Real Life: Families Amber Real Life: Families Amber

The Hayslette Home | Real Life Session '18

There are an infinite amount of memories created inside homes. When Cody came to me with the idea of documenting his family interacting in their home before their parents sell it, I got SO excited. Cody and his brother basically grew up in this beautiful Wake Forest home with their parents and grandmother. Their interactions in this space are representative of so many special times together.

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Real Life: Families Amber Real Life: Families Amber

Welcome, Audo! | Documentary Newborn Session '18

When I photographed Alex and Katie's Maternity Session back in January, none of us had any idea that their sweet baby would be born just eight days later! They were still tossing around names for boys and girls at that time... On January 21st, they found out—it was a boy! I loved documenting their season as new parents of a precious, healthy newborn! The interaction of their dogs changed a little, and both grandmothers were present for this extra-special Session. Enjoy these image highlights...

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Birth, Chad & Amber Amber Birth, Chad & Amber Amber

Elias's Birth Story, 2016: Our Plan B was still beautiful

We've got around 50 days to go before we get to meet our Baby #2, and it has me feeling all kinds of nostalgia. I realized today that I never actually featured Elias's birth story publicly, even though we had an amazing birth photographer. At the last minute, we had to use our 'Plan B' birth plan, and it disappointed me to the degree that even the images brought back sour feelings. But, Elias's birth was still incredibly beautiful, so today, I’d like to be vulnerable and honest enough to share his birth story, along with some tasteful image highlights.

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Real Life: Families Amber Real Life: Families Amber

The Livingood Family | Real Life Session - Oct '17

About five months ago, I had the honor of documenting the daily life of one of my favorite families. Not only am I encouraged by the way Blake and Jessica lead their family, but their practices of faith, health and wellness are beyond inspiring! This Session is memorable for lots of reasons I think you'll agree with: adorable kids, sweet cuddles, wood chip eating, nose-picking, surprise visit from a slimy critter, sibling squabbles, family dinner, and more.

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Parenting Amber Parenting Amber

God Will Supply Our Needs | A Spiritual-Parenting Parallel

When our son was about nine months old, he was going through a phase where he would throw fits if he wasn't getting something he wanted immediately. My level of annoyance had reached a new high, and I found myself in a silly monologue with him, like he could understand my reasoning. Afterward, it hit me—so THIS is how God sometimes feels about me as his child! 

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Chad & Amber Amber Chad & Amber Amber

Why We Don't Exchange Valentine's Day Gifts

My husband and I don't give each other Valentine's Day gifts. WAIT—before you make a quick judgment, it's probably not the reason you think it is... We don't hate the holiday, we're not making a point, and we're not just trying to save money. It's also not because we're cold or heartless. Read on to learn what we've discovered about each other over the years that has strengthened our love for one another.

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Chad & Amber Amber Chad & Amber Amber

Being Present in Parenthood

When you have kids, the concept of "time" becomes all distorted and mysterious. On one hand, they are growing so quickly right under your nose, but on the other hand, the days can begin to feel long, monotonous, and "normal." This short post is a challenge to stay engaged.

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Education Amber Education Amber

2-hr Photography Crash Course on Feb 24!

Have a fancy digital camera but no idea how to use it? If you want to learn about "exposure" and other foreign camera lingo, curious about what the heck your camera’s dials and buttons do, trying to bust out of the limitations of the auto mode, or just desire more "pizazz" in your photos, this Crash Course is for you...

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Real Life: Families Amber Real Life: Families Amber

The Schulte Family | Real Life Session '17

A while back, I had the honor of documenting the everyday, real life of the Schulte family. I can tell you confidently, after only a few hours of being a fly on the wall, it is definitely no walk in the park to have four kids under four, especially when two of them are twin baby boys. Yet, I walked away so impressed and inspired by what I witnessed!

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Chad & Amber Amber Chad & Amber Amber

Choosing to Love Through Ten Years of Marriage

Later this week, Chad and I will have been married ten years. How is it possible that all those years have passed so quickly? Then, at the same time, it feels like we have always been together; it’s so normal and natural and right. We have squeezed in SO many adventures, so many highlights and also lots of challenges. “Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice," and more on our daily decisions to fight for each other and not against...

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Chad & Amber Chad Chad & Amber Chad

My Most Challenging Aspect of Becoming a Parent

Becoming a parent is certainly—by far—the most challenging transition I’ve ever experienced, and simultaneously the most beautiful and rewarding. Everything about becoming a first-time parent is hard. But, if I’m honest, the most challenging aspect I experienced personally was the unsolicited advice I received from others. In today's blog post I'm sharing a perspective that will hopefully encourage any other new parents who are experiencing the same challenge.

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