Which majestic midnight blue ocean of possibility were you crossing?
What epic indestructible gothic bridges were you building?
Where were you when everyone else was off afraid wasting opportunity
whilst hopeful traces of moonlight slipped under doorways beckoning them to play?
In what forgiving ways were you allowing your unrelenting poetic heart
to escort you to the ultimate destination of freedom
from wondering what the confused carnival goers think?
Where do you carve your name so your art and spirit are remembered?
Who watches you light the amber candles and helps you clear the cluttered path?
What is your hammer, your tool of choice?
Is it revenge, egotistical self-adulation, and finger pointing
or is it hope and wisdom?
What is your voyager's ship made of?
Expectations, whispers, and lies of others
or gentle grace and unwavering courageousness?
Does the prophet in your soul have a master plan
or an insatiable appetite for adventure
and uncanny recognition of the occasion for learning
and the gift of life?
AMY SLATER DIMARIA Amber Light Studio
All Photos Belong To Amy Slater DiMaria / Amber Light Studio
https://www.facebook.com/amberlightstudio
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TIPS FOR HIRING A SENIOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
1. Referrals from friends are great but even better..LOOK on the photographer's website and social media pages to get a feel for the quality and style of their work!! Does the photographer have a unique style? This is what you are looking for! Get a sense of their personality and commitment to their profession on social media feeds as well! View MY Facebook Page here: Amber Light Studio | Facebook
2. Look at the work of multiple photographers! Don't just pick someone because you heard their name a few times! Extraordinary photography is ART and not just an act of pointing a camera, clicking, uploading, and cropping. (Ugh, many do this...) The BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS are experts in lighting as well as magnificent editors! They know how to expose a photo to bring out the perfect range of colors and also highlight the subject's features in flattering ways!
3. Know your budget and I beg you to VALUE the profession and time it takes to learn, prepare, and EDIT! (and purchase thousands of dollars worth of quality gear and props as well as build a website and pay for programs like Photoshop!) Photography sessions can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Remember a skilled photographer is truly an artist. I personally price my services so there is no minimum purchase when clients purchase digitals and prints. That way I can be affordable to ALL families. That being said, 90% of my clients do end up purchasing their entire gallery and value my work and time. I am VERY grateful for that! ♥
4. Know your child! If your child HATES having their photo taken, you might be better off with a more generic less expensive studio and not paying the price for specialty personalized photography experiences like mine! That being said, a skilled photographer can get the shy child out of their shell and provide a fulfilling experience that results in art you can be proud of!
5. When reaching out to potential photographers tell them exactly what you are looking for! Do you only want a yearbook photo? Are you the type that loves to share photos of their children with friends and hang a lot of photos on their walls? Does your child need a wide array of photos for you to showcase in arts programs, on senior night, etc.? A great photographer will also ask you questions and provide you with a multitude of ways to prepare for your session! I give my senior students a questionnaire and a session prep guide! I view my services as a collaboration between the subject and me..with an aim to please them and their parents! I run all over Central New York trying to create masterpieces with my clients!
6. Know that parenting these days is HARD...but even more difficult is being a teenager in this time of such social media pressure. Find a photographer that understands you are doing your best, understands your child is unique, may have some insecurities, and sees their business as a way to help them build confidence and express their authenticity!
Senior Portrait Sessions are a BIG investment! After all, you are aiming to hire an educated, skilled, and personable individual to capture one of the people you love most in this world! Go into it knowing you have hired someone who is THE very best person to capture your child before they go off into the world!
I hope this information helps! Enjoy this kick off to your child's SENIOR YEAR and let the magic begin!
Peace, love, and light!
Amy
View my website here! Amber Light Studio
Follow me on Facebook! Amber Light Studio | Facebook
Join me on Instagram! Amy (@amberlightstudio) • Instagram photos and videos
Book A Session With Me! [email protected]
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In my many reading travels I've come across the quote; "Have Faith In The Unfolding". I have always loved that sentiment and thought of it when I took this photo in my garden last week. Everything worth while takes time and for some reason the universe doesn't give us everything we want all at once or the second we desire it! It can be a challenge to have patience and faith especially when we live in a world of instant gratification and highlight reels!
Recently, I heard Jasmine Star use the quote: "REJECTION IS REDIRECTION". I LOVE that perspective and have found it to be quite true with my 50 years of experience on EARTH! Sometimes we don't get what WE THINK WE WANT but that moment in our lives can force us to GROW, EVOLVE, AND REDIRECT our attention towards something that will be much more fulfilling or meaningful to our story and authentic self!
Sending faith and patience to all who need it today!
Amy ♥
Thematic JournalsQuotation Journal: A place to record quotes by favorite authors and inspiring people
I use journals for self-expression, healing, and documenting my existence on this beautiful Earth! I have a mind that is always overflowing with creative ideas, to-do lists, questions, quotations, and reflections!
Guided Creativity Journal Guided Journals Give Writing Prompts, Can Be Useful In A Therapeutic Way, And A Fun Diversion!
Until recently, I was intimidated by journaling. I thought I had to write my musings as if I were a classic author and putting pen to paper seemed like a daunting task! When the pandemic arrived I discovered the various types of journals and how they could benefit my creative and over-active mind!
Travel JournalDream Destination Journal For Planning and Documenting Trips And Noteworthy Places!
I have over a dozen journals that I use at various times of the week, month, and year.
These include:
Enchanted Life Journal: This is a meaningful journal I created that I am passing down to my daughter and hopefully future generations. It is comprised of musings based on all the things that make my life beautiful and worth living. nature, literature, art, seasons...
I used A LOT of scrapbooking materials in this one to create a vintage aesthetic as well as cute little pockets, tags, envelopes, etc.
My favorites are made by Stamperia. Maxi scrapbooking pad 12”x12” (stamperiab2b.com)
Document Your JourneyLeave Your Loved Ones With A Thoughtful And Artistic Memoir
Create Beautiful Layouts With Scrapbooking Supplies!They Will Be Appreciated In Years To Come!
Find Aesthetics That Define You!I love vintage papers and celestial imagery!
Nature Journal: I'm a nature girl and am very inspired by the metaphors and symbolism of the natural world! Sometimes I add pressed leaves or dried flowers from nature walks.
Nature JournalWhen did the tulips bloom in your garden this year? When was the first snowfall? What is the symbolism behind your favorite trees and flowers?
Travel Journal: A place to record my dream destinations ( Hello, United Kingdom, Canadian Wilderness, and any cute little lakeside destination that will host me!)
Quotation Journal: A place I record quotes from books and influential speakers that inspire and comfort me (Recommended variation: song lyrics journal) (Favorite place to discover inspiring quotes: https://www.goodreads.com/ )
Enlightenment Mantra Journal: A place for more philosophical and meditative quotes and affirmations
I embellished my vegan leather mantra journal with a pretty silk ribbon, an antique key, and jewelry charms.
Personalize Your Journals!I use ribbons, jewelry charms, antique keys, and tags!
Full Moon Journal: I had this idea to write every full moon and record what I did that day as well as the spiritual meaning/lore behind that month's Full moon. (Recommended variations: Sunday Journal, Holiday Journal, Birthday Journal)
Every Day Journal: Includes lists, project ideas, notes from books I'm reading or videos I have watched.
I love these lightweight journals by Blue Angel Publishing. They include colorful imagery and thought provoking quotes.
Shop For Journals That Are Decorative And Functional!I purchase my journals on-line and from discount stores.
Stream Of Conscious/Morning Pages Journal: Inspired by a concept I read about in The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron ~ This is where I write whatever is in my head that needs to come out; doubts, complaints, the ugly stuff! I pay no attention to grammar, sentence structure, etc. The philosophy behind this journal is that if you release the repressed thoughts there will be more room in your mind for creative thinking! I HIGHLY recommend this practice!
Altered Art Journal: This is my go to when I feel as if I must engage in an artistic process! It's an antique book I paste words and collage thematic images into. I also embellished the cover with lace, paper flowers, and vintage fairy imagery!
Use Journals As An Outlet For Your Imagination And Creativity!
Altered Art Collage / Junk JournalRepurpose Supplies From Past Craft Projects To Create Unique Layouts!
Guided Journals and Planners: I have these to assist me with business goals/organization/motivation
I highly recommend and LOVE the planner I purchased this year! Many people keep bullet and list journals, as well. This planner allows you to do so within it!
Journal To Plan Your Life And Organize Your Thoughts Life is less overwhelming and easier managed when you can see your thoughts and plans on paper!
Journals make fabulous gifts!
Many of mine are gifts from family members or purchased with gift certificates. I also gift them to my daughter who finds solace in the writing and creative process, as well! I feel it is extremely important to teach a younger generation how to organize their thoughts and express themselves!
I recommend journaling as an outlet, a vehicle to creativity, expression, healing, and a constructive way to document your unique and extraordinary life!
Footnote: I am a creator and old-fashioned girl at heart. Thus, I love embellishment! I see embellishment as personalization. Most of my embellishments are done at low cost with inexpensive ribbons and charms from craft and discount stores. I love to repurpose items I have around the house. I also adore thrifting when I have a creative objective!
Additional Journal Theme Ideas:
Gratitude Journal * Dream Journal * List Journal * Bucket List Journal * Memorial Journal * Recipe Journal * Favorite Book Journal * Genealogy/Heritage Journal * Aesthetic Collage Journal * Creative Brainstorm Journal *
Follow me on Instagram to see more of my creative life!
https://www.instagram.com/amberlightstudio/
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