Balloons, Beaches and Babies

When Julie told me she was bringing in a bunch of balloon's for Jack's session this afternoon, I knew it was going to be a most fabulous shoot.

He is such a little man now! I couldn't believe how much he'd grown after just six months!

He was totally rockin' mom's sunglasses!

I was also out playing at the beach today with these three, who called me up to come and shoot the three siblings all together for a gift for their mom for Mother's Day. SO sweet...I know my mom would adore a gift like this!

They're all so sweet, strolling down the beach...

But I'm guessing this is how their mom is used to actually seeing them. Am I right?
And this is Katelyn! Sister to the fabulous Drew, who has been in quite a bit in his two year's to have his picture taken.

Now, this was not a planned picture right here. I was happily snapping away pictures of Drew's sweet baby sister when I look behind me to see this! Drew trying on my favorite zebra-print shoes. Hilarious!

A Lesson in Birdology

This afternoon my friend Jeff and I did some photography out at the Blandford Nature Center. Jeff has had an increasing interest in photography lately and so we headed out and took some pictures in the great outdoors. With my love for birds, I was totally in my element here.
Closer than you ever wanted to see a turkey vulture I imagine.
I also have a love for cats. Cute right?


And speaking of photography lessons, Jen and I are looking to hold another class sometime mid-June for anyone interested. Also, both of us give private lessons as well, if anyone is interested in learning more about their cameras, taking pictures and anything photography related! Simply email either Jen or I for more information or to set up a lesson!

Rachel + Tim : : Preview Gallery!

When : : Saturday, April 19, 2008

Where : : Ceremony - Third Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI
Reception - The University Club, Grand Rapids, MI

Last year, when Tim announced his engagement to Rachel, I couldn't have been more excited for them. Tim is a friend from church and when I met Rachel for the first time, I knew they were a perfect match. I had such a great time photographing their engagement session last fall that I knew their wedding was going to be SO fun! And I was definitely not disappointed. Their entire focus was on their guests and making sure that they were comfortable, well fed, and able to have a great time. And I have to say, the dinner at the University Club was one of the best I've had. Delish!

Their first meeting was an emotional one. I was not able to hold back tears when phtoographing this!
Are Rachel's eyes amazing or what?!

Tim, you looked SO happy and fabulous!

Nothing is more fun than partying it up on the trolley with your friends.

There's those amazing eyes again!

Rachel and her Dad were TOTALLY the hit of the dancefloor! Those two were amazing!

Dancing to Thriller...fabulous!

Congratulations Rachel and Tim!! I loved every minute of your wedding. I hope the honeymoon was amazing!!!

Swan Song

So yesterday when I was in Holland for Sandra and Casey's wedding ceremony, Angie and I happened upon this pair of nesting black swans. But because we were busy with our clients on the most important day of their lives, we didn't think running out to take pictures of birds would be very appropriate. So instead, I took Jason out to dinner in Holland this evening, coincidentally, close to where I knew these beautiful birds were. Clever right?

Here is the mama bird sitting on her nest, keeping all of her little eggs nice and warm.
I am definitely making my way out here again soon to catch the baby swans after they hatch!

The daddy swan wasn't liking me getting too close, and I did make sure to keep my distance. I had a nice long lens on my camera, so even though it looks like I was a short distance away, I was back far enough to be safe and respectful to these proud parents-to-be.

Plus, I've heard swans can be quite mean!

Congratulations Sandra and Casey!

Sandra and Casey were married this windy afternoon in Holland. I'll be putting a teaser gallery later this week to share all of the fabulous details!

Congratulations you two!

Contratulations Tom and Deb!

Early this afternoon Tom was wed to the beautiful Deb. They had a simple ceremony downtown, witnessed by close family.

I was asked to do a small photo session with them afterwards and so met them downtown. We couldn't have asked for more lovely weather....perfectly overcast, warm, and pink and white blossoms on the trees everywhere!

I love this shot. I feel so limited by this blog design and wish I could make this image larger on the screen. It loses it's effect being shown so small here.


This was Deb's grandmother's ring, worn on her right hand during the ceremony. Beautiful and so much meaning.
This is Ella, Deb's adorable daughter. I turned around just as she was jumping off of a small ledge. She looks like she's flying!

Much love and happiness to you both! May this be an incredible start to your lives together.

Eating Cupcakes and Playing Dress Up

Last night the fabulous Becca from Lil' Miss Cupcakes brought her yummy treats to September's Bride so that everyone could sample the goodness for themselves. Aletha from Pearl's Events was there as was the amazing Jen of JK Photography, my fabulous studio partner.

Here are some of the cute and delish cupcakes baked fresh just for the night's event. They were going quickly which was good on two levels: 1. that many people were able to sample these tiny treats and 2. because that meant it kept me from stuffing my mouth with every single one of them.

What is Angie, my fabulous second-shooter, doing in a wedding dress?! You're married girlfriend!! This is ridiculous!
Ok. Jen and I tried them on too. We couldn't help it!! This store is full of amazing gowns! Brides-t0-be...if you are getting married and don't have your dress...head to Holland! You will NOT be disappointed.

Notice the shoes on my feet. Zebra print shoes with a lovely vintag-y gown. They totally go together!

Here's the lovely Tami on the right. How cute is she?!
This bride thing has gone to my head. I thought I was Miss America out there! But seriously, I was loving this dress!

(And thanks to Angie for snapping the pictures while I played dress up. You are fabulous dahling!)

For those that didn't make it out last night, you missed a totally fun event and the chance to taste some truly decadent treats. Becca makes not only yummy cupcakes but she makes them look amazing too. Give her a call for your next event and wow your guests. You can link to her site here.

Look What Came Out Today!!

My first print ad in the Spring/Summer edition of Solace Magazine. So excited!

I know this picture wasn't one of my original choices, but the Amway's art department loved this picture and thought it would work well in the layout. Who am I to argue...they know what they are doing! Plus, I adore this picture, which was taken from one of my September 2006 weddings.

Thanks again for everyone's help! This ad was a group effort!

Come and Say Hi at September's Bride Tonight!

Tonight there is a SWEET reason to head to downtown Holland...to taste Becca of Lil' Miss Cupcakes fabulously amazing cupcakes at September's Bride!

Tami, owner and fabulous founder of September's Bride in Holland, asked if I wanted to stop by and you know this girl's not turning down a cupcake! So swing on by, say hello, taste a cupcake and browse the amazing gowns and jewelry at September's Bride.

4.23.08 : : A HOT April Day

Today was a smoken' hot day, both with the crazy April temps and the fabulous sessions I had today. It started with a seriously amazing boudoir session, but since this is a surprise for her husband-to-be....no sharing pics from that sexy shoot.

Afterwards, Erin and Mike, one of my fabulous brides and grooms from last year, came down to the studio for some new shots for Erin's portfolio. Girlfriend was workin' it!


You know I couldn't let them go without getting pictures with the both of them together! Hi Mike!

Who says the passion is gone after marriage!?

And then to wrap the day up, Katy, Josh and Katy's adorable daughter Olivia headed downtown for their pre-wedding engagement session. This one was not afraid of the camera. Although, she did want to see the picture of her cute self after each click.

This picture cracks me up. Josh said this is the picture that is totally 'them'. Love it!!!
See y'all in June for your wedding!!

4.22.08 : : Little William

This is little William. This little cutie is just 8 weeks old and today was his very first photo session.

We got lots of pictures of tiny fingers and tiny toes and plenty of him just chillen' with his parents.

William doesn't look at all like his dad does he?

Gettin' some love from his mama. This little one worked hard today!

4.22.08 : : Celebrating Spring

There is nothing more lovely than seeing flowers and color emerge after a long winter. We have four large forsythia bushes in our yard and one of the first real signs of spring for me is seeing them all turn their vibrant yellow. I immediately have to cut off some branches to bring into the house to enjoy.

I've also been updating the prints in our house and think some of these flowers will make a lovely addition to our walls!

4.20.08 : : Look What's Blooming!

My favorite...peep toe patent leather pumps!

(With this amazing spring weather I decided to treat myself to a little treat after a hard weekend's work.)

4.19.08 : : Congratulations Rachel & Tim!

This couple right here...they are totally fabulous! Totally in love, totally made me cry when they saw each other for the first time, and totally fun.

I will go into more details later this week when I post the preview gallery and I already know I am going to have a very difficult time narrowing down the images I choose.

I always love a dramatic veil shot so had to include this!

Tim and Rachel - I adore you both and hope you are having a truly fabulous time on your honeymoon this week!

4.18.08 : : A Baby and a Birthday

This is little Alex and he came into the studio today for his very first photo shoot. He lives in Kentucky with his mom and dad, but was up here in Michigan to attend a wedding (that I just happen to be shooting tomorrow) and thought he should come in for a few pictures.

Don't you just want to smooch on these big cheeks?!
And also a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our good friend and neighbor Kenric, who always loves a birthday celebration.

Sharon + Will : : Wedding Preview

When : : Saturday, April 12, 2008

Where : : Ceremony - Holland, MI + Reception - Haworth Inn, Holland, MI

Sharon and Will's wedding marked the beginning of my wedding season and I couldn't have enjoyed working with a more lovely couple. With lots of Celtic touches to their day (including a fabulous Celtic bank!), their day was totally them and totally fun. Congratulations you two!

4.17.08 : : Charlie & Samantha

Sometimes I truly can't believe I consider photography a job.

This evening I met the most adorable family and got to play with these two beautiful children. We ran around the back yard, played with bubbles and I got to immerse myself in the lives of a two and four year old on one of the nicest evenings we've seen yet this spring.

This little one is Samantha and while she was more camera shy than her brother, she captivated me with her soulful eyes.

These are truly the types of sessions I love the most...me being able to capture people having fun, showing true emotion.
And for those who know me, you know I had to post these adorable pink shoes!And this is Charlie. He's turning 4 tomorrow!
This one had me laughing nearly the entire time. From the moment I arrived we were friends.

And then, as if those two weren't adorable enough, they had two little puppies (ok, they weren't really puppies, but I call most small dogs puppies) that I had to capture some images of.

4.16.08 : : Another Success!

This evening Jen and I conducted another Beginning Photography Workshop and had SUCH a wonderful class, not to mention another couple of wonderful models for our workshop. Thanks Angie and Erick!

We've had such a wonderful response to this class that we will be holding more in the future so stay tuned!

A few fun pictures from our class tonight

Y'all were great! Thanks again to all of those who attended!

Mini-Marathon Boudoir Session!

***Update***

There are only NO spots left for this mini-marathon boudoir session. I'll keep y'all updated for another if there is still interest.

I continually get requests to have another marathon boudoir session and now I can finally announce that there is a date on the calendar...Tuesday evening May 13!

I have an amazing private estate lined up to host the session as well as the fabulous Erin and Julie on site to make your hair and make-up camera ready. You'll feel pampered, get incredible pictures and have a totally fun time!

Spaces are very limited so if you are interested in booking one of the time slots, please email me at amy@acarrollphotography.com. There are various packages available to fit your needs and I will be happy to send you the information.

This is going to be a fabulous session...don't miss out!

4.12.08 : : And Thus Begins Wedding Season!

This weekend officially marks the start to my 2008 wedding season and I couldn't be MORE excited!

Despite the rainy and downright chilly temperatures today, I couldn't have had a more lovely couple to have started the season with. Not once did I hear Sharon say she was upset that it was raining and instead both her and her handsome groom Will were total troopers didn't mind going outside at all to brave the elements.

Look later this week for a preview post with some of their fabulous wedding pictures.

Congratulations Sharon and Will!!

4.11.08 : : My Life In a Movie

One of the only regrets I had from my wedding nearly three years ago was the that we did not hire a videographer. Not only because it would be totally awesome to pop that video in once in a while and remember how fun it was to wear my dress, but mainly because it was the one and only time I've seen my adorable husband tear up. As soon as my dad started walking me down the aisle, I looked up at the alter to see my handsome groom start wiping away tears. Tears! That was totally video-worthy! Brides...don't let this happen to you. Hire this guy...Justin VanAntwerp. Not only is he a super sweet guy, he's also a fabulous videographer.

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Justin and talk to him about his passion for videography and do a fun photo shoot with him. I first heard about Justin from my good friend Lindsay and after exchanging a few emails, I knew I had to meet with him and help spread the word. Check him out on his website at http://www.mylifeinamovie.com/. He has competitive rates and a passion for what he does.

This is Lindsay with her red, white and fabulous shoes. She's totally fun and fearless and of course I couldn't let her go home without taking some pictures of her.

4.10.08 : : Mommy, Daddy, and a New Little Baby

Derek was born just 10 days ago to our friends Martin and Heather. If you remember, they were in just a few short weeks before celebrating their bump. And now, they have this wonderful, beautiful little boy in their home bringing them more happiness than they ever could have imagined.

Today I went to their home to capture their little guy in all of his newborn cuteness.

It is very rare to get a smile out of a little one so young! This one loves the camera already.



Seriously...how sweet is this picture?!
Martin and Heather....we are SO excited for your new family and that little Derek is blessing your lives. A big congratulations to you both!

4.9.08 : : Trash the Cupcake

How much fun have I had with these one year old's lately?!

Audrey came in today to show off her own fabulous pink tutu and how much she loves cupcakes.

Like a true model, she came in showing off all of her many sweet expressions.

The silly
The serious The adorable Ethan and Remington came in today too...but were hoping to play outside for their session. Mother Nature didn't get the memo and it was too cold for these little ones. So we took a few shots in the studio with a promise for another session soon. While we had plenty of smiles, sometimes it's those contemplative serious looks that are my favorites.

4.8.08 : : Recycling

I wasn't out and about much today and instead was busy in my office taking care of (ugh) administrative tasks I've let go way too long....the most dreaded of duties. So instead of showing you pictures of my unorganized piles of paper, I'll recycle a lovely butterfly picture from my trek to the Gardens last week. Enjoy!

4.7.08 : : Too Too Cute

Little Kaylee is turning one year old this week and to commemorate this most important event, she came in to have her pictures taken.

This afternoon I picked up my new, custom-made and fabulously pink tutu from the talented Amanda, a friend who is good with a sewing needle. Kaylee loved it so much she ran around the studio and was sad when it had to come off.

But not so sad that she didn't have smiles for the camera!

I hope you have a very happy birthday this week Kaylee!

4.6.08 : : A Spring in My Step

One of the things I enjoy most about spring is the returning wildlife. Often during the spring and summer months, my husband and I will go out exploring on our Sunday afternoons after church. Today was our first trek of the season and we set out this afternoon, cameras in hand.


I know it looks like I'm really close to this snake in this shot, but this is wear the telephoto lens comes in real handy.

This mama goose startled both of us. She was laying on her nest and very wary of both Jason and I. I snapped a quick picture and then left her alone.

4.5.08 : : My First Show!

This weekend Jen and I headed up to Mt. Pleasant for our very first bridal show. This was a new venture for both of us and while I can't say I was overly pleased with the attendance (the show was poorly marketed and with the fabulously warm weather I can't say I blame anyone for not being indoors) I did of course have a fun time and enjoyed chatting with those who ventured out.

We didn't have a lot of room for an amazing display but we made do with what we had to work with. Thanks to all those who came out! I had a great time meeting everyone!

4.4.08 : : Finally

I was SO excited to look outside of my front window this morning and see actual color in my yard. Could it be that spring is finally here?

4.3.08 : : Babes and Butterflies

When I was a kid, one of my most favorite things to do in the world was to catch butterflies. I lived for summer so I could run around with my little butterfly net and my friend Tina, my butterfly partner in crime. Upon catching these beautiful insects, we would promptly deposit them into a jar filled with rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton balls and kill them so they could live in our rooms forever, captured behind glass and mounted in a box.

If only my parents had bought me a camera.

This afternoon Jason and I took off for the Frederick Meijer Gardens to spend the day in 88 degree humidity and take pictures of these magnificent creatures. I was in heaven.
How hot is this...Jason with a camera! Ok, perhaps just to me, but it isn't often Jason asks if he can grab one of my extra cameras for an outing, but I loved that he did today. It was great fun.




As if the butterflies weren't enough, I had an extra treat of seeing tropical birds high in the trees.



I thought this picture was so sweet. This little boy was infatuated with this winged delight.
And this would have been an AWESOME shot if only I'd turned around a half second earlier. This butterfly in the upper left-hand corner of this picture was just flying off of this little boy's shirt.


I also had a photo session with Ethan this morning at his home. Ethan is my friend Karin's son and no stranger to my camera. I would post more pictures, but after spending the last hour and a half looking through butterfly pictures, it's time for me to take my leave of the computer. I just loved his sweet little expression here.


I have a lot more butterfly pictures, but simply don't have time to post them all. Perhaps I'll put them into a gallery in the near future if anyone is interested in viewing them.

June 20, 2009 Now Available! Again!

Saturday, June 20, 2009 has been a HOT wedding date for next year, and guess what brides and grooms-to-be? I just had a wedding date change and now have it available!

If anyone is getting married June 20 next summer I would LOVE to shoot your wedding! Contact me today if interested.

And a big 'Thank You!' to Aletha at Pearls Events for spotlighting me on her blog!

4.2.08 : : So You Wanna Be a Photographer?

Today was one of the funnest days I've had in the studio in a long while! And it's not just because of the ADORABLE Braelyn, who came in again to see me on her very first birthday. Happy Birthday Braelyn (so many spring babies lately!).Baby booty!


See this lovely girl here? This is Jessica and she was my job shadow today. She got to hang out all afternoon at the studio, wrangling one-year-olds, taking pictures, asking me questions and even setting up her own photo shoot. This is a large project her and her sixth grade class have been working on since January and she chose the occupation of photography to write about and thus asked if she could be my job shadow. I was SO excited to have her with me today! I am pretty sure I would hire her if she didn't have school full-time.

Also, have you been noticing this awesome yellow chair?
This is the awesome yellow chair! I love to peruse antique stores for interesting pieces and this chair literally called out to me and told me we were meant for each other. I couldn't say no. This chair followed me around the rest of the day.

Jessica tried to show me up with her purple camera. Whatever. I could dye my camera pink.

We went out between sessions and did a photo shoot. I showed Jessica the back allies I adore and how I approach my sessions.

And then I handed my camera over to her and let her direct a shoot.

Seriously, this might just get hung up in my house. This composition is awesome!

Tilty angle and everything! This girl has an incredible eye!She did so good I patted her on the head, took her to McDonald's for a chocolate shake and french fries and then we bought shoes at One Girl's Treasure. The school requirements said to have them follow a realistic day. I was merely obliging.

And then for our last shoot of the day, I really decided to test her. I asked my second shooter and good friend Angie if she wanted to bring her family in for family pictures. Hahaha Jessica! FOUR kids! Now you really get to see how fun this can be.

This is Alyssa, Alexis, Noah and Nick. They love me and they didn't give me any attitude today at all and obliged perfectly with each request.

That's a lie. But they're cute anyway (I'm loving the train tracks lately!)

Then Dan and Angie had their turn to be behind the camera.This yellow chair is a crazy picture hog!

And finally to wrap up the day, Angie took a few pictures of Jessica and I together before she had to head back to the life of a sixth grader.I'm throwing in this picture for y'all to notice that this dear 12 year old is THE SAME HEIGHT AS ME! Thank goodness for my heels!Jessica - you are going to have an amazing career. You are a sweetheart and amazing with a camera. Remember me when you have your first gallery opening!

4.1.08 : : Celebrating the Bump!

This afternoon Erin came in to show off her adorable baby bump and I had SUCH a fabulous time working with this hot mama.

How trippy is this picture?! I had to throw this in...it was too fun!

Erin, you are GORGEOUS! So glad you came in today!!

Reminder: Still Time to Sign Up for our April Class!

Due to popular demand (and because it was SO much fun), Jen and I have decided to host another beginners course to photography workshop!

Here are the details;

Wednesday April 16th from 6pm-9:00pm at the Mirror Mirror Studio located downtown Grand Rapids!

You will learn to:

-Use the manual controls on your camera
-Learn how to use available light
-Pose your subjects
-Compose your shots & much more!

This is a hand's on workshop and we'll have a live model for the second half of the class so that you will learn how to put your knowledge to use.

There will be ample opportunity for any and all of your questions as well as an outlined curriculum with everything you need to know to start using your camera more efficiently. We hope you will leave the workshop feeling excited, exhilarated and ready to go out there and conquer the photography world!

A light dinner will be provided for you and the class will be limited to 20 participants so as to have a lot of opportunity for one-on-one learning.

The cost for the workshop is $150. We will also stick around after the workshop for anyone interested in a private session for an extra $100.

Seating is limited and will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment can be made through PayPal or by check.

We encourage all of those who are interested in learning their camera's better to sign up. This will be fun night of learning and shooting and we couldn't be more excited to be offering this!
To sign up, simply email either

Jen at info@jkphotographyonline.com or amy@acarrollphotography.com.

Hope to see you there!