifts so I could sit in my home and work on them alone. I know He wants me to go out and share the ways He made me. The things I do well are meant to seen by others. That is why I chose the arm. I never would have thought about doing an arm piece until finding this design. The whole reason behind the tattoo is so it can be seen. It is my reminder to go share the ways God has crafted me and to not be scared of how He chose to do that. And there are times I do shy away from sharing. (Even writing this post I get nervous to write down the talents he has given me.) God gifted me so I could let others into how my overly sensitive soul sees the world. He gave me the gifts, but it is up to me to share them.

So there it is. It is not quite done yet. It still need some shading, but it is close. It has already inspired me to not be afraid of sharing my gifts and reminding me to GO make beauty for others to enjoy.

On that note I leave you with this encouragement, God made YOU awesome and unique and YOU HAVE TALENTS! Maybe it is administration, maybe it is comforting others, maybe it is seeing beauty and sharing it. Whatever it is, go use it to bless someone's day.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

PS: Huge thanks to my tattoo artist Jake Heath! Jake you are AWESOME! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You have blessed me with your talents.

Babies and Brothers

2012-02-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

Babies are such a blessing. Everyone knows that. Even on our worst days with a newborn we know we are blessed. (Though at times it may feel like a reach. Exhaustion is all consuming.) I digress. As I looked through these images I am amazed at the tenderness of this little boy with his baby sister. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed editing them. Happy Wednesday everyone!

This is one amazing family! Thank you for trusting me with these sweet memories.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

Intelligence.

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

I was never a good student. Ever. It embarrasses me to write this. I always wanted to a good student, but somehow school and I never connected. I was always just barely passing. Apparently I "needed to apply" myself or something, I don't know I wasn't paying attention. ;) When I got into higher education I am not going to lie, I was scared I would never graduate. So when I took a music class in college and our first assignment was to write a one page paper on the definition of music I was more than a little nervous.

Now, being artsy fartsy, as I am learning I am, I tackled this essay from the only angle I knew to. My right brain. I could have talked about music being a series of measures pushed together to create a piece. Rests, whole notes, half notes, staccato, crescendos, treble clef, 4/4 counts. But as I started to write I made a realization that music is all around us all the time. The sound of a baby cooing. Birds in trees covering us with an umbrella of their talent. Remembering my parents low voices in the car. Their conversation floating to the back seat where my brother I pretended to sleep, the only clear sounds being the 's' at the beginning and end of each word . The sound of a child's laugh. Bacon sizzling in a hot pan.

This is what I wrote about. And honestly I expected the teacher to blow it off with a note saying, "See me." I imagined walking into his office and he would strongly suggest I drop his class until I had some solid music foundations under my belt. And to please stop with the overly poetic ideas.

... But, being the artsy fartsy teacher he was and the fact he used his right brain to tackle the grading of the papers, He read my paper aloud! What? Are you kidding me? Those are my words he is reading! I got a little embarrassed and a lot proud. I grasped what he was trying to get the whole class to understand. I GOT IT! ME!

I was floored! Could I actually be successful in college? Did I actually have an intelligence others didn't have? Did I really have worth in the academic world? This was all new to me. I would love to go on and tell you college was a breeze for me. That I sailed through every class with clarity, focus and a string of A's. That didn't happen. College was a marathon for me. It was putting my head down and struggling through the math, chemistry and writing intensive courses. Occasionally I would have a class where the right brain was praised. I lived for those classes.

As the years have ticked by I have figured out I have a certain intelligence others don't have. And there are many others who have intelligence I don't have. I don't care who you are. You are intelligent. You might be physically intelligent like my son. At the age of 2 he could balance on anything. It didn't matter how high up it was or how it wobbled. He could balance on it. But he didn't say a word until he was almost 2 and a half. You might be intelligent at reading people's emotions like my daughter. One glance in your direction and she can feel your hurts. Trying to hide it doesn't work. She then comes along side of you and speaks kind words. Her words are like neosporin for the soul. She's 7! How can a 7 year old do that? But, she struggles desperately with reading.

In our world we need all of our intelligences working together. Celebrate your intelligence! Celebrate other's intelligence! Right now I am celebrating whoever created spell check because I have misspelled intelligence about 85% of this post. (Not kidding.) We all need to support and celebrate each other. Be it spell check, your doctor's keen knowledge of the body, a child's ability to read your emotions, a fire fighter whose body can quickly hop through a burning home to rescue someone, a designer able to create a stunning room, a well written song with words speaking strait to your heart, an excel spreadsheet with well organized sections and mathematical formulas in each row, a blog post about intelligence, we are all intelligent.

You are intelligent. I don't care who you are. I don't care what disabilities you may have. I don't care what your teachers may have said to you. I don't care what you even believe about yourself. You are intelligent.

Today I celebrate your intelligence and I will celebrate mine as well. Cheers to all the wonderful ways we were each made.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

5 Minute Meetings

2012-01-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Did you know I was fired from my first big girl job?

Yep. It's true. It seriously sucked. It has sucked for a long time now. A 5 minute meeting and BAM my life was thrown in a totally different direction. I have allowed that 5 minute meeting to affect for me years now. Please understand, I am not walking around all day everyday with my eyes glued to the ground wallowing and plotting my revenge. There was a time when this was true, but I have certainly grown beyond that stage. Though I've attempted to not allow those 5 minutes in time affect me SO much, they still do. I have been angry. I have been embarrassed and ashamed. Every time I hear The Dixie's Chick's anthem, "I'm Not Ready To Make Nice" I sing the lyrics loud and strong as if I had penned each word myself.

That 5 minute meeting changed me. I found my dark side. I didn't even know it was there. But there it was. Hello dark side. Dark side says, "I'd liked to introduce you to your cynical side." Hello cynical side. I say, "Hey, you guys are awesome protectors! I think I'll hold onto you two for awhile."

Maybe my sides were always there, but I was unaware of them until my little meeting. But, maybe a little cynicism is ok. Even positive. We need to be able to ask why. Right? My problem is asking why in an inquisitive, sweet tone. My whys usually have a strong f-off undertone.

Wow. I am really showing my true colors now, aren't I?

What I am trying to say is we all have 5 minute meetings which change us. They turn us upside down. They take what we believed was true and turn it on it's head. These 5 minute meeting moments. A one line sentence, "I want to be a cop." and BAM! Life has gone a new direction. "I'm pregnant." BAM! Life has totally changed. "You are no longer employed here." BAM! "It's cancer." BAM. "She's gone." BAM. We have all experienced these moments. These 5 minute meetings occur and everything we believed was sure and secure is gone. We are left flailing, sure of nothing, grasping for anything.

They happen... to all of us. Everyone always says you have to "move on." But I'm not sure those are the right words. There are days I still get stuck. Days I still get angry. Days I still need to forgive. But I don't want to move on because beauty has also bloomed from that meeting. Those 5 minutes, they threw me, HARD! But now that 5 minute meeting is a part of my story. It is part of why I am who I am today.

There are times I am actually thankful for that 5 minute meeting. That meeting was horrid, but if it wasn't for that meeting my life wouldn't be what it is now. If it hadn't happened I wouldn't be a photographer. And I LOVE being a photographer. I wouldn't be living in Oregon. And I LOVE Oregon. I wouldn't have started to question, why. And I LOVE to ask why. (Though my tone could probably use some work.) I would not do as much critical thinking. And I LOVE this new side of me. I would still be scared to death of confrontation and avoid it all costs. And I ~~LOVE,~~ ok, confrontation is easier. Just like the Dixie Chicks say in their song, "You turned my whole world around, and I kinda liked it."

Will it take me more time to totally forgive? Yes. Will just writing this down make it all go away? No. But, maybe it's a step in the right direction. Maybe sharing my story will let you know you're not alone. We are all struggling. We all have 5 minute meetings.

But through all the crap remember this. There will be beauty blooming from your horrid moments. Look for them. Think about it. What is different because of your moment? Think about it. Picture it. I really mean close your eyes and see it. What is it like? What expressions do you see? How do you feel? Let that visual be one tiny step toward the beauty being created in you because of your 5 minute meeting.

Eventually I need to fully forgive. I know that. But moving on. Nope. That 5 minute meeting affected me. I don't want to move on from it. There are parts I need to forgive. Yes. But mostly I am happy with what that meeting did for my life overall. Yes, it has affected me. It still affects me. It will always affect me. But today the affects are mostly positive. Affects I sing and dance over!

It seems completely appropriate for me to leave you with these words...

Romans 5:3-5
But we also rejoice in sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Love From Albany, OR (which I LOVE by the way)
Em

Tuesday Tips

2012-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

For this week's Tuesday Tips I am going to talk about your subject being "camera unaware." I can't remember where I first heard this expression, (I believe it was on a [Framed] episode) but I think it is awesome. This is when your subject is not engaged with the camera. I sometimes call this my stalker pose. Yeah, camera unaware might be a tad bit more professional sounding than the stalker pose.

When you are out shooting it is great to get those photos where you are seeing the subject's eyes stare strait into the camera, but it is fun to just let the "model" do whatever they would like to do. Trying to capture what they would do naturally if you weren't there. I find this is actually easier to do with kids than with adults.

If you are out on a shoot with adults they are always aware of the camera. Always. Even if you tell them to try not to be aware of the camera. They still know exactly where you are. Kids on the other hand can be more easily diverted to focus on a different task in front of them and they can almost forget you are even there. Granted kids don't stay in one place, but if you are willing to be on the move with them you will get those powerful camera unaware pics.

To get adults to be camera unaware I will ask them to do a number of different things. If it is a shoot with a relationship I will take out my long lens so they can have some privacy and give them a question to discuss. I always choose a question which will evoke emotion. Then I move out of ear shot and I let them know I will not be able to hear them, so they can feel free to speak freely. Don't forget to do that last thing! TELL them this is an audibly a private moment (I just made that up) with a visual memory at the end of it.

Give it a shot this week. Go out and try to shoot some great camera unaware shots/stalker pose--you know, whatever you wanna call it. What works for your subjects? In a lot of ways this is more about psychology than it is photography on a technical level. So go have some fun and see where your success are.

Happy ~~Stalker Posing,~~ I mean Camera Unaware Shooting!

Love From Albany, OR
Em

She is playing with a wrapper.

You can see why I call it the stalker pose. From my angle it could be seen like I am stalking them. Also using a physical barrier can make your subject(s) more at ease. There is something between you and them and they can more easily ignore you.

Shooting through a window.

Perfect example of camera unaware. She was completely caught up in her own moment.

An Oldie But A Goodie

2012-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

I spent all morning writing but have not quite perfected a few posts. So they will have to wait in the wings until I can get to them. So of course I asked Sarah what I should do and she suggested I post one of my favorite pics and tell you all why.

This was taken this summer. My absolute favorite thing about this photo is that is completely captures who Cole is. From looking at this picture you automatically know things about him that are actually true of him. Cole was so relaxed when we entered the theater. It is certainly a place where he feels at home and you can see it in his smile. I also love it from a technical stand point. It was not an easy shot to get, but as soon as I was taking it I knew I liked it.

Happy Monday everyone!

Love From Albany, OR
Em

Married To A Non-Photographer

2012-01-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

I have asked my husband (Curtis) at least a hundred times if he would like me to teach him about photography. My shameless thought process is that maybe, just m a y b e he will fall in love with the art like me and we can work side by side with each other. Like Jasmine and JD or Justin and Mary. We could travel the world together capturing the visuals of love. We could bond over snooty venue managers and DJ's with epic fails on the mic.

But every time I have brought up the concept of sharing a love for photography together and taking the wedding industry by storm it takes less than an instant for him to decline my offer.

I just have to face the facts. Curtis will never be a photographer.

It has taken some time but today when I consider the lack of photography in my husband's future I think... What a blessing! Let me explain. Yes, I would love it if Curt and I could share those long wedding days and hours and hours of editing late into the night and I would dance with glee if he would oooooo and ahhhhhh over my images. But if we did share these things it would mean I couldn't grow my business small.

I have a husband who doesn't want to be a photographer which means Emy Lyn Photography does not have to be responsible for mortgage payments, money to feed our family, paying the house bills, paying taxes, insuring our family. On a wedding day I don't have to find an all day sitter because we'll both be gone all day. When I am totally stressed out about my edit list thinking I will never get it done I am blessed that he does not carry that stress so he can pick me up and get me moving. Because he is not IN my business he looks at with different eyes and that is invaluable!

Are there times I get sad and wish he could share all those moments with me? Yes, there are. But I am learning to see a new perspective. And I like it.

So Curtis, thank you. Thank you for not being a photographer. Thank you for how that actually blesses my life. Thank you for how it blesses our family. Thank you for standing by who you know God has made you to be. Thank you for perspective.

I love you Curtis.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

Curt and I at a wedding I shot last summer. I was the photographer, he was the DJ.
Photo credit: Nichole Hoffman (Second shooter extraordinare!")

Tuesday Tips on Wednesday

2012-01-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, I COMPLETELY forgot to do a Tuesday Tips blog yesterday! I can't believe you guys didn't call me on it! I think I got confused with no school on Monday and everything was thrown off. So instead of Tuesday Tips on Tuesday, this week we will have them on Wednesday.

This weeks tip is very strait forward, it is... work your angles!

I was helping a student last week and was explaining to her to work her angles. Don't just stand up and shoot strait down on your kid or be right in front of them. It is ok to move. To the right, to the left, get behind your subject, lay down, climb up on a later, crouch down. Work your angles.

You will be AMAZED what this will do for your images! If you don't work your angles you will miss amazing photos. I remind myself to do this on shoots all the time. I will literally in my head say, "Em, work your angles."

If you are working with a child they may want to follow you with their body. This can be good. So let them. If you get to a point where it is not working for you ask them to focus on something else. For example, "Hey Erin, what is that leaf on the ground? Can you pick it up and look it?" Now her focus can be off the camera and you are freed up to work your angles. Is is just fine to ask your subject (adult or kids) to NOT look at the camera.

SIDE TIP: For a kid who won't stay in one spot, if you are outside put a leaf/stick/whatever on the ground and ask him to cover it up so you don't see it in the picture. If you are inside put a sticker or a piece of tape on the floor. Let him know it is his job to make sure the camera doesn't see it. Then thank him over and over and let him know how helpful it is to you. Works every time.

My student said it perfectly, be a dirty photographer, not a diva photographer. Sometimes to get the shot we want we get down and dirty. Enjoy these photos, I went through and explained each one.

Remember if you find yourself in the same spot for too long start moving around. Work those angles!!

Love From Albany, OR
Em

Crouching really low (left) got me this image (right) of the shoes and dance floor. Worth it. (Photo on left by groom Justin Goldman)

Just an example of what I do to get the pics I want. Consider the one on the left a way to work out your abs! And yet another pic of me laying down. I LOVE the perspective laying down gets you.
(Photos by Edith Taylor of Simply Kissed Photography)

(Left) This is how I was standing over my client to get the picture on the right. What is also great about this is look at the light in her eyes. Courtesy of the sun. Thanks sun! (Photo on left by Robin Larabee on her iPhone!!)

This one is to show you that you can take a shots of the back of your subject and still end up with a great portrait! For the swing was I was actually laying down on my back under the swing.

This is just an example of some of the oh-so-glamour things we photographers do to get good light and get the shot. I wasn't shooting right then, but I WAS so willing to hop in the lake to get the light where we needed it. (Photo by Jennie Borello)

An example of what I get when I lay down to take a pic.

And again... laying down.

Sara A.

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

I was so swamped this summer that I never had a chance to blog my sessions. So it's time to catch up. This is Sara and she a senior with big plans for the future. She is a knockout at 6'2" and plans on using that height to advantage as she will continue on at Oregon State (Go Beavs!) next year to play volleyball! Sara, you were such a joy to work with! Thank you so much for the opportunity to photograph you. Truly it was my pleasure.

Ruby

2012-01-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

When I first met Ruby it was close to a year ago. And she cried. And I don't mean a little teary. She sobbed! HUGE alligator tears. Her chin kept shaking as she would breathe in and I couldn't make her go any further. She seriously hated my camera. Poor girl.

We decided to wait until she was a little older and this time the camera was not nearly as scary. We had a great time at a park nearby and I am happy to share that not even one tear was shed as I pointed that camera in her direction!

Thank you so much for all your patience and thank you Miss. Ruby for another chance to capture your spirit.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

A Look Back

2012-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

I have been in business for almost 3 years now. In that time I have learned so much! I took a look back at my old blog and was shocked at what I saw. So many mistakes, over editing, what I thought was sharp was NOT sharp, a misuse of props and on and on and on... And these are the pictures I was proud enough to share!! I had soooo much to learn, but you couldn't have told me that at the time.

I thought I would share these so you can see all the progress you too can make. It takes time and effort to train your eye. It takes time and effort to learn your style. It takes time and effort to learn your lens AND your camera. It takes time and effort. But it's worth it!

I can remember when editing one picture would take me close to an hour just because I would have to try everything out before I could make a decision. Now, when I sit down to edit I know what I want to do. I don't have to try every thing out. I know my style. Now editing an image takes me only a few minutes. And I promise you will get there. Just keep practicing. Keep editing. Keep learning. Keep reading. Keep being inspired! Keep going. Then in a few months go back and look at the difference in what you are producing. You will be amazed!

Love From Albany, OR

This pictures was taken about 3 years ago. I completely remember taking this pictures and I thought it was THE BOMB!!! What you are seeing is the edited version! I remember thinking I had arrived. I hadn't trained my eye yet. Man! Did I have a lot to learn. I can't imagine 3 years from now when I look back at this blog. What will I have learned by then? What mistakes am I currently making that I will have a handle on a few years from now? That's the beautiful thing about photography, the learning NEVER ends!

Taken about 5 months ago. I have learned my style a lot more.

From my very first newborn shoot. (I did not charge them... thank heavens!) Do NOT be fooled newborns are difficult. I went it thinking oh this will be a snap! Sleeping baby. What could go wrong? Ummmm, yeah. Look at all my mistakes! The blanket, I cut the babies foot off, baby is still in diaper, limbs left to sprawl, soft focus, terrible vignette!

From a recent newborn shoot. I think the biggest thing I had learned by this point to make this successful was knowing my equipment. I have always known what I WANT my images to look like but until I started learning my equipment I couldn't achieve the desired look. I also learned not to go in cocky to a newborn shoot. Never underestimate a newborn session! Babies will put you in your place. that is for sure.

And once again... over editing. At that time I didn't pay attention to skin tone. You can see the bride's skin is really orange. And there is MASSIVE reflection on the picture. Adorable couple, I wish I had known then what I know now.

Low light situation with the bride and groom. I did not use a flash.

My hope for this post is that it will be an encouragement to you! Keep practicing. Keep going. Keep learning.

Have a great day everyone!

Tuesday Tips: Smiling

2012-01-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Daily blogging has led to some long pauses in the click-clacking of the key board. (Read: I don't know what to write about.) So...

#1. If you have something you would like me to blog about please leave a comment here or on my FB.

#2. I have decided you might like it if I gave some tips which might be useful to you.

THEREFORE: I am starting Tuesday Tips!!

For the very first Tuesday Tips I thought we could talk about about smiles. How do you get your kids to smile without them looking like complete cheese balls? You know what I'm talking about, you ask them to smile and you end up with your kids acting completely unlike what they actually look like when they are happy.

Tip #1: Do NOT ask your child to smile. Unless you have a natural super model on your hands if you ask your child to smile you will end up with more fake cheese than Domino's goes through in a week. (Sorry Dominos.) I STRONGLY recommend you do NOT request smiling of your kiddo.

Tip #2: If you can't ask them to smile how do you get them to smile? Remember in HS when your english teacher would write on your paper "Show not tell"? Well that is what you need to embrace with smiles. HAPPY NOT SMILEY. Don't ask them to smile, GET them happy! And no one knows how to do that better in the entire universe than YOU! Do they love dancing? What about tickling? What about funny faces? How about this one...
You, "What's under there?"
Kid, "Under where?"
You: "You said UNDERWEAR!"
You know your kid, what makes them happy? When you have that answer you won't have to ask your kid to smile for a picture anymore.

Tip #3: Play together. Sometimes sitting for a picture is too much for a person to handle. I ALWAYS find for ALL people, not just kids, that if they can "export" (sorry I live in the photography world) some of that nervous energy everything goes smoother. Let them jump! Let them run! Let them have a pillow fight! Then ask for them to sit for a portrait. Wait until that moment.

Tip #4: Don't be afraid to act silly! I was shooting a friend's kids one day and I don't know exactly what was going on behind me as I photographed them, but I can tell you they were LOVING it!! Seeing Mom be ridiculous was all they needed to get genuinely happy! That Mom was not scared to be childlike! She didn't care what she looked like at the moment. It is ok to be silly. Think of it as a chance to be a kid again.

Tip #5: Sometimes they won't smile for you. And that is OK!!! Don't forget, your kid has their own personality and quirks. You may not get a smile. If that is the case REMEMBER you did NOT fail! Some of my favorite portraits are not smiling. Go with the flow friends.

I hope this helps you out. If there are other topics you want me to blog about, please let me know. I would be happy to give my two cents!

Love From Albany, OR
Em

Playing, playing! I don't even think she remembered I was there! Perfection!

This is what happened when we begged for a smile...

This is what happened after some physical play and some hot chocolate.

Owen likes humor like the underwear thing! His Mom and Dad know that and we can use that to our advantage!

Carter Joy... I don't remember what we said, but you can tell this is real. We didn't ask this smile of her.

Laughing with Mama is always brings on some natural smiles!

Don't forget... you can get some GREAT shots of your kids not smiling as well!!

Natalie and Luke: LOVE All The Way Around.

2012-01-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

When I got the phone call from an old friend about a brother's wedding I had no idea I would fall in love with the couple. I had loosley met Luke (the groom and the brother of my friend) when he was a kid. And I had never met the bride, Natalie. And despite barely knowing only half of the whole package they wanted me! (So humbling.) So Curt and I hoped a plane in mid November and headed to Chicago.

I met Natalie the day after I arrived. A casual coffee date to go over details and get to know one another. We had talked on the phone a few times and had kept up on FB, but this was a first for me. To never had met the bride until 2 days before the wedding.

We sat at a Starbucks in Wheaton and had a tremendous time talking about how she and Luke had met. How much we both love burlap and buttons. About what and why we had certain convictions. I know this will sound cheesy, but we connected as I assume sisters do. I was so thankful they had chosen me to capture their day.

And in those few days we had together this is what I saw through my lens. Natalie is gorgeous. And I don't mean just pretty. She is kind. She has a certain softness, that is balanced with strength. Kids adore her! She is a tough girl. She doesn't complain. She loves God. She loves Luke. Truly. Deeply. She appreciates her family. She has a tremendous sense of style. She is not afraid. She has strong convictions she is not afraid to stand by. She is awesome.

Luke is organized. He is kind. He listens well. He is competitive (in a good way.) He is handsome. He is loves God. He loves Natalie. Adores her. Protects her. He loves his family. He is respectful. He will always fight for Natalie. Always. He is funny. Really funny. He is a joker. He is awesome.

They are best friends. They love to laugh together. They are committed to one another. They treasure their families. They love God. They are not afraid. They honor one another. They respect one another. They are just cool. They value each other.

Thank you Natalie and Luke. Truly I love you both. I can't wait for when you visit Oregon!

Love From Albany, OR

Natalie, you get on with your gorgeous self you!

It was RIDICULOUSLY cold! These girls were such troopers!

Luke, putting out the vibe. (Dumb and Dumber) Nice Luke.

Seriously? You guys should model... Good golly!

Natalie and her Dad on the way to the ceremony.

Right after the ceremony.

The first look. I love Luke's reaction!

Above picture by second shooter Dan Sather. Gorgeous Dan!

Dancing on the farm.

I love how her dress kicked up here.

I have no idea what happened here, but Nat's expression says it all.

First dance. While Dad looks on.

Kissing...

... and more kissing!

All the girls just LOVE Luke!

This photo captured by Dan Sather. Great job Dan!

Leaving the reception.

Friday Fun

2012-01-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

After this weeks posts full of emotion I thought we needed a little humor to end the week. Enjoy.
Thank you Pinterest for all the awesomeness.

Ha, ha!! Photo bomb.

Yep. That sums it up.

I may need this sign.

Yep.

"I know what it looks like, but I am pretty sure it was the cat."

Thank you everyone for your kind affirming words over the last few days. I am beyond blessed! Have a fantastic weekend. See you on Monday.

Love From Albany, OR

My Journey To Higher Prices: Part 2

2012-01-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

To recap from yesterday: I was overworked, overstressed and my body was crying out for me to stop. And it was time for me to start listening.

The first thing I needed was admin help. And I needed it desperately. I found it in Sarah. (Insert Hallelujah chorus here.) I have known Sarah since our oldest children were just babies. A mutual friend suggested I talk to her about possible admin support. Her help couldn't have come at a better time! Sarah rolled onto the scene and immediately started taking charge of my calendar. She responded to every e-mail. She did everything I was unable to do in the admin department. And she did it with kindness and effectiveness and ease. (I didn't know ease and admin could work together.)

As soon as Sarah started taking over the admin tasks I could feel myself start to remember who I was. Oh yeah, I kinda like being me. I was still tired, but at least I knew my clients were being well taken care of and it calmed my heart.

I took the month of December off! I needed that time to catch up and get to a place where I enjoyed picking my camera up again. I spent time with my family and my friends. I was less and less tired and the almost passing out incidents began to disappear.

I took a hard look at my pricing structure. I needed to narrow my scope. I needed fewer clients. It kills me to write this. Like I said before, I love my clients. If I could keep up my old pace I would. But I proved to myself I am no Maverick from Top Gun ("You're not gonna be happy unless you're going Mach 2 with your hair on fire.") I am perfectly happy going mach .5 with my hair well conditioned (and colored of course.) So I called friends. I called clients. I started asking them what they would want in a photographer. What they would be willing to spend? What was too much? What was too little? What about prints? A disc? Service?

My plan was slowly coming together. The most important thing I learned was I was unable to dream until I had the space to do it. I could not imagine all the ridiculously cool things I could do with my business until I created space enough in my head to even think about it! What did I want? What could I maintain? What would keep me energized with creativity? What makes my business different than everyone else's business?

Then it came to me. I want to grow my business... small.

Yep you read that right. I want to grow my business into a small local business. I know it sounds crazy. Who wants to take their budding business and make it smaller? Well... me. If I've learned one thing it is that my business needs to be a reflection of who I am. And what I've learned is I am at my best when I can bring balance to my life. And it pains on me on so many levels to say this, but I need space in every area of my life. Yes, being a photographer. Yes, being a wife. Yes, being a friend. Yes, even... being a mom.

So how do I grow a smaller business? Step one, I raise my prices. I needed fewer clients. I can't do it ALL. I just can't. But deep down I knew there was more to it then just raising prices. I have always loved being affordable. I love being able to bless families with visual treasures lasting them year after year. And now I am going to throw that away? It doesn't seem right. But, I couldn't keep up the pace of 2011.

I called Sarah. My rock. How do I do this Sarah? She responded quickly and confidently. Mini-sessions. Well that was easy. Why didn't I think of that? I still want to bless families with great treasures even if they can't afford a full session. Mini sessions will be held twice a year at local parks. I purposely left the prices low because my whole motivation for mini sessions it to be a blessing to families. I am thrilled spaces are already being filled!

Family sessions have never been easy for me. I feel sometimes I lack creativity and I end up with pretty pictures of nice families and that is nice, but I want more. I want to capture moments between a family. I started to allow the tension of family sessions to move around in me. What could I do to enjoy them more? Make them more of what I love to capture? Make them more of an experience for my clients? I started to whirl around the idea of changing the whole concept of a family session. We have gotten used to a family session being a group sitting or standing staring at the camera and, if were lucky, getting everyone to smile. But, honestly, I am bored with it.

One of my favorite family sessions was where we had a large extended family have a pillow fight! It was AWESOME!! I adore those pictures! I mean, why couldn't we do family sessions at the zoo? What if the family loved to bake? Lets get them making pies or cookies together! Lets learn what makes each family unique and figure out a way to show that visually! Lets not beg the kids to smile lets DO something that makes them happy! I do believe there is a time and place for the pretty pics. But I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to capture each family's finger print in a picture.

I was starting to pay closer attention to the nudges in my heart. I felt one stirring deep down, but pushed it back down out of fear. The idea: I can't just feed the hungry people, I need to teach them to fish! I allowed the idea a small pair of wings and tried it out on a few moms. EVERY one of them tore those little wings off my idea and thew a huge pair of victoria's secret wings it's back! Ok, yeah. Maybe I should do this too. As soon as I allowed the idea it's due credit my excitement started to grow. So many people have fantastic cameras and creative minds all they need is a little instruction. They could do this!! I know they could! I need to teach them. Starting in 2012 I will be teaching basic camera classes aimed at parents. Am I nervous? YES! But I know I am supposed to do this and I am thrilled to give this idea the wings it deserves.

Soon yet another idea started to surface. This one really scared me. I had never heard of anyone doing this before. I pitched the idea to Curt as if I were almost a half thought. You know, just something I was sorta kicking around. In actuality I had been chewing on the idea for some time. I gave him free reign to kick my idea to the curb, but he lit up. He said it was a great idea! Wow. Maybe I'll try the idea out on my mom. She LOVED it! The best thing she said to me was, "Em, it works because it fits with who you are. It's not cheesy because it is something you would do anyway." Music to my ears.

You're dying to know, right? Brides and Grooms this involves you.

Starting in 2012 Emy Lyn Photography will be hosting a winter dinner party for all the brides and grooms for the year. I love community. I believe in it and I want to bring a sense of community to my brides and grooms. We will have a great night of food and drinks and getting to know one another. Then in the fall after each of their amazing days we will meet again. Dinner, drinks, reconnecting, laughing, remembering. I will create a slideshow of every couple's wedding and we will all get a chance to share in one another's awesome day. I am beyond excited for these moments to unfold. I can not wait to get to know every one of my brides and grooms and for them to know one another.

The very last idea piggybacked itself right on top of the dinner parties without much hesitation. Was I starting to trust this voice inside me? I wanted a visual reminder for myself of all my awesome couples each year. The day of the reconnect party I will invite all my brides for a fully stylized bridal shoot. Don't launder that dress too soon, you get to wear it again! I will provide professional hair and makeup and we will have the most amazing group shot EVER! I dream of one day having an office with a wall full of these visual reminders of the amazing people I have had the honor of serving through my business. (In case you were wondering my brides will also get a copy of this pic!) My creative side jumps and dancing when I dream about this!

If you've made it to the end of this incredibly long post, thank you! There it is, my journey to higher prices. Am I physically better? Yes. I am. But I also know it could wind up crying in my doctor's office again. Like I said, I'm not Maverick. God did not make me to run at Mach 2. It's not me. And I need to be me. I realize I may lose business. And I am ok with that. I realize some of what I am doing will turn people off. And truly that is fine. I am not going to appeal to everyone. And it's ok.

Thank you for hearing me out. Thank you for your kind, considerate words and for assuring me I am not alone. Thank you for trusting me with your memories. I will do my absolute best to serve you with everything God has given me.

Love From Albany, OR
Em

And if I could take one more moment to encourage you. If you have some ideas stirring around give 'em a pair of wings. You never know where they might fly to... Here's to 2012.

My Journey To Higher Prices: Part 1

2012-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

This post is very long so I am separating it into two days. I realize you probably don't have a ton of time to check in on my blog everyday and read for 20 minutes. So, 2 days it is.

Some of you may have looked at my new website, scrolled to "Investment" and been shocked to see a whopping $400 for a session. Double what it was last year. And I get it. I do. But as with most changes, there is a story.

Spring of 2011 started like most of my others. The weather begin to perk up and I started getting phone calls requesting photo sessions. I remember writing a fellow photographer of mine and lamenting to her that I only had 109 fans on my FB page. I was consumed with self pity. She assured me my photography had value despite the number of "fans" I had. She reenforced it didn't matter what my number was. Did I love what I was doing? Yes. Was I having fun? Yes. Did I want to quit? No.

So there it was. 109 fans.

Over the next few months spring moved into full blossom. I don't know exactly why it happened, but before I knew it I had over 550 fans. My e-mail box was constantly flooded with requests for sessions. My phone rang all the time. I got requests on my personal FB page as well as my Emy Lyn FB fan page for portrait sessions. And I couldn't say no to anyone. All of a sudden 109 fans seemed sorta comforting.

(Important Info: Something you may or may not know about me... I am NOT administrative. I am fully right brained. All creative. I HIGHLY value administration and see how it can make or break a business, a marriage, an education. Yet just hearing the word administration makes my nerves pinch just under the skin, like right after you slam on the breaks in the car. Looking at my calendar makes a light sweat appear just below my hairline. It's ugly.)

I needed help. Badly. E-mails piled up. Phone calls went unreturned. Messages on FB were left with long periods of silence. If you were one of these people all I can do is apologize. I am so sorry. I was at my end. Truly.

I wasn't sleeping. My edit list was 14 deep with portraits sessions and 2 weddings. I stopped blogging all together. I would stress all day wondering when I was EVER going to find time to get all of it done.. and be a mom. I was completely stretched to my breaking point. With my day not being structured every moment was a decision if I was going to be a bad business owner or a bad mom. Constantly feeling like I was no good at either. The summer started to whisk away with each photo session and every wedding. I had never intended my little business to turn into a full time job.

I hadn't spent time with my friends in months. The time I had to spend with my husband (as he can more easily take time off in the summer) disappeared before I could even ask when we could have a date night. One night my son had eaten so much mac and cheese I told him he was going to turn into a Mac n' Cheese. He giggled, then turned to me and said, "Then you're gonna turn into a computer!" Ouch. Wow. I laughed it off and tried not to allow the comment to settle into my soul. I kept those words high praying their gravity wouldn't touch down to the soft parts of my heart.

What everyone was saying was: We miss you. You aren't yourself. Please spend time with me. You're doing too much. Slow down. But I ignored all of them. I had a business to run here people... don't you understand?

Then one night I sat alone on my couch. I had been there for about 20 minutes when a sudden rush, almost like electricity and gravity combined, came over my head. The kids were in bed. Curt was at work and I thought for sure I was going to pass out. I grabbed my phone thinking I could call 911 as I was going under. Luckily I didn't pass out. But this was just the first of many "almost passing out" moments that would pop in to wave a hand of warning at me.

Now my body was talking to me. But... I ignored the warnings. I didn't have time. I had people depending on me.

Soon after on a friday morning I awoke to complete exhaustion. I mean total exhaustion. I had never experienced anything like this. There HAD to be something medically wrong with me. Mono? UTI? Kidneys? Some rare disorder? Something. I was a wreck. Like a child without enough sleep I walked around ready to burst into tears on anyone who looked at me sideways or showed me mercy.

I saw my doc. He looked at me with kind eyes and told me I was exhausted. I was overworked. I was stressed. I needed a week away in Maui. (Which sounded lovely, but I assured him I had things to do. No time to go to Maui.) He suggested I cancel my sessions and take some deep breaths. I would be in his office 2 more times within 6 days. I had blood draws, white counts, red counts, platelets, thyroid, iron, urine analysis, EKGs, vitals, vitals, vitals.

I was perfectly healthy. Damn. Really? Can't you find ANYTHING???!! I mean, I can't function here Doc! I desperately wanted to have a reason for my symptoms. Something I could take a pill for. Hell, I'd even take a shot if I had to. I laid in bed and prayed, sincerely prayed, for appendicitis to strike me. I needed an excuse to slow down and "stress" wasn't good enough. I woke up the next morning without any side pains. Damn.

After the third visit to my doc he said, "You better figure this out or you will be in here for something I can treat."

I cancelled my first session on a Saturday. My heart sank as I made that call. I had to repeat that 3 times. I felt so low. The guilt of not be able to complete a task I had committed myself to was overwhelming. But, I also knew my clients wouldn't be getting their monies worth either. I was spent. I had no energy for being creative. I needed to sleep. I needed to enjoy my family. I needed to laugh. I needed to not be behind a computer. I needed to glimpse my non-photography life again. Please understand I LOVE my job. My business. My clients. What I am able to create with today's awesome technology. I love using my creative energy. But any balance I had had gone by the wayside.

On a Sunday night I fell asleep talking to God, "I need help. Please."

TO BE CONTINUED.

Meg and Alan. Blessed.

2012-01-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

Chasing a 2 year old little fire ball of energy she found her way swooping past a gate and into a land of "older women." We moms danced around our kids pretending to keep our sanity. Meg was 19. She had kind eyes and I liked her immediately. I couldn't tell you why exactly. Maybe it was those eyes. She turned her attention to the brood she was being paid to tend to that day and quietly strolled through the yard full of pint sized people as every mother sized her up for future babysitting jobs.

After that day her phone never ceased ringing. All of us mom's were desperate for her to love our kids. Her number in our phones under the heading "Our Go To Sitter." She is amazing. She gives openly. Generosity seems to pour out from her soul. Meg loves God. And it shows in everything she does. The way she treats others. Her patience for the little ones in her life. Her non-stop-giving-nature. From serving in Young Life to volunteering in schools to giving over the top gifts.

Meg is marrying Alan. Now, I will be honest. I don't know Alan well... yet. (Ha, ha!! Yes, Alan, I'm coming for you!) But I know this, Meg is comfortable when she is with him. She melts right into his laid back style. They are at ease with one another. If Meg chose him I know he has a quality soul. Meg wouldn't settle for anything else. So, Alan, I look forward to dinners and hang out times. Maybe a round of cards or a trip to the coast all together. If you two ever feel like watching kids we are happy to share ours and would feel completely comfortable doing so!

I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to know this wonderful couple and photograph their awesome wedding day. And it will be AWESOME! It will be my first wedding of the 2012 season and I couldn't be happier about it. Thank you Meg for loving our children with such tenderness and yet a firm hand. All of us (YES! ALL of us...) are blessed beyond measure to know you!

So Much Love From Albany, OR
Em

A New Me

2012-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Lots is happening these days. It's been a long time coming and I am hoping to be able to get the guts to put it all out here for you catch up on my few months away. (So sorry.)

My journey in the past few months can not be put all into one post. I have learned many lessons. One of the biggest is that I continue to learn lessons. Daily. And most of the time it is not fun. Learning lessons tends to be uncomfortable. (At best.)

So thank you for stoping by. I hope despite my absence you will allow me to ask you once again to stop in and say hi from time to time. My hope has been and continues to be to blog. Daily. Enjoy the new look and know I appreciate each and everyone of you for checking out my little slice of the internet.

This is a picture of my family at Halloween. No that is not a real tattoo on my face. I dressed up as Tyson, but I will tell you I did draw it on with a sharpie!

Love From Oregon,

Em

Remembering

2011-09-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Erin starts first grade today. FIRST GRADE!! I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant with her and now first grade. She'll be seven in 2 days. 7 years has flown by.

I hear people senior to me talk about how they wish for the good old days. The days their kids were home with them. Before the kids went off to college. Before friends became more cool than hanging with the parents. Before the kids had a family of their own.

I know this is coming. I know they will grow. I know they will live independent lives. And I want that for them. I want them to know how to live on their own. I want them to grow in character. I want them to experience life. I don't want to look back at this time, our good ol' days, and not remember. I don't want to get to the end of their childhood and be paralyzed by regret that I didn't take advantage of it. I want to remember it. And then I want to lift my kids up out to the world and watch them soar.

And for me a large part of that remembering lays in a photograph. If I take a picture of it I more clearly remember it. Now, be that because I am an extremely visual person or because everyone is like that I don't know. I only know me.

There are a few things I take away from this...

1. Take my camera with me. I tend to leave it behind because of it's size. But not any more. It is coming with me. I WILL NOT forget these good ol' days.
2. I will take the time to spend with my family. This means fewer jobs. This means sticking to my 5 weddings a year. This means I will not pack every weekend with shoots. I will hold to my boundaries.
3. I want others to remember their good old days too. I have tossed around the idea of a 1 day workshop on photography for parents. There are amazing cameras out there that do amazing things and people don't understand how to use them. I want to teach others how to capture this moment so they can remember as well. I will get this going this winter.

Parenting is difficult. No doubt about it. Sleepless nights. Sick kids on the couch. Feeding everyone. Saying things like... Eat your food. Don't tease the dog. Do not pee in public. Shhhhhh. Please don't interrupt. Go back to sleep. Wipe, flush, wash. Time out... now. No we are not going to watch any more t.v. today. You didn't!! ... Nope, nope... you did.

I know for me I can get caught up in all of the above and wish it away. Thoughts of I can't wait till you are older and can get your own milk. Or can't you give me a minute to myself so I can blog this.

But I also know this last 7 years has gone by in an instant. I need to slow it down. I need to remember other things I say... I love you. I am so proud of you. You made a great choice buddy! You are so talented. Hold my hand. Yes, I would love to read to you. That was hilarious! Lets get fancy... together! Lets go!!!

So today...

1. Don't forget your camera.
2. Slow down.
3. Set 1 new boundary to help you slow it all down.
4. Remember.

Love from OR,
Em

Fun

2011-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Life can be overwhelming. Don't forget to kick off your shoes every now and then and have some FUN!! Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!

PILLOW FIGHT!!

2011-08-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I want to start by saying, I KNOW I need to blog so much more than I have been! I really, really know that. I just have been swamped. So my goal, once I have finished editing all my weddings, will be to blog daily. Even if it is just a picture. So, blog friends, here is my pic of the day. You will want to see this one larger so please give it a click and you will fill up your screen.

What a fantastic and FUN family!!!

Raesha and Jerrad... MARRIED!!

2011-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

The end of the first dance.

Loving shooting weddings this summer!
I love the beauty of love.

Mandy and Dennis

2011-08-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Meant to be
A gift

2011-08-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby

Lexi getting down to The Black Eyed Peas. Love it! To see more don't forget I am on FB also! Emy Lyn Photography!! To see this image larger just click on it. Have a happy Tuesday!!

The Retreat Group Shot

2011-07-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

Click on the image to see it larger. Michelle and Peggy... so sorry your faces are covered by hands. You can take it up with Kim and Laura. Hmmm, that's interesting. Kim and Laura are sisters. I see a conspiracy here!!

This is what I was working on last night. With the help of my great friend Mandy and the wonderful staff from The Retreat Day Spa it was really quite enjoyable. I truly have the BEST JOB EVER!!! Thank you to everyone.

Rachel and Tyler

2011-07-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

I had the honor and privilege of photographing this amazing wedding last weekend. Rachel and Tyler I learned so much about who each of you are. Here are a few of the things I learned. You are relaxed. You are full of heart. You are gracious. You roll with the punches. You are generous. You are loving. You think of others. You are not about you. You are dog lovers. You are committed. You love to see others commit to something. You are kind. You are kind. You are kind.

Full of heart this was the most emotionally charged wedding I have ever attended. Just 2 weeks before the wedding the father of the groom passed away in a plane crash. He had been crop dusting in his local town when he plane went down.

This obviously brought the emotional intensity of the wedding way up. Rachel and Tyler cried, remembered, gave respect to Marvin, but they also laughed, danced, hugged, kissed and enjoyed their day together. Not an easy balance, but they did with grace.

Thank you is not enough to this great couple for allowing me the honor of photographing their wedding. I was truly blessed to get to know them, their friends and their family! There will be many more pics to come... but for now, here are a few.

This last shot is of the ceremony when a plane did a fly by in memory of Marvin. It was a difficult moment and this is a difficult picture, but Rachel and Tyler when you look at this picture I hope you are reminded that Marvin is always with you. Hanging around in the background checking in on you.

Love, Life and An Awesome Dog

2011-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I adore Rachel and Tyler, but after seeing these photos I am equally as in love with their dog, Hannah. She is SO good! She listens well, she follows commands, she was kind to everyone we met. If only my kids were like her...

Tyler LOVES to have his picture taken and so we thrilled when I offered up a 3 hour session for their engagement. ;) We had a great time in "L.O." as I have now learned to call it (Lake Oswego in case you didn't know like me) driving around looking for good places to shoot. I heard the story of how Tyler and Rachel met (they were set up) and we discussed the details of their upcoming wedding.

They are both amazingly beautiful people, and I don't just mean pretty looking people. Beauty. Both of them. When I got there they had a bag full of gifts for me complete with running shoes, a jacket and running shorts (Rachel works for Nike.) That is the first time a client has given ME gifts!!! Wow! What a huge blessing!

I am thrilled to shoot their wedding in just about a week and half!!! Wow! I can't wait to show you those pics and I haven't even taken them yet. Thanks Tyler and Rachel for a great evening out! I can't wait for your big day!!

Tyler working it!! Well done Tyler!

Wow Rachel.

Baby Calvin

2011-06-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

It is fun to spend time with a new one and remember the sweetness of an infant. They have that baby smell, their heads are soft, they melt into as if they are a part of your chest. And though all these things are great they are also the carriers of loads of work. It is exhausting being the parent of a young baby. When my own kids were very young my Mom would tell me, "It will get better."

And it does. At least for me. I am someone who needs my sleep and my children didn't give that to me as young babies. As I have gotten more sleep I have also gained more patience. The physical demands on the parents of newborns is great. The challenges change as your kids change. Currently we are in a battle of the wills, but at least I have sleep on my side. And for this parent that is a HUGE tool in my waistband!

I adore these shoots with little ones because I get the best of all worlds. I get to spend time and hold sweet smelling soft babies and stop time with a photo of these moments that end up being so fleeting. But, then I get to go home and sleep.

If you are the parent of a newborn know this, "It will get better. You will sleep again. Being a parent will always be challenging, but the demands will change also. Hang in there and take time to enjoy the sweet smells and the soft heads and the melting bodies into your chest."

To all my clients of little ones, thank you for allowing into your homes to enjoy your babies. I am truly blessed!

Mandy and Dennis

2011-06-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

There is so very much I need to write on this post and sadly no time to do it. I want to take my time and describe what I see in this couple. But, again time is short. Mandy and Dennis are so in love it makes me cry. I guarantee at their wedding in August I will be crying behind the camera. This is the couple you strive to be. The couple that is a team. The couple that makes you believe in love again. Thank you Dennis and Mandy for allowing me to capture your love. I truly hope I do it justice. I love you!

Christine and Wade: Engaged!!!

2011-05-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Brian

2011-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Photo not by Emy Lyn Photography

Brian Porteous has been one of Curtis' best friends for over 20 years now. Brian was there when Curt struggled to find himself his first of college. He was the friend Curt turned to. Brian was there when Curt and I first started dating. Brian stood in our wedding. We stood in Brian's wedding. Brian was there when we moved to Chicago. And he was still there when we came home.

Just after getting married about 13 years ago Brian was diagnosed with Alplastic Enemia. In people who have aplastic anemia, the body doesn't make enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This is because the bone marrow's stem cells are damaged. (Aplastic anemia also is called bone marrow failure.)

He and his wife and now his two girls have been battling this terrible disease. For 12 years they have endured countless meds, numerous transfusions, exhaustion, a treatment which, from my memory, made Brian look and feel like an 80 year old man. Yet they push on. All of them.

But a new word has been brought into Brian's treatment plan. CURE. Brian is now a candidate for a bone marrow transplant!!! And he has a match, his sister Kari! Great news for a family who has been holding their breath hoping the drugs Brian is on will continue to keep him whole.

In order to assist in the long journey of a transplant on the east coast at a specialized hospital Emy Lyn Photography will be hosting the Porteo-Photo-Thon to raise money for Brian and his family. The transplant process will require Brian to be on the East Coast for at least 60 days.

To learn more about Brian's journey and his current condition please visit www.porteo-blog.blogspot.com

Come have a beautiful mini Easter family session taken on Easter weekend and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Brian and his family.

About Brian and his family:
Brian grew up in Corvallis, OR where he attended Harding Elementary, Western View Jr. High and Corvallis High School. He volunteered many summers at Firwood Camp in Washington where he build into the lives of campers all of all ages. He met his wife, Kelly, at Firwood (she was the camp nurse) and they quickly settled into their life in Bellingham WA. Kelly is an RN at the hospital in Bellingham and Brian continues to build into students as a Jr. High teacher. They have the joy of raising two fantastic young girls, Grace who is now 7 and Francis who is now 4.

The Details:
Saturday April 23rd and Sunday April 24th
30 min. sessions with Emy Lyn Photography with 5 fully edited high resolution images on a disc with full rights to print where ever you like. All sessions will take place at Avery Park in Corvallis.

Cost:
This is a donation session. You can give whatever you like. All $100 and above donations will be entered into a give away for 2 prizes.
Prize #1. Full pedicure with Karli at Today's Salon in Albany
($40 value)
Prize #2. Full photo session with Emy Lyn Photography
($200 value)

If you are interested in booking a spot please either call, facebook me or leave a message here. We will make sure you are well taken care of.

Photo not by Emy Lyn Photography

Thank you for being a part of a miracle. To see Brian CURED!!!

Anna

2011-04-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have blogged and I am so very sorry for the two you who actually read this. :) (Hi Mom!!)

Life has been busy. Full of sick kids, sick husbands, trips to San Francisco, school, engagement shoots, babies and "super" seniors. What is a super senior you say?? Well, I am so glad you asked. A super senior is a senior portrait session for someone who is not technically a senior. In this instance our super senior is Anna who is about to graduate from nursing school.

There is so much I enjoyed about Anna. She loves all things vintage, she is relaxed and fun and easy going and we had a GREAT time!! What is also special about Anna is she had no senior portraits ever taken so this was important and special (Wow. Special? I am really getting old, aren't I?) We hung out around downtown Albany and caught these images. Anna, thank you for making my job so easy!!

Everyone else enjoy my super senior Anna!! (Click on any of the pictures for a larger image. Highly suggested for the first image(s))

Vintage

2011-03-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

I have made the decision that "styling" a photo shoot goes a long way! In fact if I had the money I would pay for a stylist for all of my shoots! All that to say... though I didn't have a stylist I did have a great family with LOTS of style of their own and I LOVED it!

Laura and Brian (Laura in pink, Brian in suspenders and not the child :)) are getting married in Vegas next month and are planning vintage themed reception upon their return. We went out for some vintage family fun and will take more pics of just Laura and Brian the day of the reception.

Thank you to the whole family! I had a GREAT time and can't wait for your reception!!

Sisters (Laura's girls.)

Brian and his kiddos. (I could photograph these kids all day long.)

Tiffany (Laura's oldest daughter) and her boyfriend.

The girls in their hats... love it!

Baby, Baby

2011-03-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

Oh this sweet, sweet baby. I just fell in love with holding her. I didn't know I missed my kiddos being little bitty babies until today. Enjoy.

What Is Going Into Frogs and Polywogs

2011-03-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a preview of what will be blown up and put on display at the best toy store EVER!! ... Frogs and Polywogs. The first one should be making its debut on Friday. Swing in and check it out!

CJ

2011-02-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

New Logo

2011-02-22T07:36:00.001-08:00

I just needed to share my new logo. I am so excited! Things are happening folks!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Phoenix

2011-02-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Seriously? Who is this beautiful??? Wow!

Grayden

2011-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Stephanie and Jeff received their photo shoot as a gift and we had a great time at their gorgeous home taking photos of their gorgeous baby boy. There was sleeping, smiling and well pooping going on while I was there. We had a GREAT time. Thanks for being so willing to try my crazy ideas guys. You are two are awesome!

If you are interested in a gift certificate at a gift please feel free to call, e-mail, facebook me (YES! I have a FB fan page!) or even leave a message here.

Thanks... and HAPPY MONDAY!!

No Bueno

2011-01-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Poor little miss is either vey camera shy or is busy working on getting rid of a bug. Either way she was not excited about having her picture taken. After crying for quite awhile (the kind of crying that is shrill near the end of the cry--break my heart), we decided to look at another day for her full photo shoot. Oh sweet girl. I hope you are feeling better and that the next time we take your pictures you will feel spry and silly. Take care sweet little one.

Ahhh....

2011-01-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

Ruby Continued

2011-01-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

Because I have not perfected the slideshow yet and it still looks, well, like pooh. I wanted you to see the crisp, great photos of Ruby. Enjoy.

Timing Is Everything

2011-01-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Nichole and her husband had always been drawn toward adoption. They figured that "someday" they would likely follow down that path. Though the timing was unexpected. After easily getting pregnant with their first two children they assumed the third child would follow the same pattern.

But apparently God had other plans in mind.

After many frustrating months of not getting pregnant the song in their hearts to adopt grew louder. It made sense. They didn't know who their baby would be, but they were ready to start the process of bringing her home.

What I love about adoption is the beautiful, destiny making timing.

One of my close friend's Dad in high school would often say to me, "Emily... timing is everything." And as I have gotten older I find myself repeating that mantra often. Timing is everything. As I watched Randy and Nichole in their journey to bring Ruby home I am reminded, Timing is Everything. The timing of not getting pregnant, the timing of paperwork and errands and passports and trips and court dates and home evaluations and shots and birth certificates and birth dates have all joined together to make the beautiful symphony that is Ruby Mihret... Hoffman.

I am so proud to serve a God of timing. Welcome home Ruby.

Stuck

2011-01-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Some days are stuck. You know, the days you wake up and you can't quite open your eyes enough to actually be considered a viable part of society. The days when your feet drag, your mind lags, your hands fumble. And no matter how much caffeine you imbibe you are stuck. You just can't manage to get off the ground.

Today is one of those days. Dragging, lagging, fumbling, stuck days. And as I sat on our chair stuck I looked up and saw Shelby being Shelby. I don't think she has been stuck a day in her life. She is ever on guard. Ever attentive. Ever seeking attention. That is who Shelby is. 1 minute after taking this I needed to see it on the computer. Needed to edit it. Because that is who I am. I love to create, specifically with my camera.

It didn't totally cure my stuck-ness, but it improved it. On those days when I am stuck maybe I just need to dig down, figure out who I am and be more of it. Shelby is not holding back, neither should I.

Here is to you and me and all our stuck-ness and the daily learning of who we are. Today do something you love and learn, please learn, that is a part of you being you. That thing that makes your heart beat fast and makes you want to get off your booty, that is a part of you!! Embrace it.

Thanks dear Shelby for the lesson.

First Slideshow EVER!

2011-01-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ok. Since it is the first time I have done a slideshow I need you to be patient with me, I am still learning. For example... This is best viewed in its smaller version. If you make it large the images look very pixelated. (Like I said, still learning.) They don't look this way on the actual slideshow, but on here they do. So enjoy, but play it little. It is much better. Thanks and happy Monday!!!

What Do You Do When...

2010-12-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

it is cold and rainy and you have a shoot you HAVE to do that day! Well, if you live in Oregon this is a regular occurrence so you face it as every true Oregonian would. You go for it! Throw on a coat and and some protective gear for the camera and off you go.

Meet Natalie and Andrew. I met them not long ago and I'm not gonna lie, I LOVE THIS COUPLE!! I am so excited to shoot their wedding next year I might just get up and dance the mamba! (Ok, so I am not such a good dancer, but you get the point.)

Natalie is getting braces put on very soon and needed to have the engagement shoot done asap. (For all of you out there thinking just what I thought... yes, she will have them off by the time the wedding rolls around!) So, of course, it was raining. And cold. But, no time to reschedule so we made do. First we headed to the covered bridge where we got some gorgeous silhouettes and "undercover" pics. I brought along a blanket a for them to cuddle with. Both were happy to not only be warmer, but also have a little cuddle time.

We headed over to OSU (Go Beavers!), where we thought the library would be a great place to shoot, but no luck it was closed, but campus was quiet so we braved the rain with an umbrella and then took shelter under cover again.

Of course at this point we needed some coffee (as all good north westerners do), so we tromped over to Francesco's on 4th St. for one of the best treats in Corvallis. An affagato. That is right ladies and gents. 2 shots of fresh pulled espresso over your choice of homemade gelatto!! HEAVEN!! Affagato. Don't forget it.

We ended up in a bookstore, in front of a furniture shop, pulled out some chalk boards and all n' all had a WONDERFUL time! Thank you Natalie and Andrew for your fun spirits, your willingness to get wet, your silly sides and your love for each other. I am honored to be a part of your upcoming day.

Loves,
Em

Um... wow Natalie.

Look closely... that Andrew is a character! (below)

Affagato! Affagato! Affagato! Oh, I'm sorry... did I say that out loud?

Ha, ha, ha!!

In Love In Oregon

2010-12-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Baby R.

2010-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

I had the BEST time today photographing Baby R. Her family was warm and inviting and we got some great shots. By the way, the red retro looking stool. I want it! Bad! But it is not for sale. So if anyone out there finds one you best be calling me. Fast. 541-974-6314 (Just in case.) Enjoy.

Cooley Family

2010-12-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

Sherry and Her Boys

2010-12-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

And in case you were wondering the chair is from... The Vintage Market. You can still see the tag on it. I love this chair, of course, I love their shop!!

Sherry, your boys are RIDICULOUS!! And I mean that in ALL good ways!

Christmas Piper

2010-12-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were wondering where we were getting all that great light in Piper's eyes... well here ya go... you can see the whole scene. It was a tight fit and I am pretty sure I showed all of Albany some "glorious" shots of my booty. Thanks again to The Vintage Market for allowing me to shoot in your awesome store that I can't stop buying things in. I felt like I was shooting inside a prop closet. It was AMAZING!!! I am pretty sure I am going to have more requests for this location... so, see you soon.

Gorgeous Folks

2010-12-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Can you figure out the story from the photo above?? There is a story...

Sisters

2010-12-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Piper and The Vintage Market

2010-12-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

Dear World-Wide-Web,

I am so sorry I have not actually written ANYTHING of substance in the past... oh... well, it's been awhile. I have been so busy I have not had time. Trying to think of something thought provoking takes concentration. (read: Time when your children not running around asking for lemonade and telling you they are done pooping and now need your "help.")

Someday... someday I will write again. The next time I have a deep thought you will be the first to hear it! Thank you for your patience and enjoy the photos!

All the best from the northwest!
Emy

Really having fun with some vintage looks on these photos.

And now... in color. I couldn't stop myself!

Above is a yellow-ish vintage look and below is a pink-ish vintage look. I couldn't decide which one I liked best, so you got both!

Above: She is actually throwing the pearls around as if to say, "Um, these just won't do!" Especially with the other arm stretched out! I love this!

And since I haven't said it yet, YES, I am so, so in love with the red hair!! This girl is beautiful!!

2010-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Bernowsky Family

2010-12-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Tanner

2010-12-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

For Becky B.

2010-11-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

I don't have a lot of time to write, this seems to be an ongoing dilemma in my world these days, but here are a few fresh (and I mean fresh as in new, not the like the Fresh-Prince-of-Belle-Air fresh) pics to check out. Enjoy.

Basti-an-i-an-ni-an...s

2010-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

I hope you can read what I am trying to say in the title. If you can't "hear" it call me and I will say it out loud for you. This is the Bastian family. Our dear, dear friends. They are truly remarkable and looking at the pictures I see it clear as day... Sarah is the nucleus of this family. And she should be. She is amazing. In every sense. I truly strive to be more and more like her.

I love you Bastian family. You are all spectacular!

Christmas Fun

2010-11-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

With the weather being so, um... challenging, we have had to get very creative with where we shoot. Especially when working with a 6-month old. Luckily I know Laura from the Golden Pear in Albany. Her shop is AMAZING! If you are looking for Christmas presents or amazing decor stop by her shop on Ellsworth. Not only is her store absolutely to die for, but Laura might be one of my favorite people. She is fun, down to earth and will make you feel comfortable in a heartbeat.

The Ito kids and I had a great time meeting for a short time on this mini-shoot to get some Christmas photos. We weren't there long, but certainly long enough to get some great images. Mom even stepped in for a few!! Thank you Ito family for being so flexible and easy to work with. You guys are great.

Enjoy!

Farm

2010-11-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

I know I have posted these pictures already, but what you haven't seen, and I am sure you are overly impressed about is that I FINALLY figured out how to place more than one picture together!!! I know, I know, it should be that easy... but it wasn't for me, SO BACK OFF! (Billy Madison line just in case you missed it there.) So enjoy the pictures you have already seen and yes, you may now oooh and ahhh over my awesome formatting!! :)

Thanks for the love world out there!

Emy

Drew

2010-11-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Though it would probably more powerful for me to only post 1-2 pictures of Drew I just could not decide which one or two to post. So, though it may be less impact full, here is Drew. He didn't want his picture taken and we started and finished in about 10 minutes, but I am moved by the emotion he conveys through the camera. Thank you Drew for allowing me photograph you.

Hadley

2010-11-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is the precious Hadley Caroline. I have never done a newborn session before and let me tell you, it is not the easiest thing. Luckily Hadley's Dad was a trooper with a bottle and hung in there. We didn't take too long (maybe a half hour to 40 minutes), but we got a few good shots.

Having a newborn this age time both flies by and moves slower than the second hand when you are in HS. It goes by so, so fast and you can't believe they are out growing their 0-3 month old onies (sp?)... but many sleepless nights and exhaustion can make it feel overwhelming and ongoing.

Hadley, I am so thrilled to meet you. You are a part of a fun, loving family. You will enjoy Beaver games and an endless amount of learning about horses from your sister. You are beyond blessed sweet one to have landed in a such a phenomenal home and family.

Much Love
Emy

Embrace

2010-11-11T14:21:00.001-08:00

Being a teenager now, 10 years ago, 50 years ago or in 5 years is hard. It always has been. It always will be. I am reminded of this almost EVERY time I shoot a senior portrait session. You are learning who you are amongst the crowd. You are figuring you out. And that is no small task.

I was there. We've all been there. Some of our stories are laced with moments of glory and others are threaded with hurt. Whatever it is we experience during these formidable years seems to deeply affect us.

I'm not gonna lie, my 20 year reunion is next year and I am as nervous as I was for my first big-girl-job interview. And it is a year away!! Will I be accepted? Will the boys who ignored me be struck by my grown up beauty and kick themselves for not pursuing me then? (Ha!) Will I be so nervous I won't be able to enjoy myself? It is a little ridiculous when we break it down. But there it. Staring me down. Those insecurities rising right up to the surface.

Hang in there HS students. It really, really does get better. I absolutely promise. Take this time to figure out who you are and who you want to be and go become that person. It isn't easy and when you have kids or become a photographer and look into the eyes of a teenager you can remind them you were there once... and you survived. Remember this time. Take it in. Don't run away from it. Embrace it and use it to be a better you.

I think you often teenagers. My heart is FOR you.

All my best,

Emy

Fancy? Oh Yeah!

2010-11-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

I had heard about Emaline and how totally girly she was and how much personality she had so I felt I was prepared. But she took me by surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this family! We laughed and played and yes, I introduced Miss. Emaline to the Fancy Nancy books. (Which every young needs, don't you know?)

Enjoy this slice of fall fun! Thank you Carmen, Chris and Emaline for a GREAT time!

Wow! She is almost flipped OVER!

Reading is a big part of this family so I love that we got this shot.

She was waving to a bridal party getting portraits taken a little ways away from us. I think she looks like she is practicing to be the queen mum.

Also, for those of you who are admiring my new watermark full credit must go to Michelle Newell of... Michelle Newell photography. I stole (ok, I actually asked first), the {} idea from her. She is a fabulous photographer in the Seattle area I met a few months ago at a WPPI road show. I have loved getting to know her and many others as we strive to build our businesses. Thanks Michelle!

Booth and Frustration

2010-11-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is the Booth family... and I am so frustrated with my blog right now. It is REALLY messing up on getting my pictures uploaded. Argh! So enjoy these and know there were more, but I need to do some serious trouble shooting before it will work... apparently. :) Happy Friday everyone!

Ok, we are making some progress here. At least the photos below would upload to the page. Had a great time with this family hanging out at Bald Hill in Corvallis. There son is absolutely the cutest little thing in the world. And his language skills are out of this world. Enjoy, enjoy.

No More Room

2010-11-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I tried to post today, but alas, I have run out of storage for my images. So until my $5.00 purchase of more space goes through you are stuck with my words and not my pictures. Sorry. Have a great Thursday. Do something kind today. :)

All the best world-wide-web! Em

This Week

2010-11-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

What I am working on this week...

When this little gem saw a picture I had taken she said to her mom, "You should put me in the movies!" I LOVE it!!!

The Farm

2010-10-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

I should have been born on a ranch or a farm. I grew up in a smaller suburb of San Francisco so a ranch it was not, but when I am on a farm I feel at home. I feel like me. I feel like I want to take on all the chores that need to be done and have them be what I get to do all day. I love the scenery. I love the smells. I love the animals and the property. But, I was not born to ranch it up so I will have to settle for days like these.

I had the true pleasure of photographing this awesome family on the family property. There were dogs, pigs, chickens, horses, apples strait from the tree, fresh eggs from under the hen. It was amazing. I hope the pictures do it justice. I was in my element. Ahhhh, someday maybe...

You will see in these pictures this little pumpkin was very busy on the farm. She was feeding the horses and gathering the eggs. She is my kinda girl.

On the swing with Mom.

The hat goes on and it is time to get serious about farming.

Fresh eggs right from the source!

Can you even get over that tree??

Preparing to feed the horses.

Busy, busy..

Whats in there anyway? Let me see...

Baby brother

Mom and kiddos. Dad is working on getting his PhD in Pharmacy and spends his weeks at work a few hours away. But not for too much longer!!! Yeah!!

Going to hi to Pete

Apples

2010-10-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't done a true blog post in a long time and I am so sorry. I have been so busy with editing I haven't had a chance for a real blog entry, but enjoy this sweet little thing! :)

I May Be Getting Bigger, But I Still Need My Mom

2010-10-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Oh My... She IS ALL GIRL!

2010-10-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Life On The Farm

2010-10-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist posting this precious photo.

Tabby

2010-10-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tabby is such a trooper. It rained during her session, but she pushed through just like a good Oregonian would. I was so proud. We had an awesome day. Thanks Tabby for being so willing to go with the flow.

Raesha and Jerrad

2010-10-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

MAN! I am struggling with what to write today. Which is a problem. I think my big issue is although this couple is amazingly gorgeous I don't know them well enough to really write anything of substance about them.

So here is my substance and a note to myself. GET TO KNOW YOUR COUPLES!!! I mean, really get to know them! So, Reasha and Jerrad... before your wedding lets hang out, got out to dinner, you can come hang out with my crazy family. Something where I can really get to know you both. I can't wait!!

Here is to love!

Raesha--Rwwrh!

The save the date...

A True Beauty

2010-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

There is so much I want to say about beauty right now, but the words are hiding from me. I have started and deleted three times now. In order not to push it too hard I will keep it simple. Beauty is deeper than pretty. Carley you are both pretty and beautiful.

Girls, your worth is not wrapped up in your prettiness. It is in your beauty. Be beautiful. And stop consuming yourself with pretty.

Dance

2010-09-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them. ~Vicki Baum

My New Bag: She Needs A Name

2010-09-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

For some reason, totally unknown to me, I have put off spending money on a camera bag. Curt finally said to me, "I am tired of watching you carry you're really expensive camera around in a messenger bag. (This bag was not made for cameras by the way). You need to protect your investment and buy a real camera bag."

He was totally right, so I started looking around. And, mama pajama! Camera bags are not cheap. I finally landed on etsy and thought I found my bag, but it wasn't quite right so I kept looking and found a bag I fell in love with. (At least on my screen.) Finally, finally I maned up and purchased a bag.

It came in the mail yesterday and I LOVE IT!! Small enough to use at a wedding while I am on my feet all day, but large enough to hold all my spendy equipment. It is made mostly of waxed canvas (think australian outback hats), but has some upholstery fabric and leather on the flap. It also came with a zipper pouch which I didn't need so I asked the vendor, Robyn Porteen, if I could have the camera wrist strap she sells and she was happy to do so.

The LOVE the wrist strap, which I don't have a picture of because it is on my camera. So click here to see what it is. I really, really love it! I have a total fear of dropping my camera so I use the neck strap, but after a long day at a wedding my neck and back are killing me because of the added weight around my neck. This wrist strap allows me security without the pain! Hooray!!

My new baby needs a name. I am open to suggestions, so please comment them. If you need a bag I highly recommend this one. And as Curt says, "Remember it is protecting your investment!"

I love all the little pockets AND a place for my pen!! AND nice big squeeze buckle thing. What is that called anyway?

It also came with this awesome card holder! Bonus! Love it!

Nice strong zipper in the front.

I never leave home without it! My Canon manual. Fits perfectly right behind my gear. And the height of the bag was made to fit a 70-200 mm lens!

I always struggle with the velcro dividers. These dividers are sewn in, but have enough play you can move them around. AND, they actually stay in place once your gear is in place.

All n' all I love her. Or maybe it is a him. I don't know. I'll just go with the best name. Maybe it will be Pat.

Feelings

2010-09-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

I feel lots. I cry at movies. I dance to great music. I am moved to action by peoples stories. I am sensitive. I notice parts of life that make me feel joyful, sad, overwhelmed, dismayed, hopeful, excited... This is me. It is who I have always been.

When I look at pictures I have taken I see more than pretty faces. There are times I feel I can see inside people's relationships. See behind their smiles. See beyond their hugs. (I might be totally wrong on this, but it is what I feel.) Why am telling you this? Because I am hoping you see what I see.

This pint sized spit fire is Andrew. I don't know his whole story. I do know he was adopted as an infant by John and Iris and that he was a very sick little baby. I believe at birth he was somewhere in the 2 lbs. range. Andrew has been through a lot. He has fought to stay alive. John and Iris have fought for him. They have loved him and accepted all of him. And when I look at Andrew I see a boy with hope. I see a boy with thankfulness as a part of his being. Like it is in his soul and even though he can't fully understand it at this point, it is innately a part of his being. I swear to you I can see it.

Look at these pictures. Do you see it too? Thank you John, Iris and Andrew for sharing your life with me and my camera. I really, really enjoyed my time with your family.

See it?

Andrew loved the sound of the cracking leaves and sat and cracked them by his ear for a little while so he could really, really hear it.

Andrew and his grandma right after a kiss on the cheek.

"Ohhhhh girl. You've done it now!"

More...

2010-09-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

OK, so I don't have a lot of time got to get the kids to school and I would like to be showered so it is short and sweet to today. Amazing family, great kids, dog who stayed in the yard. Great, great, great... oh except... they are Duck fans. But, I still love them anyway!! You guys are so awesome and your disc is in the mail!!

Yes, ladies and gents, it is Blue Steal.

This one just makes me laugh. I'm not sure if that finger is pointed at me or her boys, but I LIKE IT!

Ahhh, parenthood. Yep, that's exactly what it is like. :)

Ohhh Yeah!!! / I Don't Tink Doe.

2010-09-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, ladies and gents. I think it is time for another addition of "Ohhh Yeah!!!"/"I Don't Tink Doe." If you don't already know the rules of the game it goes like this.

I get to write 3 things I am currently loving--"Ohhh Yeah!!"
I get to write 3 things I am currently not so loving--"I Don't Tink Doe."
Yeah, that's all there is to it... LETS GO!

OHH YEAH!!!

School! Oh yes, school has begun and everyone is happier! The kids love school and I love having a few hours to myself in the morning. Ohhh yeah.
Really kind people who give out home grown tomatoes to passing photographers. I went on an engagement shoot this week and came across a little home I was very intrigued by. After speaking with the owner she came out, welcomed us into her yard, held my reflector and gave us some AMAZING homegrown tomatoes. I don't know you're name lady with the tomatoes, but you put a smile on my face, so thank you!
Really amazing friends who leave you really amazing voicemails. I got a voicemail today from a friend that made me feel special and loved and happy. I liked the message so much I saved it. And when my phone told me it would be saved for only 14 days I started plotting out how I was going to save it again. I never want to get rid of it. Thank you my dear, dear Sarah!

I DON'T TINK DOE.

Rain interfering with my shoots this weekend. I have 3 shoots this weekend. If the rain keeps up at least one of them will be cancelled. Boooo.
Embarrassing moments in front of a room full of cops. OK, so I don't want to go into it because it was, well, really embarrassing, but, lets just say there were 4 cops at our home for dinner (my husband being one of them) and my daughter inadvertently threw me under the bus. Oh.My.Word. Mortified.
Little lego pieces that get lost. Our son has discovered the joy of legos, which is great, but now it seems he has attached himself to two tiny pieces, with eyes on them, and they get lost ALL THE TIME. And he can't move forward in life without those pieces. Looks like it might be time to invest in more little legos with eyes on them.

That is it for this installment of "Oh Yeah!!!"/"I Don't Tink Doe." Please, please feel free to leave a comment because that is in my Oh Yeah category as well. Happy, happy Friday to everyone!

Emy

PS: I couldn't make a decision on which tomato pic to post, so you are getting both.

That Look...

2010-09-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

it says it all.

What I Am Working On This Week

2010-09-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

I told my husband the above shot is PROOF that I. AM. HYSTERICAL! Proof. That's all I'm saying.

2010-09-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

I told a friend that when she doesn't know what to write on her blog she should use bullet points.
I don't know what to say today.
This is Raesha and Jerrad.
They met in the 8th grade.
They started dating in the 8th grade.
"We just never broke up."
They are now engaged.
Ahhhhh....
They warm my heart and make me feel happy.
Congratulations you guys!