Portraits with Santa

Photo Friday! Getting a natural smile

We have all seen them....those grimaces that are supposed to be "smiles" when we tell them to say, "cheese".  They are horrible, right?  There is just nothing worse than a fake smile.  So how do you get them to give you a natural smile? 
First of all, don't make them say, "Cheese".  Ever.  When a family comes into the studio and tell me they have been practicing the child's smile I know I am in for a battle.   They will smile at their little darling and say, "Show Miss Amy how we  have been practicing!  Say Cheese!" and immediately their ray of sunshine will turn to me with this awful expression which is as akin to a smile as cabbage is to cupcakes.   UGH!  Don't practice with them!  Then smiling becomes a chore, something they have to do instead of just what comes natural.  If you want them to smile tell them to say "stinky underwear" or something they will think is funny.  I can tell you from experience that bathroom humor is almost always a hit.  Some ages you can ask if they have a girlfriend but you must be careful with this one.  A woman asked my eleven year old that recently and he was mortified!  He was so embarrassed and talked about it for days.  I can guarantee you she did not coax a smile out of him with that question. 
Distract them from the photo.  Just talk to them.  Ask about what they like.  If a child is crazy about Thomas the Train and you start talking about Thomas you are almost certain to get a smile out of them.  It also helps if they think  you are crazy. 
Well, I need to get going!  I have my Halloween Shoot tomorrow!  Hope I get some smiles!

amy

Free Halloween Shoot! No tricks! All treats!

One week from today is our annual Free Halloween Shoot!!   Bring your costumed cuties to the studio between 10-5 and receive one free 4x6 per family!!  If you bring canned goods to donate to the Wilson County Community Help Center then you will receive TWO free 4x6's. 

And YES, these are absolutely free.  While you are free to purchase additional photos it is certainly not required.  I have had several people call me to find out "the catch".  No tricks here at Amy Rich Photography Studio.  This is just a service I provide to the community as a form of giving back.  We would love to have canned good donations for the Help Center but you get a free photo regardless!

We are going to have so much fun and I hope to see all of you here!  Be sure and share this with family and friends as the more the merrier!

Be sure and "like" me on Facebook so you don't miss out on any future specials!!

Hayley

Once again I must tell you that I love my job.  I get to meet the best people including this young lady, Hayley.  She is a beautiful girl with a sweet soul.  We had a lot of fun running around and grabbing these captures.  I hope you enjoy them!
Don't forget to "like" me on Facebook and you can view a few others!  You can view them at https://www.facebook.com/amyrichphotography .

Photo Friday #4 Vacation Photos at Disney World

This post was supposed to post last week but did not for some unknown reason!  So here it is...

Hi Everyone!  Welcome back to Photo Friday!   I thought since I am currently in Disney World that I would do a quick post about vacation photos. 
So, what makes a good vacation photo?  I think the best photos are the ones that tell a story.  Yes, you need a photo of your child hugging Mickey Mouse but also get a close up of the two of them holding hands.  That sweet chubby dimpled hand enveloped in that large hand of Mickey can have quite an impact. 
Be ready with your camera to shoot those moments of wonder.  If you know Mickey is coming around the corner, already have your camera focused on your child's face so you do not miss that look of joy when she spots him.  Please don't wait until after Mickey is already hugging your child because then you have missed the beginning of the story. 
Shoot the good stuff but don't forget the bad.  Photograph those long lines and if your child has a meltdown (and I think everyone at Disney World does at some point or another, including myself!), please shoot it!  These photos help tell the complete story.  While Disney World is the "Happiest Place on Earth" it is sometimes fun to remember the not so happy moments too. 
Try and avoid the tons of boring photos that nobody wants to look at....for instance, you may want one photo of the castle but do you really need fifteen of them?  Better yet, be sure and pose your family in front of the castle so that you have the story of not Disney World but your family at Disney World.  We have a photo taken of my family in front of the castle when I was about five.  Every time we go back we try and take another photo in about the same place.  It is fun to watch us change over the years.
Most important - make sure you have plenty of memory and batteries.  Believe me you do not want to have to purchase either in the park itself so be sure and BYO. 
Have a great time and Happy Shooting!!
amy

Photo Friday #3 Rule of Thirds in Landscapes

Hi!  Welcome back to Photo Friday where I give you hints and tips to help you improve your own photography!  Last week I explained about the Rule of Thirds.  If you missed that one just scroll down and catch up!  I hope you have been paying attention to the TV and magazine ads and recognizing this rule played out over and over.  Although last week we discussed the rule in portraiture it also stands true in landscape photography.  The Rule of Thirds in landscape mainly says NEVER (or almost never) have your horizon cut across the middle of the photograph.  It should either be at the top or the bottom lines of the grid. 
Here is a photo I took at the beach.

Note how the horizon is located at the top third of the photo...

Note also that the girls are placed in the bottom left corner still in keeping with the rule of thirds.

So how do you choose where on the grid to place your horizon?  Do you place it at the top line or the bottom line?  Well, it depends on your photo.  Where is the most interest?  Above I placed the line at the top because I wanted the girls on the bottom of the photo.  If you have a beach scene showing an incredible sunset than you would probably place the horizon at the bottom line so that you have more sky.  In the photo below I thought the girl's footprints in the sand was more interesting then the sky so I placed the horizon at the top line.

In this next photo the leaf is placed at the bottom line because the area of interest is the spiderweb above.

Another useful horizon tip is do not let the horizon cut through your subject's head as in the photo below.

This can be very distracting!  Instead move the subject or get yourself on another level so that the horizon falls below or above. 

I hope these hints make sense to you.  I am trying to write this while my eleven year old is beside me telling me how hungry/bored/tired (you can interject just about anything here) that he is so I am feeling even more scattered than usual!  LOL!! 
Be sure and "Like" me on Facebook so that you can get special offers and even more information. 
Happy Shooting!!
amy

Photo Shoot with Asante' Salon and Day Spa

I had a great shoot with Jennie Hoffman, Kim Bush and the other amazing ladies from Asante' Salon and Day Spa.  It is always fun to do this kind of shoot.  It causes me to stretch myself beyond my norm of shooting families and babies and I get to meet alot of really nice people.  I am not going to lie....having Asante' doing hair and make up makes my job easy peasy!! 
Thanks to Asante', our lovely models and my partner in crimes....er, I mean weddings...Duane Chambers who all contributed to making this shoot a success! 
I am including some of my favorite photos from the shoot. 
Go by Asante' and check out other photos on their wall. 
Be sure and "like" me on Facebook and see even more of the photos!

Photo Friday - Tips for your Photography #2

Hey All!
Welcome back to Photo Fridays where I give you little tips to help improve your own photography.  Today I am going to talk to you about the compositional Rule of Thirds. 
Look at the grid below:

Lay this over your photograph.  See the points where the lines intersect?  These are positions where you want your main point of interest.   Look at the photo below and notice how her eyes are right at an intersection of lines. 

Also notice that her head is aligned with one of the lines.  We all read from left to right so your eyes will just naturally flow from the edge of the photo and stop right at her face.  Notice the same photo centered in the middle of the grid.  It just doesn't have the same flow to it, does it?  There is nowhere for your eye to go.  It just stops dead in the center. 

Here are a few other examples.  Note how the eyes are always at a point of intersection.

Note that her body and the flowers are all placed along one of the lines from the Thirds.

Here you can see the bride's body and the wall are both on the grid lines.  Also note here the curve of her body mimics the tree behind her. 

Here is another example:

Another example:

See how much stronger the composition is in the photo on the right? 

I hope this has helped you understand the rule of thirds.  I will be talking about this more in future Photo Fridays.  In the meantime look for this rule.  You will see it everywhere.  You will see it in print ads and on TV.  When you watch Dateline or something similar, watch where they place the person talking.  It is very rarely in the center of your TV. 
So go out and try shooting some photos with this rule in mind and see if your photos become more interesting. 
amy

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The Winner Was.....

Here are some photos from the shoot I did for the Mother's Day Contest Winner!   The judges chose her story because it touched their hearts.  They also loved that the entry was hand written. 
This family won a $500 gift certificate from my studio as well as a lot of great prizes!   Be sure and enter your mom next year!

Photo Fridays

Hey Guys!
I am starting something new called "Photo Fridays" here on the blog.  Each Friday I am going to give you a photography tip or hint to help you be able to take better photographs!  So be sure and follow my blog so that you don't miss out on anything.
My first tip is very basic.  It is this:
GET CLOSER!
How many times have you taken a photo and you can't even determine what the subject is supposed to be?  You see a car and a store and a bus and a dog and...wait a minute....what  is that?  Is that your son right there?  LOL....do you get where I am going with this? 
Get closer.  What is the story?  Is the bus part of your story?  If it is your son's first day of kindergarten, then by all means include the bus.  Otherwise get it out of your picture!   Are you taking a photo of a baby?  Don't include the TV, your couch and the toy chest.  Focus in on that sweet baby's face.  Get in really close and just get those eyelashes.  Almost every Mom that comes through my studio will usually end up with a photo of their baby's eyelashes.  And guess what?  It almost always sells!  Why?  Because it is sweet, it is detailed and you don't have to have a big cheesy grin in every photo in order to tell your story.  Sometimes the eyelashes are the story.  Don't confuse the viewer.

Close

Closer

There are those eyelashes!

Look at that window!  Look at that cage!

Wow!  Look at at that girl!

So get out there and get closer and see if that changes anything in your photos.  Remember to focus on the story.  What are you trying to say?  Remove every other element that is not contributing to your story.

So that is it for now!  I would love to see some samples of what you do with this hint.  Show me some befores and afters.  You can email them to me at arphotography@comcast.net.

Repost from 9/11, 2008

I watched the coverage this morning and remembered seven years ago when the world changed. My friend woke me up and told me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center and we were on the phone watching that when the other plane hit. As the events unfolded throughout the day I remember how shocked and grief stricken I was. How could this be happening here? I remember how the skies were so silent because all of the planes were grounded. We live close to two airports so we see planes all of the time. You just kind of take them for granted but now there was nothing, no sounds and no jet trails. Occasionally you would see fighter jets fly by in formation and that would scare you even more and you would rush back into the house to see if something else had happened.

Two weeks after 9-11 we flew to New York. The airports had heavy security and we were apprehensive but determined not to let fear control our lives. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that we took that trip. I remember hearing the term, "hallowed ground" and knowing what it meant but not really thinking about it that much. I totally understood when we went down to the site. You could not get very close. There were fences blocking off the whole area. You could see the wreckage though and occasionally when the wind would blow your way you could smell the smell that I hope is unique only to this place for it was horrible. There were thousands of people standing there. Just looking. No one was talking. Most were crying. Thousands of people breathing in air filled with the dust of the buildings and the dead. Thousands of people and you could have heard a pin drop.

I did not take a single photo of the site. Somehow it just didn't seem right. It seemed invasive and intrusive. Instead I just stood there with my fellow Americans and grieved for our innocence, lost that day amongst so much rubble and so many dead.

We could see the huge trucks rumbling through the streets laden with their cargo of huge beams twisted beyond recognition. We stood and cheered when the firefighters or policemen would walk by. We looked at all of the memorials and read all of the flyers that were placed everywhere begging, hoping, desperate to find their loved ones.

It was the most moving experience of my life.


I just wanted to share with you my recollections of that horrible day. Never forget.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

amy

PS... The flyer reads:

"My name is Marc and my friend Joey worked on the 105th floor of No. 1 World Trade Center. After September 11, I put his "missing" flyer all over the streets of this changed city, choosing my spots as if I were painting graffiti, looking for the best light, the easiest places to see my friend's face.

At 26th Street and Lex, next to the Armory, strangers were nice to me, saying: "Hope you find your friend." I just thanked them and kept looking for more places where Joey's smile would catch people's eyes. It felt good to be doing something, not just sitting and mourning.

Joey and I met when we were five. His mother watched us every day after school before my parents came home from work. We went to school together for 11 years, and all those years I watched him. He was the coolest guy. I felt like the dorky kid he took under his wing. He showed me a lot of things, how to look cool, how to talk to girls. His father, a Vietnam vet and a retired FDNY fire fighter, helped me learn how to ride a bike. That was the first thing his dad asked me when we hugged each other, "Can you still ride a bike, Marc?"



Joey leaves behind his beloved family, girlfriend, and friends like me, lots of us. He will never know how many lives he touched. I have cried so much that I have become empty inside. My childhood hero has been stolen from me, and I will miss him forever."

The Power of a Photograph

As I have sat here all morning watching the coverage of 9/11, I am blown away by the power of photographs. I see the crowd of the families holding up the treasured photos of the lost and I wonder about the moment the photo was taken. What were they doing? Was it a birthday party? A formal posed photo? The photos of the lost fascinate me much as the photos of the buildings destruction saddens me. One shows a terrible loss and the other shows a much loved life and the fact that they are entwined and intermingled in the tragedy of that day ten years ago speaks to me in a way I am having trouble conveying and even comprehending.

I think of the instant those photos were made. No one knowing that these people would be gone way too soon. Fathers, mothers, children and friends smilimg out at their families and now the entire world. Moments frozen in time becoming timeless

When I was in New York two weeks after 9/11 we saw all of the missing posters. Faces plastered on every surface of walls and utility poles. All of those images that were once just photos stuck in an album now pleas of help. "Here he is. He is lost. I love him. Help me find him".
Those beloved pictures became something else entirely and watching the coverage today I realize they have now become something else once again. Previously a memory of a moment, a single instance caught on film, they then became a tool, something used to help recover that person. The images are now not a memory of a moment but of an entire life. Seeing the families grasping these precious symbols in their grieving hands I look at the faces of the lost and I can hear them speaking to me. "I was here. I was important. I was loved. Do not forget". And I bow my head and make them a solemn promise, "Never. I will never forget".

It does mean alot....

Thursday was a good day for me.  My soon to be twenty year old son graduated with his GED.  I cannot tell you how extremely proud I was of him.  I am even happier that he was so proud of himself.
Some people say it is just a piece of paper, that it doesn't really mean anything but I could not disagree more.  Sure some people have excelled without a diploma but to me it is not about future success as much as it is about other things. 
When you receive your diploma it means that you have finished a goal.  It is a testament that you spent twelve years working hard on something and you completed it successfully.  A diploma shows tenacity and character.  It shows you have "get - up -and - go".  It is an ending and a beautiful beginning all at the same time. 
Alex has always struggled in school and I knew that going back for his diploma would be difficult for him on many levels.  Sometimes I wondered if he ever would achieve my goal for him.  Then something changed in Alex.  Finally graduating became HIS goal and that made all the difference.  Alex fought through his fears and insecurities and my baby walked that line proudly on June 9, 2011. 
As he walked that line he transformed.  His step was a little quicker, his head held a little higher.  

Ahhhhh....life is good and some things are worth the wait.  Sometimes we have to go back to move forward.   I eagerly anticipate the beginning of my child's adult life, a life not born of my body but one he created for himself. 

My baby turns 18...

Eighteen years and one day ago I brought into the world my little Blakey Boo Boo Boo.   He was born with a head full of curls, the most perfect eyebrows and a smile as bright as the sun.   He was the most soft hearted child you can imagine.  I remember once when we were at a recital and all four of my sons had balloons.  Nicholas' balloon popped and Blake let him have his even though I knew how much he wanted that balloon.  He loved Nicholas so much and would walk around telling everyone that he had a baby and his baby had blue eyes.  Every time he saw another child he would whisper to me that "our baby is cuter".

Blakey saw a Christmas Ornament when he was three.  It was all glass and he thought it was beautiful.  I remember it was a lot of money but I bought it for him because he loved it so.  We dropped it on the way out of the store and it shattered into a million pieces.  Blake was heart broken.  It always tore me apart when he would cry because he would have these huge perfect tears rolling down his face.  Needless to say I bought him another and he spent the entire Christmas admiring the way it would sparkle on the tree. 
Blake would always bring me something home from school.  It may be a pretty string he found on the playground or something shiny he found in the hall but he managed to find me a present every day. 
Today his smile is somewhat shyer and although I know he is still so very soft hearted he tries to hide it behind a shell of indifference.  He keeps his curls cut very short and hides out in his room an awful lot but he is still my sweet angel, Blakey Boo Boo Boo.
Today I celebrate his birth and I celebrate his life.   Happy Birthday my Blake!  I love you with all my heart!

It takes a village...

Yesterday was a great day!  My wedding partner, Duane Chambers and I went to Cheekwood to do a bridal/model shoot.  Happily we were not alone! Accompanying us was Erin Brown.  You may know her as the stylist from Wilson Living Magazine and The Wilson Post.  I know her as a extremely talented and motivated celebrity stylist who went to great lengths to ensure we not only had the perfect dresses but the right accessories as well.  She thought of everything and I cannot tell you how nice it was to know it was all in her very capable hands.  Normally Erin is styling A- list clients for music videos and events but she is expanding her work to accommodate everyday people like us!  (Call her and get yourself a fresh look for the season.  Her number is 615-519-0379)  She was accompanied by recent MTSU graduate, Donielle Fitzgerald.  Thank you Donielle!  You were a huge help to all of us!

Speaking of styles, our thanks also go out to The White Room  and Brides on a Budget who provided us with these rocking gowns.  Be sure and shop there for your next event! 

What is a bridal shoot without someone to do hair and make up?   We didn't want to know so we took with us the girls from Asante' Salon and Day Spa .  Jennie and Kim did a great job making sure our model looked her best at all times!  They were so good at finding the perfect hair and make up style for each dress. 

It is great to have hair, make up and beautiful gowns but if you don't have the right model it doesn't do much good.  WE LOVE YOU SCARLETT JAMES!!  You are not only beautiful (we like that) but you know how to move ( we love that).  I love that you instinctively know what we were wanting out of you.  We can not wait to work with you again!

Last but not least, thanks to Caleb and Jason for lugging equipment, moving lights, offering advice and being right there ready to do whatever was needed. 
Duane and I hope to work with all of you again very soon!
amy

AND THE WINNER IS.......

Debbie Plemons!!!  Congratulations Debbie!  Our judges have selected you as Wilson County's Most Wonderful Mom!  You will receive the following:
$500 gift certificate from Amy Rich Photography
A wonderfully cool (I am so going to buy one of these) Photo Ink Stamps from The Paper Mill.  The gals at the Paper Mill are always looking for stylish, fun and unique ways for you to express your own style. A fabulous party invite. A simple note of thanks. THE perfect gift. Next time you're passing through our terrific Town Square, swing on by and see what's new. Coffee's usually brewing and the conversation is always colorful!   Let me just tell you I LOVE this place and I shop there all of the time!  I bought my Vera Bradley purse there and get compliments on it everywhere I go.  Be sure and sign up for their mailing list so you will know about all of the specials!
A gift package from The Roxy movie theatre including tickets to one of their state of the art movies!  What is a movie without hot fresh popcorn?  You have won that too!  The Roxy is my favorite theatre!  I love that it is clean but best of all I love that it is reasonably priced.  I can take all of my bratlings there without taking out a loan!    Be sure and tell Anita that Amy sent you!
A $50 gift certificate towards any service provided by Jennie at Asante' Salon and Spa.  Asante', now under new ownership and located next to Maggie Moo's and across from Demo's is a top rated salon and Jennie is a master hair artist so you can't go wrong with anything you choose to go for here!  I was honored to photograph their grand opening and was so impressed by their salon and things they offer.  Spend a day here and get a facial, spray tan, manicure, hair style, massage...whew!  I am ready!!
$50's in gift certificated to Demo's.  After getting beautified at Asante', head over to Demo's for a great meal!  We ate there Friday night and I have to say that I am always amazed at the high quality of food and the reasonable prices.  Seriously, I don't know how they stay in business!  Must be because of the thousands of people who eat there and praise their name!  I love this place!!
A beautiful pair of earrings from Dana Chapman who is a vendor for Lia Sophia Jewelry Line.  Not only is this jewelry line fun, fashionable and beautiful it carries a lifetime replacement guarantee!  If you love jewelry (and who doesn't) you need to go and check out her website!  Want to earn some free jewelry?  I am sure she would love for you to host a party!
A fun magnetic frame from Hermitage Embroidery in Hermitage, TN.  These three dimensional magnets and frames by Designs by You are the hottest things going right now!  Perfect gifts for graduations, birthdays and especially teenage girls!  I bought every teen girl on my list one of these last Christmas and they all LOVED them!  Call Judy at 957-1628 or better yet drop in and see the huge variety! 
A Signature Facial and Spa Manicure from The Beauty Boutique.  The Beauty Boutique operates with the motto, “Being you is beautiful.” They know that a great many women in the Nashville area have to travel from Lebanon and other surrounding areas in order to get products and services, and in today’s busy world, finding the time to commute can be a major problem. Their store location keeps your busy time and schedule in mind. Your beauty is their business, and to that end, our total attention and respect is at your disposal.
I know these Misty and her business and I love them both!  You will not be disappointed!!  Drop in and you just may find me there!
A $25 gift certificate to Heylee B's clothing located within Beauty Boutique!  I don't know how many of you follow me on facebook but if you do then you know that I mad the mistake of taking my daughter in there and came out much poorer!  Great boutique clothing at not -so boutique prices!  I have heard from a little mouse that the women of Wilson Living Magazine shop there also!  I must warn you though....you will love everything that she offers!

Congratulations again to Debbie Plemmons! 

While all cannot win the grand prize, there are no losers at Amy Rich Photography.  After the winner was chosen I read through the entries and I was touched by all of them.  I am giving every entry a $75 print credit to my studio. 

To all of the wonderful moms out there, a very Happy Mother's Day!
amy

[ I apologize that this did not post yesterday.  I scheduled it to post at noon yesterday but somehow screwed it up.  My apologies!]

Wilson County's Most Wonderful Mom Contest

Are you Wilson County's Most Wonderful Mom or do you know who she is?


Amy Rich Photography is searching high and low for the best mom in Wilson County and plans to reward her with many gifts including a $500 portrait package.

You can see our continually growing list of prizes here, my blog or on our Event Page on Facebook.

You can nominate yourself, your mom or any mom you know. Send a letter stating why this person deserves to win the title. Include a cover letter that has name, address and phone number of you and the nominee. Email to arphotography@comcast.net or mail to: Amy Rich Photography, 706 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37090.

Entries must be received by Wednesday, May 4th. The winner will be announced on Mother's Day on the blog found at www.AmyRichPhotography.com.

A panel of judges will select the winner. Good luck!

For more information contact the studio at 615-335-5529.

Cassie and Andrew

Here is the slideshow from the wedding of Cassie and Andrew.  It was a beautiful wedding!

Why I love my job....Reason #225

Okay, I know you are all sick of hearing this but.....I LOVE my job!  The reasons are countless but let me give you one more of them.

As most of you know, I am part of a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep or NILMDTS for short.  NILMDTS is a non-profit organization of photographers that provide portraits for families experiencing the loss of a baby.  We go to the hospitals, do a professional portrait session and give them the fully edited disk at no charge.  (Look them up at http://www.nilmdts.org/ and make a donation!)  Through this organization I have met many families dealing with the worst nightmare a parent can face, the loss of a child.  They have not only lost their baby but all the hopes, dreams and expectations that you begin building the second you learn you are pregnant.  They are hurting and they are lost.  I meet them briefly, try to give them a small window of light through photographing their precious love and then I go back to my life and they are left in the wreckage of theirs.  I think about them all of the time, especially on the yearly anniversaries but I usually do not hear from them again aside of a thank you card.  Like ships passing through the night I meet these strangers, spend a small anguished moment with them at one of the most crushing moments of their life and then that is it.  As I sit here typing these memories keep flooding in of moments I have spent with these families.  I have been there when their babies drew their last breath and the doctor pronounced the time of death, I have stood humbled watching as these new mommys dress their babies for the first and the only time.  I have cried with them and I have never forgotten them.

Last HalloweenI received the call about the NILMDTS shoot.  I grabbed my camera and my helper, Heather, and headed out.  The baby's name was Kaylee, a beautiful baby girl and the second child lost to these parents.  I spent some time photographing the adorable love they had for this baby.  When I left I did not expect to hear from them again.
This past week I received an email from them.  After another baby lost in March, God blessed them with a beautiful baby boy on Christmas Eve.  I was honored when they asked me to photograph him. 
This is why I love my job.  I love the families I photograph and the relationships we form.  I love when their kids give me hugs and they share their joys with me.  I love photographing a baby and then being invited to the baby showers of the second baby soon to come.  I love hearing their stories and I love sharing my love of photography with them by chronicling their lives.

The last time I left this family they were hurting and shell shocked.  Yesterday they left my studio beaming, proud and totally smitten with their ten pound bundle of love.  Truly God is good.  And truly being able to share such joy makes this the best job in the world!

Welcome to the World Little One!