Engaged - Nicole and Josh

Meet Nicole and Josh! Because of the cold weather, we improvised and did some engagement pictures in the comfort of their new living room. Although we were working in a small space, Josh and Nicole were so great and willing to do anything I asked. I was so relaxed during this shoot, because they were just so funny. Josh had to do all the talking since Nicole has lost her voice earlier that week. I'm looking forward to their wedding in May - it should be a blast!

My heart...

I have been tunneling inspiration by reading other fabulous photographers blogs and I've been dying to get out and shoot recently. Unfortunately, it is so cold outside, it makes it quite difficult to be outside or get someone to be out there in front of the camera. But the need was overwhelming so I did the next best thing...and just photographed some candid photos of my daughter. Nothing came make me smile more than the sight of her beautiful, little smile (except of course her giggle - nothing is sweeter than a child laughing.) So here's my heart - my daughter, Peyton.

Looking back at 2008

So I know I'm a few days late..okay maybe close to a few weeks, but I wanted to look back on the year I have had. 

This past year failed nothing short of providing many changes for me. Moving from Bloomington back to my hometown, Champaign, was probably one of the biggest ones. Selling our house - our first home as husband and wife, our daughter's first home.  Quitting my job at INCCRRA that I truly enjoyed to take an office position at the U of I - while pursuing and expanding my business. Watching my beautiful daughter, Peyton, go from an adorable baby, cooing and spitting up to a walking, talking, attitude-having little toddler.  There have been many ups and downs this past year. 

I also photographed 9 weddings, 7 senior portraits, many, many engagement and family photos. I participated in my first bridal show.  I really felt this business come alive and people were calling, requesting me to photograph them. It was truly a wonderful feeling.  

Overall, I feel this past year was definitely a learning year. I learned so much about myself, and what I really want in life - in my career. I learned more and more about the business. I learned more about my style of photography - and being able to be proud of it. Hearing so many positive things about my work has only fueled my desire to continue doing what I love so much.  

So as the year 2009 begins, I can only think positive things are truly in store. I have already booked 12 weddings for this coming year, and 2 weddings for 2010. I recently hired an assistant, Jenn. Her addition to the business is going to be great. She also has experience and a love of photography, so I'm excited for her to be part of the team. Together, I know we are only going to prosper, as we continue to grow.

So everyone - be prepared. Amanda Overmyer Photography has officially taken off and I'm so excited to see where it is going to lead. Continue watching - because this is truly going to be amazing. 

For those that have contributed - Thank you so much! And I can't wait until we can work together again!

Holiday Shoot

In November, I held a one day Holiday Photo Shoot (hopefully the first of many more to come.) Throughout the day, I shot 12 different families in front of my holiday background I had set up. This was such a great learning experience for me and it was great to be able to accommodate so many families that wanted pictures done. I had so many pictures, that I can not obviously list them all, but here are a few of my favorites throughout the day.

Here are some more holiday portraits. These listed below were not taken on the One Day Holiday Shoot, but they are so adorable, I had to include them.

Meet Dani. This little cutie just melts my heart. I used to work with Dani's daddy, Ryan. I had the great privilege of taking her mom, Lyndi, maternity pics as well as Dani's newborn pictures. You can see them in the galleries of my website. I was so honored that they asked me to take her 3 month pictures. Although she wasn't too sure about smiling for me, she looks so adorable in this Christmas box.

Meet the Balota family. They were referred to me from Lyndi (mentioned above.) Check out this adorable little girl, Aubrey, and her adorable family. Their pajama idea for the holiday pictures was so much fun.

Catching Up

Wow...so I have been behind on updating the blog..I know. Things have been busy and sorry to admit that the blog has been last on my priority list. So before I dive into the great new things coming up, it's only fair that I post some of the things that have kept me so busy, starting withsome of the senior photos from the past fall.

Meet Kiersten. A total cutie that also happens to be a cousin of mine. I actually used to babysit this little sweetie, and I can't believe how gorgeous of a woman she is growing up to be. She had so many great pictures, as you can see, she is very photogenic. Look for her in the future as we have some photo dates planned!

Meet Cody. Cody's dad works with my husband at United Rentals. I was very honored that he asked me to do Cody's senior pictures. Cody was great with doing what I what I asked him to do, especially since this day was so windy.  I wasn't sure we would get as many great images as we did.

Meet Kierstin. Yes..another Kierstin. This girl was so much fun to photograph. We did this shoot on one of the coldest days of the fall, and I couldn't believe she was baring it all, not even caring about the cold. Check out a few of my favorites below.