Ayden

I love, love, love newborn portrait sessions. Ayden's portrait session was no different. I enjoyed loving on little Ayden and catching up with his parents, Stephanie & Harrison.

Congratulations to Stephanie & Harrison Gray! He is perfect!

Ava, Celebrating Year 1

It feels like it was just yesterday that I was capturing Miss Ava's birth portraits. Where does the time go?

Miss Ava, is such a cutie. I just love her beautiful blue eyes!

{more images to come}

Lana, Celebrating Year 2

A beautiful bright sky all day, until picture time. Dark clouds filled the sky and fear of rain crossed my mind. Not my idea of the lighting I was after, but we went with it.

I loved every minute of my session with Miss Lana. What a beauty! Her eyes and curls, oh my goodness!

Happy First Birthday, Lana!

Khloe

Khloe is such a cutie! She was unsure about the cake business, unsure about the "getting dirty part." I love her little smile!

40th First Day of School

Today is my 40th FIRST day of school. {yep, I counted} No students--meetings all week, but for me, tomorrow is "my first day of school."

I would love to skip all the meetings and go straight to the fun stuff--teaching!

{a special thank you to my friend, Mandi, who came and helped me in my classroom. Thank you bunches!}

Does Nice Really Matter?

Today was one of those days! I had a little meltdown, luckily I was alone.

Pressure has been building. We put in a bid on a house two months ago. It has been, without a doubt, a very stressful, roller coaster of experiences, bad deal. I never like to accept that I have failed at something. I never like to "not" get my way. However, it was time to say it just is not meant to be.

Josh always sees the glass half full. He is my Positive Polly.

When I had my meltdown I started thinking of how I should look at the house experience, through a positive rose colored glass. I learned a lot. I learned that even when the house appraises for the amount it needs to, even when you are approved for the loan, it can still fail. I learned that my friends and family give me support even when they probably do not think it is the best idea. I met a wonderful mortgage broker, and learned a lot from her. {Thank you to my real estate agent, Mandi Simeon.}

Was the house deal the only spark that caused the meltdown? Absolutely not.

I am a list maker, a cross off the list, must feel accomplished kind of person. This week as I quickly realized that this is the "last week" before school, I saw a full to-do list left. That makes me feel anxious, nervous, and a weird feeling that I cant describe.

Josh heard me talking to my friend Regina, who is also a teacher, we were talking about how sad we were that summer was over and how we wished that summer still had time left. My Positive Polly, Josh, chimed in "man sure must be tough to work 187 days a year, must be tough to go back after 2 1/2 months off." So again, I was quickly reminded to see the glass half full.

There are so many things that can cause panic, stress, heart ache and even tears, but in the end there is a much bigger picture.
I am blessed to work with one of my ex-teachers, Kathy Smith. She always says "Nice Matters." Sometimes (like after two months and $2,000 spent on trying to get a house, you question if nice really matters). It does!

I have been reading a blog called "operation nice" for the past year. The blog encourages individuals to be proactively nice. My goal is to attempt to do "34 random acts of kindness this year for my 34th birthday." So on August 31st I will begin. {got the idea from this blog.} Operation Nice!

Hardin High School Volleyball, 2010-2011

For the past five years I have had the opportunity to photograph the Hardin High School Varsity Volleyball team. Each year I present myself with the challenge to make this years volleyball photo session better than the last.

I spent several hours searching for the perfect magazine photo cover that we could re-create. Vanity Fair's annual "Hollywood Issue."

What I loved about this years photo session:
1. That it was indoors. AC--yes please! (air conditioning vs. 100 degrees outside)
2. Vintage dresses!
3. A friend, Christy Jones, videoed the photo session. Movie star feel--of course!
4. The laughter and smiles.

Girls, you are beautiful! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture this years "elite group." Wishing you continued success on the court!

{Individuals, coming soon!}





Vanity Fair Cover

Khloe, Celebrating Year 1

I know I say it every time "I had a blast photographing {fill in the blank}." But I really do. I love, love, love babies and children. Khloe was no exception. So pretty!

Thanks Sheila & Amber for the company during the shoot. Loved catching up and laughing with you guys.

Vanity Fair Cover, Hardin High School Volleyball

On Monday, I will have the pleasure of shooting the Hardin High School Varsity Volleyball team. This will be my fifth year to create a "different" scene for the team.

Different is what we are after. A glamour feeling for the girls.

This year I found a Vanity Fair cover that I (we) will attempt to recreate.

Bobby & Jennifer, Wedding

Bobby & Jennifer are the kind of people that leave a footprint on your life. They're sweet, kind, and their personalities are contagious. Thank you for allowing me to document your special day. Thank you for how welcome you made me feel. And, I love that out of all of this, I made two wonderful friends.

You two are beautiful!

Pink Office Supplies

Is it 2010? Can you believe that in 2010 I could not find the "perfect pink" office supplies?

I searched for HOURS online and in stores for the "perfect pink" paper clips, binder clips and rubber bands. The search would yield pink paper clips but binder clips in another color. Craziness.

So, I made my own. Call me crazy (and you will after you hear what I did). I spray painted over 200 paper clips, binder clips and rubber bands. Ballet slipper pink. Yep, I now have the "perfect pink" office supplies. However, I do not think the items are use able. The paint chips very easily and I do not think I am willing to spray paint more to replace the current inventory. For now, they are very pretty to look at.

Studio News!

I have some exciting news for Amanda Key Photography {studio}! We have been busy these past few weeks purchasing new flooring, backdrops and props. Josh, my husband, even helped transform a closet into a photography office for me. {photos to come soon!}

Due to Texas heat, rain, heat and more rain, I needed an indoor alternative to provide for my clients.

Brand new floor options:

White barn wood floor


Distressed barn wood floor


Dark hardwood floor

Kylee Lea, 13 Days Old, Newborn Portraits

I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Miss Kylee & Mom.

Kylee is perfect, in every way. Beautiful, sweet and so tiny. She was an absolute doll.

Megan, I can see your love for your beautiful daughter. I witnessed the joy she brings and will continue to bring. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture this special time in yours & Kirk's life.