Beat the heat: Book your photo session in the AM

Naomi & Trevor in Downtown Grass Valley

Northern California is known for its rugged beauty; however, the summers here are exceedingly hot! I am from Southeastern North Carolina where the humidity is UNGODLY. Well, bless my little heart. This place is a whole different ballgame!

Last month, I did a couple’s session in Grass Valley, California. Most of my sessions take place in the evening but due to conflicting schedules, my couple: Naomi and Trevor and I decided to do a morning session.

Normally, I don't partake in morning photo sessions but this session helped open my mind up to new possibilities. I wanted to share a few reasons why you should do an early morning session with me in Northern California.

Better air quality and tolerable outdoor temperatures

Downtown Grass Valley

Currently here in Northern California, the fires have been rampant. We have days where it looks like a thunderstorm but its ash instead. The temperature outside goes from 60 something to 90 in a matter of hours! Who wants the sweat from the blazing heat showing in their photos?!

From my experience, I have noticed that the smoke is worse in the middle of the day and closer to the evening. Smoke can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Plus, its super unpleasant to breathe in smoke anyways so book your session in the morning! Your lungs will thank you later.

Less foot traffic and room for creativity during your session

Walking the streets of Downtown Grass Valley

I cannot stress this point enough! As much as I enjoy social interaction, when I am working with my clients, I do not want to deal with unnecessary distractions such as: pedestrians who interrupt by wanting to make conversation or people standing in the background.

When the streets are empty and there aren’t many people walking around, it gives me the ability to take my creative abilities and run with them. Less people reduces my anxiety which transfers into original, unique photos and positive interactions with you, my clients!

You are spending your hard earned money for me to take your photos. I will not let anything or anyone get in my way of doing that.

Plus, who loves being gawked at while having their photo taken? Oh wait! I’ll answer! NOBODY! Morning time it is!

Time to drink coffee & get to know my clients

Coffee is fuel for me and many other people. Also, drinking coffee is great for helping people socialize! When I asked Naomi and Trevor, “How would you feel about having some coffee in your photos?” They lit up, ya’ll! Look how cute they are with their coffee. I literally cannot!

Kisses & Coffee

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The Partington Family

The Partington Family

Infertility: a topic that can be considered taboo even in our day and age. 1 in 8 couples suffers with infertility. The definition of infertility is “actively trying to get pregnant for 12 months”. For many, this is a frustrating event that causes stress and pain that in unexplainable.

Although I have never suffered with infertility, I cannot imagine the pain that couples feel. Imagine seeing your friends and family get pregnant and for some reason, you cannot seem to conceive. All they want is a child and for some reason, mother nature will not get on their side.

When I heard about Brooklyn and Donny Partington’s story, it broke my heart. I had never met them but something inside me told me that I needed to help them. Unfortunately Tricare does not cover IVF. When I saw Brooklyn’s fundraiser idea to raise money for IVF, I knew what I needed to do: offer them a session and raffle off a session. I anxiously messaged her on Instagram, and she kindly agreed to it.

We met up on Beale AFB to take photos to promote the raffle and document their journey for IVF treatment. Brooklyn was so friendly and kind from the beginning. Donny was quiet but you could tell he was a kind, caring individual. They make a wonderful pair!

Brooklyn told me about their struggles with infertility, but her attitude was very upbeat. She said to me, “Everything is going to work out. My sister is having IVF twins and I have faith.” Her strength and tenacity really spoke to me.

Towards the end, I asked her if there were any images that she wanted and she quickly told me, “I want a photo of my necklace.” When I read her necklace, it said: eventually. My respect and admiration for her increased even more. I am not a patient person at all and to see her stand in face of adversity with such grace was very empowering to me.

Our clients teach us many valuable lessons about life. Photography is emotional and their session reminded me why I do what I do: to help others. In this season of life, Brooklyn and Donny are dealing with hardship but their faith will guide them through.

It is my job as the photographer merely to help capture those moments. One day, I pray as they hold their baby, they can look back at these images and think, “I am so glad I fought for you and this moment.”

If you have read this far into my blog, I ask that you do one thing: go to their IVF Instagram: partington.ivf and look around at items that are being raffled off. Support them in any way you can (paying for giveaway raffle tickets, sharing on social media, etc.) They are wonderful people who deserve the opportunity to be parents.

Thank you for reading! Please comment, like and share this blog post!

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My Why

Hitting a lot of walls

Photo taken by Amber Ryan's Perspective, Edited by Abear Photography

Every business owner as some point makes the determination for starting their business in the first place. That main reason normally revolves around their “why”. Today, I wanted to write about “my why” and the reason that I operate my business. When I write, I seek to be authentic, real and personal with my audience. Lately, I have been hitting a lot of walls. Those peaks and valleys have been very challenging over the last few months. Between moving and prepping for the birth of my son, I have felt extremely overwhelmed. There have been times I have wanted to throw in the towel hastily and say, “SCREW THIS!” However, EVERY single time that I feel like giving up I remember “my why” and now, I will explain it to you!

Passion for the craft

Photo taken by Amber Ryan's Perspective, Edited by Abear Photography

I started my photography business at first because of my passion for this craft. Since I was 15, I have loved snapping photos and visual storytelling. Photography has given me an outlet for me to express myself. This art has been a creative outlet for me and helps me to stay in touch with my emotions. Sensitive individuals like me have to express ourselves! I am an entrepreneur but my art and authenticity always come first.

My family

Photo taken by Jennifer Alyssa Photography

My love for photography is not my only “why”; it has everything to do with my family. As many of you know, I am a very oriented gal. My husband and my daughter are my world! Their happiness is my happiness. Without the support of my husband, I do not know what I would do. He has literally pushed me to keep working harder and not put unrealistic expectations on myself. He offers me perspective (sometimes I do not always want it) but he does it out of love. He wants to see me succeed and is more than accommodating when it comes to my photography.

My daughter

My business gives me the opportunity and flexibility to be with my family more frequently than when I worked full time. Being home with my daughter is important to me. I am not missing out on developmental milestones and I am witnessing her grow up which is a huge blessing. Yes, I have my days where I need a break but ultimately, being home with her is more important to me than anything!

My wonderful clients

My “final why” is my wonderful clients. Like every other human being, I need to know that I am doing a “good job” in some sort of shape or fashion. You, my clients, help me to keep going. When I get a text after delivering a gallery that reads, “OMG I AM LITERALLY CRYING!” that makes my entire day. When I get a referral from a current client or a beautifully written Google review, my heart is INSTANTLY filled with gratitude. I never want to take anyone’s kindness for granted. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my business. It means the world to me. You are helping me accomplish my dreams and provide for my family. You all are the REAL MVPS!

Thank you for taking time to read my blog! Please feel free to comment below! Have a blessed day.