WHAT?!

Life has been crazy, hectic, busy. It’s also been fun, adventurous, and interesting.

Trying to get settled into a new home/place/state takes time. And focus. And energy. So it’s taken me this long to finally feel like I can jump (well, maybe not jump . . . more like tiptoe) back in the photography blogging world again, just a little bit, while I continue to make a home for us here in Minnesota.

However, I’ve been completely stumped about HOW to get back into blogging.

I mean, after being MIA for two months, I can’t just randomly post an engagement photo shoot without at least saying, “Hey guys. I know I was gone for a looooooong time, but I’m back now. And happy to be back. And excited to share so many shoots from the past year that I haven’t ever shared. So stick around.”

That feels a tad awkward.

Like seeing an old friend and shaking their hand, when you really should just hug.

So, old friend, instead of formally shaking your hand, I’m going to get a little more personal. Consider it my virtual hug to you.

BITS & PIECES OF THE PAST TWO MONTHS IN INSTAGRAM PHOTOS

(scroll down to see my notes)

1. A PLACE I’LL MISS: Fiesta Guadalajara in Oregon. I hope I see you soon, FG.

2. My current favorite nail polish. Teenage Dream by OPI.

3. The tree in my parents’ yard. The squirrels that live in this tree are small giants.

4. Origami display that I wish I could have snuck out of the restaurant. One of my last nights hanging with my BFF Karli.

5. Packing up the suitcases.

6. Oregon wants me to come back soon.

7. Leaving on a jet plane. (If you’re humming the John Denver song right now, we are meant to be friends. If you can sing all the words to all the songs on all his albums, we’re soulmates.)

8. Oh, Tina Fey. You make me laugh so hard. And you’re a good distraction on a long flight.

9. We got a “Welcome” cake soon after we moved to Minnesota. The term ‘Minnesota Nice’ is LEGIT.

10. I HAVE TO PUMP MY OWN GAS NOW?!? In Minnesota freezingness?!? Blerg.

11. Ohhhhh, the unpacking. So much unpacking. When did we get this much stuff??

12. One of the best things that the Midwest has to offer – Culver’s Butterburgers and Frozen Custard. This was the first of many times that we dined there. They have fried cheese curds. I’m serious.

13. What we know as Dreyer’s ice cream in Oregon/Idaho is called Edy’s here in the Midwest. Why are they trying to trick us?? I don’t understand. p.s. They also switched Carl’s Jr. to “Hardee’s” here. Still with the famous star. But why???

14. I now live within an hour and a half of IKEA. Is it sad that this is one of the main reasons I’m okay with living in Minnesota? By the way, this striped blanket will be going into an “Olivia” themed bedroom for the toddler. If you come across anything else that would fit with that theme, let me know!

15. On a day when I was feeling a bit lonely, my Scentsy warmer reminded me that I’m loved. Isn’t that sweet?

16. My new hobby? . . . thrifting. I’ve always hated it – until now. I don’t know why.  But I DIG IT. And I’ve found some rad things. This crocheted afghan, for instance. Hot pink? Yes, please.

17. Abba Zaba. Apparently they don’t know what this is in the Midwest. And that makes me sad. But apparently I might have luck finding it at Jim’s Apple Farm. We are so going here once the snow melts.

18. Me. And my funky, hacked bangs.

19. I’m not used to seeing pine trees where I live. So this is a treat. Thanks, Minnesota!

20. A thrift store find. I think these babies were $2. Trying to decide what color to paint them… what do you think?

21. Me. Again.

22. The BEST blueberries I’ve ever eaten. Hands down. I wish I had some right now.

23. Minnesota has some beautiful sunsets.

24. Another thrift store find. I decided I’m going to collect milk glass. I think it would look cool against a bright, colorful background.

25. And yet another thrift store find. I promise it will be cool once I get it hung up. Don’t be a hater.

26. Did I mention that I majorly tweaked my back about a week after we got here? Apparently I’m not as strong as I think. And apparently I should try to heft large boxes full of books downstairs. After a few days of pain and hardly being able to move, I went to the doctor. p.s. I’m okay now. Thanks for asking.

27. This is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Ever. A going-away quilt from my Karli, made by her talented mom. I love both these women and think of them every time I wrap my quilt around me.

28. After hurting my back, I spent a lot of time relaxing. It kind of put a damper on the whole “unpack and get settled” thing.

29. My favorite way to make my house smell like a home: orange rinds, cloves, and allspice in a saucepan with water. Simmer and smell the goodness.

30. We’ve been verrrrry lucky to have a mild winter here in Minnesota, but we’ve had a few snowfalls (enough to make it fun to play in). I’m ready for spring.

31. Double Me.

32. I like to play with my daughter’s watercolors. I think I want to buy some actual, grown-up watercolor paint.

33. These windows in my dining room are my favorite. They let in gorgeous morning light.

34. Snack toast. What is this and why are entire grocery aisles filled with this stuff? I need to know, Minnesota. Please fill me in.

35. Boots. Because I live in Minnesota. And apparently it snows a lot here, usually.

36. The stained glass snowflake that my dad made (yes, my dad is an amazing artist!). It’s in my kitchen window and may stay there all year long. I love it. And love him.

37. A fun package in the mail from Karli. Potty training kit: undies for the toddler, chocolate and a funny book for me. I really, really love getting fun mail!

38. My new moccasin flats. That I hope I can wear sooner rather than later. (Seriously, spring in February would be great.)

39. It turns out that our local, small-town library ROCKS. It’s the coolest. We’re going to be there three times a week, at least.

40. Life is Good.

If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, I’m @amberfischer.

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If you’d like to make me smile, leave a comment. ( :

xo

Amber

This was my type of family.

Chill. Fun. Silly. Sweet.

Totally willing to just roll with it and let me capture images along the way.

Then again, Jannicka is a photographer herself – so I shouldn’t have been surprised that she and her family were so easy to photograph.

One of my favorite moments from this session was when I asked Little H how high she could jump. She turned to her parents and, in her most serious voice, told them to “step back.” (She DID jump pretty high!)

Kids are awesome.  ( :

p.s. I have a definite favorite image from this shoot… anyone want to guess which one???

I read this article yesterday, and it spoke to me.

I’m a procrastinator.

It’s a trait about myself that I dislike. (It’s also a trait that drives my husband CUH-RAZY.)

Thanksgiving is in a couple days (yaaaay!) and then it’s Christmas season.

And I’m realizing that we STILL HAVEN’T HAD FAMILY PHOTOS TAKEN.

We scheduled them a few weeks back but then cancelled because of illness.

It would be so easy to just skip family photos this year. Not purposely; we just get busy and keep thinking, “Oh yeah, we need to do that…” And it never happens.

But as soon as I finish this blog post, I’m going to set up the date and time. Because after Christmas has come and gone, I will be sooo very glad that we took the time and made the effort to have our little family captured right now, in this season of life.

And in five years… ten years… twenty years… I won’t remember much about Christmas 2011. But I’ll have photos – of my baby girl’s scrunchy-nosed grin, my toddler’s adorable piggy tails, me and my husband cuddling them and kissing them and tickling them – and I will be SO VERY GRATEFUL.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m still in the Boise area until the New Year. If you’re like me and haven’t scheduled your family shoot yet, get on it. I’ve got a couple spots available and would LOVE to do your family shoot.

What is holding YOU back from booking a family photo session?

I got to shoot this sweet family yesterday, and I tell you what – I’m not sure I’ve ever worked with a nicer kid than this little cowboy. He melted my heart. He was such a trooper – while I was whining about how chilly it was, he just stood there smiling (and shivering).

Have I mentioned how much I love my job?? I really do. ( :

p.s. I can’t help but think this photo would make a cool Christmas card. Put a message in the negative space on the barn and BOOM! There you have it! Which reminds me, I need to start working on my cards . . .

FINE WINE: The highest category of wine quality, representing only a very small percentage of worldwide production of wine. (Thank you, Wikipedia.)

Kenny + Stefanie are special. Their love is special. I could feel it. I could see it.

I think I managed to capture it.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kenny + Stefanie:
You have a place in my heart. I feel like I’m different and my photography is different after meeting you. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air to me and others around you. I’m so excited for your future and hope that our paths cross again at some point down the road.
xo
Amber

Here’s an image from my recent shoot with Jannicka and her cute little fam.

These leaves were so vivid, and I knew right when I saw them that I would use them to frame some shots.

p.s. One of these days, I’m going to challenge myself to do an entire shoot where each shot is framed by something different. Any other photo geeks out there want to join me?? ( ;

Brian is from Dallas, Texas, and is a Dallas Cowboys fan.

I took his pictures anyway. (heehee!)

But only because he’s pretty much the nicest guy you could ever meet.

And because he’s marrying the beautiful, sweet Morgan.

And because, together, they are the cutest couple in the history of ever. ( :

That’s what my dad said after we told him that we’re moving to Minnesota. He could tell I was sad and freaked out about the change, and so he turned to me and said, “Amber, remember – LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE.” I keep repeating that phrase to myself throughout this process.

We are moving to Minnesota.

For reals.

I still can’t quite get my mind around it.

I’ve lived near Boise since I was 9. (Prior to that I lived in California, but I don’t advertise that fact. If you live in Oregon or Idaho you understand what I’m talking about.)

So basically, all my friends/family/memories/hangouts/favorites/comforts are in Idaho.

And now I’m leaving that behind and going to a new part of the country with new people and new places and new accents (“Don’tcha know?”).

It’s a tad scary and a lot sad. I’ll desperately miss my family and friends and church. And I’ll really miss my favorite coffee shop, Jolts & Juice.

But it’s also crazy exciting.

Because the future is unknown. Because I’ll meet new people and make more friends. Because I’ll discover new coffee shops and used bookstores. Because I’ll learn how to navigate around the Mall of America. Because I’ll shop at IKEA.  Because we’ll find a nice church. Because I’ll live in a place where the trees turn glorious in the fall, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Because I’ll live in a state with an NFL team and hopefully go to a game someday.

And because I’ll get to take photos of people that I’ve yet to meet in places I’ve yet to see.

THAT is exciting.

So, please, if you know anybody (or know anybody who knows anybody) in Minnesota, pass my info along to them. Let them know that Amber Fischer Photography is relocating and looking to book in Fairmont, Mankato, Rochester and Minneapolis/St. Paul. I appreciate your support more than you know.

To all my past and current clients in Idaho and Oregon – THANK YOU. You’ve helped me make my dream a reality. I feel like the luckiest girl around to be able to do what I love.

To my future clients in Minnesota – Hi, I’m Amber. I can’t wait to meet you and take your pictures.

xo
Amber

p.s. Boise folks, you KNOW I’ll be visiting as often as possible. I’ll keep you updated and will be scheduling shoots when I’m here.

p.p.s. If you’re getting married in Boise – or ANYWHERE, for that matter – contact me about your wedding photography. I’m always available to travel for weddings here, there or anywhere. (Especially if they are tropical destination weddings in January. I heard it gets a little cold in Minnesota in the winter . . . ?)

There was no Facebook (gasp!). Or texting. Heck, very few teenagers even HAD cell phones at that point.

We listened to ‘N Sync and the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears.

Boys got their hair highlighted (frosted tips, anyone?).

Boys AND girls wore shell necklaces and hemp bracelets.

And, apparently, I wore OVERALLS.

Not only did I wear overalls, but I WORE THEM IN MY SENIOR PHOTOS.

Seriously??? Seriously…? Seriously.

Don’t worry – I then switched it up by wearing jeans and baggy sweaters. With big, clunky Doc Marten boots.

I guess I just didn’t want anyone mistaking me for a girl. I certainly didn’t dress feminine.

(p.s. I can hear my mom right now: “Amber, that was the STYLE!” . . . To which I say: “Mom, don’t take it personally. I don’t blame you. I was old enough to dress myself at this point.” Love you, Mom!)

ME, circa 2000

So it makes me super duper happy when I have a Senior sesh with a girl and she shows up in an adorable dress. With jewelry. And high heels, boots, or other stylish footwear.

And it seems like ALL my Seniors lately have been dressing so feminine and girly and sportin’ some bling, at least for a portion of the session.

And I love it!

[p.s. Maybe we should invent "10 Year Reunion Photos" so me and my classmates can have a do-over. I promise to dress girly this time.]

Introducing Kayla, one of my beautiful Senior Reps for the 2011-2012 school year -

Kayla, you are gorgeous and have such beautiful, feminine style. I hope you have an amazing Senior year!

xo
Amber

working on this wedding

wishing for more sleep

loving my new boots

craving this (in a very NON-PREGNANT way, for those of you who may jump to assumptions)

and really appreciating my sister.