Amy Clifton Photography

Bye bye blogspot. Hello Shiny New Website!

2009-04-07T19:23:00.005-04:00

It's time!!! My brand-new website--you know, the one I've been teasing you with for months now--is live! This entry will be my last one on this site. All of my old blog posts have packed up and moved to the new site, but they will also stay here in case you just feel nostalgic. (Wouldn't you like to be in two places at once?)

The website and blog are combined in one handy location, so I hope you will take the time to click around and see what cool surprises you can find. Be sure to bookmark the new site, and you can also sign up for RSS Feed so you'll get updates when I post.

I can't wait to hear from you!!

Please, come visit ACP at http://www.amycliftonphotography.com .

Hannah & Alan are Married!

2009-04-06T00:52:00.007-04:00

When Hannah was in high school, she would come to South Carolina during the summers to visit family. She always hung out with the teens from her family members' church, and although she and Alan knew each other, they were "just friends." Fast forward to 4.4.09....the perfect spring day for these two to show the world that while they are the best of friends, they are no longer "just" friends.

Hannah is one of the sweetest, most relaxed brides I've ever met, and that just shines through...

She's a little bit sassy, too. :-)

Hannah with her sisters Olivia and Amanda...

...and their parents.

Alan was just as relaxed, just as easy-going as Hannah. (Although there was some discussion about a Batman mask coming out during the ceremony...hmmm, I think he's got a mischievous side too!)

Alan and his mom. Did I mention that he was about a foot taller than anyone involved in this wedding?? :-)

I loved the architecture in the sanctuary.

Husband and wife! BTW, they processed up the aisle after the ceremony to the "Super Mario" song, too cute!

I love when a photo can tell a story without even seeing anyone's face...

Love love love the details on Hannah's dress!

Hello, adorable!

Any guesses on the honeymoon destination? Hehe!

Hannah and Alan--thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day. Everything was beautiful, your family and friends were so much fun, and you guys are awesome! I hope you are having a great time at the "happiest place on earth"...I'm guessing that as long as you're together you make it the happiest place. :-)

And finally, my favorite:

*NOTE to Hannah and Alan's family and friends: Please check back over the next week or two for a link to the full ordering gallery so you can see all of the proofs from the wedding! Thanks!

A Month

2009-04-03T23:23:00.008-04:00

What a difference a month (+ 2 days) can make! March 1st came in with a Southern snowstorm, and only a month later, spring is here. Even though I complained incessantly about the daily rain last week, it seemed to leave the world covered in green...so I guess there is a "silver lining" after all.

(I spy a tiny little visitor in the picture above...do you?)

Dogwoods always seem to bloom just in time for Easter. Below, my pecan tree and the same dogwood on March 1st...

Not only has spring sprung in the past month, but baby Rossi, baby Liam, and baby Eli were all born! Tomorrow I will be shooting a sweet spring wedding, and next week is filled with tons of photo sessions and some big news: my website is FINALLY going to launch. Wooohooo! Check back!!

Coming [really] Soon...Rossi

2009-03-07T11:51:00.006-05:00

It seems that through nearly every phase of my life, I've had a good friend named Amy. Over the past couple of years, Amy and Matt have become such great friends of mine, and of course we always wreak havoc and cause confusion when we're together and someone says "Hey Amy...". Um, which one? The similarities don't end there--Amy is a photographer in Greenwood, and we often shoot together. I always tell people at weddings, "If you need a photo, just find an Amy."

Matt and Amy's first child together, Rossi, is coming really, really soon. I was actually a little concerned that I wouldn't get these maternity photos posted before he was born, so I'm glad he's running a day or two off schedule! (Sorry Amy.) :-) Rossi is a bit of a "miracle baby," and we are all excited to meet him!

I'm so loving shadows and reflections these days!

This crazy old building was full of cool textures and colors...

This last series completely rocks my face off. Hello, fierce.

See? Total rock stars.

Really. My face has been officially rocked off. These last two are my faves.

Amy and Matt--y'all are such wonderful friends, and I had so much fun with you shooting these photos. Not a single "Chandler face" to be found. ;-) I'm so happy for you guys, and now that I've finally gotten these posted, I can't wait for Rossi to get here! (hehe)

Don't forget to click below to "show me (and Amy & Matt) some love!" I love to know who's been looking and what you're thinking!

Contest: Charlie's Snow Day!

2009-03-02T22:35:00.008-05:00

SNOW DAY!! Very few phrases strike such excitement--and such panic--into the hearts of Southerners. If you are reading the blog from anywhere besides the south, I must explain that everything (schools, businesses, major interstates) shuts down for even a dusting of "the white stuff," and the entire southern population empties the grocery stores of all bread and milk. (Apparently bread and milk are all you need for sustenance if you are trapped indoors during a blizzard.) So anyway, the 1st day of March came in like a lion, with big puffy flakes of snow, and 2 days out of school. It was the best-kind-of-snow that sticks to each tree branch and twig like tufts of cotton and packs the perfect snowball.

By early afternoon, however, I was a little stir-crazy and lonely in the house all by myself, so I announced a FREE contest on facebook! (If you are a blog reader but you aren't my friend yet on fb, please send me a request!) Little Charlie, via his facebooking mom, was the lucky winner of a frosty cold snow session. They braved the cold, and we traipsed around my backyard for some frikkin adorable photos of Charlie's Snow Day...

I think this photo of Charlie and Jennifer is simply magical!

I love the happiness on Jennifer's face here...

By the way, Charlie's newborn portraits were one of my very first posts on the blog, and now I'm nearing my 50th post. It won't be long at all before we move over to the new blog and site...I'll keep you updated!

Now I'm off to eat my bread and milk.... ;-)

(Don't forget to "show me--and Charlie--some love" by clicking below!)

Kelly and Brady: Engagement

2009-02-28T20:20:00.006-05:00

Kelly and Brady are such a sweet and cute couple! Kelly is a hairstylist, and we've gotten to know each other through my super-amazing stylist Holly (my last post). (Kelly is awesome with color--contact me and I'll hook you up with her info!) Anyway, Kelly and Brady are getting married in a few months and already have a fabulous photographer for their wedding, but they asked me to shoot their engagement session Valentine's weekend. We had a very Greenville session, hitting lots of cool downtown spots, and it was tons of fun!

Kelly has the greatest laugh:

I really like the mood of this one.

I love the colors in this one!

Looooove this series...

My favorite from the day!! I think this would make a very cool canvas...

Thanks for checking out Kelly & Brady's photos and for bearing with me even though I've been a super-slack blogger lately! Don't forget to "show me (& them) some love." :-)

Holly & Mark--Contest Winners!

2009-02-09T00:43:00.013-05:00

Holly and Mark were my cute and sassy contest winners who hadn't had portraits taken since their wedding 15 years ago. Um, why?? They are adorable and completely rocked it for the camera, in spite of being cold and Mark being a little nervous at first. :-) By looking at these photos, you could never tell either of those things! I love their gorgeous eyes and totally real laughter and expressions....so sweet.

Loooove this one...seems like I just stumbled into such a personal moment between these two.

I love this series--the yummy backlight is fabulous!

Too cute! I love it when a couple gets comfortable enough with me that I can capture the expressions that define them....in this case a mix of sweetness, eye rolling, and giggles.

H-O-T-Tness!

And, just a little clue as to why I hosted this contest and what we'll be doing with these photos on the new website (which IS coming soon!)...

FYI for any photographers out there, I edited this entirely in Lightroom2...only opened PS to add my logo. Craig and Lindsey--yay, I have my life back. Thank you!! :-)

Don't forget to "show me (and Holly & Mark!) some love!"

My Logo!!! Finally, revealed!

2009-02-02T00:23:00.002-05:00

Back in November, I began working with the amazing creative team at Peculiar Productions here in Greenville. One of our main goals was to build the "brand" that is Amy Clifton Photography. That brand had to be a reflection of who I am as a person and a photographer as well as represent the work that I produce. I quickly discovered how much of ME goes into my photography--my emotion, my quirks, my beliefs--and into the way I approach my clients. One thing that kept coming up in my discussions with the design team as well as surveys and conversations with my clients is that I really, genuinely care about my clients and their stories. I love to create beautiful photographs of you and your life, but I can't truly do that if I don't know YOU. It sounds really cliche, but I am honored when someone chooses me as their photographer, because I understand that preserving your memories is a huge deal.

I had a tough time deciding on my logo (sorry TJ!), but once I finally made my decision I haven't looked back or regretted it for one second. I love it, and I believe that it reflects me and Amy Clifton Photography..."elegant yet edgy, classy but cool, sassy and sentimental, traditional with a twist." I hope you love it, too!

Wedding Festival!

2009-02-01T23:46:00.008-05:00

I had a great time at the Wedding Festival Saturday, and enjoyed a fun dinner afterwards with some awesome photographers from the area. And then I slept all day today, hehe.

For all of the super sweet brides (and grooms and moms and friends!) I met at the Wedding Festival, thank you for taking the time to stop by and look at my work. I know there is an overwhelming amount of information to take in at an event like that, and it's hard to get to know someone in that brief time! I can't wait to hear from you again so we can talk in more detail about your wedding. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading the blog and checking out my work from the past year. Talk to you soon!

Here are a few more photos of my booth. :-)

ACP on Display

2009-01-31T00:51:00.004-05:00

Today is a big day for ACP--my new logo and "look" will be on display at the Wedding Festival. I hope you'll stop by to say hello if you are there! I am so excited--and a little nervous--about really debuting my work and my business...I'm certainly not new to the photography scene, but I've definitely been working behind the scenes, and it's time to bring ACP to the front!

Here is a quick (icky quality) photo I snapped of my display tonight. I still have a rug and a couple of other things to add when I arrive Saturday morning, so I'll take some more photos and post them after the Festival. :-) I'm looooovin' my display!

See you at the Wedding Festival! (And hey, my booth is in between a wedding cake vendor and a caterer. Yummo.)

Coming Soon...Liam

2009-01-29T21:47:00.010-05:00

As soon as Kristen and I began emailing back and forth about her maternity photos, I KNEW they were going to be amazing! Had never met her or her husband, but I just knew. Maybe it was all of her creative ideas, maybe it was her enthusiasm for having the session even though a snowstorm was supposedly on its way (um, no), or maybe it was the sweet innocence of their love story...

Kristen and Mitchell began dating the summer before 9th grade...yes, when they were only 13 years old. Kristen told me "After all these years of us being in love, for him to tell me that I am the prettiest I have ever been, and see in his eyes that somehow he really does believe that, is hard for me to put into words. Mitchell and I have literally grown up together and have been together more years than we have been apart."

I don't think anymore words are necessary. Liam is going to be loved so purely, so intensely, and I think these portraits truly express that...

Out of the bazillion images that I loved, these last three are my absolute favorites.

Kristen and Mitchell, you are going to be wonderful parents as your love grows with Baby Liam. I can't wait to meet him!

In other news, I will be at the Wedding Festival this Saturday. If you're coming, please stop by my "studio" and say hello! Also, stay tuned for a b-i-g announcement about my new website. Woohoooo!

EDIT: Kristen and Mitchell's proof gallery is now online! To view their full session, go to http://www.MyProfessionalImages.com/EventLogin.aspx?sid=132288 . The password is their last name.

Maternity #1: Super-Sneak Peek

2009-01-21T00:09:00.004-05:00

I could not have found a better couple for my first maternity session! Kristen and Mitchell were fun, sweet, creative, and totally not afraid of the chilly weather on Sunday....I actually felt like I was cheating a little, because they had such great ideas! I am so excited to get their whole session ready, but in the meantime I wanted to share this super-sneak peek...

On another note, one of my friends and clients made my day today when she emailed me and said "By the way, I've been following your website like an obsessed groupie." Awww, yay! I am addicted to reading so many other photographers' blogs, and it's pretty exciting to know that somebody (even just one little reader) is out there feeling the same way about mine! If you're out there reading and looking, show me (and my fabulous clients) some love! :-)

Me, MIA

2009-01-16T00:44:00.003-05:00

I know, I know, I'm being a terrible blogger!! Please forgive? There is so much ah-ma-zing stuff on the horizon for Amy Clifton Photography--and for you, my amazing friends--but I've definitely neglected my poor blog in exchange for a brand-new ACP. I think the trade-off will be worth it if you can just hang in there with me for a little longer. :-)

First big news, I have a winner for my contest!! Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who expressed interested and sent in their photos. Drum roll......Holly and Mark have been married for 15 years and have no (I repeat, NO) photos since their wedding of just the two of them. They have two beautiful children and lots of family portraits, but nothing of just them. *Gasp!* They are a hot little couple, and Holly is such a sassy girl, so I can't wait for their session! (She also is my hair stylist, and I would drive to the ends of the earth for a haircut from her. Seriously, she saved me many years ago from a disastrous near-mullet, and I am forever grateful. (Hmmm, do I need to say "disastrous" when I'm also saying "near-mullet?" Seems a bit redundant.) Anyway, send me a message if you need a great stylist!) Stay tuned for their photo shoot and the big ACP surprise that comes along with it!

Next big news is that I finally selected a logo to represent ACP! It was a much bigger decision than I expected, largely because my designers did such a rockstar job and I liked everything they gave me. I can't wait to debut it along with my new website! The sample I saw of my website completely blew me away...I hope it will have the same effect on y'all!

I shot another killer session with a band in the studio last weekend...those pics are coming soon and I'm crazy about them, and this weekend I'll be photographing my first-ever maternity session. This couple has already gotten me all teary-eyed over their super-sweet love story, and I haven't even met them yet! I'm so ready for their portraits!

Again, I hope you'll forgive me for being super-MIA and that you'll stick around for all the changes coming soon. Also, for my former clients who have completed their surveys--thank you. I am truly taking everything you say to heart. I appreciate both your complements and your suggestions, and I welcome them always--with or without a survey. And finally, because it's just wrong of me to not post a photo, here's a sneak-peek from last weekend's band session!

Contest Time!

2009-01-06T00:08:00.007-05:00

Whenever there's a contest, I'm not usually the winner. Door prizes? Nope, not my winning number. Christmas gift exchanges? I once ended up with a teapot and some lady said "Oooh! That looks like you!" Now if you know me, you know I'm not a teapot-kinda-girl. Lottery tickets? Don't even bother!

But you, out there in blog-land, you don't have to follow in my non-contest-winning footsteps! As you've read--you have read, right??--Amy Clifton Photography is getting a massive makeover with new branding, new website, new rockin' attitude. For part of my yet to be revealed plans, I need a fabulous bride and groom to photograph! Since it's not exactly the peak of wedding season, I am recruiting one of YOU to be my b&g. You don't have to be (or have been) an ACP bride, although that would be fantastic. You do have to be part of a real-live couple who is willing to gear up in your wedding dress, your sassiest shoes, and throw your man into (at least) a suit. And you have to be willing to rock it for the camera.

If you or someone you know is interested in a free Amy Clifton Photography "WE DID!" photo-session with your honey, email me a photo of you lovebirds, your contact info, and a little blurb about why you should rock this session and win! If you can't do the wedding gear, then convince me that your diva wardrobe will work! My email address is acclifton@aol.com .

The deadline for entries is Sunday, January 11, so don't let this chance pass you by!

--Amy

It's Tradition!

2008-12-26T01:00:00.008-05:00

As promised, here are the photos to go along with the post!

It seems that every year, Christmas gets busier and more hectic and I can never believe when the day has already come and gone! This is such a special season, so it makes me sad (and a little guilty) when I can't savor it due to the busy-ness. The routine of traditions, though, keeps things sane for me. We used to tease my dad about his love for "tradition," said in the tone of the father in Fiddler on the Roof. :-) As I have gotten older, I have become so appreciative of these traditions and the order, predicatability, and sentiment they hold.

Some of our family's Christmas traditions include:

1) Advent calendars and the Advent wreath, in anticipation of Christ's birth on Christmas. My parents made me a cute felt Advent calendar my very first Christmas, and I still use it at my house all these years later!

2) Hanging the "Clifton Family Ornaments." My dad came from a huge family (9 kids) that moved a lot, and he doesn't have many artifacts from his childhood. He does have 3 antique Christmas ornaments, and each of us hangs one on the tree.

3) Christmas Eve church, pimento cheese sandwiches and soup, and staying up entirely too late wrapping presents. We are a last-minute family!

4) Me (and Pearl, my cat) spending the night with my parents on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

5) Christmas stockings! Even though I'm officially an adult, I still get a stocking, and I always fix my parents' stockings too. Hello, "stocking stuffers" are some of the most fun gifts! My mom made our stockings when I was a baby...

My grandparents' gift to each of us is always a "portrait" of Ben Franklin, rolled up and tucked inside a little stocking on the tree. :-) Gift-giving from them is all about the Benjamins, baby...

6) Christmas brunch. We have the same breakfast every year...nothing fancy, but it's always yummy. Cinnamon rolls, arranged into a tree or wreath shape (my mom's artistic touch), Pillsbury crescent rolls with "little smokies" inside, and fruit, all served on Christmas plates.

7) BBQ for dinner, and taking allllllll day to unwrap our presents. Yes, we are the family who takes turns opening gifts one at a time. :-)

8) Setting up the tripod (or this year, a step-ladder since I forgot to bring the tripod) and taking a family portrait in front of the tree...me, my parents, and my grandparents. Whenever possible, we also round up the cat(s) to be included...I'm pretty sure my dad has sustained some flesh-wounds over the years trying to hold a feline for the family picture. He's a good daddy!

This one is a few years ago, but I included it because of the squirming cat my dad is attempting to wrangle...

This year's family photo, Christmas 2008...we had a wonderful day!

I hope that everyone in blog-land had a wonderful Christmas and that you celebrated--or created--some traditions of your own! I'd love to hear about them...let me know what you and your family or friends do the same way, every year!

Merry Christmas,
Amy
(I'm still up, so it still counts as Christmas, right??)

In the Studio

2008-12-16T01:05:00.005-05:00

Tim, one of the commenters on my last post, wrote about the variety of ways music is captured: via a recording, with our ears, or even in still photos. Recently, I had the opportunity to be present for all three methods. As April Beck recorded tracks with The Peculiar People, I experienced the music firsthand; I listened as the tracks were mixed and produced; and (of course) I captured it in the following images...

TJ is also designing my new ACP logo. (Yay!)

Tim is the guru of all things business...and motivation...and music...and who-knows-what-else. This guy does it all!

Don't forget to "Show Me Some Love" and let me know what you think!

Two of My Favorite Things...

2008-12-07T12:17:00.007-05:00

No "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" here; two of my favorite things are photography and music. (Although kittens are cute and I DO enjoy getting flowers...) I simply love live music. I love bar bands, I love small acts trying to make it big in an intimate club, I love 20,000 seat venues with huge sets. I love live albums. I love hearing an artist cover a song or play a new arrangement to one of their own hits. I am moved every time I hear the crowd singing along with the band.

When I go to a show, I absorb all the extra stuff going on: the crew scurrying around with their walkies and laminates, the FOH sound stage, the switching out of guitars, how the set list is arranged, and the stage lighting. Especially the stage lighting. As a photographer, my eye is trained to "find the light," and while I'm rockin' out to a band, I'm also being blown away by the back-lighting, by the colored beams of light finding their way through the haze, by the single spotlight that illuminates the artist during an acoustic moment. And I'm always wanting to capture that in photographs.

If I could add anything to my own photographic "set list," it would be concert photography! I've taken some pretty cool photos at concerts over the years, some with my point-and-shoot camera, some with my mid-grade digital SLR and a zoom lens, some with permission, some not so much. :-) Ah, how I would love the opportunity to shoot with my good camera and lenses!

I've found that country artists are pretty open to concert-goers having cameras, so when I saw Gary Allan recently in Asheville, NC, I went up front to take some photos with my p&s...

I love the crazy lighting in this one!!

As I'm further developing my photography business, I'm gaining the opportunity to work with some musicians in and out of the studio, and I'm beyond excited to combine these two passions! Stay tuned for more music-related images in the future!

The Majors: Family Session

2008-11-26T00:30:00.009-05:00

When we finished our session, Jessica asked me "Do you think we got some good shots?" Holy shamoly, YES! This is my second session with the Major girls, and this time they brought dad along. The girls were completely adorable, the fall leaves were still beautiful, and the late-afternoon light was beyond amazing. I ADORE these photos! I actually teared up a couple of times when I was making my selections, because they are so sweet. To all moms (including Jess) who aren't sure if their kids sat still enough or smiled their "real" smile: trust me, we'll get the shot!! :-)

A little twirling...

Apparently I'm making the "family reflection" a signature shot! This keeps showing up in all my family shoots...

Oooh, I love this!

Two of my favorites from the day...and I don't think they even knew I was still shooting! ;-)

FYI, my last 3 posts (Majors, Nelsons, & Daniel) were all shot at Furman University over a 9 day period...and they all were shot within about 40 yards of each other! My goal was to make each session look and feel unique even though I was shooting in basically the same location all 3 times.

*UPDATE: To view the Major's proofs, please CLICK HERE. The password is their older daughter's name. If you would like to save your shopping cart, please provide your email address when prompted. Thanks!*

Don't forget to show me--and the Majors--some love by leaving a comment below!

The Nelsons--Family Fun!

2008-11-22T00:54:00.007-05:00

OK, so I completely love this family! So cute, really creative, and up for anything! Most of my blog readers probably know that I also work for a non-profit agency; well, I met Andy at our annual golf tournament, where he bid on a photo session with ACP in the silent auction. His wife Stephanie was super-excited when he came home NOT with more golf clubs, but with a gift certificate for a family portrait! I'm pretty sure Andy scored some cool-points for that move. :-)

We met out at Furman for a mix of traditional portraits, casual moments, and just plain family fun....and lemme tell you, this family is fun!! (They are my "jumpers" from this post...)

This one cracks me up...I love it!

So sweet!

Is it possible to resist this face?? Doubtful!

If you read the blog regularly, you may remember that I don't have such a great track record with kids + water. I spotted some cool rocks in this pond that I wanted the family to stand on, but we waited until the end of the session "just in case." Fortunately, everyone managed to stay dry this time, and I got this crazy shot of Andy and Stephanie's youngest son leaping towards dry land!

I think Stephanie actually squealed when I said we were going to take a silhouette shot. :-)

Thanks Nelsons for such a fun photo shoot! All four of you were awesome to work with, and I can't wait to see you guys again!

*Online gallery: CLICK HERE to view and order proofs from this session. Password is the oldest son's name. If you would like to save your shopping cart, please supply your email address when you log in to the gallery. Thanks!*

Daniel: 1 Year

2008-11-18T01:31:00.006-05:00

There should be warnings for cuteness like this! Daniel recently turned one, and not only is he super-adorable, but he is also really happy and squealy and giggly!

I used to work with Daniel's mom, Tasheka, until she and Ambrose got married and moved away, but they just moved back to SC with little Daniel. It was great to spend a beautiful fall afternoon with them at Furman.

I looooooove these sweet Daddy/Son moments...

Ambrose and Tasheka...

I love the progression of Daniel's expressions in this series...

High five! How precious is the comparison between Daniel's little hands to Daddy's big ones??

"Patty-cake" always put a smile on Daniel's face during our session, especially the "roll 'em up, roll 'em up" part that he's doing here!

Tasheka, it was great to see you again and to meet your family! Welcome back to SC!

*To view the complete set of proofs from this session, CLICK HERE. The password is Tasheka's maiden name. If you want to save your shopping cart, please log in when requested. Thanks!*

Catching Up--Sneak Peek!

2008-11-14T00:17:00.008-05:00

I'm behind on laundry, behind on cleaning my house, behind on blogging, and behind on editing. Ack! Do you see a trend?? I had 3 amazing sessions recently with 3 awesome families--perfect weather, gorgeous fall colors, and lots of good energy from the kids and parents. What more could you ask for? (Except maybe to be caught up on the edits, hehe.) Here's a sneak peek from each family to get ya started...

Thanks families for hanging in there--the rest are coming!!

Here's to You...

2008-11-11T23:26:00.004-05:00

*Note: I don't usually "journal" on the blog, but I do hope you'll take the time to read this post...*

I love music--all kinds. And yes, that includes country. Even the bubble-gum kind that inspires my dad to rant about how "that's not REAL country; Hank Williams Sr., now that's country!"

Rascal Flatts have a fun little song about all of the reasons why they hit the road and go on stage night after night--the kids who pile too many people into their car just to get to the show, the cute girls hoping to catch a glimpse of somebody famous in the back parking lot, the moms and dads who leave their babies at home and dance up a storm in the aisles. The chorus says "You're the heart and the soul and the reason we do what we do; here's to you!"

The reasons why I do what I do with photography are many: inspiring others to look at the world in a new way, creating art from everyday experiences, preserving too-fast moments, documenting life and love, and capturing personal history. As in the Rascal Flatts song, though, it isn't so much about the art or the final product as it is about the individuals, the lives, the stories captured in those prints. I do not take it lightly when you trust me with your wedding, your newborn baby, your family moments. I get to know you and your story, I plan, I prepare, I pray--both for my abilities and for you. I do this so YOU have your life documented, so you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, so you can always remember that new-baby smell, the giggles of your toddler, the transformation of your child into an adult, and the love that you share with your family and friends.

In the past week, two of my newlywed couples have just lost a loved one--in one case, the groom's father, in the other case, the bride's father. Both have shared how they displayed photos from their weddings at the memorial service, and both have shared how much these images mean to them and their families during this time.

I have a hard time expressing how humbling this is to me: not only was I allowed to play a part in the story of their love, but I also am playing a part in the story of their loss, and ultimately in their healing. It is truly an honor.

YOU are the reasons I do what I do.

Here's to you.

iRock...well I'm gonna

2008-11-09T17:54:00.004-05:00

Lots of things are going on with Amy Clifton Photography, so read on to find out lots of changes. :-)

For starters, I've got a new toy...the 24" iMac. Woohoo! It is possible that I may be in love..how can I resist its humongo screen, not to mention that it's so shiny and just plain yummy.

I've been working off of an ancient PC with a 15" screen, so this is quite the upgrade! iLove it!

Also, I'm completely restructuring my pricing and packages, and I hope to have that in place by the end of the year. The new plans will offer lots of options for my clients, especially in terms of albums and canvases. Shoot me an email if you are interested in booking a session now and locking in the current prices! acclifton@aol.com

Probably the most exciting news is that I've begun working with the fabulous team at Peculiar Productions, who are kicking out branding, logos, websites, marketing, you-name-it for me. Hopefully by the end of the year, ACP will have a whole new look. I canNOT wait!!

One of my first conversations with Tim from Peculiar Productions went something like this:

ME: "You're gonna make me a rockstar!"

TIM: "You already ARE a rockstar. We're just going to put you on the right stage."

Sah-weet.

Stay tuned!

Little Miss Ella Jane

2008-11-04T23:47:00.011-05:00

Just 13 days after Ella Jane's Birthday, I visited with her, Robyn, and Burton for Ella Jane's newborn portraits. She is such a sweet baby, and she has the cutest spikey hair. (Of course I'm not biased, considering Ella Jane's mommy is one of my closest friends...)

Ella Jane has quite the collection of hairbows! Good thing she's got the 'do to pull them off.

Consider yourself warned: extreme pouty-face ahead.

A Clemson Tiger-in-Training, with Burton's class ring.

And of course the little feeties with the wedding rings. (Happy 1st Anniversary, Robyn and Burton! 11/3/07)

It's Ella Jane's world now!

Robyn would say, "nude-y booty."

As Ella Jane's birth announcements say, "All of God's grace in one sweet little face."

Robyn, Burton, and Ella Jane--I love you guys! Thank you for always trusting your most precious moments to me and my camera, and thanks for being a crazy-good PR team for me. ;-)

PROOFS: To view Ella Jane's proofs, click here. (The password is Robyn's maiden name.) Please log in when prompted if you want to save your shopping cart. Thanks!

Gavin and Gabe: leave your own trail...

2008-10-20T20:39:00.009-04:00

Things you need on a rainy day:

Giant furry dinosaur? Check.
Puzzle? Check.
Funny faces? Check.
New baby brother? Check.

Gavin, 3 1/2, is super-smart, really cute, and a very cool little dude. (He's a Jack Johnson fan!) Gabe, 3 weeks, is an adorable little chunk of sweetness.

The sweet Big Brother...

Uh-oh, here it comes!

While mom Lindsay was taking care of Gabe, I got some fun pictures of Gavin!

Love his tongue out...it helps the concentration, you know!

The many faces of Gavin...

OK, content again!

Chunky feet! :-)

I love this sweet picture of Mommy and Gabe...

Gabe's middle name is McNair, named after his dad's childhood friend McNair Bostick. From everything I 've heard and read, McNair was an amazing man who loved life, loved his family, and loved the world around him. He was killed in a tragic bicycle accident in 2006 at the age of 34.

May Gabe and Gavin carry on McNair's legacy: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" --Ralph Waldo Emerson

(Thanks to the family for sharing this awesome photo of McNair at Mt. Fiji.)

Note: To view Gavin and Gabe's online proofs, please CLICK HERE. The password is the family's last name. *If you want to save your shopping cart for later, be sure to enter your email address when prompted!*

David and Maria--Worth the Wait!

2008-10-16T01:43:00.007-04:00

My sweet clients Leith and Bryant couldn't wait to start a family when they got married several years ago. They both have a zillion nieces and nephews, and they were ready to add to the crew! As we all know, however, our time isn't always God's time. After quite a few tears, many prayers, but never giving up hope, God brought Leith and Bryant to Guatemala this summer, where they met their precious babies David and Maria. David is SO snuggly and out-going, wide-eyed and curious. Maria is a Mama's Girl, with adorable dimples and the most squish-able cheeks ever. No doubt, these babies were worth the wait!

Hello cuteness!

Miss Maria...

Giggle-time with Mommy...

Leith, happy to have her hands full!

The sweet family...I keep saying that, but these really are the sweetest people! I've loved getting to know them over the years....engagement, bridal, wedding, extended family pics...and now the baby pics!

Checking out the "bow-wow" in the yard...

Squishy face on the glass as I was leaving...

Maria's blankie says it all.

I think they already have...

**EDIT--
To view the complete set of proofs from this session, please CLICK HERE. The password is the family's last name.

Ella Jane's Birthday!

2008-09-28T23:42:00.006-04:00

5 years of dating, a 7-month engagement, less than 2 months of "trying," 1 pregnancy test, 9 months of anticipation, 1 week past her due date, 1 day before being induced.....today my close friends Robyn and Burton became parents....it is Ella Jane's birth-day!

Welcome to the world, sweet girl!

Ella Jane's proud Poppa...prepare to be spoiled! :-)

Robyn's sister and brother-in-law...

Aunt RaRa and Catherine Grace

All the cousins! Zach was one of my very first subjects when I started photography. :-)

Robyn's nieces were so excited to meet their baby cousin Ella Jane.

Congratulations Robyn and Burton! I'm so happy for you!

By the way, while we're talking numbers, mine and Robyn's friendship is 40+ years in the making: not only did she and I graduate from high school together, but our mothers also graduated from high school together!

*NOTE: To leave a comment, please click "Show me some love." Thanks!

Twins are Twice as Nice!

2008-09-23T23:49:00.007-04:00

Who says that less is more?? My good friends Fred and Jennifer recently welcomed twin boys into their lives. After being on bedrest (or "recliner-rest") for most of the summer, Jennifer managed to go almost full-term with the boys. Elliott and McCrea are so sweet and cute! We had their first photo session on their 1-week birthday, and lemme tell you--these brothers are good at taking turns...one would cry while the other was nice and quiet, and then they would switch roles. ;-) Seriously, it was a fun day and I was so happy to get to photograph the babies while they were still so little and "new." Newborns change from day-to-day, and I've never had a mom tell me they regretted doing portraits within the first week or two! Fred and Jennifer are so blessed with these healthy little boys, and I've been blessed by their friendship. They have been waiting anxiously for their family's blog-debut! So here goes...

Elliott is deep in thought...

LOVE this one!

Jennifer sings Barry Manilow tunes to calm them down. Apparently the twins are little tiny "fan-ilows."

If you read the blog, you know I'm a little obsessed with shoes. Well, I also love baby feet. These babies have teeny little tootsies, and I completely adore these next two shots.

More tiny toes...

Oh my goodness, I *heart* this photo!!

Big Brother (by 5 minutes) Elliott...

Little Brother McCrea...

Not a happy face, but sweet anyway!

"You lookin' at ME?"

"Ohh, woe is me..."

A couple of details from around the house...

Fred has family in Minnesota, and it only makes sense that they are already grooming the boys to be Twins fans!

And finally, a whole family of feeties. (I swear, my foot/shoe thing really isn't unhealthy. Really.) We decided that every time the boys have their portraits taken we will have to re-create this image to show how they've grown!

*NOTE: If you'd like to leave a comment, please click "Show me some love", type your comment, and then check the "Name/URL" button if you don't have a blog account. Thanks-I'd love to hear from you!

Marilynn: Leaving Ash-vegas

2008-09-18T00:52:00.009-04:00

Over the past couple of years, Marilynn has become one of my closest friends. She has an infectious laugh, a quick (and sarcastic) wit, a huge heart, and the craziest eyes you've ever seen. We have a tendency to get on the phone and three hours will pass in the blink of an eye.

A few months ago, Marilynn's job moved her from Asheville, NC, which had been her home for the past 10 years, to another part of the state. To commemorate the Asheville phase of her life and to get some killer canvases for her new downtown condo, we had a marathon photo shoot all over the city. Asheville is such a laid back and colorful place--murals, brightly painted doorways, sculptures, and beautiful mountain views every way you turn.

Marilynn was a freakin' rock star during this session; see for yourself...

Um, hello eyes!

If you are a fan of live music and you've never been to The Orange Peel, you'd better head on up the mountain and correct that mistake! Awesome venue for an eclectic mix of artists. Go, now!

Looooove this series outside of the Peel...

And for your final dose of sultry sassiness...

Whatcha think, color or black & white?

Either way, WOW.

Mar--Of course, you are fabulous! :-) I miss having you just an hour away, but yay for good cell plans!

Some "me time"

2008-09-14T21:11:00.006-04:00

Warning: major stream-of-consciousness to follow. ;-)

I am analytical. I like to think things through and figure out all the possible scenarios. I want to know "why" things happen and "why" people do what they do. I like to be prepared. I am a sucker for those annoying (to everyone else...) email surveys that ask "hugs or kisses?" "the last time you cried?" and "your favorite toy as a child?" With all of the thinking and analyzing I do, you'd think I could figure MYSELF out. Not so much! Like everyone else, I guess I'm a work in progress, although I have had some major epiphanies over the past year or so in a couple of very diverse places: Vegas and the Keys. (Who the heck besides me has an epiphany in Las Vegas?!?) Something about letting my brain and body rest while I'm on vacation has been really cathartic and eye-opening. I feel like I'm at a place in my life where I really want to get back on track, but it's hard not to be overwhelmed sometimes. Anyway, I started seeing this survey popping up on various photographers' blogs, and thought I'd answer for some self-discovery of my own. Let me know if you see any surprises in my answers or if you include a version on your own blog!

I AM … a Gemini--and all the contradictions that go with it! :-)

I WANT… to be organized.

I HAVE … the most loving family in the world.

I KEEP … things to remind me of special people, special places, and special times.

I WISH I COULD … get my life under control!

I HATE … deception. And confusion.

I FEAR … change.

I HEAR … a positive shift in my thinking.

I DON’T THINK … our hearts use a lot of common sense!

I REGRET … very few things. Except maybe being too analytical sometimes. Sorry!

I LOVE … to hear the crowd singing with the band.

I AM NOT … quick to open up about myself.

I DANCE … to 80s music. I'm not sure it's a pretty sight, but I really don't care! :-)

I SING … along with the radio, all the time, even if people at the stop light beside me can see.

I NEVER … like to get up in the morning.

I RARELY … initiate conflict.

I CRY WHEN I WATCH … the Olympics. A bride and groom during their wedding. Countless sappy commercials.

I AM NOT ALWAYS … on time.

I HATE THAT … most people lack empathy. We would all be better off if we could put ourselves in others' shoes and act accordingly.

I’M CONFUSED ABOUT … my careers. Why my clothes won't fit into my closets (yes, plural), even though I just cleaned them out. Love. Balancing life.

I NEED … some direction, some control, some balance, some fun, & quite possibly some more shoes.

I SHOULD … stop procrastinating! (And also stop buying shoes, hehe.)

How about you??

Will Parks and Claire at the park!

2008-08-29T00:53:00.006-04:00

I have known Will Parks' and Claire's mom since we were in the 6th grade, and I've taken their cousins' photos many times. When they were back in town recently, of course we had to get together for some family photos at the park!

This whole family has the prettiest blue eyes, Claire was Miss Independent, and Will Parks couldn't wait to get in the water, so he was VERY cooperative knowing that would up his chances of wading later...

Gotta love those chubby little toddler legs!

Unfortunately, there was a wading incident. (No children were harmed in the making of these photographs, heehee!) Will Parks' parents both wanted me to keep taking pictures of this "real life moment"....maybe to show his prom date one day??

Now recovered from the wading problem, it was time to look for fish. I really love this casual portrait, and especially the great reflection in the pool below!

He looks so serious!

Who doesn't love Eskimo kisses?? Sweetness!

Fun, fun!

I'd love to know if you've stopped by to check out my work! To leave a comment, click the "Show me some love" button, type your comment, and click the circle beside "Name/URL" if you don't have a blog sign-in. Thanks!

Your Prayers are Needed...

2008-08-23T16:23:00.004-04:00

I recently spoke with Ciera, whose wedding I photographed in May, and she shared some heartbreaking news. Her Maid of Honor, best friend, step-sister passed away on July 30.

Ashlee was only 22.

I may not have the timeline exactly right, but after about a week of having really bad headaches, Ashlee went to the hospital where the doctors found a brain tumor, which doubled in size in just a few days. Within about a week, she had successful brain surgery but soon passed away from complications.

Ashlee has two precious little boys, Javyn and Rylan, who need your prayers as they grow up without their mommy. Ciera and Richard need your prayers as they face such sadness only months after they became husband and wife. I'm certain that Ashlee's entire family would appreciate your prayers. Whoever you are, and from wherever you are reading this, please take a moment to pray for comfort for Ashlee's family and friends--especially Javyn and Rylan--and for guidance for those who will raise these two little boys.

Tammy & Cecil--Sneak Peek!

2008-08-13T00:32:00.004-04:00

A-maz-ing. Tammy and Cecil's small morning wedding was held in a tiny little church in Highlands, NC, up a winding, woodsy path; theirs will be the last wedding the "Church in the Wildwood" ever hosts. They are unbelievably in love, and their ceremony was so spontaneous and emotional and real. Their singer had an angelic voice, and during her second song the bridesmaids were crying, Cecil's mom was crying, Tammy was crying, and the almost-newlyweds were basically slow-dancing during the song. It was beautiful, and I couldn't help but cry with them!

Fortunately, I can sniffle and shoot at the same time. I promised Cecil a sneak peek before I get the "real" blog post up; what you're about to see is just the tip of the iceburg in terms of smoking-hotness! Tammy and Cecil are SO not scared to do whatever I ask, including lay in a bee-filled patch of wildflowers and pull off the side of the road on a whim, not to mention the massive quantities of chemistry these two have!

During the ceremony...so sweet...no wonder we all teared up, right?

I'm at a loss for words, I just love this shot!

Smo-kin'...

Their after-work reception was back in Greenville at The Lazy Goat--super cool lounge-y feel with awesome views of the Reedy River...

How's that for a preview, folks? :-)

Rockin Slideshow

2008-08-03T01:43:00.003-04:00

I went to a photography workshop on Friday with Sposa Bella Photography, and they told us about these edgy slideshows from Animoto. I wanted to play around with their free 30-second short, so I created a video from our Pearl Jam pictures. I know you've already seen them, but hey, they were edited. :-) What do you think about the slideshow?

Grandmother and Grandaddy--Celebrations

2008-07-20T23:55:00.009-04:00

On my mom's side, our immediate family is very small...she's an only child and so am I; that means I'm the only grandchild too (yay, me!). Except when extended family is involved, our get-togethers are always a "party of 5." Since we're such a small, close bunch, it's always important to celebrate special occasions.

Sunday, was my grandmother's birthday--I don't dare reveal how many!!--and today is my grandparents' 64th wedding anniversary. YES--64 years! Grandmother is the original cougar--she's 7 years older than him. :-) My grandparents grew up in a small mill village, just about 8 or 9 miles from where they live now; my grandaddy sang in a traveling quartet, and grandmother was their pianist. They devoted their entire lives to serving God by singing and playing music together, with him directing numerous church choirs and her playing the organ until they retired just about 4 years ago. Even now, though, Grandaddy will still play his accordian at their little church every couple of months.

Here are a few pictures from today's birthday celebration....

Grandmother let out a big whistle when mom reminded her how old she turned today!

The lighting on this one is all kooky because my mom took a flash picture at the exact instant I shot this, but I love the expressiveness anyway...

Every year, Grandaddy makes the New Year's Resolution to "stop being so silly." As with most resolutions, that one doesn't seem to last very long. :-)

Whenever we go out to eat, they always share a plate, Well, Friday night, I went to dinner with them, and Grandaddy was joking with the server that they didn't need an extra plate because he wasn't going to share. Grandmother chuckled and said "He knows better than that!" The waitress heard her say it, and she totally cracked up, saying "I like the way she thinks!!"

Happy Birthday, Grandmother! And Happy 64th Anniversary to you both! I love you and I'm glad we belong to each other!

Borrowing from my Ohana friends' post for their grandparents, If you'd like to leave a birthday or anniversary greeting, please click the "Show me some love" link, type your message, and click the "Name/URL" button. Don't forget to leave your name! Thanks!

Wedding Proofs Online!

2008-07-18T01:29:00.000-04:00

Ashley and Garron, friends and family--
Thanks SO MUCH for your patience as you've waited to see Ashley and Garron's wedding proofs! I'm trying out a new online ordering system, and I had a few technical difficulties along the way. :-) But finally, your wait is over...

To see the proofs, click here. The password is the couple's new last name....if you need to know it, please email me. You can enter your email address if you'd like to save your shopping cart and come back to it later. Once you sign in, there is a drop-down box on the left side of the screen, and you can select which gallery you'd like to view: Ashley's bridal portraits, Ashley & Garron's wedding, or all the photos together. All the pricing and ordering info is on the proof site, but feel free to contact me with any questions.

I hope you enjoy the photos!!

Ashley & Garron's Wedding

2008-06-22T14:39:00.007-04:00

Ashley and Garron had a gorgeous wedding in May at Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Conover, NC. I LOVE outdoor weddings, and this one was perfect--tons of bright flowers, a warm sunny day, lots of friends and family, many personal touches, and a super-fun reception. Ashley's Maid of Honor was my close friend Marilynn, and I've enjoyed becoming friends with Ashley over the months as she's planned for the wedding, we shot her portraits, went out on the town for her bachelorette party, and finally celebrated her marriage to Garron. As with Ashley's bridal portraits, I have waaaaay too many favorites to choose from, so I'm just going to let the photos speak for themselves!

Gorgeous details and the "Rock Barn" initials...

Ashley's colors were shades of yellow and navy...

When I went to take photos of Garron and the guys, I found them practicing their putting. Hey, how long does it take to put on a suit, anyway? Pleeeeenty of time to improve their game before the ceremony! :-)

Getting some last minute touch-ups...

...and checking out the crowd to see who's arriving!

This was such a sweet moment as the minister prayed God's blessing over the rings and the union they symbolize.

And nothing but joy as those rings go on!

On to the reception...

And finally...the happy couple!

Congratulations Ashley and Garron! You guys have the most wonderful family and friends, and I am so glad you chose me to be a part of your wedding. Can't wait to come to the beach and see y'all again soon!

Family and Friends: Be on the lookout in the next week or two for the online posting info for all the proofs!!

Pearl Jam--definitely still "Alive"

2008-06-20T16:35:00.009-04:00

When "Ten" became popular my Junior year of high school, everyone had the tape (yes, the tape) in their car. My friend Kevin, however, never took his copy out of his tape player for the next two years! Pearl Jam has been a constant in his life, and I can't tell you the countless hours I've spent over the years hanging out with him, listening to their latest bootleg over a bottle of wine. (Of course I'm listening to them right now as I type...) When PJ announced a small US tour--that included their first South Carolina stop in 10 years--there was no question that we would go. It would be our 3rd PJ show together, my 5th total. We headed down to Columbia this past Monday 6.16 with his cousin Colton (a carbon-copy of Kevin in high school!) and my photographer friend Amy.

Long story short, sometimes things just fall together in all the right ways. While tailgating in the parking lot, our high school friend Seth, who now lives in Nashville, came running over. Kevin hadn't seen him in months, I hadn't seen him in years. He was there with the opening band, Kings of Leon, and said he would try to get us backstage after the show. Through various friends and contacts in the music industry, I've hung out after lots of shows, but backstage at Pearl Jam? No freakin' way.

Of course Eddie and the boys showed up with an amazing set list and we rocked out for the next two hours. My phone rang during the 2nd encore, and Seth said two words: "It's happening." (OK, my long story isn't getting as short as promised!) We all traipsed down to the dressing rooms, where the rest of us waited as Kevin got to meet Eddie. Eddie-Freakin-Vedder, our generation's equivalent of Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix. Back out in the hall, we talked to Mike McCready, complete bad-ass on guitar, and got a guitar pick from him, and we saw Jeff Ament, equally bad-ass bass player.

I rarely post personal stuff on the blog, but seriously. We were backstage at Pearl Jam. The End.

Ciera & Richard's Wedding

2008-05-30T00:49:00.008-04:00

High school sweethearts. Hot pink bridesmaids dresses. Sparkly silver shoes. Adorable flower girl and ring bearer. Fun-loving family and friends. A love blessed by God. Ciera and Richard...

Sweet sisters!

The ring bearer and flower girl literally had to be pushed down the aisle, and they both kept checking over their shoulders during the whole walk. The flower girl threw her petals on the way back up the aisle after the ceremony--too cute! Once the ring bearer got settled in, though, he was pretty interested in the wedding...

Ciera and Richard have moved from being prom dates not too many years ago to finally becoming husband and wife. I love the look on his face here; even though you can't see her expression, you just know she is beaming up at him!

Love it, love it!

This was a very family-oriented wedding, and there were lots of cutie-pie babies there. I'm crazy about this happy little face at the reception!

The Flower Girl is also a Daddy's Girl!

Like any good Southern wedding, the groomsmen decorated Ciera and Richard's get-away car. Now I can't show you what was written on the windshield (the blog is family-friendly, thankyouverymuch), but these two ladies sure got a kick out of it!

One of my absolute favorites from the whole day. He was in no mood for group photos earlier, but by the end of the afternoon, the ring bearer had gotten over his camera-shyness. (I think the fact that he got to throw birdseed and blow bubbles had something to do with it.) :-)

Ciera and Richard--I had a wonderful afternoon with you and your families, and I'm so glad you found me through Myra and Ciera's aunt! See you guys soon!
*NOTE: if you want to post a comment and you don't have a blog, just click the "Name/URL" button in the comments section and type in your name. Thanks!

Ashley--a very "Good Friday"

2008-05-18T23:53:00.007-04:00

Ashley and Garron were married Saturday in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Conover, NC. Those pictures are coming! Until they are ready, though, I wanted to post Ashley's gorgeous bridal portraits.

Back in March, on Good Friday, I photographed Ashley at her great-grandparents' homeplace. It was a windy spring day, and the old farm--now updated and where several family members still live--was the perfect backdrop for her portraits. Ashley was stunning and up for anything I suggested, although back in March she kept saying she "felt like a martian" in her wedding get-up. She was happy to report Saturday that she finally felt completely comfortable in her beautiful dress and veil!

Enjoy the preview--there are lots of pictures, and it was hard to narrow it down even this much! A special note to Ashley and Garron's family and friends: please continue checking back over the next week or two for ordering information for the wedding photos! Thanks!

Did I mention it was windy?!? We about lost the veil!

Oooh, I love these!!

Ashley--it has been so great becoming friends over the past several months! Your portraits are some of my all-time favorites, and that was such a great day with you, your mom, and Marilynn at a place so special to your family. Hope you and Garron are enjoying the honeymoon, and I can't wait for you to see the wedding pictures!

Tammy & Cecil--Lovin' Downtown

2008-05-12T23:13:00.008-04:00

OH. MY. GOSH. Romantic...passionate...fun...energetic....seriously smokin' hot....just a few words to describe Tammy and Cecil and their pre-wedding portrait session. Tammy and Cecil will be married 08-08-08 in a little country church in the mountains of Highlands, NC, with an after-work reception back at The Lazy Goat in Greenville, but they wanted to go ahead and have some time just for the two of them to really capture their love with photographs. We spent almost 3 hours shooting all over downtown, and I am just giddy when I look at the results! Holy smokes, they were rock stars, and I'm gonna have to post a "part two"!

As a wedding photographer, I meet lots of couples in love, but not all of them share the same level of connection that this couple does. As Tammy and Cecil told me their love story over dinner and champagne on their awesome downtown balcony, I couldn't stop grinning because they are so sweet and their story is so perfect. They are truly meant for each other; if you don't believe me, check out these portraits...

These sweet gestures were 100% spontaneous--they just dote on each other all the time...

They bought Tammy's ultra-sexy shoes in Vegas...

Tammy & Cecil, I had an awesome time working with you guys and I can't wait for the wedding! Thanks so much for dinner--it was wonderful and I really enjoyed getting to know both of you better. I hope you are as excited about your photos as I am!!

*NOTE: if you want to post a comment and you don't have a blog, just click the "Name/URL" button in the comments section and type in your name. Thanks!

Carter & Elizabeth

2008-05-11T23:05:00.009-04:00

I've been friends with Carter and Elizabeth's parents for years, since they first began dating. This portrait session in April was the 4th time I've photographed their family, and Elizabeth had just turned 1! We headed out to a family member's beautiful farmhouse near Gaffney for some fabulous outdoor shots.

Here's Miss Elizabeth...I think she looks like a little garden fairy!

Look at those bright eyes!

Little girls' clothes are just too cute. :-)

I really love this casual family portrait in front of the barn.

Carter is all about tractors! He knows all the name brands and types of tractors and machinery. His Pop bought him this tractor, and he was right at home riding it in the yard! He said that he needed to go buy some parts for it. :-)

Another casual but "real" portrait...

A different take on the traditional "family portrait." I love how this image symbolizes that each family member plays a role in guiding Elizabeth as she grows.

*NOTE: if you want to post a comment and you don't have a blog, just click the "Name/URL" button in the comments section and type in your name. Thanks!

Erin & Paul--When you know, you know!

2008-04-13T00:18:00.009-04:00

They always say that when you meet "the one," you just know. Well, after Erin and Paul first met in spring of 2007, it was only a matter of weeks before she had moved to Georgia and they were engaged! I was really excited about their wedding because of their fairy tale story and also because Erin is part of a group of friends whose weddings I've been honored to photograph.

Erin and Paul were married at the same small church in Spartanburg where her parents and several other family members also were married.

The stained glass windows were amazing--very thick glass with the most vibrant colors you've ever seen! The sun just streamed in all throughout the ceremony.

The basement had really funky murals that the youth group must have painted. Perfect backdrop for some dramatic portraits...

Erin's three nephews were all involved in the wedding, and they were so excited to be a part of the day. The little ring bearer was SO excited that Aunt Erin said he could keep the ring pillow! He was the first person to congratulate them after the ceremony. :-)

I love this one! How amazing is the light from those windows??

Some happy "alone time" before moving on the reception. I'm going to have to do a separate post for the reception--just too many to choose from!

Would it be an Amy Clifton wedding without a shoe-shot? Of course not!

Congratulations Erin and Paul!

*NOTE: if you want to post a comment and you don't have a blog, just click the "Name/URL" button in the comments section and type in your name. Thanks!

Myra & Mark

2008-03-25T23:00:00.008-04:00

Since I just started my blog a few months ago, I wanted to showcase some weddings even though they are from last year. Myra and Mark were married during an outdoor ceremony at Creekside Plantation last October and had the perfect fall-themed wedding. I love fall, and their decorations were all about bright oranges and deep reds, pumpkins, sunflowers, and fall leaves. Two of Myra's nieces were the flower girls, and instead of throwing flower petals, they lined the aisle with fall leaves. This photo of the girls is one of my all-time favorites that I've ever taken!

Mark proposed to Myra with a Taco Bell sauce pack that said "Will you marry me?" He gets the award for most creative proposal ever!

They have such a sweet love between them!

Here are a couple of the less traditional portraits we took during Myra's bridal portrait session. I love being able to get creative during bridal portraits!

M & M--It was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day and to share that with your family!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T16:58:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter and that you're enjoying some nice Spring weather! I'm working on lots of photos to post in the next few days, so I hope you'll keep checking back. As always, feel free to leave a comment by clicking "Click here and show me some love" at the bottom of each post--I love to know who is reading and what you think! Happy Spring!

Autumn & Daniel--"WE DID!"

2008-02-18T00:13:00.008-05:00

I loooove working with this couple! I shot Autumn and Daniel's engagement photos, Autumn's bridal portraits, and their gorgeous fall wedding October 20 at the beautiful plantation-like Walker Hall in Spartanburg (www.walkerhall.org). They are so cute together and needed no coaching from me--definite chemistry between these two! Just a few weeks after their wedding, I bought all new camera equipment and attended a two-day workshop in New Jersey. As soon as I got back in town, I called Autumn to see if they would be willing to put their wedding clothes back on for a "We Did!" photo shoot--and a chance for me to experiment with the new camera and new techniques I learned...

The architecture at Walker Hall is beautiful.

Autumn is a natural in front of the camera! I love this elegant shot. I couldn't get enough of the lacework on her veil--gorgeous!

Sweet, sweet, sweet!
What do you think is best--color or b&w?? I can't decide...

LOVE the lighting, love the emotion, love the fall colors...

Experimenting with silhouettes. I'm pretty pumped about this image!

Autumn is part of a huge circle of friends whose weddings I've all shot! I think there are about 8 girls who have all used me for their weddings. As a photographer, I can honestly say that nothing makes me prouder than knowing that a bride enjoys my style and work enough to recommend me to (ALL) her friends. It is a real honor and a treat to call these girls my friends and to see them at each others' weddings. Next in line is Erin, who is getting married March 1!

Miracle Babies: 1 year later...

2008-01-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

This is a story about miracles...

Shanda is one of those friends that I can go for a couple of years without seeing, yet when we see each other again it's not weird at all. We've known each other since Freshman orientation at Western Carolina (more than a couple of years ago!) and have kept in touch here and there over the years. Early fall 2006 I got an email that Shanda and her husband were having twins. But the next thing I knew, there was another email saying that the boys had been born nearly 14 weeks premature.

On November 16, 2006, Evan and Tristan came into the world fighting for their lives. But they did not come into this world alone--they were accompanied by the prayers of hundreds of family, friends, and strangers and the expertise of amazing doctors. Evan weighed a tiny 1 pound 13 ounces and Tristan a teeny 1 pound 7 ounces. Can you even imagine babies so tiny? Their preemie diapers were the size of a dollar bill! Here's where the miracles come in....the boys spent 87 days in the hospital, but amazingly they came home before their original due date in February. And amazingly, they are perfectly strong and healthy and happy today! Shanda and Randy are such sweet and brave parents, and they are fully aware of the miracle of their boys.

I got together with Shanda and the boys at her mom's house in Charlotte just a few days after their 1st birthday in November. We shot some birthday pictures and celebrated their first year of life. Their one-year homecoming from the hospital will be February 11th, so I thought this would be the perfect time to share their photos!

These handprints and footprints were made when they were newborns. Notice the size of the quarter in comparison to the footprints!

Regular size pacifier for a year old baby, compared to the itty bitty paci when Evan and Tristan were in the hospital...

Christmas hats they wore in 2006 compared to the winter hats they wore around their first birthday. Getting an idea of how much they've grown?!

OK, so here are the boys now! Are they adorable or what??

(I'm pretty sure their grins mean "No Mommy, we're not eating leaves! Just looking at them.")

Shanda said they are fraternal twins, but I still had a hard time telling them apart.

I think this is Tristan...

...and I think this is Evan! (Shanda, leave me a comment if I've got it backwards!)

It was almost naptime when we came inside from the chilly leaves, and there was some ear-pulling....

Paci-stealing...

and a couple of tears.

Finally happy again, in Mommy's arms.

Like I said, this story is about miracles: the miracle of amazing medical care, the miracle of the prayers of many, and the simple miracle of a cold day in the leaves with two perfect babies. If you are able, you can click here to make a donation to the March of Dimes in honor of these boys or the healthy babies in your own life! http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/howtohelp.asp

Shanda--thank you for letting me share your story. I can't wait to see you guys again!

Katy & Jon

2008-01-23T22:32:00.000-05:00

How do I know this couple? Let me count the ways....my mom and Katy's aunt have been friends since 1st grade and work together now; Katy's aunt and I used to work together; I've gone to church with Jon's family forever; and I was a bridesmaid in Jon's sister's wedding in 2001. Wow, that's a lot of history! They are such a cute couple and have super sweet friends and family. They had a beautiful church wedding and a really fun dessert reception.

I am all about shoes! One of my former brides pointed out that I always do this with the shoes--stack them up.

Katy and Jon chose to see each other before the ceremony. I love being able to capture that "first sighting" of each other, so it's super exciting to me when couples want to do their pictures ahead of time. I borrowed the first sighting technique below from photographer Cliff Mautner, master of lighting and emotion. :-)

Katy's excitement as she realizes the door is opening and Jon is coming out to see her for the first time...

How cute is this?

I always get excited when I capture a smirk or "that look" that I know the groom is used to seeing from his bride. This look is sooo Katy!

I love the happiness on Katy's mom's face as she hugs her daughter after the ceremony.

The flower girl was SO cute and loved twirling in her poufy dress...

Jon's mom had some fun on the dance floor, too!

J&K--I had such a great time working with you and your families! Thank you so much for choosing me to be a part of your wedding day!

Baby Charlie

2008-01-14T23:26:00.001-05:00

Baby Charlie was born right before Christmas, and I got to meet him and take his newborn pictures when he was just a little over a week old. He is a complete cutie! I met his parents earlier this year through mutual friends, and they are naturals at this "mommy and daddy" stuff. On to the sneak peek while mom and dad are waiting for me to give them their proofs...

I love Charlie's little wrinkled up forehead--he looks so serious!

I adore this family photo--it is so sweet and serene. How in love with this baby are they?!?

This one cracks me up! The kitty may be having some jealousy issues--I'm thinking it probably ruled the house before Charlie came along. I love the contrast of the two of them relaxing on the couch facing opposite directions...

Thanks for letting me come out to your home and take some of Charlie's first portraits! I can't wait to see him again and see how much he's already grown!

Go Heels!!!

2008-01-07T00:30:00.000-05:00

Wow--what a nailbiter! I went to the UNC/Clemson basketball game tonight with my friend Kevin (a huge Clemson fan), and it was a crazy game. The Heels won it with a 3-pointer literally in the final second of overtime. I was a little worried that Kevin and his dad wouldn't drive me back home from the game. :-)

Finally, Here I Am!

2008-01-05T01:11:00.000-05:00

For the past year or so my photography clients have been asking "When are you getting a website?" and "Can we view our photos online?" I've been admittedly slow moving into the 21st century, largely because my brides and families do such an amazing job advertising for me! I was so fortunate to have tons of work during 2007 JUST from word-of-mouth. I love viewing other photographers' websites and blogs, though, so I've come to realize the importance of getting photos and stories out there for the world--or at least my clients and their families--to see. So here goes, this is post #1. I'm learning, so if things look funky for a while, bear with me as I experiment. :-)

OK, I'm going to attempt to include a photo in this post...after all, this is a photography blog! My close friend Robyn was married this fall, and I was honored to be a bridesmaid, so I couldn't photograph her wedding. I did shoot her bridal portraits, and this is a photo of her gorgeous bouquet, taken in the stands at Clemson's Death Valley. (For the record, I'm a UNC Tarheels fan.)

SO...officially...finally...here I am! Amy Clifton Photography. Enjoy!