amy martin photography

We've moved!

2010-12-27T17:06:00.000-06:00

Please visit our new blog - amymartinonline.com/blog

Fall Newsletter

2010-08-23T12:42:00.003-05:00

See what's been going on...

Sam

2010-08-22T20:47:00.002-05:00

Newborns!

2010-08-22T17:18:00.003-05:00

When my oldest was born, almost 18 years ago, there weren't many options for newborn portraits. I called a well known local photographer about having her picture taken and he encouraged me to wait until she was around a year old, when she had "more personality". I waited and we now have the most wonderful classic and timeless portrait of Katie hanging in our bedroom. (I did the same with Abbi and Elizabeth.) I spent more than I could probably afford at the time but those images are now some of my most treasured possessions because they are a daily reminder of a very special time in our lives.

Today, as I take pictures of brand new little people, some only a few days old, what I wouldn't give to have newborn portraits of my own children. I took many of my own photos of them, and some are very sweet, but they aren't really art. They sit in an album that comes out about once a year but none would really work as portraits for my walls.

I think of the moms who brought in little John, Julia and Jake last week and how happy I am that we've captured something precious that they will treasure, something that will be gone in a matter of days. I know it can be daunting to get a week old newborn to a photo shoot when your days and nights are a blur and your body is still recovering from labor and delivery. Thank you for sharing this special time with us and trusting us to capture the beauty of these new lives.

(Go to our Facebook page to see more images of these wonderful little people.)

More of Will

2010-08-15T22:23:00.002-05:00

We got Will in the studio this week. What a great kid! He was so relaxed and easy to shoot, I just love it when it turns out this way!

Logan, Jordan, Peyton

2010-08-15T16:20:00.002-05:00

These guys were my very first clients way back when I started this adventure. Peyton was a little baby and now take a look! Can you believe the incredible eyes on all three?

Elizabeth

2010-08-15T14:47:00.004-05:00

Meet Elizabeth, one of my daughter's best friends and an incredibly talented actress and singer. You may recognize her from a mini outdoor session we did early in the summer. She came by the studio last week for her "official" senior session. It was too hot to go outdoors and do some urban shots so check back in a few weeks to see more of her beautiful face!

Newborn Casting Call!

2010-08-11T17:31:00.002-05:00

The ladies at the Studio Loft are looking for babies 4-14 days old for an exciting new project. Contact us if you have a newborn or a baby on the way and you'd like to come to the studio for a free session and complimentary prints. Please email Susan (susan@amymartinonline.com) with your baby's birthdate or due date and we'll send you the details.

Will

2010-08-09T00:31:00.002-05:00

My car said 95 degrees at 7 p.m. as I headed over to the football fields. Will didn't seem to mind and it certainly doesn't show in his pictures. Can't wait to see him again this Friday at the studio for the rest of his session!

Trent

2010-08-04T15:40:00.003-05:00

If you know him, you love him. Someday I'll say, "I knew him when..."

2010-07-28T22:25:00.001-05:00

Is it time to update your profile picture? Do you need something fun for Facebook or polished for Linked-In? Would you like eyes that sparkle and the last decade erased from your skin? We thought so, and we've developed the perfect photoshop technique to make you look ten years younger without looking like plastic. (Now, if we could only bottle it up...)

Drop by The Studio Loft (11272 S. Ridgeview in The Yellow Barn) for a new headshot from Amy Martin Photography between 7-10 pm on Tuesday, August 10th. Laurie Dillon with Sensaria Natural Bodycare will be here to pamper you. While you enjoy a glass of wine and a soothing hand treatment your picture will be treated to a little of Amy's photoshop magic - all for only $15.

You don't want to miss this chance to get a great new headshot and see Sensaria's new catalog, products and body & skin care treatments that will make you look and feel fabulous. (There'll be give-aways, too!)

studio

2010-07-25T15:06:00.003-05:00

Those of you who couldn't make it to the party, check out this short video clip.

Thank you!

2010-07-24T15:15:00.001-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who dropped in for the open house yesterday (and to all those who sent good wishes, flowers, wine, candles!!!) The studio isn't just great for photos, turns out it's also a sweet space to throw a party. We had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones. Pictures coming soon.

And now, our winners:

The Grand Prize (complete package - sitting, canvas, gift prints, $670 value) goes to... Dennis Hammer

Three Holiday Packages (sitting, 8x10, digital file for holiday cards, $400 value) go to...Di Topjohn, Jen Johnson, Kristin Schultz

We can't wait to get your beautiful faces in front of our cameras! Watch the mail for your gift certificates.

Come see me

2010-07-23T02:01:00.004-05:00

Today's the day! Our studio open house is from 4-8 tonight. We're in the Studio Loft at the Yellow Barn, just south of College Blvd on Ridgeview. The Yellow Barn has a big yellow sign (shaped like a barn, duh) to direct you in. Our name was supposed to be on it in time for the party but things don't always go as planned; pretend the big empty yellow space at the bottom has the Studio Loft on it.

Please stop by. We're sharing the love and giving away some great prizes. One lucky winner will receive a complete studio package and everyone will go home with a $50 gift certificate to apply to their next session (or give to a friend). Hope to see you soon.

And because I can't post without a picture, here's my beautiful Abigail.

(Katie, that semicolon was just for you.)

Rachel

2010-07-23T01:57:00.001-05:00

Can you say covergirl?

Tori

2010-07-18T23:48:00.002-05:00

All the way from Austin! I wish there was a way to capture her laugh in a photo. It would make your day.

Olivia

2010-07-12T01:37:00.003-05:00

Meet Olivia. Just two weeks old but already she has everyone around her completely charmed!

Addy and Bella

2010-07-11T16:59:00.002-05:00

Our first official shoot in the new studio and who do we get? The most beautiful twin four-year-olds in the world! And they're even sweeter than they look - thanks ladies, for a great morning!

big, big, big news!

2010-07-03T20:27:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm still here - although you wouldn't know it from the blog postings. Summer has been flying by and this poor blog seems to get constantly pushed to the bottom of the list.

We spent a big chunk of June on vacation. Those of you who follow 52seven, photos from the trip are starting to appear there. I've only had time to look at a few of them, but I think it's going to prove to be a good batch. We got home just as the fiscal year for the school district was wrapping up, so there we're lots of ends to tie up with the board. And then there were all my clients who waited so patiently for their galleries while I was tending to the other parts of my life. Thank you for being so flexible and understanding - I truly have the best clients in the entire world. And somewhere in the middle of it all, I got an iPad. I still haven't decided if it's the best thing I've ever done, or the worst. (Mine came with a secret app that steals time.) Thank goodness my family has given up on expecting me to cook.

And now to the big news - the thing that consumes every spare minute of my time and mental function and makes me very, very happy.

We got a studio.

Yes, a real studio. With big ceilings and big windows and big spaces and big storage. Everything about it is wonderful. It's wonderful in so many ways I haven't yet imagined.

It was all official on July 1 and we're throwing a big party to celebrate on July 23. I want you all to come. I have so many people to thank for this - Derek and the girls, Susan (!), my family, my loyal clients and friends, and Shea (who is generous and fun and talented). I am blessed beyond measure.

cousins

2010-06-25T19:37:00.002-05:00

We had a great morning with these cousins. The little ones travelled all the way from the west coast for a family reunion and it was so touching to watch the big ones take care of them. Thanks, Kelly, for your patience. It was really a treat to spend time with your family!

catching up (again)

2010-05-29T00:07:00.005-05:00

Once again I've managed to get way behind on posts. It's been crazy busy around here. We've caught up with several little friends and started on a brand new crop of high school seniors. You'll recognize a few of these guys - amazing how they've grown - and some of you will recognize my baby, who isn't a baby anymore. I don't know where the time has gone, but Katie is now a senior. (These shots of her are just a warm up - we have some big plans for the real ones!)

brooke + tristan

2010-05-12T16:19:00.002-05:00

We can't get enough of these two! This is at least the fifth photo shoot we've done for this family and they get sweeter every time.

caitlin

2010-05-09T00:38:00.003-05:00

catching up

2010-05-04T00:42:00.002-05:00

and a few action shots taken for another project...

mini albums!

2010-04-26T10:39:00.002-05:00

Introducing our NEW MINI albums! These little 3x3 accordian fold albums are held closed by tiny hidden magnets and are perfect to tote around in your purse or give as gifts. We have several designs to choose from and each can be customized with your name, date, high school, inspirational quote... almost anything you like.

2011 SENIORS - schedule your senior session before August 15 and get one FREE!

brian

2010-04-15T23:49:00.001-05:00

david

2010-04-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

clare

2010-04-13T22:39:00.002-05:00

Clare has been a part of my life since I don't remember when... Isn't she amazing!!

rachel (back for more!)

2010-04-12T13:44:00.001-05:00

This time with curly hair and flowers.

taylor

2010-04-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

rachel

2010-04-06T20:24:00.001-05:00

kelly

2010-04-06T20:22:00.000-05:00

kaela

2010-04-06T00:18:00.001-05:00

meghan

2010-04-06T00:17:00.000-05:00

arshia and ouzhan

2010-04-05T22:46:00.002-05:00

Quinn

2010-04-05T17:30:00.002-05:00

ethan

2010-03-18T21:50:00.002-05:00

Beautiful day, beautiful music (and killer eyes and smile!) Thanks, Ethan, for a great afternoon.

iliana

2010-03-07T19:02:00.003-06:00

You know it's going to be a good day when this is the very first shot of the session...

And we only went up hill. Thanks, Iliana for a great afternoon!

Senior Mini Sessions

2010-02-18T22:55:00.002-06:00

You've put it off for too long, now here's your chance.

more grace and madeline

2010-02-03T08:18:00.002-06:00

These guys stopped by yesterday for their ordering session and I have to post a few more...

Grace + Madeline

2010-01-26T23:16:00.002-06:00

Sweet sisters! We had a fun morning playing dress-up, reading, and eating goldfish with these beautiful sisters. (I'm loving my new lights - you can't even tell it was a yucky, cloudy day.)

hank

2010-01-12T22:06:00.002-06:00

Here's Hank. Check out all his sweetness - we could have snuggled him all day!

gift idea

2010-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Everyone likes free!

2010-01-06T21:16:00.000-06:00

happy new year!

2009-12-31T12:33:00.002-06:00

It's been a year of blessings and we've loved making new friends and watching old ones grow. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, we can't wait to see you in the new year.

(And, don't forget - no weekday sitting fees in January and February!)

meet sarah (and jack)

2009-12-15T23:20:00.002-06:00

Absolutely perfect. And her brother is pretty sweet, too!

what are you giving for the holidays?

2009-12-05T18:59:00.003-06:00

Make your holiday shopping a little easier and give the gift of memories. Who doesn't love pictures of their children?

Show your family and friends you love them with an Amy Martin Photography gift certificate. Give us a call and we'll make one up to fit your budget.

(And here's the bonus: We'll be offering free - yes, free - weekday sittings the months of January and February, so your gift can go even further.)

jacob

2009-12-05T18:17:00.002-06:00

How could I have forgotten to post these??? I'm so sorry, Rachel! This little guy is lucky we didn't eat him up.

new textures

2009-11-28T00:25:00.003-06:00

Trying out some new ideas - layering textures over images. I've done a little in the past but I just bought some new software that makes it easy and fun.

sam

2009-11-27T17:46:00.002-06:00

Here's Sam. These pictures don't show it - but we had some help from a few of his friends. I'll post a few fun ones soon.

joe + kevyn + taylor + jake

2009-11-27T16:33:00.002-06:00

How's this for a fine looking set of siblings?

photo tip: When you're shooting in the middle of the day, put your subject in the shade with the sun behind them and a little off to one side. Shoot so that there is sun falling on your background. Hint: make sure your camera is also shaded if you don't want lens flare.

more caroline

2009-11-26T00:50:00.001-06:00

As promised (and way sooner than I expected)...

Here's a little more vintage look.

And something a little more urban. Can you tell I was learning a new dance?

caroline

2009-11-25T12:26:00.003-06:00

I love the first few moments when you have a little girl in front of your camera and she's not quite sure what to make of everything and you capture this look. But don't let it fool you. Less than two minutes later, Caroline was singing me a song about arugula and radicchio with balsamic...

I have more to post from this session - check back soon!

taylor

2009-11-03T14:06:00.004-06:00

They all keep growing. We've been taking pictures of Taylor since she was teenie tiny and now look at her! What a treat to spend the morning together - fun with leaves, tea parties, songs and swings. She's a happy one and it shows in that beautiful smile.

photo tip: Fall is a great time to get colorful photos of your child. Rake a small pile of leaves into a completely shaded portion of your yard and pop them down in the middle of it. Play games, like tossing the leaves in the air, show me a red leaf, find the biggest leaf. Shoot from slightly above like I did in this shot so that you see the lawn (not the back of your house) as your background.

And here a few shots from the day we first met Taylor two years ago.

Hailey + Megan

2009-11-01T23:24:00.002-06:00

We had fun with Hailey and Megan this weekend. The weather was perfect and we had to dodge all the other photographers who had the same idea. They've grown a lot since we took their pictures last year, but still just as sweet and even more beautiful!

anna again

2009-11-01T00:59:00.002-05:00

Anna came back for the urban half of her senior shoot yesterday. I bumped the color on these to give it a fresh, modern look.

abram

2009-10-31T18:30:00.002-05:00

Look at these eyes! I just giggle when I look at this first picture. What a sweet little boy and an awesome family.

ben

2009-10-30T00:09:00.002-05:00

We went down to Loose park for an afternoon with Ben. The park was packed and we had to wait our turn more than once. I think it was worth it...

anna

2009-10-29T21:42:00.003-05:00

I've known Anna for almost her whole life and lived next door to her for a good part of it. Needless to say, I got a little teary taking these pictures of a beautiful young woman and remembering the tiny baby who sat on her mom's hip as we talked over the fence. There are so many shots here I just love, I'm sure I'll post more soon!

5 years ago...

will + griffin

2009-10-27T16:14:00.002-05:00

They're back! We just love shooting this family - sweet, funny and cute as can be.

jenna

2009-10-27T14:35:00.002-05:00

The sun decided to show itself this weekend and we got in a few more sessions. We have absolutely the best clients - thanks for your patience and flexibility.

Here's Jenna, tall and beautiful and looking at design school next fall. Thanks for a fun morning!

alex + amanda

2009-10-18T22:20:00.003-05:00

What cool kids! We had so much fun, and look how cute and sweet they are together!

chris + morgan

2009-10-18T13:22:00.001-05:00

What a fun evening to explore the park!

samantha

2009-10-17T23:43:00.001-05:00

A perfect evening for photos, I love how she glows in this first one!

nick + ben

2009-10-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

My nephews clean up pretty well, too.

anna

2009-10-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

I'm not saying this because she's my niece, but o.m.g.

What a difference five years can make...

mazie

2009-10-17T00:15:00.003-05:00

She's back for more! But this time it's in a bright pink cast that goes from her toes to her hip. You'd never know it by her sweet smile. Get better soon Miss Maizie.

abby + josie + mollie

2009-10-17T00:07:00.004-05:00

We were back at the crossroads this week, thank goodness it wasn't quite as cold this time. These three sisters came up from Wichita to visit my little friend Maizie and took a few pictures while they were here. Too cute and soooo sweet!

ben + taylor

2009-10-13T20:48:00.002-05:00

Another great session down at the Crossroads. Beautiful people, beautiful light. What more could I ask for? (maybe warmth...)

cooper + morgan

2009-10-11T15:11:00.003-05:00

abercrombie called, they want their models back.

chandler + anabelle

2009-10-10T23:32:00.001-05:00

It was sooooo cold today - these two were troopers. And they only got cuter from last year when we did this!

kaitlynn

2009-09-21T00:42:00.003-05:00

I got one look at Kaitlynn and knew it was going to be a good day! She's not just amazingly beautiful, she's a regular on the sports page for her soccer and volleyball accomplishments and just as sweet as can be...

nate+charlie+emi

2009-09-19T22:30:00.003-05:00

Remember Nate from last year? What a difference a year makes!

for Kendra

2009-09-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

Somehow I missed posting this one last month...

a couple more

2009-09-13T21:13:00.003-05:00

The light was so beautiful and Katie's smile was so big, I just had to put up a few more.

And a picture from Elizabeth's parade yesterday.

Longview Horse Park

2009-09-13T15:43:00.003-05:00

Can you imagine a better place to spend a beautiful fall day? I had my doubts when I was dragging myself out of bed in the dark this morning, but it was one of those days that shouldn't be missed.

Abbi didn't have such a great day. She's on day 3 with Jill Monica, the freaky robot newborn that will report back to the Parenting teacher exactly how well she was cared for this weekend. At first it was funny, but now we're all feeling a little sorry for Abbi.

urban special

2009-09-11T01:35:00.002-05:00

lovely

2009-09-07T21:36:00.002-05:00

The girls were great sports for this year's annual Christmas card photo. I drug them down to Southwest Blvd and the Crossroads for something a little different. The light was beautiful and we found a zillion great little areas to shoot. The possibilities are endless for high school seniors and Susan is putting together an "Urban Family Day" special for all of you who are looking for a new twist on your family portrait. Stay tuned.

something new

2009-09-01T02:16:00.004-05:00

Time for a new project...

finally...

2009-08-15T23:10:00.002-05:00

Thanks for your patience Kendra!

a little more summer

2009-08-15T21:41:00.002-05:00

back to school

2009-08-15T20:49:00.003-05:00

when did this happen?

griffin + elaina + graham

2009-08-12T22:36:00.002-05:00

McKinna

2009-08-11T22:59:00.003-05:00

McKinna spent her early years growing up in Japan, where the passage to adulthood is celebrated with seijin shiki. Her friend Yoshiko, who is helping her dress, wore this same kimono at her seijin shiki.

only time for one

2009-08-10T00:43:00.001-05:00

I just had to post this one tonight. More coming soon!

five years ago, today

2009-08-07T17:46:00.000-05:00

Sophie came to us.

nathan

2009-08-05T01:35:00.003-05:00

Some days the lighting gods smile upon us. This was one of those days - it makes the forest look almost artificial. A nice looking model doesn't hurt things either!

more families

2009-08-05T00:36:00.002-05:00

nana and bumpo

2009-08-02T00:35:00.002-05:00

aka Mom and Dad

Yours truly, on the other end of the camera...

and Abigail won't be happy about this one.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

2009-07-30T23:59:00.002-05:00

Lovely afternoon at the Bloch Building with Mom and Susan.

stacy

2009-07-30T23:56:00.002-05:00

Yes, that's the amazing and beautiful First Lady of Kansas.

dawn's family

2009-07-29T15:49:00.001-05:00

somehow these guys were left out of the last post. sorry dawn!

2009-07-26T18:47:00.003-05:00

rally

2009-07-04T22:35:00.002-05:00

They call it Rally and it's a tradition Katie and her friends have repeated every summer for nine years now. A three day horse show where teams are judged not just on their rides, but by how well they care for their mounts. Spectators see perfectly turned out riders on immaculate horses. What they don't see is girls up and feeding horses and cleaning stalls at 6 am, the struggle to function in killer heat and humidity, and the battle to keep a horse clean and comfortable in a dirty, dusty barn - and all without help from adults. As a judge, I get to see it all. The tired faces and dirty footwear tell the story.

frankie | leo

2009-07-01T22:04:00.005-05:00

Frankie is a local fashion photographer (kerouac photo), we met at a workshop a few weeks ago. He's putting together a show of photos of himself with his son, Leo, and asking his photographer friends to contribute. Leo is a sharp, good-natured and fast moving target but we caught a few good ones.

jack | four

2009-06-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe Jack is turning four. He still loves his cars.

random summer

2009-06-21T23:14:00.002-05:00

erin

2009-06-17T22:46:00.002-05:00

ironman 70.3 kansas

2009-06-15T19:10:00.005-05:00

Get up insanely early. Go 1.2 miles in the water, 56 on a bike and 13.1 on foot. It makes for a full day.

Beautiful sunrise.

Long hike to the start.

1400 bikes in the transition area.

Chrissie Wellington, two time world champion, beat Derek by about an hour and a half and then hung out to congratulate all the finishers.

competition

2009-06-10T01:08:00.002-05:00

I turned Elizabeth loose with my camera last weekend. We threw a 50th Anniversary party for Derek's parents and she was in charge of documenting the event. She's hired.

And, finally, here's one of the family...