With the age of digital photography, it is easier than ever to shoot like bandits, download and shoot some more. (And let’s face it, some of us don’t even download!) The good news is that we are not stockpiling hundreds & thousands of photos on our desks and tables but instead, those digital works of art are collecting cyber dust waiting for us to appreciate and share them.

It is time. Set some boundaries and get a plan together. Sort through those 2011 photos and figure out the best way to share your memories…a year in review, vacation book, school year, etc. You can do so many fun things to share your memories now. Here are some ideas:

1. If you are a traditional scrapbooker, print those photos and have a croppin’ party!

2. Make a photobook. There are so many services out there to help you easily create one and if you have MS Publisher and a book binding kit, the sky is your limit! Or create something as simple as a flipbook (a small spiral bound photo book available at online photo retailers like Snapfish or Shutterfly). Kids love them!

3. A video! Software is so affordable and fun these days. You can upload your photos, arrange them, add music, voice-overs and create your own DVD that your family can enjoy. Imagine having your children’s voices with the photos…what a treasure.

Don’t get overwhelmed, get started. Set your goals and go! Enjoy the amazing photos you are taking and tell your family’s story.  Most importantly…have a plan to back up your photos.  Don’t wait for a hard drive crash to put a plan in place. You cannot replace these memories.

Here’s to celebrating our past and to a beautiful 2012! Happy New Year!

Who's child is this? Maybe that Christmas Carol has more than one meaning...

Aaaah, Christmas morning. The kids have waited what seems like forever to see if the man in red has really brought them what was on their list. I love to hear how different families approach the Christmas morning gift unwrapping process…everyone unwraps at once with gift wrap flying or the one-at-a-time method with everyone “oohing” and “aaahing” over then new treasures. No matter how your family does it, there are plenty of photo moments waiting for you to capture them to enjoy for years to come! Don’t forget to charge those camera batteries.

How many of you have those photos of the kids holding up their new toys and you can’t see their face or they are looking away, already mentally moving on to the next gift? All you are left with is an excellent photo of the product. Like the one I have included of the gorgeous Vivitar camera, yeah? Hmmm. I wish you could have seen her face when she opened this gift.

Wouldn't you rather send this to the gift giver if they aren't with you to share in the joy?

Not all reactions are over the top...this little one is making sure Mr. Claus' quality control is up to par.

Yes, that’s it! Focus on the subject, your child.  Not the gift.  Changing your mindset on the subject and why you are taking the photo will produce much better photos that you will love.  Try this…watch your child (and this works for anyone, any age!) and catch their expression as they open the gift and wait for that moment of recognition, when they realize what they have received.  These are the glimpses into their personalities that are so challenging to get in a photo. Priceless. Unlike the gifts but hey, they are only kids once.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Everything!!!

Amy Dawnelle

Here are the individual shots from this family portrait session. Then in post, I’ve combined each family into one beautiful picture perfect portrait!

I am so excited to offer you this Black Friday special.

Seriously, what could be a better gift for your wife who really wants a family portrait?

Or your daughter-in-law who has wanted to get a portrait of your grandchildren done before they get much bigger?

Or for your parents who would love an heirloom-quality portrait of them with their kids and their kids’ kids together?

Call me on Black Friday to reserve yours. Gift Card purchases of $300 or more will receive a 16×20 Heirloom Wall Portrait (a $225 value). Done. Cross that one off the list. You just given someone the gift of that will give them memories,  joy and smiles for years to come.

You can buy the Gift Cards online at www.amydawnelle.com

Scary faces and donkey kicks! Fun times!!

Probably the cutest kids ever! next to my own of course

Okay, Moms.  I know how the majority of you feel…picking out the outfits, keeping the kids clean, combed and well-behaved through the portrait process seems daunting.  Overwhelming. Makes you thirsty for the wine they are serving over there in Wine Country.   Have we met? I am Amy Dawnelle and I am a mom of 3 kids. I love kids and I appreciate them for what they are…kids! Photographing kids is a blast. Bring ‘em on…er…in! I say!

Seriously, we have fun and you don’t have to be stressed. Look at these 3 from a session last week. These three are 7, 6 and 3 and they are just the way I like ‘em…all kids!  We had a blast. We talked about school, Halloween, and I heard all about dinosaurs from Kylie. Yes, the little sister has a lot to say.  Boys, watch out!