Madeline | Waterloo Christian School | Waterloo, IA Senior Portrait Photographer

Maddy was a natural in front of the camera! She's bubbly, full of sweetness and talent, and is totally my kind of girl. Even though we met for the first time the night of her senior portraits, I felt completely comfortable with her and wouldn't mind hanging out with her just for fun! Although that might be kind of hard…she's a busy gal, involved with volleyball, basketball, track, leading worship, band, choir, teaching sunday school, and ya know…just add school and a social life on top of that! ;) She definitely will go far in whatever area she decides to pursue!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me, Maddy! Let's grab coffee over Christmas break and catch up on life then:)













Love Always,
Amelia Renee

Reminding Myself of Truth

Today hasn't been nearly as productive as I had wished. That early morning bike ride didn't happen, and so far my bedroom is covered in dirty and clean laundry, old college textbooks, and receipts from the past few months. My two page "to-do" list has only a few checkmarks on it as of 3 pm.

And I think that it's okay. 

Because today I'm wrestling with some deep thoughts and hurts and fears. Oh, that last word, it's a soul-sucker…one that has attached itself to my heart and brain since I entered this wild world 22 years ago and manages to remind me of its presence every once in a while.

Summer is ending in just a few weeks (hence the room purge!) and company will be here this weekend to stay in my room—a reminder that in two weeks from now, my room will be fully back to "guest room status" and I'll be living in the same building as a few hundred other mostly-freshman-aged-people that I get to love on and cry for/with and share in life with. But that isn't what has me thinking today.

This heart of mine is thinking too much and too deeply about my future. Things I have no control over, dreams I have that I doubt will come true, wondering about the value of my heart and if I value the things I should. 

What is my purpose?

Don't we all ask that? Don't we all want to know the answer? 


I know the answer. I've been given the key to the code, the last book in the series, the final puzzle piece. And in that is tucked away joy and hope and love. Those are greater than fear by far, but sometimes I let the one who tells lies sit on my bedside table and spread a tasteless grey over the beautifully colored canvas of life I have been given.

Today I'm saying no.

In saying no to fear, to lies, I have been reminded of the freedom in truth. The truth that I am loved. I will be provided for by the One who calls me Daughter. He gives me peace in times of tears and joy that is new each morning. He gives me hope to pray big prayers, dream big dreams, and the ability to rest in what I know and trust for what I do not.

So. I'm going to wipe the tears off my face.  This afternoon I'll finish a few items on my list, but I am also going to take the time to choose joy in the small things like last night's Frozen movie party with 4 precious neighbor kiddos (complete with themed deserts and sparkler dance party afterward), hugs from my favorite dad, the beautiful Iowa landscape I've been blessed to call home for so much of my life, and smooshy fresh-baked brownies.

For the Lord has chosen Zion [and Amelia!],
    he has desired [her] for his dwelling, saying,
14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever;
    here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
15 I will bless her with abundant provisions;
    her poor I will satisfy with food.
16 I will clothe her priests with salvation,
    and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.
—Psalm 132: 13-16

Tylena | Mini-Portrait Session | On a hot and sunny morning in Jacksonville, Florida...

 

   

Tylena is one of my favorite women!  Her life tells a story of hardship and struggle, of victory and redemption and the overwhelming love of Jesus.  The past two years, I've been able to know her and watch her trust a God who is good and it's been amazing to see the transformation happening in her life! This summer, we both went back to the beginning, to Jacksonville to lead teams of other young women, and Tylena did a fantastic job!  She was stretched and pushed and persevered through the long hard days, the early mornings and the late nights.  

Ty, I love your laugh and your crazy "before bed" dancing and your obsession with pickles. You are so you, and it's a blessing to call you a sister:) 

All the love,

Amelia

Nelson Family | Jacksonville Beach Family Mini-Session

I've known the Nelson's before most- if not all!- of their kiddos were born.  Back in the days of learning about photography, I took Toby's 4 year old photos…look how time has flown! It was a fun adventure to head to the beach with this family of five, and run around in the sand for a short while before a TORRENTIAL downfall! Maybe someday we'll actually get in a full family session;)

If you're looking for some family photos in the Ames or Cedar-Loo, Iowa areas, look no further! I would love to play with your family & do something you enjoy while capturing memories to keep for a lifetime. Shoot me an email to talk about openings & details!

Love Always, 

Amelia Renee :)

Asia | Senior Session | Cedar Falls, IA Senior Photography

Asia is one of the most amazing high school seniors I know! Not only has she lived overseas for much of her life, but she has a huge heart for people and helping them. She loves to listen, encourage, and make people laugh. Asia also has the coolest name;) Her family is currently living in Thailand, but they came back for a few weeks this summer and I had the chance to meet up with her, have some good coffee at Sidecar in CF 
(sooo good!), and hang out in typical Iowa landscape-ness. 

On top of everything mentioned, Asia is incredibly artistic and talented! She looooves to doodle and create artwork, and definitely has the ability to go far with that! Whatever she does, she does well and with heart and love…something rare and to be treasured in today's society. 

Asia—thank you so much for allowing me to do your senior photos! It was so great to see you, and not long enough. Next summer will bring some art collaborations (I hope!) and many more memories!

I'm still booking senior and family sessions for August in Cedar Falls/Waterloo area, as well as weddings for next summer. If you (or someone you know!) is interested, shoot me an email! 

Love Always,

Amelia Renee

Nelson Family | Preview | Cedar Falls & Ames, IA Family Photographer

I crave photos that are real...genuine art that shows the heart and soul.  And so when I get the privilege to spend time with a family and the kids are comfortable enough to be goofy & themselves, I LOVE IT! Kyle and Katie, someday you'll look back at this photo and laugh, because it might not be perfect and posed, but it shows an authentic glimpse at life in these summer 2014 days.:)

Apologies and Adventures

Remember the days that I blogged at least once a week? Or, I at least attempted to.  It's been faaaaarrrr too long since I've sat at this blank page to write some thoughts and post some photos…so I might owe an explanation. Here goes!

I'm in Jacksonville, Florida for the next month…and I've been here a month already! It's gone so quickly, but let me say, it has been a jam-packed 4.5 weeks of online class/meeting people/catching up with old friends/going out to local eateries/drinking sweet tea/not taking nearly as many photos as I should/reading the Word of God more than normal and less than I'd like/learning so so so much.  I truly wish that more college students were able to experience something as amazing as JAX STP! It's an incredible time of growth, challenging days, and memorable experiences.

It's so late—almost 1 a.m. here, which is our weekend "lights out"—so this post will be far too short and sweet. But I won't leave you without a few photos of my life lately and I'll promise more to come in the weeks ahead:)

team leader training fun!

my girls! "team radiant"—they're amazing women of God & I'm so thankful for each one.

back home for Jess & Trevor's wedding! 

can't forget that I got to squeeze this girl for a few hours & shoot her seniors. Love you, Asia!

first group date! these guys were absolute gentlemen & made it a blast!

You can't beat midwestern sunsets—but this one wasn't too bad;)

 I spend most of my mornings in the library—I get this view a lot. At least it's perty!

I promise that more will be on it's way over here—I've got a fun personal shoot, Asia's seniors, and some team photos in the works!

xoxo,
Amelia Renee