the

JOURNAL

AN ARCHIVE OF love stories

Being invited into the the lives of extraordinary people is an incredible privilege. The stories I adorn through my imagery capture the true essence of the human spirit and the art of being in love.

Personal Project – Part 2 – Snowy Bridal

 “When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can

be no freshness of vision.” -Edward Weston-

Last week, a reader left a comment on one of my engagement session posts.  It read, “In a sea of sameness, your work definitely stands out.”.   I must have read that comment 20 times.  I honestly didn’t feel worthy of that kind comment;  however, it validated my vision and my intuition as to what changes I need to make as an artist.

As photographers, we are constantly being influenced by what is being featured.  Whether it’s wedding blogs, Pinterest, magazines, and Facebook.  Back in the day, the Master photographers did not have anything influencing their vision…they were able to create what was in their minds eye.  I have found myself feeling insecure and deflated more times than not throughout these past few years, comparing.  We ALL do it.  Comparing our work or our style to everyone else is will for sure extinguish that flame of confidence and creativity.

 I know my work isn’t anything new or groundbreaking by ANY means, and I think it’s important to be inspired by those we admire.  But I am challenging myself to step back more…to take a break from the constant visual influences and taking those unmerited compliments for what they are worth.  I challenge you to do the same.  You have no idea what lies within you when you go out and just shoot what YOU SEE, not what you have already SEEN.

Part two of this session (in case you missed part 1) is exactly what I envisioned in my head on that long drive home.  Actually, it’s better than I hoped for.  All the elements came together for this shoot.  The light, the location, the model, the crew, and the wardrobe. I feel so blessed.

I am so grateful to Danielle of Simple Marie Styling for going above and beyond on this project. This session would NOT be what it became without your talent and vision. Can you believe she MADE this black wedding dress with TWO weeks notice??

Thank you Taylor Darby for being my willing and beautiful model.  I look forward to photographing you when you are a real bride someday!

HUGE thank you to Laura Nelson of Laura Nelson Photography for being my assistant for this shoot.  I look forward to the many adventures we have in store this year!

Thank you Amanda Messing for your amazing hair skills and for being such a willing participant in helping with props!!!

XO

  1. Tracey says:

    These are all absolutely stunning! I really love your work!

  2. Breezy says:

    Absolutely wonderful! Your words and photos are truly inspiring.

  3. Mary says:

    Again, I am blown away! Thank you for the encouragement to follow our own vision in pursuit of images that represent us for who truly are and not who we think we should be. These images are BEYOND stunning!

  4. Shannon K. says:

    And this post? Further validation for ME, that there isn’t anyone better than YOU to learn from. I struggle to find the courage, or even the ability, to not compare. And it’s a soul withering thing…comparing and feeling less than.

  5. Rachel says:

    Lovely!…Your words & the photographs!

  6. Heidi says:

    oh my goodness! I ADORE these pictures… love the lace over the eyes.. they are all gorgeous! Exactly why I look to your work to inspire me!

  7. Holy smokes… this is absolutely stunning.

  8. Laura says:

    These are so delicious for my eyes and soul! Truly breathtaking! !!! 🙂

  9. Jana says:

    Oh my, I don’t know which I love more! part 2 or part 1!?? I love them both so equally! The b&w conversions are stunning (I love love b&w!) fabulously amazing. always. one of my biggest struggles has been shooting for me, and only up until very recently have I started doing that, and what a huge difference it has made!!! Thank you for always inspiring me..not just visually, but vocally (through words! you know what I mean!) xoxo

  10. cord says:

    These images are absolutely stunning.. Wow beautiful.

  11. I stumbled upon this and I feel for a reason! Being a newer photographer is tough! Your words about comparing yourself to people have really hit home. I have been extra insecure lately and your words have inspired me!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! Your work is absolutely beautiful!!

  12. jennifer says:

    so beautiful! I love love love that dress!!

  13. Tavia says:

    So beautiful you actually feel it, like it releases endorphins….Both of you ladies are amazing artists.

  14. black swan on the snow…
    stunning images! absolutely gorgeous!

  15. name says:

    WOW – NOW -THAT’S PHOTOGRAPHY!

  16. christy b says:

    inspiring visual poetry!

  17. […] Here is a peek at part two of the Winter Wedding shoot. To see the all the details, including this custom black wedding dress I designed for the shoot, head over to Amanda K Photography. […]

  18. ColleenK says:

    So beautiful. If you don’t mind my asking, what camera and lens did you use to shoot these amazing photos?

  19. […] Here is a peek at part two of the Winter Wedding shoot. To see the all the details, including this custom black wedding dress I designed for the shoot, head over to Amanda K Photography. […]

  20. […] Here is a peek at part two of the Winter Wedding shoot. To see the all the details, including this custom black wedding dress I designed for the shoot, head over to Amanda K Photography. […]

  21. tara says:

    this took my breath away. seriously just amazing work and idea!

  22. Becky Byrd says:

    LOVE….the black and whites are just beautiful. Very inspiring.

  23. Emma says:

    Love your work, words and heart!

    Stunning.
    You inspires me LOTS!

    Emma xoxo

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