Sunday, April 24, 2011

A New Season. A New Blog...

The past 2 years still leave me in disbelief. 
I woke up one morning and I knew - I was supposed to be a wedding and lifestyle photographer.  I was made to do this.
And yet, I had no idea how to get "there."
So I laughed.  And dreamed.  And laughed some more.
Though I'm not "there" yet, God has brought me so far.  I have a camera I could have only dreamed of two years ago.  I have been blessed with the coolest clients in the world.  This year alone we get to shoot weddings in 4 different cities.  And the stories I've shared in?  Beautiful.  I've been humbled, I've laughed and I've constantly been blown away.
I have grown.  I've cried.  I've felt inadequate and I've had moments where I knew deep within me that somehow this would come together.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next 2 years.  And the 2 after that...and...
In the meantime though, I outgrew what I could do here on this blog.  And so...I'm moving on.  And I'd absolutely love it times infinity if you'd join me.
You can now find me at: www.amypaulsonblog.com
And yes, I'd be honored if you came to visit...  Or stay...

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New Looks

Please be patient with me.
As if you haven't so often before.
But right now, epic things are being dreamed.  New designs are being made (by one of the coolest people ever and yes, I will share all her info as well!)  And the look and feel of all that we do with amyp photography is going to be more who we are and the people we are striving to be. 
Which does mean...yes...there will be a new blog.  Yep, I said it.  And it's a true story.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of my favorite little people in the world.










Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Letters

I got an email from a precious friend who found out a dream of hers was denied.
At least for this moment.
She beautifully and honestly put her grief out there.  And asked for prayer.
And so I wrote back.
And as weird as it sounds...I just felt like I should share my response.  I felt like somehow...someone out there might just happen across this and maybe, just maybe, God had something to say to them.  Or maybe I'm wrong.  Oh well, I'll take the risk.  So...here:

Okay.
I could write really annoying Christian-isms that may not even be Christian at all and would just suck. Like that whole "When God closes a door, He opens a window."
But you know what?
That's crap.
Right now it hurts.
It's maddening.
And there are likely a whole host of emotions and thoughts (some potentially not true - especially if they insult your worth.) running through your heart and mind.
My prayer?
That even in this you could turn and put it all out there with God. That you could go ahead and be upset and that you could cry and that in those moments you would be able to feel and visualize Him holding you. Maybe He has things to say, maybe He just knows you need to be held. And maybe He sings over you instead of you singing in that moment.
I don't know what it looks like exactly.
But I'm praying it happens.
And that you don't run from it.
And that you don't hold back how you're feeling.
And that you don't disguise why you feel that way.
But that you can fully put yourself out there.
And that somehow in the midst of it all...maybe in a couple of days or in that very moment you'd have hope again.
I know it's crazy.  But I've seen Him do it.  He's doing it in me.

Love,
Me

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Rachel and Dave: Couples' Session

If ever a couple could change the world with their love - it's them.
And quite honestly, it's not a matter of can...they will.
Rachel and Dave, I adore you two.  Thank you for the ways you have inspired our family.  For the ways you've loved us.  Supported us.  And picked us up when we fell.  (Sometimes literally...)  Thank you for the way you give your lives for others.  You two are incredible and we are so grateful for you.

Could they be any more adorable?!?







LOVE.  Times infinity.












Rachel.  YOU.ARE.GORGEOUS.

In case you needed another reminder...




















If you'd like to see more from Rachel and Dave's couples' session, visit their SLIDE-SHOW.  And the music?  The incredible Andrea Bustin wrote that song and had her parents sing it.  Let's just say I'm in love.  If you'd like to stay up to date on Andrea's concert schedule or order her album, be sure to check out her website...

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Clare Colwin Designs

Confession Time:
I want to buy everything from her store.
Every.thing.
Twice even.
As I went through the beautiful pieces I had the privilege of photographing, I kept thinking, "Oh my goodness...I want to keep this."
Her designs are honest.  Beautiful.  Inspired. 
And I could not have been more thrilled to photograph them.  Complete with BEAUTIFUL models...  Let's just say the entire experience was oh.so.much.fun.

Which leads me to the fact that I'm thrilled to do two things:
1.  Direct you to her site so you can go crazy with me and we can be stylish friends together.
2.  Give one of these GORGEOUS pieces away to one of you!!!

So, first...here's where you can find more of Clare's designs:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/clarecolwin

And don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting them ALL.

Secondly - how about that giveaway?!?
Oh yes...

THE DETAILS:
Head over to Clare Colwin Designs and tell me on my Facebook page what your favorite piece is.  With your comment you get one entry...  (The winner gets to choose their favorite piece.  Yes, Clare is that cool)
If you'd like to be so kind as to share my Facebook page with your friends by tagging us in a status update, you get two extra entries.  If your tag is incredibly witty, you get three.  Yep, I went there...

You have until Saturday at midnight to enter!
And the winner will be announced on Monday!

In the meantime, check out some of the pictures from our shoot...
(and there's a cute little someone you might just recognize...)


















Happy commenting!

Kathy and Dave: Maternity session


Dear Sweet Baby,

Your parents adore you.  Already.
Times infinity, in fact.
When I asked about you – there were giggles and uncontrollable smiles.  The entire time…
You are walking into such a beautiful family.  You are blessed beyond measure, little baby, to have these two as parents.  They are ready to give all that they have to you.  To loving you.  To kissing your soon-to-appear little toes.  To showing you how to live.  And to making sure that you love the Bears. 
They cannot wait to meet you.  And I can’t wait to see how much they love you once they’ve held you in their arms. 
Love them.  Treasure them.  And don’t forget for a moment how blessed you are, little one.

Kathy and Dave - I could not be more excited for you two...

And...I am in love with these baby shoes...




 Cuteness. Overload.





 Kathy...let's just go ahead and state the obvious.  You.are.gorgeous....





 I just melted



 Again with that whole being gorgeous thing...



 Yes...this baby is destined to be gorgeous...

 LOVE LOVE LOVE









 Such a fan...












If you'd like to see more from their maternity session, just check out their SLIDE-SHOW.  And the music is performed by the ever-so-incredible Adam Huff.