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Amanda Thiessen Photography bio picture

Welcome to Amanda Thiessen Photography!

   Hey everyone! Thank you for  visiting our photography blog! We are a husband & wife wedding/lifestyle photographer team, based in Orange County. 

     We love capturing everyone's story and believe that life is filled with many special memories. We don't want to capture just the memories but also capture the emotion and have it pour out onto the film - that is what makes the photo come to life. We want our photography to inspire, and for our clients to cherish our work for a lifetime. 

   Natural lighting, unconventional shots make our hearts happy! If you are a perspective client, please check out the Lifestyle Sessions

  I often update this blog because my husband is not really the "blogging type." There will be lots of random tidbits going on that I will be posting throughout the week under Everyday
  Together we enjoy everything life has to offer. We could probably fight crime. But for now, we'll stick with what we we've been doing our whole lifes and what we know best - photography and making music. 
 

Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

 Iheartfaces has teamed up with Amy Wenzel for an amazing giveaway! For the contest, each person has to write a blog post about their photography story, who they inspire, and everything in between. It has to be 600 words or less. Oh man, if you know me, you know…I’m a rambler. I will definitely keep it short and sweet for this contest. This is the chance of a lifetime. For real. Amy’s work is amazing. Very inspiring. As well as her husband, David. Check out his blog here.

WorkshopGiveaway thumb1 Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

I’ve never been one to say I’m good at anything. I’ve always flown under the radar. I never thought people did what they loved as a career. That was “strange” to me. Sure, I had a million dreams of what I wanted to do. But, did I think they would actually happen? No. I would join the corporate 9am – 5pm world. This is just “how it goes” I thought. I was settling.

Jump back a decade. During high school I loved photography. I was the annoying kid with the camera. I should have been in yearbook, but that was too much attention for me. So, I took a photo class in high school, and made myself feel satisfied with that. No matter how much I really wasn’t.

 The years flew by, and so did the jobs. I’m not proud to say I’ve worked pretty much everywhere. But, I am proud to say I knew I couldn’t settle. I wasn’t that person. I wanted to be the person that remembers their past and feels completely accomplished, satisfied and inspired.

I married my high school crush last April and had the amazing Jasmine Star shoot our photos. She was my biggest inspiration. Her view on life and everything about her inspired me to do something great. She was doing what she loved. What was stopping me? I was the only one holding me back! So, I purchased a canon rebel. Just for fun. After our amazing wedding experience, I was back to reality. Back to my 9am – 5pm ball and chain. But, one month later, something happened that changed my life. It was amazing.

I had appendicitis.

I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t appendicitis bad? Yes. BUT, I was out of work for 2 weeks because of it. I was bed ridden for the first week. Episodes of The Office were helping me. Alone, my husband at work, I decided to start a photography blog. Just because. I literally would take photos while sitting on the couch of a bottle of cream soda on our kitchen counter, and post it. I tried to capture everything. After a couple days I went to the beach with my mom, niece, and nephew. I took photos of them playing in the sand and water. That moment changed me. I loved it. I craved it.

 6 1024x639 Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

Months went by and I was taking photos like crazy. I was back to being that annoying kid in high school, just older. And, my wonderful husband was my biggest supporter!  After those couple of months I wanted to really take photography seriously. I upgraded to a Canon 50d and focused on our business. I can happily and proudly say I quit my 9am – 5pm job. I didn’t settle.

5 Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

More months went by and people were contacting me to photograph them! I couldn’t believe how everything was happening so fast! It was literally a dream come true. Something I once thought could never happen. People are now coming to me with questions and letting me know I’m an inspiration. I still have to wrap my head around those words.  All artists are inspirations to me and it drives me to photograph more, to learn more, to be completely transparent with the world. This workshop would definitely inspire me to push myself with every cell in my body to be something great. Something inspirational.

If I can walk away with just one person saying they dig my work, then I know I’m doing something right. And, I’m proud.

 4 Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

3 Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway!

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Finding My Nitch.

I’m not a writer…by any means. And, I don’t try to be one. I just try to write how I feel and what I know.  I really felt inclinded to write this post at this very moment. I didn’t plan this, so if I seem to be rambling…it’s because I am.

 I’ve been going back and forth on this for quite some time. What I think I should be focusing mostly on. Is my editing my biggest asset? Lighting? Marketing? Outsourcing? I’ve been trying to find my “nitch” so-to-speak with my business. And, for the first time, I feel like I have finally found it. Don’t get me wrong…I think I’ll always need improvement and growth. I just think, I’m finally getting into the swing of things. Comfortable with my business and confident. I think because I didn’t have a huge editing source in the very beginning I have focused mainly on lighting. Recently, *drum roll please*, I am now the proud owner of an editing program! But, I don’t want my editing to take away from the shot. I think the photograph itself should be at it’s greatest potential, the editing just gives it that extra umph. In no way do I photograph thinking “I can just edit the crap out of this later, it’ll be okay”. I never want to be that way. That’s just me, I don’t believe in it.

Lighting and composition are key to me. Those are my main focuses. I’m always looking for those to just reach out and scream RIGHT HERE! But, I usually have to find them myself :p

 These photos below are then and now type of a thing. I’m still learning, and I still need a lot of work. And, will always need help. But, I’m proud to say “look how far I’ve come in a short amount of time”.

The photos on the left were taken 10 months ago and the photos on the right were taken 2 days ago.

I’ll say it again ~ lighting.is.key. 1o months ago, I didn’t know what that meant. I’m not saying I 100% know what that is now..but I’m getting there. And, I’m proud.

11 Finding My Nitch. 

22 Finding My Nitch.

To view more “then and now” of my photography adventure, please visit my facebook fan page!

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Jason & Courtney: Love…at it’s most colorful moment.

 Most people when they hear the word “in-laws” they think it’s just something you are married into..which is true of course. But, the way I feel about my in-laws is so much more than that. I have come to love and care for my them as much as my immediate family. They are that important to me. And especially my sister-in-laws. They are my sisters. The sisters I never had but so desperately wanted. They filled that void for me, and I will always love them for that.

This past weekend Justin and I took a little (4 hour) road trip to visit his sister, Courtney and her hubby, Jason. Courtney & Jason used to live in OC like the rest of us..but, almost a year ago they decided to head back to their roots and make a home. Of course we were all more than happy they were starting their new life together, but we couldn’t help but feel a little sad. Now when we hangout with them..we just have to pack more, and get more driving scenery! Which is always fun. Throw some tattoos, family, and photography in the mix and we are good to go!

Courtney and Jason were big troopers with this session. It was pretty cold outside and they were both sick but they still rocked this shoot and made my job easier ;) The lighting was perfect and the colors were amazing…at the location and on the subjects :)   These two are 2 freaking peas in a pod. I swear. They couldn’t compliment eachother better. I love the person Jason brings out in Courtney and vice versa. That’s what a marriage should be; bringing out the best in one another, and they without a doubt do that.

We love you both and wish you a life filled with happiness…and lots of babies ;)

Picnik collage21 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

Picnik collage12 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

Picnik collage3 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

Picnik collage4 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

I fell in love with these.

IMG 5444 1024x683 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

IMG 5303 1024x683 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

One of my #1 favorites from the day.

IMG 5236 1024x683 Jason & Courtney: Love...at its most colorful moment.

For more amazingly colorful photos from this session, please CLICK HERE for a slideshow!!

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Iheartfaces: Jump For Joy!

 I Heart Faces Photography 125 Iheartfaces: Jump For Joy!

Iheartfaces, you’ve done it again. Another awesome challenge. “Jumping For Joy”.  My first thought was “I gotta enter this photo”. The photo below is a session I had with The Jacobsen Family a few months ago at a nearby park. This photo totally says “Jumping for Joy” to me! Just so much fun and love captured! It’s one of my favorites :)

jacobsen family2009 056 1024x630 Iheartfaces: Jump For Joy!

For more jumping photos, please CLICK HERE!

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Lifestyle: The Herter Family

I just want to start off saying I LOVED this session. Everything was amazingly perfect - the lighting, the clients, the location…everything. I am confident enough to say I believe this is my best session yet. :)

 I had photographed the Herter’s and their beautiful daughter, Sydney, when she was first born. And again, here, a few months after that. This session, was by far my absolute favorite of theirs. Her personality is coming to life and she is getting so big! Her gorgeous eyes are piercing and her laugh is infectious! It was a lovely, lovely day.

Here are a few from the day.

 Picnik collage2 Lifestyle: The Herter Family

Picnik collage11 Lifestyle: The Herter Family

181 1024x683 Lifestyle: The Herter Family

212 683x1024 Lifestyle: The Herter Family

For a sweet slideshow of the Herters and their precious Sydney, please CLICK HERE!!

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I need a little more Paula Deen in my life.

I could really go for an awesome home cooked meal. But, who’s going to make it?! Not me! I would burn the entire kitchen to the ground. No joke. I’m the type of person that can’t even cook pancakes. They’re always runny and not cooked in the middle. Same with eggs, never cooked them right either. My specialty is heating food up in the oven and/or microwave, and boiling Ramen Noodles. Pretty pathetic, I know.

The funny thing is, is that I love cooking! I love cooking shows; I love the IDEA of cooking. But when I try to execute that in the kitchen, it never turns out the way I had hoped. I would love to be the home-cooker in the family. The “Paula Deen”. I know, I have a long way to go, and many cooking utensils to get there but I have hope! I would love for any advice on cooking, easy/delicious recipes you all have. Please guys, send me emails and/or comments on fabulous recipes you have! Our stomachs are counting on it! :p

 As for now, feast your eyes on our recent dinner. It was perfectly heated. ;)

cookin 003 1024x683 I need a little more Paula Deen in my life.

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Iheartfaces: Hilarious Outtakes!

  I Heart Faces Photography 125 Iheartfaces: Hilarious Outtakes!

 This week on iheartfaces is Hilarious Outtakes! I could definitely create a couple of posts about outtakes alone – they are so great! And, photographing families and kids, I have my fair share of them! But I’ve learned, you just have to flow with it, and have fun. You never know what outtake will suddenly scream ADORABLE! :)

These photos were taken a couple of months ago just before Christmas. I was photographing The Buccini Family and all three of their kids were hysterical! Especially their sweet daughter. I wanted to get a great capture of her face but everytime I would get near her tongue would stick out! haha! So, I just rolled with it and ended up loving this cute outtake!

 Buccini Family 138 683x1024 Iheartfaces: Hilarious Outtakes!

Another tongue shot haha!

Buccini Family 288 1024x682 Iheartfaces: Hilarious Outtakes!

And here are the rest of the Buccini kids being goofy :)

Buccini Family 119 1024x764 Iheartfaces: Hilarious Outtakes!

For more hilarious outtakes – please CLICK HERE!

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Iheartfaces: “Hands On” Fun!

 I Heart Faces Photography 125 Iheartfaces: Hands On Fun!

 This week on iheartfaces is a little different. They aren’t focusing on faces, just hands. :)

I love this challenge. Hands and feet are the things I love to shoot most. You can tell how much life a person has lived in their hands. What they do. Who they are. They’re beautiful!

I took this photo of my husband last summer after we had just gotten married. We were hanging out in the backyard, enjoying the warm sun. Throwing around a bright orange ball, and playing with the dogs. Just a simple afternoon. And I couldn’t pass up taking some hand shots of him just relaxing. I love his hands.

saturday 019 1024x683 Iheartfaces: Hands On Fun!

To view more amazing versions of hands, please visit iheartfaces!! And while you’re at it, go ahead and enter yourself!!

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Lifestyle: Corporate Casual

 Okay, I know what you’re thinking. How do the words “corporate” and “casual” go together? Believe me, I thought the same exact thing.

When I was asked to shoot a couple of corporate business photos I was a little weary. Just because my work leans more towards unconventional..and when I think of corporate I think of stuffy-ness, suits, lots of brief cases and what nots.

But I was contacted because of my photography style. Because these photos needed to be casual but still have a “corporate” feeling. Not so stuffy, forced and cold. I loved the idea of casual business photos. And, I am proud to say I was really pleased with how they turned out.

A few of the photos were taken at The Lab, in Costa Mesa. I love that location – it’s so different and colorful. Totally up my alley :)

I learned from this that I can’t turn down opportunities because I’m not necessarily comfortable with them in the beginning. And, I need to remember clients contact me for my style, “my spin” I put on my photography. This is what makes me unique from everyone else…the way I view things and my style. Your style sets you apart from everyone else. Be true to YOU. No matter what the case is. You will always be satisified if you stay completely REAL to your unique self.

Have a happy week :)

Picnik collage7 Lifestyle: Corporate Casual

Picnik collage 21 Lifestyle: Corporate Casual

Picnik collage 41 Lifestyle: Corporate Casual

Picnik collage 31 Lifestyle: Corporate Casual

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Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

 Oh, to be young again. Scratch that…I don’t think I can get away with saying that until I’m at least 60 years old. ;)

Let’s start again.

Last weekend I had a lot of fun photographing my brother-in-law, Jake, and his girlfriend, Lauren. I have been warming them up to the thought of taking pictures for weeks..actually probably a couple of months now. FINALLY, they caved!

They were a little worried about taking the photos because they tend to be a little…shy. Everything went so perfect and smoothly – they let me go crazy with various poses and ideas :)   I tend to be a little shy myself so I love bringing out the DIVA in people. haha :)   It’s a determination of mine.

******************

They have a quiet, sweet kind of love. They were so cute together. You know, the kind of cute that makes you want to puke because it’s so ridiculously adorable. That’s my personal favorite…..I loved capturing them when they were just focused on eachother. Having a converstation, trying not to notice the camera. Laughing. Having fun together. Being sweet.

Stay tunned for our round 2 session happening soon! And, don’t forget to check out their slideshow at the end of the post ;)

Picnik collage3 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

Picnik collage42 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

Picnik collage31 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

Picnik collage21 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

Picnik collage5 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

Picnik collage11 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

23 683x1024 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

I’ll end this post with one of my ultimate favorites from the day.

38 1024x683 Jake & Lauren: A Sweet Kind of Love.

To see more photos from this session, please CLICK HERE  for an awesome slideshow!

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