Amy Carroll Photography, LLC

This Blog is Moving!

2009-03-22T22:01:00.003-04:00

My blog recently underwent a MAJOR overhaul and has moved to a new permanent home. Please update your blog reader to www.acarrollphotography.net to catch all the new updates and fabulous posts!

A little teaser of the first post of the new blog...

Marathon Boudoir Session : : Announced!

2009-03-17T10:52:00.004-04:00

Little Dylan : : 1 Year Session

2009-03-16T12:56:00.005-04:00

Little Dylan is turning 1 in just a few short weeks and came down to the studio for a fun session complete with cupcakes and playing outside...enjoying the warmer temps we've been having!

Dylan's big blue eyes are completely captivating. A total cutie!

To make Dylan laugh his parents were running around and scuffling (is that a word?) their feet on the ground making. To Dylan, it was totally hilarious!

Our Photography Workshop : : Recap!

2009-03-15T21:38:00.009-04:00

Ok so our workshop yesterday...SO totally amazing! I have been excited for weeks about Jen and I teaching our first full-day photography workshop, but the group of photographers we had attending yesterday totally made the class even better than I could have imagined! Throw in two sassy models, some perfect pre-spring weather and we had ourselves a pretty fabulous day!

We covered the gamut from talking about running a successful photography business, to teaching how to shoot in different lighting conditions using flash, reflectors and off-camera flash, both indoors and outdoors. It was a lot to take in, but these photogs had some amazing images to show off afterwards. We finished our day talking about editing and doing some image critiques.

Did you miss out on this workshop but want to be involved in the next? We are starting a mailing list for the workshops we'll be hosting in the future so if you want your name to be added, email either myself at amy@acarrollphotography.com or Jen at jen@jkphotographyonline.com.

Our senior model, Shawn, who was rocking some amazing poses for our students.

Jenn totally focused on her subject

Jen (we had three Jen's attending our class) getting into her angles

Action shot!

After lunch, we had Amy in her wedding dress and posing by our very cool freight elevator down the hall from our studio doors working with some off-camera lighting.

Thanks to all those who attended! Both Jen and I hope it was a great experience!

Amy + Carlo : : Preview Gallery

2009-03-13T20:27:00.020-04:00

Saturday, March 7, 2009

I'm having a hard time coming up with words to sum up this wedding. So while I will give you the low-down, I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

First of all, Amy and Carlo are the sweetest couple! Not only are they sweet, but their family and friends were gracious and sincere and completely came together to make this day what it was. Amy's vision combined with a seriously fabulous list of vendors, made it one of my favorite weddings to date! I also had the fabulous Darrin Wassom alongside me all day helping me shoot, light, and even hoisting me on his shoulders to get a shot after the ceremony. That's some serious dedication to helping me get a great picture!

Helping hold it all together was the lovely Aletha of Pearls Events along with her two assistants for the day, Julie Strating was on staff to give Amy and her mom the perfect look with her makeup artistry, Amy's gown is from one of my favorite bridal shops in West Michigan, September's Bride, Gail VanderLaan rocking out some seriously amazing flowers, Becca of Lil Miss Cupcake providing her trademark tasty cupcakes, Rick Reuthers providing the music and singing, and a reception at one of my favorite venues, The Amway Grand.

I love this shot of Amy's mom, watching her little girl transform into a bride

Sisters!

I adore these bridal portraits. Amy, you are SO pretty!

These flowers were out of this world...gorgeous!

And we're off to the church!

St. Mary's is SUCH a beautiful cathedral!

This shot was taken from Darrin's shoulders. There was this horrendous trash receptacle right in front of the group and as it was raining, we didn't want to move them from the awning. Darrin stepped in like a champ and saved the day!

Smile with your eyes Carlo!
(I love a man who knows America's Next Top Model references!!)

Amy and Carlo are graduating this May from law school. It's also how they met so we had to get some shots in the tasteful and scholarly Lumber Baron Bar in the Amway Grand.

Before the reception, there was a cocktail hour in the upper balcony of the Imperial Ballroom. The candybar/place cards were a big hit!

Amy + Carlo - I loved loved loved working with you both and hope your both enjoying your time in Mexico. Enjoy your preview and can't wait for you both to see the rest of your pictures!

Featured : : Shore Bride Magazine!

2009-03-11T20:43:00.005-04:00

I was so excited to open up my mail yesterday and see the latest Shore Bride Magazine that featured some of my favorite weddings and sessions from this past season!

Check out their website here, as they offer lots of fabulous planning tools and articles for those of you planning your big days!

Veronica + Iker : : Preview Gallery

2009-03-11T10:45:00.005-04:00

Friday, March 6, 2009

After their wedding ceremony, Veronica, Iker and their friends and family met at my studio for some formal pictures. This was the first time taking pictures of a bride and groom in the studio!

Iker had just arrived in the States from Spain a week before, traveling with his friends. Veronica and her family were a loving, joyful group. We rocked out a fun session and celebrated the love these two share.

Looking totally adorable in her bird cage veil

And the handsome groom

Veronica's parents were so cute. I couldn't resist letting them snuggle in front of the camera too!

The whole group, looking totally fierce

Congratulations you two!

Amy + Carlo : : Married!

2009-03-08T10:40:00.003-04:00

Amy + Carlo's wedding yesterday was nothing short of completely fabulous. I knew when I shot their engagement session last spring that this was a wedding to look forward to and I was not disappointed! Look for their fabulous preview gallery later this week.

Veronica + Iker : : Married!

2009-03-07T08:54:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Veronica and Iker, who were married in a small ceremony yesterday. Look for their preview gallery later this week!

Last Chance : : Workshop Sign Up Next Saturday!

2009-03-05T21:55:00.001-05:00

Due to increasing demand, Jen and I have decided to make all your wishes come true and host a FULL DAY WORKSHOP!

We are super excited about this and have done a ton of brainstorming about what we should include and teach you!

Here are all the juicy details:

Cost: $500 (or $350 per person for studio teams)

Date: March 14th, yes, finally a Saturday!!

Times: 10am -6pm

Whats in the bag?

Getting your business started, branding yourself, advertising and marketing tips by the pro’s (us)
Shooting RAW and JPG, Manual settings, working with natural light, using flash, off camera flash and post process of your images and just about anything else your little heart desires!
We will be spending a majority of the day working in our studio building with a little side trip included in the afternoon for some location work.

Who is this class for?

If you consider yourself an amateur photographer or beginner, then this may not be the class for you.

This class is for people who have working knowledge of their DSLR cameras and flash. Please bring with you the following items:

Your camera
Any lenses you have
Your flash
Memory cards
If you have a laptop, please bring that as well
A notebook to take notes with

Deposits are $100 to hold your spot. We will be providing morning coffee and yums with lunch being provided in the afternoon.

We will also have a bride and groom plus a high school senior to model for us!

To ensure everyone gets enough hands on attention we are limiting the amount of sign ups, so act fast!

Please email me amy@acarrollphotography.com or Jen info@jkphotographyonline.com for more information, questions or to sign up!

Thanks to everyone who has given us suggestions and requests over the past year on what they would like to see! We look forward to a fabulous day and can’t wait to share this course with you!

Jack : : Two Year Session

2009-03-03T15:36:00.008-05:00

Today little Jack came in for his two year session and I couldn't believe what a difference just a few months makes. I've been photographing this little one since...well...since he was still in the belly ;) Today he walked in a toddler, chatting away and looking totally grown up.

The lovely Julie

This year, Jack got to indulge in his favorite snack for his session.

Totally rocking his hair.

I asked Julie to sit down for this picture before I had Jack sit by her. Her bright blue eyes were the same color as the door behind her and I couldn't resist snapping a few pics.

The whole family. Adorable.

Lindsay + Justin : : Engaged!

2009-03-01T20:24:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I traveled down to Chicago for my friend Lindsay and her fiance' Justin's engagement pictures!

Lindsay and I have been friends since high school and I couldn't be more excited for her and Justin's wedding this spring! This past December, Justin proposed to Lindsay on a cold, snowy day in Chicago and because it was the city that started the planning for their big day this year, we headed there for their fabulous engagement session. It was cold, windy and bitter, but they smiled anyway and were sports for whatever crazy idea I had. Totally love them for it!

And you may remember Justin from a quick shoot I did for him last year when I was promoting his fabulous videography business, My Life in a Movie.

Congratulations again you two! It was a great day in the city yesterday :)

The very place Justin proposed!

Justin's two daughters, Willow and Ginger, were along for the fun and we had to include them in the fun!

Supporting Adoption and Africa's Child

2009-02-24T08:40:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from a client, Rob, whom I worked with last summer when I photographed his family to welcome their newly adopted little Isaiah through the program I'm affiliated with, Celebrating Adoption. Rob told me they were starting a resale shop in Holland called Africa's Child (website coming soon) and wanted some prints of beautiful children's faces for the walls of store. He asked for some help and I told him I was in! We set up a marathon session at my studio this past Saturday and invited families who have adopted children internationally. They got a free session and Rob will get smiling faces to grace the walls of their new store! It was a great day meeting working with some amazing families and sweet children.

Africa's Child is a boutique-style resale shop located on E. Lakewood Blvd. in Holland. The proceeds are helping Rob and his family bring hope and relief to children in Africa. They have just opened their doors and are accepting donations. For more information, feel free to email me at amy@acarrollphotography.com

Little Logan : : Newborn Session

2009-02-21T09:51:00.005-05:00

Two Logan's in one week!

The other day I headed over to do Logan's first photo session. This was a particularly special session because his mom, Christine, was one of my very first clients nearly 4 years ago! She was one the of the first brides to ever book me, basing my talents at the time on a very slim portfolio.

I am so grateful to continue to be in my clients lives and being a part of their lives through the many changes and additions life brings. Playing with little Logan was truly a fun experience and he was the perfect little model during his first photo shoot. Enjoy the pictures guys!

New Website!

2009-02-20T10:22:00.003-05:00

My new website is up and I am SO excited to share it with everyone! Take a look and let me know what you think. :)

www.acarrollphotography.com

I'm still working with my new hosting site to get my email up so please be patient while we work out all of the kinks.

New Website...Coming Soon!

2009-02-19T17:48:00.003-05:00

I am currently in the process of changing over to a brand new website, but in the meantime that could mean that both my website and my email will be down anywhere between 24-48 hours. If you need to reach, please use the temporary email address: acarrollphotography@gmail.com or call me at 616.460.6638.

And as soon as my new website goes live I will be excited to hear your feedback!

Thanks for your patience!

Little Logan : : 1 Year Session

2009-02-18T09:39:00.004-05:00

Monday evening Logan came back to the studio for his one year pictures. This little guy has been walking since he was only 9 months old! And he showed off his advanced walking skills during our session ;)

Totally adorable! And he was rocking this sweatshirt just like his Uncle Erick

It's Michelle! My good friend and Logan's Grandma. Is she hot for a grandma or what?!

The whole family!

Drew : : Senior Session, Part 2

2009-02-18T09:17:00.004-05:00

On Monday, I met Drew and his dad at the Georgetown Ice Arena for part two of his senior pictures.

Walking around on the ice to take pictures was a totally new experience and a day I wisely decided to leave my high heels at home.

Erin + Alex : : Trash the Dress Session

2009-02-17T14:46:00.006-05:00

The day after Erin and Alex's fabulous beach wedding, we set out in the late afternoon for their Trash the Dress session. Erin also had two gowns for this session...her actual wedding dress (which we did not get in the water with), and another beautiful gown purchased just for this event.

This session was so absolutely fun...these two were up for anything and we made the most of what the resort and the beach had to offer!

And now I promise I'm done rubbing in all of the fun we had in Mexico. Erin and Alex...enjoy your pictures!!

Tiffany + Steve : : Celebrating the Bump

2009-02-16T09:44:00.009-05:00

On Saturday, I showed up to photograph Tiffany and Steve at their home...just one month before they welcome their first little one into their lives.

With an apple orchard right behind their house, we had to go outside to photograph in the freshly-fallen snow from the night before.

I loved working with this couple again, and can't wait to meet their new baby!

Erin + Alex : : Preview Gallery

2009-02-12T17:16:00.019-05:00

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Erin and Alex were married on the beach in Mexico at the fabulous Azul Sensatori resort near Cancun. With 10 close friends and family, they had an intimate, fun and amazing wedding day!

With a beach ceremony and a dinner reception an intimate Italian restuarant, it was uncomplicated and true to themselves.

The day started out with the girls gathering for breakfast and champagne.

Another beautiful hairpiece by Twigs and Honey!

Writing out her card to her husband-to-be

Seriously, these shoes...PERFECT!

Just a few butterflies before heading down to the beach for the ceremony

It was just a little windy...

Cheers!

It's Allie and Paul! I love seeing my clients again!

When I don't feel like taking pictures anymore, I just hand my camera's to my clients and let them shoot their own pictures ;)

Erin + Alex - Thank you again for flying me out for your wedding day! It was an honor to be a part of it and getting out of Michigan in February wasn't a bad deal either. :) I hope the rest of your time in Mexico was amazing. Enjoy your preview (and look for your trash the dress preview soon too!).

Erin + Alex : : Married!

2009-02-09T11:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Erin and Alex were married on the beach in beautiful Puerto Morelos...just outside of Cancun...surrounded by their friends and family. I loved being a part of this day and capturing the moments of this super chill couple's wedding. Look for a preview gallery post later this week and hear all of the fabulous details!

At sunset I am shooting their Trash the Dress session on the beach. So fun!

Getting Back on a Plane

2009-02-06T19:46:00.004-05:00

On Saturday morning I am getting back on a plane to another warm and sunny destination...this time to Mexico to photograph a wedding in Puerto Morelos.

I'm not sure what kind of internet access I will have while away, so please allow a little extra time for me to get back to you. I will be back in the office on Wednesday, February 11.

Have a great weekend everyone!

California, Part 3 : : Through My Lens

2009-02-03T10:14:00.007-05:00

Jen and I are officially back from our California road trip and this morning I looked through the rest of my images and posted a few favorites. One of my favorite places...San Francisco! On our last day we explored China town, met an artist, sat on the wharf at sunset and reflected on the adventures we had.

One of my favorite parts of the day...the tea tasting!

Uncle Gee and his grand-daughter. Uncle Gee was a character and totally made the experience fun and unforgettable.
Tasty chinese yums... mooncakes anyone?

Vranas was an artist we met walking through the streets. I happened to stop this duo to ask if I could photograph them and it took us on a two-hour tour of San Francisco looking at the artwork they've contributed to the area. Totally amazing.

A mural Vranas painted in the mid 90's.

Alcatraz

A few days before heading to San Francisco, Jen and I hiked up to the Hollywood sign on a perfect, sunny blue day.

California, Part 2 : : Through My Lens

2009-01-24T15:41:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, Jen and I took a drive to the old Mission in Santa Barbara. There was so much beauty, amazing architecture and history that we couldn't put our camera's down.

We also got to play paparrazi later that night at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and met Kate Winslet...Jen even snagging an autograph! We were totally star-struck and pretty excited to have had an opportunity to snag some photos of this lovely actress.

Doing a little wine tasting on the wharf
A friendly Heron

Actress Bai Ling

Kate Winslet!

California, Part 1 : : Through My Lens

2009-01-23T13:48:00.005-05:00

Jen and I are into day three of our trek down the coast of California. It has been a journey of incredible sights, encounters with wildlife and truly getting back to our roots of our beginning love of photography. Today we sit in Santa Barbara, sipping coffee at a hip little coffee house, and look through our many images we've taken.

The following images are just a few from the journey thus far.

We stopped dead on the street to take pictures of this coyote. Totally amazing.

You know I can't resist a bird picture.

Elephant seals. There were hundreds of them lining this beach.
One thing I absolutely love about this state...the many organic fruit farm stands along the way.

Our first night in California we stayed at the Hotel Diva in San Francisco. A totally appropriate stop for this duo.

Packing Up and Heading Out!

2009-01-20T09:51:00.003-05:00

Today I am flying out to warmer climates and meeting up with my dear friend and studio partner, Jen, for a little winter getaway in California! After a busy year, I am taking 10 days to get out of the cold, rejuvinate my spirit, and spend some time trekking down the coast and taking in the beautiful sights. It's a trip we have been looking forward to and a much needed getaway from my computer!

I will be checking my email and voice mails while I am away, but please allow me a little extra time for me to get back to you. Check my blog and Twitter for updates while I am away!

Lindsay + Ben : : Preview Gallery

2009-01-19T14:55:00.008-05:00

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Lindsay and Ben's wedding was absolutely fabulous in so many ways. Not only is this couple sweet, warm and loving...I quickly learned that so were their friends and families. And speaking of family, Lindsay and Ben had a unique family dynamic in which Lindsay's older sister is married to Ben's older brother. Both of their families had already been through a wedding together five years ago! Totally cool.

This couple was married at the beautiful Third Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, followed by a reception at the University Club. Between the ceremony and reception, we headed out for some pictures downtown where this group was more than willing to get chilly for a bit for some pictures in the snow. Lindsay even going it alone without her coat! That's dedication friends!

Lindsay and Ben also rented a horse-drawn carriage for some of their pictures and we rode along in the snowy streets of Grand Rapids. Ben proposed to Lindsay on a carriage last year and it was a perfect sentiment to incorporate into their wedding day.

Ben and Lindsay - I hope you are enjoying the warm weather in St. Lucia! Enjoy your preview!

The glamour girls, showing off their fabulous shoes

Reminder : : Full Day Workshop...Only a few spots left!

2009-01-19T14:53:00.002-05:00