a senior session with olivia . . .

Oh this post brings a tear to my eye!  I taught Olivia when she was in the 4th grade and now she is getting ready to start her senior year in high school!  I adored her sweet little personality when she was a friendly, loving little ten year old and I still absolutely adore her 7 years later!  She is beautiful inside and out and I am so proud of the little lady she has turned into.  We had a blast driving around Oldham County in search of the picture perfect spots!  Here are a few of my favorites. . .

 

     

a snuggle time with dean . . .

Ginnie and I have known each other since we were six years old!  Those of you wanting to do some math… that's over 25 years!  I am so thankful for our sweet friendship that literally has journeyed through decades!  She is now loving life with her three handsome boys (in which I have been at the hospital for every delivery!) and I am so thankful for my sweet little photo session with her newest addition, Dean. Here are a few of my favorites . . .  
      

        
 

a precious playdate with saylor and sadie . . .

Jennifer and I have known each other for 16 years now! We have journeyed through high school cheerleading camp craziness, stunt group insanity, college ups and downs, vacations, weddings and countless girls night outs.  I was honored to stand beside her in her wedding and I feel even more blessed to have playdates with her precious little girls! Here are a few of my favorites. . .

            

                     
 
         

      

 

so why did amanda leigh photography not begin then . . .

Although I have had a camera at my hip for the last twenty years capturing all of the entertaining moments of my life and the lives of the loved ones around me, I never jumped in to being an actual photographer.  Until now.  But why has it taken so long?  If I had those moments that stirred the heart of a photographer inside of me over five years ago, why now?  The real answer... timing.  I've learned so much about "timing" over the last few years, that timing is everything.  The key here is that its not my timing that matters. But as I reflect on the last few years and what I've been doing, I have to sit and take a deep breath.  Crazy enough I think of the last few years as busy.  I have poured my whole heart and soul into my true calling, teaching.  I love to dig in making each of my lessons that I teach engaging, motivating and educational, which takes time. I've also poured into my friends and family as they know that if they ever needed anything I would be there immediately, whether it was to babysit, answer questions, sit and listen, party down or enjoy relaxation time, I was there and have loved every second of it.  As this summer approaches I feel that this is a perfect time to dive in.  I have my Masters degree behind me and I'm not traveling, so I will have time to begin this journey.  So even though its been over five years since the true flutter inside my heart occurred, I've captured so many moments that my friends and family will treasure forever. 


This captures my niece Katie perfectly. 
Quiet, peaceful, calm and precious as pie!

Many moments have been spent in NYC with mom. 
This captures her love of D&D and her awe of the city.

Flag football at the Howards for Thanksgiving

My niece Hallie was just beyond excited!

Priceless expression from my nephew Ryan

Loved  my niece Vivian's sweet sleeping
position on those precious sheets.



Jen and Micah were one of the first friends to ask me
 to take their engagement pictures!

Hooping it up at the Howards

Love this moment at Annie and Anderson's
wedding.



Breathtaking.
My friends Taylor and Alex's wedding
had so many beautiful stories to capture.

Perfect moment captured.

Love this moment at my friends  Kasey and Jeremy's wedding.

I came across this on my mission trip to New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina hit. This captured such a sad story.



One of the houses in New Orleans that I came across. 
I sat and stared for so long thinking about the past
of this house and the future.
 I loved the lines in this snapshot.





Spring please!

What a day.

This kid is hysterical. 
When my nephew Henry was younger
he was never seen without his beloved cords!

Oh Carson, my adventurous nephew!

I see my best friend Kristen in her daughter Kate. Love this.

Loved spending the day with my friend Julia and
her son at the horse farm. 

My niece Hallie was loving berry time!



Henry was just starting to walk.



The minute Greta Grace came into this world
her big beautiful eyes were taking in the world around her.

Loved spending the day with Chance.

My nephew Brooks roaring like a lion.

Jessie was my first friend that asked me
to take pictures of her family.

    

Pop's crazy hair to match Henry's                           My niece Vivi was climbing on couches and
                                                                                this picture turned out with pure sweetness.

My nephew Henry's 1st birthday.
Love this sweet moment.