The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short

Today felt like the first true day of spring. The sun was warm, the birds were singing, and I finally rode outside after a long and unpredictable Ontario winter. I headed out around shortly after noon and couldn’t believe how alive the city felt. People were gardening, walking their dogs, and children were playing in the streets. It was the kind of day that reminded me how good it feels to simply be present.

When I ride alone, I always look forward to unplugging. No music, no distractions. Just me, my thoughts, and the quiet rhythm of the ride. It’s often where I do my deepest reflecting. And today, as I peddled through the winding streets of bustling neighbourhoods, I found myself thinking about this journey I’ve been on.

As many of you know, I recently transitioned from being a full-time teacher to pursuing photography full-time. Lately, I’ve been on a meaningful journey to uncover my purpose, to better understand my why and how I can use it to create something lasting and meaningful for others. And on this ride, I found myself doing just that.

As I coasted toward a red light, a black SUV pulled up beside me. Inside was a family, windows down and laughter spilling out. A little girl, maybe twelve, sat in the back seat with her hair dancing in the wind. She caught my eye and smiled. I smiled back. And just like that, I was transported.

I remembered being her. I could almost feel the soft hum of the car, the warmth of my sisters beside me, the quiet comfort of knowing our parents were up front. My mom often says, “It feels like yesterday you girls were that age.” And I know she would give anything to glance into the back seat and see us there again, even just for a moment.

In that fleeting exchange with a stranger, my why came into sharp focus.

This is why I photograph.

I create to help you remember what once was. To bottle up the beauty of ordinary days before they slip through your fingers. To offer more than just photographs, but sensory memories. Ones you can feel in your heart, hold in your hands, and return to again and again.

Too often I hear from clients months after their session saying, “We still haven’t printed anything.” And I get it. Life moves fast. But I want better for you.

I want your memories to live beyond a screen. I want them on your walls, in albums your children will flip through, on coffee tables where stories are shared and laughter returns. Like it used to be, when the photo albums came out and everyone gathered close.

That is why I am now offering heirloom albums and fine art prints to every couple and family I photograph. I have partnered with Dekora Album Co., a Canadian maker of handcrafted, luxurious keepsakes. Their work is extraordinary, rich in quality, made to last, and designed to become part of your family’s legacy.

My promise to you is this:

I will capture the moments you never want to forget, and help you preserve them in ways that feel timeless, tangible, and full of heart.

Because one day, that little girl in the back seat will be grown. And her mother will glance behind her and wonder where the time went.

Let’s make sure she has something beautiful to hold onto, and so do you.

It’s time to hold the memories that matter most.

With love,
As always,

Amanda

Ready to create your heirloom album or print collection?
Contact me here or view options with Dekora.

This year I am grateful for YOU

As I reflect on the passing year, my heart overflows with gratitude. For over seven years, my husband and I have shared a nightly tradition we call "Gratefuls." From the very first day we met, we committed to taking a moment each night before sleep to reflect on the blessings of the day. Even when distance separates us due to his frequent travels, we continue this ritual—whether through FaceTime or a simple text message. Through seasons of joy and times of challenge, this practice has grounded us, a gentle reminder that even on the most difficult days, there are always moments of beauty to be found.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect on the journey I've walked, especially in a year that has been both testing and transformative. It has been a season of personal trials, filled with tears and sleepless nights, but through it all, I have done my best to weather the storms and dance in the rain. Thanks to my husband, I have learned the art of living in the moment, appreciating the incredible people, places, and beauty that surround me.

And despite the challenges, I find myself rich with gratitude.

I’ve been an artist since the moment I took my first breath, and without the unwavering support and encouragement of all of you, I would not be where I am today—living my wildest dream as a full-time artist. Each inquiry email, every shared photo, and each kind note or love letter serves as a gentle reminder that I am walking the path I was always meant to take.

This year, I am profoundly thankful for the families whose lives I have had the privilege to capture, year after year. Many of these families I first met through photographing their weddings, and over time, we’ve built lasting connections. As they welcomed children into their lives, I was there to document their growth, celebrating with them as they blossomed into families. In many ways, they have become my own.

I am also grateful for the new friendships that have developed through the lens of my camera. Each new connection begins with a simple message—an email, a text, or a call—but once we meet, the rest is history. I often find that my relationship with my clients evolves beyond the professional, as we share in the joy and success of one another's lives.

This year, I have had the privilege of celebrating with so many families as they welcomed new life into the world. There is something profoundly moving about newborn sessions—the raw emotion of new parents adjusting to life with their tiny miracles, the awe and wonder of siblings meeting their new family members. These moments are sacred, and I am grateful to witness them.

I am thankful for the newly engaged couples who have invited me to document this chapter of their love story. From the moment we first speak, I cherish hearing about their paths that led them to one another, and I find immense joy in brainstorming creative ways to incorporate their unique bond into their photo sessions. With every click of the camera, I am filled with a quiet happiness, knowing I am capturing the essence of their love.

Equally, I am grateful for the couples who entrusted me with one of the most monumental days of their lives—their weddings. To me, weddings are like grand finales, the spectacular fireworks at a celebration, or the premier of a much-anticipated film. I often wonder who is more excited—the couple or me! From our first conversation to the final farewell at the end of the night, documenting the emotions and stories that unfold on a wedding day is a privilege I cherish deeply. There have been many times I have been moved to tears behind the camera, not just by the beauty of the day, but by the bond I’ve formed with the couple.

Weddings, too, bring a sense of camaraderie with the incredible vendors who help bring these special days to life. The inside jokes, the laughter, and the high-fives—we celebrate each other as much as we celebrate the couple. The teamwork and unity at these events is something extraordinary, and I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with such talented and passionate people.

Whether this is your first time or your tenth time partnering with me, this year, I am especially thankful for you.

Thank you for trusting me with the most precious gifts in the world: your loved ones, and your memories.

The Parking Garage | ATX

Every time I visit my family in Austin, I have the chance to reconnect with some incredible friends. One of the highlights of these visits is my annual photo session with this amazing family. It's become a cherished tradition for 8 years, and honestly, it's one of my favorite shoots of the year.

Once you see the photos, I think you'll understand why.

This family is truly something special. The love and affection they share for each other is not only palpable but also beautifully captured in every shot. And let’s not forget—each one of them could easily be a model. They have this effortless photogenic quality that makes my job easy and an absolute joy.

To keep things fresh and exciting, we try to choose a unique location for our sessions each year. This time, we decided to switch things up and photograph them in a parking garage.

Hear me out.

At first glance, a parking garage might not seem like the most obvious choice for family portraits. But let me tell you, it’s perfect for what we wanted to achieve.

Here’s why:

• Modern Aesthetic: The clean, industrial look of a parking garage adds a chic, urban vibe that’s hard to replicate in more traditional settings.

• Neutral Tones: The muted concrete provides a timeless, neutral backdrop that lets the family members’ personalities and expressions shine.

• Bold Lines & Angles: From sleek concrete pillars to geometric patterns, the space is full of sharp lines that create visual interest and depth.

• Weather Protection: Unlike outdoor sessions that depend on weather, parts of the parking garage kept us sheltered and ensured perfect conditions for photos.

• Filtered Light: The natural light coming through the structure provided soft, diffused lighting, ideal for flattering portraits.

• City Views: The upper levels of the garage offered stunning panoramic views of the city, which became the perfect backdrop.

• No Distractions: The simplicity of the environment allows the family to truly take center stage—nothing competes with their energy.

Because of the square footage of the garage, we had plenty of space to play with different angles and compositions, making each shot feel fresh and diverse. Everyone was up for the challenge, and exploring the space turned out to be so much fun.

While I’ve certainly photographed this family in parks, fields, and forests in previous years (and those settings are always beautiful), this experience proved that sometimes stepping outside the box can lead to unexpected, breathtaking results.

So, my advice?

Dare to venture beyond the typical park or forest. Find a space that feels unique, something that pushes the boundaries of traditional family photography. You’ll be amazed by the results.

See for yourself and insert your family here.