Struggles and Shadows | Personal

//when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in You, still standing.
When the sky rolls up and the mountains fall on their knees,
when time and space are through,
I'll be found in You.//
—brooke fraser [shadowfeet]


This week is the last full week of classes before finals start, and it's been tiring & emotional to say the least. Tuesday was super difficult; I spent 12 hours at school—hours full of struggles. Insecurities showed their ugly faces. Tears threatened to fall. Hope seemed distant at times. And I didn't eat dinner until 10 pm. (If you know me, lack of food can cause some crazy reactions!)

However, I find peace and comfort in knowing that my identity does not shallowly rest in the scholarships I win (or don't win), in my grades, nor in my photography. It sits in something, Someone, much deeper. My identity is in Christ, and I want to spend the rest of my earthly life bringing Him glory! This song is a good reminder to me of that, and that I'm just living a "shadow life" now...my real life starts in Eternity. And oh, how glorious that will be!

love always,

amelia renee:)

these are some of my favorite things | personal

I've seen these fun photos for ages now, of "in my purse" or "must have" items. Well, this is my own personal twist on that idea—Things for Spring! These are just a few of the things that I've found myself using, and I thought you might enjoy!

1. Striped umbrella: it doesn't need to be striped, polka dots or flowers work just as well! But it should be noted that umbrellas are only useful to protect against the rain when you have it with you. (note to self.) That being said, I'm adding "check today's weather forecast" to my morning routine...yesterday was a bit soggy. ;)

2. A fun mug: I've never met a mug that wasn't fun, have you? What's not to love, when it can be your best friend when working on late night editing (be it photos or an end of the semester paper)? I prefer to fill 'er up with Oregon Chai Tea, or simple herbal tea, but coffee is sometimes necessary. (Not black, thank you. I'm not ready for that yet!) What is your favorite hot drink?

3. A coloured (skinny) belt: I currently have two, and am looking for more. Supposedly thrift stores have good belt selections...if anyone knows of such, let me know!

4. Anthropologie's April catalog: One of my favorite catalogs out there. It is so artistically put together, and the fashion & photography is to die for. Someday I'll actually buy something from Anthro, but until that day comes, I'm content just looking. :)

5. Rad jams: if you missed this post, you won't know that one of my current favorites is Ben Rector. I've enjoyed him this spring, and now you can too!

that's it for now, folks. feel free to throw out some great hot drinks, new music, or anything else in the comment box below!

love always,

amelia renee:)

the Virginia Rowenhorsts | family session

I've been waiting for seven months to meet & photograph this lovely family! SEVEN MONTHS! You see, I photographed the "Iowa Rowenhorsts" back in the fall of 2011, and soon after discovered that there was to be a wedding in the family in April! Staci & I quickly decided that we'd love to get together and do a session while they were in town, and it finally happened last week! Since 4 of the 7 of them are under the age of 6, we had to come up with something that would keep them occupied...and I think you'll agree, too. ;)




Dan & Staci, you failed to mention Michelle is a model! I think you'll be able to quit your day jobs pretty soon if she decides to go into modeling. ;)

who is that good looking couple?! shucks.


The R's live pretty close to DC, home to a well-known cupcakery. Well, we have our own cupcake shop here in town, Scratch, and they've got the best cupcakes in Iowa. So I grabbed some, and they were a big hit with these kiddos!






the photo below? one of my absolute favorites.









Rowenhorsts, I loved finally getting to meet you all! Come back soon...for more cupcakes, of course. ;)
love always,amelia renee:)

preview of what's to come:

sneak peek of the cuties I had the pleasure of photographing this week! more to come soon:)

Kaitlin | senior | part two!

you may remember this gorgeous senior gal from last fall, when we took part one of her portraits. we had planned to do some this winter in the snow, but between both of our schedules & the crazy mild winter we had in Iowa, that didn't happen. so bummed about that!
but! fear not. Katie was willing to get up early one saturday morning to finish up her photos, and we had fun exploring quiet downtown CF. :) enjoy!














love always,amelia renee:)