Valentine’s Day Ideas
Amy P Photography – Birmingham, AL
Single Valentine’s, First Valentine’s, Married Valentine’s, Valentine’s with kiddos…
Whatever your Valentine’s Day looks like, we wanted to share a few ideas to ensure that you have the best time wherever you find yourself this season.
Single Valentine’s
- Movie – Go enjoy a romantic movie, an action packed movie, a scary movie, or even a drive in movie at Grand River Drive In in Leeds…And maybe a trip to Buccee’s afterwards too.
- Galentines Party – Throw a party with some of your favorite gal pals. Make all the heart shaped foods and enjoy the company of those who love you for you!
- Visit a winery/brewery – Ozan and Morgan Creek both offer amazing blends and yummy snacks but if craft beer is more your drink of choice (or you’re looking for another single) then a visit to Ghost Train, Trim Tab, Avondale, or Good People is a sure fire way to enjoy Valentines.
- Blind date – You have a friend who has a friend who knows someone who right? You keep telling them no but they won’t listen. Let your guard down and welcome the company. Who knows? You might find yourself telling your kiddos and grand kiddos that you had your first date on Valentine’s and the rest was history.
- Spa Day – Treat yourself…Go get your hair done, nails done, massage, mani/pedi, etc. Whatever your idea of self care is, today is the day to make it happen.
First Valentine’s
- Lunch plans – Visit Pizitz Food Hall and each try a new place (or maybe indulge in each others favorites). When you’re finished, take a stroll in Railroad Park for some hand holding and good conversation.
- Breakout games – Birmingham has plenty of adventure games to visit and help you grow together in your team building skills or go axe throwing if you’re feeling a bit more competitive.
- Candles – Go create a custom signature scent that you both love at Paddywax.
- New hobby – Learn a new hobby together or try your hand at one of your significant others favorite hobbies (dancing, music, rock climbing, whatever it may be).
- Shopping – Go visit the mall and pick out a gift for each other or try on clothes and model them for each other so you can each get a sense of each others style.
Married Valentine’s
- Take lessons – Try experiencing something new and fun like cooking, charcuterie boards at Two T’s in a Pod in Morris, try ballroom dancing, or a wine blending class at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.
- Coffee – Coffee equals love right? In Birmingham, there is never a shortage of coffee shops/cafes. Warm up and talk and enjoy the ambiance at O’Henry’s, Red Cat, Santos, or Maker’s just to name a few of my local favs.
- Bargain Hunt – Instead of a usual gift exchange go to 2nd and Charles and pick out a book for each other or go to an antique mall or bargain store and discover a cheap find that has some meaning.
- Photography Session – Book a boudoir session, book a couples session, get the family together and make it happen. Amy P Photography is available to capture all of your wonderful family memories.
- Romantic Dining – This town has a romantic restaurant on every corner. Gianmarcos, Giuseppe’s, Bottega, and Chez Fon Fon just to name a few places for you to pull out all the stops and enjoy a beautiful evening together.
Valentine’s with Kiddos
- Top Golf – Valentine’s can be fun for the whole family. Get together, order some sweets, and enjoy a par-tee!
- Autobahn Indoor Speedway – In case indoor go carts weren’t awesome enough, they also offer axe throwing and arcade games as well. They even have Valentine’s specials right now including Buy 2 races, get 2 free and race plus 1.5 hours of axe throwing time.
- Movie night at home – Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Cuddle up in your pjs and snuggle under your favorite blankets. Have everyone pick a movie and write it down and then shuffle them around and pick one to enjoy for the evening (unless you can all agree on one which would never happen in my house).
- Game night – This can be board games at home and a heart shaped pizza (even better if you make them at home) or a night out to Chuck E Cheese or Dave and Busters.
- City Walk – Go enjoy dinner downtown or Uptown and then visit City Walk and go for a scooter ride, visit the skate park or roller rink, act like kiddos on the playground, or just walk around and check out the amazing lights under the bridge.
No matter what season of life you find yourself in this Valentine’s, it’s never a bad time to volunteer your time to make someone else’s day, help your kiddos make cards for friends and or family, or just love yourself.
Amy P Photography
Birmingham Newborn & Family Photographer
My studio is located in Fultondale, Alabama (see the space)
info@amypphotography.com | 205.540.0224
CONACT ME TODAY TO BOOK YOUR SPOT!
Amy P Photography offers custom newborn portraiture to all Birmingham, and surrounding areas Maternity, Newborn and Family sessions are also available!
Bookings are limited per month, advanced scheduling is advised to guarantee your baby’s session.
Please contact me today for more information and to book your session!
Date Night Ideas – Birmingham, AL -Amy P Photography
Did you say … DATE NIGHT?
It’s no secret that July is hot but we’re about to make it even hotter.
Get ready for some fun filled date night spots guaranteed to spice up your life…And your tastebuds. Since we’re talking spices, we’ll address hot food spots (and nearby sweets for your sweet) first, but be sure to keep scrolling for great drinks and fun activities as well.
- Take a trip to Trussville and visit Ferus Artisian Ales. Come for the beer, stay for the food, and enjoy the environment in the Trussville Entertainment District. Ferus is surrounded by an open courtyard connected to several other restaurants including Mexicali Blues and Pinchgut Pies. The focal point of this area is a 27 foot wide LED video wall/stage. This area can be used year-round for family movie nights, concert simulcasts, and sporting events. They will also be hosting city events and larger concerts/performances so be sure to check out that schedule. This space is so open and perfect, allowing you and your hot date to enjoy some drinks and some yummy food and just walk to the other side of the space for desserts at Cookie Dough Magic. Fun fact: Cookie Dough Magic also offers decadent coffees if you’re not ready for the date to end.
- Looking for something delicious, romantic, and low-key? I’ve got you covered. The Homewood/Soho area is home to so many amazingly wonderful eateries but my perfect date night in Birmingham is anywhere with my husband (obviously) as well as De Vinci’s, Edgars Bakery, and a trip up the hill to the Vulcan. Does it really get much better than that? Italian food next door to a delicious bakery and watching the sunset or stargazing from such an iconic Birmingham landmark. If Italian isn’t your thing A. this isn’t going to work out 😉 and B. There are so many other food options in this location including: Soho Social, Real and Rosemary, Little Donkey, and Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Cookie Fix and Hero’s Donuts are also just a quick stroll away if you want to try an assortment of yummy goodies.
- Outdoor dates require a little more creativity and planning but there are so many great spots here that would be perfect for this. Pack a picnic basket or pick up some food to go and go to Railroad Park, walk around, bring a blanket and enjoy dining al fresca. Afterwards drive towards Pepper Place and enjoy a drink at the Lumbar or stop by Jeni’s splendid ice creams for a real sweet treat. Birmingham Botanical Gardens also offers so many wonderful areas for you and your loved one to have a seat and enjoy the scenery. The perfect day date spot and if it leaves you feeling like a kid for just basking in the sun all day then drive a few blocks over to Sugar to fill up bags while enjoying the nostalgia of a real old school candy store.
- I don’t know about y’all but I think breakfast dates should be a thing. If you’re interested in helping me trend set, I have a few fun ideas. Back to Soho we go for a stop at Big Bad Breakfast and coffee at O’Henry’s. Or you could swing by Bullet coffee on 280 before enjoying the BBB location on that side of town. I think my favorite breakfast date spot would have to be the Ruby Sunshine in Homewood and be sure to get the vanilla spiced latte for a quick pick me up. Another favorite is the original pancake house downtown but the wait is always long so be sure to get there early and bring your own coffee.
- This is on my date night list so we haven’t tried these spots yet, but we were in Jasper for Christmas pictures about a year ago (also make sure you visit and follow Amy P Photography to book your Christmas sessions soon) and came across the coolest little town square area filled with bars and restaurants. There are so many we want to try. The Pie Factory (we happen to have it on good authority that it’s phenomenal since my husband is from Florence where their first location took off), Black Rock Bistro, and Warehouse 319 all had superb menus. As we were riding by and looking at menus we also stumbled across Jasper Axe House for a night of fun filled axe throwing where I’m sure my husband and I will get too competitive and stay too long.
- Leeds, Alabama. Now known for the infamous Buc-ee’s. Take your date to Buc-ee’s if they want to go some place that breaks the bank. Kidding, you know, since gas is expensive. Anyway…Leeds is also home to the Outlet Shoppes of Grand River which can always be a fun filled chill date spot. If 16 year olds can make malls/shoppes date spots then so can you. And you can actually afford to buy him/her something…Unless you really did have to stop at Buc-ee’s. I’m not familiar with many dining options in Leeds but you could make the food court a fun time trying all your/their favorites from every restaurant. When you’ve reached your limit on junk food, grab a box of candy, and head to Grand River drive in and check out some cool new movies at the drive-in movie theatre with new features weekly, as well as a mini golf course and yard games. Sounds pretty perfect to me.
Pre dinner drinks, post dinner drinks, meeting just for drinks, whatever is on tap for you and your date, we’ve got you covered with some of the coolest watering holes in Birmingham.
- Cayo Coco Rum Bar & Restaurante is hands down one of my top picks in downtown Birmingham. Ambiance, service, food, and drinks are all amazing and will leave you feeling transported straight into Latin culture from the second you walk in (or enjoy the beautiful seating and scenery outdoors). Also, there’s a cocktail called The Zombie, the 1930’s version actually contains absinthe (warning: limit 2 per customer) and it has a sweet citrus pomegranate flavor combo that’s infused with spices and basically tastes like Cuba in a cup. You’re welcome. Also National Rum Day is coming up on August 16th so walk don’t rum…I mean run.
- Vibes on vibes on vibes at Paper Doll. Whiskey flights, tequila flights, miss your flights after a night here. This space will literally have you feeling like you’re right in the middle of NYC. Nassau Punch and Winter Break are my 2 favorite drink options if you like rum, cinnamon, and sweet. They also offer a really cool Old Fashioned menu for the gentleman who don’t prefer drinks that need mini umbrellas. The overall atmosphere here is very inviting.
- And what could be more appropriate for a local drink favorite than The Southern Kitchen & Bar? Local draft beer, food, wine, food, cocktails, did we mention food? Strawberry Fields, Birmingham Belle, and Georgia Peach are all fantastic! Also the rooftop bar area is spectacular.
- The Margaret is very New Orleans, voodoo esque with tarot card paintings and red curtains and skulls on display. It’s just very warm and eclectic. My favorite drink of choice here is the Strawberry Smash but this drink menu might be straight out of NOLA in the best way possible.
- The Roof at the Redmond Hotel is one of my favorite bars in Birmingham for a few reasons. The first, being that this was where my husband and I stayed after we got married and we genuinely had the best time. The second is that the rooftop bar is clearly what this space is named for so you know it has to be good. Lastly, the drink menu here is basic but above par if that makes sense. They have your standard beers, a great selection of local favorites, wines, and liquors along with 4-5 go to cocktails. Simple, not overwhelming, and everything is made to perfection. This spot is perfect for a late night cap to end a perfect date night evening.
- Elyton Hotel is also home to another rooftop bar in the same area called Moon Shine. Playful energy meets southern charm here with stunning roof top views. The Black and Blue cocktail infuses blackberry moonshine with with triple sec, lime, and blueberry compote for a drink that will have you having the best date experience, even if you’re not having the best date experience. Moon Shine was also named Best Bar of 2021 but my favorite thing about this spot isn’t drinks or views (although both are amazing) it’s actually the dessert. Order the Whoopie Pie…It’s essentially a homemade oatmeal creme pie that puts Little Debbie to shame.
Amy P Photography
Birmingham Newborn & Family Photographer
My studio is located in Fultondale, Alabama (see the space)
info@amypphotography.com | 205.540.0224
CONACT ME TODAY TO BOOK YOUR SPOT!
Amy P Photography offers custom newborn portraiture to all Birmingham, and surrounding areas Maternity, Newborn and Family sessions are also available!
Bookings are limited per month, advanced scheduling is advised to guarantee your baby’s session.
Please contact me today for more information and to book your session!
What to expect when you’re expecting (Packing and at home edition)- Birmingham Newborn Photographer
What to expect when you’re expecting a newborn…
(Packing and at home edition)
For me, motherhood has been about so many things…Love, compassion,beauty, empathy, growth, chaos, change (from personal change to diaper change, all the change), and lists. There have been never ending lists all day everyday. Some are real tangible lists but most of them end up, for me anyway, in the very cluttered inbox that is my mom brain. If you have recently joined the wonderful journey of motherhood but find yourself trying to decipher through the advice and books and pins and blogs then allow me to firstly welcome you to the hood. It’s truly the most beautiful, magical, wonderful, chaotic, mostly fun filled thing you will ever do with your life. There is nothing like it. Secondly, I would like to try to simplify things a bit for you, from what you actually need to take to the hospital, realistic and helpful gift ideas, items that you want to be sure you have before you meet your precious baby, and ways for you to adjust to changes that happen afterwards including how family and friends can help.
Let’s start with the things you will want to make sure you have on hand before your precious newborn joins the world…
- Blackout curtains – Do these really need an explanation? You’ll want sleep and the only way for you to sleep is for your newborn to sleep. I know you want all the cute new baby nursery feels so there are several ways to still achieve the level of cuteness you desire and still get the peace and quiet you and your newborn so desperately need. You can buy normal black out panels in a variety of colors and hang them on a separate curtain rod underneath the super cute themed curtains that pull the nursery together perfectly or you can find a pattern and color scheme that matches your babe cave. There are so many color and pattern options for blackout curtains these days. Also, if you take nothing else away from this list of must have items, invest in a Hatch product. There are several options for babies, kids, and even adults as well as different sizes offering different features/functions. You and your sleep will be forever grateful for this purchase.
- Newborn monitor – This was one of our most important decisions, biggest purchases, and honestly just most overwhelming for us to choose from. There are so many monitors on the market these days and every store has so many to choose from. What features do you actually want/need? This is personal preference entirely but I’ll share my must haves in a monitor. I wanted a SIDS detector and video capabilities with microphone. We decided to go on Amazon and just read reviews for different brands and models and that proved to be helpful for us. We landed on an Angelcare model that offered all of our needs and honestly my youngest is 3 and it’s still in her room since she’s upstairs. Just peace of mind for me and the mic feature has saved me 20 million steps back upstairs just for her to be up there screaming “I love you” or “I want water” at 2 in the AM. Owlet wasn’t a thing when she was born but it’s another great option. Some people want color instead of black and white, picture capabilities, cell phone connections, etc. Again, this is an item you’ll choose based on your personal preferences but reading reviews prior to going to the store, deciding 3-5 things you want in a monitor, and being okay with splurging here. You won’t regret not going for the cheapest one.
- Medicine/Frida – While you’re stocking diapers and wipes, make sure you swing by the medicine aisle and grab a few things. You’ll want infant tylenol and infant motrin, gripe water, butt paste (Boudreaux’s is a favorite), and pretty much everything from the Frida baby collection…Especially the nose frida as disgusting as it looks/sounds. You will appreciate every single item Frida baby makes within the first month of your babies life. Guaranteed!
- Humidifier – This is an absolute must! They help to alleviate cough and cold symptoms and offer other benefits as well. Dry air is often the issue for anyone who suffers from nasal infections or colds. Cool mist humidifiers work to increase moisture in the air and speed along your recovery time. Also hot water or vapor can burn children if they get too close so always choose cool mist for babies and children especially. Frida baby also makes a 3 in 1 humidifier, diffuser, and nightlight that is amazing. Ensure that whatever product you choose, you have a regular cleaning routine to avoid any bacterial growth.
- Breast pump – Make sure you have found a breast pump that you like and again, I went to Amazon and read tons and tons of reviews and pros and cons and did my research on every model breast pump available. Also, call your insurance company BEFORE you go to the hospital and ask them what pumps they cover and have them send you whatever pump you desire that is available through them. Breast pumps can be expensive but my insurance covered mine 100%, as do most. I did have to buy some extra parts but it was nothing compared to the pump cost. Also, I found steam bags for my breast pump parts for about $10. The bags are reusable and have a number system on the bags for you to mark how many times that particular bag has been used. You just pump, then throw all off your parts in this bag when you disassemble each time, you add a small amount of water, and you microwave them. Game. Changing. It saved me so much time not having to wash each individual pump part 17 times a day. My parts were clean and sterile and it was an absolute breeze.
- Nursing Pillow – These are good for so many things: Pumping, nursing, tummy time, sitting up, comfort, support, etc. I’m pretty sure we had one in every room of our house.
- Bottles – This is something I recommend 2-3 different brands of for a few reasons. Your baby will have a preference and it isn’t always the same as your preference. Also, certain bottles are designed to help with reflux and other specific needs. Pick a few brands with different specifications and let your babe try them all before you drop tons of money on bottles your baby doesn’t care for or don’t alleviate gas or colic or reflux. We spent a fortune on Dr. Brown’s bottles, had to have them, and she acted like she struggled with feeds. We read that often times the cheaper bottles offer nipples that babies are more prone to so we dropped $20 at Target on the cheapest bottles and baby girl was never happier. Gerber First Essential bottles were better for us than the Dr. Brown’s but you may find that you baby has colic and Dr. Brown’s is the best option for you guys. You have to try a few to know so that’s why I recommend just getting 2 bottle of 2 or 3 brands and letting babe tell you what works best for them. Every baby is different. Also, if you do decide Dr. Brown’s is for you check places like Ross or TJ Maxx. They will typically have them at half the cost and there is nothing wrong with them.
- Bath products – You want to be informed about what is going onto your babies skin because there is nothing more sensitive. Detergents and bath products can be very triggering to some. Read all the labels and look for clean products free of harsh dyes or chemicals to help avoid any skin reactions that you possibly can. We also found several options that offer monthly delivery services and we were so pleased. Hello Bello was our go to as they are plant based products and cheap. Honest Co, Burt’s Bees, Seventh Generation, and Aveeno are all wonderful options for babies and their sensitive skin as well.
- Thermometer – You will be glad you have this on hand to avoid a 10 PM run to the nearest open drug store. Our favorite was the Braun no touch thermometer for a few reasons. A. It was only about $50 and we’re 3 years in and still going strong and B. because it was no touch you could check babies temp without ever having to wake him/her.
- Aside from the obvious needs like wipes and diapers and a crib let’s talk pacifiers. This is a touchy subject and I was 110% against giving ours a pacifier (first time mom thought right here) and then to avoid a NICU trip and provide some comfort, our nurses grabbed a bili blanket and popped that pacifier right in. Avoid the desire to stock up on all of the cute matching trendy pacifiers. Initially, similar to the bottles, you want 2-3 different kinds of pacifiers for your baby to choose from. He/She will quickly let you know which ones they are fans of. Mine really liked the one from the hospital so we stuck to the soothies despite having a basket full of the cute Ryan and Rose pacis.
Let’s move on to the packing of the elusive hospital bag…
- Pillow(s) – Hospital pillows suck. There, I said it. They are either styrofoam or plastic coated and they are not comfortable to anyone ever. Bring your own pillow(s) for a personal feel and also for your own comfort.
- Phone charger – Because duh. You will take so many pictures you will likely get upgrade notifications related to your storage. Take all the pictures, send all the texts, but remember to relax, unwind, and just enjoy this time.
- Ponytail holders – You won’t be able to find any in the hospital and you’ll likely want your hair up at some point in time.
- Lip Balm – If you’re in labor for a while you will feel dehydrated and you will appreciate having your favorite lip balm handy to prevent dry chapped lips in the process.
- Outfit – Bring 1 cute matchy matchy monogram/embroidered going home outfit. There is no need for 10. Pack some onesies and 1 cute outfit. This was not advice I took and I most definitely look back and think of how much I packed and how little we actually needed…At the hospital anyway.
- Robe/PJs – You’ll want to be comfortable while you’re in the hospital and also if you’re pumping/breast feeding you’ll want a robe or tops best suited for easy access. Nursing bras are also helpful. Comfy PJs that button down are great for strolls around the floor as well as breast feeding.
- Snacks – For you and your partner. So hospitals provide meals but I was still having odd cravings. It helps to bring some of your favorite snacks and change for the vending machines. The energy and calories needed to breastfeed will require you to be well-fed. Kind Bars and trail mix were staples for me. My stepdad also brought us all of his favorite snacks, which was so great…For him. 😉
- Dry Shampoo – People will probably stop by and you’ll want to look presentable but you just gave birth so your body is still recovering. Dry Shampoo will be a very good friend of yours while in the hospital…And at home in the days and weeks (and months and years) to come. 😉
- Toiletries – Bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant as well as travel sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Remember the hospital pillow conversation from earlier. The only thing worse than a hospital pillow is hospital toothpaste. Trust me.
- Sandals, socks, and slippers oh my – I recommend a really cheap pair of flip flops for all of your showering needs. You’ll actually want to shower and probably enjoy it as warm water is very soothing. Hospital shower flooring…Not so soothing. This is an inexpensive item and they came in very handy for me. Also, toss them prior to discharge and you’ll have 1 less thing to pack. You’ll also want to bring some comfy socks or slippers for all of the walking both before and after labor. MAKE SURE YOU WALK!!!!
Next up, what to buy? Gift ideas for expecting parents…
- Babymoon – Have a group of friends that wants to go in together to do something special before baby gets here? A weekend getaway is perfect for you and your partner to enjoy some time together and just relax before everything changes, in the most beautiful way.
- Cleaning service – Post partum Mama is lucky to take a shower and blow dry her hair in the same day. Dishes and Laundry pile up and add to the amount of stress. Offer to pay to have a cleaning service drop by weekly or biweekly just to help for the first month or so. Every little bit helps and new mamas are always grateful for someone taking things off of their to do lists.
- Food – Gift cards, meal trains, Grubhub, Door dash, or delivery services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron are all wonderful and very practical gifts for a new family adjusting. Amy uses Hello Fresh and swears by it! She’s even shared her code with us so we can get $120 off!!! Here’s the code!
- Diapers – Speaking of delivery, there are options on amazon, hello bello, and many others that deliver diapers, wipes, lotions, body wash, etc right to your front door. Sign them up for a month with a diaper delivery service and I promise you will have made life so much easier in so many ways.
- Lavish gifts – Buy Mama a gift card for a mani/pedi or a massage. Buy Dad a gift card to his favorite golf course. Anything you can do to show them you are thinking of them and that their life prior to baby still exists even though it may be slightly different now is always a welcome gift.
- Babysitters – This is a gift that is worth it’s weight in gold while not actually being costly. We want date nights after baby. A night where we can fix our hair and wear something other than his t shirts. We have to have trustworthy babysitters to do so though. If you personally know of wonderful babysitters in your area, share their names, or even offer to pay for a sitter so these new parents can enjoy a dinner date or a movie or even just a nap. *cough cough…Amy’s oldest babysits!
- Post partum recovery items – These items are typically cheap to purchase/make and they are worth a fortune to post partum Mamas. Make her some padsicles or buy her a basket with pads, tucks, bottom balm, peri bottles, colace, nipple cream, the essentials.
- Non Maternity items – While maternity clothes are comfy, there’s something to be said for new non-pregnant panties and jeans without a waist band the size of a tire. Buy her a gift card to her favorite store to pick up some new items that will leave her feeling like a hot mama or better yet take her out for a shopping day. She’ll enjoy getting out and some adult interaction more than you know.
- Salon – New mamas are often so busy taking care of everyone else that they forget to take care of themselves or put their needs last on the list. There’s a rule somewhere that once baby gets here your hair will only go into one of those weird tangled messy buns. Call her hair stylist and make an appointment for her to get a cut or color or at the very least wash and style. She will feel like a new person.
- Photography session – This is something that we treasure and we will cherish forever and ever. Most photographers offer packages where you can pick a few sessions and gift them if you choose. For instance, we were able to pay 1 price and included in that price were maternity pics, labor and delivery and fresh 48 (both done at the hospital), 2 week at home lifestyle session, and all of our milestone pics (3, 6, and 9 month as well as 12 month smash cake session). It was amazing to know that we would have these pictures forever. Truly the most wonderful gift. If you’re looking for a photographer who does an amazing job and offers these packages as well as gift options, Amy P Photography is without a doubt the best! Contact her TODAY!
A few other items we could not have lived without our first few months especially…
Uno Smash Cake 1YR Session – Amy P Photography, Birmingham AL
Smash Cake 1YR Mini Sessions – Amy P Photography
Smash Cake 1YR Mini Sessions – Amy P Photography
Is your little one turning 1 soon? Book a fun yummy Smash Cake Mini Session with Amy P Photography!
These sessions are 20 minutes long and are a blast! They are located in my studio in Fultondale, AL
I provide most props including balloons, backdrop paper, some small props, and the cake. The cake is from Cakes By Elise, they are THE best!
Amy P Photography
Birmingham Newborn & Family Photographer My studio is located in Fultondale, Alabama
info@amypphotography.com | 205.540.0224
Amy P Photography offers custom newborn portraiture to all Birmingham, and surrounding areas
Maternity, Newborn and Family sessions are also available!
Bookings are limited per month, advanced scheduling is advised to guarantee your baby’s session.
Please contact me today for more information and to book your session!
April is for Food, Outfits, Photos, & Eggs! – Amy P Photography
April is for Food, Outfits, Photos, & Eggs!
Ready to become an Easter eggs-pert?
Come hop right in…From foods everyone will enjoy to coordinating your families Easter attire and even how-to tips to take pictures like a pro, follow these eggs-amples for all things Easter. And brace yourself because I just don’t carrot all how many Easter puns is too many Easter puns.
What’s better than a brand new outfit?
Let’s get some photo pointers from the best….
- Use burst mode. This is really great for those summertime sports and activities where everyone seems to be running around nonstop. You’re never really sure if you’ll press the button and freeze time exactly when you wanted to but burst allows you to quickly take multiple pictures ensuring that 1 of them is bound to be picture perfect.
- The rule of thirds is important. Instead of putting every object/person you shoot in the center of the frame, try to create a more dynamic and interesting composition using the rule of thirds. Imagine a tic tac toe board and place your subject at the intersection of one of those lines. Our eye’s naturally gravitate to those points more so than the center of the shot. And most phones these days offer a photo grid that shows up on the screen to help you do this actively or even after, when cropping your pictures.
- Get in close. You want to shoot pictures that leave people feeling like they are IN the action and not just looking at it. You have to get in close and on their level to achieve this but again, super easy to do. I think often, people forget that our kiddos are tiny miniature humans so we tend to shoot downwards. If you simply squat down and fill the frame from that angle, the entire perspective changes.
- Bye bye flash. 90% of photos don’t require a flash first of all. Secondly, the flash on cell phones is about as useful as a rolodex in 2022. Most phones have the default flash setting to auto but you can change this by clicking the little icon that looks like lightning bolt and selecting off. You can always repeat and change it back if there’s a situation requiring a flash such as, outdoors during a sunset to capture silhouettes or inside dim buildings with minimal window lighting. Bonus tip: Our eyes are naturally drawn to the lightest part of an image. Work to make the subject either the brightest spot in the photo or highlighted by it in some way.
- Editing. Even if your picture is great to begin with, putting final touches on the lighting and exposure just gives it a little more of a professional vibe. Everyone and their Mama (except my Mama) has Instagram and with it comes all the filters you know and love. You can use a filter as is, or you can even tweak them based on your liking and preferences as well. And it’s FREE! Snapped is another mobile editor suggested often but I am not super familiar with this one. My personal favorite is Lightroom. There is a free version that has a large amount of functionality included but you can upgrade and pay for storage and additional features. I am also big on buying templates and filters to use but that is all just optional.
Outfit? Check. Pictures? Check. Now they can eat real food without fear of messing up their Easter clothes you worked so hard to coordinate.
We have a few Easter favorites at our house every year like deviled eggs, ham, and potato salad but the Easter snacks is what everybunny really lives for, am I right? I have linked 6 of our favorite easy Easter snacks below. 
- Haystacks are a must in our house and they’re no bake which is even better. You can also do this with rice krispy treats and just mold the nests for anyone with a peanut butter allergy. https://thenovicechefblog.
com/easter-egg-peanut-butter- haystacks/ - Bunny bait is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Also you only need about 5 ingredients to make everyone “hoppy” which is a win for moms everywhere. https://www.
twosisterscrafting.com/easter- candy-popcorn/ - Peanut Butter balls are a tradition at our house for pretty much any and every celebration. Minimal ingredients, not a high level of difficulty in the preparation department, and the kiddos love to help too. https://sugarapron.com/
2017/02/13/easter-peanut- butter-balls/#more-1752 - Peep this next 2 ingredient (less than 15 minute) recipe for Peep Smores Dip. Combine with animal crackers or graham crackers and any combination/colors of Peeps you choose. https://
kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/ peeps-smores-dip-2- ingredients/ - Easter Bunny Cinnamon rolls…Simple, quick, canned, cheap, and kiddo friendly. What more can you ask of the Easter bunny? https://www.
sweetandsavoryfood.com/2021/ 03/easter-bunny-cinnamon- rolls-using.html - Because everyone knows there will be way too many sweet treats and candy on Easter so let’s put the cute in charCUTErie with this easy and healthy (shhhh…) snack board. You can also buy Easter cookie cutters from Amazon for less than you pay for Easter candy. https://www.freutcake.
com/easter/healthy-easter- toddler-snack-board/
EGGS!! EGGS!! Bring on the eggs!
Last on the agenda is what’s “hopping” locally this Easter season. Everyone is “dyeing” to know about all of the egg hunts and specials so here are just a few we can’t wait to check out.
- Sunday April 3rd, UAB is hosting a dragon egg hunt with all kinds of activities including face painting, inflatables, games, and giveaways. 2 big things to note, there will be food trucks and it’s FREE.
- Saturday April 16th, Join Cultivate Church as thousands of candy and toy-filled Easter eggs fall from a helicopter! This is a fun, FREE day with candy, bouncy houses, food, designated sensory area, the Easter Bunny, and so much more! The gates will open at 9am and the egg hunt for ages 0-3 will begin at 10:30am.
- Saturday April 16th, Oak Mountain State Park will be having an Easter egg hunt and get this, even your pups are welcome and have their own hunt. Standard park entrance fees apply.
Check out some fun Easter crafts too! These will make you so Hoppy! CRAFTS
Wishing everyone an egg-cellent Easter and hoping you found these tips and links helpful.
Amy P Photography
Birmingham Newborn & Family Photographer My studio is located in Fultondale, Alabama
info@amypphotography.com | 205.540.0224
Amy P Photography offers custom newborn portraiture to all Birmingham, and surrounding areas
Maternity, Newborn and Family sessions are also available!
Bookings are limited per month, advanced scheduling is advised to guarantee your baby’s session.
Please contact me today for more information and to book your session!
Newborn Photographer Birmingham – Amy P Photography
Newborn Photographer Birmingham – Amy P Photography
Wilder’s Newborn Photos
Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE the newborn babies, they are my favorite genre of photography! They certainly aren’t the easiest, but they are my favorite! I mean look at this little guy, he’s so squishy and just adorable! He was the perfect newborn to photograph!
I did his big sister’s newborn photos as well! He’s going to be one loved on little guy!
He was so calm and cute all wrapped up in blue! I don’t think I heard a peep out of him the whole time during his photoshoot!
I love his name! Wilder is his mom’s maiden name, how special!
Amy P Photography
Birmingham Newborn & Family Photographer My studio is located in Fultondale, Alabama
info@amypphotography.com | 205.540.0224
Amy P Photography offers custom newborn portraiture to all Birmingham, and surrounding areas
Maternity, Newborn and Family sessions are also available!
Bookings are limited per month, advanced scheduling is advised to guarantee your baby’s session.
Please contact me today for more information and to book your session!
Mommy & Me / Birmingham Photographer
Mommy & Me / Birmingham Photographer
I’m so excited about these upcoming photo sessions!
Keep a look out for more information about my Mommy & Me mini sessions!
They will be in my new studio in Fultondale!
Stay in the know with what’s going on and for current specials and discounts! Sign up for my newsletters HERE!
Contact us today to book your next session!!! www.amypphotography.com
Sweet Scarlett’s Newborn Session / Birmingham Newborn Photography
Sweet Scarlett’s Newborn Session Birmingham, AL
Scarlett you were SO curly and sweet! You sure did love being swaddled and warm! I think I could swaddle some of these newborns in my sleep! 🙂 Your mommy and daddy were so happy to meet you, as well as your big sister Sadie!! They were all so in love with their newborn baby and every look, smile and yawn was admired. I was so excited that you come to my studio in downtown Birmingham to meet me. We got to do so many cute little poses and of course lots of neutral, natural setups. Scarlett, I could have photographed your sweet face all day, and I couldn’t have been happier with how our photography session came out.
Check out just how cute big sister Sadie is with her new baby sister! Pure love!
Contact us today to book your next session!!! www.amypphotography.com
Spring Lamb Mini Sessions | Birmingham Photographer | Amy P Photography
Spring time is almost here, that means spring pictures! I’m so excited to announce we have a baby lamb this year for our mini sessions!
Book your session quick, these will go fast! Share with your friends and family as well!
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