Amy Pinney Photography

Organic Bloom Giveaway!

2012-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, how lucky are all of you! ;)

I got this sweet frame delivered to me the other day. It is just gorgeous :))

(isn't my Bug cute?! ;))

It's an Eva, size 5x7, in Wine. It comes ready to hang horizontally or vertically! :))

The best part? You could have it :)

All I need you to do is comment on this post! There is a link just below this (it's kind of small, I'm working on fixing that...) that says "Post a comment". Just click that, and in the box tell me hi, "enter me please", whatever you want to say! :)

I'm really trying to get the word out about these in Pensacola (because I'm pretty sure I'm still Pensacola's only vendor right now! Eep!)....and I would greatly appreciate your help with that, please and thank you :)) so if you could also share this on your Facebook and with your friends, that'd be awesome (not required to win, though!).

I'm going to pick a winner on Valentine's Day (that's Tuesday!!)--so enter QUICK! You definitely don't want to miss out on the chance to own this frame...it's precious :))

**Entrants/winner must be in the Florida Panhandle area. I'm trying to boost this locally, thanks for your support!!**

New baby smell...

2012-01-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

...dont you just love it? Well, until it's overridden by the poop smell. Heehee...

Meet our new sweet boy. We are already quite smitten with him. I never imagined being in love with two men simultaneously, but this little man and his Daddy are most definitely neck and neck in my heart.

Organic Bloom winner

2012-01-04T17:18:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Angela!

I'm really excited...in a few weeks I'll be giving away some more of these frames, but wall size ;) Keep checking back here and at the Facebook page so you can enter!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

2011 Year in Review and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

I want to start this post by saying a gigantanormous THANK YOU to everyone--*everyone*--who has supported me this year, from my AMAZING clients, to my family and friends, to my sweet Facebook fans, you are all the BEST. Seriously. Best ;)

You all are the inspiration that keeps me chugging along in this dog-eat-dog profession that I love so very much, and to know that you love what I'm producing as much as I do, well....it just doesn't get better than that! Because of you, I am ready and able to keep this ball rolling right into 2012, and THAT is so exciting. I have several fun things in mind that I'd like to do next year (of course I'll need your continued support with those!), and if you missed the announcement on Facebook, I am NOT adjusting my pricing next year. My scheduling model is just a perfect fit for me right now, and I want to keep what I do affordable for you--my favorite part of it all is getting to see you enjoy the fruits of what I love to do! A few "operating procedures" might get a little tweaking, but I promise it will only be good for you :)

It's been a fantastic 2011 for me, and that's largely because of the superb clients that I got to work with this year...grab a cup of something to warm your belly, and look back with me and the gorgeous people I got to know this year...

Ladies and Gents, Amy Pinney Photography, 2011 in Review

As Pensacola's ONLY Organic Bloom frame vendor, I am really excited about this next year.

(2x3 ornament frames in varying colors)

I'm hoping to really get the word out in 2012 about these fabulous frames! To kick start that, and to give you a chance to see just how precious (and WELL crafted) these frames really are, I'm giving away one!

This little cutie is a Mary Ann in Pink Hydrangea. She is a 2x3 ornament frame, but goodness knows you certainly don't need a tree to display her ;) I'm giving her away to one lucky person, and it's EASY to get your name in--just leave me a comment below telling me what you'd do with her, or where you'd display her. I'll use Random.org to pick a winner on Monday! You have until midnight Sunday to enter ;) Ready, go!

Furry Face

2011-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

It's been a while....again :/...but I'm entering another I Heart Faces challenge. This week is "Furry Faces" :)

Here's my entry. She loves him....despite his attitude ;)

Don't let that look fool you...he loves her, too :D

The Littlest Skytte

2011-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

What a sweet cheeks.

I got to spend some time with my favorite Skytte boys recently...including a new little buddy, Lincoln. Such a sweetheart...he didn't wanna sleep for me (they never do?!) but we had fun anyway.

Go ahead and scroll down and eat up a little bit of his pure sweetness. Your welcome :)

I love shots like this, where you get the feeling you're peeking in on a moment unnoticed.

These sweet boys are so into their new brother, the rest of the world falls away...

Brittany :: class of 2012

2011-11-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Get ready. Are you ready? This girl is a KNOCK. OUT.

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing my cousin who is graduating this year. Hell-o! She's so gorgeous...sheesh. Even more than that though, she's an amazing person, and a true testament to the beauty that is her Mama ;) She's such a sweet girl! I had so much fun with her, and I hope that she and her Mama thoroughly enjoy these.

Thanks so much for stopping in, why not leave Brittany some love in the comments section? ;)

Official Organic Bloom Frame Vendor!

2011-10-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a vendor for the FABULOUS frames they're making over at Organic Bloom! These are seriously fantastic. So whimsical, beautiful colors, amazing craftsmanship, yay!

(via The Organic Bloom website. How GORGEOUS?!)

You are NOT required to book a session with me to purchase these frames. Awesome, right?!

I'm going to showcase my very favorites here today: the ornaments. How CUTE are these? Great gifts for grandparents ;)

(image via Organic Bloom Facebook page

So. Sweet!

So! If you are interested in snagging one or a hundred of these beauties, just call me ;)

Getting pretty good at this...

2011-10-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

...quick shoot business :) I'm excited about my recent ability to streamline my shooting process. I'm so comfortable with the technical side now that it's second nature, and after discovering my love for lifestyle images, I'm happier, my clients are happier, and the sessions go so much smoother! Everyone has so much more fun. Woohoo!!

We had a *wee* bit of a crisis with this session.

They decided to mow my favorite field....right when I wanted to shoot in it. :/

Thankfully, this family is so laid-back and wonderful, they were able to just roll with me, and we shot in none other than my "studio"....aka my backyard! :) I'm absolutely in love with these, and I hope you will be, too :) Enjoy!

Sara. Seriously. Stop it. You're entirely too cute. :)

This pretty Miss didn't really wanna smile much for me...but that's okay :)

Normally so serious Miss Madeleine was hamming it up a little for me :)

Leave this gorgeous family some love below...

Double the Sweetness

2011-09-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

When Holly said she wanted to do her family pictures at the West Florida Train Museum, I was excited. I mean, I'd never even heard of it, but it sounded FUN.

It didn't disappoint. Neither did this pair of SWEET 3 year old twins :) Miss Charlotte is pure gorgeousness, and I could hang out with Abram all day, he has an awesome personality. They both do, really, and they were pure gold for me.

Holly and Allen, enjoy your sneak peek!

**Forgive the "crunchiness" of the first couple...I'm not sure why they look that way?! They don't anywhere else...hmm.**

DYING. I can't get enough of this one. His face...so precious :)

Beautiful babies, beautiful light...what more can I ask for?!

So timeless....Miss Charlotte looks like she stepped right outta the 40's :) Love it!

THE case :)

2011-09-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I just got the best package on my doorstep.

My new iPhone case!

I got it from Uncommon, and I am sooo impressed!

I, of course, love the custom design ;) but I am really impressed with the craftsmanship.

This case is very sturdy, and the colors are fabulous :)

This particular style is the Capsule. I'll admit, when I first opened it, I was concerned that the pieces didn't fit snugly together. When I got the phone in, though, it fit VERY well, nice and tight, and those little black gripper plates inside keep the case on snuggly.

I would absolutely LOVE to design one of these cases for my iPad, iPhone, or iPod lovin' clients :) I have a couple of coupons up for grabs too! Email me at

amypinneyphotography@gmail.com

to grab one of the coupons and order case with your favorite image from a past/current session!!

Happy Birthday Luke: Part 2

2011-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Folks, Lee was a jerk.

That seemingly "harmless" Tropical Storm dropped more rain and !tornadoes! than we cared to have, and what's more? He messed up our plans for Part 2 of Luke's Birthday Extravaganza! Ok, maybe not extravanganza, but his pictures anyway ;) No worries, we took care of it last night, and goodness was it worth the wait :) This is the very very last of Luke's baby plan...which makes me kinda sad, I have just ADORED getting to watch him grow! I so appreciate his family allowing me to document his growth in his first year, and, as these pictures show, how very much in love this family is :)

Thanks soooo much K, M, Luke, and! Baby McReynolds #2 ;) (<---can't wait to meet that booger ;)

Leave them your love in the comments section down there!

Little's 3rd Birthday Shoot...

2011-08-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

...a month late. Teehee ;)

I just love my backyard in the evenings...the sunlight drifting through the trees

is heavenly. I'm surprised I haven't talked a client into doing their session right

there in my backyard! ;)

McReynolds Part 1 ;) : Happy Birthday!

2011-08-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sniffle...one of my favorite baby-planners is graduating.

Luke is one. Today, actually ;)

It's been so very much fun to watch Mr. Luke grow up this year...he is just so darn handsome, and I wish so very much I could catch his little chuckle in a frame, because it's the cutest ever.

A few weeks ago, we took advantage of a lazy morning and some beautiful light and let Luke have at a cake in honor of his birthday. He wasn't shy about it all, and even tried to share with me and his Mama :))

If you don't just wanna kiss the icing off that sweet face, your a LIAR. :))

Eat and run...

Happy Birthday, Luke! Thanks for letting me watch you grow!

**Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon! ;)

Babies aren't babies for long...

2011-08-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

(Kaia's footprints on the dining room tile; August 2011)

Source: laybabylay.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I Heart Faces: Beautiful Eyes

2011-08-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at

is "Beautiful Eyes". I haven't participated in a challenge in a long time, but

I figured now was a good time to get back on it! When I saw the challenge, I immediately

thought of this image of my daughter playing in the rain. Those big blues (that she gets from her Daddy ;) ) seem to just suck you in. Oh, to know what she's thinking!

I wonder if Noah will have Mamma's green eyes? ;)

Unplugged

2011-08-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I did before I had a smartphone. Seriously.

My whole world (ok, maybe not the whole world, but certainly my business!) revolves around this little baby, and she makes my life soooo much easier...

It's ridiculous, really. My calendar, client list, email, even my merchant for processing credit cards= all right here. Sweet girl.

You see, it's amazing really that she and I have such a good relationship ;). Normally, I drop my phone.nearly.constantly. For some reason, this baby stays glued in my hands, and she has nary a scratch on her screen, which, folks, is impressive for me.

Until now.

Sigh...

She slipped out of my hand....and into my daughter's bathwater. Hmph.

Hang on, sweet pea...Mama needs you.

All that to say, I'm a little "unplugged" so to speak at the moment.

My computer still works though!

Email me ;)

Kathy & Ted

2011-08-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Normally, I don't do weddings. I actually usually run the other way. Every photographer has their specialty, the one thing they looove to shoot, and just as easily, they usually have a not-so-favorite. Weddings are mine, lol.

Occasionally, though, I have a dear friend that I just can't help but give a favor to.

Kathy and Ted are just such friends :)

Kathy and Ted,
I fell back and forth a little with the song for this video, but ultimately stand by my choice, because I feel like it speaks so much of you two. You both have built separate lives and gone through trials and dark times in those lives, but now you have found one another, and are beginning a whole new life, together. You are blending two beautiful families, and the love that you have for one another just radiates from you. "Wrap your fingers, and hold on tight" to the absolutely beautiful thing that is the two of you together, and know that it is my sincerest hope for you to live the rest of your days in one another's love, as well as the arms of our God, who loves you both so. Congratulations, all my love, and the very best of wishes for your lives together. Love you both!

In HIM,
Amy :)

Fix it Fri(Satur)day!

2011-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Time for another Fix it Friday with the ever lovely

Yay!!

This week's image comes from the fabulous Angie Arthur, and

::Gasp::

It's a newborn. :D

Could this pregger momma get any more excited!?

Nope.

Here's the beautifully lit original:

Shew. I wanna squeeze him/her.

Here's my edit, with an idea of how I did it:

D'aww. ::Sigh::

Ok, so in PS CS5, I cropped in a little tighter, cleaned up a few little places on baby's skin, and then ran Coffeeshop's Baby Powder Room action. That allowed me to smooth out the skin a little and add a little bit of a "glow", but just a *very* little. I then ran Keri Meyer's

Color Pop Action. If you've never seen or used Keri's actions, you're missing out,

especially if you work with babies a lot. Keri is a pro, and her actions are perfection. Right,

so I ran Color Pop and masked it down a little on the skin only. Finally I ran Keri's

A Little Retro action. Looooooove. :)

Hope you like it! Let me know what you think right down there :)

Little girl gone Big

2011-07-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for all of your sweet congratulations...we're super excited about baby #2, but for now, it's all about Bug!

To her grandparents horror ;), Little is now sporting a new big girl haircut! Her Daddy and I think it's wayyy cute, and she loves it!

Before....long, flowy blonde locks--

After! The cutest little bob ever!

I know Grandpa, I know....but it'll grow back :)

M.I.A.

2011-06-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness.....I'm so sorry. May?? Really?? I haven't posted since MAY??! Sheesh...

In my defense, there was a reason...

See, I've been sick. Like, wayyyy sick.

I've been stuck here.

I've had some other really weird stuff going on too....like my eating habits (when I'm able to eat).

I actually like this...usually I can't stand it...

and this? oh heaven help me....

being within a 50 foot radius of this sticky, sweet stuff will send me straight back to the first picture up there....

So, what did I do? I went to the doctor. Something's *clearly* wrong with me, right?

Right.

Oh. so. right.

Ladies and gents, meet the newest little Pinney.

Scheduled to make his/her appearance early January, 2012. Cross your finger for a boy for us, would ya? :)

Maddy Rose

2011-05-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

I got to hang out with sweet Miss Maddy and her family recently, and man, is she a cutie! Quite the little doll...and her parents are knockouts too! Easy to see where she gets it from...

See what I mean? Isn't her Mama pretty? ;)

Sweet girl...

Thanks so much B+H for letting me hang out with you for a while. Enjoy!

Head over to the Facebook page to leave B, H, and little Maddy some love :)

Chris & Debbie

2011-05-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

I got to spend a little quality time with my father-in-law and his new wife recently. They live in gorgeous Gulf Breeze...and there were a few spots there I'd been dying to try out. They didn't disappoint :D

Sweetness...

2011-04-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Remember this sweet Mama?

She gave birth to this sweet boy....

who is now this little handsome 7 month old man! I love getting to see my baby-planners...they grow up so fast!

What a sweet little booger! I could just eat him up....he's growing into such a handsome fella...his Mama is quite proud, as well she should be! :)

Head over to the fanpage for a Facebook exclusive!

Jacquelyn and Sam

2011-04-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

It was the weekend of their anniversary (the dating one ;). Jacquelyn swears she was totally surprised...but that she didn't cry quite as hard as Sam says she did :). Sam just couldn't wait to give her the gift he had gotten her that year--even though their anniversary wasn't until the next day. So he gave it to her early, and popped the question right there in the hallway. She said yes :)

Their Fort Morgan E-session was a great representation of their relationship, and I've gotta admit, the Othello game and Diana camera really got me... :D Jacquelyn did a great job planning!

Congratulations Sam and Jacquelyn, and thank you so much for letting me into your love for a few hours. You two are infectiously cute :)

To see their full slideshow, head to the Facebook page (and Like us while you're there!)

Love

2011-04-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Holly, you're pretty stinkin' amazing! Thanks a million for finally getting my family on the other side of the lens...all at one time. I love love love these...

Finally...

2011-03-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

...it's my turn to be in front of the lens, instead of behind it. With my family, of course ;)

Saturday our little family of 3 has plans to finally have a session of our own. We've never had a family picture taken, so this will be huge :). I'm hoping I can manage to not wait 3 years before we do it again...

I've set our "color palette" up to be centered around yellow and tiffany blue. Here's a sneak peek at what we'll be wearing:

Stay tuned for the shoot!!

Pinney

2011-03-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Auto Draft

2011-03-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Lashes, Lashes, we all fall in love...

2011-03-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

My new favorite baby part....sweet, wispy lashes.

Your life is art...

2011-02-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed. Seriously. My cup is overflowing in so many ways, it makes me want to hit my knees and just stay there...thanking God for the countless joys I experience daily. One of my greatest joys are my clients. Not only do I have an amazing dream that I'm watching unfold so beautifully before me everyday, but I have the best people ever right there beside me. My clients are first and foremost my very best friends, and I'm so incredibly thankful for them!!

The Skytte's are one of the families at the top of that list...they are so incredible. They have supported me since I started this crazy ride, and I'm so blessed to get to work with them! I love them so much, and it completely warms my heart to see things like this...

Various print sizes--so beautifully framed! Exellent job C&M!!

a stunning 16x20 mounted print, flanked by an 8x10 and two 5x7's

Just a peek into what can be done with simple prints :)

Thank you so much M for the pictures :) Again, I'm stunned, they look beautiful displayed this way...

Where ya been, kid?

2011-02-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Sheesh I'm bad at this regular-blogging thing. In my defense, I had the life sucked out of me.

The culprit's name is Stephenie Meyer. Her sucking mechanism?

The stupid Twilight Saga.

I use that term endearingly. I'm completely and unwaveringly a Twi-hard now. ::Sigh:: I'm ashamed of myself....really.

But seriously? How does one's heart not shatter into a bajillion pieces at Jacob's situation? It was absolutely painful for me to read his story (p.s. the movies do Jacob's pain NO justice....if you haven't read the books, you simply have no idea...it's rough). I loved the first and third books, and hated the 2nd and 4th, because of Jacob. Even after he and Renesmee's little thing, I still hurt for him.

Listen to me, I'm a blubbering idiot. Anyway, that's where I've been. Twisted into a world with vampires and shape-shifting boy-wolves...and loving every second of it.

It's been so stupid cold lately (and raining :( ) that I haven't had the chance to shoot much. I did grab a few cute shots of Little on Valentine's Day :)

Fix-it-Friday!

2011-02-04T04:07:00.000-08:00

It's Fix it Friday again! I recognize this little cutie from an edit I did a while back. This picture was rough. I've taken a few like this... ;) When it's your baby, you just want to catch that sweet moment, and sometimes you forget to adjust those settings just right. Julie says the color cast is from a combination of the wall color and pink curtains :). I can sympathize, and who wants to pull out the expodisc for that??

Alright, here's Ms. Sweetness in all her SOOC cuteness:

Man, that pink is powerful...whew.

Ok, here's my edit, with instructions following:

A little better, I suppose :)

Edit w/PS CS5:

1. Auto Color Balance x3 (I like to see where that will get me before I start. A lot of the time it gets me to a far more workable place than I started in)

2. Color Balance: B/Y slider to yellow a few points, C/R slider to red a few points

3. Ran AMP Morning Cartoons action @ 20% (find this action on DeviantART).

4. Ran Coffeeshop Baby Powder Room- Skin Smooth @ 25% on her face, Eye Define at 10%, pupils only.

5. Ran Pioneer Woman's Slight Sharpen

6. Applied healing brush to cheeks and chin to remove shiny drool places and what looked like leftover breakfast :)

7. Applied healing brush to that little red colored catchlight in her eyes.

8. Ran Keri Meyers Take the Red Out action <---loooove this!

9. Ran my own curve bump action at 34%

10. Gaussian blur layer at 9, masked to her upper lip only, 48% (I wasn't 100% satisfied with the job step #4 had done there...)

Thats it! Ta da!

Leave your questions and comments below, please and thank you :)))

A memory...

2011-01-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have lots of very fond memories of my childhood. I was blessed with parents and grandparents who love me so fiercely, it was impossible to doubt. My Mama's parents are still alive, and are still a huge part of my life, and now of my daughters life, which I'm so incredibly thankful for. My Daddy's parents have both passed. I wasn't very close to my grandfather, but I still knew he loved me, and am thankful for the small things he did for me. My grandmother however, I was quite close to. She's been gone for sometime now, and my memories of her are few since I was so young, but I do have some that I cherish. The one that sticks out most is lying in bed with her, reading her stories from the Readers Digest. She would eat raisins soaked in...I'm not sure what, actually...while I read her little funny stories. I remember her hands being so wrinkled, and most often cold...but she had a strong touch, one that poured out her feelings for you. She was very intentional. I wish that I had a photograph of those moments to help me remember them more vividly. I have a handful of photos of her though, all of which my family cherishes...they help us keep her alive in our hearts.

Tomorrow is never promised. For that matter, the next few seconds are not promised, and when a loved one passes away, all we are left with are memories...and photographs. Tangible evidence that they existed, that they breathed, and that they loved. It is my *firm* belief that everyone should have photos taken of them....and you're going to get an opportunity to do that right now!

Leave me a comment here, and tell me one of two things: 1. Tell me about a photograph you have that brings back a vivid memory of a moment long since passed...or 2. Tell me about a memory or person you have that you wish you had a photograph of. I'll sit down with a cup of tea and choose one winner to receive a session at half off. You have until Monday, January 24th at midnight to enter.

Good Luck!

Skytte Family Sneak Peek!

2011-01-15T04:02:00.000-08:00

I got to hang out with some of my very favorite clients today :). If you have followed this blog for any extended period of time, you'll recognize these faces...love them! Enjoy your sneak, Skytte family!

I think this one might be my very favorite...I love the way the colors turned out with this processing!

Sweet Brothers....soo cute!

Birthday boy! Little man :)

365 Week 2

2011-01-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

So....ok I was going to say this week was easier. It wasn't. I'm trying though...enjoy the snippets from my week :)

[gallery columns="2"]

***Click a thumbnail to open the gallery and see the images full size!

Fix it Friday!

2011-01-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

Whew, how long has it been since I participated in a FIF?? Too long...and apparently I've missed some good ones! For those of you following who don't know what that is, the great girls over at I Heart Faces host a "Fix it Friday", where you can work your editing magic on a submitted picture for that week, and compare with *hundreds* of other photographers! ;) Wanna try? Go here...

This weeks picture came from Rachel Durik....and this little girl is a *knockout*. Her eyes are amaaaaazing.

Here's the original:

Again this picture belongs to RACHEL DURIK. I did *not* take this picture, I only edited the version below.

Cute, right? Her eyes....whew.

Ok, so here's what I did. I'm working in Adobe Photoshop CS5...

1. PW Slight Lighten @100%, Flatten--I like really bright photos...it makes her skin creamier :)

2. AMP Morning Cartoons @ 45%, Flatten

3. PW Define & Sharpen @ 48%, Flatten

4. Keri Meyer's "A Little Retro" @ 100%, Flatten

5. Color Balance adjustment layer, -5 Magenta/Green masked on skin only

6.Replace color--Selected lips, Fuzziness to 93 (to select *only* lips), Hue +11, Saturation -20, Lightness +20

7. "Blue Bayou" texture @38%, sized down to cover the eyes, Blend mode: Overlay, Masked to only her irises.

8. PW Sharpen This @ 8%, masked to eyes only.

Result:

Okay, and so I know you're going to want to know where I got the actions I used (looove actions, but I always say, know how to break them down and do them manually as well!! It'll make you a wayyy better editor ;) )...

1. PW= Pioneer Woman Photography Actions <----these guys are freeeee!!

2. AMP Morning Cartoons action= I wish I could link this one for you....but I don't remember where exactly it came from. I am pretty sure, however, I got it from DeviantART. So check that out...

3.Keri Meyers Actions <---these are not free, but they are well worth the money if you are a newborn photographer. The "Get the Red Out" action alone is worth it.... I've tried tons and Keri's blows the rest out of the water...

4. "Blue Bayou" texture....*no* idea where I got this....sorry :(

OK now to explain why I did a few of those things. The reason I did the "replace color" on her lips is for 2 reasons: Number one, I don't like lip gloss and such on little girls. Call me old fashioned, but this little girl is what, 6, 7? No business having makeup on, in my opinion...and Number 2, it distracts you from those gorgeous eyes. So, I toned down the lips some...made them look more natural...or just like she's wearing slightly tinted chapstick, which I'm fine with. :) Ok, now the texture on her eyes.... I can't remember where I saw someone do this, I wish I could credit them....but this technique is *amazing*. It really makes eyes sparkle...and of course, layer masks are your *very* best friend when editing! You have complete, 100% control when you use layer masks.

Ta-da! What do you think? Leave comments and questions below, pretty please!! I'll answer all the questions I can...

Sweet Kim

2011-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

See that pretty lady up there?

That's my cousin, Kim.

She's about as sweet as they come...how she ended up with her hubby Billy, we all wonder ;) but they are certainly smitten with each other, and have been for a long time...

Sweet Kim has always been happy-go-lucky, fun, and outgoing. Life is her cup of tea :)

Very recently, Kim was diagnosed with cancer. She has already had two surgeries. She's facing almost a year of very serious treatments to stand a chance. This cancer is deadly, and ravenous, and could easily take Kim's life. I believe, however, that she is a fighter.

If anyone can beat this, Kim can...but she's going to need help doing it.

That "help" is going to require that her husband close their shop, find a job near the treatment center where she'll be treated, and hope that they can cover the nearly $3,000 initial payments that the insurance won't cover.

That's where we come in. ;)

Throughout the months of February and March, I will be donating 50% of my profits to Kim's family, to help offset the costs of the major sacrifices her family is making to help her survive. I hope to help ease the sting of Billy's having to close the family business, their primary source of income. I hope also to help give Billy a cushion to allow him to spend more time near his wife's side, helping her, not out working.

Will you help me help Billy and Kim?

I'm opening up 5 sessions (3 more than normal) in both February and March. Again, 50% of all profits from sessions scheduled those months will go to Billy and Kim.

If you are interested in scheduling a session, and helping our Sweet Kim, email me at

amypinneyphotography{at}gmail{dot}com

365 Project: Week 1

2011-01-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Whoooo....this is going to be a tough challenge. There was more than one day this week where I was caught drifting off to sleep and then realizing I hadn't taken a photo yet :/. Here's hoping it becomes a habit soon... ;)

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

365 Project

2011-01-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! After today, I'm officially back to work! I've thoroughly enjoyed my holidays...hope you did too ;).

2011 is going to be the year I attempt a 365 project. Essentially, I will take one photo everyday this year. Daunting...I know. I'm hoping to not poop out on it. Wish me luck! I'm posting today's image to kick start it, but after this, I'll likely post a weeks worth of images at a time...so I don't bombard you :) and that way I only have to sit down with them once a week.

The boys playing spades :)

My father-in-law got engaged last night ;) and his fiancee's kids are here this weekend for the festivities. This is the boys, playing spades with Hubby and Dad.

**Forgive the Droid pic, I didn't pack my camera this weekend.

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

...and the happiest of New Years to you all. Thanks for all your support and love this year :)

Wishing you peace and love this holiday season...

see you in 2011.

Brrr....

2010-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

My Girl is so cute all bundled up :) We dared venture out into the tundra for a little fresh air...I can only take so much heater! (=sneezing!)

Want to see more :) You know you do...I mean how cute is she? Ok maybe I'm biased...anyway! Head over to my Facebook page for some fb exclusives :)

Baaaaad blogger!

2010-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

I'm terrible.

I know.

In honestly, I'm really just boring, and you probably don't care what I'm doing everyday....because it's not much. Right? lol...

I promise to try and be better....next year :) I can't promise to blog everyday through Christmas, because that's like saying...well, it won't happen. I know it won't.

So, it's really cold here (remember, I live in Florida?). Like, 40 degrees cold. More like February in Florida weather, not December in Florida. I'm enjoying the cold, but honestly, my body isn't. I really don't do well in the cold...I *always* get sick, my ears hurt at the slightest cold wind, and my feet go numb if I'm out in it for too long, no matter how many or how thick my socks. BUT, I love it :) I really do.

My Christmas cards came in today :) and I'm so excited to send them out! I hope all my clients enjoy their cameos :)

my sweet Girl, in her awesome boots, posing with her buddy Rudy ;)

Who wears boots like this in Florida?? We do, when it's already this cold!

Thanksgiving a la Florida :)

2010-11-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

The high today was 80º.

Totally Thanksgiving weather, right? Right...when you live in Florida :)

Please enjoy these pictures of our Thanksgiving #1 (we'll have 3 when it's all said and done ;) ), full of Football (watching and playing) , swimming (yes, you read that right, SWIMMING. In the heated pool that didn't really need to be heated today!), great food and wonderful family...

*Excuse the weird lighting in some of the food ones. It was pretty dark in there.

**Leslie, if you want any of these, let me know, I'll email them to you :)

[slideshow]

Santa!

2010-11-23T06:53:00.000-08:00

I know, right? It's not even Thanksgiving...BUT we took the Girl today to see Santa. Now mind you, obviously being a photographer myself, I am NOT all about paying out my hind-end for one frame of my kid screaming her lungs out with a fake looking St. Nick....but Grandma wanted to :) so we did.

Turns out, while I still think it's a stretch for the price, it was a far more pleasant experience than I expected. Santa looks totally legit, with the best looking "scenery" I've ever seen for mall Santa pics. He's totally not pushy, and talks very quietly to my Girl, and on her own terms. No holly-jolly, traumatizing "Ho-ho-ho's". She's not pushed to sit in his lap, but rather given the option to just sit next to him, if that makes her happier. She is allowed to hold his Kitty Cat, and is given a little penguin toy after :) She was actually realllly excited, only getting a little nervous as we walked up to him, and then as I tried to sit her down next to him (that came just from being afraid I might leave. When I sat down out of the frame but next to her, she was peachy :) ). She even smiled! Granted, it was a "produced" smile, and not a real giggle, but it still looks semi-genuine.

All in all...well I'm still not sold on the whole thing, but it is pretty cute :) I'm also pleased we were able to just buy the negative :) So I can have the prints done at my lab and know they're a bajillion times better than $25 worth of 2 5x7s from a tiny inkjet printer...

Growing...

2010-11-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

...more independent every day, lol. She insisted she needed to wear this hat today...silly Girl.

3 sweet boys...

2010-11-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

...and not one alike ;)

These 3 cute brothers are the precious children of an old preacher of mine....well, he's not old, but you know...lol. They are all so different! Biggest brother E is your typical 5 year old, sweet as can be :) Middle brother L is a *live-wire* but he kept me on my toes and laughing. He's only a month older than my Girl, but they are like night and day! The newest little brother, Baby J, is quiet and inquisitive, content to just hang out. He's only 2 mos, but he's a little chunker already!

Enjoy your sneak Somers family...thank you so much for choosing me!

[slideshow]

Somers Gallery

2010-11-15T04:35:00.000-08:00

Hi there Somers family! (and friends and family :) )

If you would like to view the gallery for this session, please follow the link below and enter the password.

Friends and family, be sure to leave your comments in the box below for the Somers Family to see! I'm sure they'd love to know just how cute you think their kids are ;)

**Please note:

This gallery will allow you to place an order for prints, HOWEVER, it will NOT provide you with any pricing information. I have chosen to take payments for print orders myself instead of allowing the gallery to do that. If you need pricing information, please let me know. If you place the order through this gallery, once I receive it I will email you an invoice. If you would like to order directly through me, you can email me at amypinneyphotography@gmail.com.

I accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Thank you!

http://amypinney.instaproofs.com/enterEvent.php?id=304660

Recap: Beautiful girls...

2010-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Florida heat. Guh. It can really knock it out of you....but this girl has spunk, and we got some great shots taking her looong overdue senior pictures.

Haley is my sweet cousin. I did this shoot for her as her birthday present :) I think she liked it...

The LAST post in this series will come tomorrow with Babies Babies Babies!! :)

Ohhh, I'm late!

2010-11-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

ehhh! sorry, i totally forgot last night to get the next recap post up. I'm a terrible blogger....i know.

no fear! double today!! first, a very sweet 80th birthday party, and a new addition to an already super sweet family :

Mr. Meyer turned 80 surrounded by his very wonderful family and friends...

The Beck family welcomed a brand new baby boy into their family back in August. It was so sweet to see their firstborn loving on his brother so sweetly, and Daddy was being a GIANT help to Mom! Always good to see that ;)

Next up: long overdue senior pictures, and drawing a 17 year old out of her shell...

Feed Raffes?

2010-11-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Last time we ventured out to the local Zoo, it was BLAZING hot. Inferno hot.

August in Florida hot.

As much as the then-tiny Kaia enjoyed it then, I was sure if we took her back now, and on a MUCH cooler day, she'd have a BALL.

I was dead right. ;) So Grandma, Granny, and I made a morning date of it. All morning Kaia kept asking "Feed Raffes mama? Feed Raffes?" She was so completely giddy at the thought of feeding giraffes...silly girl ;) You mention something once, and man it sticks.....lol. Too bad the Giraffes weren't very hungry today. They did sniff her hand though!

Excited to be going to see "Raffes, and monkeys, and wions, and monkeys!"

Feeding a llama :)

Cracking up laughing at the psycho-llama...

"He's talllll Mama!!"

Hey there, gorgeous.

Sit tight, I'll get the next installment of the recap up sometime this afternoon!

Recap: Part 5!

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen. Everytime the temps get cold, so do I.

While I curl up with a cup of hot tea and nurse a sore throat, you guys enjoy these::

In the spotlight today are two sessions from this summer.

First is Jack--we updated his headshots and chased the rain all afternoon...

He's a veteran actor who's been off stage for a while dealing with life in general...but now he's back! With some great headshots :)

This next session was *my very first session booked that was NOT a friend or family member!* woop. I was excited. And honestly, I could not have picked a better family to be my "first". Prior to the session I had only spoken to the daughter mostly by email and once on the phone, so I had a lot of meet-and-greeting to do when we got to the location. This family is soooo sweet and gosh-darn southern! ;) Right up my alley. :D I realllly enjoyed getting to spend time getting to know them and playing with those sweet kiddos! We had a fabulous time...

Seriously, is Miss K not the sweetest thing on her Granddaddy's shoulders with her missing front teeth!? PRESH! Hugs to you sweet girl :) I hope we get to play again one day!

Tweet. Boy. :) He has the best smile!

Sunflares are my fav :) and they are the very best at the beach...

Hope that warmed you up a little :)

Spot me.

2010-11-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

I've been on the hunt for-eVER for the perfect grey boots. Mostly because I'm obsessed with all things grey at the moment, but whatever...

I finally found them.

THE pair of boots.

Yum.

Chinese Laundry Women's Kicky Boot

Recap: Hotness (Part 4)

2010-11-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the previous installments of this series here, here, and here.

I hope you're near a fan. Just thinking back on this next session makes me swoon ;).

The Moorers are a smokin' hot couple who came to me to celebrate their 5th anniversary in the form of an awesome shoot. They definitely didn't disappoint. If only all of my couples were this open and adventurous about their pictures! Not that I don't enjoy the challenge of drawing someone out in a frame, but Mrs. Moorer straight ROCKED it, especially. You'll see ;)

**Note: It took me 10 minutes to decide which pictures to post. I have a TON of favorites from this shoot....

Whew. Are you sweating? They are hot. Like, hawt, hot.

Ok, so let's cool down with some pure sweetness. I got the chance in June to photograph the sweet little bun in the oven that we now lovingly call Baby Luke! He was still in his mommy's belly at the time, and we were unaware of his gender, so he was just Baby McReynolds then ;). So glad he's here now (my Girl looooves him!), but his mama sure was sweet with a big belly!

Stay tuned for some headshots and a dear sweet southern family with some cute cute babies :)

Recap: part 3

2010-11-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you've missed the last posts revisiting my shoots from this past year (my first year in business!), you can check them out here and here.

The Skyttes and Brookshires booked with me last March, and whew! there were a bunch of them :). I had an absolutely great time with them though, and the kids were so well behaved! The Skyttes are some of my most loyal clients ;) allowing me document most everything exciting in their lives! :) I'm sure you'll recognize little T from the first recap post, and you'll see them again soon...

In April, I booked my very first Bridal session. I don't shoot weddings, so getting Bridal bookings are rare, as the Bride will generally have her wedding photographer take care of all of that for her. Mrs. Kauffman (then Ms. Rode) got in touch with me because her wedding photographers live and work in Iowa, and were being flown in the night before her wedding. She wanted to go out to Fort Pickens for bridal portraits beforehand, though, so she called me. :) I must say, I was just as nervous as I was giddy, but I couldn't be happier with these! Mrs. K was an absolute natural and made my job wayyy easy.

Seriously, is she not gorg? Looove the last one...stay tuned! Tomorrow we showcase a smokin' hot couple with a Harley and the cutest little preggers lady!

Recap part 2

2010-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

First up today is my precious niece. I miss you, girlie...

In March I got to hang out with some cutsie twins for their 2nd birthday! Hard to believe in a few months they'll be turning 3!!

and I have to give some love to their sweet parents...

Stay tuned for the Skytte/Brookshire families and the gorgeous Mrs. Kauffman!

Just in case...

2010-11-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

...you need help making the switch! Here are instructions on how to add the new blog to your g*reader!

http://amypinneyphoto.wordpress.com/2010/11/05/making-the-move/

Making the move...

2010-11-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid some of you may not know how to follow this blog because it's not on blogger...I know a *lot* of people use g*reader as their blog reader, so following a wordpress blog like this one may be a challenge. Have no fear! I'll show you how to add this blog to your reader so you can keep up with my blog along with all your favorite blogger blogs!

Ok, so from blogger.com, you want to scroll down to the bottom left, where your list of blogs are, and click the "add" button...

Enter the web address of the blog you want to follow and click "next"...

then choose to follow either publicly or anonymously...either is fine with me :)

click "follow", and you're done! I'm vowing now to start blogging regularly, so I promise it'll be worth your while :)

thanks a bunch! If I confused anybody, let me know.

55º

2010-11-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

It's cold guys. Cold.

Don't get me wrong, I'm *not* complaining, it just changed up our agenda for today. Instead of a trip to Target, we're doing this:

Lots of fleece...

Blogging more shoots from this past year...

and plenty of cups of this to warm little fingers and stomachs.

The First Year: Recap!

2010-11-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!

OK, so not really me, but my business!

Over the next few days, I'm going to be revisiting my first year in business as a photographer! :) I've spent the last year getting to know and love the very best clients that a girl could ask for, and I can't even put into words how thankful I am for all the support I've gotten since I started this little venture. So many of you have trusted me to capture the little moments in your life, and that is awesome.

Tonight we're just going to look back at my second and third session ( I lost the negatives to my very first session :( but have plans to get them from the client, who is a very dear friend, and happens to have the full disc :) . We'll recap that first session later on :) Throughout this week, we'll go through all 15 sessions and take a look at my very favorites from each one. So if you haven't bookmarked this blog yet--now would be the time to do it! You don't wanna miss the fun :)

The Andrew Family

Oh, Andrews, how I love y'all...

Next up is my precious buddy, little K. Skytte (and his big brother):

If you think he's cute here, you should see him now! I'm have high hopes that his mommy will let me take his 1 year old pictures next month...hint Mia! ;) He is as presh as they come...

Stay tuned for more!

Him.

2010-10-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

He knows exactly what I want on my Subway sandwich.

He knows every word to the song I walked down the aisle to. He sings it to me. Often.

He kisses my neck because he knows it makes my knees weak.

He pushes me to be a great photographer, and gives me constructive criticism.

He cares enough to listen when I "talk shop", and remembers it enough to know when a photo I take needs tweaking somehow. Even though he's *not* a photographer (I'm convinced he could be :)

and he loves me so much, he hoards gift cards we get from various things and takes me on a shopping day for my birthday. 2 months early :)

He is amazing. I love him.

Still here?

2010-10-20T15:17:00.001-07:00

If so, you're missing out on the good stuff!!

you should be here: Amy Pinney Photography: The Blog

Our yearly tradition

2010-10-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

I would've sworn that a one year old would be far more....inclined to run amuck?....than a two year old.

NOT the case.

Every year, Grandma and I load Kaia up with at least two outfits and drag her out to the local "pumpkin patch" (read: church with lots of pumpkins in front) for her annual Punkin' Patch pictures :) I'm sure when she's 18, we'll STILL be dragging her out here, lol....it's a good thing she likes it right now :). Hundreds of pumpkins, just beckoning for an OCD toddler to arrange them just so.....my Girl's dream :)

Enjoy the cutsie goodness. And the running amuck.

Oh, and to take a glance back at last year, look at these :) She's gotten so big!

It's Fall, y'all...

2010-10-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

LoL. I feel like Paula Dean saying that.

Dressing girls for photography sessions seems to be far easier for everyone than dressing a little boy. I am far more often asked about what a boy should wear, so I decided to put together a little inspiration board for you! :)

and in other news--my girl thinks she's Nicole Richie.

Work it.

2010-10-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have a thought. Often. The thought that I reaaally need to update my camera.

While that statement is true, for different reasons, I love finding things like this, that remind me of this simple fact:

No matter how fancy your equipment, is does not, can not, and will never take the place of raw talent and a pure passion for what you do--the kind of passion that drives you to know your craft inside, outside, and upside down. Passion that drives you to adapt in ways you never thought you could or would have to....

Like Atomic Tom did.

Take Me Out

New Do

2010-10-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

Finally.

FI. na. lly.

I'm chopping my hair off again this morning. I could not be more excited. Seriously. Last time I had this haircut, it was great, everyone loved it, and it was soooo easy to deal with. I only grew it back out for Hubby, but sadly my hair just won't grow anymore--or at least it takes like 2 years to grow a few inches-- so he agreed to let me keep it short. He'd love for it to be really long, but once it gets to my shoulders, that's it, it slows wayyyy down and just won't get any longer, no matter how many trims I get to help it along.

No matter, I'm excited! :)

That's just my little blurb for today. Oh, and sorry, no 10 on 10 this month. I know, right ? The epic 10.10.10 and I wimp out. Actually, there was just too much going on. You'd be surprised how much harder it is to remember to take pictures on a Sunday, what with church and all, and then we spent the afternoon at Grandma's 75th birthday, and then in Gulf Breeze through the later part of the night...so it just didn't happen. Sorry.

NEWS: Keep your eyes peeled on this blog. There's going to be a big announcement some time in the next few months, so keep up :) You can do that by getting email updates or adding us to your RSS feed. Sign up at the very bottom of this page!!

Call me, beep me...

2010-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

...if you wanna reach me :)

Anyone remember Kim Possible? No? Oh. well...

While I'm working out the kinks of this blog, I wanted to take a moment here to give everyone my contact information. My Facebook fan page is no more, so that's no longer a way to get in touch with me. I know many people used that avenue, however, so I wanted to make sure everyone had alternatives. You can, of course, leave a comment here or on any post on this blog and I'll get back to you asap. You can also email me (this is probably the easiest way to get me :). All emails are sent not only to my computer but also my Droid, so I will be able to get back with you very quickly this way. You may also call me--but I warn you, I'm not always in a place where I can answer :) You can text me too!

email: amypinneyphotography {at} gmail {dot} com

phone: 1.850. 748. 6970

thanks a million for sticking with me!!

What's the difference?

2010-10-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

"Photographers are always pushing the "custom" experience over department store studios. What's the difference?"

Ever wondered that? Some of you may have used a studio chain, some may have used a boutique or other type of photographer, and some of you have used both.

I got my start in this business in a....dun dun dun....department store studio. Nice, right? :) Now I, obviously, have my own business. For that reason, I feel like I'm in a good position to explain to you the ins and outs of both types and perhaps give you some perspective on exactly what you're getting in each scenario.

Now, please note. Yes, I would LOVE for you to come to me over a DSS (dept. store studio). That's not really the point of this post, though. It's also not to bash DSS's in any way. I want you to fully understand why these two worlds share little in common but a "type".

Ok, so first things first. Lets talk about the biggest part of photography, the core of it -- the images.

Go take a look at www.jcpportraits.com or www.searsportrait.com. I have been "that" photographer. The one who actually knows little to nothing about the actual inner workings of the camera they are using, the lighting setup, etc. They know how to pose you to make you look better, but even that knowledge stops short of knowing how to make you look a little thinner. They *may take the time to ask you about any "insecurities" you may have, but beyond trying to position you to minimize those concerns, there isn't much they can do. Also, as of 3+ years ago, they did no retouching. Shoot. Print. Done.

The custom photography experience couldn't be more different. When you book a session with me, one of the questions I will inevitably ask you is if you have any blemishes, scars, or other insecurities that you would like me to do my best to minimize or eliminate for you. Pimple? No big deal. Lots of them? Still no big deal. Wanna look *exactly* as you do in real life, imperfections and all? I can do that too. I'd love to. :) Example:

This clients mom wanted me to clear her skin as much as possible. She had no idea what the end result would be. She was in complete shock. :)

Not only will a personal photographer have the ability to do this for you, most would be more than happy to do it for you. We want you to feel beautiful, and we have the resources to do so. Unfortunately, that's just not something a DSS can do for you. Not concerned about retouching? Then a DSS might work great for you!

***

Another similar difference is the ability to infuse YOU into your images. A DSS photographer has limited time (see below :) ) to get to know you well enough to pull your personality out of an image. They are also (while better in the digital age) pretty heavily limited in the "variety" of images they can give you. It is one of my primary goals to create an environment where you are relaxed enough to interact normally with your family. I thrive on that interaction :)

****

The next, most obvious difference for most people would be the cost. And it's a BIG difference.

By the time you pay sitting fees for 4 people (the average family) and coupon sheet price for, say, 10 sheets, you're looking at $80.00 before tax.

Me? You'll pay $125 minimum from the get-go, with ample opportunity to spend more for more custom designed, unique, personal products.

It's a big difference. When you factor what you're getting, dollar for dollar....well, it's up to you to decide if that's worth it.

****

Ok, on to the last big difference. The experience. From experience, I can tell you that while the photographer at a chain may ask a few questions to try and get to know you better, and may try their best to draw you out in the images, the cold hard fact is that he/she is on a time limit. The average chain studio session will last between 15-30 minutes, with an additional 15-20 minutes after the session to choose your prints. So, at most, under an hour. Start to finish. That's not a knock at the chain studio, or the photographer. That's just the way those studios are set up to function. It's the experience they have chosen to put out as part of their product. No fuss, no mess, just pictures.

My end goal for your session is not getting you in and out in 45 minutes flat. My goal is not to sell you an $80 package that will help me hit my quota for the day. My goal is to take images that you love, that make you cry, that you are dying to show your family and friends, plaster all over your Facebook page, and hang on your walls. And I will spend as much time as it takes to do that. I will invest time before your session into getting to know you, what your expectations are, what kind of images you are looking for, what you plan to do with them. I will invest 2--or more--hours into actually taking your images, after which I'll put 3-4 hours into editing and prepping your images for web and print. Once they're ready, I'm happy to sit down with you and map out exactly what images you want to hang where or give to whom. Long story short. I have time. Time to spend on you, to make sure you feel beautiful start to finish, and to make sure you cherish the end product forever.

Again, this isn't to say that no one should ever go to a studio. There's a time and place for DSS's. As long as you understand the "you get what you pay for" thing, if a chain studio is what you want, go for it :). If you're looking for something more, something SPECIAL, well....

Call me :)

Teddy Bear Picnic

2010-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Alright moms--have you heard the song "The Ladybug Picnic"? You know, the one that goes "one, two , three. four, five, six. seven, eight, nine. ten, eleven, twelve. Twelve Ladybugs, at the Ladybug Picnic."

I sang that song the entire time I edited these pictures :)

The credit for the concept of this shoot goes COMPLETELY to my mother-in-law :). She told me a while back about how she wanted to take Kaia to Bellingrath Gardens for a teddy bear picnic. We set up camp in a little look-out over Mirror Lake in the gardens and had the sweetest little "tea".

These DEFINITELY satisfied my itch for some really good vintage images...

We have moved!

2010-10-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

I finally did it--I made the switch to Wordpress. There will hopefully be even bigger changes soon, but for now, check out the new APP Blog and add it to your reader or sign up for email updates!

More Fall Inspiration...

2010-10-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

...and wishful additions to my closet. I don't think I'll ever WANT to afford Modcloth...but I do adore their clothes...

2010-09-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

New and improved!

2010-09-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the brand-spankin-new Amy Pinney Photography blogsite! Please excuse the dust, this is still a work in progress, but I'm hoping soon to have this up and running like clockwork for you!

Continue to check back here for updates on my latest sessions. Wanna make that easy? Click that little link below and sign up to get new posts sent straight to your inbox!

Of course, because every good photographer AND blogger knows a post is not complete without pictures, enjoy the cuteness that is The Littlest Pinney. We had a little mini shoot today in my favorite field, which happens to be dotted with my favorite wildflower/weed thing.... :)

Fall Clothing

2010-09-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's almost here.

I am so excited I cannot stand it.

I absolutely LIVE in jeans and a comfy sweater in the fall, and I looooove it. My favorite time of year, hands down. :) Here in Florida, we're blessed with what's more like an extended Fall than a Fall and Winter, which is a-okay by me.

In celebration of the upcoming kick in the air, I've compiled some clothing options that will hopefully all be gracing my closet soon. What's more awesome? They would ALL look FANTASTIC on (digital) film :) Feel free to be inspired and call me to book your Fall session!!

I Heart Faces: Smirks

2010-09-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm entering the

challenge this week, and the theme is "Smirks".

I thought of this image from a session a couple of weeks ago. This one didn't make the cut because I just wasn't in *love* with it, but gosh darn it, it fits pretty well for this challenge!! :))

Silly boy...

Go4Pro: Homework!

2010-09-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

I got this post in my feed this morning from the ever sweet and knowledgeable Leah featuring Heather Ward. I knew *instantly* the image I wanted to enter. The homework assignment is silhouettes, and here is my entry....

I actually re-processed this image and tweaked a few things just for this post....and I love it even more :)))

-Amy

10 on 10: September

2010-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

"Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month. Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments."

So.....I'm just bad at this apparently. But! I did better than last month, lol...

Watching her morning 'toons :)

My new pumpkin harvest candles....they make my house smell YUMMY and pacify my

NEED for Fall to get here...QUICK.

The gorgeous skies that greeted us on our way across the bridge to GB.

Lunch with Grandpa at the Grill!! :)

(sorry the next few are from my phone...)

Surprise trip to the park. As soon as she realized where we were...

"Wan' doe pwayyyyy???!!!"

Sleepy girl with her icecream Grandpa bought her :)

My to-do list I had full intentions of completing today....yeah. I got close, I guess.

This counts as a picture, right? ;)

Screen shot of the session I'm fine tuning...sweet baby 14 days new!

So, 9 isn't so bad....

;)

Happy 10th!

Little Mr. {Milton Newborn Photographer}

2010-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

What a little dream.

This Mr. was sleeping soundly when I got to his house, and stayed sleeping pretty soundly the whole time I was there! He started getting a *teensie bit* curious at the end, but not enough to wake completely :)

He let me do just about whatever I wanted with him, and Mrs. Amy is quite grateful. :) Welcome to the family!

H&K--enjoy that little man! He's sweet as can be...

He smiled for me... :)

and stuck the tough poses like a champ! :)

I love this last image....when I look at it I completely forget I was even there. The emotion just jumps out at me, what a sweet moment.

Welcome to the world : Gulf Breeze Newborn Photographer

2010-09-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

This couple has been waiting patiently to meet this little fella, and he's finally made his debut! 5 days new, sweet as can be, and a little bit of a booger already. He wouldn't stay asleep for me! So much for those curly newborn shots, he had other things in mind ;)

Meet Mr. L.

KILL it J*...

2010-08-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am FEELING the fab Mrs. Jasmine Star...for 2 days I have soaked in every word pouring from that loud, fierce mouth ;) and I'm wasting NO time applying it--despite the fact that I'm NOT a wedding photog. **In case you didn't know, I *don't* shoot weddings. Not my thing.**

The thing that caught me today was Jas talking about using 3 words to define your style, and making sure every image you capture can be described by one of those words. I think this will help me tremendously in keeping my focus during sessions. If you've had a session with me, you know I'm up to try *just* about anything...but often there are only a few images that scream me. I want to change that, because I think that it will start attracting the kind of clients who are me. It's no secret--I have told clients that I simply cannot take a picture I don't see. Even if you bring me a rip from a magazine and say "I want this shot", I am ONLY able to shoot what I see--I didn't take that picture that you handed me, so there's no guarantee that you're going to get the same feel from me. I think though, by defining my business in this way, I'll stop attracting those types of people--or they'll start handing me my OWN pictures and saying " I want this". That would be great :)

So, internet, here's my words:

Elegant--I am sooo drawn to purely *elegant* things, be they images, home decor, jewelry/clothing, whatever. I can see in images I've taken in the past that a part of me is pushing for elegance in almost every shot. I intend to let her out :)

Emotive--I can get sooo wrapped up in the moment an image brings, and I WANT to bring that out in my own. I get so caught up in the technical sometimes and forget the raw emotion...but I'm going to work on that.

Timeless--some photographers (not knocking anyone) will follow the "trends"...I go out of my way NOT to. I'm always trying to re-evaluate my position and my images and try to take the dating out of them. For instance--things I won't do: I won't selectively color your image. I won't create that "dewey/soft" look in the digital darkroom. If I haven't drawn that vibe using the light when I took the image (which I will do), then it ain't dewey. :) I want to create images that when you look back, you don't notice anything but the emotion, the moment.....not the color, the processing.....probably why I'm drawn to black and whites :)))

J*, I know you will ROCK IT tomorrow with Laura and Billy, and I am HONORED to spend that time with you...I'm in awe already :). Get it girl!

Decisions, decisions...

2010-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hey there.

I'm not sure how I want to start this post--I guess the best way is like this...

Hubby and I need your prayers.

In the near future, he and I will need to make a decision that is *not* a small one. Right now, we've talked about nearly every aspect of it we can think of, and we are at a standstill, with no idea what the best decision will be. The outcome could and would affect us personally, my business, nearly every part of our lives. Soon, though, we will need to buck up and do something, so your prayers are requested that we are guided in the direction God would have us go, and that we would trust Him always in whatever happens. Much appreciated :)

Oh, and in case you didn't catch it on my Facebook page, I'm throwing some ideas around about having a Holiday mini event--the catch is, I need you guys to help me spread the word if I decide to do it :) I'll keep you posted!

--Amy

KayLyn : Pensacola Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ladies & Gents, meet KayLyn.

She and her Mom go to church with us, and boy, have we been planning this shoot for a while! :) These are technically Senior pictures, because KayLyn never got to take hers, but shhhh....she's a college sophmore :)) Details, just details....

I had a ball pulling a little sassiness out of this gorgeous girl, and KayLyn and Ms. Kathy, I hope you enjoy the end result as much as I do! Girl, you are SMOKIN'!

GOR-JUSS light....

Work it, lady.... :)

Sweet sweet :)

Uh. One word.

RAWR.

Get it, girl.

Smokin' Ma'am! Enjoy KayLyn!

Nothing special...

2010-08-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

...just some new pictures of our newly-2 princess. :)

10 on 10 : August 2010

2010-08-10T20:49:00.001-07:00

This month, I decided to start doing the 10 on 10 photo project. You can read more about it here, but the basic concept is this:

"Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month. Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments."

On the blog, you'll also find this quote : "Feel free to adjust the "rules" of the project to suit you! The point is to enjoy capturing your day through photography."

I started out doing just that: I decided that instead of taking a photo an hour, I would just make a point to take 10 photographs throughout the day to document what a "day in the life" was like :)....

Turns out, I stink at that too, haha. I only managed to get seven today. I missed a couple of opportunities today, I guess out of lack of ever doing this project before. No fear, next month I'll make it! For now, enjoy my "7 on 10" :))

Me! sans little one. She spent the morning with Granny & Nana.

Breakfast :) Waffles and blueberry syrup. Yum.

My morning activities sans baby. Lots and lots of cleaning. Without a tiny one behind me, messing it right back up again :)

Lunch! Looooove Chicken in a Biskit.

My Nana's mailbox. This picture will probably become a very valuable one to me. I have looooots of memories on this property. and am very thankful Kaia is getting to make some also :)

Bruschetta. YUM. Some without tomatos--for hubby :)

Bath!

The Becks : {Pensacola Family & Newborn Photographer}

2010-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Pure Sweetness. This family is oozing with it. Dad works with my hubby :), Mom stays home with her precious boys, and those boys? :)

I had such a nice morning with this family. Little T is a great big brother, but he's also a typical rambunctious 2 year old :) and sweet new baby S was a great little model. He started off a teeny bit grumpy, but once he was asleep, he was a dream.

Enjoy your sneak peek Beck Family!

Whew, it's Hot!

2010-08-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hello August! Welcome to Florida. While all you New England-ers will soon be enjoying the first breezes of fall, we're just edging into, well....

via The BS Report

The Inferno.

I mean, folks, it is HOT. My little girl turned two last Friday, and had a pool party with all her cute little two year old friends (-Thor and Kingston :/ Missed you two boogers!). Bless their little hearts, I'm glad we keep planning pool parties for her birthdays, because it was BLAZING out! The pool was NOT cool, but I'd much rather be drenched in pool water than drenched in sweat.

Despite the heat, this is shaping up to be one BUSY month for us here at APP :) and that, friends, is exciting!!

**Note: There are a couple of people who've expressed an interest in a shoot this month, but haven't requested a date. I'm tentatively holding spots for you, but without payment and a date set, I can't hold it permanently. Get with me soon before someone snatches up your spot! I take a very limited number of sessions each month.

Another note, for those of you thinking of setting up Holiday sessions (Floridians, I know you're all saying "Whaaa??? It's 100˚ outside!!"), it would be wise for to go ahead and try to map out when you'd like to do your sessions. Like I said, I've built my business with limited sessions available each month, and based on the progress so far this year, this Holiday season is sure to fill up fast! We've also got some tricks up our sleeves for this holiday season, you definitely want to be in on this! :)))

And because, always, posts are better with a picture :), I'll update this post soon with a party picture. Check back soon :)

Ok, so not a "party" picture. Just a picture of Bug, ecstatic to be headed to Chuck E Cheese on her birthday. Cute.

Happy 80th Birthday!

2010-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending yesterday evening celebrating with the dearest friends and family of Mr. Meyer for his 80th birthday! This is an amazingly sweet group of people, and you could just feel the love in this room! I just wish you could've felt the light....lol. It was a little dark in there for the photographer ;)

Thanks again Mrs. Linda for calling me :)

** Update: here's the full slideshow ;)

Don's 80th Birthday from Amy Pinney on Vimeo.

bubbles and tutus

2010-07-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Ragrolls :)

2010-07-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

My mom used to do this when I was little....and to my niece also.

Be on the lookout for a luscious curls update :)

When I think fabulous...

2010-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

I think of two of the most spectacular wedding photographers in the industry. One is Jerry Ghionis....we'll get to him another time. Whew!

The second is Jasmine Star. Never heard of her? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?? Seriously though, she is incredible, and ooooozing smoothness. The opportunity to simply sit back and watch her shoot would be breathtaking.

Wait.

What?

You CAN??

For FREE?!?!?!?!?!?!?

That's right photogs! (sorry everyone else, this is biz-ness only ;)

CHECK! THIS! OUT!

oh, and this :)

New Toy

2010-07-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

I bought a !Cah-Yute! hat today...it makes a great prop :) Definitely be on the lookout for this hat in some future sessions!

Back in my own skin

2010-07-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

I've been in a weird place since I stopped working after Kaia was born. I tried a number of things to shake the strange feeling, but just chalked it up to "not having my own identity anymore" (post baby) and made a half-hearted promise to do something about that. I'm great at making those promises but then never fulfilling them.

Until this time. This time I did. But I didn't even mean to.

You see, when I started my business back in November, I wasn't doing it in an attempt to make myself feel better. I was doing it because it was what I'd ALWAYS said I was going to do. I've said it since I was 16-- "one day I'm going to open my own studio". I eat sleep and breathe photography, so it was only logical. I figured out my dream a long time ago...

but I also have had a dream since I was a small child to keep a home and raise babies, and be a wife.

Now don't get me wrong. I love being home with my little girl. I wouldn't have that any other way. I wouldn't miss these lazy days with her for anything, and I wouldn't dream of relinquishing my responsibilities and tasks as a parent to someone else for any significant amount of time in her life. (**SIDE NOTE: I am NOT bashing Moms who work and have Nannies or use daycare. Hey, you do what you've got to do. Or even what you WANT to do. I'm simply speaking for me personally, it was a clear decision. I was not ok with it. But I am not, repeat NOT saying you are wrong for thinking otherwise.) Funny thing too.....I always said I hated working...but regardless, something was missing.

Back to November. I turned what I love to do into a way to make money. I knew getting started it could, and probably would, be a looong time before I was really making any kind of money...some photographers don't "make it" for 10 years or more. Now, I haven't by any means "made it" by most people's standards. But you know what? I bought my family's weekly groceries--and DOUBLE the $$ amount I usually do-- out of MY bank account yesterday. I walked out of that store with a sense of pride and accomplishment I don't think I've ever experienced before. Not only had I contributed a pretty significant amount financially to my family -- side note: this is the funk I was in. a funk that made me feel like my not bringing in $$ made my contributions to the family less significant. My husband has tried to tell me a million times that the job(s) I do are just as important as the one he gets paid for, and i knew he was right, but apparently I *need* to contribute financially in some way to make that funk go away...because it's gone now :)--but a HUGE neon sign flashed in front of my face when I swiped that card. I MADE IT. I'm here. I've turned what I love into something tangibly measurable, and not in dollars. It's measurable in the way it made me feel. All those nights I sat in my bed, or staring at my computer, thinking "I'm just going to walk away....this just isn't going to work. Who am I kidding..." <----That girl was WRONG. :)

Now, the reason for all of that. It's NOT to "toot my own horn". The reason this blog post is what it is is for this reason:

THANK YOU.

Thank you first and foremost to my Father in Heaven, for continually blessing me, with a loving and supportive family, with the things--both emotional and physical--that I needed to get as far as I have, and with...

Clients. YOU are the reason I'm successful. You are the reason I've come this far. You've had faith in me from the beginning, you've allowed me to prove myself to you, to capture memories for you....and you've spread the word about me. For those things, I could NEVER thank you enough. I owe you all so much....I hope you know how much I love and appreciate EVERY one of you.

My husband. My daughter. My husband bought me my camera...with a faith in me that I'm only recently starting to understand. He knew and has always known I could do this...and he has quietly but firmly been pushing me in the right directions. Just knowing he has my back-- in this, and in everything-- makes waking up everyday and putting my all into everything I do worth it. Babe, I love you more than words can say. Thanks for being my puzzle piece :) The same goes for my daughter. My heart, my inspiration, my drive...she's my little talisman. I love you, Kaia-bug.

It feels good to be back in my own skin. Thank you.

My Sweet Baby's Birthday {Pensacola Child Photographer}

2010-07-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

I canNOT believe that it is July. Not only does that mean the year is half over...but my baby's birthday is this month. Except she's not a baby...she's a full fledged little lady now. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it yet, but what I do know is that I adore her, with every inch of me. I am so incredibly blessed to wake up each day and be enriched and taught by her. She has without a doubt made me a better person.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl. And Sometimes Silly Girl :) I love you.

I never want to forget that sweet blonde ponytail...

T+G Family : Pensacola Family Photographer

2010-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek! These are always soooo hard for me. This family was no exception! So many beautiful images of completely beautiful people...

T Family:

Thank you so much for allowing me to spend a very enjoyable afternoon with you. Your family is simply gorgeous! I very much appreciate you allowing me to capture your visit here to Pensacola, and hope that you like this small sneak peek! Enjoy your 4th of July vacation here to the fullest, and have a safe trip back! It was such an blessing to meet you all, and I hope our paths cross again someday!

Love, Amy

Wordless Wednesday {Pensacola Child Photographer}

2010-06-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Trying out something new...

2010-06-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of doing sneak peeks a little differently. Thoughts?

Katie from Amy Pinney on Vimeo.

It's Here...

2010-06-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Remember this photo? The one I JUST took a few days ago?? Take a good look at her beautiful surroundings...

and then look at this.

That's the same bridge behind Katie in her photo. Except the sand is still pristine. It's still beautiful. It's not sucking the life out of all the tiny crabs and other creatures just below the surface of that sand.

And the water? It's a beautiful blue, with just a touch of green.

But not now.

Now it's causing dolphins to become beached. It's causing them to die...like this poor helpless young sweetheart.

Look at that. Just LOOK at what they've RUINED.

Pray, dear internet, pray hard. Pray for something amazing to happen. Pray for someone to get off their butt and do whats right, not what's cheap. Pray to banish all red tape and other crap keeping people who honestly want to help from helping. Just pray, and pray hard.

**all pictures via PNJ.com and are copyright of their respective owners.

Katie: Maternity {Pensacola Maternity Photographer}

2010-06-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Katie! This sweet lady has a little one due to make his/her debut in late August, and I had the absolute honor of giving her maternity portraits! Katie & her hubby's style is much like my own, and this was a very relaxed session. It was a wonderfully fun afternoon. This sweet baby is being born into such a loving family, and will have the best parents.

Jack: Headshots {Pensacola Headshot Photographer}

2010-06-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

I adore this guy...his whole family really. They have been near and dear to my heart since I was just a little thing. We had a ton of fun, as always, updating some headshots for him.

Enjoy, J!

Fix it Friday!

2010-06-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

It's Fix it Friday at IHF again, and I could NOT pass up the opportunity to edit this GORGEOUS picture, though it needed very little! The gorgeous DOF, the beautiful diffused lighting, those SWEET cheeks....ugh. Presh. OK, so let's get down to business!

Normally I like a little more....creative editing. This image was just so precious, though, I had to leave it like it was. It just needed a tiny bit of enhancement.

Here's sweets SOOC:

Whew! She is cute, cute, right?!

Here's my edit, with step-by-step following:

See what I mean?? I didn't do much!

Step-by-step:
Edited in Photoshop CS5

1. Pioneer Woman's Slight Sharpen Action.
2. Pioneer Woman's Cooler @ 30%
3. Coffeeshop Baby Powder Room
*Smooth Skin layer on face @ 26%
*Eye define @ 70%
4. Pioneer Woman Quick Edge Burn @ 15%

That's it!

**Note: yes, I use actions for most things. A word to the wise for new photogs/editors--break those actions down and learn to do the steps manually! I can do each of the steps I just listed manually, the actions simply save time. Make sure you can do the same!! :)