Make That Change

You know that pit in your stomach you feel when you need to make a change but feel stuck?  The pit that comes when you start to think about the feelings and emotions that come with that very word and all that has to happen to make change possible?  Change comes with a lot of fear and doubts that arise when you know something needs to give and you know that it's inevitable for growth.  Growth is essential and as humans, we are always searching for ways to do more, be better, improve our skills, and nourish ourselves from within.  But for so many of us all we want to do is run away from change.  

So why is change so difficult?  What is it about change that we crawl back into our zones of comfort?  Why is change a dreaded word in our vocabulary?  For me, change was that exact word…dreaded. 

The younger me did not welcome change with open arms.  It was difficult for me to accept or go after anything outside of my comfort zone.  Going away to college, changing schools, traveling for work, it was all very difficult.  But I didn't run and hide from it all together because to be honest, I couldn't. Sometimes the most challenging positions we are faced with are not optional.  We have to figure out how to cope and get through it and the best part is when we come out on the other side and realize how important, impactful, and even life-changing it can be.  We learn how essential change is in our lives and how it actually feeds our souls in the best possible way.  Change frees us to experience life in the most beautiful way; it encourages us to follow our hearts and forces us to believe in ourselves in ways we never thought were possible.  Change makes us proud.  And believe me; I used to be one of those people who feared change.  But then I realized that I had to get uncomfortable with it to actually live the life I wanted to lead.  Sure I knew it would be difficult, I knew I would be tested in more ways than one, but then some really amazing things started to happen once I accepted change.  I started to see how the hours worked were finally meaningful hours and that the experiences and lives I touched made a real difference.  The happiness I could bring to others through photography was and is indescribable.  I started to see that without change I wasn't going to get anywhere and going through the motions wasn't cutting it anymore, it wasn't me.      

So now, I can honestly say that:

Change is good.

Change is powerful. 

Change is necessary!

One of my many favorite Michael Jackson songs is “Man in the Mirror”.  My mom used to play it for us on our car rides to school.  We would bust out singing at different parts during the song and to this day my favorite line is, "if you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself then make a change."  No matter how loud we would sing it, we always whispered at the end...“make that change.”  Even then I knew my deep-thinking elementary self wanted to make that change.  And I am sure glad my mid-thirty self finally got the message...loud and clear!  

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Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family and engagement portrait photography.  

To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

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What To Wear | Tips & Suggestions

One of my favorite parts of planning a portrait session is helping to make any overwhelming questions of What to Wear easier for my clients.  When I welcome new families and couples, I include information on clothing in their welcome packet.   I’ve been so excited to hear from so many of how helpful this information is in planning their session.  My suggestions are based on reading and studying how colors, textures, and patterns work together, how it comes across on camera to get that feeling you desire in your photographs, a look you will enjoy today and years from now.  I often think of choosing clothing like setting the mood for a dinner party with friends--comfortable, casual, a lot of warmth, and some special touches.

I’m a pretty basic kind of gal when it comes to wardrobe.  To me less is more.  Even when I try to spice things up if we go out to dinner, I always find myself going back to the classic, timeless look of pearl studded earrings and soft, neutral colors.  I really didn’t realize how my own closet represented the items of clothing I suggest to women for their sessions until we packed to go away for a few days last week!  And packing for a few days for me really means packing for a month, I seriously don't know how to pack lightly but always end up only wearing a handful of what I bring. :)

After my own recent portrait session, I realized how tough it was to pick out an outfit that best reflected my style and personality, so it motivated me to provide more details as we plan for your session.  Something I have been excited to do for a while is to create a Pinterest board filled with looks and ideas for portrait sessions.  After reading some great suggestions for photographers on wardrobe inspiration from the Fount Collective, and since I love visual examples, I thought this would be a great way to take a portion of what I include in my welcome packet one step further.  

You can check out my Pinterest board HERE. 

3 Suggestions When Choosing What to Wear:

1. Start with mom, brides to-be, girls:  

I find it helpful to focus on what the women and girls will be wearing first.  Once the color scheme and coordination is determined for the ladies, then it will be easier to select outfits for the men and boys.  Rent the Runway is a great alternative for both engagement and family sessions.  Easy and affordable options to get the look you desire without the commitment to buy.  So that dreamy chiffon dress you would love to wear but only need once...now you can have it, GENIUS!  

2. Keep it Simple, Timeless, and Classic: 

It doesn’t have to be complicated.  But it is important to select clothing that fits your style and personality.  Maybe you love lace and long dresses and would like to incorporate both into your outfit.  Or maybe you love sequin but a sequin dress seems too much for the location of your session.  I would suggest incorporating both in subtle ways.  An example would be, a flowy, chiffon or tulle skirt in a neutral color, paired with a blouse or fitted shirt in a coordinating neutral color with a pop of bling as an accessory—bracelet, necklace or earrings.  Or a blush colored linen or cotton dress for added softness and romance with a cream knit overlay for added texture and layering.

Recommended Colors:

(Image courtesy: stylze.com)  

3. Try to Avoid: 
Some things to try and avoid are bright colors such as hot pinks, bright yellows, red, orange, big patterns, and big stripes as these do not photograph as well.  Avoid graphic T-Shirts or shirts with logos written on them.  For shoes, try to avoid running or basketball sneakers.  Depending on your session, I would suggest wedges, flip flops, neutral heels, solid colored Mary Janes for children, or converse style sneakers.  Going barefoot is always a great option too.

        Suggested Colors to Avoid:

(Image courtesy: pickyyourpalette.blogspot.com, DM Photography)   

Tips to Remember:

When selecting clothing for your portrait session, it is helpful to choose a simple color scheme.  Try to avoid bold patterns and bright colors as they do not photograph well.  Stick to neutrals, pastels, creams, navy, and shades of grey.  Add a pop of color or some bling in accessories if that’s your style.  Fabrics such as chiffon, linen, tulle or knits work well on camera. Layers such as an overlay, jean or corduroy jacket, cable knit cardigan or sweater will add dimension and depth to your images. For siblings and men, I like to recommend that they coordinate, but they certainly do not need to match.  Most importantly is for everyone to be comfortable and wear what reflects their personalities.
  

Planning the clothing is only one part (but a fun part) of enhancing your session.  My goal is to help you create images that you will look back on for generations to come, beautiful keepsakes that will make your memories last forever.  Selecting a wardrobe that compliments your vision and helps to make you feel confident and beautiful is so exciting to see when it all comes together.

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Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Live. Create. Inspire. Be. | My Mantra

Do you have words that you live by?  If so, do you plaster them around your home or keep them close by to pull out when you need a quick reminder?  

I've realized that I don’t showcase my mantra all too often.  It’s something nestled within the wording of my welcome packets and printed on my business cards.  This mantra consists of words I came up with after brainstorming and believing in so deeply about a vision I am building my photography business on.  Words that are incredibly important to me in my own personal life and words that sum up my goals, my vision, and all the creative energy that flows within.  

I share to inspire or to encourage you to create key words in your life or for your own business philosophy.  You probably already have unspoken words you didn't even realize they were your words. For me, these words have helped keep me on track and have pushed me along the way.  I see them when I look at my phone and are displayed on the chalkboard in our kitchen.  

My wonderful mentors, Ashley and Chris taught me the importance of establishing my WHY and for me, these four words, in this exact order, encompass everything I believe in and are at the core of my business values.

Live for today.

Create for tomorrow.

Inspire along the way.

Be in the moment.

This week I’ve tried to be in the moment and appreciate a little downtime with my love.  This quiet time has made me realize that it’s ok to stop and take a deep breath to collect your thoughts.  It’s actually necessary.  Our time together has included afternoons of sipping frothy coffee, listening to the sounds of the ocean waves, and eating chocolate chip cookies! 

This post is dedicated in loving memory of my Grandmother.  Today would have been her 79th birthday.   

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Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

live. create. inspire. be.

Ribbons And Sachets

Things in life just don’t happen.  I believe that everything happens for a reason, the people we meet, the places we go, the experiences we have, the challenges and triumphs we face.  They are somehow orchestrated and placed in front of us to make us stronger, better, and more equipped for what’s ahead.  Life is full of ribbons and sachets.  Ribbons we gently untie, revealing the next adventure while filling up our sachets with beautiful memories and experiences that enrich our lives.  As much as I look forward to untying new ribbons, I always enjoy looking back because it helps show progression, growth, and inspires me to work harder. 

As a young girl, I remember thinking how I couldn’t WAIT to grow up and turn 10, 18, 21 or 26 because that’s when life would all fall into place and make sense.  I just couldn’t wait!  I used to tell myself, “when I get older, that’s when I can…” or “when I get older, that’s when I will…".  I had so many notions of what getting older meant.   I wanted nothing more than to see time pass by so I could just get to that magic number where everything made sense.  But what I’ve learned in the past four years, almost five, ever since I turned 30 is that all the years prior, mattered...a lot.  They were part of becoming a better me and formulated the tools and necessary equipment to be where I am today as a photographer.  The amazing people I’ve met, the beautiful friendships I have, the experiences I’ve been so fortunate to create, the professional opportunities I’ve been given, it does all make sense, it does add up. 

This past weekend, my family went to Maine to visit my brother and his girlfriend to celebrate the opening of his roadside restaurant, Yardbird Canteen.  I was reminded of the many blessings in my life and how a year truly matters.  A year ago, my niece couldn't say "Annie".  A year ago, my brother's dream was just a vision.  A year ago, I was creating a future I knew I wanted.  It is very true, as we get older, time flies!  But then you stop to think about a year of progression and you begin to see how a year holds a lot of time, a lot of precious minutes and valuable seconds.  So as we walked around the quaint downtown area of Camden, Maine, we stumbled upon a cute store that I fell in love with!  I went in and out several times trying to avoid buying everything!  But what I ended up purchasing after several indecisive pop-ins, was a few yards of beautiful ribbon, neutral colors of blush and ivory, and a linen lavender sachet.  My inspiration behind these purchases?  My clients.  You.  I’m always searching for creative ways to enhance the experience for my families, unique to my style and personality.  So picking up these little pieces are my reminders to keep working towards creating that future I most certainly do visualize and believe in with all my heart.  

The coincidence of being in Maine this past weekend is that a year ago, Justin and I had gone to Maine for a quick getaway.  It was right before my first family session.  A year ago was a weekend I had dreamed about and prayed for years.  So when I look back at this picture that Justin snapped on our trip, I think about where I am today and feel excited about what's ahead.  The photographer I was a year ago is not the photographer I am today.  Each day that passes makes me more grateful for the passing months and am eagerly awaiting the next day, week, month, but continuing to focus on today. I can’t wait to look back a year from now and see continued growth and progression.  The difference in that young girl who wanted so badly to grow up and get to now, is that she is finally ok with waiting and enjoying the ride. 

My eyes and heart are wide open, so open to receive all the blessings that today, tomorrow, and a year from now will hold.  The elegant ribbons and lovely scented sachets are simple reminders that having a vision and allowing ourselves to be open to receive the tiniest of gifts are all part of the magic.  When we stop and think about who and where we were a year ago, I hope you too can realize all the growth and progression you've made.  I am certain you will see that you are a better you.

xoxo, 
anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Southern Connecticut | A Family Portrait Collection

Last weekend I had the complete honor of meeting the sweetest family for a beautiful sunset session on the Connecticut shoreline.  Their daughter just turned 4 months old and this wonderful couple just celebrated their first Mother's and Father's Day!  As a gift from their family members, they were treated to having their first professional family photographs taken to celebrate these two special occasions, such a thoughtful gift!  I was SO thrilled to be part of this experience with them!  

I loved everything about our session.  Not only did we have the most perfect weather and picturesque spring sunset, but it was their first trip to the beach as a family!  Throughout our session, this husband and wife team cared for and stared in complete amazement at their beautiful daughter.  No matter what she needed, they read each other's minds and played off one another in such a wonderful choreographed way.  It was like watching two parents who have done it all before, they were naturals.  Seeing how they looked at their precious little girl was heart melting, she is their everything.  There was so much love and emotion that flowed through the warm sea breeze this night. 

The connection between these parents, Joelle and Scott, was so amazing to watch.  They made each other laugh the entire session; mostly Scott cracking jokes that made Joelle bust out laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.  Their chemistry is apparent and it is clear they are completely head over heels in love with each other and are beyond in love with their daughter, their pride and joy.  They bring so much happiness and kindness into each other's lives and are such a genuine, loving, easy-going, fun, down to earth family!      

I always feel extremely blessed to do what I do and meet the people I am able to meet after all my sessions and this session was no exception!  I am so fortunate to have met this amazing family.  Being able to preserve these moments for them is an absolute honor.  They instantly entered my heart, forever.  

Here are some of my favorites from their session.          

Hair & Makeup: Blow Dry Southport, CT

 

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Rise And Shine | Happy Father's Day

Every school morning at 6am, my bedroom door would swing open and all I would hear was the happy, cheerful voice of my father, practically singing, “rise and shine”, “rise and shine”.  This would be the start to many mornings growing up.  “Rise and shine”, he would sing as he would pull down the window shades so fast they would snap down and fly up, wrapping around at the top, instantly letting the light in!  “Rise and shine” was exactly how my dad started our mornings.  And of course, we would whine and tell him to stop or to pull the shades back down, to go away, and beg for just five more minutes.  But this is how my dad rolls.  He lives life rising and shining so grateful and excited for each new day.  The happiest, most positive person I know who doesn’t take life too seriously and is perfectly content sleeping on a mattress outside on the screened-in porch.

My dad... 

A simple man. A family man.  A man who leads by example.  There is a lot of depth that runs within those words, a lot of fun memories and hysterical stories that go beneath it all.  But when I think about my father, those are the words that best sum up the wonderful man he is.  His example has shaped the person I am and he has been my role model for life. 

He’s the type of man who you can talk with for hours about God, philosophy, life, sports, home projects, finances, and will usually turn any topic of conversation into a Beatles song.  And he is also someone who admittedly has lost his small children in the grocery store or at a tree farm, hey, no big deal, he knew he would find us :).  A simple man who will grab his daughter's hands and dance to Frank Sinatra any chance he gets.  And these days, his greatest joy is picking gerbera daisies to give to my niece, his granddaughter, just to make her feel extra special.     

This Father’s Day, I wish all you amazing fathers, including my wonderful father in-law and brother in-laws, a very special day.  Thank you dads for your commitment to your families, your examples of how to foster the minds and hearts of your children.  Thank you for your dedication to showing your children that family is everything.  To those who may be remembering and celebrating your fathers in your heart, I wish you continued peace and comfort, always. 

The image below is one I wanted to share and felt it was fitting for my dad on Father's Day.  It is a very special photograph of us that was candidly taken by a hospital photographer after an eye surgery I had when I was almost two years old.  This photograph is one my dad and I cherish and even today I find myself staring at it for hours just being thankful for a dad like mine.  

Happy Father’s Day dad.  You are simply the best.  I am so blessed to have you by my side cheering me on every step of the way.  I know I speak for our family who feel the same way.  We thank you, we love you!

Wishing you all a Happy Father's Day
xoxo,
anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Literally Astounding Ourselves

Last week, I shared a quick glimpse into my head shot portrait session with portrait photographer, Tiffany Farley.

For this week, I had an entirely different blog post ready to go.  One I had worked on in the evenings last week, excited to share all the fun details about my portrait session.  You know, a post going on-and-on about the fun stuff like where I got my dresses, my hair done, my makeup.  A post about all the special treats I allowed myself to have on that day.  

But then, I realized that writing about those details wasn’t really what I wanted to share.

At the end of our rainy night, as the thunder rolled in, and the lightning struck, we walked away from the empty beach and off the wet sand, hunched under an umbrella, laughing.  It wasn’t about the drenched outfits or my soaked hair that was important.  It wasn’t about the dresses I rung out and hung back on the hangers to dry.  It wasn’t about the pair of shoes I ended up returning because I wore shoes I’ve had for years, and went barefoot for most of the session.  And if we are going to be honest, it really isn’t like me to get all wrapped up in those details.  What IS me, is to reflect and be grateful for the many parts of this experience that had the most meaning to me.  I can tell you that I'm still daydreaming about it all…and running through the day over and over again, because it meant that much to me.    

I think it’s easy to get caught up in the now and the excitement that comes with sharing thoughts immediately after we experience them.  But, how often do we really allow ourselves to fully digest life anymore? 

No.  I mean.  really.  digest. life.   

Waiting a week to reflect and think about what this portrait session meant to me personally and professionally was important. 

For me, it was arriving at a place in my life, my journey that I never imagined I would ever be at.  Ever.  Complacency was the name of game for me, for many years.  Change was something I never wanted to meet head-on because of the way it made me feel, but what I began to realize in my early to mid-twenties is that it all really does work out for the best.  I started to shift my thinking and began to see that change is good, really good.  And even though change is still something I find difficult to face, I continue to challenge myself to push through because coming out on the other side is way more fun than staying put.  Realizing I was capable of accepting change was astounding.

So when I thought more about why my portrait session with TiffanyFarley was important and meaningful it truthfully didn’t take me more than a second to find the answer.  And don’t get me wrong, the outfit, hair, and makeup were all absolutely wonderful and made me feel my best self.  When I hired Tiffany back in October, I knew she was the photographer who would capture my soul in the most artistic way.  I knew I wanted her images to live across my brand in the months & years ahead, and knew I wanted them to become the foundation for what I wanted to represent as a photographer.  Her work speaks to me in such a beautiful way.   I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with Tiffany, an artist whose style helped me realize my vision and own style existed in the photography community.  

The location of our session is such a special place of meaning to me as well.  It’s where I spent many summer days and nights as a child, and still walk the boardwalk when I visit with my 92 year-young Nana.  My family and I call it “Nana’s beach”.   It meant everything to have her there, experiencing the moment with me.  When I look at the pictures for years to come, it's important for me to know she was part of this experience.

And so my friends, those are the details that made this day so meaningful.

These images will represent everything I have been working towards building my business on—heart, life, inspiration, emotion, passion, and real relationships.  Being in front of the camera was different, but it was an experience I will never forget.   

For me, this day was one part of the many things I’ve been working towards in following my passion, following my heart.  Part of the many things I never thought I was capable of doing.  I am extremely grateful to celebrate those things that astound me in such a meaningful way.  So go astound yourself with the things you know you are capable of doing!  And then, be sure to celebrate them in your own special way! :)

xoxo,
anne

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

A Day In Front Of The Camera

It isn't often we treat ourselves to professional hair and makeup, or pick out beautiful outfits to showcase our personalities.  And as photographers, it's unusual to spend much time in front of the camera.  This past Sunday was an extra special day for me and my business, one in which I had been looking forward to for months!

Almost 7 years ago I woke up on our wedding day morning, the weather was similar to this past Sunday morning.  Rainy, overcast skies, and a sense of calm in the air.  It was beautiful.  On our wedding day, I went for a morning run to clear my head and let my mind run wild of all the fleeting thoughts I had leading up to that very day.  My childhood, everything my parents had done for me, the man I was about to see at the end of the aisle, the wonderful family I was marrying into, how I got there, the choices I made which brought me to that very special day.  For me, this past Sunday morning was no different.  I know, it sounds crazy right?  How could any day compare to your wedding day!  When I opened my eyes on Sunday morning, it immediately brought me back to the feeling I had on our wedding day, the peaceful, quiet, calming morning and sense of complete appreciation for everything leading up to that one day.  It’s interesting how something as simple as the weather can remind us of important moments in our lives, right?  Like a song you hear while driving that immediately brings you back to a time and experience in your life.          

So when I opened my eyes on Sunday morning, I was giddy with excitement to do something very significant and meaningful for the growth of my photography business.  Giddy about the importance I had put on arriving at this milestone for me in more ways than one.  Having portrait head shots taken of me for my website and photography brand at a very special place of meaning by Tiffany Farley, an incredibly talented motherhood and family portrait photographer who I admire and respect with all my heart.  

I am really excited to share more on the blog next week about this meaningful, fun, adventurous, and WET, I mean really WET, Sunday evening meeting and working with Tiffany.  She is such a sweetheart, someone I could have talked to forever under a wooden pier, oh wait...we did that!   

For now, here are a few behind the scenes pictures that Justin snapped on his phone.  I still can’t believe how Tiffany confidently managed to shoot one-handed while holding an umbrella in the other!  She brought the word talented to a whole new meaning!  

For me, it was all a dream come true. 

Hugs and thanks to the amazing team at Simply Gorgeous by Erin for my makeup!   

Till next week my dear friends.
xo

  

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

First Year | A Family Portrait Collection

When I think about this sweet family, three words immediately come to mind.  Loving, dedicated, and genuine.  I sat down with this beautiful mother back in March over coffee and we caught up after several years of not seeing each other, even though we live in the same town!  We graduated from the same college and knew each other through mutual friends.  She and her husband wanted family photographs to celebrate their son's first birthday and all winter I've been looking forward to meeting and photographing him.  I was excited to be able to document a day celebrating their first year of parenthood...the journey, the joy, the love...such an important time in their lives.

This husband and wife team have hectic travel schedules, full-time jobs, and somehow they manage to juggle it all...it was so important for me to give them a memorable sunset session together.  I loved seeing them slow down for one night to laugh, play, sing, and dance together as a family.  There were several times we all just busted out our dance moves, hysterical!     

And can we talk about this cutie?!  This little love instantly stole my heart.  Seeing everything through his eyes was so special.  How interesting the grass was or the silkiness of the petals of the flowers, he was exploring and crawling all around the open field.  Holding his parents hands as he tried to walk and yes, he will be walking soon my friends!  The best part was when his parents kissed, he got SO excited and absolutely loved seeing them together—it was priceless. 

Love filled the air this night.  I left feeling so whole and having so much respect and gratitude for everything these amazing parents do each and every day to balance life, always putting family first.  They are such a loving family who have a ton of fun, keep things real, and who laugh together.  I am lucky to have shared in such a special experience with them and am happy I was able to reconnect with this beautiful mother and her sweet family.

Here are some of my favorites from their session!
xoxo

 

 

 

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children, and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact Anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com