I have to share with you something that just blew my mind. I got a text from a friend, Amber of Shoop’s Photography. She was asking my availability and if I had any time to do a family portrait session. Sometimes we’ll refer clients to each other when we’re booked or we ask if either would be opposed to helping with a session if they were available. So, I thought nothing of it. I continued to asked about details and realized it was for HER FAMILY!!!! Whoa — wait – time out! “Amber, you want ME to photograph YOUR family?” is what I believe the text said. Okay, I was so flattered!! Sooooooo, flattered. You see, Amber and I met a few years ago. I was wanting to learn more about photography and she needed some help with some things on the back end and voila — an awesome relationship was born. So, she’s seen me from the beginning. She’s coached me through many hurtles and offered me so many opportunities to learn WITHOUT expecting anything in return. Of all the photographers I have contacted, she was ONE OF TWO who was willing to work with me. Amber is amazing and I wouldn’t hesitate referring anyone to her! She is amazing. So, you see, it takes a lot of trust for one photographer to allow another to photograph them. I totally get that and I was blown away she chose me!
Oh, and let’s add that this is the first time they have had someone else photograph them — no pressure! So, with that being said, I was NERVOUS!! I didn’t want to embarrass myself. It was like the teacher asking you to show them how you do something. We’ve shot weddings together, and we jive pretty well together. We have our little dance figured out, but this is different. This time, she is the CLIENT!!! I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I had met, John, her husband, before, but it was my first time meeting the kiddos and they are so sweet! I had a blast hanging out with them. They took me on a little adventure/mini hike through some trails and their little secret family hang out area (sorry, I can’t share — I’ve been vowed to secrecy 
). It was such a pretty hike and I think we snagged some fun photos!!!
The above photo was a joint effort between Amber and I. She did the editing, while I snagged the photo! Pretty good looking family, eh???
This was at the beginning of the hike and J, their eldest, was cracking up that I was Mission Impossible style on the ground in a ninja pose! Hahah!! Anything to get the shot! This is probably, one of my favorite family portraits from that day.
As I mentioned, this is the oldest, J. He is a hoot! You forget how young he is when he speaks. He was so well behaved and had some good ideas for the shoot. He was so excited to be out and actually said the shoot was fun! Gasp!!! ;-) There are good genes coursing through the veins of the family!
So, this little guy is the youngest, A. I’m somewhat convinced that he’s going to enter into the scary world of male models because he was always on! I have not yet seen a kiddo turn it on quite like this little one. He was fierce in front of the camera — he was quite comfortable in the spotlight which is super fun when you’re shooting! Sorry, elementary school girls, you’ll have to get in line! ;-). Amber and John, will you be ready for what’s to come in about 12 years????
Together, he and his brother made it a blast to shoot! We all laughed and had a pretty good time just playing in the “wilderness”. These two kiddos really were great! Thanks for making this so easy and fun for me, boys!
Now, onto one of my most favorite photos from the shoot. Amber and John hadn’t had a lot of photos together. I get it. When you’re a photographer and you have a family live and other aspects of your job, its quite difficult to get photos of yourself. So, I was so pleased that we were able to snag these amazing photos!!!
So, I LOVE movies and the quote that comes to mind is “REALLY really good looking”. You know, from Zoolander? Anyway, these two looked so good and I think I know where A gets his fierceness from….papa John. John was such a trooper too — with a bum knee he put up with me telling him to stand up then sit down then squat and stand back up again! Thanks, John — you’re awesome. Plus, that super beautiful wife of yours is pretty amazing too!!!!
So, Felts Family, it was truly and honor and a pleasure to spend some time hanging out with you. Amber, you’re a huge part of where I am in my photography! Thank you for being so helpful and open to bringing up a colleague! I hope our friendship and business relationship continues to grow in this new year and beyond! PS – tell the rest of those good looking dudes a BIG thank you for allowing me to photograph them.
Okay, so I thought I would give Amber a plug here. Amber is having a Budoir Marathon Session at the Citizen Hotel on Sunday, January 29 starting at 3:00 and going until midnight!
You will receive:
- One hour private boudoir photography session in a luxurious penthouse suite at the Citizen Hotel (includes an outdoor balcony overlooking the Capitol!)
- Professional Hair and Makeup done on location
- Up to 3 outfit changes/scenes
- Artistically enhanced/retouched images on a private online viewing gallery
- 10 8×10 sized digital negatives for your personal use
- Post-session consultation with specials on books, calendars and more!
This session is valued at over $1000 when booked individually. Your special Marathon price is only $495! Join Amber for a fun day of sipping mimosas and getting pampered while she brings out the beauty in you with special photographs. Leave the worries to Amber – her expert posing and lighting will show your best assets. You’ll leave the hotel that day with an extra pep in your step!Space is LIMITED. Please email Amber at amber@shoopsshutter.com for more information and to book your session.
