Esther turned One Year Old!

It is absolutely crazy how time flies. On Sunday, September 21 my beautiful niece turned 1 year old.  I can still remember the day my sister called and told me I was going to be an Aunt.  We were skyping and she held up a sonogram and I just stared at it.  She asked me if I knew what it was and I told her yes I do then finally looked at her!  I think I screamed at that point too!  I was so excited to be an Aunt.  Now 1 year and 9 months later it's hard to believe how much time has gone by.  I can remember that first day I held her in the hospital. 

So here we are, Sunday September 21, 2014.  Esther is one year old, starting to walk, and makes us all laugh with her many noises.  She "sings" This Little Light of Mine by putting her little finger in the air while someone sings the lyrics and loves to make little elephant noises while shaking her head at the same time.  Way too cute! 

My sister planned a beautiful birthday party on a beautiful fall day! We had chili, salad, corn bread, beautiful flowers and delicious pie or a cup cake if you're Esther!! 

Esther opened many gifts including a pop out tunnel, many books, building blocks, xylophone, a scooter, and the cutest winter hat ever!!  It was a great day.  Here are a few photos capturing the fun!  

 Happy 1st Birthday Esther!

Where Oh Where are My Photographs Shot? My Top 5 Favorite Places to Photograph!

Being an on-sight photographer, I often am challenged by my clients to find interesting places to photograph.  I've shot images in the city with brick walls and stairways leading to nothing, beautiful barns that have been kept in families for generations, fields of greens and yellows with trees in the background and beach front properties with dune grass and sand in my shoes.  I don’t have one favorite place to photograph but below is a small list of the top 5 places I like to take your photograph.


#5: Downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan

Shooting downtown Kalamazoo gives so many different options.  There are parks, brick buildings train-tracks, wooden fences, and iron stairs.  Here is a great shot of Jax when he was 6 months old - We took him downtown Kalamazoo to crawl around and simply be adorable!!

#4: Grand River, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Similar to Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids has so many interesting backdrops to photograph but even more, it has the Grand River and all that comes with it.  There is a beautiful blue bridge, stunning parks, and the movement of water!!  While I haven’t done a ton of photo shoots here, perhaps this makes my top 5 list because of the reason I did photograph here.  My youngest sister was engaged at one of the parks alongside the river and it was such a beautiful occasion that I've longed to do more shoots along the river.

#3: Celery Flats – Portage, Michigan

You’ll see a familiar face with these photos! It’s Jax again and we’re at the Celery Flats park in Portage, Michigan.  This is such a great location because of the variety of items to shoot by.  We had old farm equipment, a big open fields, multiple barns, and a long winding pathway! While on this day it was a bit wet and gloomy, Jax continues to make us all smile with his cuteness and energy! 

#2: Lake Michigan – Any city!

Not surprisingly the beach makes my top 5 list! Being a Michigan girl practically my whole life, I've grown up within a few miles of any body of water!  I think I can say with confidence if you are a photographer in Michigan, you've taken a few senior and family shots by one lake or another. Below is Tanner  – she is graduating this year and I had the privilege of photographing her at the beach in Montague, Michigan.

  

We also have beautiful engagement photos of Luke and Cassidy!  We went to South Haven beach to grab the last bit of the sun and enjoy a beautiful sunset! 

#1:  The Red Barn on Fillmore – Allendale, Michigan

 My number 1 place to photograph is this park in Allendale near Grand Valley State University. And while I said I don't have a favorite, if I had to choose one this would be the place! While it’s a very popular place for many photographers it’s definitely a great place to get a large variety of photos.  I've done couple sessions, family sessions, senior sessions, and I hope someday to do a baby session here.  Below is from a family session with Warren and Shannon and their 3 kids.  When we sat down to talk about their wedding photos they asked if their engagement photos could be of the whole family after their wedding instead of the traditional engagement photos!  I loved the idea and was thrilled to include the kids!

Did you see a place you want to be photographed?  Or do you have a place you think I would LOVE!  Contact me today at ashleyaklaasen@gmail.com to book your fall session and let’s explore West Michigan together! 


Watch out for another blog this week of a little cuties 1st Birthday!!! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

No, I'm not talking about Christmas! I'm talking about Fall!  Fall is by far my favorite time of year! The temperature is cooling down, leaves are changing, and Biggby's Hot Caramel Apple Cider is ruining my bank account! Yummmmm!

My weekends have become very full with mini-trips, family events, and photo sessions.  Last weekend, my husband and I took a camping trip north of Grand Rapids.  The great photographer I am forgot to take any photos!  I was so focused on relaxing and staying warm that I completely forgot to snap a few shots.  Shame on me!

This coming weekend, we're heading to our cottage in Newaygo.  My husband is going to go hunting for the first time that I know of this season, and his very kind neighbor is sharing his property.  I think that's a big deal but I'm not sure.  They are walking the property on Saturday to take a look at the tree stands and the lay of the land.  My husband is very excited! 

It is also my niece Esther's 1st Birthday! It's crazy how quick a year has gone!  I even received a video this afternoon of her first steps!  I probably looked like a fool at the gym with this massive grin on my face while staring at my cell phone.  One very proud Auntie here!  

In addition, to all of the fun activities I already have planned, I LOVE doing photo shoots in the fall.  The colors are such a great backdrop to the families and couples huddled together in front of a barn or laying in a pile of leaves.  Have you ever had your photos done in the fall?  Consider doing them this year - I know you won't regret it! Mention this blog and you'll receive $15.00 off your sitting fee! Sessions are filling up quickly so email today!  ashleyaklaasen@gmail.com

Watch for more weekly blogs about my favorite places to photograph, what to wear to a photo shoot, what to bring to a photo shoot, and how to pick out the perfect photo for your home! 

Seniors it's never too late to get your senior photos done!  Email today to schedule your Senior Fall photo session!  

Who is Anne Marie?

The number one question I get about Anne Marie Photography is "who is Anne Marie?" Many of you who don't know me personally are probably assuming my name is Anne Marie. As much as that would make complete sense, I'm afraid that's not 100% correct.

Hello!  My name is Ashley Anne! Bam! We have found 50% of the Anne Marie! I was raised in the beautiful city of Holland, Michigan. I attended Grand Valley State University

and received my bachelors degree in photography!   

I married the love of my life, Scott, in June of 2011 and after we got back from our honeymoon we moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where I am still living! 

Today, we own in a lovely 3 bedroom house with our dog Ein (to say his name think of Einstein without the -stein) and my kitten Edward (Eddie for short). 

Now you know a bit about the Anne part of Anne Marie but who is Marie?  Marie comes from a long line of Marie's in my family.  My grandma's name is Anne Marie, my mother's name is Suzanne Marie, my sister's name is Katie Marie, and my nieces name is Esther Marie. Needless to say Marie is a popular name among my family members! 

But Ashley, why is it not Ashley Anne Photography?  Well, friend, it's simply because I didn't like the sound of it. I found Anne Marie Photography flowed better than Ashley Anne Photography. One day my sister jokingly said "Ashley we should make a cupcake business and call it Anne Marie Cupcakes - Anne being you and Marie being me!"  I thought to myself, NO ONE wants me making them cupcakes (trust me) but I like the name and so I took it, changed out the word cupcakes to photography and asked my sister for forgiveness later!   

I hope you've enjoyed a bit of Anne Marie history! Watch for our weekly blogs on topics of what to wear to your shoot, how to prepare for your shoot, along with what's new with Anne Marie photography! 

Comment below and visit our facebook page! 

-Anne Marie