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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
How weird is 2010?! It sounds so foreign. Like, we should be flying in cars and living in high rise houses with robot maids (you know, like that show). Anyway, 2009 is behind us and 2010 is exciting and new and unfamiliar. I love it. :)
This year was so good to us. Like any year, it definitely had it's peaks and valleys, but overall, Ben and I feel extremely fortunate to be living the life that we do.
More specifically, photography has been good to us. We've had our little business for about a year and a half now, and it has been a whirlwind of awesomeness. We've had the privilege of meeting and working with so many amazing, incredible clients, and we could not be more grateful for each and every person who stepped in front of our cameras. You have inspired us with your love, personalities, and stories, and we feel like we have grown as artists (and individuals) by being around each and every one of you. :)
Next year will bring change. Lots of change. As fabulous as 2009 was, Ben and I are absolutely thrilled for the next chapters of our lives. We are looking forward to lots of new inspiration, lots of new friends, and lots of new experiences. In the same respect, our business will continue to move in a positive, forward-thinking direction. So be on the look out for what we throw your way over the next several months! :)
It seems appropriate to tip our hats to 2009 by recapping a little. And what's more fun than recapping with a crapload of photos?! We've compiled some a plethora of our favorite images from this year and put them into a cute little slideshow for your viewing pleasure. (*As a side note, this slideshow program will be popping up quite often this year as we will be using it to highlight various shoots, and for our clients to be able to see proofs of their photos. Fun, right? ;))
Thank you 2009. You've taught us a lot, and we'll miss you. But not that much, because 2010 seems really cool. :)
Please click here to view our year-in-review slideshow (it's about 4 minutes long)! The screen that pops up will look like this:
Type '2009' into the password box.
Music is on, and the song choice is 'Readyfuels' by Anberlin. Anberlin has been one of our favorite bands for a long while, so we felt it only right to add them to our trip down memory lane. ;)
You can allow the slideshow to run through, or hover over the bottom bar to view photos individually, check out the info about the show, and e-mail us or your friends!
Happy New Year! We hope 2010 brings you tons of fabulousness!
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a year in review.
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87
...a merry little Christmas!
We love this time of year, and the excitement and joy that this season always ushers in. We'll be spending lots of time with each other and our amazing families and friends, and we couldn't be more thrilled for the down time. :)
We hope all of you have a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and relaxation, and that you ring in 2010 with a lot of fun! :) Lots of love to you during this wonderful time of year!
(*Our office will be closed from December 24-December 31. We will be checking our e-mail periodically, but responses will be delayed. Discs will be sent out upon our return, and blog posts will resume. Thanks for your patience! :))
tina morrow:
Awww - what a sweet little boy! Great pic. :)
(12.25.09)
Hannah Fell:
Love this!!
(12.25.09)
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81
It's December 1. No, seriously - it is.
Did December creep up on anyone else? It seems like it's that way every year for me - December is very, very sneaky. After a [not so] healthy dose of Thanksgiving deliciousness, and spending time with the people I am most thankful for, the Christmas month has truly hit me like a ton of bricks coal.
Even though I'm a little overwhelmed that the year is flying by so quickly, I do love Christmas shopping (I know what you're thinking - "Do you love anxiety, a low bank account, and pushy mall-goers, too?") But it's true. I love it. I love picking out the perfect gift for someone's personality. I love the process of searching, and I especially love the "aha!" moment when the search is over and a present is wrapped, bowed up, and placed underneath the tree.
Christmas is about being grateful and cheery and compassionate. It's a time when smiles should be brighter and attitudes should be positive. Christmas is about being a giver. And I think we can all agree that giving is a beautiful thing.
I'm about 80% done with my Christmas shopping (take that procrastination!) and I can't wait to give gifts to my loved ones. In fact, I'm trying really hard to contain that excitement, because I'm afraid I might just force Ben to open his present 3 weeks in advance.
Since we're in the season of shopping and giving, I thought it would be fun to put together a little gift guide for our blog! Below, you will find 25 gift ideas (for the 25 days from now until Christmas). These gifts are for all personality types (as you will see listed next to each link). Simply click on the gift link to be directed to the site where a purchase can be made. I know budgets are a little tight this year, so I tried to create an economically-friendly batch of suggestions (the iPod Nano and Nook are the 2 most expensive items on the list). I hope this makes shopping a little easier (or, if not, at least an enjoyable time waster while you're at work ;)).
Enjoy!
1. Lush Dream Cream [for the spa lover] - the most amazingly relaxing hand and body lotion ever created.
2. Sushi set for 2 [for the sushi lover] - adorable sushi trays, complete with dipping bowls and chopsticks.
3. iPod Nano (with video!) [for the music lover] - the 8GB holds 2,000 songs, and now features video capabilities. Plus it comes in tons of bright colors for you to choose from. And it's a Mac product. You can't go wrong.
4. Stockholm Floral Apron (from Anthropologie) [for the stylish chef] - motivation to whip up something delicious for dinner? Look hot while doing it. Personally, I love this apron in green.
5. Notecards by Letterhappy (from Etsy) [for the thoughtful friend] - stocking stuffer for the friend or family member who always has something nice to say.
6. Just Friends DVD [for the comedian] - One of my favorite comedies of all time. It's laugh-out-loud-pee-your-pants funny.
7. Romero Wine Rack (from Pottery Barn) [for the hostest with the mostest] - holds up to 5 bottles of your favorite red, white, or blush. And it just looks fahhhh-ncy.
8. Ultimate Flashlight Grill Tongs [for the grill master] - this baby makes grilling at night a piece of...steak. The tongs have a removable LED flashlight attached so you don't burn your dinner. Or your hand.
9. Monogrammed Mugs (from Anthropologie) [for the coffee lover] - the cursive lettering makes this mug a super chic way to sip your latte. Anthro also offers mugs with block lettering, for a less feminine option.
10. Glass Rings (from Pier 1) [for the accessorizer] - a great stocking stuffer idea for the chick who always appreciates a new piece of jewelry.
11. Moleskine City Notebook [for the traveller] - the always-incredible Moleskine explicitly designed for a sightseer. There's a place to jot down thoughts and experiences, as well as basic info for the specific city you're in (Moleskine offers about 50 different City options) and a map of the area. The link above will open up the City notebook for Rome - you know, because a girl can dream, right? ;) You can actually purchase these little gems here or here.
12. Video Rocker [for the gamer] - I'm no video-gamer, but if I was, I'd definitely want one of these sweet chairs.
13. Martha Goes Green, A Vegetarian Cookbook (from Etsy) [for the vegetarian] - two young food writers tackle the world of vegetarian cooking with a simple, healthy, yummy approach. If I didn't love Chick-fil-A so much, I'd give this whole no-meat thing a whirl.
14. Canvas Messenger Bag (from Urban Outfitters) [for the too-cool-for-school student] - it's a bag - front flap, leather detail, tons of pockets. It's a pretty awesome bag. It's a bag that's on sale right now.
15. Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub (from Sephora) [for the...kisser?] - a fabulous stocking stuffer for the girl who puckers up pretty often. Be careful if you tell her that's why you bought it for her.
16. Sparrow Coffee Cozy by stichella (from Etsy) [for the environmentally-conscious] - another great stocking stuffer. It's handmade from wool, keeps your tea or coffee warm, and saves a tree. Did I mention that it's freaking adorable?! It is.
17. Picnic Backback [for the outdoorsy couple] - this chic, sling-style strap backpack has all the pockets and compartments to hold a picnic meal for two.
18. EmmaLove Custom Jewelry Piece [for the classic beauty] - my great friend (and photographer extraordinaire) Ashley McCormick has added another title to her repertoire - jewelry designer! EmmaLove Boutique is Ashley's shop that offers handmade, custom jewelry pieces. They are beautiful and unique - perfect for the girl who loves to look elegantly modern. :) (shoot Ashley an e-mail to order a piece!)
19. Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers [for the beach bum or casual guy] - don't call them shoes - they're sandals. Really cool sandals. These canvas-covered surfer-inspired slip-ons have made their way onto Ben's radar (and will probably eventually grace his closet). I really love the Kerouac and Hey Jute styles.
20. Say I Love You Pillowcases (from BoldLoft) [for the lovey-dovey couple] - I cannot express how adorable these pillowcases are. You just have to go look at them. I'm already trying to figure out how we can tie them into our bedroom.
21. Slatkin & Co Leaves Candle (from Bath and Body Works) [for the homebody] - hands down - the best candle I've ever purchased. It smells amazing, and feels like Fall has hit your household. Best if burned while cozied on the couch with a soft blanket and a good movie. :)
22. Aveda 100% Comfort Set [for the workaholic, stay-at-home-mom, or girl who just likes to relax :)] - complete with shampoo, conditioner, hand relief cream, body moisturizer, and lip saver - this set is perfect for any lady who needs a little pampering. Bonus: the set comes prewrapped, and all Aveda products are pure and organic. Win/win across the board.
23. And So the Lion Fell in Love With the Lamb Sign by nesedecor (from Etsy) [for the Twilight enthusiast] - Edward and Bella lovers will freak out (probably quite literally) with this 7''x7'' wooden sign sitting in their home. Don't tell Ben, but I think "Santa" may deliver one for our living room. Just sayin'.
24. Nook (from Barnes & Noble) [for the bookworm] - it's in high demand this year (so if you buy it, you'll won't actually receive it until January) but totally worth the wait. Touch screen, bookmarking and highlighting capabilities, 3G wireless or wi-fi connection, a book 'lending' option, cheaper prices on bestsellers, and many other fabulous features. The electronic reader is the new black.
25. Love Through the Lens session with Starks Photography [for anyone and everyone you love] - you didn't think we'd leave this off the list, did you? :) We have a few sessions left, so book soon! Gift certificates are also available - tell your friends and families - spread the word! This is an amazing cause, and we'd love for you to partner with us. Read the blog post (linked above) for details, and shoot us an e-mail when you're ready to book! :)
Happy shopping!
megan:
I love Sanuk! I've seen them in magazines I use to get, and I've always wanted a pair. They just look so flippin' comfy! Like TOMS! (:
(12.01.09)
Alisha:
This gave me some good ideas thanks loves
(12.02.09)
christen:
well, hello! great list.. and thanks for featuring my little etsy shop (letterhappy)! i just looked through all your photos and i think they're absolutely amazing! oh yeah, and we're neighbors.. i'm an alabama girl :)
anyway, just wanted to say hi, keep up the great work, and have a merry christmas!
(12.03.09)
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78
Her name was Mercy. Fitting, because that's precisely what she was to us - a godsend, a blessing.
- Friday, December 11 - 3:00-3:35 in Lake Wales, FL- Friday, December 11 - 3:40-4:15 in Lake Wales, FL- Friday, December 11 - 4:20-4:55 in Lake Wales, FL- Friday, December 11 - 5:00-5:35 in Lake Wales, FL- Saturday, January 16 - 3:00-3:35 in Winter Park, FL - Saturday, January 16 - 3:40-4:15 in Winter Park, FL- Saturday, January 16 - 4:20-4:55 in Winter Park, FL- Saturday, January 16 - 5:00-5:35 in Winter Park, FL- Thursday, January 21 - 4:20-4:55 in Lake Wales, FL- Thursday, January 21 - 5:00-5:35 in Lake Wales, FL- Saturday, January 30 - 3:00-3:35 in Ft. Myers, FL- Saturday, January 30 - 4:20-4:55 in Ft. Myers, FL
When we were introduced to her, she was 7 years old with a shy smile and a sweet spirit. When she expressed her dreams, she was poised and confident - ready to take on the world and any challenges that she faced along the way. She was mature beyond her years - undeserving of the circumstances that surrounded her, but unwilling to allow anything to bring her down. She was a trooper; an eternal optimist.
Mercy lived in the country of Ghana, so we never actually met her face-to-face. But that didn't matter. We knew her. We kept in touch through letters and photos, learning more and more about her, her family, and her life that was taking place in a town thousands of miles away from us.
We were given the opportunity to send a financial donation every month to help support Mercy in the various areas of her life - areas that we often take for granted; health and hygiene, education, nutrition. Our monthly contribution seemed so small when placed on a large scale, but we felt humbled to even be able to be a small part of Mercy's life.
Throughout that experience, I was prepared for the sense of happiness we felt by being able to help someone in need. What I was not prepared for was how much Mercy impacted us. Her letters and her story inspired me. Here was a girl, less than half my age, proving that she knew more about how to handle life and all of it's unexpected twists with much more grace than I did. Here was a girl, who in spite of situations, managed to keep a genuinely positive attitude on a day-to-day basis. Here was a girl, who knew how to truly enjoy being alive. She didn't waste her days with frustration and stress and worry and grief. Instead, she faced each morning with a smile and a hopeful perspective.
This broke me.
Why can't I live this way? Why do I constantly let insignificant irritations and disappointments alter my mood? After being introduced to Mercy, I felt ridiculous. Ridiculous, and transformed.
Giving back to the world around me has always felt necessary, but now it has become crucial; it has become natural. Mercy has made me view life this way; I'm no different than any other person in the world - no more deserving than someone else. I just happen to have been dealt a different hand. And basking in the victory of pocket Queens hardly seems like a fair or satisfying move in the card game of life.
I'm not a saint, and I don't feel like I deserve a gold star for my outlook. I have had and continue to have tons of selfish moments as well as ones that are filled with pessimism and defeat. But I am trying. I see the beauty in generosity, and I want to have a soul that is full of compassion. I want my heart to break for injustice, tragedy, and hardship. And then I want my reaction to be passion - raw, overwhelming passion for helping those in need.
Mother Teresa "got" this idea of compassion in action. And she lived it. She said, "If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it."
So here we are - putting oil in our lamp.
Love Through the Lens is a mission to give back. We want to utilize our abilities and our equipment for a purpose far greater than ourselves. This year, we will be supporting Invisible Children - a cause initiated by a group of young people, motivated to make a difference in the war-ridden country of Uganda. Please watch the following video (from Invisible Children's website) to gain a better understanding of this great movement (*depending on your connection speed, you may need to pause the video to give it time to load):
This movement ignites an eagerness in us to take action. Brooke Fraser says it best in the lyrics of her song, "Albertine": "...now that I have seen, I am responsible..." We have a responsibility to support those who cannot support themselves, and to help deliver justice for those who have been treated unjustly.
Here's our plan (in brief):
We want to offer photography sessions for $100 each. The sessions will be 35 minutes long (one to five participants per session). The participants will receive coverage time, a disc with 25 full quality, edited images from their session (with shared copyright privileges) and a free 5x7 print of their choice. The sessions will take place in various locations all over the state of Florida, on 4 different dates in December and January (four 35 minute slots for each date). There will be 16 sessions total. 100% of the money raised through these sessions will go toward the Invisible Children movement.
Here are the dates and whereabouts (*dates that are crossed off have been booked):
- Thursday, January 21 - 3:00-3:35 in Lake Wales, FL
- Thursday, January 21 - 3:40-4:15 in Lake Wales, FL
- Saturday, January 30 - 3:40-4:15 in Ft. Myers, FL
- Saturday, January 30 - 5:00-5:35 in Ft Myers, FL
Here's how you book a session:
E-mail us; in the subject line, type "Love Through the Lens." In your e-mail, please provide the date/time you'd like to book us for, the number of people in your group, and any other questions/thoughts you may have (*sidenote: I will be updating this post often by marking off session slots that have been booked). We will e-mail back with details about specific locations and directions.
If you like the idea of this cause, but you don't need or want new photos, you can still participate! We are offering special gift certificates for this mission (Christmas is right around the corner...;))! Simply e-mail us, and we would be happy to send you the printable certificate that you may fill out for someone that you love. :) (below is a smaller version of what the certificate will look like):
Just want to donate? Click here to be directed to Invisible Children's website.
**UPDATE (on 11/22/09)**
We have received questions about the type of session you can book. The answer is - any! Spotlight, Trash the Dress, Just Because - they are all applicable for this offer.
Also, we have been e-mailed by a couple of photographers asking if they can utilize this idea. Absolutely. We would love for more of our peers to take part in this opportunity, so please e-mail us if you are interested.
Ben and I are thrilled and humbled to be able to utilize our business for such a worthy movement. We hope that you guys are equally excited! Thank you for partnering with us in this action of compassion - we love each and every one of you! :)
tina.morrow:
What an awesome idea Amy Lee and Ben! Love it. :)
(11.19.09)
Leigh:
So now it's not only your photography that I find inspirational. I take my proverbial hat off to you both for initiating this project which is sure to be an overwhelming success. I only wish that I was within reaching distance to be part of it... Come over with Shirley and do a wee photo shoot in Cambridge! Yes, you can even bring the dog! :) Brilliant! x
(11.20.09)
Cora:
I am very proud of you both! I wish that my family were going to be around for those dates i would certainly do it! You are AMAZING!
(11.20.09)
Gina Barca:
Way to go Amy & Ben! Wonderful way to use your God given gift as a gift to those in need :) Best of luck on the project I hope EVERY session is booked and more!
(11.20.09)
Adrienne Caudill:
Love your site. Love this idea! I am so glad that your photography business is doing so well and it is so inspiring to see using it for the good of others! Sometime when I'm in FL, I would like to have you do some family pictures for us! You guys keep up the good work! :-)
(11.30.09)
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77
I really didn't mean to take this long to post this. My bad.
First of all, thanks to all of you who replied with questions and topics (reference: click here if you missed our last post about 'off-the-wall')! You have my brain reeling in a thousand different directions - which is a good thing. :) Some of the questions are pretty challenging, which I think is also a good thing. I guess I couldn't really expect a "what's your favorite color" to pop in there and make things simple for me. :) I'm excited about posting thoughts and answers to the comments you left, and I'm hoping that this will be a cool new addition to the blog that everyone will be able to enjoy.
I think I've decided that I'm going to tackle 1-2 questions per post. Let's be honest - I'm long-winded (the first step is admitting you have a problem...). If I tried to answer more than 2, I'm pretty sure you all would stop reading this blog all together and start a petition to kick me off of the Internet forever.
It seems fair to start with the first person who responded to this post - Ms. Alicia Esque. :) Alicia asked: What type of music or band influences your photography the most?
Since Ben has hoarded been gifted with all of the vocal and instrumental talent in our relationship (though I do possess a special knack for the egg shaker), and we both share a great appreciation for the art of music in general, I decided to loop him into this answer.
Ben's response:
My biggest musical influence probably comes from bands like The Fray and Kings of Leon. Style-wise their music is sort of raw and vulnerable, yet really laid back and honest. The creativity it takes to make a simple melody come to life with straightforward instrumentation is a lot like what we hope to do with our photography. We work with the sincerity and beautiful simplicity that our clients bring to the table, and try to craft images that really connect.
My (less eloquent) response:
Acoustic music is really unpretentious and mellow to me. Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, Jon McLaughlin, and Josh Kelley are musicians who do acoustic music really well. I think that this genre speaks to our approach to photography - we aren't trying to be showy or over-the-top or high-strung. We try to allow moments to unfold naturally before our cameras, and accentuate those moments with hints of creativity that adds individualization to our style. I appreciate the previously-mentioned musicians' easygoing, refreshing sounds, accompanied by their thoughtful lyrics. I hope this is how we come across in our photography - laid back, inspiring, and thoughtful.
Since I also handle the editing side of our business, I'm going make my answer twofold (plus, again with the long-windedness.). While I'm editing, I am always listening to music. My choices vary, but I like upbeat, impassioned, artistic jams. Anberlin is an all-time favorite, as well as Kings of Leon, and even a little Jay-Z every now and then. :) These musicians are innovative, vivid, and expressive. Their melodies inspire me to edit our images in a way that portrays the same kind of flair.
*Click on any of the links above to check out the musical fabulousness for yourself! :) Great question, Alicia!*
image: our good friend, Aaron, making music. :)
Have questions or topics for us? Comment anywhere on the blog, e-mail us, Facebook us, or send us a Tweet! We look forward to hearing from you! :)
Courtney Flood:
ok, i'll take the bait....what's your favorite color? =)
what is the most unique event you've photographed for?
-Courtney Flood
(11.09.09)
Anessy Caban:
I LOVE this picture Amy! Thanks for sharing! Miss you friend! (He's such a stud! =) )
(11.09.09)
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Love this slideshow! So cool.
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(01.13.10)