Relocation

As of today, this blog has moved!  You can now join me at http://artblog.emilymagone.com/.

All posts from the beginning are there, so you won't miss anything! And it's much prettier ;)

Click to join me!

See you there!

Love,

Emily :)

Bound.

This is a follow up to this post.  I know you're busy, so here is a summary:

My business name no longer fits my business, brand, and the direction that I want my work to go. After having my business officially up and running for two years, I have further solidified my artistic desire and intent.  I described this in that post as well:

"Intentions typically flow from a belief system.  Mine is that everything in this universe - you, me, the trees, the animals, the stars, planets, all things vegetable, mineral and otherwise - are all made of the same materials and are therefore bound to each other on a much deeper level than our evolving human brains can comprehend right now.
The point is that people have strayed away from that universal connection over the centuries, and it has led humanity down an incredibly narrow and destructive path.  My hope is to remind people of that connection, of the importance and value of all of the other life on this earth aside from just the human life.  If you are already living that connection, I want to inspire it further.
I've been thinking about this for quite some time, but haven't wanted to move on it until I found the  name that represented it all perfectly, the name that resonated with me, that excited every cell in my being, and that I knew was going to envelope my artistic life and work forward indefinitely."

So... without further adieu...I present to you:

So what does this mean for you, as a reader, shopper or collector?

1.  The biggest change is the work itself and how you view the gallery. In an effort to hone my work and focus, all work is now categorized in four series falling under the umbrella of Bound and the meaning behind it. 

Woodland Bound - The forest, the trees, the leaves, the undergrowth. Le sigh.

Climax Bound - Abstraction comes from within.  When reaching those physical and mental peaks in life, I see color. Moving, sweeping, flowing color.

Sky Bound - The endless, epic universe blows the mind.

Earth Bound - This planet harbors and creates incredible natural formations that beg to be ogled and cherished.


2.  Over the past few weeks I have been transitioning all venues as well. 

The website is still www.emilymagone.com and the updates in accordance with the brand are complete.

The new blog location is http://blog.emilymagone.com/

Everything else is in the same place, but has the new name (or just my name) at the top:

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Society6


3.  My commitment to this direction also means that I will be limiting the custom work I do that doesn't fit within the scope of Bound.  There will always be exceptions of course! But all my new work moving forward will be a piece of the aforementioned collections, or will be the beginning of a new Bound collection.

I am ridiculously excited about this next step forward in my artistic life, and I want nothing more than for you to come along on this journey with me!  

"What I want to do with my art is to give you an opportunity to connect with the earth in new ways on a daily basis, to display and wear your love and appreciation for our natural world.  So when you can't be out frolicking in nature, a little piece of nature can be bringing joy and calm to your day, which then makes you want to be frolicking in nature...and so on. 

I want to help people become aware of their connection to each other and everything around them, to renew that connection, to maintain that connection.  There is incredible beauty in the tiniest details.

The Earth is beautiful. Bathe yourself in it. Feel the Beauty."

Many, many thanks to Lisa Wood for the amazing logo design and listening to me ramble for days on end about this relaunch. I love you so <3

Coming soon...

Mushroom Hunting!

So we went mushroom hunting in Brandon Forest Park and it was EPIC.  The sun was shining, the leaves were crisp, there was moss EVERYWHERE, and every mushroom we came across was different than the last.  After filling our cameras, we headed back to the farm and proceeded to get day drunk on vodka salads, i.e. bloody marys, and play a few raucous games of Mille Bornes and Trivial Pursuit.

Here are my favorite captures of the day ;)

Many paintings to come!!

DIY SOS: The Big Build

Pumped.

So a few weeks ago, I received an email through my Etsy shop from a lovely woman at the BBC requesting a couple of my pillow covers for a home design show that they do called DIY SOS: The Big Build.  After further reading and a little research, I realized that it was the original (British) version of a show we watch in America called Extreme Home Makeover.  I've been obsessed with EHM for years, and have never made it through an episode without crying like a baby.

So to be asked to make a contribution to such an epic and worthy cause, even if it is just a couple of little pillow covers, made me squeal and tear up with joy and gratitude. 

I got the pillow covers done and sent them off right away, and was also invited to come to the neighborhood where the family lived and be there for the big reveal with the rest of the builders, tradesmen, suppliers and crew that had a part in the renovation. 

The family, two EMT parents, a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old boy with severe physical disabilities and an incredible love for sports, needed a space that their growing boy could fully access and which would give the incredibly hard working parents and his caring sister some much needed respite and comfort. 

Being there with all the people that volunteered all of their time and sweat to bring this to fruition for this incredibly deserving family was amazing.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and the look on the young boy's face as he was talking about his rad new room, bathroom and the gaming system that he could operate with his finger was just an honor to witness.  The family was so incredibly grateful, and being the type of people that spend their day saving lives and caring for others, it was a great honor for everyone that participated in the project to be able to help them so immensely and take such a weight off of their shoulders so that they could go from coping with their situation back to living more fully. 

After all the opening and closing scenes were filmed, everyone had the opportunity to meet and get pictures with the DIY SOS staff and builders.  A group of incredibly kind, caring and hilarious guys that have one of the greatest jobs I can imagine - making huge, positive changes in the lives of others on a daily basis using creativity, innovation and the collective goodwill of a huge team. 

Giddy.

SO RAD.

It was a dreamy, dreamy day my friends.

So gratefully,

Emily <3

"Feel the Beauty"

What IS LoveArtWillTravel?

Ok.  So I started this blog back in 2009 to document my first adventure abroad.  I kept it going, and it made sense to carry the name over as I launched my business, as my art is ultimately inspired by my love of traveling and exploring - nature in particular.  

As the business has grown and developed, so have I, and so has my personal mission.  Every artist has a different reason for creating, a message that they want to communicate to their customers, to the viewers, to the world. 

I used to think that the only possible way that I could help others and 'change the world' like I hoped was to work with NGOs, nonprofits, join Peace Corps, etc.  So I did all that, and it was fabulous and wonderful in so many ways, but I still felt incomplete and longed for the answer, the missing piece. 

It wasn't until I took the leap into being an artist full time that I really felt like I was finally tuning in to who I really am and was meant to be, and on the path to fulfilling my intended potential in this life. 

So what is my intention, my message to you lovelies, as an artist?

First, let's chat a bit about art in general.  Art doesn't always have to have some deeper meaning.  Sometimes you just LIKE it. Sometimes you just think it looks rad. Its going to mean something different to everyone who views it.  If you're going to invest in it, however, it should make you feel SOMETHING.  I still remember the first piece of art that moved me to tears, but it doesn't need to be that dramatic of course. It can make you feel happy, reminiscent, calm... it runs the gamut.   My favorites are epic joy and empowered.  Genius color scheme and flowing composition usually do it for me.

Second, intentions typically flow from a belief system.  Mine is that everything in this universe - you, me, the trees, the animals, the stars, planets, all things vegetable, mineral and otherwise - are all made of the same materials and are therefore connected to each other on a much deeper level than our evolving human brains can comprehend right now.  I could carry on about this topic for days, but I'll save that for another time.

The point is that people have strayed away from that universal connection over the centuries, and it has led humanity down an incredibly narrow and destructive path.  My hope is to remind people of that connection, of the importance and value of all of the other life on this earth aside from just the human life.  If you are already living that connection, I want to inspire it further.

When we choose things to adorn our home and bodies - clothes, accessories, art, décor - we are really looking for things that are an expression of who we are.  Items that communicate what it is that we value and what resonates with us.  Things that not only look beautiful, but make you feel beautiful as well. 

What I want to do with my art is to give you an opportunity to connect with the earth in new ways on a daily basis, to display and wear your love and appreciation for our natural world.  So when you can't be out frolicking in nature, a little piece of nature can be bringing joy and calm to your day, which then makes you want to be frolicking in nature...and so on. 

I want to help people become aware of their connection to each other and everything around them, to renew that connection, to maintain that connection.  There is incredible beauty in the tiniest details.  

The earth is amazing. Beyond words incredible. Artists, conservationists, photographers, filmmakers...we have a responsibility to capture, interpret and communicate that beauty to the rest of the world. 

So I will travel, love, and make art for the rest of my days.  I hope I can bring you some joy, connection and beauty along the way :) 

With love and gratitude, 

Emily 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands!

So this last weekend my two best lady friends and I hopped on a Sleeper Train and headed up to the Scottish Highlands.  The sleeping arrangements were smaller than anything I had ever slept in before (aside from possibly a card table fort from my childhood), and sleeping was nearly impossible due to the constant squeaking and rattling of the train car connections and the noises coming from whoever decided that it would be easier to bang in the bathroom right next door than in their beds. (SIYUCK!) Yes, that's how small they were. 

In the morn when it was time for us to switch trains, we zombie walked to the next platform and then head bobbed our way through the next leg of the journey.

Our kick ass guide Dave picked us up at the train station in Inverness.  Dave, as you may remember from our Snowdonia trip, is a magical, all-knowing sort of fellow.  As usual, he is skipping all jolly through the hills, naming trees and plants and telling us their purposes and which ones will make a tasty salad.  Adventure loving badass, he is.

Loch Ness!

We went straight to Loch Ness, then to a castle, then to another castle.  I don't remember much from the first castle because I was starving to death and very focused on my tasty homemade soup and bread.

That is wool, washed up around rocks.  Just so you have an idea of the sheep population lol.

The second castle was rad, and apparently has been in James Bond or something. The scene was epic.

 

We stayed in a lovely place on the sea with an amazing cook and a super cheap bar. It was fabulous.  

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye. There is a stormy grey sky and golden field painting in my near future.

The second day we headed to the Isle of Skye to visit the only scotch whiskey distillery on the island.  

Talisker Distillery

The scotch was not my taste, but their packaging was super fantastic :)

The second half of the day was kayaking time.  We got all squeezed into our wetsuits and gear, picked our boats and headed out. We took off from the other side of the castle we were the day before. It was lovely to see it from the other side as well!

The first afternoon was everyone getting the feel of their boats and whatnot and the wind was at our backs so it was a lovely day.  And the sun was shining!  You never know what the weather is going to do in these parts, so it was extra magical.

The next day was a full day of sea kayaking and potential wildlife sightings galore! Rain had been predicted from 11am on, and we were on the water by 9 I believe so we were enjoying the sun and warmth as much as possible.  About 3 hours in, we headed toward a small rock island to eat lunch and stretch.  We we getting closer to the island and we started noticing a couple seals popping their heads through the surface.  By the time we reached the island, we were surrounded by seals on all sides, floating quietly with just their adorable puppy heads above water.  I was really hoping one would hop up on my boat for a cuddle, but alas. 

Once we were sitting on the rock eating our sammiches it began to rain.  Not a harsh, windy rain, but enough to get us wet pretty quickly.  Once we were back in our boats and out on the water it started to ease up, or at least it felt like it did. 

About half of us paddled far ahead of the others on an undeclared quest for silence.  When each of us had reached the very edge of viewing range of our guide, we would stop paddling and began to drift around in the still water, leaned back, boats pointed in various directions.  The silence was beautiful.  The calmness seeped into my soul and the cool mist into my skin.  Looking across the sea was emotional even.  The smoothness in the gradients of blues and greys from the sky, over the mountains, down to the water and along the glass surface to my boat was itself healing to behold.  There was not a noise apart from the calling of birds and the breath of the earth.

Once the rest of the group caught up to where we were, our guide led us to another seal colony that surrounded us on all sides again, silently investigating us.

 

Another thing that was amazing about this trip was the two incredible women that I was with.  Being able to absorb each others' beautiful energy and joy all weekend was a privilege.  I think we all travel with certain needs or intentions for that time away from the normal routine, whether it be consciously or not.  We were all getting whatever it was that we were needing that weekend, and it could be felt most definitely.  Communing with nature on that level will always do that for the soul, I believe :) I'm sure the super moon kicking ass over us on the shore was intensifying the awesomeness as well. 


Our 10 hour drive home took us through some ridiculously beautiful landscapes, including Glencoe.  I seriously wanted to frolic so hard through these hills.

Yet another epic and successful adventure, solidifying Scotland as one of my top favorite countries. I don't think I would ever get enough of this place.

With endless gratitude,

Emily

Giant Birthday Sale!

So I wrote this post two years ago today on my 28th birthday.  I just read it again, and it is still my favorite, and it still very much communicates how I feel about life.

Building up to the big 3-0, I've been thinking about the various changes I've noticed coming with this milestone.  Here are few that have stood out.

I can't party for shit anymore. Two glasses of wine and I'm all too aware of the need to remove myself from public before I do or say anything embarrassing.  Anything over three and hubby has to assist me to bed.

More than one grey hair has magically appeared overnight in the last couple of years.  When I am running around kicking ass at 80+, I will revel in my glowing flowing gleaming silver hair.  But for now, those bitches are getting the tweeze.

I can't eat whatever the hell I want anymore and not notice the physical effects.  Those days of nailing a half gallon of ice cream in one night are over. My mother warned me. Not that I could do that today if I tried.

Aside from that, life keeps getting nothing but better.  I think the thing I have noticed the most with the increase in age is the incredible amount of fucks I don't give. The things that were worrisome before, the things that waste so much thought, those people who are most definitely not concerned with you... they kind of just slip away without being noticed any longer.

I'm definitely looking forward to this birthday.

In fact, I'm so freaking pumped about making it 30 years, I'm am having the BIGGEST freaking SALE I've ever HAD in the shop!  From June 19th through June 22nd, EVERYTHING will be 30% OFF!  And no coupon code necessary, everything will already be marked down for your shopping pleasure!

Spread the word, and I will see you there!

Enjoy discount codes, first looks at new designs, specials and other fabulousness!

Free Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/IXstf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveartwilltravel

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/loveartwilltrav/

The Rebel Series: PJ Parsons - PJ Parsons Presents

I began the Rebel Series to highlight fabulous creative individuals who have diverged from the mainstream and forged their own path to success.  Perhaps they spent years working in the hell-mouth until they couldn’t take it anymore. Perhaps they followed their heart from the very beginning.  Whatever their path looks like, they have chosen not to conform to what society deems the ‘norm’.  And they are making the world a much more delicious place by doing so. 

Today's Rebel is PJ Parsons, Owner of and Entertainer behind PJ Parsons Presents.

PJ with one of her many happy couples!

EM: Tell us a bit about PJ Parsons Presents.

PJ: I am a DJ/MC and Coordinator, specializing in weddings.

How long have you been bringing all this joy to these lucky folks? 

12 years!

Was this always a dream of yours?  

I have been an entertainer since I was young. I actually was a professional clown from 1989-2001. I retired from clowning, but continued doing the event coordinating and then started DJ-ing and realized I liked it and was pretty good at it. I love being a part of making someone feel special, whether for their birthday or wedding day.

"You will never work a day in your life if you are doing what you love. Life is too short to sit in a cubicle. Remember to adjust your needs and wants to the income you can make so that you don’t feel the need to give up on your dreams just to pay the bills."

What did you do before you decided to pursue the dream? 

I’ve actually had a lot of different jobs. Some I really loved and others I really didn’t. I have realized that I am not very good at being an employee. I take too much ownership in the success of whatever I am involved with.

Can you describe the moment you knew that it was time to make the change? 

When I got serious about really making this work as a full-time ‘job’ was when I was working in an office, in a cubicle, and realized I had no joy. Nylons are not my thing.

How long did it take you after that epiphany to get your business up and running?  What were some hurdles along the way? 

I had the epiphany about my company about 6 years after opening it. I had not committed 100%, and the cubicle is what finally made me take myself and my skills seriously. 

The hurdles have been the change in marketing from when I had an entertainment company from 1989-2001. I have had to learn about websites, FB, twitter, instagram and that the age of the couples looking for me only want to text or email. I have to keep learning technology, and I'm a people person, so it is a challenge.

How many events do you average per year? 

30-40

You in 5 words. 

Loud, hyper, fun, passionate and whatever the opposite of tactful is.

Where do you call home? 

Everett, WA with my husband, teenage daughter and my dog. My other kids and their spouses live nearby, so home is when they are all here, with grandkid and grand dogs in tow!

What inspires you? Is there something grand that inspires your life and work? 

The smiles of my clients at the end of an event. The gratitude of parents of my couples. Being able to be available when my family and friends need me, and since I set my own schedule, I can be there when they need me. 

Something grand? Babysitting grandkids, and being in my hammock on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.

Beautiful couple, beautiful sunset!

What website or blog do you stalk the most? 

Yours!

Awwww.... :)

What band/artist is making you shake that booty today? 

Pitbull, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, DMB

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

At the beach, with my dog, and frequent visits from grandkids :)

What is the most hilarious or shocking thing that has happened during an event? Shocking: I got to see that not everyone wears undies at a wedding, and they forget that a lot when they are on the dance floor (ick).

Hilarious? Some of the toasts I’ve heard are pretty funny. I had one best man who was WASTED and he kept saying “fuckin’“ after every word. Pretty awkward when dad and gramma are in the front row.

What is one thing you would say to encourage other aspiring Rebels? 

You will never work a day in your life if you are doing what you love. Life is too short to sit in a cubicle. Remember to adjust your needs and wants to the income you can make so that you don’t feel the need to give up on your dreams just to pay the bills. 

"Do what you love, and the money will take care of itself."

What is something that you’re still learning? 

Wow - everything! Marketing, social media, updated equipment, and to remember to "breathe in, breathe out, move on” -- Jimmy Buffett

What do you fear? How do you conquer that fear? 

Failure - which would mean working for someone else. I don’t allow that to be an option.

Favorite place you’ve traveled? 

Australia! 

What about Australia did you love so? 

I loved the Murray River in Australia. I loved who I was there. The weather, food, beer, interesting people. I also thought I was going to spend my life travelling, but that has not happened yet :). It is still a goal.

Where would you like PJ Parsons Presents to be 5 years from now? 

In a groove with marketing, social media and expanding with at least one DJ and a Coordinator working for me. I also see awesome beach vacations with my family, and a home I love.

What is the coolest thing a client has ever said to you? 

That I made their day exactly what they wanted. I also had a Mom of the Bride say I was PHENOMENAL! Which made me happy.

Yet another happy couple!

What do YOU love about your work? 

That I am there on such an important day that could go wrong, and I do my best to make it what these couples want. Seeing happy people makes me happy.

What is your favorite part about being a Rebel? 

Waking up and knowing that I am in control of what happens today.  Also, irritating my siblings, who don’t understand why I won’t “get a job” even though I have a degree. 

Living life on my terms.

Anything else you would like to share with the world? 

Do what you love, and the money will take care of itself. Have faith in yourself.

Where can all these lovely readers stalk you and your work? 

I guess they'd have to come to a wedding! They can read my stuff on FB too. 

You can contact PJ through her website at:

http://pjparsonspresents.com/

or through Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pjparsonspresents

If you are a Rebel, or know of one who should be featured here, please contact me and tell me your story!

Resolutions vs. Plans

Phew! What a crazy holiday!  This November and December was intensely art-filled, and it was freaking fabulous!  Thankfully, I got everything out the door in time - even though the USPS failed me on a couple occasions...if only I could teleport and deliver all my packages personally!

The great thing about having shipping deadlines is that it left us with time to relax for the few days before Christmas.  This holiday consisted of a serious amount of sleeping, and a serious amount of food.  So. Much. Food.  I feel very squishy.

However, as 2013 draws to a close, I am very excited to get back into the swing of things!  I got my 2014 planner in October (this is a joyous event that I look forward to every year...I'm a freakish organizational nerd) and have been busy filling it up with various things to come in the new year.  I have a few plans in mind, a few trips on the docket, and some fabulous people that I look forward to spending more time with. 

Let's not mistake these things for "resolutions", however. 

res·o·lu·tion

noun \ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən\

: the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc.

: the act of resolving something

: an answer or solution to something

At this time of year, I am constantly hearing people make these statements and declarations about things that they are going to do starting in January, or at some point in the coming 365 days.  Their "New Year's Resolutions". 

Most of the time, I find that these declared resolutions actually fit more nicely into one of the two below categories:

goal

noun \ˈgōl, chiefly Northern especially in 1b & 3a also ˈgül\

: something that you are trying to do or achieve

OR

in·ten·tion

noun \in-ˈten(t)-shən\

: the thing that you plan to do or achieve

: an aim or purpose

: a determination to act in a certain way

: what one intends to do or bring about

Working out more, losing __ pounds, quit smoking, quit drinking, the list goes on. 

I know that this is just me being picky about semantics.  But I feel like there are a lot of people that make these 'resolutions', and by February they are a distant memory. Why is that?

There are also these things:

dream

noun, often attributive \ˈdrēm\

: something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time

: a strongly desired goal or purpose

as·pi·ra·tion

noun \ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən\

: a strong desire to achieve something high or great

Now we're increasing the magnitude of the words.  Dreams and aspirations.  Those sound like long-term ideas, right?  Not something that most people think about doing in the next few months.  But why not?  Every idea has to start somewhere, right?  It isn't just going to happen in one day, it takes lots and lots of little steps in the direction of your dream.  Steps that you can easily start taking in January. 

All these things stem from this:

de·sire

verb \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\

: to want or wish for (something)

: to feel desire for (something)

: to long or hope for

But desire means nothing if you don't have this:

com·mit·ment

noun \kə-ˈmit-mənt\

: a promise to do or give something

: a promise to be loyal to someone or something

: the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something

Without this key factor, NONE of these things will ever come to fruition.  Ever. 

Probably 90% of people don't follow through with their "resolutions" past March.  Why is that? Do people make resolutions because they feel like they should? New Year, New Me?  That whole concept? 

If you really, truly want something, you are going to COMMIT to getting it.  So what is it? What is it that you DESIRE? DREAM about? ASPIRE to?  Solidify your vision, and just fucking do it.  Figure out what steps you need to take to get there, and make it happen.  Quit being a wiener.  Quit making excuses.  Make a promise to yourself.  Be loyal to yourself.  Take care of yourself. LOVE yourself.  Respect yourself enough to follow through with the things you've always dreamed about. 

Don't know how to get started?  Let's chat about it!  Contact me HERE, HERE or HERE. 

You have unlimited potential as a human.  Let's embrace it. Let's make some PLANS.

Enjoy discount codes , first looks at new designs , specials and other inspirational fabulousness!

Free Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/IXstf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveartwilltravel

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The Rebel Series: Amanda Webb - Footsteps Photography

I began the Rebel Series to highlight fabulous creative individuals who have diverged from the mainstream and forged their own path to success.  Perhaps they spent years working in the hell-mouth until they couldn’t take it anymore. Perhaps they followed their heart from the very beginning.  Whatever the path, they have chosen not to conform to what society deems the ‘norm’.  And they are making the world a much more delicious place by doing so. 

Today’s Rebel is Amanda Webb, Owner and Magic Maker behind Footsteps Photography.

EM: You in 5 words.
AW: Passionate, professional, creative, determined, ambitious.

Where do you call home?
I’m from the Ozark mountain area of Arkansas, a little town called Berryville.

Can you describe the moment you knew that this is what you wanted to spend your life doing?
After my daughter Alexa’s birth and first few months of watching her and photographing her and all of the different milestones she was going through. I knew I did not want to miss those precious little moments. I don’t even know how many THOUSANDS of images I have of her during just the first 12 months. I made a keepsake book of the highlights from that year and she and I love looking back at it. Seeing all the silly faces she made when she was little, looking and comparing how tiny her little feet were, seeing first teeth, first ponytail, first steps, first time visiting family… (And yes mom, I know you need an updated one J)

This is one of the first images which made me switch the thinking of my career path from Graphic Designer to Portrait Photographer. It was taken when Alexa was about 6 weeks old with a little point and shoot Pentax.

Whose work has inspired you the most?
This is the most recent addition to my list of inspiring photographers - http://www.magdalenaberny.com/.  I love the emotion you see in her work.  How she uses the muted light to capture color or lack of color. You can find inspiration everywhere. From a new angle you never thought of, to seeing an old favorite you have already done but just a little bit different. I’m often inspired by the light in a natural setting and playing with it to achieve something new. I could not count the many blogs/Facebook pages that I follow. Some are old friends, some I’ve met in chat groups, and some I hope to meet in person one day. Inspiration comes sometimes from just driving down the road and seeing a location that I’ve never considered until that moment when I start visualizing how and where I’d pose someone there.

Is there something grand that inspires your life and work?
I’m often inspired by nature and the changing seasons and will see something that makes me think “HMMM I bet I can…” and then start to think of the whole setup in my head. This is an image inspired by nature and taking a trip apple picking with my family. 

Did you go to school to formally study photography?
I did go to school. I started out at the University of Arkansas, GO HOGS!, and then transferred to Valdosta State University where I finished my BA in Fine Art and Design. I’ve also studied on my own with books, magazines and online forums. And done a few workshops as well for specific topics I wanted to learn more about. Worth every penny!!

What defines the Footsteps Style?
I like to think of my work and shooting style as elegant, beautiful and natural.

How many of those adorable little babies do you capture per year?
Off the top of my head, I average 3 newborns a month but I’d love to see that number double or more.

What types of shoots make your heart sing the most?
By far the newborn sessions are my FAVORITES. Those tiny little squishy babies are my joy. And when I see them smile and make goofy little faces my heart sings and I know this is what I was meant to do.

Can you share with me your 3 favorite shots of all time and tell me a little about each?
Really, just THREE is all I can pick? If I must…but I can’t guarantee these will be my favorites next week even! It seems that I’m always seeing the art form differently as the seasons change and of course as new sessions come and I find new favorites in each of them.
I’ve got to pick your EPIC fall session from 2012, it is still a favorite and will be for a long time. This shot was shot in the rain, in the middle of a little road in the forest. The colors, perspective and chemistry are just there making it stand out.

Next, I’d have to select this one. Getting this shot was so rewarding after how much work and time went into it. This is a composite image, meaning for the baby’s safety it was shot as two images and merged into one through Photoshop. Not only that, but the two images were actually shot 3 weeks apart. The motorcycle portion was shot outside with snow flurries and the newborn one inside in the studio. But I had the vision of what the final image would look like and it met and exceeded the image I imagined.

And third, I’ve got to pick one of my little model, which I also have blown up on canvas in my home. Alexa often goes along with me to scout new locations and we take photos of her along the way.  Many of them are often out-takes and her being silly, but I love them.

What do you do to grow your skill set and develop your portfolio?
I am my own worst critic and I analyze all of the images I take. But that also allows me to see what I’d like to do differently and try it a different way next time. Also, a lot can be said for good experienced instructors and workshops. They are well worth the investment.

What website or blog do you stalk the most?
So many to choose from… let’s go with Robin Long Photography as it was one of the last ones that I saw from today. I love her simple and elegant posing work.

 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Friends and clients are most likely sick of hearing about it, but I’d move back to Okinawa, Japan in a heartbeat. We spent 5 years there and I miss it.  I’ve even got an Asian decorated room with sea blue walls in my house. 

Favorite place you’ve traveled?
So far my favorite place traveled was Kyoto Japan in the fall. I’d love to go back during the Spring Sakura season too. I don’t consider myself a landscape or natural photographer but I do love it for my own personal documentation of places I’ve been.

What is the most hilarious or shocking thing that has happened during a shoot?
HAHA! It would have to be when I was photographing a couple at the beach in Okinawa and was using my 85prime lens and trying to get just a little more environment in the photo while still keeping my eyes on the moment in front of me. I was walking backwards and literally fell right over a big rock on the beach and landed flat on my back feet straight up in the air. Camera and myself were both fine.

There is also the newborn boy with impeccable aim. While posing him in the bottoms up pose he managed to poo all over my camera. I now place it well out of firing range.

What is one thing you would say to encourage other aspiring Rebels?
Never give up your dream, follow your heart, and keep working towards your goal.  

What do you fear? How do you conquer that fear?
SNAKES!!! Nothing has conquered that fear. I ran backwards screaming almost knocking over a client during a session as one slithered right in front of me this past summer. And I have not been back to one of my favorite places since.

Where would you like Footsteps Photography to be 5 years from now?

Who knows where the Air Force will take our family, but depending on the location I would love to have a studio space that is disconnected from my home to be able to easier separate work from home. And I’m sure my husband would love to not have photography props and equipment taking over the house.

What are you trying to communicate with your work?
The moment and freezing time each time the shutter clicks.

Can you remember the first thing you photographed that really moved you?
I can’t remember the first photo that moved me, but I think the moments within photography that got me the most excited were in my final year of Art school - my Printmaking professor had us set a theme for the year (at the time the hardest thing ever was just to set a theme) that we would do all of our work around. But I set the theme as the seaside and ocean. During that year it was really hard to keep everything seaside related, but it also made me think outside the box and try new things. 

During the same year I also had full access to a dark room for my photography class so I used darkroom techniques in my printmaking and combined the two art forms. This was the result, a photo negative enlarged, etched into a copper plate with acid, distressed then printed with intaglio methods.

What other artistic mediums bring you joy?
I sew and crochet often now. Hey, it goes hand in hand with photography and creating all sorts of cute little items for the babies! Recently I’ve starting making maternity dresses for photographers. It’s fun to see something I’ve created worn and photographed by so many talented photographers. Also, I really enjoy oil painting and Intaglio printmaking but have not done it in years.

What is the coolest thing a client has ever said to you?
Sometimes it’s the emotions that speak louder than words - when you see a client’s face light up and a happy tear when they see their brand new baby’s portrait for the first time.

Recently though, I had two moms write a few words to me that made me tear up.  One wrote “BTW you are very talented! You’re the most amazing photographer that I’ve ever met in my life!!! Keep up the good job!” and the other wrote “Thanks so much.  I just also wanted to say you did an amazing job with our photos and all my friends in the baby class. I love logging onto Facebook and seeing their beautiful babies as well.”

What do YOU love about your work?
I LOVE color and playing with different tones and textures within a session to see how they work together and play off of each other.

What is your favorite part about being a Rebel?
For me being my own boss is the way to go. I’ve worked for several companies as an employee and as a director but it’s not for me. My parents are entrepreneurs in outdoor advertising and I think growing up around them and seeing how they worked, kept organized and ran their business made sense to me and helped me to want the same thing. They had a business at our home and my sister and I were always close to them. Since I was able to help, I learned the family business and even worked closely helping out in the shop with them. Not many teenage girls can say they know how to use a table saw, paint a billboard, install vinyl lettering on semi-trucks and dig pot holes…

I can do my own thing, run my business how I see fit, set my own schedule and also teach my daughter about hard work and determination just as my parents taught me.

Where can all these lovely readers stalk you and your work?

I’ve got three places: My website, blog and Facebook - all linked to each other.
Website: www.footsteps-photography.com
Blog: www.footsteps-photography.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FootstepsPhotographyByAmanda

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