LMA Design & Photography

McCann

2012-02-29T10:52:00.005-08:00

It was so nice to take some portraits outside after being cooped up inside due to the weather. My friend, Amber, asked me to capture some real moments of her downtown Mount Vernon for her website. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) which basically means she knows everything there is to know about breastfeeding children and encouraging mothers to be the best they can be at it.

Those who don’t know me, breastfeeding has been a big part of my life – ever since that beautiful baby girl arrived in my life 18 months ago. I take it super seriously and I enjoy hearing about others who take it seriously, too. If Amber lived in Knox County, I would definitely recommend her services to new mothers! But for now, she is based out of Laurel, Maryland. If you are interested in learning more about her or breastfeeding, I encourage you to check out her website www.ambermccann.com.

Thank you to Amber for asking me to spend the afternoon with you. You are fun company and always great to talk with. Below are some of my faves from the afternoon. Enjoy!

Cenna

2012-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

My brother and sister in laws just had their first baby together a couple of weeks ago. They asked me to take some portraits of her and I was very excited to do so. I’m sure it will be the first of many photos I take of her. She is SO pretty! I am so flattered and thankful that they keep asking me to photograph important moments in their lives. I just wanted to share a couple of photos from the day of my sweet niece. Enjoy!

Oliver

2012-02-01T05:33:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I photographed Oliver. He was full of smiles and such a handsome little guy. His mom asked me to take some photos to mark his 6 months of life and of course, I was very happy to do so! She brought him to my house and I set up my simple little studio space and we captured a TON of happy shots of little Oliver. Below are a few of my faves from the afternoon.

Website Launch

2012-01-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to share some exciting news. I launched a new portfolio website this week for the photography I’ve been doing over the last year. I am very happy to finally have a web URL showcasing some of the best work I’ve done so far in my career. It’s exciting times! I’ve been trying to pull off a digital portfolio for years and years. I actually had two websites before this one, but ended up disliking the results or cancelling my domain/hosting accounts. I am very proud of this website. It’s current, trendy and easy to maintain. If you haven’t already visited it (I announced it on Facebook earlier this week) I encourage you to check it out.

www.lmadesignandphotography.com

You will find information on my 2012 pricing & appointments, a bio on myself along with stories on my style and inspiration. There is also a section for my portfolio with some of my most current work and a testimonial feature page.

New Year!

2012-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 to all my followers and clients, old and new. I had a nice LONG break with my family and it was wonderful to spend quality time with my loved ones. I'm always a wife and mother first, photographer & designer second.

There are a few things I wanted to mention in my first blog of the year. First off, I am excited about photography this year. I learned so much in 2011 and was given so many opportunities to display my talents that I've been hoarding for so many years. Thank you to those people (you know who you are) who trusted me to capture your special moments in time. Second, I've decided that I will only be pursuing photography this year, not design. For those who don't know me, I am a professional graphic designer and work for a company making catalogs, flyers, ads etc during the day. On a professional level, graphic design is my first love. And I won't lie, I am better at design more than I am at photography (in my opinion). Quite honestly, though, design is sometimes very time consuming and I want to focus solely on photography this year. I'm happy that I still have an outlet at work to keep up on trending software with design - so if I do decide to bring back to my hobby, I will still be current.

The last thing I wanted to share with you is exciting news. After a successful 2011, my husband and I have decided to officially make this a small side business. We are in the process of getting everything set-up so we will soon be calling ourselves business owners. This is very exciting for both of us as we have never owned a business, but have always dreamed of having one. I am still going to be primarily a natural light photographer (outdoors) but maybe one day in the next few years (if all goes well) we will have a studio. In the mean time, my philosophy is still to preserve life through photography for women - and not only meet your expectations, but exceed them with quality products and service.

Below is a photo that I took of my daughter and I that I absolutely love. Thank you again for such an amazing memorable 2011.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T05:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful friends & clients. May your holidays be full of love. Here are a few photos of my little loves. Enjoy.

Kids' Christmas Portraits 2011 - Benefiting Food for the Hungry

2011-12-12T05:59:00.001-08:00

On Saturday I held a portrait session at our home through-out the day. In exchange for a few cans of food, I photographed some of my clients' kids. It was a fun day and we got so much food! Between our personal food and the food we received, we ended up with two whole trunk loads to donate that evening! Thank you to all of the people who came! Below are a few of my favorite photos! Enjoy!

Lexi - Six months

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

I've done a lot of photography over the last decade. I started with family and then branched out to friends. College taught me technicalities, composition and output. I was told I was good at it by my peers and teachers. Then I had my daughter in 2010 and discovered that photography wasn't just a thing I was good at - it was my dream. So cliche, but true. I had to set an example for my daughter by following my dream.

Anyhow, that whole build up was to this: my first paid job asking $25 from one of my oldest friends Nikki Kemmer (who paid me $40 because she is a sweetheart - or was afraid I was joking...not sure) We met to do her maternity photos. I was a NERVOUS WRECK! Hopefully I didn't show it though ;) We hadn't spoken since we randomly bumped into each other at a local bar a few years back. I missed our friendship, but as our lives evolve we all grow a part from one another. This was the case with us, unfortunately. But everything happens in life for a reason, right?

She must have liked her maternity shots because then her daughter, Lexi, was born and I was asked to take her portraits for the first time. Of course I accepted. Then at three months, she asked me again. And now, little Lexi is six months and I was fortunate to take her photos once again. I feel so blessed to have her in my life again and to be able to capture memories of her precious daughter as she grows up. Thank you for trusting me. Without even knowing it, you've opened doors for me in my career. I hope I'm exceeding your expectations each time I get an opportunity to take your photos. Below are my faves from her six month Christmas session. Enjoy!

Strickling Family

2011-11-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Another one of my high school friends, Val, contacted me a few weeks ago and asked me if I would take some portraits of her family as a Christmas gift for their mother. Of course I accepted! This was a large family of seven total including two dogs! It was wonderful, though, because they all had so much energy and were so very nice to talk with and be around. I haven't seen Val since my wedding in 2006 and I haven't seen her family in over a decade. Thank you Val for asking me to be your photographer. Below are a few that I loved the most from the day. Enjoy!

Fiona

2011-11-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

My friend from high school contacted me a couple of weeks ago to take some portraits of her 1 week new baby girl, Fiona. I am in love with her name, by the way. I drove out to her beautiful home and set up some soft blankets in front of the natural light peaking through their deck doors. Thank you Liz for asking me to capture those early moments of little Fiona's life. Below are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Wind & Beauty

2011-11-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

Last week, an epic vision came into my head of a beautiful woman idolizing her growing belly while in the middle of a field with the wind blowing fabric all around her. Big vision. Big idea. I think it stemmed from taking photos of my pregnant sister-in-law and how much I adored the outcome of her portraits.

I really like the idea of a strong, beautiful woman being so vulnerable in an open space admiring and completely captivated by the moment of feeling her child move within her body. I miss those subtle movements of my daughter. I really just wanted to capture a single, beautiful moment in time. SO, I checked the radar and as if it was meant to be, the following day was WINDY - cold, but WINDY. It felt like a sign. I contacted my friend Kerra who is in the home stretch of her pregnancy and asked her if she'd be up for it. We had already planned maternity photos at her house the following day anyhow, so we just bumped up the day so it was the day with the WIND.

Kerra did an amazing job, and my vision in my head became a beautiful reality because of her help. Thank you SO very much to Kerra for braving the cold and wind. Below are just a couple of the many beautiful results of the day. Enjoy.

Beauty.

2011-11-17T05:27:00.001-08:00

There is nothing that touches my heart more than a photo of a woman with child. It pulls on my heart strings immensely because I understand the emotions a woman goes through when she is pregnant. I love seeing the look of empowerment, excitement, love and pure adoration on a mothers face while she carries & grows her child within her body. It's so beautiful to me. My sister-in-law is pregnant and she agreed to let me take her maternity portraits. I was so excited to show the simplicity of her body by silhouette. She agreed to let me share a couple of her shots.

Maggie - 2012 Senior

2011-11-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

I met Maggie a couple of years ago when she started to date my husband's cousin. Along with beautiful, she is so sweet and probably one of the nicest people I've ever met. We started downtown Mount Vernon and did a few shots there. Then we moved on out to her boyfriend's house out in the country where we had TONS of options for portraits. It was super windy out there so we got some fun shots with her hair blowing everywhere. Sometimes you just have to embrace mother nature! I had such a good time! Thanks Maggie for spontaneously setting up an appointment with me!! Below are a few of my personal faves from the day. Enjoy!

Just Married - The Greens

2011-11-07T06:17:00.001-08:00

Although I was not their wedding photographer, Katie and Zach asked me to do some "day after" shots of them. (The weather on the day of their wedding was not ideal!) I was very happy to accept! Zach is my husband's cousin so I've known him for over a decade and Katie and I became friends a couple of years ago through family events. They are a perfect match for one another and you can just see how much they adore each other in their portraits. The day was picturesque and I enjoyed spending the afternoon with them. Thank you for asking me to take your wedding "day after" photos! Below are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Crowthers Family

2011-11-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

I had a big assignment over the weekend. I was asked to take portraits of a family of SIX - 4 kids, 2 adults. I've taken photos of one kid before - even TWO kids, but never FOUR kids! It's a tough task to get a family THAT BIG to smile at the same time. Fortunately, armed with my secret weapon (aka CANDY) I was able to get smiles and pull off some great family portraits. I was excited to photograph the energy this family brought with them, especially the kids. Mark and Jess have been friends of my husband and I since high school. It was nice to see them again and meet their new addition, Oliver, who is only 3 months old. Thank you for asking me to capture your family over the weekend! I had fun! Below are a few of my favorites from the afternoon. Enjoy!

Shelby - 2012 Senior

2011-10-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Referred by the Millburn family, I was recently contacted by Shelby, a senior from Mount Vernon. We met up at an old, abandoned building in Mount Vernon over the weekend. It was so neat taking photos at this location because it used to be a middle school and I attended there when it was open over a decade ago. Oh, I'm getting old! Shelby is absolutely GORGEOUS and I loved showing her the photos I was taking of her throughout the duration of our session together. She was up for anything and was full of energy! It was a lot of fun spending the afternoon with her. Below are a few of my favorites! Enjoy!

Jodie - 2012 Senior

2011-10-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I met up with Jodie, a senior from East Knox. First, I have to say how much I liked her from the get go. She was so full of energy, genuine and beautiful inside and out. It was such a pleasure taking her portraits! She is a majorette at her school, so she brought her batons and lit them on fire! It was so neat! Thank you Jodie for asking me to be your photographer. Below are a few of my faves from the night. Enjoy!

Thank You.

2011-10-26T12:24:00.001-07:00

I just want to take a moment to thank all who have asked me to be their photographer this year. This is a journey I've always wanted to take and I am SO thrilled to finally be taking it. It's exciting. It's scary. It's fun. It's important. And I love everyone who has asked me and referred me to others. This year has been amazing. So THANK YOU! Below is a compilation of my favorites over the last 6 months. Enjoy!

The Adams

2011-10-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

My brother and sister-in-laws are expecting their first baby in January 2012. As a gift to them, I photographed them together as a way to remember the year they were pregnant. I am so excited to be an Aunt again to their baby girl Cenna. A few years back, they asked me to do their engagement photos, so it was special to me to capture a new life changing moment in their lives. I'm so excited for them and can't wait to hold precious Cenna. They will be great parents. Below are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

East Knox Homecoming 2011

2011-10-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I was asked to take portraits of two couples attending HOMECOMING! I was very excited of the idea of taking formal portraits but still having a little of my own unique pizazz mixed into it. We met up at a park in Apple Valley. The two girls were absolutely stunning and the two boys were very handsome. I wanted to make sure to capture the important moments - putting the flowers on each other and the formal shots of their outfits & hair, but then I also wanted to get some unique shots of their styles. They were all having such a good time during the photo shoot and I enjoyed taking their photos before their big night together. Below are a few of my absolute faves from the evening. Enjoy!

Brownfield & Ferenbaugh

2011-10-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

This was definitely a beautiful fall weekend to take portraits! My friends, Ashlie and Lafe Brownfield asked me to take some updated photographs of their little family over the weekend. They also referred me to their friend, Amy Dupler (soon-to-be Ferenbaugh) and her cute little family, so I was able to capture moments of both families all within a couple of hours. We met up at a beautiful park in Mount Vernon. They both have daughters around the same age and they brought their Halloween costumes so I was fortunate to take some cute photos of them all dressed up. Both kids are SOO adorable and "mini-me's" of their Mommas! Thank you to both families for asking me to take your family portraits! Below are a few of my favorites from the evening. Enjoy!

Hammond Family

2011-10-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Back in August, I was searching for a photographer to take a few family photos so that I could update my frames in my house before my daughter's first birthday party. As a photographer, it's hard to justify spending a lot of money on photos when you could just take them yourself. But I was in a predicament and really wanted to BE in the photos with my family (and I didn't want to use a tri-pod). So, I contacted a few different photographers in the area along with Misty Hammond. She was in a similar boat as me. After a few text exchanges, we came up with the idea of trading our services -- she would take my photos and I would take her photos and we wouldn't charge each other. After several bad weather days and cancellations (from both her and myself) we FINALLY were able to meet at Davis Beach in Apple Valley one bright and early Sunday morning! Thank you Misty for helping me out with my photos. Below are a few of yours that I liked the most. Enjoy!

The Millburn Family

2011-10-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Cassie and I met up at a party for a mutual friend over the summer this year. We both have daughters that are close in age and we also went to the same high school back in the day. She asked me if I would take family portraits for her and of course I said YES! She made a special visit all the way from Cleveland with her family to have photos taken. Thank you for asking me to be your photographer for little Mallory's one year marker. Happy Birthday sweet Mallory (today is her birthday!) Below are my favorites from the session. Enjoy!

Stan - 2012 Senior

2011-10-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

Last week, I was asked to photograph Stanley, a senior from the Mount Vernon district. He was very easy to photograph and was fun to work with. He brought his girlfriend along and I was so happy because I love taking photos of sweethearts! Below are a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Foreman Family

2011-10-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, the Forman family contacted me to do their family portraits. I was referred by a friend that I recently did photos for, the Clinedinst's. I was so very happy to meet Laurel, Gary and their gorgeous little girl, Kailee. We met at their beautiful home (which is for sale by the way - contact them if you're looking!) in Mount Vernon. She opened the door to invite me in and there was Kailee! She is so full of energy and such a beautiful red-headed little girl. We did their portraits in their backyard, kitchen and in front of their immaculate house as a way for them to remember their first home together. Thank you again for asking me to capture your life through photography. Below are a few of my personal favorites. Enjoy!

Clinedinst Family

2011-10-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

A couple nights ago, I was asked to do portraits for the Clinedinst family, Kevin, Kerra & Kingston. Kerra was 30 weeks pregnant so we did a few maternity shots, too. This family is so beautiful. Every time I saw Kerra & Kevin look at each other, I just got that feeling that they will be together forever. And Kingston was a perfect little gentlemen helping me take photos of his Mom & Dad. Thank you so much for asking me to capture your little family moments. Below are a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Vernon Family

2011-10-10T04:09:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend, I was asked to take portraits of the Vernon family. Their son, Aiden, just turned one so we got some shots of him with a balloon & cupcake. He was a cutie! Thanks to Jenni for asking me to photograph your handsome son and family. Below are a few of my faves from the shoot.

It goes by too fast

2011-10-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

Below are clips of my daughter as she grows up that I edited together.

Wedding Invitations

2011-10-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

One of the weddings I've recently helped with has now passed, so I'm happy to share a design project I worked on almost ALL year long along side the bride. She is a zebra girl, so of course the design had to incorporate this theme. These are just a few of the items I designed. Congrats to Zach & Katie on their marriage!

My day off

2011-09-28T04:55:00.000-07:00

On my days off, it's nice to just take photos of my family.
This is my beautiful daughter. I am so blessed to have her in my life ♥

Zach - 2012 Senior

2011-09-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last night, I met Zach who is actually the son of one of my co-workers. Zach attended Kenyon College for some classes while he was in high school & we thought it would be appropriate to shoot his portraits on campus. I think the shots turned out great truly expressing his personality. Below are a few of my faves! Thanks to Andrea, Dave & Zach for choosing me as your photographer! Enjoy!

Sierra - 2012 Senior

2011-09-19T04:53:00.000-07:00

Last night I met Sierra, a high school senior in our area. First off, what a cool name. I was taking her photos for about an hour and there was just something about her that I couldn't exactly pinpoint. After her session, I went home and started editing her photos and it hit me all of a sudden - she kind of looks like a celebrity! Who do you think she looks like?

Did anyone guess? It was Bella Swan! (or Kristen Stewart)

Shellenbarger Family

2011-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege of photographing the Shellenbarger family. We walked around their beautiful 9.5 acre property and was able to capture some pretty wonderful photographs! What a picturesque family. I'm so glad we waited for this beautiful day. Thank you for asking me to be your photographer! Below are a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Creativity, Encouragement & Motivation

2011-09-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

All of my life, I have been a creative person seeking creative outlets. It was my Dad who fueled my desire to be an artist from an early age. I liked the idea of looking at a concept in a way that no-one else was able to see it. This takes me back to a day in the 90’s.

My Dad and I were sitting at the dinner table with blank sheets of paper. He drew two dots about a ½ inch apart from one another right in the middle of a blank sheet of white paper. As I was waiting for him to continue his drawing, he stopped and looked at me and said, “I’m done. What do you think this is?” Puzzled, I responded with a shrug. His answer will stick with me for the rest of my life.

“It’s a polar bear in a blizzard.”

It might seem silly to you, but to me, it wasn’t just a polar bear in a blizzard. It was my Dad telling me that I didn’t have to view the world like everyone else. I didn’t have to conform to the other kids. I could be different. I could be unique and if I was able to see that polar bear, then I was able to do anything with my life. Seeing that polar bear opened doors for me. That is only one of the many reasons I love my Dad. He gave me permission at that moment to be, me. (My Dad might tell you today that it really was just a polar bear.)

From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be an Artist. I liked the idea of surprising people and inspiring them with my imagination. In middle school, I more specifically laid out my life by deciding on Graphic Design as my intended career.

Then came college. I enrolled in a technical college and began a degree in digital media design which is a mash-up of everything – print design, typography, web design, video production, animation and one of the most influential aspects of my degree – PHOTOGRAPHY. I was hooked. I had found another creative outlet that I enjoyed immensely.

I have a been a professional graphic designer for years but this year I am finally taking the semi-professional step forward as a photographer. It's a daunting step these days especially when everyone and their mother claim to be a professional photographer. I don't want to be in that group or associated. I want to be set a part from the fauxtographers. I want to treat people, shoot people and print photos for people the way I would expect them (and I have high expectations).

I have had many opportunities in the last few months that I am grateful for. I am looking forward to growing as a photographer just as I have as a graphic designer.

Nikkie - 2012 Senior

2011-09-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

My first senior this year - a beautiful young woman named Nikkie. She was nice, fun and willing to take some shots downtown Mount Vernon. I was very pleased with the finished photos. Thank you to Nikkie & family for selecting me as your photographer! Here are a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Study break

2011-09-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm all caught up with my latest photography projects, so I thought I'd post something a little different today. I took this photo a couple of weeks ago. About 6 months ago, my husband and I had a serious talk about our future and what we hoped to accomplish in the next 10 years. One of the things he wanted to do was get his Masters degree. We just became parents so we knew this could be challenging, but in the end, we decided it was well worth it.

The photo below is around 10pm, mid-week, in our living room. He is studying for a big test. Our daughter was a little wound up that night {even after several attempts to go nighty-night} and decided to help Daddy turn the pages.

I haven't taken many low-light night photos, so I am excited to share one that I am happy with all around {light, composition, style} I have said this before, but if I can feel the portrait breathing, I consider it well done. {Or call me crazy for thinking a picture can breathe!} But can't you just see his chest rising??!

Labor Day

2011-09-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

Over the holiday weekend, I was fortunate enough to photograph the SWEETEST, most happiest little 8 month old baby. She was an absolute DOLL. She was so easy to photograph along with her Mommy & Daddy. Respecting their family, I was asked not to post any photos that I took that day (which makes me sad because I would love to share!) but I understand and want to respect their wishes. So, I am posting this little photo as a teaser since it doesn't show any of their faces. Have a great day!

I don't get to see my niece very often, but I got to see her this weekend. She is a little mini-me and I love her to pieces. This is a photo I took of her out at the campsite we were at with family.

Lexi & Ava - Cousins

2011-09-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

These two are 3month old cousins and so adorable. The night was so HOT so they were both a little irritable but I was able to get some super cute photos. Thanks to my friend Nikki & Aaron Kemmer for asking me to capture the 3 month mark! And to Ava's mommy as well. They are both dolls!

Grandma & Lily

2011-08-31T06:31:00.001-07:00

My daughter adores her Grandmother. We spent about an hour together at the park one day. They were trying on each others shoes, eating granola and looking at pictures together on her camera. For as long as I can remember, my mother has only drank Diet Coke which explains the last photo. As a photographer, I think it's important to capture moments that are true to life. I've always been sort of a "documentary" "lifestyle" type of photographer. It's more than just a snapshot. Anyone can take a snap shot. If I can feel it breathing though the screen, I consider it a well taken shot.

Payton

2011-08-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

Photos of my bf's daughter I took Sunday. She wasn't in the best of moods when we started, but she cheered up as we went on. Thanks to my friend Jess for asking me to take her photos! Payton is beautiful just like you!

Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Daughter

2011-08-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

Photo Restoration

2011-08-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, one of my friends grandmothers showed me a photo of her grand-daughter that was cracked, water-stained and smudgy from wear and tear. She asked me if I could fix it. Of course I took a look at it and worked my magic. Below is the before and after. The only thing I would do differently (now that I am older, and wiser =) is add some pink to her lips. They are looking a little too yellow!

Super 8

2011-08-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

A very long time ago, while a full-time student, I was also a full-time Assistant Manager at Super 8. I was fortunate enough to be given creative outlets. Below was one of them! (This was back in 2003 and has since been painted over as a new logo for Super 8 was implemented.)

Seniors

2011-08-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Below are some senior portraits that I've done in the last few years. These were taken with my old camera. Have a great day!

A Fictional Assignment

2011-08-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Back in 2005, I was assigned a fictional photography assignment. I enlisted the help of my (then boyfriend) husband to help me make these heart wrenching photos possible. We lined them up on black poster board as tomb stones when presenting them. No one was hurt in the production of these photos. My husband is very ALIVE today!

By the way, I received an "A"

Maternity

2011-08-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I am organizing files and came across these maternity shots I did for an old friend. I love how some of these turned out and wanted to share! All of the photos were taken at my house. Enjoy!

100 Words

2011-08-11T05:21:00.001-07:00

I am a graphic designer & photographer but I am first a wife and mother. I have a friend who lives in Laurel, Maryland. She is a Lactation Consultant. We used to be neighbors several years ago when we were younger. She is doing some amazing things with her career. One of those things is her blog where she has asked women to submit their breastfeeding stories in 100 words or less. I participated in this and here is my story that she published. I am honored & so proud to be apart of such a strong community of women that breastfeed.

Brooke shares her beautiful story in 2 stages:

One: My life is her life. We started out as one person as I grew her inside of my belly. Small & vulnerable placed on my chest she appeared. The room was still with small noises of breath and awe. My new role as protector, nurturer, educator – Mother – sunk in. Motivated, but nervous, we embark on a new journey – breastfeeding. She cries as I encourage her to try. Finally, she latches. Sigh. She nurses on demand. Every latch begins with a toe-curling twinge. But it is worth it. My life is her life.

Two: My boob is her boob. Acrobats, flying cartwheels, twists and turns define half of the minutes we share while nursing. The other half are silent, filled with sweet moments of pure admiration for one another. A small mole or strand of hair becomes an object of fascination while bonding with Mommy. Breastfeeding comforts her when she is hungry, tired, upset or scared. She falls asleep with rhythmic suckles; calms her crying eyes or panicked thumping heart and fills her small empty tummy. My boob is her boob.

For additional breastfeeding stories, please check out AmberMcCann.com/blog
Have a great day!

I Carry Your Heart

2011-08-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

"i carry your heart with me
i carry it in my heart

i am never without it
anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling

i fear no fate
for you are my fate, my sweet
i want no world
for beautiful you are my world, my true

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
here is the root of the root
and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart
i carry it in my heart"
—-E. E. Cummings

Playdate

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

This guy is our neighbor. He was born three weeks before our daughter to our new friends across the street from our home. We found out nearly the same time that we were both pregnant. We couldn’t have asked for better timing! I love that my daughter has a friend her age right across the street. AND I have another little person to practice photography on =)

Birthday Invitation

2011-08-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Someone is turning one! Below is an invitation I designed for the BIG ONE! (front and back)

Me with my Loves

2011-08-08T05:20:00.001-07:00

Good morning! My little family had our photos taken by my friend Misty Hammond. Below are some of the photos that I edited from her originals (with her permission). Every photo can be seen many ways. It's all about the vision of the photographer (or the editor).

Have a great day!

Jason + Renee Preview

2011-08-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Jason and his fiance, Renee, for asking me to photograph their engagement. I wish you all the best with your life & marriage together. With love.

June

2011-08-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged so I thought I'd do one today. Not a whole lot has happened over the last month as I've been a busy Momma and wife to my daughter and husband. Life has really been pretty sweet lately, so I haven't been doing a whole lot this month.

I just finished up a pretty awesome wedding invitation for my friend Katie. It's a super unique design and I am so happy she is happy with the end product! Her wedding is in October, so I will post pictures of the design after it's over. I am also extremely excited about taking some bridal shots for her in late August/September. We've been planning this since the end of last year. I'm looking forward to our session.

I've been getting photography requests here and there over the last month. I just want to say how honored I feel that people are choosing me to capture their moments in time. I just bought a new camera at the end of last year and have been practicing endlessly with it. I love photographs. I love taking photographs. I love looking at photographs. I love stories behind photographs. I hope to post a few photos of my daughter this afternoon. I've been practicing a lot with her.

This coming Friday, my friend and fellow photographer, Misty Hammond, will be snapping a few photos of myself with my family. I am super excited to get some updated photos for my frames. It's hard to get good family photos with yourself in the photos when you're the photographer. Thanks Misty for lending a hand!

PS I changed my music for August. Kind of spunky. Enjoy! Have a great day!

Look what I stumbled across....

2011-06-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

I recorded this a while ago. I came across it this afternoon after I revisited my Twitter account.

Brooke Adams | | Upload Music

My Musical Inspiration

2011-06-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a hopeless romantic - as you will see in most of my song selections. This has been my playlist for years. I add to it every month. Sometimes I can predict the new hottest song - I swear! I've got an ear for it! Enjoy!

Fun Video

2011-06-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video I made of my dog a few years ago. It has over 9,000 views! Enjoy!

Volunteer Work

2011-06-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

It's important to give back anyway that I can to my community - and the way I am able to do that is through my design and photography. Everything needs marketed - most events need flyers, banners, programs, etc. I am capable of doing these things and my design / photography fee would be free. If you know of a notable organization that needs a little freelance work done, contact me. I'd love to hear about it and I may be interested in supporting the cause.

Below are a few organizations that I support.

Kiwanis (Changing one child & community at a time)
AOPA (Aviation awareness)
ASPCA (Animal abuse awareness)
LLLi (La Leche League International - breastfeeding awareness/support)
Susan G. Comen (search for the cure of cancer)
Big Brothers Big Sisters (child mentoring)
Women in Photography

Have a great week!
Brooke

My Food Art Project

2011-06-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went to Europe a couple of years ago. It was AMAZING! An experience of a lifetime. I hope we're able to return in the next several years. Anyhow, we went to Ireland for 10 days and took a "Pub" tour. We visited so many pubs and bars. There was one in particular that stood out the most to me, though. It had hundreds of vinegar bottles and hundreds of black and white photos of peoples faces. It was a fascinating little pub. A vinegar bottle is a decorative glass bottle with fruits and/or vegetables filled with vinegar to preserve the contents. So, I told Curtis that as soon as we bought a house, I wanted to do something like this.

Finally, after two years living at our house, I've been re-inspired and found the time to do this to our kitchen - but when I go to find these bottles, they are no where to be found on the Internet. I couldn't believe it! So, I had to to make them, which was fun and probably cheaper than buying them from a manufacturer. Below is a picture of half of the wall with the vinegar bottles on my newly built & painted shelves. It's been a slow process, but our house is slowly turning into our own.

Top row, left to right: Red peppers, habenero & serrano peppers, lemons, carrots, grapes
Bottom row, left to right: Brussel sprouts, red radishes, green onions, red radishes

If my house starts stinking, I'll know I didn't hammer the quark in good enough!!

Baby Announcements

2011-06-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Last week I decided I was going to make some examples of baby announcements. Baby announcements are super fun to create and are usually unique to each baby. These are just for you to see what I am capable of doing. If you wanted me to make one for you, it would be completed customized and personalized to your babe and family. If there is one that you see on the Internet somewhere that you love, or like parts of it, I can design it for you or integrate those favorite parts into it for you. Below are some templates with my daughter filling in the space =)

5x7

5x7

5x7

My NEW Blog

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my new blog. This is my second blog. My first one is a personal blog I've had for several years. This one, however, is my first professional blog and will serve as my temporary portfolio until I decide on a new website design. Whenever I have a new project, my goal is to post to this blog so that you can see what I've been up to.

Also, at the top of this blog, you will see two links. One is a link that will take you directly to my Facebook page. I often post projects to Facebook for instant gratification. Most people have a Facebook page so it works out. The other link is a Client Viewing button. This is my sister site where I will start posting proofs for clients to view and purchase. Both of these links are important if you want to see your photos or design projects I've created for you. If neither of them work for you, we can plan to have a cup of coffee somewhere :) Or a beer! Actually, neither of those for me - but I will gladly keep you company and I'll bring a laptop to you.

So, I'd like to finish this post with a little about myself. I grew up in a small town in Central Ohio. I earned my Associates degree from Central Ohio Technical College in 2005 while working full-time as an Assistant Manager for a local hotel. From a very, super early age, I have had a passion for the arts. I officially pursued Graphic Design as my professional career but freelances in photography. I have a deep appreciation for music, cinema and interior design.

My husband and I just bought a house a couple of years ago in Mount Vernon, Ohio. We had our first child in August 2010. We also have a rowdy Brittany Spaniel named Tucker.

I've always had a fear of starting a business because if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right. So, this is not a business for me. It's currently a hobby which means I am practicing for my future business. Right now I'm looking to expand my portfolio so if you like my work - contact me! I'd love to work with you.

Have a great week!
Brooke