Amy Stevens, Photographer/Owner

Photography has been a part of my life since the day I was born. My father was an amateur photographer who bought his first SLR camera the day I was born. As a young girl, it’s the camera he used to teach me with. I loved the sound it made when you pulled back on the lever to advance the film after you took the picture. I loved how I could look through the view-finder and see the world in a completely new way. I loved dropping the film in, snapping the back shut and advancing it to the very first frame. But the best part was getting the prints back later and seeing the finished images. From 4H to the high school newspaper to my first job at a professional studio, photography has been the continuous thread in my life.

So much has changed in photography since my Dad bought that first Nikon. Instead of film and darkrooms we now have memory cards and computers to process the images. What has remained the same is the joy in creating an image and capturing a moment. Being chosen as your photographer is an honor. I know that the images I craft for you are not only important to you but also to your children and grandchildren. These are the images to accompany the stories that are handed down from one generation to the next.

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband of fourteen years to walk through this journey of life with. We are the proud parents (and full time chauffeurs) of two beautiful girls and one darling boy who keep me busy driving them all over town.
Amy Stevens, Photographer/Owner
Brandi Coldwell, Photographer/Owner

I have the best job in the universe for sure! I have been blessed with an awesome family and career. I have three gentlemen in my life that keep a smile on my face and gray hair on my head. My husband of 8 years has been supporting me since this journey began. My kiddos are aspiring photographers themselves at 4 and 7 years old constantly snapping shots of themselves with my iPhone. I cannot explain how exciting it is for me to create an art piece for my clients. I love to exceed their expectations and create something they would not of seen or thought of for themselves. I believe this is what sets us a part as photographers. I know that in photography there is a story to tell, a moment to feel, and an experience to relive. I love to document life and the love within it! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my passion.
Brandi Coldwell, Photographer/Owner
Lois Nichols, Photographer/Owner

I love my job. I love photography. I love my kiddo's, even the four legged ones. Especially the fluffy black one who thinks he IS one of my kids! I love the way light can fall on a face, the mood it can create. The story it can tell. I am always in "photographer mode", even when I don't have a camera. My brain is just wired to see it. It is my passion. My clients often laugh at how excited I get when I capture the perfect shot. How I jump like a giddy little girl. But when they see the finished image, they understand. I love to make people beam with joy, looking at an image of their child that captures who they really are, not just what they look like. I will never forget the time I met the grandma of one of my regulars. She hugged me so tight and she had tears in her eyes as she thanked me for capturing the spirit of her grandson. It made my heart want to burst with happiness! THIS is what I live for!
Lois Nichols, Photographer/Owner

Monday, June 7, 2010

Andrea & Justin

Memorial Day weekend was sunny and warm–perfect for a wedding at Tanganyika Wildlife Park! We were able to walk around the park with Andrea & Justin and take their portraits near and with some of the animals. The kangaroos were really interested in Andrea’s dress–I can safely say it’s the first wedding shoot where I’ve had to worry about an animal nibbling on the wedding dress! As we were finishing up with the kangaroos a group of park visitors were walking toward us when one of the little girls saw Andrea and exclaimed, “Ooh!! Look at the pretty princess! Can I go say hi to the pretty princess?!” Without a doubt that is the single sweetest remark I’ve ever heard about a bride. And she was right, Andrea did indeed look just like a princess

The ceremony was outside and even included a little penguin who walked down the aisle with the wedding party–loved it! After the ceremony we went back out to the park for a few more quick portraits. Andrea & Justin were so great, they even volunteered to lay on the ground for some more casual portraits–we love that! We had a great time at Tanganyika, it’s always fun to go someplace different and unique. And how can you not love a place where the groomsmen can take a break and have a hot dog?

Justin’s sister was unable to attend the wedding but thanks to modern technology his Mom was able to read his sister’s toast to the new couple from her iPhone during the toasts. The reception was in full swing as we left the couple to enjoy their party. Guests were having fun in the photo booth, dancing to the DJ’s music, enjoying cake and punch and keeping cool in the air conditioning. The perfect way to kick off the start of the official summer wedding season!

Congratulations Andrea & Justin!!

–Amy

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Fresh Friday » Fresh Wed - June 26, 2010 - 9:07 am

[...] wouldn’t want cute little guys at their wedding? I just love this real wedding – at a wildlife park! Put them at the top of your guest list – giraffes and [...]

Lola Jo Blog

Amy Stevens, Photographer/Owner

Brandi Coldwell, Photographer/Owner

Lois Nichols, Photographer/Owner

Andrea & Justin