Atlanta Baby Photographer | Newborns, Children, Families | Portraits by Amanda Shoemaker

A recent review from my client satisfaction survey:

“Amanda was a joy to work with. She did our session under unusual circumstances… at the airport, on military timing, which meant we had no information! Even with little notice, not much room, and tons of people in the way, Amanda did a GREAT job. She really has a gift. She was able to capture the emotions along with the shots. She was very patient and friendly. I’m not sure how often her clients are a big mess of nerves, but she put up with me being neurotic and my 4-year-old being really excited. The pictures are wonderful, great quality, and everyone who I show cries. Amanda has a gift both with photography and with people.” — A

How sweet is that?

Last week, I received this review out of the blue from a client I worked with late last summer. “A” found me through the Operation: Love ReUnited network when I was volunteering for them at that time. Her husband was scheduled to return from Iraq, and we had an impromptu reunion session at Hartsfield-Jackson with the couple and their sweet daughter, “E”.

Here are just a few shots from the day:

This is Miss “E”… waiting patiently for her daddy to arrive.

“A” and “E” watching as the troops come up the escalator. I specifically recall “A” telling me that she was more excited than she was on her wedding day. (I love how complete strangers were gathered around watching and getting emotional… like this woman in the background, for example).

Finally home!

The happy family… all together again!

I don’t quite know how to explain the emotion of that day. It was an emotional week, for me, personally. My dear friend’s brother had passed away in Iraq… and… another close friend’s husband had deployed… all in that same week. I tried to “keep it together” at this session for “A” and her family, but I admit… it was difficult! It was such a blessing, though, to meet this sweet family and witness their happy homecoming.

“A” - thanks again for the kind words, and for allowing me to capture this happy time in your family’s life. It is a day I won’t soon forget.

Check out this awesome creature my husband and I spotted on a recent trip to Florida:

Isn’t it beautiful?! It’s called a Portuguese Man o’ War. I had never seen one in person, only in science books in high school…. but I remembered its unique look with its long, tangled tentacles.

Drawn to its transparent body and gorgeous blue-green color, I got down on its level to take a few shots, and while I was studying it, it moved. I was a little startled because I had thought it was dead, but it was still alive and kicking in the little pool left behind by the tide. As it moved, it appeared to be raising up to get a closer look at me, or maybe to wave at the camera? See….

Well, it wasn’t actually waving at me, but rolling around in the water since it needs to stay wet in order to survive. This one was about 14 inches in length, and it appeared to have several babies floating around it. At one point, a curious teenager came over and scooped up one of the babies in a cup, and put it a few feet away in the same pool. Almost like magic, the baby seemed to be drawn to its mother, and it quickly floated right back and tucked itself near her side.

Very neat little creatures, indeed.