Please help me Help Japan...

My heart aches for the people of Japan. There are no words that can express all that I feel. Hearing the unbelievable stories and seeing the devastating images coming out of this region leaves me breathless. I can not even imagine all that these poor people are enduring. I have been trying to think of ways I could help and I think I found a way...but I am in need of your help.

I would like to give a way a FREE One Hour Session that will include 10 high resolution digital files with print release and a 8x10 print of your choice.

To enter simply donate any amount to one of the Organizations I list below to help the children and families in Japan. Simply email me a copy of your receipt at amanda@dimondaphotography.com and you will be entered to win the Free Session. I will choose a winner on Monday March 21st, 2011.

Below are a few organizations that are working on relief and recovery in Japan.
American Red Cross
Save the Children
Shelter Box
Convoy of Hope
The Salvation Army

Don't forget to email me your receipt to enter the drawing. The Session is good for a child or family 1 hour session anytime this year, 2011. xo

♥ ♥ Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please pass this along...Everyone can help make a difference. ♥ ♥

a new blossom {ny- long island newborn photographer}

"Babies touch the world with love." ~ unknown

Meet Miss. K. So beautiful and just about the sweetest new little blossom you could ever meet. She is blessed with two handsome older brothers to love and protect her. Thank you to her lovely mommy for letting me capture a few moments of her so fresh and new. You are amazing and make Motherhood look so easy!! Congratulations to this wonderful family! xo

a bird sings...{ny - long island child/baby photographer}

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."

Maya Angelou

I recently found this quote and I loved it. It reminds me of children and childhood. Simplicity. It is nice to remember to just sing because it is in you. What ever your song maybe. Try it today...it is like a breath of fresh air! ♥

And...speaking of little birds who sing because he has a song...I would like to introduce Mr. M. He is such a handsome lil' man with a gentle spirit. He was amazing. Thank you to both him and his sweet Mommy too! I had such a fun little session. Happy 1st Birthday!!! xo

Spring Mini Sessions!

The past couple of days and the slightly warmer weather has gotten me so anxious for spring! I can hardly wait to hear the birds singing, the sound of children at the playground near my house, and to watch my own girls ride their bikes and soak up all the fresh air. It has been a long long winter and I am more then ready!!

Last fall my Mini Sessions were a big hit so I decided to celebrate the arrival of spring by having more! These ones also include a special gift that would be perfect to give to Mom for Mothers day!

Here are the details:

Where: Stony Brook at Avalon Park
When: April 9Th, 2011
Who: Up to 3 persons are included in the price.
What: 20 minute session that includes 5 High Resolution Digital Images with print release. Discounted pricing on all other files and or products. And for you or for Mom...a beautiful hand made Bloom Frame in either an 8x8 or 8x10 size and you get to pick your style choice and color! Your images will be ready for viewing in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after the session. You will chose your frame style and color by the date of the session to ensure I will receive them in time for Mothers day! If weather should cancel the session the rain dates will first be Sunday April 10Th, and in case we need another Sunday April 17Th.

Please contact me for further details or to secure your spot! amanda@dimondaphotography.com

Here are some examples of the Bloom Frames Included in this special!! To see more please visit my facebook page here!

sweet...{long island child photographer}

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
~ Dr. Seuss

A sweet little session and the sweetest of locations!! What fun we had on a cold snowy day. Happy Birthday to BOTH of these beautiful sisters! Thank you for venturing out on a dreary day to have fun with me and play!! More to come soon!! <3 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7Z3fQWRehQ65qW-1u6_fuX2W8KH9vFhnAXiNmm9-Pex-eHU-_69GldyaXRQDMKrEExGCb2y-N674mrGch-63-ofhyphenhyphengAAzJO7e-Jmo8Ta8S8S1xWOu32G28M3xNQwrh5A_l4pwT3tMRny/s1600/blog_MG_0219l2.jpg">

Mine.

I recently found videos that we have taken since my girls were born. Amazing. I never realized at the time how much those small every day moments would mean to me. They took my breath away and inspired me in new ways. So refreshing. I sat here at my computer laughing and crying at the same time. Remembering those sweet tiny voices, the little baby belly laughs...the way they said their sisters name before they could really talk. Music to my ears. In one video I asked them if they knew their daddy's name, they were just about two, and one of them said it right away. The other moved her hand around and said..."tick a tick a tick" (tickle tickle tickle) because daddy has always been the silly one! lol I forgot about that.

They are truly my sunshine and light up my world in the most spectacular ways. They are Identical twins, yet so very different at the same time. Alone they are miraculous and I adore their beautiful souls...together they are breath taking in a whole new way. I think that was my favorite part of those old videos. Watching again how strong the bond that holds them together has always been. I remember back then how I would sit and wonder what they would be like, what they would love to do, what their favorite things would end up being. The things they would excel at and all the little quirks they would have that make them unique. Today, I smile as I know a lot of those answers and am in awe of how much they have grown. They turned 6 this past December and I am beyond proud of who they have become. I have a whole new array of wonders filtering in my heart for them....but love that I am here with them to witness who they are right now and stand beside them as they learn to walk down their own path. That I will always cherish.

Those little pictures and videos froze my sweet baby girls in time and have inspired me to take a whole new turn on my photography in my own families life. My favorite things to photograph have always been those small details that one day we will long to remember and those special "real" moments that hold so much raw emotion and love. However, in this crazy busy life we all lead I sometimes let the days go by too quickly. My goal for this year is to remember to take my camera out more often at home...and capture all the moments that make up our days Today....so I have them to hold onto tomorrow.

For now I will share this with you. These were taken last November right before their 6Th birthday. Don't let them fool you...I had to bribe them into it, but in the end...we had a really fun day, one that they were thankful for as much as Mommy! ♥xo

so handsome ♥ {ny-long island newborn photogrpaher}

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" --Author Unknown

I had the honor of meeting the most handsome little baby boy and his lovely family this week. This little man has such a beautiful journey in front of him...with some of the most loving people I have had the pleasure to cross paths with. So genuine and pure...they left me speechless. Thank you to the I family for sharing a bit of their grace with me... ♥

Isn't he just perfect...

...and a couple for father and son. ;)

a thank you

I have been meaning to blog this session for a while, but have not been able to write the words down just as they are in my heart. Just over four years ago I met an amazing woman. One who has a heart of gold and who lives her life sharing it with everyone around her. I am not sure if she realizes it or not but she makes a difference every single day with the little things she does to make everyone else around her smile. Those little things are not so little, they fill your whole heart and soul. If everyone where to be so compassionate with out a second thought...this world would be such an amazing place. Not only is she one of a kind, so is her wonderful family. They all make me smile just to think of them. Along with her hubby (who has a heart just as big I will assure you! ;) They are raising some unbelievable little men. Three to be exact and they are stunning from the inside out! Sweet D I am so blessed to have you as my friend. Thank you for more then words can say! ♥

xo