October 17, 2013.. A day my world stood still

Many of you know that I was expecting my third bundle of joy. The pregnancy, wow, what a shocker when we found out, something we weren't expecting, yet grew excited about. I have never had an easy pregnancy, sick for most of the beginning, this one, weekly injections, monitoring and lots of appointments. I'll never forget last week, I went in on Tuesday the 15th for my last apt, it was decided I was going to be induced that Thursday, Oct 17th. Kayden, was doing well, his heart rate was fine, he was moving like he should be, the appointments, while long, went well. My parents traveled up Wednesday, while waiting for them to get there, my daughter and I put together his swing and I packed my bags, he was moving and kicking like normal, little did I know that was the last time I would feel him move. I was so excited that I could barely sleep that night, waking up hourly, still feeling him move, I felt him kick one last time around 3 am, then I drifted off to sleep, waiting for my alarm to go off at 5, so I could call in and see what time I was supposed to show up at the hospital. When I called, they told me to call back and I did around 730, they took my name and number and said they would call me back. I finally got that call, we loaded up and headed to the hospital. They took us into our room and started the normal procedures of hooking up monitors, etc. This is where my world came crashing down, like a freight train that forgot to hit its breaks, they couldn't find his heartbeat. The nurse left the room and the midwife came in with an ultrasound machine, maybe he flipped breech she said, but NO, he didn't , he had no heart beat, his heart had stopped. How does this happen, we did everything right, made every appointment, my husband, sent home from Afghanistan in order to be there with me through the end, he is supposed to be home, here in my arms, yet he is not. The pain, so unbearable, the thoughts of having to lay there while I waited t deliver my angel, the anger I had, the why's and what if's flooded my mind. How am I going to deliver my baby and then leave the hospital with empty arms, no parent should ever have to do that. The staff that took care of me, they were amazing, I slept through most of the labor, waking for the epidural and then waiting a few more hours, then it was time. Time to push, time to deliver my baby, who would never cry, never open his eyes, never take his first breath. It took one push and he was here, so beautiful, so perfect, the cord, wrapped around his neck and shoulder, the lifeline that was supposed to sustain him through my pregnancy and nourish him throughout, was the very thing that took his life. I know they say that God only puts us through the things He knows we can survive, but this is a pretty hard thing to have to face, my faith somewhat shattered, my trust in medicine shaken, but here I am today, bound by my love for the Lord, still questioning, yet knowing that my angel, my Kayden is being taken well care of in Heaven and that I will see him again. This doesn't change the ache, hurt and emptiness I feel, longing to hold him, smell his hair, kiss his toes, give him a bath, all the things that were ripped away from me.

"No one can know how much I love you, because you are the only one who knows what my heartbeat sounds like from inside"

So grateful for my wonderful friend, Monica Ebert, who took the time to do these amazing pictures. These, I will treasure for a lifetime, although it won't bring Kayden back to me, I can look at his sweet face anytime I feel down.
Fly high my little butterfly! I love you more than words can ever speak.

Rainy day

Well, today is a gloomy and rainy day, making this pregnant momma sleepy, so what better thing to do than post a blog??

I recently attended a baby expo, where I met so many wonderful mommies to be and mommies who already had children. It was a great experience, where I hope to get to shoot some of these babes when they make their presence into the world. Many were very interested in getting newborn pictures and I was lucky to book a few, but many questioned my pricing, so I thought I would blog about it.

My newborn sessions are $200. To some this is a shock, but when you look into everything that is involved in a newborn session, you will see why they run higher than most. I don't set a time limit on my newborn sessions, giving the baby time to eat, burp, diapering, and lulling them into a squishy, sleepy state of mind. Most of my sessions run about 2 1/2-3 hours. This also allows for different set ups, prop usage, and posing time. I try to run a steady flow during my sessions, starting with the easiest and simplest posing, while they may still be just not sleepy enough, allowing them to get cozy and fall into that deep sleep needed for the more creative posing and props. Once I feel I have enough variety of pictures, the session ends. Most of the time, at this point, the baby is done. I then begin the task of editing. My goal during shooting is to get an almost perfect picture in camera, so all I have to do is fine tune in photoshop. With babies, this usually means making their skin less yellow, red, etc. Removing scratches, smoothing skin where needed, etc. This typically takes up to 2-3 weeks, I am also a pediatric RN, mommy to two kids, expecting another baby, and also working on my Master's degree.. whew... I am a perfectionist when it comes to editing, so I spend the hours when my children are at school editing and creating the best images possible. One picture can take anywhere from 10 mins up to 45 mins, depending on how much I need to clean up in the picture. I want to represent the very best of my work and create a timeless image for you to cherish for the rest of time.

This, my friends, is why my newborn sessions are priced where they are. When looking for a photographer, my best advice, is to book one based on the quality of their work. Remember, these images are ones you can never get back. I strive for sharp, clean images. My work reflects the time and energy I put into getting them. I don't believe that the best photographer is one who snaps and clicks and gives you a CD of 100 images. The time, passion, dedication is lost in this type of photography.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Mr. Max, 14 days new

Little Max came to the studio last Friday and he rocked his session like a true champ. I am absolutely in love with his hair! Here are a few pictures from his session! Remember it is best to schedule newborn sessions before the baby hits 10 days, this is when they are the most moldable for pictures and they also are the sleepiest. As you can see, Max had no problem sleeping and he was a bit older!

Fall is in the Air!

Leaves changing, crisp, cool breezes, cinnamon scented candles, baking pumpkin pie... All things I love about fall. I believe it is my favorite time of the year! Although I live in the south, I try to decorate my home in order to pull in the beautiful fall foliage colors. And, what better way to kick off the merging of Fall, than fall mini sessions. If I get enough interest, I will open up a day of mini sessions for the children. Come dressed in Halloween costumes or fall inspired colors for a pumpkin patch themed shoot. All slots will be 20 mins, $35 for the first child, $10 for each additional (of the same family). You will receive 3 digital images, with the option to purchase additional images and photos. Send in an inquiry form from here or shoot me an email amyesterphotography@gmail.com. Once I have 10 children, with signed contracts, I will open up the date and times.

A glimpse of the indoor fall setup for the wee ones!

The Power of Love

Although I don't do many family or couple sessions anymore, I do like to do them every once in a while, when I don't have squishy babies in the studio.

This is the Power's family. How beautiful of a couple are they? I absolutely loved photographing them!

Time Flies When you are Having Fun!

Wow.. I am so behind in blogging, something I am trying to get better at! Many of you may not know, but I am also a Pediatric Nurse and I am currently working on my Master's Degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. I have two passions in life, caring for little ones and documenting their milestones. How blessed am I? As I started my journey into turning my hobby and love of photography into a business, finding my piece in the puzzle of the different sections of style, type of photography, who I want to photograph took some soul searching. But, one day it dawned on me, I love children, working with them, helping them feel better, holding their hands when they are scared, and I love to watch them grow into their own little selves, so why not specialize in this type of photography. It's official now! Maternity, Newborn, and Children is where I belong! This past Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity of attending WINN Army Hospital's baby expo, where I met so many wonderful families and mommies to be! I want to take the chance to thank everyone who came to my table and for all the compliments on my work. I truly have a passion for what I do, and I look forward to hopefully capturing those special moments in your pregnancy, newborn and child's life.

Here is a few of the ladies I have had in the studio lately! Aren't they just the cutest!

I love receiving new props and what better way to add to my collection than to enter into fabulous giveaways! Galpin Studios is hosting a photographers dream giveaway and I hope I am the lucky winner! I would love, love, love to win one of their adorable pea pod props!!!

http://galpinstudios.blogspot.com/2013/07/galpin-studios-summer-blast.html

On my way to Re-branding!

Wow. It has been a while since I have blogged! I really have to work on posting more often.

What I have been up to:

I have been working hard revamping and re-branding my business! I have decided that Maternity, Newborn, and Children are were my heart is the happiest when snapping away. I have been adding to my portfolio, lots of newborns, and I am still working on more. Stay tuned for some precious squishy babies to be added to the blog!

Where I am going next:

I am excited to announce that I have been invited to the local military hospital's baby expo! So if you are local to the Ft Stewart, GA area, come by and say hi! I have put a gift certificate in the gift raffles!

Speaking of Gift Certificates....

I will now be offering gift certificates for purchase. Want to buy mom to be something, but can't figure out what, a gift certificate to document her belly, the baby or milestone session can't be beat!

One final note..

I am expecting myself!!! Yay, so I will be limiting my sessions starting in September-December. Be sure to book early, dates will fill up fast!

Brayden is one!

Wow ..it's been a while since I have posted! Time to catch up!

I love photographing cake smashes! They are completely un-predictable and boy do you have to snap away at a furious pace in order to keep up with a one year old!

This is my most recent, Mr. Brayden. He was not a fan of the cake and definitely showed off his own little personality! I had a blast shooting this session!

I hosted a newborn workshop at my house with a few fellow photographers. It was nice to see how different photographers work behind the scenes. Some dive right in, others are shy, but together we came up with some amazing and creative scenes and photos. I think newborns are one area I want to photograph more often, How adorable are they!

Here are some of my favorites of Mr. Wesley and Miss Nora

Recent shoots!

I have been enjoying all the sessions I have done thus far here at Ft. Stewart. I have been blessed to capture memories for families that are preparing to send a loved one off on a deployment. Something all too real for me at this very moment! Here are a few images from some of the sessions!

Military Spouse

 Recipe for a Military Spouse

1 1/2 cups Patience
1 cup Courage
3/4 cup Tolerance
dash of Adventure
1 pound of Ability
To the above ingredients:
Add 2 tablespoons elbow grease Let stand alone for one year Marinate
frequently with salty tears Pour off excess fat Sprinkle ever so lightly
with money Knead dough until payday
Season with international spices
Bake 20 years or until done. Makes unlimited servings
_SERVE WITH PRIDE _
-- Author unknown

Whether you enter into the status completely unaware or enter with personal knowledge of what a life as a soldier is, you can never prepare yourself enough to tell them goodbye, kiss them one more time, knowing they are about to embark on a journey into danger and the unknown. You may spend sleepless nights wondering if they are ok, praying each time the phone rings it's him/her so you can hear their voice, or even swallowing back tears each time the door bell rings. You count down the days until they return, miss them on all the important dates, but know wherever they are, their heart belongs to you.

I have recently shot two Pre-deployment sessions and I am preparing to have one shot of my own family. We go down this path as military spouses together, knowing our better half is participating in something bigger than they are, so we continue to live in a Free America! God Bless our Soldiers and God Bless their families.



   

Super excited to enter some giveaways! I would LOVE to win this one!!!

http://cravemyphotography.com/blog/business-jump-start-giveaway/

Blogging

I have never been much of a person who likes to sit and write about what I do on a daily basis, but moving to Georgia has given me the time to sit and reflect. If one thing I know about myself, it is I love to make a memorable mark in people's lives. This is one of the main reasons I decided to go into nursing, yes I have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing =) My background is Pediatric Emergency Medicine, two fields I fell in love with while in nursing school. It feels so fulfilling when you are able to have a hand in helping a person through scary and stressing ordeals. My adrenaline always started to pump when the ambulance phone rings, not knowing what is coming in until you get the details, which in some cases can be way OFF! I remember the first time I experienced loosing a patient, one of the hardest things to go through, especially when it is a patient who hasn't had a chance to live yet and only has started to explore what toddlerhood is all about. This is why I decided to take my hobby of photography and turn it into something I also love to do! Making memories, something that will last a lifetime and then more.