Behind Amy's Lens

Color!

I met this lovely family at a park this past weekend. The day was gorgeous, they all looked great, it couldn't have been better. Here are some of my favorites so far while editing...

Family - studio style

I know I have said this before on this blog, but I just love getting to work with families again. It is so fun to see kids grow up and change and this family is no exception! We spent this session using my backdrop and studio lights - something I rarely do anymore. Mr E. - the two year old of the family - was not so sure about me, or anyone else but mom for that matter. But, we pulled off some great shots of him too :)

On a side note: I have been ordered to the couch this week by my doctor. I spent part of last week in the hospital with kidney stones/kidney infection and am still working on feeling better. I appreciate everyone's patience with me in getting galleries up, orders sent out and general business stuff!

H Family I hope you enjoy your preview!

Support The Arts!

I have two fun art events to share with you today. The first is the Missoula Children's Theatre production of Cinderella in O'Fallon, IL. This is such a neat project. The children in the show auditioned on Monday and the shows are this Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 1pm at the O'Fallon High School Auditorium. Tickets are $4 and the show is about an hour. Perfect for kids! For more information on tickets and the show you can contact Jodi Caticchio at 622-0289 or the O'Fallon Parks and Recreation at 624-0139.

BUT! I have 4 tickets for the Friday evening show to give away. Email me at amy@speedoflifephotos.com by Thursday at 3pm and I will randomly draw the winner.

The 2nd event I want to share is St. Louis Photographer Laura Seibert's Photo Essay Exhibit - Entwined. From the Entwined website: "Entwined...examines the seemingly innate desire to connect with others, as demonstrated by children." Laura's photographs are gorgeous. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend together. The exhibit will be at the Belas Artes Gallery at 1854 Russell Blvd in St. Louis. It opens April 18th and runs through May 24th.

Sleepy Head

This sweet little sleepy head is my last newborn before I have my own new little one. She was perfect. We got some great shots of her with her adoring family, including a generations shot - baby, mom and grandma. I love it!

B. Family, enjoy your preview!

Yeah, she is totally out for this one. :)

I love, love, love this family shot.

And she woke up just enough so we could see her beautiful eyes.

Session in the park

With all of the cold, snow and rain so far this year it has been tough getting outside to shoot. But, M and I made it happen! It was a bit chilly, but it was still a beautiful day.

M - I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

The little cowboy

You may remember the maternity session I posted a few weeks ago about the parents waiting for their little cowboy to arrive. Well...he is here! My goodness this little guy is adorable! I got to go and visit him in the hospital about 18 hours after he was born. Then I got to go and visit him when he was all settled in at home with his mom and dad. His nursery is beautiful. His mom and dad are so totally in love with him.

I have lots to share from both of these sessions...

St. Jude Trike-a-thon

If you have Noggin Network you have probably heard of the St. Jude Trike-a-thon. For well over a year now my daughter Helen has been asking me if we could host one. She wants to help the sick kids in the hospital. So, we are finally hosting one! The details are below. All kids are welcome to participate. If you are not able to participate, but would still like to donate please let me know.

Come Join In The Fun! Help Raise Money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Friday April 18th, 3:30 pm at Three Springs Park in Shiloh, IL (near the corner of Frank Scott Parkway and Cross St.)

Bring out your bikes, trikes and scooters for an afternoon of fun! We will ride around the path to raise money for St. Jude. A police officer will speak about bike and helmet safety. Fun snacks and awesome raffle prizes will be available.

St. Jude also gives out some great prizes for kids that help raise donations. All participants that raise money will get a Bikewell Bear Driver's License. Other prizes are: Raise $35 or more and receive a Trike-a-thon T-shirt. Raise $75 or more and receive a Trike-a-thon backpack. Raise $100 or more an dreceive a Trike-a-thon plush toy.

Email or call me (618-628-8070) to get more information, volunteer to help that day and to sign up! Sign up by April 11th so we can be sure we have enough donation forms.

Donation forms will be available starting Monday April 7th.

You can learn more about St. Jude's Trike-a-thon at the St. Jude website or on the Noggin website.