A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending a fine afternoon with Ashley and Samantha in historic Ft. Mill, SC and the Dairy Barn photographing their engagement session. Some stills, some video, and good times had by all, despite the freezing cold temperatures! I loved how easy it was to walk about and shoot with these two– very easy going, up for anything, and very much in love! Our hour(ish) together went by in a flash.

Congratulations, you two! Looking forward to your wedding this summer! We should be much warmer then.

Check out their video on my Vimeo:

I have neglected this poor blog this year! But all that will soon change; it’s about to go through a facelift. It’s been such a busy year for me, and I’m both humbled and excited. More to come on that…

In the meantime, I want to share a little LOVE. I shot a wedding in Charlotte, NC last weekend, at this wonderful little tabernacle called the Great Aunt Stella Center. Beautiful weather, a beautiful couple, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day. A sneak from the wedding portraits:

I took this image while they weren’t expecting it– they thought I was “testing my light” but really I wanted to catch them unaware for a moment. I love the way they are gazing at each other in this image– with adoration, love, and anticipation. The shots that happen between takes are always the best.
Look for their slideshow soon!

I get many emails from clients and shutterbugs on a regular basis, and enjoy being able to answer when I can. Sometimes I get many of the same questions, so I thought I’d start choosing one from email a week and answering it here on my blog.

Q: What kind of camera do you have?

A: I get this question A LOT, and feel Canon owes me some sort of stipend for regularly promoting their product. I’m joking, of course (or am I?), but I do profess my love for Canon often.

I shoot with Canon digital SLR cameras. I have several, and love them all–from entry level to professional grade. The bodies are great, the lenses are beautiful, and Canon’s Professional Services are awesome.

This question often goes in hand with something along the lines of, “What camera will give me pictures like yours”? Unfortunately, I have no easy button for you! I am one of those annoying photographers who will tell you, “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer.” This is true whether you shoot with Canon gear, Nikon, Olympus, Sony… today’s digital SLR’s have an array of wonderful bells and whistles, but if you don’t take the time to learn how to work them, they are useless. Fortunately, there are a plethora of books on the subject at your local library, and plenty of reading material found for free online to get you started. Practice (and patience) make perfect!

Another question that is related: why Canon and not Nikon? I actually have no good answer for that. I’ve shot with Nikon and really like them– quality lenses, beautiful color. I just prefer Canon– always have. Again, I think this is another opportunity for the “it’s not the camera” sentiment to come into play!

I’ve included a few photographs from a recent family vacation. I shot all of these with a Canon Digital Rebel XT and a plastic 18-55 3.5-5.6 lens. This is one of the most basic setups you can get– nothing fancy or pricey at all, and yet the variety of images you can create are limitless.

Who can guess where these were taken?

That’s it for this week’s Q/A. Got another? Send it to me at amanda@amandapryde.com, and look for another question next week!

A beautiful fall day, a beautiful family. “L” had a big smile for me and was a ball of constant energy– I got a workout in! My favorite kind of session. A sneak preview!

When I met David and Erica to discuss shooting their wedding, I was super excited– not just because they are gorgeous, but I could tell right away we were going to have FUN. Their engagement shoot was a blast, and after spending a few hours with them I couldn’t wait for their wedding and the chance to capture images of the love and joy shared between the two of them, as well as their family and friends.

A few images to share!

Erica is so beautiful! Her smile lights up the room, truly.
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Dave is such a cutie! He worked the tux.

I love a happy, all smiles bridal party!
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It must have been 100 degrees outside but you never would have known it– these guys didn’t complain a bit! They were just happy to be there for David. Awesomeness.

I was crying. Couldn’t help it! Thankfully I didn’t short out my camera and captured this sweet kiss.

The butterfly release was a success! I love Erica’s excitement.

Taking photographs of Dave and Erica is just too easy– they are beautiful people!

Seriously– this was the best intro I have ever photographed. They were seriously gettin’ down and boogied all the way in. It was awesome!

I love this image.

End of the night, and look how they are still glowing. Lovin’ it!

Thank you for having me there to photograph your special day, David and Erica! Congratulations!

I had a great time photographing Will and Lindsey’s engagement session in Atlanta. We shot around their home in Cabbagetown and I LOVED it– so rich in color, texture, culture and history. I looked a bit like a tourist as they gave me the tour of their neighborhood, what with my mouth hanging open, my bug eyes taking it all in, and my camera in hand! It must have been 150 degrees outside, and we shot in full middle of the day sun– but they were SUCH good sports and up for anything! It was like spending the afternoon with friends. Can’t wait for their wedding this fall!

A few fun shots to share.

The D family came down for a wedding in Atlanta, and while they were here, made some time for a portrait session with me! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this family in the past, when baby brother was still snuggled in mom’s tummy and waiting to show the world all his magnificence. It was amazing to meet him in person, and to see his adorable big sister living up to her new title. We had a great time at the park, exploring, chatting, collecting rocks, and saying hello to the ducks. Along the way, we took a few photos of course!
When I photograph children and families, I find it most important to pay attention to the interactions they have with each other as well as their surroundings. Children experience the world in an unbiased way, and each new encounter is an adventure waiting to be had. I love capturing bits of that through the lens.
A few moments to share:

I met Al Dellinger and Tim Thomas of 2000 AD, Inc. at a bridal show a few weeks ago and was instantly charmed by their work, as well as their welcoming personalities. Elegant, sophisticated, and creative, their floral designs are positively breathtaking. I had an opportunity to photograph their work at The Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta last weekend, and was amazed at the intoxicating display they put together to enhance a small space for an intimate reception in a room overlooking the hotel’s garden. The bride was near tears when she was brought into the room and saw how wonderfully Al and Tim had translated her vision into reality. Everyone who entered the room, actually– catering staff, guests, the wedding party– had to pause and admire the transformation of a once simple, private seating area into an aromatic, visually stunning masterpiece. I highly recommend 2000A.D., Inc. for your event!

Beautiful Designs in Floral Art

I love shooting on location bridal portraits. They give a bride a chance to showcase her personality, her style, and her grace. It’s also a great time for a bride to have a bit of a dress rehearsal, getting used to being in her dress for an extended time, finalizing hair and makeup, and being photographed in a variety of ways, without time constraints. Photographs can be taken in a location that suits your personality and lifestyle– like a well decorated hotel lobby, an urban location, or a garden. Photographs can be displayed in a variety of ways. An enlargement on display at the wedding is classic, and if you have several favorites you can frame some smaller format prints (8×10′s, 5×7′s) at different places around your reception– like near the guest register or on tables used during cocktail hour. An album is a wonderful way to keep your memories in one place, so you can pull it out time and time again for years to come and remember the excitement surrounding the anticipation of your marriage.

Contact me to book your on location bridal portrait session today!

Hello lovely blog readers!

I had SO much FUN with David and Erica shooting their engagement session, and they were up for anything– awesome!– and let me hang out with them for a few hours in Uptown Charlotte, NC last weekend. I have so many awesome images from the time we spent together, but here are just a few for now. Can’t wait to see you both again David and Erica, on your big day!