Amy Jenkins Photography

Valentine's Day Cuties!

2012-02-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

Friday afternoon, I had the most adorable little girls come by the studio for their "Belated" Valentine's Day mini session. Their outfits were to die for! Very cute!! (Makes me ALMOST wish I had a little girl!) Here are some of my favorites from our session together. Enjoy!

Waiting on Ava!

2012-02-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

My 2nd session in my new studio was a maternity session. I had so much fun with these two and I can't wait to meet their baby girl! I wish them all the best as they prepare for her arrival! Here are some of my favorites from their session. Enjoy!

Mama's little angel!

2012-02-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed meeting up with this little lady & her mama this week. They were the first session in my new studio! I have had the pleasure of photographing mama's maternity session and this little lady's newborn session....and now....her 3 month old session! They sure do grow up fast don't they?! Here are a few of my favorites from our session together. (Your proof gallery will be posted later tonight!) Enjoy!

Oh the things I do to get pictures like this! LOL! I was laying flat on my stomach with my feet in the air! But so worth this adorable smile! (I'm sure she's thinking...this lady is crazy!)

Mama's Little Angel...

St. Patty's Day Princess....

She's the little sister. (I think her big sister really wanted to be there too...but she couldn't miss school!)

Upcoming Specials & Mini Sessions!

2012-02-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

More fun mini session events to come so stay tuned....

Happy 1st Birthday!

2012-02-03T16:24:00.000-05:00

This little sweetheart came into the studio Sunday afternoon for her first birthday session. She did so good, even though she was a bit tired. Such a little cutie pie!! Thanks for stopping by!! Your Cd is now ready for pick-up!! Happy Birthday!!

All daddy said here was "Show her your teeth!" And this is the smile we got!! (I should remember that one!) So pretty!!

She was NOT a fan of the real cake...so I whipped out my fake cake!

She brought this balloon with her and would not let go of it. I think these turned out super cute!!

It's beginning to look like LOVE DAY!

2012-01-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look like LOVE DAY, or better known as Valentine's Day, here at the studio!! These sessions have been so much fun!! I have decided to extend the Valentine's Mini Session Special through the end of February, so make sure you book your child's session now!!

Little Cupid trying to figure out how to work those arrows!!

The newest addition to my prop collection is my "Kissing Booth". A special thanks to my hubby for helping me get it together.

The set-up below was called "Amy's Sugar Shack". It was only available on the mini session day back in mid January. It was such a fun set-up, but a lot of work. With moving the studio, this set-up had to be taken down. (All other set-ups are still available)

This little lady is holding up her sock so you can see what it says!! (My 1st Valentine's!!)

Valentine's Mini Sessions are still available and will now be offered through the end of February!!

The Deal is Done!

2012-01-12T15:09:00.002-05:00

Well....It is done! The Deal is Done! The lease is signed!! That's right, you heard me correctly. After many days/weeks of negotiating....we finally received an offer we couldn't refuse! And we couldn't be more pleased. God is so good!! Thank you all for your prayers, love, kind words & support!! What would I do without you!!

I am now a resident of DownTown Hampton! I can't wait to get into the new studio space and start to clean & decorate!! It's going to be fabulous. And BONUS...did I mention....I have my very OWN bathroom!!! (It's the little things in life!!)

For those of you who don't really know what I'm talking about, refer to my original blog post, posted earlier this year: "The Big Announcement".

We will be starting the move on February 1st and hope to be completely in by mid February...which will give us a couple weeks to re-paint & clean the old studio. Here's a picture of my new space!! Our new address will be: 100 Bridge Street, Suite C-2, Hampton. (Entrance is on the right side of the building). Right behind the VA Air & Space Museum. Stay tuned for an Open House coming up in early March!! I can't wait for you guys to see the space!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-01-11T22:21:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!! It'll be here before you know it! I'm planning on having my Valentine's mini sessions this Saturday. Here's a sneak peek of a little gal who came in this week to try out the new set that I call "Amy's Sugar Shack". The "Red Hearts" backdrop will also be available! And a sneak peek of the "kissing booth" set-up will be posted tomorrow evening!! (So many fun ideas!!)

Project 366: Day 7, 8, & 9

2012-01-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, I posted a blog about my newest project. You can read about it here, Project 366.

I'm hoping I can keep this up all year long!!

Here's my Day 7: Spent the day working & cleaning up the studio and setting up for my Valentine's mini session event which will be held this Saturday, January 14th! This set is called "Amy's Sugar Shack".

Day 8: Sunday, January 8th my husband & I started attending a new marriage class provided by our church. It's a 6 week class and it is so fun!!

Day 9: My oldest son has been borrowing books from his Science teacher. She gives him a sticky note & he writes down when he needs to return the book to her, & sticks it on the front of the book. Then he comes home & writes down all the dinosaur names in alphabetical order!! (Such a smart kid!)

Do you know someone getting married in 2012?

2012-01-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm looking to book about 10-12 more weddings for 2012!

Do you know someone getting married in 2012? Maybe a friend or family member? Co-worker? If so, tell them about me! Have them contact me by e-mail or by phone for a wedding quote. If they book their wedding with me & pay their deposit, I will send YOU a $30.00 gift card for your next session, just for sending them to me. It's my way of saying THANKS!!

(I'm willing to travel a bit too!!)

E-mail me: amyjenkinsphotography@gmail.com

OR Call me at 757-768-8644

First Newborn of 2012!

2012-01-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, I received a message from one of our family friends (and neighbor) about photographing their newborn. (Well...he's actually six weeks old...a little older of a newborn...but still Oh so cute!) We tried a few poses and he did good, but then he started to get a bit fussy. I kinda thought, oh man...it's probably over. I asked mama if he falls asleep pretty fast, or will he just fight. After one minute in mama's arms...and he was out!

We laid him down and captured so many awesome images. He was so sound asleep, he let us do just about anything! Such a little trooper he was! A fun, and very relaxed, newborn session indeed! (Thanks for stopping by the studio! I really enjoyed it!) Here are several of my favorite images from our session together.

This is a tradition of mine...to capture all newborns on my baby scale with their birth information on it. I've been doing this for about two years now and I LOVE to look back at all of them and see all these precious gifts & precious memories!

And one more....I did this image of my nephew's feet last year for the first time, and it has quickly become the most asked for pose ever! I love it!

Oh those BIG Beautiful Baby Blues!!

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000-05:00

I LOVE it when my brides call me years later & say "We had a baby and we want YOU to take his pictures!" Well, right before Christmas I received a call from one of my past brides who wanted to book a session for their new baby, in January! He just learned how to sit on his own!

Here are a few of my favorites from our session together. This little fella has the most gorgeous Beautiful Blue eyes EVER!! (Thanks for coming by the studio to see me! Congrats to you guys!)

The "Big Announcement" of 2012

2012-01-06T18:09:00.000-05:00

So, I know a lot of you (mostly my regular clients) have been waiting for this "big announcement" in 2012! I really pumped it up on Facebook & was so excited I could just bust! The announcement was going to be made on January 1st of 2012. And well...it never happened.

I had posted that there was a "kink" or a little "hiccup" in the "announcement" and that I would hopefully make it later in the week. And I know some of you have been waiting ever so patiently to hear what it is. So here goes...

Some of you know that I have been in my studio space now for two years! (Can you believe it's been two years!?!) And a few of you know that I just haven't been happy with the space for the last year. I'm not going to start the blame game or complain or share details...but I've just not been happy...I have very legit reasons.

So about six months ago I started a search all over the city of Hampton for a "new home" if you will, for my studio. I searched & searched. I viewed numerous places. Found some I liked, found some I didn't like. Some were just way too expensive, and some just weren't for me.

Right before Christmas of 2011, I found, on accident really, a nice place. I saw the sign, did the research, called the #, made my 1st viewing appointment, then my 2nd viewing appointment, talked over all the details, started getting really excited, took lots of pictures, took measurements for furniture, spent countless hours on pinterest arranging & decorating my new space, spent hours ordering new prints to hang on my wall...etc.

I set-up my appointment, signed the lease, received my key and heard the words "I'm going to drop this off to the landlord, she will sign it, and we will mail your copy to you...Merry Christmas!" And that was it! I was THRILLED....ELATED....OVER THE MOON!!

So I patiently waited for January 1st, 2012 (the start date of my lease) to tell you all the good news. I had my paint crew all ready to go!

Then I received a phone call on New Years Eve telling me that they wanted me to come in & sign off on one item. After they told me what it was, I thought "no biggie" I'll do it. As I was there, I found out there were actually two things I needed to sign off on. And one of them was a "deal breaker". They now wanted me to pay for all the utilities, instead of them being included like they were in the original price, it was now going to be extra. It was not something I could really afford. It caught me off guard, I was completely shocked & devastated. I called my husband and told him I had to walk out. There was just no way I could do it/make it work. I was literally shaking as I came out of that office...as I sat there and watched my dreams quickly blow away.

We tried to come up with some sort of an agreement, but I just couldn't get over the fact that they wouldn't honor what they originally advertised it for. And the more negotiating, the worse it seemed to get.

And to top it all off, I had already sent a "vacating the premise" letter to my current landlord. So now I've got to be out of there by February 28th.

My husband and I have been around & around about this. What do we do? What is the best option for us? We thought about going back to the current landlord & saying "can we void that letter now, we've changed our minds", but the thought of having to stay there another year just makes me sick. And we thought about moving ahead with what the "new landlord" would want us to do...but running the figures over & over & over again, and just the "unknown" of it all...and just the thought they hey...you should honor what you advertise!...I just didn't know if we could afford it all. And then there was the option of "do we just pack it up, thin down some of the prop collection, sell some of it, and move it back home"...I mean, that could be an option, if I don't go over 200 sqft of my home. And the more I think of that option, the more frustrated I get.

So as of now, we will be "studio homeless" come February 28th, if I can't find a new place by then. My requirements for a studio space are: somewhere in the city of Hampton (I do not want to go outside of Hampton!), somewhere reasonably priced/in my budget, somewhere that has an excellent landlord who's going to support a small business owner, and somewhere with no less than 600 sqft. If you can, keep your eyes peeled, and let me know if you find anything. (Even though I've already canvased the entire city over & over again.)

I'm trying not to let this get me down! I really am. I've shed enough tears already. I know that God has a plan for me & my business. It is all in HIS hands now!

Project 366: Day 4, 5, & 6

2012-01-06T17:42:00.000-05:00

So far so good...

Day 4: This is my son's school agenda that comes home every day with notes from the teacher. This has been a very good week & a great start to the New Year! Makes mommy proud!

Day 5: Trying to eat healthy...I allowed myself ONE Dove chocolate & this is what my wrapper said. And I did just that...I took a very LONG nap!!

Day 6: My boys all packed up & headed to Nana & Papa's house for a sleepover! Little do they know that papa has set-up the tent in the office for them to sleep in tonight. I wish I could be a fly on the wall when he tells them!!

New 2012 Customer Rewards Program!

2012-01-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

Project 366: Day 3

2012-01-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

All the red, white & green...so sad to take it all down. Until next year!

NEW Baby Plan 2012 Announcement!!!!!

2012-01-03T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is a GREAT DEAL...if I do say so myself!! I did this as a trial run last year and had 10 beautiful babies participate. It was a huge success and I thoroughly enjoyed watching these babies grow & visiting with them throughout their first year!

This plan only cost $75.00 to enroll, and that gets you baby's first year of sessions for FREE. Meaning NO SESSION FEES to worry about! Sessions will be held at my studio and you can come as often as you'd like!! Some people choose to come just for newborn, 6 month & 12 month sessions. Some people choose to come for the newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month & 12 month sessions (which I think is the BEST!) and some people even choose to come EVERY month!! It's totally up to you! Any option you chose...this is a great deal! The more you come, the more you save!!

You can enroll into this program for yourself or for a friend! (This would make a great baby gift too!!) And when you enroll, you'll get a packet of information about baby's first year. You'll get tips on when it's best to be photographed and tips for making each session a success! You'll also receive awesome coupons for the newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month & 12 month/One Year/Cake smash sessions!! The coupons will vary each time...you could receive $ off a print or cd order, you could get FREE prints, or you can even get coupons for NEW products!!

(This plan cannot be used in conjunction with mini sessions. Mini sessions are a separate special).

So don't delay! Contact Amy today at 757-768-8644 OR E-mail at: amyjenkinsphotography@gmail.com

Christmas Card Winner!!

2012-01-02T17:20:00.000-05:00

During the November & December months I sent out numerous e-mails and Facebook messages stating that if you put one of your Amy Jenkins Photography images onto your Christmas card, and if you mail me a copy of your card, you could be entered into a drawing for a FREE 2012 Photo Session. This means that you do not have to pay a session fee for a STUDIO session in 2012. This gift expires on December 31, 2012.

I received a handful of cards...and they all looked so great! I really enjoyed stopping by the studio mailbox and pulling them out of the box.

Without further ado...my oldest son was my helper today and helped me pick a card from the basket.

...And the winner is.....

Congrats to the Willaford Family!!

Project 366: A Photo a Day/A Year in Photos

2012-01-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I tried this "Project 365: A Year in Photos" and needless to say...I quit during the month of March!! I know it's fun at first, but it starts to get a little tedious after a while. But looking back at those pictures, I really appreciate them and wished I had taken the time to finish out the year.

So with that said....I am going to give it another shot! But actually this year, it will be called "Project 366" because it's a Leap year!! And what will make this project even more fun is that I got this super cute photo album for Christmas...and now I can't wait to fill it up!

And for my first two entries....

January 1, 2012: A nice walk on the beach...had the place to myself!! It was a whopping 63 degrees in Hampton. What a beautiful day...watching 2011 wash away and welcoming 2012!!

January 2, 2012: My boys enjoying their last day of winter break. It's going to be so hard to see this break come to an end.

So who else is going to join me on this project?! Anyone....Anyone...

Valentines 2012 Mini Sessions & Specials Announced!

2012-01-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

I've photographed several Boudoir sessions, but they are not typically something I do. This is a one time offer. I thought it would be something fun to do for Valentines for your significant other! So take advantage of this special deal, because it won't happen again until next Valentines!

Call me at 757-768-8644 to book your session or if you have any questions.

Top 20 of twenty-eleven: A Year in Review!

2012-01-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

2011 has been an amazing year for me! We are about to celebrate TWO years in the studio! I can't believe it...time flies when you're having fun!!

I have enjoyed this past year so much and I want to Thank each & every one of you for making it possible. I couldn't do what I do & fulfill my dream without you!! With that said, I have searched & searched through all my 2011 images to find MY Top 20 images of 2011. Here is a look back...Come down memory lane with me!!

These are some of my favorite engagement & wedding images. I have been so blessed to capture these special, once-in-a-lifetime moments. In 2011 I hit my goal of photographing my 50th wedding! And then ending the year with 51 weddings under my belt! I have had the most amazing bride & grooms ever and I wish them all the best in the world!

I LOVE photographing new moms as they wait for their newest additions to their families, whether it be the first child or the fifth child, the radiance of a soon-to-be mom is absolutely stunning!

2011 brought me an amazing opportunity to photograph my 1st birth. (Not mine! LOL! But my brother & sis-in-law's birth. They delivered their long awaited (7 years to be exact) bundle of joy on January 27th and what a joy he has been!) I'd like to thank our family doctor for allowing me into the operating room for this amazing occasion. I am looking forward to 2012 and being able to photograph more births! (Contact me at: amyjenkinsphotography@gmail.com if you're interested!)

Another AMAZING part of my job is watching these babies grow!! These twin boys came to me in January for their newborn session. They were born really early, so we had to wait for them to be released from the hospital to do their newborn session. And just about two weeks ago, I was honored to photograph their first birthday/cake smash session! My have they grown...and boy did they ever tear into that cake! It was strictly business!

And watching all these babies grow & celebrate their birthdays is so fun!!

I have also enjoyed seeing all these adorable four-legged friends! This little sweetie pie did a picture for each holiday of the year. I sure hope Riley's mommy made a 2012 calendar out of those images!

2011 brought on many fun "themed" mini sessions!! Valentine's...Easter...Summertime/Watermelon patch...back to school...and more!! I have so many FUN mini sessions planned for 2012. I can't wait for you all to see the images that come out of these themed sessions this year! Starting with 2012 Valentine's mini sessions on Saturday, January 14th!! We'll be having a kissing booth this year and a FUN set-up called "Amy's Sugar Shack". Contact me at: amyjenkinsphotography@gmail.com to book your time slot!!

And who could forget the adorable Halloween mini session event. I mean...is this the cutest costume ever?!?!

One of my favorite things about my job is when moms call me and say "I have this idea, what do you think?" My reaction is always "Let's do it!!" This mom wanted to have her son photographed in his skating gear and asked where we could do it. I thought & thought & drove all over Hampton Roads until I found this skate park right here in Hampton. We met up one morning and had an amazing session. This little fellow rocked out his session with his mohawk, boom box, skateboard & all!

Newborn sessions have quickly become my absolute favorite session to do. Especially when I can get them to come in to the studio between 5 and 10 days of age! This early age makes for some great images!

I have seen some of the most amazing families this year. I love them all and we have had some awesome sessions together...whether walking around on a beach, at the park or gardens, or just right here in the studio!

Cake Smash sessions are also one of my favorites!! And boy have we had some messy ones this year!!! Parents are always so nervous about the mess, but I say "Bring it on!" I am stocked with a box of wipes, paper towels, mops & trash bags!! Bring on the mess!!

These images are my pick for the Top 20 of 2011! I hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane.

Another one of my goals for 2011 was to launch my newest project. I had been working on this project for over TWO years and was so excited to get it up and running. It's my ALPHABET PHOTOGRAPHY project. I've sold numerous names with these images and they made great Christmas gifts for 2011! I look forward to adding more to this collection in 2012! (Thank you to all who ordered! It was so fun seeing all your names in my ABC images!)

And so I end this blog post today with one last image! May you all have a very blessed & HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks again for an AMAZING 2011 and I look forward to all that we will do together in 2012!