Amber Engfer Photography » family

The P Family: Just Because | Roseville, MN

amber — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Ahhh the wonders of Facebook… My lovely college friend Gretchen contacted me a few months ago via FB inquiring about a family shoot – it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, so I jumped at the chance! Her ridiculously cute family met me in Roseville to snap a few pictures, and though it was one of our many sweltering days of this summer with a lingering chance of rain, we got a ton of great shots and I even got to see little Asher’s mad bike skills. No training wheels – ever! I’m still amazed by his awesomeness!
It was good to see you Gretch – thanks for letting me snap some photos of your fam!

Stay tuned for a full post of Emily and Chris as well as a sneak peek from Katy and Adam’s WI Northwoods wedding!

Sneak Peek: The P Family

amber — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:07:46 +0000

Cutest… family… EVER! More to come sometime this week on the session I did with my lovely college friend Gretchen and her family last weekend as well as a peek from the Rice Lake, WI wedding I shot yesterday! Lots happening this month… stay tuned!!

The S Family: Just Because

amber — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:49:14 +0000

And, of course, just few from the family session taken during John’s high school senior photo shoot. I LOVE the red door and stucco wall, which coincidentally was a happy little accident, thanks to a little too much wind in the wrong place!

Braden: One Year

amber — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:31:50 +0000

This little man melted my heart when I met him, and not because it was 85 degrees during our session… Just LOOK at those eyes! I met up Braden and family in Stillwater last weekend for a quick “Braden is One!” photo shoot and quickly realized that Braden’s parents attended UW-Stout like me! I love meeting new clients and finding we have so much in common – it makes this job so much fun! I had a blast reliving our college years while chasing after Braden, who recently learned how to walk and kept us all on our toes. I wouldn’t have had it any other way though – sometimes action shots make for the best photos! :)

Sabrina and Family: Maternity Session

amber — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:36:55 +0000

Remember Hannah, my cute little water lover from last year? Well her mom, Sabrina, is due with TWINS next month!! Isn’t that just awesome?! The whole family came over to Hudson last week for a maternity/family shoot on what turned out to be a perfect summer-like evening. Hannah even played on the river’s edge without getting soaked! All in all, a great day – and I can’t wait to meet the new additions!!

Ethan and Family: Hudson, WI

amber — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:03:59 +0000

Ethan and his parents came to Hudson a few weeks back for their yearly family photos and I can’t believe how much he’s changed in a year! Full of spunk and personality, this little man is going to be a heartbreaker for sure! We were fortunate enough to beat the rain showers that have been torturing the area for the last few weeks, and with the overcast skies, we had lots of options for great lighting. Sometimes rain isn’t a bad thing! Oh, and according to Ethan, Hudson smelled like bacon that day, so we had that going for us as well. :)

On a business note – I’m slowly working on making some updates to the site, so check back often for new and exciting stuff! Happy Tuesday!!

Sneak Peek: Ethan and Family

amber — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:14:34 +0000

I got to see my buddy Ethan again today!! It’s hard to believe a whole year has gone by since the last time he and his parents came to visit me for a family shoot. Fortunately for us, the weather held out just long enough for some great shots and playtime at the park. Here’s my favorite of the day, more to come shortly!!

Olivia and Connor: Minneapolis Studio

amber — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:04:53 +0000

Ahhh, the wonders of modern technology… I’m currently on a plane on my way home from a quick trip to Atlanta, GA, so figured, “what better way to pass the time then by posting a ridiculously passed due session?”

Olivia, Connor and their parents drove all the way from Menomonie, WI a few weeks back for a shoot at the studio I rent; isn’t that awesome!? Olivia and Connor’s mom is friends with Adia’s mom, so booked some time after seeing Adia’s recent modeling post! Even though Connor wasn’t completely up for photos that day, (partly my fault since I think I allowed for just a little too much fun before getting down to the photo nitty gritty) we still managed to get some fabulous shots in of brother, sister and the whole fam… and I even snuck a few in of Mom and Dad! :)

Cousins: Calvin, Elias, Sophia and Oden

amber — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:23:33 +0000

A few weeks back I met with Sarah and Jason and Jason’s sister, Christine, to photograph their little ones as Sarah and Christine wanted some pics of the cousins for a Mothers Day present. You may remember Sarah and Jason’s kids from our last session, taken when little Elias was just a wee babe! After quite a bit of bribing with jelly beans and playground promises, and a lot of patience from the wee ones, we ended up with some fabulous shots! Getting four children engaged at the same time is a challenge, but no joke, these are four fantastic kids!!!

I couldn’t help myself on this next one… Elias, Calvin and Sophia just look so…. concerned about poor Oden! Love it!

Sneak Peek: Olivia and Connor

amber — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:47:05 +0000

Olivia and Connor came to visit me a few weeks back -here’s one of my favorites of the two of them together! I should have more photos up sometime this weekend so stay tuned!

Sneak Peek: Calvin, Elias, Sophia and Oden

amber — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:54:07 +0000

A quickie from the cousin session I shot last weekend – four kids under 6, I think we did pretty good!

Henry, Amelia and Family: Minneapolis, MN

amber — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:17:39 +0000

Little Henry and Baby Amelia met me in Minneapolis for a family session a few weeks ago… I recently found a studio to rent on a temporary basis when I need an indoor location (perfect for Midwestern winters!) It’s such a great space; just an old building with exposed brick, iron staircases and vintage hardwood floors. Pretty sure Henry loved it as much as I do, because he spent much of the session exploring and playing with his favorite green truck, which gave me time to snap some shots of sleepy Amelia! I just love when things work out like that… :)

Oh, and Happy St Patty’s Day!

Sneak Peek: Henry and Amelia

amber — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:23:43 +0000

I thought I’d post a quick peek of big brother Henry and baby Amelia who came to visit me last weekend for some family photos – what do you think? Aren’t they just the cutest little siblings you’ve ever seen!?

Top 9 Most Favorite of 2009

amber — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:00:06 +0000

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”

Already on day two of 2010… Since I planned to post this yesterday, I’ve already begun the year a little behind…. whoops. Anyway, the only way I could see fit to properly begin a new year is with a wrap-up from the last 365 days… an out with the old and in with the new tribute of sorts… so… here it is, 9 of my top 9 Most Favorite-est Things from 2009!

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Number 1. Favorite Places Visited

1.      Akumal, MX
2.      Muyil Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
3.      Coba Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
4.      Tulum Ruins Beach
5.      San Francisco Supermercado – Tulum, MX
6.      The Joshua Forest Scenic Byway -Mojave Desert – NV and AZ
7.       Grand Canyon – West Rim – AZ
8.      Main Street Station Casino – Downtown LV
9.      The Bund – Shanghai, Asia

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Number 2. Favorite Restaurants/Food/drinks

1.        The Creamery Restaurant and Inn, Downsville, WI – anything and everything on the menu, for reals.
2.       Azia, Minneapolis, MN – Witches Brew Mojito. Bubbly blackberry goodness!
3.       Akita, Woodbury, MN – All-you-can-eat Sushi for $25. Yup, you heard me, Nope, that’s not a typo…
4.       Porter and Frye, Minneapolis, MN – The Starlight cocktail. Absinthe and Ginger are truly a mix from heaven
5.       Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas, NV – Steak Frites. To die for. And even better when eaten on the balcony overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. Go… Do…!
6.       La Lunita – Akumal, MX – Dinner by flashlight on the ocean, can’t get much better
7.       Lucy’s Kitchen – Akumal, MX – The best shrimp tacos anywhere and homemade coconut ice cream to boot
8.      RJ’s Meats, Hudson, WI – Black and Blue Brats. Ohmigod, I’m not kidding, drive to Hudson right now and buy their entire stock. They’re THAT good.
9.       Savories, Stillwater, MN – Breakfast Quiche of the week. Even if you don’t like quiche, you’ll like their quiche. yum!

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Number 3. Favorite Bloopers

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Number 4. Good Reads – books, blogs, websites

1.      The Sookie Stackhouse Series – Book. True Blood inspiration. 9 books and counting about your typical vampire/human mystery/adventure/romance.
2.      The Lettered Cottage – Blog. A day in the life of a couple renovating their vintage home in ‘rustic shabby beach chic’ with no prior experience. LOVE.
3.      Jasmine Star – Blog. A fabulous OC wedding photographer whose not afraid to put it all out there. An inspiration to ANYONE with a dream.
4.      The Pioneer Woman – Blog. There’s nothing this woman can’t do! She’s fabulous, she cooks, she decorates, and she documents with amazing photos.
5.      The Twilight Series – Book. 4 books about your typical teenager/vampire love connection paired with lots and lots of angst….
6.      Young House Love – Blog. A day in the life of a couple renovating their mid-century home in ‘affordable chic’. The transformation is amazing!
7.      Grooveshark – Website.   Free music listening radio/search site. It’s like Pandora, but different, though just as awesome.
8.      Life In the Fun Lane – Blog. She’s like the Canadian Rachel Ashwell, and named her daughter Wren. Nuff said.
9.      Postcards From Yo Momma – Website. “A repository of modern day maternal correspondence” and a guaranteed good laugh!

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Number 5. Random Thoughts

1.      I don’t like Las Vegas, but I’ll go back anytime for the steak at Mona Mi Gabi in Paris and a microbrew during happy hour at Main Street Station.
2.      The 1st year of my very own business was successful! THANK YOU!
3.      Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was more beautiful than I ever imagined. I highly recommend as 1 of 100 things to do before you die.
4.      I may – just may – have entirely too much stuff
5.      I live 7 blocks from the river – I need a boat.
6.      I’m going to need a bigger house for said boat and stuff.
7.      I love that my brother moved within 7 minutes from me this year. I like him and I’m glad he’s around. :)
8.    My cat, Leya, hates having her picture taken – she just won’t hold still. Wicket, on the other hand, is a camera hog.
9.      When I win the lottery, I’m going to buy a house on the ocean in Mexico, and you’re all invited to visit.

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Number 6. Most Favorite Random Shots

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Number 7. Most Favorite Stuff

1.     HOME Egyptian Solutions Mattress Pad – Target. Shameless plug, but ask anyone that has it. Best… Mattress… Pad… EVER. You’re welcome.
2.       My grandmother’s art easel. my grammy, my inspiration and hero, attended art school way back in the 1930’s. She took a bus to the Mpls Institute of Arts every day when most women were home taking care of their husband and children. To have a symbol of her determination, independence and creativity means the world to me and I will cherish it till the day I die.
3.       Sirius Satellite Radio- because I can listen to fabulously obscure indie rock and my hubby can get football, anywhere… anytime…
4.      Minnesota Public Radio Sustaining Member Status – because I don’t mind paying for good music, and they deserve it. Because they’re awesome. :)
5.       SYNC – I can talk and drive hands free, I can tell my car to play ‘Tiffany’ when I want to hear it and a lovely voice gives me directions when I don’t know where to go…. how did I live for so long without this completely unnecessary and ridiculous luxury??
6.      Merona Shawl Collar Sweatshirt – Target. The unofficial casual Friday shirt of choice for women everywhere. It’s a dressy sweatshirt – you can’t get any more stylish/comfortable/awesome than that!!
7.      Set of 2 vintage velvet occasional chairs – Craigslist – can’t WAIT to crank these babies out for a future photo shoot!
8.     My husband’s grandparent’s antique credenza – it sat in the same spot in their house for 50+ years, it’s perfectly weathered and is just the coolest piece of furniture we own.
9.      28 f/1.8 lens – *drool* and highly recommended to anyone with a crop sensor camera body. Or a full sensor, for that matter.

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Number 8. Songs I Couldn’t Stop Listening To

1.      You Got the Love - The XX/Florence and the Machine
2.      Supermassive Black Hole – Muse
3.      Zero – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4.      Velvet – The Big Pink
5.      Daniel – Bat for Lashes
6.      Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
7.      Kids – MGMT
8.      Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
9.      Heavy Cross – Gossip

and about 85 more…. if I dwell much longer, this list will change 12 more times…. as it already has. :)

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Number 9. 9 of 100 of My Favorite Photos

happy holidays from my family to yours!!

amber — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:34:28 +0000

Baby Elias: 2 months

amber — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:47:01 +0000

A few weeks ago, I ventured over to St. Paul for a session with Baby Elias and family in their super cute home on the most perfect little street! I just love St. Paul, always have…. maybe because I grew up East of the river, or maybe because my high school besties’ super cool first college apartment was just off Grand Ave, or maybe just because it’s a magical little city with adorable neighborhoods and the best dessert place EVER! (Cafe Latte, of course – have you tried their lemon creme torte? TO DIE FOR, I’m telling you – go NOW – you won’t be sorry!!)

I digress. Not only did I have a great time shooting little Elias, but I also got to play trains with big brother, Calvin. Calvin LOVES trains. And cars, and helicopters, planes…. We had a blast! My favorite part about this ‘job’ is getting to bond with my clients. Taking a time out to play in the sand or check out some toys or talk about the Jonas Brothers is a sure way to build some trust and ultimately capture better photos.
(plus, I get to have FUN in the process.) :)

Baby Austin: 4 months

amber — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:33:10 +0000

Oh that Austin – he’s going to be a lady killer, that’s for sure! Within minutes of arriving at his house, Austin gave me a huge happy baby smile and I just knew I was in for it… How could you resist that face??! And, fortunately, even after Austin got sick of the big black box on my face, mom and dad had a few pretty cool tricks up their sleeves to keep him smiling!! We had an unseasonably warm Autumn day for Austin’s session, which worked out perfectly as we were able to step outside for a few family and tummy time shots. Mind you, Austin’s not really a tummy time kind of guy…. he’s more of a lounger, but throw a few colorful fallen leaves in front of him and wham – happy as a clam! I just love when things work out that way… especially when the photos turn out to be so dang cute!

okay… I know this one isn’t totally in focus, but I just loved his expression sooo much, I HAD to post it!

Sneak Peek: Baby Austin

amber — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:42 +0000

OOoooooh, this may just be one of my favorite photos ever! This is little Austin – did you see his adorable hoodie? His great grammy made it for him and I’m seriously considering asking she make one for me as well…. :) There’s just something about wee one’s in hats and hoods… gets me every time!!

Taryn and Leyla’s Family: Stillwater, MN

amber — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:07:30 +0000

See? Soooo stinkin’ cute! I could have spent the entire day with these guys… If it wasn’t for semi-cold November weather and a lingering football game, I probably would have ‘cuz they were so much fun! Taryn and I had some good conversation about her favorite music (toss up between Miley and Taylor), which Jonas Brother is the cutest (she wouldn’t actually admit to one, but I have my suspicions), and her favorite subject in school (math!). I also learned a lot about Mickey Mouse and Curious George, Leyla’s current favorite friends who accompanied us on our ‘walk by the river” (much easier than explaining a photo shoot to a two yr old). :)
And, on top of all that, Taryn and Leyla’s parents just celebrated their 10yr anniversary which is so completely, fantastically awesome!! We made sure to incorporate a few shots of just mom and dad throughout the session to commemorate the occasion.

Congrats again and thanks!!

Sneak Peek: Taryn and Leyla

amber — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:35:39 +0000

Taryn, Leyla, and their parents came to visit me this past Sunday in Stillwater, MN. An outdoor photo shoot in November in the midwest, you say? Who knew!? Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day! Then again, downpouring rain couldn’t have ruined a session with these two and their uber-cuteness… seriously – just wait!