Sing Photography Untucked

New & improved Sing Photography Blog......

and shiny too. Yep. This blog is no more. Closed for business. I've enjoyed it here, but time to move on. Hope you'll move on with me. Change your rss, Google readers and whatnot to www.singphotographyblog.com . This blog will still be around for awhile if you miss it and want to visit. I'll have a link posted to it on the new blog once I figure it out. Actually, I have a lot to figure out. Soooo, come on over with me. I'm excited about the move! 

Catching Up With Chandler - Atlanta Baby Photographer

I was so tickled to get to visit 6 month old Mr. Chandler and his mama and daddy the other day. Such a big change since the last time I was there when Chandler was first born. I am documenting this yummy guy's first year for them and couldn't be more thrilled about it. I feel like an old family friend with Cynthia and Jay. They are both so open, easy going and into their sweet boy that they are a photographer's dream. This session was a blast. More to come later as I'm just beginning to edit and couldn't wait to post a couple from our day. These were just making me smile today. Chandler is bright eyed, happy and so adored by his mama and daddy. Life is all good for this little dude!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mama's out there. That's my cutie mama with the candy apple in that photo. I've posted it here before, but love it so much it's going up again. This was taken at a beach in Miami where mom grew up. When I think of my mom, I can hear her voice saying to me, "do something nice for someone." This is what she would tell my sisters and I often. I can remember getting out of the car and heading in to school and hearing her say "I love you. Do something kind for someone today." She pretty much lives this. I ran into the book store yesterday to get a gift for her and thought it was appropriate that I came across a cute little book called Do One Nice Thing. It's a simple happy book that lists things that we all pretty much know, but are easily forgotten. I thought it was pretty funny that it jumped out at me right when I needed it. I can get myself in a place where I have my own self on the brain too much. My busy to do lists, my worry, my mood, my whatever and can forget to think of others. What I could maybe do for someone else to brighten a day or help take the load off. Or I am running around doing these things, but not really noticing or taking the time to cherish and see the beauty and joy that is in helping and connecting with others. I can get to where I am just performing the task as a to do list check off. Sad. Grateful today for reminders like that that come along serendipitously. (Is that even a word?). Also grateful to get to spend Mother's Day with my mama. Also grateful to all the other mamas out there. New mamas, experienced mamas, tired mamas, silly mamas, organized mamas, messy mamas, creative mamas, nurturing mamas...whatever kind you are Happy Mother's Day. Hope you enjoy your day! 

Paris On Ponce - People, Places and Things

I am so excited to get a chance to blab on and on about the first entry in my new people, places and things blog category. And this is a grand first entry. You can read about how the new category started here. So, after a shoot recently I was in the neighborhood of a place I have always wanted to visit. I pass by this building's killer signs and fun look quite often and finally had a chance to stop in last week. Paris On Ponce is the place I am talking about here and it is just breathtaking. All 50,00 square feet of it. They are an eclectic, cheeky, not taking themselves seriously at all antiques as well as so much more emporium! You have to experience it for yourself. When I stepped in to the dark and cozy interior from the bright street, I was immediately in awe. And in heaven! And the staff had such a fun and friendly bustle of activity moving things around and unpacking gorgeous pieces, I felt right at home. 

The first thing I picked up to look at was a 1950 Atlanta telephone book and found my dad's family when he was 7. They lived on Luckie Street. And their phone number was Emerson-1837. The phone book belongs to the owners, but they photocopied the page for me. (and copied it in color so it looks old. I am going to mat and frame it. My dad got such a kick out of it.) So, about the owners.....George and Judi Lee.....they are 2 of the most fantastic people! I hung out with them and talked photography, (George is a talented photographer), kids in the store (they love 'em and their take on them is, let them touch stuff they are learning. In fact, they have a customer with 2 young girls who ask to go to Paris On Ponce as rewards for good school work.), and so much more. George and Judi are amazing, talented and creative and you feel so in the moment when hanging out with them. 

They let me just go crazy with my camera in the store. It was such fun therapy for me to play with my camera and photograph whatever struck my fancy....

Um, I want one of these below........and seriously, they sell it for an amazing price. This is actually a new piece.

The beautiful Judi.....

Ok. And wait till you see the Maison Rouge! This has to be one of Atlanta's best kept secrets. (I have always wanted to say that.) It is a cozy and intimate club George and Judi dreamed up themselves. It is available for weddings, events, you name it. I am definitely thinking it is time for a Sing Photography party. You're all invited. The stories they have from the Maison Rouge are rockin'! Step on in....oh and they decorated it themselves people! The attention to detail is incredible....

George in the Maison Rouge.....

And last but not least, Mr. Shane Garner. Fun guy. Loved talking with him too. And he is a super talented photographer. And very humble I might add. He didn't tell me how much he rocks. And he could have and totally gotten away with it. Go check his work out.....

Definitely go check out Paris On Ponce! Tell them I said hi. You may see me in there when you stop by. I plan on taking my boys to hang out and play often. And to drink lemonade and eat cookies (they have that too!). And to buy stuff. Thank you guys for such a wonderful day!!! xoxo, Amy

Girlie Session....

My time hanging out with Emily and Amanda was all sugar and spice. We had the best afternoon running around the house, playing in their rooms, twirling around outside and even swimming for a bit in the pool. They were giggly, funny, silly and sweet. Their mama is so cool and  just let us take over......she made dinner while I played with the girls. I love how their session turned out. Here are a few images.......

People, Places & Things - New Blog Category

Happy Monday to you & yours! This job I really don't even call a job carries my aaaalllll over Atlanta and it's suburbs. I get to meet the most interesting people, check out some awesome places and run into some things I just have to have or would not have known about had I not been out and about wherever I was. Besides getting to "shoot" all the above listed, these are often just people, places, or things I happened upon because I was in the area. Often times after a shoot, I'll make a quick run into an interesting looking shop or grab a bite to eat and will think, "wow, what a great place!" And I'll think "I wonder if my friends know about this place?" Because I figure if I'm really loving something, someone else would too. So, I thought I would share with my friends here. Hence the new blog category. It'll be a grab bag. Sometimes food, maybe a park bench, could be in Woodstock, might be in Oakhurst, who knows? The place you see me in the above photo is a peak at the first place. I'll post it in a couple of days. And, no it is not a brothel. 

P.S. For some reason, Typepad has placed my blog categories down at the bottom of the screen. I've tried to fix it, but not too hard because there will be a new blog in the near future. Peace & Love, Amy

Weddings Unveiled Blog.....

Happy Thursday to everyone! Head on over to the so cool and informative Weddings Unveiled magazine's Completely Unveiled blog. They have featured the fun style and personality from the gorgeous couple below! I had such a great time photographing Emily and Shane's wedding at Rhode's Hall. Emily's day was a blast and every detail was hip and perfect! Head on over to Completely Unveiled and read all about it. 

The Armacost Family

Ah, the Armacosts! You have heard me sing the praises of their company Whole Brain Creative many times here on the blog. Jeff and Kendra have been working with me for quite some time on Sing Photography's identity and branding. You'll get to hear me gush even more when the new website and blog are turned out soon. These people are amazing to work with. Their process will bring out a new love and passion for your business by getting down to the bare bones of why you do what you do. I was truly honored when they wanted to spend even more time with me and have their family portraits done. And we did that recently. I went over to their home to photograph Kendra, Jeff and their cool dude 3 1/2 year old Graham. I immediately fell in love with Graham. He is adorable and smart and funny and pretty stubborn. Has a mind of his own. Takes it to a new level actually. And I was over the moon about it. I have a thing for funny stubborn kids. And Graham has the cutest squishiest little voice ever. Even when he is telling you no he will not do it. 

Here is a bit of back story for you. Kendra told me on the phone before our session that Graham has like 3 things he will wear right now. And she wants him to look like himself and everything, but they have plenty of snaps of him in his Cars pajamas and boots. And what would make her the happiest mama in the world is if we can get him into a nice shirt. That's all she wanted. And he is very stubborn. And I was like, "Kendra, I'm a professional. I'll be able to get him changed, piece of cake. You have to make it a game." (I laugh now at what a jerk I must have sounded like.) Kendra was skeptical and rightly so, but her wishful thinking got the better of her and she optimistically said, "Well, it would be great if you could."

Fast forward to the shoot. I'll just be brief. Graham - 1. Amy - 0. Graham came home from school in one of his favorite shirts. A Mickey Mouse Clubhouse shirt. I was only able to switch him into another favorite (and not one of Kendra's choices), a football jersey. No amount of "playing games" on my end did the trick. Kendra did eventually get him changed into a bug shirt. Still not what she wanted, but at least it wasn't the Cars jammies. Either way Mr. Graham is adorable. And I just love the Armacosts even more after photographing them. They are so open, real, fun and loving as a family. And that is awesome to see. Also, I am crazy about their house. Cozy, welcoming, gorgeous lighting and the most perfect porch ever.

On with our day.......

We'll start with the many outfit tries we had with Graham. #1 Mickey Mouse CLubhouse shirt. I love this photo of Graham too. #2 the football jersey. #3 the bug shirt Kendra gave in to. #4 macking on the couch at the end of our session in the Cars jammies.....

I love these 2 below. We hung out for a snack break. And everyone is telling Graham how great his new shirt looks. But he ain't buying it. And I love family photos with beer in 'em now. It was Friday evening. And it was 5 o'clock. 

Below...Graham had a good fit over some cheek kisses. He wasn't into it. 

Those are jellybeans on the porch rail.....

Below......I love the string lights on their porch. I think if you have string lights up on your porch it says you are cool and fun. I was inspired and got some for our sun room this weekend......

The Armacosts indulged me and let me photograph them by a cool mirrored fence I passed while driving to their house. Jeff and Graham rode on the bike and Bucky the dog came along too. 

My new favorite family photo. Thanks guys! 

Cory - 2010 Senior Rep

I am thrilled to introduce to you the lovely, delightful and gorgeous Cory. She is one of Sing Photography's senior reps for 2010. As a photographer, I am just smitten over Cory because of her fun personality and stunning presence. Besides being crazy over her awesome self, I just love her personally too. She is older sis to one of Jack's best buds and babysits my boys often. They totally light up when I tell them Cory is coming over and I don't have to tell you how priceless that is. So.....Cory and I had such a great time driving around, shooting, changing clothes and yapping the other day. I don't think there is a bad shot in the batch. I'll quit blabbing here and get to the photos. Seniors and parents of seniors give me a call or send an email if you would like to get shot Sing Photography style for your senior portraits. 

Very first shot of the day. Nailed it. Boom. Boom. Pow.

I heart this shot below....

Love these below too. Cory is such a talented artist....

Baby Alexa

I was invited to the Mader home recently to meet Dave and Becca's precious new bundle.......the magnificent Alexa Brooks. And let me tell ya......Alexa is one blessed baby. The minute I walked into the door, I was struck by how loving, relaxed and truly happy this family is. I love how their session turned out. How Dave and Becca are just soaking up this sweet time getting to know their new daughter. Here are a few photos from their shoot. Thank you again Mader family! See you soon.......

Becca is an awesome interior designer. I just love all the detail in Alexa's room.....

Once Miss Alexa was asleep, I got the gorgeous Becca and Dave together for a minute of alone time.....

Butterflies......

We spent a couple of days during Spring Break at Callaway Gardens. Perfect little overnight trip. The butterfly garden was a huge hit especially with a certain 3 year old. We even had to make a second visit before we headed home.

The Jordans

Ahhh! The Jordan family! What to say about these guys? Seems I'm on a roll with photographing close friends with the last couple of sessions. Must be the weather! This is such a busy time of year, and one of my favorites to photograph in! I love the lighting and am all about the green grass lately. So, I've mentioned here before how honored I am to photograph my friend's families. Because they do have their choice in photographers. Anywho, had a blast hanging out with Steph, Mark, Brody and Tatum a couple of weeks ago. I love these people to bits. Steph saves my butt at least once a week, I don't know what I would do without her. The only thing I can't stand are the geographical issues we have. They are in Duluth. Us Marietta. Could be a good thing though. Steph and I would surely be in trouble if we were any closer. We talk often though about building a Jordan/Hunsinger compound and having kids just running in and out of houses, raiding refrigerators and all kinds of fun. And Mark is the perfect partner in crime for buying all things Mac. He would be very good about telling me, "yes, Amy, you really do need that." Ok, so on with the session. We hung out in downtown Duluth for these and I love how their shoot turned out. Enjoy..........

First up. The whole fam damily......

Brody is the sweetest boy ever....

You guys met Tatum a few posts ago after she had some 18 month photos taken. I could eat this child.....

Tatum on the run.....

Brody is strong.....

Below. Yum.

And we'll finish it off with some Jordan stew for ya.....

My Crib.....

This is a wall in the boy's room that we put together a few weeks ago. I took this idea from a Pottery Barn catalog from last summer. I love how it turned out, and so do they. I love that it is a perfect way display lots of photos of them that I love. And I can rotate them out as new favorites come along. It was hard choosing which photos to use because I have so many favorites of them. So to make it easy on me, I decided to keep it current. These are 16x20's and 12x18's. Thanks for stopping by!!!! 

Diggin'......

More from this shoot that I am a bit behind on editing later. But, diggin' the love in these 2 portraits....

 

Carly & Emily

Photographing Miss Carly & Emily has me wondering how the time is flying by so fast. These 2 beautiful girlies are my nieces and I see them often. But, sitting down to edit their photos is really stopping time for a bit. I sound like the old relative at a family reunion saying,"they're getting sooooo big!!!!" Their mama and I used to crack up laughing and mock the relatives that would say that line at the family reunions. We don't do things like that at all anymore. We are way mature now. Right Jenny? 

So, Carly, Emily and my camera hung out for a bit a few weekends ago. I adore these photos as much as I adore these 2. For the photographer readers, we used some scrumptious warm late afternoon backlighting with a muslin reflector.

Carly Bear...

Scrappy Emily.....