12.27.07 : : Bird is the Word

I know, I know...another bird post. But look at this wildlife! Some people never get to see such beauty up close.

Jason's grandparents have many feeders on their property and I did my best to capture some of the birds that came to visit.

I also spent most of my day in a car today so this was about it for picture-taking for me. And posting a week's worth of POTDs. It's good to be back to my high-speed internet. Although, being without a few days was kind of a nice vacation too.

Thanks to all who were so patient in waiting and for those who wrote such sweet emails saying how much you enjoy these pictures each day. I swear I won't go this long again without posting.

And finally, Snowball...one of the family cats.

12.26.07 : : The Carroll's

It's very handy having an in-law who's a photographer.

Today was family picture day with Jason and his family. I was truly glad to be able to take these pictures this afternoon and to be able to capture everyone together and to photograph this time for them.

My own grandparents passed away a few years ago and how I regret not having a picture of all of us together.
I also got to shop! My mother-in-law and I headed to Petosky this afternoon to get in on a little post-holiday shopping goodness.


All of the fabulous deals spurred a fashion shoot in the middle of downtown.

You look MAH-velous dahling.

It is fun, isn't it?!

12.25.07 : : It's Here, It's Here! Christmas is Finally Here!

I took a lot of pictures of family opening gifts, the 'oohs and aahs', the fun expressions. I could post these, or I could save you from basically looking at my family photographs and instead let your mouth-water over the tasty Christmas turkey Jason's grandmother prepared for our dinner.

I could also let you all in on a little secret and tell you that I'm tired and don't feel like looking through all of our Christmas day pictures.

Hope all of your days were merry and bright!

12.24.07 : : Togetherness

Can my mom set a Christmas table or what?

There is nothing better than being with ones family during Christmas time.

Especially if ones dad makes a killer holiday punch. It's been dubbed 'happy punch' in our family.

My mom is a big fan! (I'm sorry Mom. I really am. This was too cute to pass up though!)

Our evening was spent putting together enjoying a holiday dinner, putting together puzzles while sitting by the fire and enjoying each other's company. It was perfect and memorable and a time I'll truly cherish forever.

Sassy (my mom's dog) enjoying some fireplace cheer.

Nothing says 'Christmas Cookie' like a bunny!

I can't believe I am posting this picture. We're both in santa hats and holding our dogs. This just sums us up perfectly though.

12.23.07 : : Place Your Orders Now Folks!

Don't know what to get for that hard-to-buy-for guy in your life? Get him a Rachemmerench TM!

Ok, I don't mean to give you all false hope for such a fabulous gift. This is actually a prank gift that my husband made for my father. Last year my dad made Jason a "Speed-B-Gone", a hilarious gift for my husband's lead-foot. Just place upon your accelorator and no more speeding. Viola!

Not one to be outdone, Jason came up with a gift for my dad, the guy who owns every tool known to man. Now, he can empty out that tool box and replace it all with the Rachemmerench TM.

Oh the fun we have.

12.22.07 : : A Special Delivery from Pittsburgh

One of the best things about the holidays is spending time with loved ones. And Julie is definitely a dear and loved friend!

I didn't take many pictures tonight as we were just having too much fun having girl talk and catching up over wine and yums.

12.21.07 : : A Special Delivery

Tanner loves it when I don't have a shoot and am looking for a POTD.

Loves it.

Merry Christmas!

Due to the busyness of the holiday season (and the fact that I will be out of town at my in-laws who don't have high-speed internet) I will be posting my POTDs at a later date and after the busy holiday has passed.

To make up for the delayed posts, I am running another gift certificate contest for one lucky commenter. Post a comment telling me about your favorite Christmas gift this year. I'll pick the winner when I return on Friday!

Merry Christmas to all :)

12.20.07 : : Perfectly Orchastrated

Not often am I serendaded while doing a photo shoot. This girl can play!

This afternoon Elizabeth came into the studio to have her senior pictures taken. Originally scheduled for outside in Holland, she decided she would rather stay nice and toasty warm and opted for a studio session instead. Good choice Elizabeth!

Not only is she beautiful, she also is a talented musician and brought in her cello!

Check out the fabulous red shoes in the background of this picture! I always love a fun shoe.

12.19.07 : : A Winter Bird

Today I actually had a really fun shoot, but as it's a Christmas surprise, I must keep the identity and pictures secret. So instead, I had to be imaginative and think of a different picture of the day.

I have a bird feeder outside of my slider window, which is what I look out while I am working. It was either this or another picture of squirrels.

For those of you who are close followers of this blog, what do you like seeing for the POTDs?

Ok, sorry...another squirrel picture. I couldn't resist.

12.18.07 : : Big Dog, Little Dog

This is what happens when photographers collaborate.

Originally, our hope was to get Hannah to sit up with Tanner sitting under her. A really big dog and a really little dog. Hilarious right? Great imagery! This is what I had pictured in my mind!

The dogs had other ideas, however.

Jen's dog is Hannah, a beautiful Great Dane. And most of you know my dog Tanner.
The dogs loved it! Can't you tell?

They did oblige for a few pictures. Then we decided to give them some love again.
Jen is the dog whisperer

12.17.07 : : Christmas Cat

My cat Mia enjoying the evergreens.

12.16.07 : : Guess the Objects

The winner will receive a prize for the correct answer!

12.15.07 : : Shopping in the Windy City

Some random shots of Chicago and the fun we had in it:

I'm not entirely sure what was being taped here.


Kelle - shopping all day isn't THAT bad!

12.14.07 : : A Chicago Holiday

There is something simply beautiful about Chicago during the holiday season!

Jason and I headed with our friend to Chicago today to do some holiday shopping and to celebrate our friend Bob's birthday along with his wife Kelle. If you have never experienced Chicago during the holidays, I highly suggest you do!


And half the fun of a roadtrip is stopping along the way for photo ops...like pulling over to run through a field to watch the geese fly away.

12.13.07 : : More Holiday Cuteness

Madilyn came back into the studio today for her 1 year pictures!

One of my favorite things is seeing how much these cuties grow in a few month's span.

I also had a family shoot this afternoon!

It was a little cold.
So we moved into the studio.

Wait...wasn't this guy in the studio earlier this week?!
And my favorite shot of the day.
Caleb, you are fabulous!

12.12.07 : : Cookie Baking and Picture Taking

Today I took a rare afternoon off and spent some time baking Christmas cookies with my mom. We baked, listened to Christmas music and spent time walking around my parents' acerage with our cameras in between baking batches of fresh cookies. It was as fabulous an afternoon as it sounds.
I don't remember which type of bird this was
This is a woodpecker!
Same woodpecker

I believe this is a finch? Mom?

A wasp's nest

And then there was the baking!

The baking was highly successful, which was encouraging since I don't often bake. I would encourage each and every one of you to try this recipe if you are in the mood for something fabulous.

The dough...yum!
My mom's specialty: Molasses Thumb Print Cookies

12.11.07 : : America's Next Top Model

Meet Lucy. She's a 7 month old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who came to the studio this evening for her modeling debut.

She modeled the latest designs.

And like a true model, had to check her appearance between shots.
But she's down to earth and still makes time to stop and sniff the flowers.
Tyra would say this look is 'Fierce'!

12.10.07 : : Thinking Outside the White

This afternoon I had a session with all the fun folks from Acoustics By Design. Instead of basic white or corporate blue, they opted instead for a red backdrop....so much more fun! And colorful.

Thanks for coming in guys!

12.09.07 : : The Only Gift I Want This Year

This is what happens when I wait to the last minute to find a POTD.

And the Winner is...

Melissa A. for her Christmas wish!

Thank you to all who participated...I thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers and Christmas wishes. I loved some of the unique answers of a wedding dress, Marc Jacob's "Daisy" perfume (which I happen to love), and all of the unselfishness for joyful Christmas wishes for friends and family. I ultimately chose Melissa's because her wish conveyed the true meaning of the season.

I'll be having another gift certificate contest again next month so stay tuned!

Melissa - email me at amy@acarrollphotography.com to claim your certificate.

12.08.07 : : Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails...

...that's what little boys are made of!

This afternoon I attended a baby shower for my good friend Mary. With three beautiful little girls already in their family, her and her husband are expecting their first boy! All of her friends and family were very eager to shower her with gifts and adorable blue outfits after buying pink and princess-themed gifts the past few years (not that I minded, though. I love browsing those little girl's sections with all the fabulous outfits!).

The lovely diaper tower was made by her sister-in-law who is truly crafty. I was completely impressed.

And you know I can't resist taking a picture of a dog.

Or a cute baby.
Congratulations again Mary! We can't wait for little Andrew's arrival!

12.07.07 : : Fond Wishes

Today was spent filling a lot of Christmas orders and not so much taking pictures. As I was going through some old files this afternoon, I ran across this picture I took out in Holland this past summer. It had me dreaming of the warm weather again, especially as I'm sitting here sipping hot cocoa in my warm sweater and looking out at the very cold snow in my backyard.

12.06.07 : : A Family Who Jumps Together Stays Together

Having Christmas pictures taken is SO much fun it makes kids want to jump for joy!

It's so much fun it makes mom and dad jump for joy too!
Even the family dog was in for the silliness.
Of course, we took some traditional pictures as well.

The jumping 'action' shots was the fun the kids got to have after the shoot for sitting still and being so good. Works every time ;)

Gift Certificate Sale...and a contest!

These gift certificates have been a hot little item and I'm going to spread the cheer by offering 20% off all gift certificate orders! Ordering more than one? Get 25% off!

Purchase a gift certifcate in any amount and it will be mailed right to your door. The sale ends tomorrow night.

And now for the contest. One lucky commenter will receive a $50 gift certificate by telling me what you most want for Christmas this year. I'll choose the winner by the most creative answer!

12.05.07 : : Girl's Night

I apologize for posting yesterday's POTD a bit late. Last night was girl's night at my house and we had a little wine and cheese tasting. Everyone brought different wines and cheeses to taste and sample. There were so many good ones that I believe I might over over-indulged a wee bit, and thus the reason for my late post.

12.04.07 : : Christmas Goodness

I don't have to go far to find cute kids. I just stumble next door and they're all over the place!

Do you have cute kids at home? How about a pet (maybe even one you can dress up)? You do? Fabulous! Turn them into a Christmas card.

I have custom templates available, designed by me and exclusive to Amy Carroll Photography. They are available for order and sure to be the hit of all of your friends and relatives.

No kids at home? No worries! Declare your fabulousness this season.



If you would like to order one of these cards yourself, email me at amy@acarrollphotography.com The cost per card is $1.55 plus a $10 customization fee per order. The turn-around time is quick (3 to 4 days) and will be sent right to your door.

You also have three different choices for finish on your card-stock, either glossy, pearl or linen.

Quanities must be ordered in batches of 24.

Use any picture(s) you'd like. It doesn't have to be one that has been taken by me! The only stipulation is if another photographer took the picture, you must have permission from the photographer to use his/her image.

12.03.07 : : My Poor Dog

So this morning I brought Tanner into the studio with me so that I could take his picture for our holiday greeting cards this year. He loved it, as I'm sure you can tell.

These are the out-takes and the ones that didn't make the cut for the card but are too cute not to share. Enjoy!

Jessica & Andrew : : Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, December 1, 2007

Where: Ceremony - St. Paul the Apostle, Reception - San Chez, A Tapas Bistro

Highlight of the Day: There were a few highlights that really stuck out to me during this wedding. The first was the amazing vintage feeling that was invoked into the day (look at Jessica's fabulous vintage hair broach!). The second, surprisingly for me to say, was the snow outside. Now, I hate snow...despise being cold...but it really lent well to the outdoor photographs. Thank goodness Jessica had the foresight to purchase beautiful pashminas for her and her bridesmaids. The third highlight was definitely the reception at San Chez! The food, the decor, the set up...fabulous!

Something old (this clutch is a vintage and was gorgeous!)

Something new...Something borrowed...and blue!

Writing a love note to her husband-to-be.




Seeing each other for the first time. One of my favorite moments!
All of the flowers were amazing! Natalie of Stems Event Design did such a fabulous job.

A few final touch-ups before the walk down the aisle!

Hugging her mom as she was being given away.



How cute is this bridesmaid's expression right after the ceremony?!

So cute this one!


The girls are smiling but they freezing here!




When you're being picked on by your big brother during the toast, what else is there to do but throw your hands up in the air! Congratulations you two!

12.02.07 : : It's Official!

Today was moving day and Jen and I are now officially in our fabulous new studio!

We had to celebrate with a little bit of champagne.

Jason hanging up the new bracket system for my backdrops (he's so sweet to help me with all of this. On his day off no less).Jen putting together all of the lighting.

So here's the DL on the new studio:

Mirror Mirror Studios (website coming soon) is a joint collaboration of Amy Carroll Photography, LLC and JK Photography. We are operating as independant photographers running our own businesses under one studio name. For those of you who are clients, that really doesn't mean any changes to you, other than it's a heck of a lot easier to find than my previous studio space.

The official new address is: 820 Monroe, Suite 401 (4th floor baby!), Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

(Please still continue to send all mailing and correspondence to my home address listed on my website)

We'll also be running studio specials, selling fine art prints, and generally just having a lot more fun. And speaking of fun, we'll also be hosting an open house when all of the finishing touches are up and ready for all of you to come check out the awesomeness in person. Or you could just book a session with me and see it before everyone else. That's some inventive marketing isn't it?

Jen and I, along with our husbands and our good friends Bob and Kelle, all celebrated afterwards at the Beltline Bar. Nothing tops off a day of moving like margaritas and fajitas!

12.01.07 : : Congratulations Jessica and Andy!

Today was another one of those days that just made me love what I get to do for a living. I absolutely adore Jessica, her family, and her new husband Andy. What a sweet couple and such troopers as we headed out to the arctic tundra that is Michigan to shoot their outdoor photos.

Their wedding also marked the official last wedding of this 2007 wedding season for me. I shot 39 weddings this year and absolutely can't believe how much fun I've had working with all of these great couples. It makes me so excited and hopeful for a fun 2008 wedding season!