cyphersphotographyblog.com

My baby boy is 1

01.27.2012 at 1:40am Posted in August

I wasn’t this sad with the other two…. when they turned 1 I didn’t shed a tear, I was excited, we were closer to lots of fun new adventures with big kids! It is different this time…..It is different because August is our {final} baby, and our baby is turning into a toddler. I can’t begin to tell you how hard this year was for me {and us!}. 3 kids was a big adjustment. I had to re-prioritize everything. I feel like I have been stretched in every way possible… This year was hard, yes, but it was also so wonderful. August Reid has really made our family complete. He is such a happy baby, and brings me so much joy daily. He is so free with his big smiles and I hope he never stops hugging my neck so tight like he does. He is seriously like a little koala…. I don’t even need to hang on. {but I do}

Charlotte and Pierson love him and often times I find all three in his crib before I get out of bed. They are laughing and having a great time playing together. It is those moments as a mom I think my heart could just burst.

Bryson isn’t as sad as I am… he likes big kids and has a lot more fun once they can stomp around the woods with him. Tonight when he held a newborn we were visiting he did say… “I miss this, just a little, but not enough to have another one.”

Thank you God for such a sweet little boy.
Here is my little video tribute to Augusts first year. I don’t feel so bad now that I haven’t filled out his baby book {like at all} and I hope that this will do.

Here is a link to last years blog post and his birth story. http://cyphersphotographyblog.com/?p=1027

by cyphers2

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Sweet {beautiful} Leslie Ann – 7 days new

01.26.2012 at 10:52am Posted in newborn photography, Uncategorized

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” -Psalm 139.14

Mommy’s infatuated, and daddy is so in love with this pretty little lady. How could you not be?…I mean, just look at her…. I know she was long anticipated and her arrival has brought their family so much joy. Terra (mom) said several times to me that she was “so worth it”. I know the feeling and I loved photographing little Leslie. Newborn photograph is unlike every other session I do. I am on their (the baby’s) schedule, not my own, and every baby brings me closer to my creator. I think that is why I love these sessions so much.

FYI: This baby’s nails didn’t come out this color… Visit Head 2 Toe Salon and Spa (the auntie’s) if you like Leslie’s nails…. Carlie and Lindsey are awesome.

by cyphers2

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January 26, 2012 - 4:00 PM Allie Summers - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First baby of 2012

01.11.2012 at 11:18am Posted in Uncategorized

Yesterday I had the first baby of this year, Ruby, in my studio. She was perfectly sleepy and content and made my job so easy.

Little Ruby was so peaceful and still that I was able to get some beautiful macro shots of her features. She is so perfectly formed by such an awesome Creator. It truly does amaze me every time I hold a newborn baby in my arms.

by cyphers2

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January 11, 2012 - 9:50 PM Kristy - beautiful images to start the new year!!! :):)

2012 Brainstorm session

01.09.2012 at 11:36am Posted in photography

2011 left me filling very drained, and a little burned out. I am sure lots of photographers experience this after the holiday rush, this year was just particularly bad. My kids were sick… not all at once, but usually one at a time, and I was stressed, tiered, and emotional from it all. I even had a muscle twitch on my eyelid that lasted 4 days from not sleeping. (talk about annoying!)

Every cloud has a silver lining right? Thank goodness…

Today I started the day with coffee (of course!) and a pad of paper. I wrote down everything, not just business goals, but personal goals as well. I don’t want to be known as the really great photographer that is really really behind and slow. I feel like that is what I am right now, and I hate that. I have to change the way I work, and I am excited about the changes.

Boundaries…. I didn’t have any….well, I thought I did but I really wasn’t honoring myself, God, or my family because I said “yes” to too much. This year is all about living more simply, and having boundaries.

I have been de-cluttering our home (toys, clothes, socks …I know socks are clothes too, but I have to mention them specifically because I don’t like them so much.) and de-cluttering my computer, and my mind. There are too many things going on and I have to cut some out.

Here are some if the things written on my pad of paper…

What do I want my business/photography to be known for in my area?

-Children and family specialty (custom) photographer

-specific style and specific in what I say yes to for sessions

-providing a quality product and image

-planning with the family before the session their needs and wants for their home

-providing a great experience with the session

What are my business goals?

-work on a special project once a week (stay tuned for more on this!)

-sales sessions in the studio to help with decision making

-no working on days when the kids are home with me (at all!!!)

-planning my week before it begins

-hiring someone to do my bookkeeping, and possibly sales sessions and ordering

-exercising and sleeping more (this is under personal and business!)

Personal goals

-Exercise! Sleep!

-Spend quality time with God everyday, even if it is just reading bible stories to my kids

-date night with Bryson at least 2 times a month

-photograph more nature and get really artistic…for fun!

-draw and paint for fun!

-keep up with laundry … and throw away all the socks (go to wal-mart and buy more socks)

-cook supper more often (plan meals before the week begins)

-print all of 2011′s snapshots of our family.

-Work with Bryson on designing our home we want to build someday, and compromise (ouch!) on what I want (I want beauty, he wants efficient… artist and engineer collide!)

So, why share this with you? Because I need to. You are holding me accountable now…. and I want to be open and honest with you. I love what I do for a job, and I want to keep on loving it. I am so passionate about art, specifically photography and I am not very good at this business stuff. Growing pains are hard, and pretty painful! Thanks for sticking with me through them. As always, I am honored to be your photographer, and I am excited to start fresh in 2012.

by cyphers2

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January 11, 2012 - 1:56 PM Karen - You are so smart to re-evaluate your life and set priorities. We all have to stop and make course corrections from time to time...probably more than once a year. As a self-employed artist when my children were small, I also had to make those decisions every week about how to spend my time. Looking back, I don't regret one moment that I chose to be with my children (and not work). On the other hand, as a creative type, I also understand the desire and the need (yes, I said need) to be creative. It's a part of who we are and how we express ourselves. I believe it is a gift from God, and it's essential to make time for developing and using our gifts (at least in a civilization where we're not in survival mode). It's all about perspective and priorities and you're doing good!

Senior 2012 Jacob

12.30.2011 at 12:12am Posted in seniors

I thought I should share a couple photos from a recent senior session with Jacob. The day we took the outdoor images was in the 20′s and I don’t think he was cold at all! My fingers were a little bit frozen on the shutter button and I kept asking him if he was cold, and he just said “no”…. I think it’s a guy thing. They are never cold I swear. Anyway, it was fun getting to know Jacob, and he is such a neat guy.

I wish you lots of luck in college Jacob, I know you will do great! Hang in there and don’t let “senioritis” set in too soon… enjoy the rest of your last high school year.

by cyphers2

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New ideas for 2012

12.29.2011 at 10:59am Posted in children's photography, Uncategorized

This fall I felt a little bit like my business was running me instead of the other way around. Sure it is a challenge with 3 little kids to even fold the laundry or clear the table in between running to appointments and dance class, preschool, and the babysitter. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job! I don’t want to quit photography… it would be like quitting eating for me. I love it, and it gives me a creative outlet…. okay, I don’t just love it, I need it. I connect with people and even God through what I do. I just need to set some boundaries for myself and just do what I love.

So… I am planning some really fun things! First of all, I am just taking limited sessions during the week.. maybe two at the most, and then… this is the fun part… I am doing several Storybook sessions. I have planned this before and now it is going to be what I {mostly} do! I have two in the works right now, and lots of other ideas. These will mostly be for babies and children. I will do family portrait days in the spring and fall as well, and also senior and the first year sessions, but they will all be limited.

First up… oh my gosh I am so excited about this…. are you ready? Okay, well first up is creature sessions. I had thought at first that these would be done in the studio, and I still may do some there, but today I decided to practice a couple shots on my daughter and creatures just belong outdoors… it is fitting. It may be cold (it is nearly January after all!) but these sessions are short. Charlotte actually became the creature when I put the hats on her. She even hissed at me! (oh my!) They will take about 10 – 15 minutes and are perfect for ages 6 months – 8 years. I have several different animal hats, but feel free to bring one if you have a favorite as well. The pricing will be different then my normal price list for these sessions, and it is still in the works, but my goal is to decorate your child’s bedroom or playroom with these images. They are going to be FUN and very interactive. The tentative date for this is January 21st. I have just 7 slots open from 3:00-4:30. I may do a morning hour too if these fill too quickly. I have several animal hats but am still looking for more. I would like to find a raccoon…because I love racoons.

Next up Super Hero sessions!!!! February 4th is the date I would like to do these. It isn’t just for boys either… I will have a pink cape as well. The set up will be a city scape in my studio. I think this would be a really fun session for 3-9 year old kids.

What else is in the works? Vintage baby/child in late February in the studio, and another Fancy Schmancy Camera class as well this winter. Those dates will be announced soon!

What boy wouldn’t want a super hero poster in his room of himself? And what a treasure for his kids someday to have this in their own rooms.

by cyphers2

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January 1, 2012 - 11:49 AM addie - Amy do u still have openings? Would like to do lexie and ellis for the critter session.

December 29, 2011 - 10:43 PM Joni - Love this idea! I used to make up bedtime stories for my son where he saved the day. A poster like this in his room would have been perfect!

December 29, 2011 - 4:37 PM Kristy - Love these ideas Amy!!! Too adorable!!

My own family photo…

12.14.2011 at 2:08pm Posted in family

Every year, at least once I attempt to get in on a photo of our family… that way I am in photos too with my cute kids and studly man. It isn’t my favorite thing being on the other end side of the camera because I loose control… yikes, I just admitted that I am a bit of a control freak. Anyway, I set it up on a tripod with my desired f-stop, shutter speed, white balance, and zoom and my mom clicked the shutter. {Thanks momma!} Pierson {my sensitive one} was cold and if he is a bit uncomfortable he likes to let us know…. very loudly. {This kid wants me to cut tags out of his clothes because they “hurt”, and cries when he hears a firetruck…yes, highly sensitive.} Anyway, I tried every bribe I could follow through with, and we finally got a smile. I kinda like the non smile pic though because that is how it is… it is real life and it is captured.

Today I am in the middle of mass chaos of what life is right now… holiday orders and deadlines, my e-mail account just randomly decided not to work, packaging orders, invoicing clients, August has a double ear infection, and is getting 4 teeth in right now, working on billboards, and birth announcements, and attempting to answer the phone with my voice that decided to go away the other night, Piersons chicken and noodle lunch “accidentally” went on the floor, and I just finished sweeping up baking soda and pretzels that the youngest Cyphers boy dumped out while I was dealing with the first big mess. Oh yeah, and the floors were just mopped yesterday… {why even bother?} I am hopeful that nap time will be a success. I am not telling you my day so you will feel bad for me, it is just life! I do have a babysitter 2 days and it is great to just focus on work and feel like a showered and sane adult. I wouldn’t trade the crazy days or the calm ones, it is just a balancing act. Sometimes I am good at it, and sometime I really stink at it. Lately I feel like I am stinking at it. Pierson asked me to rub his back a little bit ago and sing him “sleep sleep, little Pierson sleep”. I did my best with my adolescent boy sounding voice, and we both giggled at the way it cracked. Then I remembered again that I love love love being a mom even if I am sometimes covered in snot and other things. They don’t care at all about my editing or packaging. So on mom days, I am mostly mom, that’s just how it has to be. My own Christmas cards might end up being Happy New Years cards or better yet Valentines. I can live with that.

I am doing a little business revising at the end of this year. I do this every year and every year I like what I do more. I focus on the parts I am passionate about, and drop things I am not good at. I am excited to sit down and have a meeting with myself, then another meeting with Bryson. I also am really excited go to Imaging USA this year. It is an annual photographers conference that I have always been too pregnant to go to. I am hoping to be inspired and educated.

Thanks for reading my ramblings! I feel much better now! I am going to do a “catch up” post of all the awesome families and beautiful children I have photographed and haven’t blogged about SOON. There are so many I want to share and I can’t wait to get that done… but first, I really do need a nap today!

by cyphers2

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December 15, 2011 - 8:41 AM Betsy Gilliland - Amy-Every challenge I throw your way, you are always game to try! Thank you for being sooo flexible! Add that to being capable and talented! LOVE your work!

December 14, 2011 - 3:14 PM Erin - I love ALL your family pics - those are great!

A little preschool cuteness

11.21.2011 at 2:47pm Posted in children's photography

This was my 4th year to take photos for Faith Academy Learning Center, and my 1st year to photograph my Pierson Isaiah as a preschooler. He is such a big boy now! I love this age of cheesy smiles. It isn’t always easy to get a “real” looking grin from 3-5 year old’s but I must say I am proud of what I was able to get. It doesn’t come with out a big dose of me just being plain silly for these guys, and some are really tough customers! I must admit that I said the word “toot” a few times when nothing else was funny….. and I feel kind of bad about that, but it usually works. Parents, if you are reading this, I am sorry I said “toot”, and I hope your child didn’t repeat it at home. Camillia (my beautiful, pregnant with twins, assistant) was awesome at getting grins as well, and made my job much easier.

This year I wanted to do the same thing I tried last year, which was a “gap-kids” look. It worked SOOOO well with the groups and was just as cute as could be with the kids. I don’t like to repeat myself though, so I did do a funny face on a different backdrop as well. I have no idea what parents will do with these or if they will order them at all, I just wanted to have fun with the shoot and do something just a little different then before.

by cyphers2

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November 21, 2011 - 3:09 PM Brooke - Thanks for sharing these! Madison is my niece! Such a doll!

aahhh love.

11.09.2011 at 12:00am Posted in engagement, family

My little baby sister is in love, and her and Chase Campbell are engaged! I took a few pics awhile back right after he proposed, but we recently did the official engagement session. Will I be photographing their wedding? It might be kind of hard because I am the matron of honor and she wants all 3 kids in their wedding too… so yeah, no thanks, and I want to enjoy the day!! I am excited for May 12th 2012!

Aren’t they going to have such pretty babies? I think so…. I promised I wouldn’t bug them about it for a long time though. {so I will just put it in my blog… LOL…sorry I can’t help myself! My kids need cousins!}

by cyphers2

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November 25, 2011 - 2:59 AM Jill - LOVE LOVE LOVE these!

November 18, 2011 - 2:38 PM Olivia - Amy, You did such a great job with tehse! I can't wait to see ALL of them :o)

November 11, 2011 - 10:31 AM Theresa Watkins - Awesome! What a beautiful couple. Your Mom and I have been doing a lot of "wedding talking." Carli jut got married last weekend. It was amazing!! So happy for you both!!

November 10, 2011 - 10:55 PM Kristy - Amy, I love this video, what an awesome way to preserve this time in their lives! Dayna & Chase, you are an adorable couple and wish you nothing but the best! Keep having fun together!!

November 9, 2011 - 9:23 PM Katie Morris - Yeah! Love them!

November 9, 2011 - 7:34 PM Chris & Cathy Campbell - Wow Amy, great pictures, your talent really shines through. But let's face it, you had some great material to work with. Dayna and Chase sure are cute, you bet they WILL have great looking kids. (We are not the least bit biased.) We are so excited for May 2012, our growing family is a blessing.

Multi generational Photography

11.04.2011 at 10:33am Posted in family, multi genorational Family

Big family groups use to really really really freak me out…{yes that is a LOT of “really’s”!} There was always someone not looking at the camera, or blinking, or someone that moved that I didn’t see move and usually a kid that won’t listen and everyone looks at the kid instead of the camera and then the people standing behind me start yelling or making ridiculous noises and the whole large group looks at the weirdos behind me, I try to redirect and the baby starts to cry… Then I get home and realize after 3-5 head swaps that I might have a good image… I hate head swapping… it is a lot of work! And then they might buy a few 8×10′s… yeah, it wasn’t really worth it. I usually turn down large groups for this reason.

Anyway, when Betsy said she wanted a “whole family” photo I had a moment of dread, then I thought of a better way to do it. Last year I took photos of the preschool kids in groups, then Photoshopped them all together… it was awesome! I had 10 pairs of eyes looking right at my camera, and ten cheesy grins, and NO head swaps. Betsy and I talked about doing a panoramic of her family using this same method. A photographer named Drake Busath was featured in my PPA magazine I get and he does families this way so I looked at and studied his photos and read his articles. I couldn’t move my lens at all and I had to have each family stand in the same spot (an X I made on the backdrop with masking tape.) I used flatter lighting then I would with a typical portrait, and I worked super fast! I wanted mostly upper body to emphasize faces more and I really don’t like shoes in photos anyway.

I was so excited with the results I had to share the final image! I think this is going to be a norm now for mufti-generational photography from now on. Isn’t this a great looking bunch?? I can’t wait to see it printed, framed, and on their wall.

by cyphers2

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November 5, 2011 - 10:41 AM Betsy Gilliland - You are right up there with Busath now! Looking forward to seeing other generational groups...........I know you will enhance what you have started and I'll have to have another one down the road! Thank you, Amy, for working with my clan!!

Welcome to my world

How I see things

My baby boy is 1

Sweet {beautiful} Leslie Ann – 7 days new

First baby of 2012

2012 Brainstorm session

Senior 2012 Jacob

New ideas for 2012

My own family photo…

A little preschool cuteness

aahhh love.

Multi generational Photography

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