Hello Internet!

I have a new blog page! I will no longer be posting here. My new blog is www.amandachapmanblog.com

Thank you!!!

Do you know of a woman that has made an impact in this world? A woman that possess strength in her physical capabilities and/or in her character. Is she a single mother, a cancer survivor or a victim of domestic violence? Or maybe she is a performance artist, an athlete, a soldier....a caregiver, teacher, artist, musician, etc. If you know of a woman both young or old that you admire, please contact me. Tell me her story and I may spotlight her in one of my newest projects.

Thank you.
Amanda



Ora, Grandmother of Lindsey Holt.

Today I am thankful for this breath....and that one.

I'm thankful for my mother who spends so many hours cooking her famous chicken and dressing and crock pot mac and cheese! OMG! The woman could sell it in stores! I'm thankful for my father who has been by her side for the past 47 years! There's something to say about their commitment to each other.

I'm thankful I have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. Photography has literally changed my life! I am so very grateful for the people who follow my work. My camera allows me to meet new faces, tell their story and show the world how wonderful they are!

What I am MOST thankful for is........

I am thankful for a boy with dark hair and coco colored eyes who without standing on his tiptoes can now face me nose-to-nose. With his clever one liners, he makes me laugh...literally out loud! And though he wants to spend his evenings buried up to his chin in a mountain of pizza and video games, he puts on his karate uniform, his blue belt and his willingness to at least try a spinning hook kick. And let me tell you, it ain't easy! Ethan, my son, I am thankful for who you are and I believe in you!








I am thankful for little artistic hands that create works of magic I hang on the frig. Amberlyn, I am so proud of your willingness to learn your, your passion to draw, and your beautiful giving spirit. I am certain if you had a million dollars, you'd give it all away just to see someone smile. You make me smile...and laugh! Oh, the laughter we share! It's priceless. Price-less! I never thought I could share this kind of connection with an eight year old. But I do and I love it as I love you.








I am thankful for my best friend who has bigger muscles than I do! I find comfort in his arms and in his dimpled smile. Greg, you love me for who I am...and I'm certainly not perfect. But you still love me, and I know you really do love me. We have always shared a mutual love for Mexican cuisine, adult-humored cartoons (Family Guy!) and we have the exact same taste in music...which is pretty important to both of us. LOL I could go on about our common interests but, what really matters is...I fell in love with you over a decade ago and I know I'll still be looking into your eyes when mine are old and wrinkled. Or maybe just old with a little Botox here and there :) Thank you, Greg, for being my Ba!







Peter Griffin: You want to know what my problem is?
You want to know what my problem is?! I love too much!
Lois Griffin: Peter, what are you talking about?
Peter Griffin: Don't you see, Lois? We're alive!
Lois Griffin: Peter, you're scaring me.
Peter Griffin: Good! Embrace the fear!!

On Saturday, December 12th I will be devoting my time, my talent and my heart to those truly in need of a smile! In honor of the worldwide movement known as "Help-Portrait", I'm offering free mini sessions for anyone who is experiencing hardship in their lives. Each free session includes one free 8x12" print.

If you or someone you know (family members, neighbors, or just an aquaintance) is down on their luck, sick, homeless, a single parent, depressed, etc...please write to me about the situation. I will do as many portraits as the day will allow me. All sessions are on location only for the following cities in Alabama: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia and Sheffield.

Fellow photographers, I encourage you to participate in the Help-Portrait cause. For more information visit www.help-portrait.com







I'm sharing my gift to give a gift this holday season! The gift of Smile, Laughter, and possibly Hope!

Please write to me now. Thank you!

It was their private moment. Everyone was clearing the room as David stood with a tissue in his hand waiting for her to walk through the door. I quietly seated myself on the third row of the church with my 50mm lens primarily focused on the groom. I wanted to capture his initial reaction when he saw Kellie for the first time in her dress. Next to THE kiss, this moment is golden.

As I kept my focus on David, I started noticing his eyes becoming wet with tears. Based on his reaction, I glanced over my shoulder expecting to see Kellie. The door was still closed with only beams of the afternoon sun shining through. I believe the anticipation of just watching her walk down the isle into his arms was all it took to tug at his heartstrings. Now, I'm not the kind of girl to cry during a love story, read a romance novel or watch a chick-flick. However, witnessing this guy overwhelmed with his feelings for this girl was enough to have this photographer searching the pew for tissues!

I would love to continue explaining the details once the door finally opened but, I believe the following images say it best. As for Kellie and David, thank you so much for allowing me to document your private moment before the ceremony. You made me feel like more than just your wedding photographer...you made me feel like your friend.

"Since I was a child, it has been my dream to have my "snaps" taken by a photographer."

Snaps. This is Vinamrata's word for photos. When she said these words to me with her smiling eyes, I stood there with my heavy camera in hand and paused...

I reflected on the moments before I had arrived on the shoot. It was my typical ritual. Batteries charged? Check. Memory card in camera? Check. Flash, reflector, lenses, extra batteries, props? Am I forgetting anything? I hope not. Check. You know, the usual. It appeared I was completely prepared except for one major thing. I had misplaced my inspiration. You see, at the time I received the phone call from Vinamrata, me and my dear friend Inspiration weren't speaking. Why was she giving me the cold shoulder? I had done nothing to her! Aside from calling her too many times asking too many favors. I suppose she had grown weary of the voice in my head. I was lost without my friend.

Back to the shoot. My Canon 5D perched in my hand was growing heavier but, my spirits were lifting. I realized that this would not be an ordinary shoot. This day was something this girl had been preparing herself for even as a child back in her homeland of India. I knew to Vinamrata these photos (snaps) would be worth more than a thousand words.

Our shoot was a complete success! We shot at the local university where she attended (UNA), outside of the Marriott Hotel which has architecture similar to buildings in India, and we stopped at a church that had the most amazing red arched doors! With every "snap" I felt more and more creative and inspired! Like a well written melody, everything was in such perfect harmony. The rich blue sky above, a slight soft breeze in the air, attire with fabrics saturated in color and complimentary locations for a beautiful model. Inspiration came easy!

Through my desperate attempt to reconnect with Inspiration, I'm happy to say I found it that very day as I helped a charming young girl from across the globe live out her childhood dream.

I wish Vinamrata a safe trip as she returns home to India this coming week.

I've been real busy lately editing and organizing my latest photo shoots. I have some behind the scene shots that I'd like to share.