amanda-kay-co

monthly prints + memory box

amandakwyse@gmail.com (Amanda Kay Wyse) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:38:07 GMT

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What if you could simply preserve your memories, in a beautiful, and uncomplicated way?

What if you could show off your family, and it didn't require passing your phone around?

What if you had something meaningful and tangible to pass down to the generations?

Friends. I don't know about you, but I pretty sick of having the world at my fingertips via my phone, at all times with out fail and with out breaks. Don't get me wrong- I love being able to stay connected, share my work and life via social media (tho I'm currently taking a break!), and to get ahold of who I need to when I need to. BUT . When it comes to photographs, viewing and sharing them solely on that little screen is just not it. There's a better way, that's been around a very long time.

In the early stages, I floated the idea and sent the custom product to a couple of you in exchange for your thoughtful reviews that helped shape what the product is today. One trusted friend gave me feedback that brought me to tears. I can't help but share:

“When I opened that box today, it was like opening up a little treasure. It felt so good to hold each photo, and the quality was so much better than any prints/books I've ordered in the last decade. I imagined pulling it out on New Years Eve, and passing it around with my family. It's like a new tradition was born today, and it feels nostalgic in a really cool way. Like we'd be connecting with the generations before us - moving at a slower pace and recalling good times over photos as we passed them around.” -S, a dear friend and loyal client

Okay but who doesn't want that?! This picture she painted is living rent free in my head.

Listen-- this idea isn't new. You've seen many offerings like it before and I'm sure you've even heard me promote other brands who I've tried and loved. However, I have been less enchanted by said products + options as of late, so naturally, I had to fix it- not just for me but for you! I've re-envisioned this product to be in line with my brand aesthetics, with your desires you've expressed to me, and of course, a practical product that you will use and love. And this feels just right.

So here it is (photos below!)! Presenting, the monthly prints subscription-- when you subscribe, you upload 10 photos from the past month (or year! or whatever you want, it's yours!), I print and ship to you. Prints in your hands! You'll be prompted each month to add your new photos. These can be snapshots from your phone or photos pulled from your professional photo gallery. You choose, box or no box-- but if you ask me, you've got to have the box! (If you sign up this month, I'll add the memory box free for the first month with code FOUNDER !) You'll also have some other simple options- light edits or a white border (my fave!). And if you want to finish off your order with some display options? I've got you! I'm also offering the walnut stand and white mat for that!

It's here and I'm SO excited. I can't wait to hear what you think and see how you display your photographs.

Click here to buy it now!

beyond grateful,

amanda kay

we’re moving y’all

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:00:36 GMT

Oh hey there! Checking in here on the blog for a big family update ��

photo by Chelsea

The Wyse crew is moving to Charleston, South Carolina!

Actually Charleston area but that doesn’t write quite as catchy.

I think we’ll fit in just fine because I already say ya’ll ��

I have a lot of things to say. My hope is that they’ll all come out clearly and leave you in a warm and fuzzy place. Hang with me?

If you’re here for the short version:

☀️My family is moving to South Carolina in December! The goal is toes in the sand on Christmas Day ��

�� I’ll continue to offer photography services here in Michigan, through myself (limited) and Chelsea (year-round). I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too!

�� I want you to be in the know and dream to stay connected— you can always see what I’m up to on instagram @a.k.wysephotoanddesign or sign up to receive my newsletter in you inbox, here .

Here’s the (much) longer version:

A little backstory: It has been on Drew and I’s radar that moving could be in our future, for many years. More recently, as I’ve been on a journey of healing and learning to advocate for myself, I started talking about it again. Actually, more asking. Asking if we could consider it, and find a place with more sunshine, more salt air, and more to explore all year round.

I want to say something romantic like “Charleston stole our hearts” but in reality, once we experienced it we just really liked it and thought it’d be a dang good place to live. After pursuing it more, it was clear that God was paving the way, going before us with connections, timing, and provision. We are grateful. And we are SO excited!

We are also sad. Leaving Detroit is bittersweet. We have started our family here, made life long friends here, and experienced so much joy. I have also experienced some very dark days here. We are ready to move forward and step into what God has for us, near the palm trees.

Okay, cool, but what does this mean for my portrait photography business?

It is my desire to continue to serve my clients and capture beautiful photographs for their families to cherish. Outside of my own family, one of the greatest joys of our time here in Detroit, for me, has been the people I have met and grown to know and love through this business in the past seven years. I am so grateful for the relationship and trust that we have built. I don’t want it to end.

That said, I would love to continue to offer photography services. There are two ways I plan to do this, if you’ll have me:

First, through my email list, I will communicate with you trips back to the area (Detroit and Traverse City) with opportunities for sessions. I have high hopes to do this twice a year, in months that we can count on decent weather ��

Secondly, it is an even greater joy to continue to offer you sessions year-round through my associate, Chelsea. Chelsea is a professional that has been trained to shoot in a similar style as me, uses the same gear, and is delightful to be around— bottom line, similar experience and end result. I will continue to manage client communication and edit photos of your beautiful faces.

Chelsea is eager to know more of you and help provide you with quality portraits! My hope is that you will take us up on this great opportunity to remain in partnership to create authentic photographs for your family, year after year.

Actually, there is also a third: I’ll be photographing in Charleston, too! You are always welcome to come and visit + hire me for a beach photo session ��

This also feels worth saying: if you would like to part ways, be blessed, friend. There is no expectation for you to remain, now or ever. As a client or even as a reader/follower. Be free! Peace to you!

This is so very bittersweet. I ran into a friend last week, who looked at me and asked me how I was doing, really wanting to know. With tears I told her my fears. She prayed for me and reminded me that the Lord has already gone before me in your hearts, just like I know he has gone before us in this adventure we are about to begin. I am comforted and at peace.

Because we are moving south, it was really important to me this fall that we get portraits highlighting the fall colors— something we’ve never done before! For 8 falls now I’ve been photographing so many of you in this delightful, colorful season and it was about time we had some keepsakes of our own �� (We normally get portraits in winter or on vacation!) Of course, we scheduled with Chelsea, and I am so delighted with our photographs. What a beautiful send off from the midwest! It’s also a good opportunity for you to see what Chelsea can offer!

Care to see more? Keep scrolling!

That’s all the photos for now. Thanks for scrolling ☺️

I leave you with some requests: If you’re ever in Charleston, will you tell me?! I’d love to see you there and buy you a cup of coffee. And if you know anyone who I should know in that area, would you send them my way?

You’re the best.

Amanda Kay

annabelle + jacob | detroit

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:34:23 GMT

A+J got engaged at the end of 2021, and we were able to execute their engagement photo session within those those first couple of weeks! Even in the cold, engagement photos are always a GOOD idea!!

Let’s roll it back. Their story is one I don’t think we hear very often these days, and it’s real good. They met + got acquainted via handwritten letters, while J was away at boot camp. One of A’s friends encouraged J to take a chance, and over weeks + months they continued the conversation on instagram and eventually over the phone. When they finally got to meet in person, they knew they wanted to keep pursuing valuable time together! And here they are now, planning to marry ☺️

Being asked to photograph their engagement and eventually their wedding is an incredible honor. You’ll be seeing more of them, no doubt!

Stay warm!

xo,

amanda kay

callum | newborn

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 02:39:47 GMT

You guys.

2020 came and went and I published a total of four whole blog posts, all before May, and then went straight up silent. (I did stay current on instagram — check that out here if you’re interested.) It’s safe to say this global pandemic has taken a toll on my motivation to blog. I am grateful, however, that this does not mean I wasn’t out there capturing you all— I certainly was, more than any other year!

I am back here to say, wow, where did the time go? and also, I still have pretty pictures to share and really want to share them with you!

This session is one of my absolute favorite newborn sessions as of late. You will quickly see that the O’Donnel’s home was the ideal backdrop for crisp, bright, beautiful photographs. Truthfully, it was a photographers dream!

Enjoy this precious family and let me know what you think!

xo,

amanda kay

harbour annelies | newborn

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:48:01 GMT

Last week I met Harbour; she is the sweetest addition to her family, whom I met in July for their maternity+family session. I love meeting new babies in their home surrounded by their loved ones. I love witnessing parents in their first couple of days or weeks as they adjust to this new human in their arms and in their hearts. And I’m honored to be trusted to capture it.

Do you have photographs from when your baby was just born? I have very few with me in them, but the ones I do have, I cherish. I don’t want to forget that version of me, or them. I want to remember the feeling of holding the little human who I labored over to get into this world, healing me with every snuggle and coo. I want to remember that new version of me who was so drastically different than just days before, when I hadn’t yet met this tiny life.

I hope you enjoy this little snippet of the Arntson’s new normal captured in these photographs!

amanda

azoni family | at home

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 03:01:06 GMT

Last fall, the Azoni family invited me into their home for a lifestyle family session. It was so precious to document them in their space. Because of the comfort of their own home, the girls were able to quickly warm up to me and we ended up having a blast. I wanted to share this session because I believe that one day in the future, this type of work will be possible again. Amidst a global pandemic that is honestly making this concept seem foreign, I choose to look back at this sweet time in these photos while looking forward and believing more of that is to come.

I miss you, friends. All of you.

You’ll also see we ventured outside, in the snow, for a few shots too (It is also currently snowing, today, in April, so…there’s that.).

Stay safe, stay home, and see you soon, friends.

amanda

jax | milestone

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 03:22:23 GMT

In an effort to keep things pretty and positive over here at a.k.wyse photo+design, I’m going to use some of my time off from sessions to bring to you all blog posts from recent sessions.

First, coming at you on his 2nd birthday, is Jax’s milestone / mommy+me session that we thankfully got in before his birthday and before the shutdown. Isn’t he such a cool little dude?!

Tell me, how are you holding up, friends?

augustine's birthday | birth at home

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 04:42:37 GMT

When Vanessa invited me to capture her birth, I was counting down the days till that babe was born. Being part of such an intimate occasion was such an honor!

On that winter afternoon, she let me know when she was pretty certain labor pains had begun. It was only a mere 4 hours later that Augustine arrived! All 9 pounds 4 ounces of him! It was such a whirlwind and I’m so impressed with the female body. Vanessa, you are a warrior. I’m so proud of you!

Vanessa was kind enough to write a testimonial:

“I am so thankful to Amanda for being present at Auggie’s birth, one of life’s most precious moments. After my births, since my brain is usually in a fog along with sleepless nights and visitors, I can sort of lose the memories. These photos capture the intensity and emotion of such a sacred moment. I'm able to look back at these photos in such awe and emotion, especially as I write my birth story and begin to remember details that I couldn't have without the pictures. This is my last baby and I only wish I could've had such a beautiful and detailed memory as I do now with Auggie’s photos. For this, I am forever thankful. Thank you for the gorgeous photos Amanda! Thanks for shooting Auggies birth announcement, maternity photos, birth & newborn photos (what a journey). Thanks for having mimosas ready for two sleepy parents as we came with our troops for family photos ;) you're the best!”

Thank you to this family for letting me capture such a special occasion, and for being gracious enough to encourage me to share it here!

This year has been full of new and exciting things for my business— first, the studio, and now, an obsession with birth photography! ;) Thank you for all of your support, friends! If birth photos are your thing and you live in the Detroit area, I’d love to be considered to capture your birth story!

amanda

sloane | newborn

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:00:14 GMT

Meet Sloane!

She’s well over a month old now, but I had the pleasure of meeting her after her first week of being born! She was so sleepy, which honestly, has been rare for my newborns these days. It was so precious to capture her peaceful self during her session.

I was invited to document Maureen and Nate’s journey in pregnancy and then once baby arrived— this, friends, is my favorite. I love being able to capture your story along the way! Thanks for inviting me in!

amanda

augustine palmer | newborn

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 06:34:26 GMT

On his 4 week birthday, I’d love to introduce you to Auggie! Or Augustine Palmer, more properly. I had a blast having him and his adoring siblings and hero parents in my studio— my biggest group yet, at 8!

come back soon, simkins!

amanda

uresk family | casper, wyoming

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 09:44:22 GMT

One of my favorite things about traveling and having family and loved ones who live all over the globe is that I get to take my passion for photography with me and connect with others in a way that I definitely wouldn’t otherwise. If you’ve been following along for a while, you already know this about me. But it’s worth noting again.

My favorite part-- I feel so loved and energized through the whole process: while my family/friend is getting the word out of my future travels to potential clients, encouraging them to trust me; reconnecting with friends I’ve met solely because of photography, who desire to get portraits again; actually meeting up with said friends and photographing them; getting their feedback and staying connected as I get their images ready for delivery...the list goes on.

Yep, even this introverted soul loves connection and our human need for it.

All that to say, I’m so thankful for Bree and her family, who are displayed in the photographs that follow. She has been a treasured friend and colleague to my mom since some of family moved to Wyoming a couple of years ago— it seems like we’ve known them way longer! Bree has even entrusted my mom with the role of “Grandma Beth” to her littles. It makes my heart sing to witness their connection and the numerous ways God has filled needs in their lives with simply the existence of each other.

Thank you Uresk family for your love. And your cuteness. Goodness, you are cute together.

amanda

hey! you made it to the end of one of my longest blogposts-- thanks for scrolling through, friend!

elodie jo | newborn

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 10:38:02 GMT

When I first met Jen, I had known of her for quite some time, but we never crossed paths. When a dear, mutual friend was getting married, we officially met in all the pre-wedding festivities and were instant friends. You know when you meet someone, and you feel like you've known them forever? That's Jen for me. So each time I've spent time with her since then, it feels like old friends reconnecting.

As you can imagine, when she asked me to capture her daughter as a newborn, I was over the moon. A chance to hang AND photograph Elodie? Yes please.

One thing is for sure, these three belong in front of the camera. Thank you, Andersons, for the authenticity and joy you brought to this session.

amanda

africa through my portrait lens

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:46:04 GMT

Recently, my husband Drew and I traveled to Kenya with group of incredible humans represented by Kids Alive International.

We went as guests of our friends + mentors who encouraged us to join them-- a married couple 30 years our senior, who have experienced life with beauty and love, trial and imperfection, and now exude wisdom and understanding into our life like no one else has. They are invaluable to us. We knew this trip would be good, solely because of being with them!

What we didn't know, was, that we would see another part of this world that we immediately loved. We didn't know we'd meet so many incredible, God fearing people, on our team and nationals to Kenya. That we would experience first hand an organization doing so much good, in Jesus' name, rescuing children from poverty, fostering change in individual lives and culture alike. That we'd be amidst so much hope. That we'd leave inspired and encouraged. We didn't know!

We also didn't have any idea what we were in for on our three day safari (!!!). It was incredible. I'm talking, jaw dropping landscape, wildlife for miles and miles and miles, elephants for days, rivers filled with hippos (okay, one river. but it was FULL of hippos!) Guys. It was so amazing!

There's just too much to tell in a single blog post. But as I do with most life experiences, I'm going to attempt to describe it through photographs. And I encourage you, if you are curious to learn more about Kids Alive, Kenya, or traveling in general, just ask! I love to share and connect through my experiences.

I hope you enjoy Africa through my lens!

{sidenote, I was so drawn to the above tree, and photographed it many times. It's called Crown of Thorns-- the type of tree used for Christ's crown of thorns placed on his head when he was mocked by the Jews, later to be crucified, buried, and rise again.}

thanks for sticking around till the end!

amanda

ellie ray | milestone

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:21:46 GMT

I think Idaho is the furthest I've traveled for a photo shoot?

It may not have been why I went {it wasn't}. But I couldn't be around this cuteness and not document it.

I was in Idaho this July was because I found myself within four hours {SLC with other dear friends!} of my dear friend Norah and I could not pass up the opportunity to spend 24 hours with her and her family, and to meet Ellie. So we took advantage of the situation and planned it. Being with them = pure joy. Our shared experiences go back to preschool, and now they include motherhood. Read: happy heart.

You may remember I photographed Norah and her new baby bump last Thanksgiving... here she is now with Ellie Ray, the sweetest little peanut who is the closest thing to a niece to me without actually being related.

Ellie dear, I love you. Till the next time I get to kiss your cheeks and hug your mama, dear one.

amanda