Amber Wood Photography

My Own Baby Boy | Hudson James – 12 to 22 days

Amber Wood — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:51:02 +0000

It seems like a lifetime ago, already! How is that even possible?! My baby boy is two months old today, making these photos 5-6 weeks old and it already seems like I can barely remember him at this age (I’m sure a lot has to do with my lousy recovery, haha, no mistaking my feelings about that!). But, this is exactly why I value newborn photos so very much… because it’s always a blur, this very brief stage.. I wish I would’ve hired someone to take his photos, mostly so Trev and I could have been a part of them.. Also, because I didn’t realize how hard it would be, physically, for me to do them myself since recovering from a c-section (which is why I spent multiple days shooting him, a little at a time).

I’m so very glad, however, that I was able to capture these “few” images as I will always cherish this very brief chapter in Hudson’s life… a chapter that is fuzzy in memory, yet these images will help me to remember my squishy, 10 lb 14 oz, 21.5″ ham in the first few weeks of his life ♥

Love me some rollzzzzz ♥

Perfection ♥

you can’t tell, but i had to rip these adorable little overalls to get them over his big ol’ booty ♥his lil’ lashes ♥ Hudson’s big brothers are very fond of him! Luke, from the beginning, and Logan, more recently. I love my three boys so very much ♥

Hudson’s birth announcement ♥

and just look what two months will do to a wee babe (in my best Irish accent )…

Let’s go have a baby ♥

Amber Wood — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:00:39 +0000

I’m glad some time has passed, I’ve recovered enough to *almost* forget the pain, since Hudson’s birth. I like to document my children’s births so that I can forever remember the emotions and joy of the day. Aside from the blessings I feel for the safe and healthy arrival of my baby boy, Hudsies (as Luke calls him), there’s really nothing else I’d like to remember from that day, unfortunately The experience was less than stellar; I was in tremendous pain when receiving the spinal and during the c-section (from the spinal anesthesia!) and not something I care to remember (and have even had a couple nightmares from it!!!), I didn’t get to hold my baby for almost 5 hours after his birth, and the rest… well, I hope I forget it all sooner than later!

Looking back, I should’ve prepared myself for it. For months my doctor had been telling me that Hudson was measuring huge, three-four weeks big! And when he told me, at my 38wk+ appt, that I would need a c-section scheduled right at 39-weeks due to Hudson’s size, I thought… no big deal. I mean, women electively want this done, right?! Can’t be so bad. I should’ve known, that when my doctor delivered the news as if he was telling me my long time puppy and best friend would have to be put down… it would be HELL! But nope. No big deal.

Long story trying not to be THAT long… it was hell. The only good thing that came of it is, of course, my Hudsies.

All 10 lbs 14oz of him! <— Thankful that I didn’t try to fight my doc on the c-section (again, where’s the stork when you need him?!).

Some highlights I’d actually like to remember:

♥ Hearing my baby’s cry for the first time

♥ Watching Trev’s face, full of pride and love, as he lays eyes on Hudsies for the first time

♥ Waiting for what seemed like an eternity for the nurse to bring him over for me to see

♥ Coming out of anesthesia, hearing the nurse say, “10 ponds, 14 ounces” and me, in disbelief, asking her “are you sure?” 20 times!

♥ The nurse coming in to swap out the newborn diapers for size one, “let’s get some that actually fit!”

♥ Holding Hudsies for the first time.. never wanting to let go!

♥♥♥♥ Luke meeting his new baby brother for the first time ♥♥♥♥

(Logies briefly met Hudsies, didn’t seem to phase him, before screaming to get down and run around so ended up in the waiting room with family)

♥ Hudsies sleeping on my chest his very first night on the outside

♥ Hudsies going-home-outfit was waaaaay too small!

The rest of the story is in photos ♥ Thanks to my awesome, very camera-handy hubby, Trev, for capturing these memories so beautifully ♥

A twinsie to his big brother, Lucas!

What a crazy, exhilarating experience, my Hudsies birth. I thank God that he made his way out safe and sound.

He’s adjusted very well to this new life of his. He’s nursed like a pro since birth, finally got his days and nights straight at 5-weeks, gave his first real smiles at 6-weeks and is just the newest light of our lives! He’s a very happy, calm, sleepy baby! Loves being cuddled and rocked. And I just know he loves all the millions of kisses he gets from his biggest fan all day, everyday.

I’m such a proud mama, I couldn’t have a more important job than being the mama of three very special, loveable, squeezable baby boys ♥

Sweet Baby Girl | Aubree – 12 days new

Amber Wood — Mon, 27 May 2013 07:00:15 +0000

Meet Aubree.

Isn’t she gorgeous? And such an angel for her session. I had the honor of capturing this gorgeous baby girl at just 12-days-new ♥

Congratulations to your mommy, daddy and family, little miss Aubree, you sure are the sweetest, most gorgeous little girl that’s sure to bring tons of blessings to your family ♥

Eviction Notice

Amber Wood — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:08:13 +0000

Hudson was served yesterday… Either he initiates his dissent by Friday or Friday, 4/19/13 at approximately 12:30pm, he will be removed from the warm and cozy home he’s known his entire little 10 months of gestation! I went in for an ultrasound yesterday morning just to confirm my doctor’s concern that Hudson is measuring a little too healthy at over 10 pounds! Hudson has continually measured about three weeks ahead of schedule (and nope, I’m not off on the conception date!) so the c-section should come as no surprise to us… yet, I find myself in a state of shock. I’ve never had a c-section, my first two were delivered healthy and happy (and naturally!) at 6lbs 15 oz (Luke) and 8 lbs 11 oz (Logan). I’ll even go as far as to say that Logan’s delivery was pretty… FUN! Well, after I got my epidural, of course!

With Logan, I got to hang out with my in-laws while laboring (lots of laughs, putting on makeup, hanging out, you know.. just an ordinary day And then Logan was out in one push (maybe a push and a half, it happened all so easily and so fast!) I was praying for the same/similar experience with the labor and delivery of Hudson… So, at this point, hearing that I have to have a c-section come Friday, I have no idea how to prepare myself!

I’m not at all worried about the surgery, the scar, or even the fact that I won’t be able to hold my little Hudson in my arms right away… Thank God Trev will be by my side the entire time and I’ll get to live vicariously through his eyes and facial expressions as he watches as the doctors pull Logan from my belly <3 I’m saddened that I’ll have to be hospitalized for three days. Three days without my Lukies and Logies. Especially my Logies, who has been so attached to me lately and has been sick for what seems like forever! I’m already missing my boys so much and today I was able to prepare just a little bit for it by holding them in my arms so tight and cherishing (like always) every moment with them!

I’m sure it’s the hormones talking, lol, but I’m feeling very sentimental these days! I’m enjoying the everyday with my boys, savoring my time as a mommy of only two baby boys on the outside. Trying to give them all my time and attention while getting them (ok, mostly Luke because Loges has no idea what the heck is going on… well, not that we know of anyway!) excited to meet their new little baby brother (though Luke insists that he’s still “going to like baby Sophia better because she’s soooooo cute!”)!

Side note: Luke is already asking if, “after baby Hudson comes out” I’m “going to have a baby guurl.” Lol, slow down buddy! Did your dad send you over?! Luke has been asking for a baby sister since before I was pregnant with Hudson… and his reasoning is always “because baby girls are sooooo cuuuuuute!”

Life is really great right now. Crazy, but great! God has provided for us in ways we could’ve never dreamed of!! We’ve come to realize that often times, the struggles placed before us turn very quickly into blessings in disguise ♥

Just a little update on my boys, since I can never seem to get around to a personal blog share on each of them

Luke: 3.5 years old. Started pre-school a couple months ago and is doing GREAT! While he’ll still give a cough here and there and say, “I’m too sick to go to preschool,” he really loves going and runs to his class every morning. We originally had him in three full-days a week but he didn’t do so well with that schedule so we now have him going half-days, Mon-Fri and it’s working out great! Luke has become a very good helper around the house and with Logan. I love when he gets super excited to see Logan after a nap or any time spent away from him and just runs up to him and squeezes him so tight! Luke has become a much better sleeper/napper since starting school and a much better listener He’s been fully potty trained since three and still doing great! He’ll even wake in the middle of the night (usually when I put him to bed, forgetting to make him use the restroom before putting him down!) to go to the restroom! This boy has restraint! He’s such a sweet, lovable and saucy kid and I couldn’t be more proud to be his mommy!

Logan: 16 months old. Not quite 1.5 years but getting so big! He’s in the 99th percentile for height and 96th for weight, he’s going to be big and tall! He’s mommy’s cuddly little baby bear! Always in a happy mood, loves to smile and give cuddles. He’s still an excellent sleeper (and I’m dreading having to kick him out of the nursery and into Luke’s bedroom when Hudson goes into the nursery!) and I feel that most his life, still, is spent asleep! He absolutely LOVES his big brother and loves tackling and running from him. He can take Luke’s roughness (a good thing for survival, lol) and loves to give it back in return! Logan has the cutest little curls that fall right at his neck! Speaking of neck, he loves to be kissed all over, especially his neck, one of his most ticklish spots Logan is very independent and loves to feed himself, get on and off the couch by himself and of course, loves to run and play by himself. I love how he loves bath time, but as soon as he’s had his fill, he tries to climb out on his own like “I’m done!” Every moment watching him grow is just so fun and goes by too fast! I love his crooked little smile, how he shuts his eyes with a huge, teeth-showing smile (though the smile kind of reminds me of the Beast on Beauty and the Beast, lol).

It’s always a mad dash when I get home from work: cooking dinner, feeding kids, cleaning up, preparing for bath time and bed time, giving baths, getting ready for bed…. It’s my most absolute favorite time of the day and I look so forward to walking through the door after work, both kids running to greet me usually to see who can sit on my lap first!

And none of this would be as exciting if I couldn’t share it with my partner in crime, my significant other and the BEST daddy in the world, Trev ♥

And here are some recent photos taken of my boys during my favorite event of the night… bath time ♥

Love me some little squishy bottoms ♥

And Logies… just stomping away ♥

Likely, the next time I update I will be a mommy of three little boys (all on the outside) ♥

Xo,
Amber

Sweet Baby Girl | Sophia Gabrielle – 6 days new

Amber Wood — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:00:13 +0000

This one holds an extra special place in my heart… I wish she were mine to keep (well, actually, I often wish I can keep all the little squishy babes that pass through my fingers ♥) and (God-willing) within just a couple short weeks, I’ll have my very own babe to hold, squish, photograph and KEEP ♥ My gorgeous niece, Sophia Gabrielle was born on Sunday, March 24th, just four days before her due date. She was a healthy 7 lbs, 19″ and just so PERFECT! Of course my gorgeous sister, April, made giving birth look as easy as baking brownies… probably easier, lol. I couldn’t be more happy for my sister, brother-in-law and their family and just so grateful that I got to be apart of the miracle of Sophia’s birth ♥

If you follow me on facebook you’ve seen a lot of these already, but they’re my favorites so here they are again

Isn’t Sophia so gorgeous? And she was an easy model once she fell asleep… now, if she would’ve only been so cooperative the second time around (I had to break up the session into two parts because I’m huge-pregnant and get tired too easily these days). I’m still *hoping* for a (successful) part two with Sophia before Hudson comes (I’ve already had one failed attempt, boo!)… be sure to follow me on facebook to see if that ever happens

Love her little peely tootsies ♥

I think this color combo is my absolute fave ♥

The sad thing about me being so huge-pregnant is that I can’t spend everyday with Sophia, capturing her every *first* moment! I asked my sister if I could just *borrow* her for a couple days, lol, but she wasn’t having it! I only hope and pray that I have even the tiniest of energy after giving birth to Hudson to capture a few of his precious firsts ♥ It’s going to be a little more difficult this time around, with two other small children in the house… but the great thing is… he’ll be all mine and I WILL get to keep him ♥

Xo,

Amber

An El Dorado Park Maternity Session

Amber Wood — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:01:31 +0000

I just love my sister SO much! There was a time when we weren’t so close (shutter at the thought!) but I’m so blessed and grateful that we, now, couldn’t be closer! There was a time, like the past 15 years, lol, that I didn’t think it was possible to ever get to experience pregnancies together (I know that sounds odd, but we’re only a year apart so I don’t think it was tooooo unrealistic of me, as a young child, to dream about the day when my sister/best friend and I would get to experience pregnancy and motherhood together – I mean, we practically shared everything since my birth! – whether she liked it or not! ha!). She started her family so young, I was still in high school and hadn’t found my prince charming yet… She already had six children before I even met Trevor so I was, naturally, starting to feel like it would NEVER happen… we would NEVER get the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of us being pregnant together (yes! THAT dramatic!)…. haha, well thank God He had another plan and continued to bless my sister and my brother-in-law with two more babies… Making it possible for my third and her eighth pregnancies to overlap (with due dates less than a month apart!!!).

And although life is crazy busy for the both of us right now, we found time to really connect and make the most of our overlapping-pregnancies together (although, we never got around to taking our sister maternity photos, but whatever, life is crazy!).

So, this novel just to say, that this, getting to share our pregnancies together, has been a great time in my life, for sure, and although I can’t speak for my sister, I’d like to think she’s shared in the same joy throughout the past nine months!!

And I know you heard me when I said she’s on her EIGHTH baby! EIGHTH! And look at her! We took these around her 37th week of pregnancy and gah, she’s gorgeous! Effortless. Amazing! She’s a natural!

Her little Sophia Gabrielle was just born on Sunday, 3/24, four days before her due date. Like pregnancy, my sister made giving birth look like a BREEZE! Unfortunately, I won’t be sharing the birth photos with you I was blessed to be able to capture such a special and intimate time for my sister and her husband and during the delivery, I found it was a miracle in itself that I didn’t pass out from the drama of it all! So yeah, I have no desire to capture births, as beautiful and a blessing as they are, professionally!

You will, however, be flooded with newborn photos of my sweetest, newest little niece, Sophia coming soon…. That is if Hudson will stay put long enough for me to capture her!

Oh, that’s right, I’m sharing April’s maternity photos in this post, ha! Without further rambling (so sorry!)….

My gorgeous sister… and Sophia before she took her first breath ♥

The Leather Book by Madera | Sandra + Stephen’s Wedding

Amber Wood — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:00:39 +0000

I had exactly 2.5 minutes before the kids got home to snap these photos, so I apologize for the lack of creativity on my part… but who am I kidding?! Doesn’t this gorgeous album speak for itself?!

A little back story. When we got married and found our photographer, one of the most important things we were looking for, aside from a super fabulous and talented photographer to capture our day!, was a gorgeous wedding album. We knew that after all was said and done, years after celebrating what would have been the most fabulous event/day of our lives, the only thing we would have to touch and bring back those awesome memories… was a gorgeous album! So, it was only natural that when I started my wedding photography business, finding a gorgeous wedding album to offer my clients was top priority!

So, when a few local photographers raved and recommended Madera Books for wedding albums, I researched and researched and JUST KNEW that this was the album I wanted my name on! Gorgeous hand-made albums, a close to invisible gutter, lay flat binding and most importantly, AWESOME customer service!

These photos don’t do this beauty justice, of course. But when Sandra told me that, when she got home, she looked at her album over and over.. and over again, and just fell in love with it, I knew (not that I needed validation really, because, c’mon, I’m not blind!), I made the right choice in choosing Madera Books as my wedding album supplier!

Sandra and Stephen ordered an 11×14, 23 spread (that’s 46 pages!) flush mount album! This is 17 lbs of sheer gorgeousness in their hands!

Every album comes with a gorgeous leather, hard protective case ♥ This is no joke people! Lol

You’ll literally gasp when you open it! It’s like opening a breathtakingly gorgeous custom gift on Christmas morning (lol, I’m not joking, I almost cried when I opened it!).

The imprinting and photo inset cover is an optional feature (but a lovely addition, in my opinion).

And the spreads…. Ahhhh, silky soft, super thick pages!

The details ♥

The album truly lays flat and the gutter…. Super thin!

This is how it comes shipped from Madera. Packaged with care for a safe arrival ♥

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I LOVE Sandra + Stephen’s album! I look forward to making so many more for future wedding clients ♥ And although I offer collections that do not include an album, I really recommend that you invest in one! An album is something tangible that you can walk away with. Share with all of your family and friends. The love story of your day. An heirloom to be passed down to your children’s children. If you aren’t able to purchase an album now, (hosting a wedding is pricey, I know! I was a bride before a photographer!), I offer a price guarantee for a year after your wedding date, so make it an anniversary gift

I promise that I’ve never heard one single bride or groom complain that they purchased an album, only regrets that they didn’t!

I still have a couple more sample albums to order (specifically Madera’s Linen and Portrait books) but have another gorgeous leather sample album to share whenever I can squeeze in a quick photo session Although I love the look of the linen and portrait albums, my ♥ belongs to traditional leather albums.

Thanks for letting me share my excitement over this gorgeous wedding album ♥

To view the entire album design, click on the slideshow below

Xo,

Amber

Brenda + Edgar Engagement | Film

Amber Wood — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:03:46 +0000

Just got these back from the lab and gah, I’m in LOVE!!! I just love the look of film (even my amateur first images!!!)! These are from the very first rolls I’ve processed (and I was so scared to send these in, worried that they would be horrible; under or overexposed beyond repair, completely out of focus or just plain bad!) and although there were quite a few junkers (almost 2/3rds of both rolls! clearly, the intelligent focusing (or whatever it’s called) on the Canon EOS3 isn’t so intelligent!), I’m so pleased with the overall finished images

I remember, just a short two weeks after getting and shooting with the film camera, telling Trev, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?” <—- Which is often how almost every single one of my journeys begin! I freak out. I feel dumb. I read the manual back and forth and back and forth again… until it REALLY didn’t make sense. I wanted to cry in defeat before I even started. I wanted to throw the camera across the room and sit, cross-legged, throwing a fit until Trev promised to return it for me. And guess what?! He’s such a great man that yes, he offered to send it back… but he also offered to help me translate the manual (yes, it was in English!!!). And in true Trev fashion, he figured out that intelligent focusing feature (which remember, isn’t so intelligent!) in 1/2 a second! I seriously cried! And laughed! And he laughed, too!!!

So my journey begun

Shooting film is soooo intimidating (you don’t know how many times I checked the back of the camera when shooting… only there is no LCD screen, ha!) but I like to challenge myself, I’m almost not happy unless I’m learning (and almost crying about!!) something new So, expect to see more film around here! I have to say that out loud to hold myself accountable and I really love the softness of film images, it’s speaks to my soul and style. Hopefully you (and I!) will start to see improvements as the rolls progress!

Xo,

Amber

El Dorado Park Engagement Session | Brenda + Edgar

Amber Wood — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:58 +0000

I never realized what a hidden gem El Dorado Regional Park, Long Beach was! I mean, practically right in my backyard, I haven’t shot a client session there since my very first maternity session back in 2010 (http://www.amberwoodphotography.com/denise-maternity-session-2/). In all honesty, I never knew half the park existed! Lol, typical Amber fashion, I never turned right at the end of the road… since I didn’t know where it would lead. Ha! So much for adventurer, let’s take that one off the list

Anyway, once I discovered the second half of the park (haha!), I knew it would be the perfect spot to shoot Brenda & Edgar’s engagement session! Brenda & Edgar are such a sweet, gorgeous, and easy going couple (that they completely trusted me and went with it!)! I just love these two together; I love how Brenda gazes at Edgar, as if they’ve just met and she’s in complete awe of every word.. and Edgar, the way he looks at her, so innocently, so content as she talks. I love that they’re playful with one another, Edgar is such a clown and will immediately lighten up the mood with his quick wit! It’s easy to see the trust they share, they’re on the same page and it’s so… refreshing!

Brenda and Edgar, thank you for trusting me to capture this time in your relationship!! I had a blast spending the afternoon with you two and cannot wait for your wedding day!!! You guys were such naturals and gorgeous models!!! Here are a few images to hold you over until the complete gallery is ready next week.

Hope you love them

Wedding Referral Program

Amber Wood — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Amber Wood Photography is offering an awesome wedding referral bonus for those of you who help spread the word and bring in some lovely wedding clients ♥

It’s really quite simple. YOU refer a friend, colleague, family member, etc. and when they book a Wedding Collection with Amber Wood Wood Photography (me! – ok, it sounds a little weird using my name in third person, lol!), YOU receive a check for $250 upon booking!! So, it’s a win-win for ALL of us!

1. YOU get a fat check for basically telling those you love and adore how wonderful a photographer I am (wink wink )!

2. THEY book an awesome photographer for their very special day!

3. and I (loving the job that I’ve been so blessed to do!) get to capture all of those very special moments on their very special day!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ Now, isn’t that such an EASY way for us ALL to be so happy ♥ ♥ ♥

And better yet.. There’s no limit as to how many cash bonuses you can receive

Please help spread the word and share this post with all your loved ones, it’s practically like handing them a $250 check

Xo,

Amber