Avenue Nine Photography

New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:30:00 +0000

The new website and blog has arrived!

YAY!

NEW BLOG AND WEBSITE COMING SOON!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:50:00 +0000

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I am so excited! and relieved! and excited! I am in the process of getting my new blog-website! It will be one and the same for your ease and mine. I am simplifying the process!

In order to get all this going, I shut down my old website. Hallelujah! I was getting really tired of it... cough and the crappy customer service cough cough cough.

This blog will be available for your viewing pleasure until the new is up and running... and hopefully blowing your mind ;)

Shoot me an email if you need anything!

amy@avenueninephotography.com

Krystal's Glamorous 30th Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:24:00 +0000

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My new friend, Krystal, is turning 30! You would never know it though! She has not aged a day past 21. What an amazing party... friends, boas, balloons, feathers, two cakes, food, high heels, wine, pink, black and zebra! Happy Birthday, Krystal!

Faith is almost Sweet Sixteen

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:22:00 +0000

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It has become a tradition for me to take my nieces/nephew for the weekend on their birthdays... mostly after they were potty trained ;). I get to have them all to myself for a few days and spoil them rotten. That is not actually possible, but I put in a good effort.

This year is Faith's 16th birthday! It amazes me that she is going to be 16! I wanted it to be special so we went shopping, fixed her hair and make-up and topped it off with a mini photo session before dinner. Sweet Tomatoes. Her choice.

Faith, you are growing into a beautiful woman on the outside and on the inside. I thoroughly enjoyed our weekend, and I am looking forward to many more birthdays to celebrate with you!

I love you with all my heart,

Your Favorite Aunt Amy

Sophie is ONE!

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:14:00 +0000

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Family and friends came together and helped Kurt and Ginger celebrate their daughter's first birthday in style. Just check out that amazing cake and all those presents! Sophie Renee has been here a whole year, and in that time, has endeared herself to many, including myself. She is beautiful and spunky. Kurt is going to have to take part in the age old ritual of cleaning his rifle when boys come over, but there are a few birthday celebrations between now and then... thankfully!!!

Click to enlarge

My assistant in training...

Krystal and Luke

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:53:00 +0000

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Word of the day...

impromptu |imˈpräm(p)ˌt(y)oō| - done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed

Please use it in a sentence.

Krystal came by to give Carie an outfit for Kaleb, and she ended up having impromptu photo session with her adorable son, Luke! Don't they look nice for just being out and about running errands?!

Click to enlarge.

Carie and Kaleb

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:40:00 +0000

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I can't believe Mr. Kaleb is two! I have been photographing him since he was an infant, and he is growing so fast. Carie brought him for a session (along with the cutest scarf ever!), and I don't know if she was planning on being in the shoot... But she was! There are just some facial expressions that only a parent can get out of their child. You will see what I mean.

The Petersons

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:57:00 +0000

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My newest neighbors were in need of some family photographs! I offered my assistance and viola! Meet Marshall, Shannon, Noah and Noelle! What a beautiful, sweet family! A lady even pulled over and yelled, Congratulations! (The kiddos were in the car, so maybe she thought it was an engagement shoot.)

Click on photos to enlarge.

The Toons

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:31:00 +0000

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Don't be fooled by her short sleeves... It was chilly! Travis, Melissa, Avery, and Baby #2 came out for a family photo session under these amazing trees, and we got some great shots of this beautiful family. Melissa and Travis, congrats again! I can't wait to meet your new addition.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Marc and Melissa

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +0000

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Two branches of the legal system united in a new way in 2009. Marc, the police officer, and Melissa, the lawyer, joined forces before God, family and friends on December 12th. Their wedding was beautiful and even included a groomsman cake decorated with handcuffs. Marc and Melissa, it was a pleasure to document your special day and I wish you both a lifetime of love (and protection from the crazies out there!). May the law be with you! Forgive me, that was cheesy...

Click on photos to enlarge.

Douglas' Family

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:38:00 +0000

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Buses and buses and more buses. Thousands of elementary children poured from these buses, much to our dismay. Cindy had emailed me a few weeks ago to set up a photo shoot with her son Douglas and his family. He is stationed in Japan, but they were coming into town for a few days to visit. She asked if I could come try out my true photojournalistic skills and get some action shots of the grandchildren at Oil Ranch. It just so happened that we picked the day that an entire school district was on a field trip. Chaos. But we prevailed and waited them out. Calm was eventually restored, and I think we got some great shots. Meet Douglas, Nicole, Caline, Braedon and Mikayla!

Click on photos to enlarge...

Josh and Amy's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

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Beautiful bride, handsome groom, gorgeous venue, lovely sunset, excited family, and happy guests made this an amazing wedding. I was so honored to shoot my friends getting married. Josh and Amy, I wish both of you all the best life has to offer. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful day!

Click on photo to enlarge...

Amy's Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:56:00 +0000

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Don't be afraid of a little dirt on the dress... especially when you pick a garden for the shoot! Amy picked Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin for her Dress session, and I was a little nervous because I don't normally shoot in lovely parks but in gritty alleys. Amy was a little nervous because dancing in her mind were visions of a wedding dress covered in dirt. Thank you, Amy, for making me stretch outside my comfort zone and for trusting me that a little dirt won't hurt.

Click on photos to enlarge...

Workshop: Michael Norwood

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:35:00 +0000

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THANK YOU, MICHAEL NORWOOD! Studio563 Houston and Austin had the pleasure of a Norwood Workshop last week. We ate bagels with amazing pumpkin spread, chatted about photography techniques, and roamed around Austin with some really fun models. It was a good day! Michael is an amazing photographer, and I learned a lot. It is all about good light. Enjoy the photos!

Click to enlarge.

Shawn and Lindsey

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:21:00 +0000

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There are so many ways I want to start this blog post. I could joke about all the funny things Lindsey has said, comment on how cool her car is, describe how much she loves Shawn, or tell the story of our friendship. I am having an indecisive moment... There are so many things I could say about Lindsey. She makes everyone smile and laugh. She has no enemies. She is an easy-going, warm-hearted person. She is quirky and kind and has a very cool cat, Mr. Cat. In short, she is my real friend, which means that there is not enough space here to talk about it.

Shawn and Lindsey are getting married Easter Sunday 2010. I won't be photographing this particular wedding because I have the pleasure of being a bridesmaid! I am so excited to stand up with Lindsey and witness her and Shawn making their vows to one another and expressing their love in front of their friends and family. However, I do get provide some photography assistance. I photographed their engagements and will be doing her Dress session next month!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Jessi's Dress Session

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:34:00 +0000

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Jessi loves fashion, eBay, chocolate, and Ben. Ben is passionate about cowboy boots, good bbq, and Jessi (but not in that order... I checked). Together they hunt, watch Nascar, try really weird foods...like blackberry cobbler ice cream, and wear lots of cowboy boots. I love that she incorporated that into her Dress session. Jessi, I had so much fun, and I hope your married life is full of great bbq, cute boots, and fast cars. God bless you with a long, happy marriage!

Click on photos to enlarge...

Alex

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:19:00 +0000

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If you are looking for a great childrens' ministry to get your kids involved in, visit The Bridge Fellowship. Amazing! The first time I saw Kid Jam in action, I was blown away by the talent and humor of the actors. I was also surprised when Alex made her entrance on stage! I had not seen her in nine years! She was in a high school girls Bible study with me, and since graduation, we had not stayed in touch. There she was on stage trying to convince "Chuy" not to get into trouble! I love finding long, lost friends! Alex, I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out, chatting and snagging some great pics of you!

Click on photos to enlarge...

Studio563: Jester/Lott Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:51:00 +0000

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Beautiful bride, handsome groom, excited friends and family, lovely venue, and gorgeous light! This wedding was a blast to shoot! Enjoy!

Click photos to enlarge...

McMahons

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:31:00 +0000

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Elizabeth is a sweet friend of mine from HBU, and I had the pleasure of meeting her family the other day. Blake is also a HBU graduate, and they have the cutest little girl, Sophia Noelle aka Snoe. I met up with them in old downtown Katy for a few family photos and some maternity pics. Elizabeth is expecting their second baby! Congratulations, McMahons! I really enjoyed hanging out with you guys!

Click on photos to enlarge...

My New Camera!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:05:00 +0000

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I was so excited... scratch that... ecstatic when my new camera arrived! Before I elaborate on my state of complete bliss, I have to mention that I have the best UPS driver ever! Karl, without having to be asked, came back to my office to deliver my new fabulous camera because I had missed his first attempt. I started jumping up and down and thanking him profusely when he handed me the box. He laughed all the back to his truck.

So now I had my camera, and I needed a model! I did not want to wait a second. My wonderful friend Carie gave up a few hours of her Saturday, pulled her wedding dress out of the back of the closet, and traipsed around Rosenberg with me. BLISS. I was shooting with a brand-new, awesome camera, an amazingly beautiful model, AND my husband shot alongside me with my "old" camera. He did an amazing job! He has a very good eye, and I can't wait for him to second with me at a wedding I am shooting in November!

Click on the photos to enlarge.

The one above and below were taken by Brandon!

The last photo was taken by Brandon, and needs a some fun superhero caption...

Perseverance

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:13:00 +0000

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Every summer the barn swallows return to build their nests on my parents' back porch, and the battle begins! My Dad knocks down their nests, and they re-build over and over again until my Dad finally gives up. Most years the bird's persistence is useless because a dog or cat make a snack of the babies when they jump from the nest. Not this year though. After the usual rounds of destruction and rebuilding, these three baby birds were hatched, raised, and successfully escorted from their nest. Perseverance paid off.

I climbed a ladder and dangled at a dangerous angle to get this photo, so you better enjoy it! I could not even look through the viewfinder, which is why there is only one...

Like the barn swallow, I have had lessons in perseverance (and prayer) this year. Many times in the last few months, I have wanted to pack up my camera and post a sign that says, I quit! While that would be easy, I always have an unsettled feeling when I consider that option. So I keep trekking. I love these two photographs. I see a little man in the clouds pointing me in the right direction.

Daphne

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:36:00 +0000

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No animals! When we closed on our new home, Brandon forbade me to bring any animals anywhere near our new house. I agreed because of the brand new carpet, brand new backyard, and the overall smell of brand-new. It was settled. No animals.

I spent Father's Day skiing with my Dad, and he spent it golfing with his. Late in the afternoon, I got a phone call from my sweet husband. I have a surprise for you, Brandon said excitedly. Do you want to know now or be surprised when you get home? The impatient child inside of me balked at the idea of waiting five more minutes... I got you a puppy!

I am still in a state of shock.

Let me introduce you to Daphne, who is actually not mine but wholly belongs to Samson. She is his shadow, chew toy, and tug-of-war opponent.

Burn Ban

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:47:00 +0000

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I did grumble about the burn ban and harbor a little doubt about the real necessity of it. All the doubt and resentment suddenly vanished. Our evening of relaxing after hours of volleyball and eating was interrupted by someone pounding franticly on our door and ringing our doorbell at least three times in a row. My neighbor hurriedly informed us that the field behind our house was on fire and ran off to warn others. I ran outside to see how close. It was still about 4 or 5 houses down from us so I grabbed my camera and ran down the street to get closer. Brandon turned on our sprinkler system and ran with me (without any shoes). By the time we arrived, our neighbors were trying to keep the fire away from the homes with a few shovels and hoses. The firefighters soon arrived and within 20 minutes the fire was extinguished.

Brandon's debut photograph of the view from our backyard! The fire almost made it to 99!

Stretching

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:49:00 +0000

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I devoured a book, The Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders this week. It was bittersweet chocolate. Bitter because it made me very aware of my lazy mistakes. Sweet because I know the information will help me. Chocolate because I always devour chocolate, so it is a good comparison. Why am I telling you this? It means I am going to be redecorating again.

Redecorating is a process, and it begins with me answering some very tough questions, such as Who am I?, What is my style?, and What do I bring to the photography world that is unique?. I have been beating my head against the desk in frustration. Those seemingly simple questions are giving me a major headache, but a vision has slowly begun to take shape in my mind. So I guess we will see where it takes me.

In Ch. 6, Dane suggests to "watch for odd bits of meaningful information...that come to you unexpectedly. What may seem like a coincidence may in fact be providence helping you connect the dots of your future." As I was driving, I heard this song for the first time, and it really describes my emotional state at the moment. I don't know if it will help me with dots, but I like it none the less...

It is really funny to me that it is a Miley Cyrus song.

Blogs are not interesting without photos.

This photo makes me feel happy.

This photo made me happy because it was my dinner. This is what happens when I eat alone.

John and Brandi

noreply@blogger.com (Avenue Nine Photography) — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:46:00 +0000

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It will leave us alone, John assured me as he strolled past a 7.5 ft alligator as it was sunning beside the trail. I was not as confident, but I also did not want to walk the extra 2 miles the other way to get back to the car. I walked as quickly as I could with my face glued to my camera. I could not resist snagging a few photos. I made it by unscathed and admired John's bravery. But about 50 ft later, I was thinking, I hope those cowboy boots are alligator-proof because this crazy-man is about to become dinner! A smaller but more alert alligator was laying across the path. Dilemma...go back past the bigger alligator or convince this guy to move? I was in favor of throwing small rocks... in the nicest way possible. John didn't take a vote. He just walked right up to it. The plan was for Brandi and I to use John as a shield as we walked by the alligator, who was showing off all his bright, shiny teeth. Thankfully, the alligator decided to take his business back to the lake before my bare legs became available on the lunch menu. Maybe this post should have a warning label... please do not try this, get bit, and blame me. The rest of the session was more tame... swarms of mosquitoes and bees, a bit of breaking-and-entering, and margaritas at Texas Roadhouse.