Sing Photography Untucked

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

Autism Awareness Day.......

Today, April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. Recently, my close and long time friend Tina and her family were told their almost 3 year old little boy, Nate, has autism. Tina's grace, spunk, sense

of humor and love for her family since the diagnosis has not waned a bit since then. Tina's courage struck a chord as my youngest sister, Lindsey, was diagnosed at a time when we didn't know as much about the condition.  Every year advances are made in autism diagnosis and treatment, helping not only the children but also their families. One organization that I believe in which makes positive strides is Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Tina asked if Sing Photography and my family would support them in  Autism Speaks - Walk Now For Autism , without hesitation, I said YES! The event is at Atlantic Station on May 3rd, we all will be part of Nate's Warriors - our team of over 30 walkers. 

Read on below for your own opportunity to give to a great cause and get something cool in return......

Book your photography session between now and May 3rd and $100.00 will be donated in your name to our Nate's Warriors Autism Speaks Team. Also, sessions booked by May 3rd will be gifted by yours truly.... a 10x20 storyboard from your shoot. ($225.00 value). To get in on the donating love, your session should be purchased by the May 3rd walk deadline. Email amy@singphotography.com to get booked! These special sessions have until 7/1/09 to be done. Feel free to forward this post on to anyone you feel would be interested!

And here is a photo from a recent session I had with Nate and family. I'll be blogging more soon. Love this shot of Tina attacking Nate with some tickling. This pretty much sums up their silly and funny selves....

 

Tour of Homes/Product Peek.....

I can't tell you how excited I get when I go back to visit my clients for repeat sessions and I get to see what we have going on on their walls. I love the design end of my business just as much as the photographing. My goal is for my clients to come away with artwork for their home. Family photography is way more cool and hip than a random print any day! I love to help plan the walls as well as make storyboards and albums to make the most of our session. This is one of the many services that make a Sing Photography session so valuable. And... it is all part of the experience. It's such a thrill for me to get to hang out and talk with my clients after the session in this way. Being able to hear what they got out of their family photography shoot and to compare notes with what I came away with is such a gift. 

These photos posted here are from one of my super stylish client's homes. They went with two 24x36 gallery stretched canvases for their boy's playroom. These canvas wraps have been the number 1 seller around here lately. They are perfect for any style decor, have a stunning natural photo wrap around all four sides and are completely ready to hang the moment they arrive. No having to wait to get around to framing. Sa-weet!

And, below, we have started an upstairs family photography gallery in the same client's hallway. Very fun, eclectic and such a conversation starter. I tell my clients when we are starting these that space is your friend. It is ok to have some empty space because we have growing or new children, new interests, styles, etc and we want to leave space to add on as our life changes. I love this look and am starting it in my own home. Of course, I'll share photos here! Happy decorating everyone!

Souvenir T-shirts (Looong Post!)

Can I get a what-what??!!! I am so excited! I went to see the lovely Kendra   a few hours ago to check out what has been going on in that talented brain of hers in regards to the Sing Photography website. We had a meeting today for me to see what she has come up with based on all the work we have done thus far with the Sing Photography brand. Ok, Whole Brain, they are technically the designers, geniuses and brand people, but I have had to do a ton of soul searching, as well as serious and deep homework throughout this process. (And I should totally mention that a couple of extra special clients who I now call friends put in some work as well. Love ya!) It has pushed me and made me uncomfortable, but I have had such an immense trust and admiration for Kendra and Jeff that I plugged through. I have felt scared, raw and fearful at times, and renewed, inspired and energized at others. All of this has caused me to think deeply about what I am doing and the time I spend away from my family. No, this has not been just about getting a new logo. This is my love. My third baby. A part of who I am. Putting myself out there in that way is so hard. I can begin to think, if I don't succeed, was I not good enough? And really, don't we all struggle with that kind of inner talk from time to time, so I'm not really special in that area. Besides, I am succeeding, I am doing what I love to do with a passion. So, the succeeding part is taken care of. That doesn't mean I'll be sitting back now, that's just not me. My head will always be full of ideas and thoughts with a little nuttiness thrown in. I may stumble, make mistakes, but those are part of the plan as well. 

 

Anyway, the website...... it is so perfect! I spoke with Kendra on the phone about it Monday. I let her know that I was really starting to be nervous. It was really a scary nervous. Like, I want my mama. Like, I want to run and hide. It was keeping me up at night and I didn't know if I could go through with it. (Kendra didn't know all of that, but the way she spoke, you would have thought she did.) She just listened, spoke and understood where I was coming from as a creative person. So, because I trust her so much, I showed up to the meeting today. And oh my heck! When she opened her laptop and the screen popped up with her ideas, I about fell over from excitement!  I was nervous due to all of the above reasons I mentioned. This work that we are putting out is all me. (Thanks to them!) Words can't express how I felt once I knew everything is going to be not only ok, but it's going to rock! Like i had climbed over something and I didn't even know it was something I needed to do. Thank you so much Kendra and Jeff for your amazing patience, creativity, talent, baby-sitting, hand holding skillz.

Now, I am so thrilled about everything that is taking place. And so thankful to my clients, friends, family and blog readers that I want to spread some love! In the form of a t-shirt! For a Xmas gift this year, Kendra and Jeff gave me an awesome Sing Photography branded t-shirt. They make me so happy, I want you to have one too. If ya want one.... email, call, leave in the comments, post on my wall on Facebook, whatever by Monday 1/12 at 10 am. and one is headed your way. Along with a couple of my fun new cards and an added surprise gift from me. There is one catch, when we get together this year, whether it is for a shoot, playdate, cup of coffee, whatever.... I'm totally taking your photograph wearing my shirt! So, send me your address as well as the size you want and one is headed your way with lots of love from me! Peace, Amy

ETA: Pardon the pic of me. I went for a run after the meeting this morning and just thought I'd keep it real and not get all purdied up for a web cam shot. But, can I just tell you how many times I took the picture to get the right one? A zillion. Either I was ok with the pic of me, but I wasn't holding the shirt right. Or I looked atrocious and the shirt was fine. Or both. Or neither. Anyway, this is what you get. :)

Newborns.....

The above storyboard is a piece I just created from sweet little Chandler's newborn session. This piece comes with the newborn shoot of the Baby's FIrst Year plan here at Sing Photography. It is a 30x30 piece and each square is an impressive 5x5 photograph. It is an amazing way to showcase all the tiny parts and features of your newborn! 

Newborns are best photographed within their first 10 days of life. While they are still sleepy little burritos and before baby acne or colic flares up. During pregnancy is the best time to get on the schedule for newborn portraits. We can tentatively have you on the books and finalize the appointment once your little one arrives. I have opened up my schedule for 2009 and have some availability for December newborns. Also, if you have a friend or loved one who is expecting, a Sing Photography gift certificate is truly an unforgettable gift! Contact me at amy@singphotography.com or 678-230-3785 with any questions! 

Shoot Day is Here!

I'll be at the Coffee Park today for a much anticipated day of shoots! I am so thrilled to meet all the new faces who are signed up for the fun. Ashley will be there to greet and assist everyone with their orders. I know it is going to be a great time getting to see many of our products up close and in person. I'll be around back outside playing and hanging out with my new friends. I have energy bars and water ready to go! Have a great Wednesday!

Shootin' at the Coffee Park.....

I am sooooo excited for this! Be sure to stop by the Coffee Park early next week to take a look at photos from the type of session I will be offering there. I'll be blogging a few shots too! I got to hang out with Kate and Roy's (the coffee park owners) 3 boys the other day. They were my models for the promo photos and prints. And man is this day going to be fun! The collage here is some of what we did the other day. These will be fun, cool, quick and still custom. If you've always wanted a Sing Photography session for your kiddos, now is the time. I am looking forward to meeting lots of new faces.

Details to follow really soon in my newsletter (so be sure to email me to get on that list if you aren't) and info sheets will be out at the Coffee Park by Monday of next week. Here is a bit of scoop though........ shoots are for 1-3 children, with 20 minute time slots for each session. There are 3 packages to choose from as well as killer ala carte deals on items such as gallery wrapped canvases. Also featured will be specials on future photo sessions with Sing Photography. If you have questions, or want to be sure to grab your shoot spot before it's gone, give me a call at 678-230-3785. or email amy@singphotography.com

Photo Switcheroo At The Coffee Park.....

I freshened up my photos at The Coffee Park! They are all fun and summery. Be sure to stay tuned for some exciting news that The Coffee Park and Sing Photography are working on for you! I'll be dropping the scoop here within a few days. Also......if you'd like to always be in the know about special promotions, photography ideas and other fun, email me at amy@singphotography.com to receive the Sing Photography newsletter. Put newsletter in the subject line and you are good to go!

Here Comes The Bride......

Yep! You read correctly. Sing Photography is open for weddings. I have been turning away weddings for a while now. Not sure why. The importance of the day, the one chance aspect of the photos, etc, has never scared me. I've just been sending inquires on to some of my favorite wedding photographers all this time. It became a habit. But, I've noticed with the last few brides that I have turned away, that I was pretty itchy to say YES! A wedding combines everything I love and am passionate about with photography. Emotion, real life, fashion and more all rolled into one package.

Enter Emily. Writer extrodanaire. (I write how I talk and just cringe at the thought of her reading my writing. Therunonsentences. The, over, use, of, commas. And! Exclamation points!) We have worked together on a couple of shoots and totally hit it off. I tried to send her on to my choice wedding photographers and she still came back here. heehee. Perfect timing! So......you will be seeing lots of Emily and her man Shane around here. I am simply thrilled to have them as Sing Photography's first wedding couple. Emily is such a class act and fun girlie! I am honored to be in charge of the memories from her big day. I do not take it lightly. But it will be a blast!

Emily and I got a chance to spend a part of the day together the other day. We had such a great time! With photography, we see things so much alike. We spent the day talking wedding and non wedding schtuff, and visiting the church and reception sites. We get together next for she and Shane's engagement photos. Can't wait!

So.......I guess this is what they call a soft opening in the business world. I'll eventually put out a wedding site, but for now, you loyal blog readers are the first to know. I'll just be keeping it at the blog. Kind of a mom and pop feel before we go and turn all slick and polished.

This was way long winded. That's what I get for taking blogging time off. If you made it this far, bless your heart! Enjoy some pics of the gorgeous Emily and our day of hanging out..........

The Church.....

The stunning and stylish Emily....

The reception is at The Abbey. (The name is now something else.) Romantic and gorgeous location. I love these old chandeliers that hang in one of the reception rooms where the bar will be.
Ok! Don't mean to shock here. But we saw this wall of posters and were just drawn to it. Really. I would have regretted not doing something here. I had no idea this movie was even out.

The bling....
My favorite from the day. Miss Emily looking sweet in a stairwell at the reception site. Won't she be an amazing bride?

Guess What?

I was so honored recently when a wonderful Atlanta area preschool asked me if Sing Photography could take the portraits of their preschool children! Honored because their awesome director "gets" what we do here, and thinks we'd be a good match to capture sweet, real, authentic, and stylish portraits of the school's little ones! I am just so excited!!!! I really really love the preschool age and take away so much from them. I got to hang out the other day with 2 of the kiddos at the school for a trial run. They are absolutely precious and I am so looking forward to spending my time with the rest of the kids.

I just love how these turned out! Such hip and fun and natural shots!!! Sing Photography has room to "take on" a few more preschools. If you think we'd be right for ya, give us a shout. amy@singphotography.com. So, here are a few from the other day. We are excited to be able to offer a storyboard as well. Take a peak....
Love this storyboard......
These 2 are best buds, and I just couldn't resist capturing their friendship. So sweet!