March 27, 2009

Earth Hour 2009

10 Things You Can Do When the Lights Are Out

(thanks Tracy for bringing awareness for this cause)

On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm, tens of millions of people around the world will turn out their lights for one hour — Earth Hour — to demonstrate concern for our living planet and send a loud message to our leaders that they support action on climate change. Here are a few ideas for things to do in the dark…by yourself or with others:

1. Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with someone special using organic or sustainably grown food items.

2. Invite friends and family over for a “lights-out” party and serve green-themed snacks and drinks—green tea or apple martinis anyone?

3. Turn off the lights and power down the computer and cell phone. Use the quiet time to take a break from a “plugged-in” world by meditating or resting.
4. Take a bubble bath by candlelight.

5. Use the hour for practical tasks that you never seem to have time for. Test essential items in your emergency preparedness kit like flashlights, radios, and cell phones. Change out all your light bulbs to energy-efficient CFLs. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Think about how you would evacuate your house in an emergency in the dark.

6. Read a book set in an era without electricity. Marvel that the Romans conquered much of the world without a single cell phone and that Shakespeare wrote masterpieces without a laptop or the Internet.

7. Turn off the computer and write a letter by candlelight the old-fashioned way using pen and paper.

8. Invite friends over to play charades or Scrabble by candlelight.

9. View the night sky via telescope--the reduced “light pollution” may make some stars more visible.

10. Take photos of how you spent Earth Hour and upload them to the Earth Hour pages on Facebook, Myspace and YouTube. Keep it clean please!

Vote Earth.

Join us for Earth Hour at 8:30pm Saturday March 28 2009






YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

March 26, 2009

Tara

Tara was such a blast to work with. Sweet, kind and beautiful. I am looking forward to her wedding. She is going to have two receptions! How fun!!!

Tara, you looked amazing.



























March 23, 2009

Senior Portraits

Senior Portrait sessions available Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
Time: 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Call today to schedule your appointment.
936.334.4403
How long does it take until I can see my portraits? It takes approximately two weeks to get your final images.
How long does it take to receive my order? It takes approximately 5-10 days.
*Invitations should be sent at least four weeks prior to event.
Photobucket

March 22, 2009

Bluebonnet Limited Edition Session

Call today {936.334.4403} if you will like to schedule a "Limited Edition Session" bluebonnet session.

They are "limited" in that they occur for a "limited" time and limited in the amount of openings for each date. You will have at least 10 images to make your print selection from. Limited Edition Sessions also have special print pricing that is more economical.

Sessions last 10-15 minutes (depending on the age of the child).
One outfit.
One location.

More Limited Edition Sessions Coming Soon! Next Limited Edition Session will be Saturday, April 4th. Easter with a baby lamb! Call today to schedule your session 936.334.4403.

March 21, 2009

Grahm in Bloom

Grahm will celebrate his three month birthday at the end of the month. I cannot believe how fast he is growing. What a cutie!


Photobucket




Photobucket




Photobucket

March 19, 2009

Pardon the Look

Sarah said on more than one occasion that she wished that the pictures on my blog were bigger. I taught myself how tonight how to post bigger pictures. Yea!

However, I noticed that the horizontal pictures are getting cutoff. I am not "blog savvy" so that will take me a couple of days (or months) to figure out :)

A new look is coming to Amanda Key Photography. I have hired a very talented lady to create a new logo, custom blog, stickers, letter head, etc. I am soooooooo excited.

Spring has Arrived!

The air smelled so sweet. The beautiful sun glistened through the tree branches. Bees drinking the sweet nectar from the bluebonnets. What a glorious afternoon.

What a perfect way to end a day...photographing kids playing in a field of beautiful bluebonnets. Last night I reflected on how lucky I truly am.

Pam, thank you for a perfect afternoon.

**Sarah--are you proud of me--I figured out how to make my pictures bigger on the blog :)

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

March 14, 2009

A Whirlwind of Busyness

Busyness...
1: engaged in action
2: full of activity
3: foolishly or intrusively active

I can say wedding and senior session is in "open season." I have been non stop busy since last Friday. One session after another.

It has been super fun. The best part of this business is meeting new people. On Tuesday, I met a bride for the first time at her session. Her mother has arranged everything. Tara (the bride) was a blast. I love her! I am looking forward to her wedding.

Tonight--was prom night! We had a great time. I love seeing all the fun, cute, beautiful dresses. (it was 40 degree weather today.)

It is 3:00 a.m. I will catch up on blogging next week.

Have a great weekend. Guess what my weekend is going to consist of...getting my tax paperwork together. Fun. Fun.

Seniors--do not let time pass you by. Before we know it--it will be April. Call today to schedule your session 936.334.4403.

March 9, 2009

I Thee Wed

I was apart of a wonderful celebration last night. We had such a good time with Brandi & Henke!

Texas Weather. Yesterday was so windy! Today was so humid (HOT). Did we go from winter to summer? What happened to spring?

WITH THIS RING, I THEE WED

March 6, 2009

Isn't She Lovely

Jessica--you looked absolutely beautiful for your session. I love your veil!















March 5, 2009

Jessica

Here is a teaser from Jessica's bridal session. She looked absolutely beautiful.

March 4, 2009

Updates

Saturday is the beginning of a very busy next couple of months.

Saturday - Johnson & Gilfillian Wedding
Sunday - Ridley Bridal Session
Tuesday - McCoy Bridal Session
Wednesday - Amber Taylor Senior Session, Hardin Jefferson
Friday - Hull Daisetta Prom

Please be understanding that I may not answer when you call. I do not take calls in the middle of a shoot. Please leave a message and I will return your call ASAP.

SENIORS
Do not wait until the last minute to schedule your session. *New this year* Senior sessions are available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

Give yourself enough time to have prints back to include in invitations.

Matt & Stephanie

Last month I had the privilege of shooting an old friend of ours wedding. Josh and I spent the weekend in Columbus, Texas. We had a great time.

(part 1) more pictures to blog about later











March 3, 2009

A Nice Surprise

God works in mysterious ways.

Yesterday I had stopped by Adairs, a local flower/gift shop in Liberty, to visit with Pam & Linda. I was looking at all the fresh flowers and said "I wish someone would send me flowers."

A short while later I received the most beautiful gift. An amazing arrangement from Adair's. Attached was a message from Charita and Kyle. I was speechless. It was so ironic.

The flowers were beautiful, the message and gesture were perfect.

Charita and Kyle--you have no idea how much the beautiful flowers meant. You are too kind. Thank you again.

Adair's & Company (designer: Linda)


March 2, 2009

I blog stalk Amy Wenzel



While blog stalking last Tuesday I read that one of my favorite photographers, Amy Wenzel, was offering a workshop in June. Of course my first reaction was "I'm in! Where do I go to sign up?"

After talking it over with Josh, he of course explained all the reasons why I should go. Feeling guilty for the amount of money I would be spending, I held off.

I pondered daily. Would it be worth the money I would spend in registration, air, hotel and rental car?

Thursday, as I was blog stalking, I noticed that the workshop only had three seats left. I quickly booked my seat. After all the excitement I sat wondering if I had made a good decision. "Of course I did!"

Josh came in from work and I quietly told him the good news! That I had taken his advice and decided to go to Grand Rapids, Michigan!

On a whim I decided to text my new friend Sarah Shalley and see if "by chance" she wanted to go to the workshop. "I just booked a workshop in MI. Go with me--it will be fun!"

*Side Note...I met Sarah this summer at David Jay's Houston Free to Succeed Tour. We immediately hit it off and have been learning from one another ever since. Sarah was a huge help by second shooting for me at a wedding in November.

We exchanged a couple of text messages and even a phone call. (not to stress her out but by this point there would have been only 2 seats left).

Needless to say I received a text later that night..."I booked"

I am super excited! I cannot wait! Sarah--I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited that you decided to go! We are going to have so much fun!

Charita

Charita, I had a wonderful time at your wedding! The wedding was beautiful and you were stunning! Your hair, your dress and jewelry were perfect! I hope to have a "after" bridal session with you.

Everything was absolutely perfect (with the exception of my stupid self breaking a flash).

Charita and Kyle--thank you for sharing your special day with me.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful bride. Wedding post later this week.