The road of self-love
Dear lovely reader,
‘What has to end or die so we can experience a rebirth in our relationships?’ Brene Brown
When I was a kid, my mother ran a daycare inside of our home and during the summer months off from school I would take any chance I could to get out of there so I didn’t have to help. When I was 14 I started to ride the city bus around and do anything free in the city to avoid being home. San Antonio is a very large city so as you could imagine a 40mph routed bus would take quite a bit of time to get somewhere across town, and that was the goal. My escaping from home wasn’t to get somewhere and stay there, it was the ride there. It was the long rides, frequent stops, window gazing and enjoying the bumpy ride. It was my bliss, my alone time, a time to think and reflect, I honestly loved it, even during the hot Texas months.
Journeys DON’T HAVE to be this tiresome road to a destination, it looks different for every other individual but it can be enjoyable. I know at times it can get loud, the voices of others telling you how and what that journey is supposed to look like, but the truth of the matter is life is not a one size fits all. Just like our bodies are all built differently based on the regions of the world our ancestors came from, so does the way we live life. Remember when you’re focused on the outcome and not living in the today, you’re missing the point of this life we have been given.
If you feel a lot of lows and highs, and at times feels like you’re totally off track, you’ll find your way back. On your own time, on your own terms. *Did you know a Ohio State psychologist named Jennifer Crockers did a study on 600 college students at the University on stress levels based on their needs on outside validation? Want to know what she found? It reported students who sought approval -of their appearance, grades, choices you name it - more stress and higher levels of drug abuse and eating disorders. Students who based their self-esteem and confidence on internal sources, such as being virtuous or having a strong moral code, did better than the others in exams and had lower levels of drug and alcohol abuse.
Everyday may not look the same or what you expect, but as long as you’re doing the best you can in that moment you’re doing great. Know that outside opinons that people want to cast onto does’nt need to be owned. You have the power to leave behind what does’nt serve you and keep what does. Consider this a love letter of truth and love. I want you to enjoy your life, surround youself with love and positivity and leave behind the negative and unrealistic expecatations.
You are beautiful.
You are worthy.
You are strong.
You are powerful.
Love,
Amanda
3 tips to prep for a photoshoot
Everyone that I photograph can be models, but this beautiful human here wanted to really strive to be that. We worked together to accomplish his wants and vision for this shoot and you know I'm a laid back kinda gal, so we hit up UT for some sunrise photo magic.
You may not always know what to do to prepare for a shoot, so here are a 3 tips to use and know when you want to hire a photographer.
1. Interwebs is your first stop to gain inspiration.
So you snagged a awesome photographer! ;) I ask if you have any ideas of your shoot, and you draw a blank. You know you've seen some stuff you like but can't recall the details. Look up some inspiration on Pinterest or Google! You don't have to know what it is your are looking for, just save images that speak to you then send them to me via email. I'll look them over and can gather info, ask questions and pick out further ideas to make this shoot a reality. If you have no idea and open to anything, thats great! I'll pick your brain and come up with something that directly reflects you.
2. Comfy clothes!
Please for the love of all that is holy wear clothes you are comfortable in. That doesn't mean wearing something that doesn't make you feel great. We have all heard that saying, 'beauty is pain'? Scratch that shit. Lookie here my friend, it is super important to me that you have a great time during this special occasion. (because lets admit, photoshoots are not a daily occurrence, there for a special occasion) That will not happen when you are constantly adjusting yourself and uncomfortable clothes you otherwise wouldn't wear. Feeling great is also being comfortable, I'll see the confidence and joy pouring through you much more verses you constantly distracted with your outfit riding, itchy or inflicting blisters. So high heel fans, be sure to bring a comfy pair of shoes. Some photos won't have your feet in them, and that will be the time to take a break from the heels to prolong the comfort of your feet.
If you need help with that, bring that up at the consultation and I will be there to help say 'yes' or 'no' to outfits you are unsure about.
3. Trust the process!
The day of the shoot has arrived, you are ready to go! You're having a good time and your photographer is doing some real crazy shit, jumping around, getting different angles. For some its hard to see what it is exactly the photographer is trying to capture from where you stand. Trust the process! When you put your trust in the hands of your photographer, you are letting go of full control and soley focusing on having fun! Thats exactly what I want to see and capture. It will be the opposite of that when I keep seeing you eyeing the camera with confusion. Let go, have a good time, don't be afraid to laugh and smile! Capturing the authentic you is exactly what we want on paper, don't be afraid to look funny. I will capture the moments where you are at your most stunning, so come gallery reveal time, you will feel as great about yourself seeing the photos as you did when we took them.
Visit my contact page to book a Senior/solo, couples or boudoir.
In Home 'Sunday Lazy Sunday' Sesh
I can't begin to explain how much fun I had getting to know Alyssa and Justin! A lot think that getting a photojournalist is only for big events like weddings or engagements. But I can't stress enough the beauty in the everyday. All the little moments that builds and grows the love between two people in day to day life. The touches, the looks, the playing with each other. I was fortunate enough to find these two love birds just before their 1 year wedding anniversary. I got to know both of them deeply, their story, before and after they met each other. Their individual passions, their interests and professional work life. I absolutely loved how they found their own love in what they do for a living. The tiresome journey and devotion to pursuing their dreams. It fills my heart up to know that someone enjoys and loves what they do for a living after working so hard to get there.
Now these two have each other, the love when they speak about their professions is almost as much as when they speak of one another. From when they first met in college to their trip to Italy together where Justin snapped his all time favorite picture of Alyssa. These two have that solid foundation and I just pray I am around to see it longer!
Thank you Alyssa and Justin for being so sweet and inviting me into your lives and home! I truly loved the time together and documenting y'alls beautiful love life!
