20 Week Belly & Baby Update

Meet Nugget!!

Estimated Due Date: May 14th, 2013

How far along: 20 weeks and 1 day. Halfway there!

How big is the baby: At the ultrasound last week, Nugget weighed 10 ounces.

Total weight gain: As of Thursday night, about 10 lbs. I lost at least 5 lbs during 1st trimester because I just couldn't eat. Now, I can't STOP eating!

Sleep: It comes and goes. Some nights, I sleep for a solid 8 or 9 hours. But more often lately, I wake up after only 4 or 5 hours, and just can't get back to sleep.

Maternity Clothes: The belly is not big enough for maternity jeans, so I am rocking the stretchy bands over my regular pants & jeans. I have bought a few tops, too, because I don't want to stretch out my regular clothes.

Best moments so far: Easily - feeling Nuggey move! I first felt it when I was about 17 weeks along. It felt like popping and fluttering. Now, I feel stronger movements, and I feel them often!! Luckily, no painful kicks or punches yet.

Food cravings: Pasta, pasta, pasta. Potatoes, in any form. Shrimp. Ketchup. Eggs. Cheese.

Food aversions: Sweet potatoes. Coffee.

Movement: Most often when I am sitting at my desk at work. I think I have also felt the tiny one flip over, which hurts a bit.

Gender: It's a boy!!

What I miss: Wine! And sushi. I made hubby promise that we will get some on the way home from the hospital.

What I’m looking forward to: Snuggling with him. I can't wait to have him in my arms! ♥

Did you miss me?

I am HIDEOUSLY behind on blogging. But I have a FABULOUS excuse - I went to Ireland in August, and I came back PREGNANT!!

I already know I won't be able to post belly/baby updates every week. Heck, I can't even promise you'll get an update once a month! I do post weekly reports on instagram, because it's fast and easy. So, if you reeeaaallly want to keep up to date, follow me there! My username is yma367.

I figured since I am just about halfway now (19 weeks and 2 days), I should at least share a couple belly photos.

We are having our gender reveal party on Saturday, so I will be sure to share a full update next week!! That, I can promise. (But only because I already started a new post for it.) And be sure to leave a comment below with your guess - boy or girl??

J & J are expecting their first!

I am meeting up for mini sessions once a month with this lovely couple to document this mama-to-be's growing belly. Click HERE to see photos from April, click HERE to see photos from May, and click HERE to see photos from June, and click HERE to see photos from July.

Our August session was our last mini session, so we went low-key and skipped props. Our September session will be a full session, so stay tuned for lots of fun photos from that!

You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

Ian | Newborn Portraits | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

A couple weeks ago, I headed over to Ian's house to do his newborn portraits. His mama had contacted me for a photo session back in April because she knew it is best to book these things early. Of course, that also meant that my excitement about this shoot was building up for months!

Isn't that monkey hat the cutest?! I knew Ian's mama had some props for our shoot, but she wasn't very specific about them. When she brought out this hat, I seriously swooned over the sheer cuteness.

And yeaa, this little monkey was awake for our entire shoot! Honestly, though, I loved it! I think his portraits are much more unique, and I just adore his bright eyes.

You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

Back to School Mini Session Day!

Are you sick of the boring, generic photos that your kids get for school photos? Are you wanting something more unique, more personalized, to remember your child at this age?

Then I have the solution: a Back to School mini session with Artistically Amy Photography!

NITTY GRITTY
Who: Kids, starting pre-K through 8th grade.
What: $50* for 20 minutes + 10 photos on a disc. (Payment is due in full to reserve your time slot.)
Where: Fishkill, NY... TBA to clients who book a session.
When: Saturday, September 8th
*Please note that all prices are subject to NYS sales tax of 8.125%.


OOH, PRETTY!
Visual aids to prove that these photos will be much more creative and artistic than the studio shots that the schools provide:

FAQ's

Will you reschedule my appointment if it rains on September 8th?
I have a rain date set up - Sunday, September 9th!

Do I have to bring props with me?
Nope! I will provide the entire setup - vintage desk, books, globe, & fresh apples. If you have an item you want in the photos, please bring it!

I have X kids, can I book one time slot for all of them?
That depends on your specific needs. If you only want group poses of all your kids together, sure, one time slot is fine! If you want group poses plus individual poses plus two at a time poses, call me. Together, we'll figure out what is best for you.

Can I book a mini session for a different day?
Sorry, but I am only offering this discounted mini session package for the date I chose. If you want to book a longer session for a different day, call me for availability & pricing options.

My friend also wants Back to School photos for her kids, can we do our photos together on that day?
Yes! Call me so we can discuss your options for timing and pricing.

When will I get to see my photos?
I will be doing in-person viewing & ordering appointments on select dates. We will make your appointment after your session to work around your schedule.

Can I order prints/gallery wraps/frame/albums/etc?
Yes! We'll talk about products at your session, and then order them at your viewing & ordering appointment.

What clothing should my kid(s) wear?
After your session is booked, I'll email you a pdf of my "What to Wear" guide with some tips and outfit ideas.

I have more questions, can I call you?
Please do!! My cell number is 914-548-8282. (Only serious inquiries, please.)

Psshh, I'm ready to book my time slot.  Sign me up!
Yay!  Call me ASAP before your chosen time is booked.  914-548-8282.


WHY

Amy, tell me honestly, why should I book a Back to School mini session with you?

Ohmigosh, there are so many reasons. First off, I know you want some creative photos. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be reading. Second, this is such a great deal, and I am not offering any more mini session days this year! This is your only chance to take advantage of this sweet deal. And third, because time passes all too quickly. Blink now, and your kindergarten student will soon be moving on to college. Let me capture these moments for you so you will be able to cherish the memories forever.

Hanna Wedding | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

On July 20th, I received a few phone calls that kinda-sorta changed my business up. I wasn't planned on branching out into weddings; families and babies were my thing. But after speaking with Mike and hearing his story, I couldn't say no.

He and Tiffany have a lot on their plate right now, so wedding planning was a bit rushed and hectic. They simply have other priorities, and unfortunately, that meant that they were calling me the day before their wedding.

That didn't give me enough time to do what most wedding photographers do, such as meeting with them ahead of time, renting or buying needed equipment, learning posing, etc. It gave me just enough time to realize that I was actually excited about shooting a wedding. I was looking forward to the learning experience, and to seeing a wedding from a photographer's point of view.

My dad came along as my second shooter, and I was able to borrow some equipment from a mutual friend, but all of those details became irrelevant once the ceremony started. All day, all I could think about, was how much in love this couple is. It was written on their faces at all times.

I am so honored that I was able to capture such a special day for Mike & Tiffany, and I wish them the best of luck as they begin a long and happy life together!

You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

J & J are expecting their first!

I am meeting up for mini sessions once a month with this lovely couple to document this mama-to-be's growing belly. Click HERE to see photos from April, click HERE to see photos from May, and click HERE to see photos from June.

For our July shoot, we focused on a gender celebration! The couple already knew what the gender of the baby was, which is why we did a celebration instead of a reveal.

You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

This particular shoot was so much fun! Instead of a quick, 30-minute session, I was at their house for an hour and a half. Besides taking photos, I looked at the nursery, gave my input on paint colors, and gushed over baby clothes. That's what you get when you book a portrait session with me - not just creative, unique photos, but also a new friend.

Interested in a newborn portrait session?

Are you pregnant and already thinking about newborn portraits?

Good! You can never plan a newborn photo session early enough. Newborn photos are best done within 2 weeks (although babies are cute to capture anytime). So, if you are expecting and would love to have your newborn's portraits done by me, please contact me for pricing and more information as soon as possible!

Here are some things to know about my newborn portrait style:


The sweetness of a newborn, the happiness that a new baby brings... I love to capture these moments! I am addicted to it... I am also addicted to capturing the tiny details of these teeny humans, capturing their essence so that as they grow, the photos will remain to remind you how they once were.

My newborn photoshoots generally last anywhere from one hour to three hours. I like to have plenty of time for mama to be able to feed and sooth if baby gets fussy. Also, I'll probably spend some time snuggling your bitty babe in between poses. ;)

As for posing, my style is a bit more relaxed. Rather than contort a baby's body into doll-like poses, I will simply nudge their bodies into a natural position. My style is capturing sweet moments of this magical period before they fade away.

I prefer to do these sessions right in your home, because it is easier and more comfortable for both mama and baby. I also like to get some photos of the nursery, as well.

If this is what you are looking for, you can email me at agallagher36 at gmail.com, or you can message me directly on my facebook page: facebook.com/artisticallyamy. We'll chat, I'll probably gush over how excited I am, and together, we'll determine if I'm the right photographer for you.

Dalia | Hero Portraits | 7.6.12

Last week, I wrote about a fabulous foundation that I am affiliated with, Inspiration Through Art. (Click here if you missed it!) I wrote about it because I wanted to spread the word. There are children everywhere that are heroes because of their struggles and their courage. ITA is striving to celebrate these heroes.

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted to do a photo session of a 10-month-old hero named Dalia.

Wow, she is a hero! So happy and smiley, even with her health problems. And she is also a very mature little baby; she has those wise eyes that tell you she knows everything you are doing and why you are doing it and how you feel at that moment.

Case in point: To start our session together, I sat with this bubbly baby and snuggled with her before I pulled out my camera. I was hoping to get to know her, and show her that we could be great friends. That was easy enough. But when I DID pull out my camera, she gave me that knowing grin, and hid her face off to the side. Such a smart girl!

I am so honored that Dalia's mama chose me out of all the local ITA photographers to capture her baby girl. Not only is Dalia a hero, but so is her mama. She is such a great mother to Dalia and her other children, and she doesn't let her baby girl's health issues bring her down. I think that's where Dalia gets her strength from. I was so happy to work with this family, and I will never forget their positive attitudes.

Inspiration Through Art

A few months ago, I heard on facebook about an organization called Inspiration Through Art. Considering my artistic nature, I was immediately intrigued.

After reading their mission, I knew I needed to be a part of it!

See, ITA is an incredible foundation that assists families with finding professional photographers in their area. And these families are special; they have heroes in their midst. Children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. Children who are fighting, or have fought and have won. Children (and families) who struggle every single day to teach acceptance and tolerance.

These children are heroes! We, as professional photographers, embrace the beauty and bravery and uniqueness of each hero. We capture these heroes so that their families will always remember their fight, whether they lose the battle, or they beat the odds and look back on the journey many years later.

If you think your child might be eligible to be an Inspiration Through Art hero, you can click HERE to apply. If accepted, you will be able to view a list of approved photographers in your area who are ready and willing to provide a free photo session to celebrate your hero.

And if you live in my area, YES, I am approved, and I would LOVE to celebrate your hero.

(If your hero is not feeling photos, but still wants to be recognized, you can sign up for a Birthday box, too!)

J & J are expecting their first!

I am meeting up for mini sessions once a month with this lovely couple to document this mama-to-be's growing belly. Click HERE to see photos from April and click HERE to see photos from May.

For our June shoot, we decided to use a gender neutral hat that was crocheted by her sister. Stay tuned next month to see our gender celebration photos!

You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

Quarterly Top 5 Photos of Katniss

June is just about over, which means I have 3 more months of photos of my sweet kitty, my furbaby!

This first photo is from April. Katniss was sitting on the windowsill, and the light behind her was just gorgeous.



My second photo is from May. Such a playful kitty!



My next photo is from May again. Her eyes just POP!



My next photo is from earlier this month. She was sitting so regally, in the last burst of natural light coming through the deck doors before the sun set.



And my last photo is from June. My sister-in-law is a photographer (click here for her site) down in TN, so I begged her to take some family shots when they came up for a visit. I am so happy to have professional photos of my little family!

Announcing Soft Launch Pricing!

In anticipation of officially opening my business soon, I am announcing my "Soft Launch" pricing!
All session fees are half price, all disc fees are half price.

Prints available at full price.
All sessions must be booked by July 9, 2012.

Basic sessions - $55 for one hour
Extended sessions - $80 for 2 hours
Newborn sessions - $80 for 2-3 hours
Cake Smash sessions - $80 for 1 1/2 hours
Disc fee - $50 for edited digital files on a DVD with a limited copyright release

Please email me at agallagher36 at gmail.com for more information or to schedule a session!

Photographer Headshots

After I shot the Gallagher family session, I headed into the backyard with Melissa - a fellow photographer. We swapped artistic headshots, and let me tell you, our mini session was just as much fun as any session with little ones!



Click here for Melissa's website. If you are in the Chattanooga area of Tennessee, I highly recommend this chick for newborn and family photos!

Baby Z is one!

I first met with Baby Z back in March (see here), and he stole my heart with his big blue eyes and bright smile. 3 months later, and that hasn't changed a bit.



After playing in the grass for a bit, we gave Z his first taste of chocolate cake. Boy, did he love it! He tore into that cake like he was a regular pro.




You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.

Children's Portraits | 6.3.12

I first photographed Little Miss T back in March (see here). I was able to get her back in front of my lens a couple weeks ago, in 3 different outfits - her ballet tutu, her Broadway Baby costume, and her graduation gown.







You can see more photos on my facebook page HERE.