.

Yummy Cupcakes

2010-04-21T14:12:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I had a mini shoot session at Hoodles Playbarn, photographing the gorgeous cupcakes that they sell and I have to say they taste as good as they look and are made by a lovely lady called Marion who takes great pride in making these ;-). This coming Monday she will have a giant cupcake made for me for a shoot that I have with a little boy who will no doubt take great delight in destroying it. In the meantime, I'm hoping to catch some fab expressions.

For now I will leave you with some pics and strongly advise you treat yourself to one of these gorgeous cupcakes.

I'm on a CD

2010-04-10T22:48:00.001+01:00

Can't believe what arrived in the post today!! My very own copy of a CD featuring my images from a Band called Dunno from Spain. Roger contacted me early last year and I finally received my copy today. Thought I would share it on here.

You can check out there stuff here http://www.rogergascon.com/

FAB FREE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

2010-04-06T16:43:00.005+01:00

We have a fab compeition running throughout the month of April for anyone who would like some updated family or kiddie photos. Amara Ritchie Photography is offering 5 lucky readers a free sitting of up to a max of 4 people. One lucky winner out of the 5 selected free sittings will win a free 20”x16” Photo Finish Fine Art Wrap worth £175.00 of an image of your choice! Yep that’s right – you choose the image and we frame it and it’s yours to keep with no obligation or pressure to buy anything else! The four runners up will all receive one free 10"x8" print of your choice if you blog/facebook or twitter about Amara Ritchie Photography or forward on an email to friends/family raving about Amara Ritchie Photography!!

How to enter:

Go to www.amararitchie.com and head over to the blog.

Leave a comment/link showing me you have blogged/tweeted/facebooked about Amara Ritchie Photography.

Send and email and attach a favourite/creative image to joanne@amararitchie.com and why you would like to win this fab offer or just give your photo a cool and eye catching title. Make sure you put April Competition in the Email Subject.

Three judges will shortlist the final 5 who will receive a free sitting. One image from each of the sittings will be posted online for your friends and family to vote to win the overall prize.

So come on – show me how creative you all are and good luck!

Winner will be announced no later than Friday 7th May 2010.

FREEBIE - Newborn Template

2010-04-01T20:02:00.001+01:00

I have my creative head on at the moment and came up with this design today for a New Baby Template. Feel free to download and use as you like.

They are sized 5"x7" with a front and back but use as you wish.
Click here for download http://www.mediafire.com/myfiles.php

My all new Marketing Kit

2010-04-01T13:55:00.001+01:00

I've been meaning for a while to get myself sorted out with a Marketing Kit and I have finally got round to editing it the way I like it. In fact I love it so much I can't wait to get it printed and I'm hoping to design some more so if anyone fancies a kit designed let me know! I also have some templates that will be available to buy. They are perfect for book templates or flat cards and are easily customised to suit your own needs. These are the perfect packages to get you on your way. I also wanted to tell you about Studio Cloud http://studiocloud.com/ I came across it while surfing the net and landing from one site to the next as you do and it's the perfect FREE program to help keep you organised with you clients, I have already started using it and it's fab.

Let me know what you think xx

Mental Mother

2010-03-25T16:28:00.001Z

This was taken a good few weeks ago by my good friend and photographer Paul Mackie, who I've known for years but didn't know he was into photography until recently. Anyway I photographed his wedding to Sarah at the gorgeous location Loch Muick back in August and I've been meaning to go on a photography expedition with Paul for ages now. After chatting to Paul I told him I had not been feeling very creative and that I had had some ideas and would he like to come out. I have NEVER, ever let another photographer photograph me when it comes to my self portraits, as I generally feel like a right idiot! When I'm posing I'm glad that no one can actually see the ridiculous poses that I pull in order to get a picture that I'm satisfied with, so it was a little daunting to have Paul take my picture. Of course I had my gorgeous daughter Amara at hand should the shoot fail as you can be guaranteed to get a good photo when she is around! Why can't we all be that photogenic?

This was taken on a very very cold afternoon at the bottom of my road with the odd passing car, however it was rather embarassing when my postman stopped at the house where we were taking the pictures to deliver mail. I was absolutely mortified and tried to slide down the chair so that he couldn't see me. I guess I need to be a little braver and not worry about having to explain myself and just let them think I'm truly mental. Hence the title of this image.......

Amara gets her ears pierced!

2010-02-21T18:58:00.002Z

She went on and on and on and on about getting her ears pierced and I eventually gave in no thanks to my neighbours daughter Megan who informed Amara that it was better to get your ears pierced when your younger as it doesn't hurt so much lol! This is what happens when you let your little girl go for a sleepover with a slightly older lovely little girl ;-). I believe they had great fun, playing with makeup and probably dancing to Hannah Montana at full volume. she came back the next day 5 going on 15!!!!

Dad had told her that she had to be 10 but I gave in so on Friday after Nursery we headed down to Sinclairs in Inverurie for her to get them done. I asked if she was nervous in which she replied "don't be silly". I think I was the nervous one to be honest which resulted in a phonecall to my mum asking her to come with me ha ha!!!

Anyway, thought I would share this picture of her in her proudest moment of having her ears pierced and not even crying.

Happy Birthday Amara

2010-02-03T14:55:00.001Z

Yes I'm a little lazy and slack at wishing my gorgeous daughter a Happy Birthday. She turned 5 on the 30th January and unfortunately we had to cancer her birthday party due to the horrendous snow we have had. Poor Amara! Not once did she complain though unlike her brother who would have had a huge breakdown had his party not gone ahead. Instead it was spent at home with some friends and my little sister Kelly, MJ and baby Cody (who is growing sooooo fast).

I would have posted a rambling blog sooner but I always forget what my password is and give up after a while. I did start to store my passwords on one of those account password thingys but yet again I forgot the password for the password website. You know what I mean right?

Anyway, hope the start of the year is going well for all of you, mine is off to a slow start but I'm getting there.

My gorgeous birthday girl x

Here's to a New Year "Happy 2010"

2009-12-30T15:57:00.004Z

I've actually been thinking about my new years resolutions the whole month of December and as much as I would love to say that I will stick to them I normally don't. However, I am going to try my best this year ha ha!!

So here is my list.......

Eat Healthy (will only last a couple of weeks probably)

Loose Weight (it will all be back on by the end of the year)

Start running (that's if I don't kill myself after the first run)

Make more time for myself

Get a six pack (highly unlikely)

Learn to knit and sew (again unlikely with my patience)

Merry Xmas

2009-12-23T19:11:00.001Z

Gosh I can’t believe it’s that time of year again!

I’ve neglected the blog once again but it’s all been down to being extremely busy all thanks to you guys who so kindly booked me for your wedding, portrait shoots etc. This year so far has been a good one for me in photography terms and I hope it continues and hope to offer new and old customers something new for next year!

The past couple of days have been lovely, spent at home, snowed in and cleaning cupboards. I feel like we have loads of room now in our house ;-). Four big black bags later as I de-junked the kids bedrooms I can safely say we are ready for Santa arriving.

So I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you get everything you wish for. xxxx

P.s I got a nice surprise Christmas card in the post today from Alex Salmond!!

Off our heads

2009-11-29T18:56:00.000Z

When I first started college I wanted to make sure I could use the best models so I searched on Facebook and came across Erin, going through her pics I asked if she would like to model for me on some of my projects. I think Erin modelled for me once and she became more than a friend over the past couple of years than anything else. So anytime we meet up or arrange a night out we always talk about doing a pic together but very rarely get round to taking one.

However, Erin and I had a night out on Fri in which we got "off our heads" (I wasn't that bad in all honesty), just felt real crap with colds, bugs and ill children the next day. Anyhow, after our wild night we went for lunch and ran over some ideas and this is what we came up with. In all the time I have known Erin she has been one of the most kindest and caring friends I have ever come across and I will really miss her when she moves to London in January ;-(

Air Head

2009-11-26T19:14:00.001Z

FINALLY today I had the chance to take a self portrait. Actually I think it was 30 mins in total before the school called to say that my little lad wasn't well and could I come pick him up, therefore the shoot was cut short.

On editing my darling little daughter asked what I did with my head and asked if I actually took it off and was really concerned for my brain because it wouldn't be able to breath if it wasn't on my body! lol

Lately I seem to have been a total air head, forgetting things, appointments, you name it I forget it! This idea has been in my noggin for a moment or two, although there is another one that I haven't been able to get out of my head for about 6 months or longer so I must give it a go, however I'm a little scared it doesn't turn out as I envision it.

Yesterday I was sent an email to ask if one of the photography students could come and photograph me for her photojournalism project which would involve documenting my life and my business, feels a little odd to not be in control of a camera and I'm absolutely terrified at the thought.

Anyway, I wish my forehead was as smooth as this balloon ha ha but then again there is always botox right? Bring on the needles I say!!!!!

My Graduation

2009-11-12T19:57:00.004Z

Yay, I finally graduated on Monday after studying for two years in Photography and Digital Imaging. Part of me is soooo sad it's all over and part of me still wishes I was learning. However, it's nice to be at home and not up till all hours of the morning putting my workbook together.

I'll never forget my first day of college .......... I was absolutely terrified and after having been handed what seemed like a million briefs I came home, sat at the kitchen table and cried and cried and cried. I said to Graeme (my husband) "I can't do this, I don't understand the briefs blah blah blah". After him having no luck what so ever in calming me down I called Tim (my neighbour) who is a Uni lecturer. Well to this day I can't thank Tim enough for coming up and explaining what seemed like a complicated brief was actually quite a simple brief.

So here I am after two years and probably a couple of years before that (studying or mucking about with a camera on my own) later and now almost finished in setting up my business, the only thing left to complete is my studio conversion which is in the middle of happening and I can't wait!

I made some great friends, one in particular but I know that I will NEVER regret going back to study. I also can't thank my family and friends enough for all the help over the two years and I'm sorry for being unsociable and ignoring you all ;-)

Anyway this post is just to show off my graduation picture and to show you all how proud I am of myself hee hee and to say it's never too late to go back to school.

My family

Karen and I (my best friend at college)

Me

The Girls

How sheep eat!

2009-11-04T21:51:00.004Z

Yeah I know the title is a little silly but that's kinda where the inspiration for this image came from. I've been dying to take some new self portraits for a while but just been too busy with other shoots to indulge. Soooooo, today after my morning shoot with some gorgeous little people I managed to indulge before picking Ritchie up from the school bus.

Now.... Granny if your reading this I really didn't wonder about the countryside naked but I can't tell you on here so if your interested I'll tell you all about it the next time I see you ;-).

I'm very much looking forward to producing some new selfies for a change, it helps to keep my mind insane ;-)

Theeeeeee funniest shoot ever!

2009-11-01T19:43:00.000Z

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing a gorgeous little girl called Marlie. Her Uncle Lee wanted to give her and her parents something different for her first birthday in November so the idea of a photobook sounded good. The only thing was getting Marlie to me without Marlie's Mum and Dad knowing, which wasn't so bad as Granny has her on certain days so it was arranged that Granny would come over and we would take some pics. I don't think I laughed so much in all my life at the cute little faces she pulled as I snapped away.

Anyway I've been dying to upload and share some of these with everyone and now I can as Mum and Dad received the photobook today. My daughter and I have bumped into Michelle (Marlie's Mum) a few times and it's been difficult to not be overly chatty to little Marlie at times. I almost died when Amara and I met Mum and Marlie in Tesco and Amara is shouting "Hi Marlie cooochie cooochie coooooo" lol.

These last few weeks have been busy with shoot after shoot, I suppose it's because we are nearing Christmas....... OMG only 8 weeks to go or something like that eek! Hope everyone has had a Happy Halloween xx

Little Munchkin

2009-10-23T18:58:00.003+01:00

Well this has been another busy week. I was away with hubby and my darling children for a few days in Aviemore which was lovely, but it's now back to madness and trying to get organised for school next week. My house is in total chaos as we are or should I say hubby is laying new flooring in the kitchen, I had no idea how much dust there would be let alone how far it would travel. So at the moment it means the studio conversion is on hold for a day or two till hubby completes the kitchen complete with the odd four letter rant at times!

Today I photographed another little girl called Murron, this time she was only 4 weeks old and boy was she a little munchkin. She did not want to sleep but she did want to eat ;-) hee hee. Anyway she was a little star and I got some great shots of her in the end!

What to expect

2009-10-14T13:00:00.008+01:00

Thought it was time for an update on what my plans are for now and the future and a little insight into what to expect on one of my shoots.

I never seem to have the time anymore to enjoy or take self portraits which is how I started out in photography. Starting my business seems to have taken over a lot of things as well as trying to raise two children or should I say three including hubby! I can’t complain of course as things are going well and I’m enjoying every shoot that I take on. Having the chance to do a self portrait allows me to get all those mad little ideas that go on in my head out in the open. I hope to be able to incorporate these ideas into other shoots that I take on leaving the customer feeling that they have some images that no other person, couple, family have.

The kind of customers I’m aiming to attract and have done so far are those that want that little something different and are willing to work with me on creating the images you have in YOUR head as well as me throwing in my little bit of creativity …..after all the images are for YOUR wall not mine! But don’t worry if you haven’t a clue we can sit down and come up with some ideas together. This is just all part of the extra service that I provide. Chances are your sitting fee goes towards a prop that I will use for the shoot anyway. So you tell me “what other photographer offers styling, locations at the drop of a hat with a vivid imagination”? Hubby argues that I’ll never make money if I continue to buy as much props as I have been but I’ll do anything for that special shot! I remember feeling quite anxious when I took my kids to get their photos taken (this was before I became a photographer) I felt silly asking for poses etc and that I should just shut up and let “them” do their jobs. I never want for my clients to feel like that and what I hope to offer is a relaxed atmosphere with a few cups of tea thrown in for good measure! There are also many products/framing options available for everyone’s budget.

So what are the plans for the future?

Well I’m in the middle of converting our garage into a studio and very much looking forward to having a wee opening night. I’ve also been asked quite a lot for Boudoir photography. Many women of all ages are really wanting to try this and why the hell not? So whether you’re a mum of five or a bride to be or a hen party or just an average girl wanting some seriously wowzer images then watch this space as that’s coming soon also!

That’s about all I can tell you for now I will continue to strive for originality in every way possible and always stay one step ahead of the game and please, please feel free to ask me anything about anything. x

Vintage Wedding Ideas

2009-10-13T17:53:00.011+01:00

I love shopping about looking for things online especially vintage style things and this website www.etsy.com is one of my favourites especially for something a little quirky or if you want to be a little different. It's the perfect place for Brides to look to find anything and everything to add that extra special touch to their wedding day. There is everything from hand made invitations to head pieces to designer dresses and gorgeous shoes and flowers. It's THE absolute heaven of a places to visit. Go check it out for yourself.

Click on Vintage Wedding Ideas ^ to take you to shopping heaven!

A quick glance

Little People

2009-10-13T15:36:00.013+01:00

This past week has been quite busy with the little people. I've had great fun on the past few shoots. I have to admit that it's getting colder at this time of year but little Leyton who loves windmills and my pink lady apples was soooooo cute but absolutely frozen. My other shoot was with Joss, his mum and dad were great sports also and mum Louise was like a personal stylist to Joss...... so cute!

Little Leyton

he loved the windmills

I love his little expression on this one

Little Joss and super Dad

These are just a few of my fave's from both shoots.

Now it's time for a cuppa and a biscuit.

A wedding with a difference

2009-10-01T13:51:00.010+01:00

On Sunday I had the pleasure of photographing Nancy & Ryan's wedding day which was held at Pittodrie House Hotel. YES ....... it was a wedding with a difference to say the least! I have included some insanely funny photos and it was surprisingly easy to get the guests to dress up especially with the help of Josh, Nancy's son as he was dragging everyone in and dressing them as well as trying to sneak in every shot wearing multiple moustaches and feather boas as hair!!!!

Nancy and Ryan let me drag them all over Pittodrie to take lots and lots of lovely snaps that I hope they'll be happy with.

Here's a few of the willing participants....

Click on pic to view large!

The lovely couple

So if your looking for a little something different for your wedding that is a little insane you've come to the right place!

A busy weekend

2009-09-28T19:46:00.009+01:00

This weekend was pretty hectic to say the least but lots and lots of fun.

On Saturday I had an engagement shoot with the lovely Nina and Russell at Balmedie Beach. The shoot was actually meant to be for the previous week but the weather was awful so we postponed to this Saturday just past and oh wow...... we couldn't have asked for better weather. The sky was blue, it was gorgeous and hot, in fact probably safe to say that Saturday will be the last of our summer weather ;-(

Anyway just thought I would share a couple of shots from Saturday.

Pics of a fun wedding to come soon!

Custom made Tutu's

2009-09-22T19:27:00.005+01:00

I've been making these for a while now and use them when photographing little girls. They are absolutely adorabley gorgeous and you can basically have them in any colour. I am now selling these so if there is a particular colour you are after then please let me know. Please email for details and prices.

Goodness, I don't think I've posted so many times in one week! ;-)

Presenting Alex Salmond

2009-09-21T20:54:00.007+01:00

On Tuesday the 15th September I presented Alex Salmond with one of my images. During the summer holidays I received a phone call from the lovely Rhonda Fraser to ask if I would have an image available which was taken in and around Inverurie or would I be able to do one. Having been quite busy over the summer holidays with shoots, delivering babies and everything else I hadn't had much time to be creative in taking any kind of self portrait. Anyway, I had this idea of taking an image showing Bennachie in the background in a hay field but that didn't turn out so on driving home I stopped at the woods beside my house where I took a few shots whilst being bitten alive by little beasties!!!

The Tuesday of the presentation was very daunting indeed. I turned up to find all these men in suits, so I grabbed a cuppa tea trying to hide the nerves. Rhonda went over what I had to do and I had this vision of tripping up the steps as I presented him with my framed picture. However, all went well and I met some lovely people. Even the men in suits were quite friendly ;-)

Alex Salmond himself was very polite and seemed genuinely pleased with what I gave him, whether he was pretending or not he did a good job of hiding it.

Anyway, I thought I would get this posted as my Granny has been trying to get on my blog and I think she's been looking out for this post! "Hi Granny"

Some pics taken by a lovely lady I met called Kate Sutherland.

A little something for the weekend

2009-09-06T19:16:00.003+01:00

Here's some Cupcakes I made this weekend and I have to say they taste as good as they look, especially the chocolate one! They were soooo easy to make and I've included the recipe.

My Favourite

Vanilla buttercake
90g butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanill extract
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
2 tablespoons milk

Butter cream frosting
125g butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (240g) icing sugra
2 tablespoons milk
50g dark eating chocilate, chopped finely
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
pink food colouring

Decorations
Anything you like

1. Preheat oven to moderate (180C or 160C fan-assisted). Line 6-hole large or 12-hole standard muffin tray with paper cases.

2. Beat butter, extract sugar, eggs, flour and milk in small bowl with electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are just combined. Increase speed to medium, beat until mixture is changed to a paler colour.

3. Divide mixture among cases, smooth surface.

4. Bake large cakes about 25 minutes, small cakes about 20 minutes. Turn cakes onto wire rack to cool.

5. Make butter cream frosting.

Butter cream frosting

Beat butter in small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy, beat in sifted icing sugar and milk, in two batches. Divide mixture among two small bowls. Add chopped chocolate to one and sifted cocoa powder. Using colouring to tint one pink.

Tip

I found the icing to be quite thin so added more icing sugar till I was happy with the consistency. Instead of using dark chocolate I used milk chocolate (Galaxy to be exact).

Enjoy........lovely to eat but bad on the waistline ;-)

Products

2009-09-04T22:24:00.009+01:00

Some new products now on offer from Amara Ritchie Photography. There are many other options available and with Christmas not too far away (eek)....... Calendars are the perfect stocking filler for Grandparents and family. I'm currently offering the Long Wall Calendar but please ask for more details.

A gorgeous and contemporary and stylish way to show off your images.
Overall size of around 24x24 inches with 9 equally spaced 6x6 apertures.
Your images are carefully placed behind highly polished 15mm thick acrylic blocks and then fixed into each aperture in your chosen order. The product is finished with a high gloss lacquer in three popular colours - red, black and off-white.

Why not send out your images on a Christmas card.....

Alternative framing.....

Beautifully presented in a material lined black display box. Mounting the print to the back of the 30mm block gives a prism effect, allowing you to view the image in different ways from many angles.

Or why not treat yourself to a stylish 12"x12" custom designed Coffee Table Book to show off to all your friends.

Amara Ritchie offers many products with a variety of framing choices, please ask for more details.

I WANT your ideas, I WANT you to tell me what you WANT so that we can work together to create something that you will love.

Cute Bundles

2009-09-02T21:06:00.006+01:00

I know I said I would blog more but it would help if I could remember my password to get in. It normally takes me about half an hour or I figure it out!

Anyway, on Sunday I had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous little girl called Murron. Her name is from the film Braveheart and she sooooo suits it. She had the cutest, little face and was an absolute joy to photograph. It was rather tricky in getting her to sleep with a few piddly accidents on the way but who cares when you get shots as gorgeous as she was. So mum, dad and I sat and waited and chatted and had numerous cups of tea until little Murron fell asleep.

Things have been pretty hectic with me these past few weeks but I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just popping in to say hi

2009-08-28T22:43:00.000+01:00

I've been really busy lately.....doing what I don't quite know ha ha!

It's nice to be back to normal and by that I mean no college, kids back at school and my house finally looking like a house rather than a dumping ground. I think I had two years of housework to catch up on. Apart from that I've a good few shoots lined up over the next few weeks and coming months which will no doubt keep me busy. So if your looking for any Christmas photos to hand out to Grandparents or families now's the time to book. Talking of Grandparents I have to say a "Hi" to Granny who now has a laptop and managed to find her way to my website ;-)

Tutu's will be available to purchase soon.....so again if your looking for a little girls gift this xmas why not pre-order.

Last weekend hubby and I went to Lonach Games for the first time, well first time for me anyway! It was brilliant and I managed to grab a few shots of Billy Connolley, but the best part was the March and the Pipe Bands. It always sends a shiver down my spine when you hear those guys play.

Right, I'm off to make a cuppa tea and I do promise to try and make more effort with my blog. Any suggestions that you want to see on here let me know!

Little Man

2009-08-08T01:24:00.007+01:00

Not only does Cody have Auntie Joanne to deliver him but he has his own personal photographer ;-), how could I not resist taking his photo? Mum, Dad and Cody arrived just after lunch time in which they were here till about supper time. Cody likes to stay wakened most of the day you see.......... and likes to sleep all night!! Lucky for mum and dad but not for me. We had to wait a good while until we got him into that sleepy, drunk like state that is soooooo cute. Anyone who says photographing babies is a breeze is lying, I have to admit that I do love photographing them though. The hat and wrap were knitted by my 80 year old Granny (Cody's Great Granny), she's on her third one while I'm still trying to knit my first ;-(
Oh we also made the papers today........pic to follow soon ;-)

Paul & Sarah

2009-08-05T10:43:00.006+01:00

Just wanted to share Sarah and Paul's wedding with you. This was the most relaxed, well planned wedding I have been to yet. Paul being a photographer himself has seen many weddings I'm sure so, the attention to detail was bound to be perfect. I was also quite honoured to be asked to do their wedding, even though it's quite daunting to photograph a photographers wedding. They chose to get married at Loch Muick, a favourite place of theirs and then it was onto the Craigendarroch at Ballater, again a fantastic choice of hotel. It was quite a cold and windy day but Sarah was brilliant considering she was suffering from the cold.....she didn't complain once. I have sooo many images yet to go through but just wanted to share a sneak preview.

Special Delivery

2009-08-02T18:31:00.002+01:00

Meet Cody, my 6 day old nephew delivered by myself on Tuesday morning by huge surprise.

It's been a horrendously busy, hectic, stressful week to say the least but I will never forget Tuesday 28th July!!

My other sister called me at 7.50am and asked if I would come down as Kelly was in labour and she had to go and get ready for work. I arrived at Kelly and Matthew's house by 8.30am. Kelly was coping really well with contractions, i got her up to go to the loo and she said she felt the urge to push! I told her that was quite normal and she asked for me to help her back to the loo. Hubby called me at 9.20am to ask how things were and I said fine and that I would call him back in 5 mins as Kelly wanted to go into hospitals NOW! (We were waiting for Matthews mum to arrive as she was driving them in). Just as I put the phone down I told Matthew to call for an ambulance. Kelly looked at me and said I feel something down there!! I told her I needed to look, I then looked at her and said baby is coming now and that she needed to push on her next contraction. With that she gave one push and out popped his head, his wee face began to look blue, so I tried to stimulate him where he then turned round and slowly moved his head. I yelled at Matthew "where's the fooking ambulance", Kelly saw me panic for a split second so I had to calm myself and said "everything is fine but you need to push on the next contraction. She gave another push, and baby Cody was born at 9.30am. I unravelled the cord, gave him a clean till he cried and placed him on Kelly's tummy and waited a further 10-15 mins for the ambulance to arrive. The best present an auntie could ever wish for!

I then did her dishes and went to the hairdresser for my hair appointment an hour later than I should have been!

BTW......isn't this stuff only supposed to happen in magazines?

My sister had her baby - delivered by me!!!!!!!!

2009-07-29T09:57:00.002+01:00

OMG, what a strange day yesterday was to say the least. A quick update before I dash out the door to get things organised for them all.

Yesterday morning I delivered my little sisters baby much to my surprise. It was the most wonderful thing in the whole world and something I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Cody Campbell Stewart was born on 28th June 2009 at 9.30am weighing 7lbs 14oz. He's gorgeous.

Will follow up the story in more detail with pictures but just wanted to tell the world he'd arrived.

Freebies

2009-07-27T23:16:00.000+01:00

Thought I would share this lovely little texture with you. If you click on the title "Freebies" above you should be able to download the large size. It's very pretty. It would be nice if you could credit me and show me what you've done with it.

Molly

2009-07-27T20:53:00.000+01:00

Click on the image to view larger..

I promised I would post some more images of the gorgeous Molly and here she is! Sound asleep. I'm loving these newborn shots and sooooooo desperate to do some more. I need to get out and shooting more but it's very difficult with the school holidays etc.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Mine was rather hectic to say the least ;-)

Babies

2009-07-22T23:26:00.000+01:00

OMG.......what is there not to love about newborns? This is Molly a gorgeous 3 week old baby girl who I had the pleasure of photographing on Tuesday. I couldn't resist sharing this one as she looks absolutely adorable. Little Molly however was rather curious and wanted to see what was going on so there was lots of waiting till mum got her sleeping before we could place her where we wanted, but oh no..........up she got again ;-). When you photograph babies you can't rush it, you have to take your time and go with the flow otherwise you don't get the shots you want. I was lucky enough to hang around for a good while, enjoying cups of tea and getting lots of little cuddles from baby Molly. More to come from this shoot soon........ My little sisters baby was due last Sat and I'm waiting patiently to kidnap him/her for some serious newborn photos. She knows the sex of the baby and I think I'm about the only one who doesn't as I chose not to know. My guess it's a boy though!! We helped her move house last night (mad girl). Hopefully this will get her going though....so watch out for lots and lots of newborns flooding my site ;-)

Rough Diamond

2009-07-20T21:27:00.000+01:00

Fresh and clean out the bath I ask her to pose for me in one of my hand made Tutu's and this is the pose she presents me with! She was away all day today on a Pony Day where she has to learn all about the horse, muck it out blah blah blah. She had a whale of a time but at bed time she did confess that she got shouted at for hurting one of the other girls fingers! "I didn't cry when I got a row though mum" she said ha ha!!!! This was taken with my new super duper Lensbaby Composer which I love, just takes a bit of getting used to and couldn't resist posting this little pic of my darling daughter.

She is also wearing one of my handmade Tutu's which will be available soon.

Queen of the Loch

2009-07-16T17:00:00.000+01:00

I've promised myself to try and keep my blog a little more up to date with what's going on but it's not quite happening.

A week or so ago I visited Loch Muick with Sarah and Paul who are getting married here. It's such a gorgeous place and I can't believe I've never been before. I'm dying to learn the history and I feel the urge for some late night photography along with some early morning shots but the thought of staying in the bothy is freaking me out a little bit! Maybe I'll drag hubby along with me however he's about as much use as a chocolate watch especially when he's sleeping! He doesn't here a bloody thing!

Anyway I couldn't resist throwing up this little manipulation. Check out the ghost in the window!!!!!!

Press

2009-07-06T18:57:00.001+01:00

I meant to put these up a week ago but am just getting round to it now.
Thought I would share my little press cuttings with you ;-)
*Click to view larger*

Things are shaping up nicely. Wedding brochures have arrived and are looking lovely, as have my sample album packages which I must say I'm hugely impressed with. I have a good few shoots lined up and my little sister is due her baby in about 2 weeks time (can't wait)! *squeel* It means I will have a newborn baby at my disposal. I've been busy making tutu skirts which will hopefully be up for sale soon with some gorgeous pics to follow of course. If anyone is interested please email me.

Right it's time of my Markies Indian, hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far x

STUDENT AWARDS

2009-06-17T22:36:00.000+01:00

OMG, I had the best night of my life last night! I won Best Student and Best Photography for 2008-2009. I was absolutely overwhelmed and did not expect it at all considering how much talented people there were on my course.

Two years ago I was almost distraught at the thought of leaving my babies to go to college. It was certainly one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make and receiving BOTH awards makes me feel like all that earlier worries and concerns was well worth me going.

Winning one award would have been lovely but two was an absolute dream. I was so glad that my family and friends were able to come and I feel like I have finally achieved something in my life to be proud of and hopefully that my kids will be proud of one day.

After much celebrations last night, a £70 taxi ride home and a hangover from hell and only having 3 hrs sleep before having to get up to do the school run I still had this big cheesy grin on my face that has barely left my chops the whole day!

Apart from that I'm feeling very sad that I'm not staying on to do my degree but I desperately want to take some time out and spend it with my kids, I want to cook again (cos I'm ok at that you know)!! I also want to get focused on setting up my business and concentrate on new work and ideas.

I've made lots of friends at college and I'm really gonna miss them all especially my little friend ;-)

I'm now off to bed with another smile on my face knowing that it's almost over.

2009-05-09T19:11:00.000+01:00

Goodness I'm falling so behind with this blog milarky! For anyone who doesn't know I was down in London with college seeing how Fashion Photography was done. Real model, real makeup artist, real hair stylist and real clothes stylist. The whole trip was awesome even with the small hangovers that were lurking about! As we walked into Holborn Studios and waited to be shown where we were going ........casually walking past us was Blue (The Boy Band)! Then as we casually strolled about low and behold there was Lisa Snowdon in one of the studios having her picture taken. Then just as we were to move on Johnny Vaughn casually walked past. OMG...I have never seen so many famous people in one place at any one time!

Apart from being busy with college work, I;ve been experimenting with my Polaroid Camera that I've had for donkeys and only got round to trying it out yesterday for the first time. So I'm quite excited about that.

Anyway.....off to put my feet up, induldge in a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Weekend Madness

2009-04-21T20:07:00.000+01:00

Oh and not forgetting Miss Dior!

Well that's the weekend over and I'm finally recovering from my weekend away in Glasgow! I have to admit that I'm still recovering and probably should check myself into rehab.......either that or I'm getting to old for this carry on!

I have to say a huge thanks to Sharon and Del for putting us up in their gorgeous flat. God you forget how clean a house can look when you don't have children! I mean there is no way I could get away with having a white sofa in my house ha ha!!! After getting all dolled up and heading for something to eat we went to Maggie May's which was ace! I was feeling all birthdayfied and special, wearing my lovely peg trousers and vest top and jacket not to mention my backless bra that required "body tape" or so the woman announced when I politely asked if she had tit tape! Well that's what I thought it was called. Anyway, I was having a conversation with this couple who said they might pop along when in mid conversation my "tit tape" lost it's grip. Yep I felt it fall completely off! Luckily my vest top was tucked into my trousers ;-). Not quite sure I should be telling this story on my blog but hey ho, these things happen to us all don't they?????

I've spent today trying to sort out the business side of Amara Ritchie, and trying to design my new brochure prices. I've also got round to editing a mini collaboration shoot I did with the fabulous Danielle who did the makeup, in between Amara stealing her Dior brighter than bright pink lipstick. I've posted them in the beautiful people gallerie but if you want a look check them out above!

Right off to watch Gok's Fashion Fix xx

Vintage Frills

2009-04-16T16:25:00.000+01:00

Thought I would induldge in another self portrait. Actually.......this was taken back in February I think for my Graded Unit project based on faceless self portraits but thought I would share it with you as I quite like the effect I achieved. Anyway....off to Glasgow tomorrow to see Eskimo Blonde they are playing at Maggie Mays if anyone is from or going to be in that area. I'm also escaping as it's my brithday (21 again) so it will be quite nice to have some me time for a change!

Got some model shots to post soon, have been working with a make-up artist and hoping to do some more soon. Hope everyone has had a lovely Easter so far.

Model Scouting

2009-04-10T19:31:00.001+01:00

Today Simone and I went model scouting in Aberdeen. We are in the middle of a fashion project with no models, so we decided to brave it and hit the streets of Aberdeen. I must admit we felt a bit like stalkers, checking people out as they crossed the road and followed them about shops but I have to admit it was quite a fun day! We managed to find a few gorgeous girls who will hopefully be great in front of the camera and who we are looking forward to working with. It's quite a daunting thing hitting the streets especially as you don't know how people will react. Yes we were turned down a few times in the beginning which cast some doubt but as the day went on and we got wetter and colder we just went for it. Anyhooooo, all in all it was a good day!

So to anybody reading this..........if you know of any good potential models who are hopefully 5'6 and up please feel free to let me know or get in touch!

More Pics of the Happy Couple .....

2009-04-09T21:14:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pics from the awesome wedding of Rhodine and Heba last Saturday.

Congrats to Rhodine & Heba

2009-04-04T22:06:00.000+01:00

This has got to be the maddest wedded couple I have ever photographed!! They were both absolutely fantastic and a real joy to work with. I had so much fun from this shoot that I want to share, Rhodine and Heba were brilliant and a very well suited couple and I wish them many years of happiness. Heba is Egyptian and has the most fab accent you have ever heard, it's a cross between Egyptian with a mild Scottish accent thrown in and you couldn't help but love her personalitly and the sense of fun she had or should I say they both had. Rhodine commented that he liked one of my SP's with an apple involved. Much to my surprise he appeared with a red and green apple which had everyone giggling. Anyway here is a little taster of what's to come ........The Happy Couple stopping traffic in Union Street, Aberdeen and once again Congratulations to Rhodine and Heba. xxx

Back to normality

2009-03-08T12:53:00.000Z

Things have been a little hectic in my world lately! Having been ill with tonsillitis and having some sad family news things have been pretty rough. I've just finished my graded unit which was an added stress but I'm raring to go and hoping to get back to some kind of normality.

Our poor little kitten disappeared for about a week but was found safe and sound if not a little thin trapped in our garden shed! The thing is none of us can remember going down to the shed so it's a mystery as to how he got in there.

I have a busy few weeks ahead, I'm off for a pampering day in a fortnights time and I soooo can't wait and then the following week we have our annual dance to help raise funds for Playgroup. It's always such a great night. I would tell you all to come along but it's a sell out which is great news.

Right off to clear up my laptop of the hundreds of images that have slowly gathered over the last few weeks.

Hope your all having a lovely Sunday x

Just horsing around!

2009-02-11T16:21:00.000Z

Firstly I have to say that these images were not taken by myself! They were taken by the lovely Lynn Baraclough from my class at college. We are all very busy working on our graded unit at the moment which is pretty full on and I don't know how I managed to get roped into this! I mean...... I don't mind horses, infact I used to love riding, just not in the snow!

She had me in three dresses all of which I had to change outside ;-(, not good when you can't feel your toes or hands and there is a small crowd watching. My neighbour took a video so will post that when I get round to editing it ;-). I have to say it was good fun and "Softy" the horse was good even though he kept wandering back to the gate to get out or probably get me of his back.

I absolutely love this one....... perhaps because you can't see my face ha ha! I also have to thank Lynn hugely for helping me out with my images and wearing a little vintage nightie in very cold weather ;-)

I ventured out today with the kids (no choice since they are off school)! I had to try and do some photos for college but it was a disaster and a stress. It was cold, I was in a derelict house with the kids screaming at each other because of their snowball fighting! I gave up and decided to head home only to get stuck at the bottom of the road in a lump of snow. To top it all off it's snowing again and looks like I'm homeward bound for another day!

Grumpy Birthday Girl..........

2009-02-01T18:41:00.000Z

No much wonder she had a face like thunder. My poor baby woke up on her 4th birthday barely able to lift her head off the pillow (after sleeping in our bed)!!! She was up through the night and just wouldn't settle and slept most of the day. After a visit to the doctor it was confirmed she had tonsillitis and an ear infection ;-(

Luckily her party wasn't till the day after but as you can see here she still wasn't up for much giggles!

I hate this time of year, it seems to be bug after bug.....roll on summer I say.

Looking forward to this year........

2009-01-16T10:26:00.000Z

Firstly I just want to say Happy belated New Year to everyone! I'm hoping to be around here much more but until I finish college this summer I doubt it will happen much in the next few months! I'm very much looking forward to finishing up and getting my business up and running. I'm looking forward to get a home studio set up with lots of space and a nice little prop wardrobe! I still want to carry on doing my locations shoots more than studio ones as I feel you get a unique and individual image. So I'll be scouting for some cool locations over the coming months.

My new years resolutions are pretty simple..............stay healthy, keep fit, walk the dog more and have a little more patience with my little horrors! I want to push myself further with my photography so watch this space as I'll be having a casting call soon! I have a few projects in mind that I would love to fullfill so I'll post some details when I'm a little more organised. Until now I better get back to my college work ;-)

Merry Xmas

2008-12-29T21:23:00.001Z

Hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas and looking forward to the New Year! We had a lovely quite one with just the four of us at home which was quite nice considering we only got 4 hours sleep before the kids were up. You could have peeled Ritchie off the ceiling he was soooo excited. This picture was taken as a wee surprise for Granny's and Grandas, and I have to say it wasn't the easiest getting the kids to behave. Can you also imagine having three sisters agree on which picture they like the best? This was the best of the bunch though! It was a freezing cold day but it was cute to see them all playing and getting along so nice.

Well Happy New Year to you all when it comes x

Christmas Tree is falling to bits!!

2008-12-02T22:59:00.000Z

Ok, so it snowed loads today and the kids were feeling festive as was I! After running about in the snow and baking salty scones by accident and some lovely "Granny Barron" biscuits as my kids call them we've had a fun festive day!

The thing is I have this little kitten called Popeye who is obsessed with trashing my Christmas tree. He has managed to pull all the beads off, paw at the baubles and at one point knock the whole damn thing over! For now he is banned from the living room and will not be getting a Christmas present if he carries on the way he is behaving ;-)

The day Santa's Elf phoned

2008-11-30T21:57:00.000Z

So what else are you supposed to do on a frosty Sunday? Coal fire was on, kids were playing happy and are excited at getting their advent calender tomorrow. So to spice things up a little and add some excitement to the festive period we got one of Santa's Elf's to phone!

The Elf told dad that he was delivering mini surprises on the road that Santa and the reindeers would have to travel on to be able to find Ritchie & Amara's house! He wanted them to go out and look for the surprises but they had to find all four of them and if they managed to do that then Santa would know that he was in the right area for delivering presents! Yes I know it's a little far fetched but seeing their little faces when they found the mini chocolate snowmen hanging from the fences brought a huge grin to their little faces and ours of course.

and the hat flew away.......

2008-11-14T19:58:00.001Z

Ok this was a little more painful than I first anticipated. Perhaps I should leave it to your imagination as to how I did this ;-)

Two days later and I'm still stiff, at least my feet are now clean!

This was shot for my latest prject on image editing for my theme on levitation.

2008-11-14T19:22:00.000Z

Been really busy with college stuff lately and trying to meet all the deadlines ;-( so not had much time for anything else.

This pic was shot for my advertising project which was for a billboard campaign.

The day that Dave came out it poured of rain and was absolutely horrendous and I didn't know what the hell I was going to do! Anyway the rain didn't stop me....... a wee brainwave and bobs yer uncle!

Halloween Fun

2008-11-08T10:55:00.000Z

Ritchie catches a rat!

Granda Graham dooks for apples!

Wicked witches!

Ok I know I'm a little late in posting this but thought I would share a few halloween pics. The thought of trick or treating filled me with dread!! Who wants to be freezing as you chap on doors? So it was nice to be invitied to the In-laws Halloween party. The kids had great fun as did the adults. Next year I'll make sure I'm not driving ;-(

Ice Cream Sunday!

2008-09-28T14:11:00.000+01:00

I thought I would share with you my adventures of this morning.........9.30am to be precise. Armed with 6 children, a couple of chairs, a park full of cows, some jelly, an ice cream scoop and a couple of bowls, this I would say was like no other Sunday!

I had to do this for a college project, not sure if I have managed to capture exactly what I wanted however it's quite difficult to have a conversation with a cow and tell it what you want it to do! I mean they are not like dogs. I had to creat an advertisement, advertising Ice Cream without actually showing ice cream in the shot. Thankfully I have a couple of friends with a farm who own some dairy cows, and I have to say it was quite a giggle! After the shoot which didn't take too long the kids then proceeded to pick up the jelly and fling it everywhere. I at one point thought I was going to slip in cow poop as I was being chased by my son with a handful of jelly!!

I have posted some out-takes for a giggle, hope you laugh as much as we all did!

Out-takes taken by the lovely Diane who managed to get a fair few pictures of my backside!

Saturday Nights

2008-09-27T21:33:00.000+01:00

are all about the X-factor at the moment! I stupidly started this thing where I say to the kids (on a Sat night) "what night is it tonight" they both look at me with huge smiles on their faces shouting "the X-factor" as they make the cross sign with their stubbly little fingers!

So 15 mins before hand we get all our goodies, me with my Magners, bowl of ice-cream and smashed up maltesers and the kids with the rest of the box and their own little bottle of Irn Bru. We proceed to the living room, feet up on the poofey, one either side of me chomping away while we all attempt to sing the songs! Thank god I don't have neighbours!!!!!!

So as I sit their sipping my cider and eating my bowl of ice cream I become somewhat depressed at watching the very pretty stick thin Cheryl Cole and wish that I had not taken the ice cream tub out! ................Oh well the diet will begin tomorrow!

Monday Blues

2008-09-15T21:18:00.000+01:00

Okay so it was a pretty hectic weekend! It was my sisters 18th Birthday on Saturday "happy Brithday Kelly" we all went for a lovely Italian meal (which is my fave) apart from I ordered Salmon pasta!!! Thing is I didn't know it would be a small portion of raw salmon served on top of the lovely cooked yummy pasta!!! I think this is what made me feel sick the rest of the night! Me and raw fish do not get on!

Had hubby's works bbq on the Sat and I have to say that we both died on the Monday! We both suffered from funny tummies!

Had a nice email today from a lady who wants me to do a talk at Aberdeen Uni about my photography work! Feels a bit weird since I was the one always at the back of the class unwilling to stick my hand up to give the right answer! I'm rather excited though.

Right off to bed to try and catch up on some beauty sleep, the pimples are starting to rear their ugly heads and I'm convinced it's lack of sleep!

I have decided

2008-09-12T23:46:00.000+01:00

that this is where I'm going to ramble! I've been mentally busy busy the past few weeks. Lots of images to edit. An exhibition at the gallery in Aberdeen and a shit load of college work to wade through! I am absolutely knackered!!!

I was going to write more but I'm done and heading to bed. Keep checking back, I'll hopefully update regularly x