Papillon Sky Photography

the butterfly needs sun on her wings in order to fly

2011-12-16T07:38:00.001-08:00

the butterfly needs sun on her wings in order to fly, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Featured on Shutter Sisters yesterday as the One Word photo of the day!
www.shuttersisters.com

Yay!!

hold onto the gratitude

2011-12-01T14:13:00.001-08:00

hold onto the gratitude, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

today is the first day of picture the holidays through paper coterie. it was a challenge to get my photo taken and to find my gratitude. the morning consisted of my kids crying about various things me trying not to lose my mind. finally i stepped outside, way outside, to our bamboo forest at the back of our enormous yard. the silence filled my ears, and i realized it was a beautiful day! the sun was shining and it was so warm, especially for december first! i was flooded with gratitude. interestingly enough, my lens was not focusing. i don't use it very often and i don't know when it broke but i decided to take some blurry images, because of the symbolism. it's so easy to lose our focus during the holidays.
why were my kids screaming? partly because of the anticipation of christmas the desire to get presents, open those presents and play with them! oh the waiting! and they were unhappy because i was busy trying to get gifts ready for relatives who are in town.
for a moment i had peace as i sat on the floor of our "bamboo forest". for a moment, i felt grateful. then someone yelled for me to come inside (lol!!)
i included the bottom image because it provided a nice contrast, yet had a similar composition to the above image. there's the little one tugging on my leg, begging me to come inside. focus, mommy!

one more vintage style photo

2011-11-27T16:42:00.001-08:00

25:30 this moment, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Start thinking about your next photo shoot and what you'd like. I am currently booking for January 2012. I do weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, reunions, maternity, newborns, etc. and even if it's cold outside, we can find some cool places indoors to take your photos.
I'm all done with photo shoots for 2011. I've got to focus on finishing up my own family photos and getting ready to give them out as gifts.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

26:30 when my vision comes to life

2011-11-27T16:38:00.005-08:00

26:30 when my vision comes to life, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

vintage family photo...

2011-11-27T16:38:00.003-08:00

vintage family photo..., originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

vintage photo shoot

2011-11-27T16:38:00.001-08:00

27:30 us {and friends who snap pictures of us!}, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

I just did a vintage style photo shoot with my family on Friday. I've had it in my mind for quite a while and we finally gathered our hats and outfits and took the pictures. My friend Ashley snapped the family and couple pics for us. I'm so grateful she helped us capture this special moment.
Interested in your own vintage photo shoot? For an additional fee, I'm happy to go shopping with you downtown and help you find the perfect outfit. Absolute Vintage will even rent the outfits to you if you don't want to buy.

20:30 love and light

2011-11-23T19:45:00.001-08:00

20:30 love and light, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Part of my 30 day gratitude project for November. I had a blast photographing 5 wonderful and unique weddings this year!

Schedule Your Spring Portraits

2011-04-07T18:44:00.001-07:00

Fairies in the grass, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Spring is in full bloom in Columbia, so now is the time to schedule your spring portraits and take advantage of the beautiful scenery! For samples of my portraits and other photos, go to my Smugmug page at
http://papillonskyphotography.smugmug.com/

Mini Sessions

2010-09-20T15:35:00.001-07:00

Mr. Brown Eyes, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy} packing and moving-.

Here's a shot from today's mini session. This sweet little guy turns one this week and his mama wanted to commemorate his special day. Don't those eyes make you melt?

On Display At Butterfly Tattoo

2010-03-16T17:46:00.001-07:00

My vision, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Now showing at Makes Scents

2010-03-16T17:42:00.001-07:00

luminous soul, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

luminous soul, a photo taken of a Blue Morpho sunning itself in the window at the Sachs Butterfly House, St. Louis, MO

You can bid on this at the Silent Film/Silent Auction Gala Event on March 20 from 6-9 at The Missouri Theatre.

Through Our Eyes project display at PS: Gallery

2010-03-16T17:40:00.001-07:00

Through Our Eyes project display at PS: Gallery, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

This is a project I did with the 3rd graders at Lee Elementary. The photos are on display at Columbia Photo, Butterfly Tattoo and PS: Gallery

Now showing at Columbia Art League

2010-03-16T17:39:00.001-07:00

l'enfant de papillon (butterfly child), originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

l'enfant de papillon (butterfly child)

wrapped up (self portrait)

2009-12-02T18:48:00.001-08:00

wrapped up, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

I like being a photographer because I'm not the one being photographed. I know you probably won't believe me but I am incredibly unphotogenic. When other people take my picture they often catch me blinking or making some face, that my kind husband claims he never sees in real life. It's only the camera that can catch that split second where one eye is open and the other isn't!
That being said, I have challenged myself this year to do the 52 week self portrait project. I think I stopped about 14 weeks ago! It was too hard. Today, I decided to try again. And the first few pictures were awful (truly). The angle was weird and my face was distorted and my nose looked big. I had to run to the mirror to see if I looked that bad.
On my way back to my camera, an image popped into my head of me with a green scarf wrapped around my face. I put the scarf on, snapped about 4 pictures and voila. I was amazed. By blocking out silly facial expressions, I captured a part of myself, and one part I actually like--my eyes.
So, I can empathize with all of you who don't like to have your picture taken. It makes you feel very self conscious!

eyes like butterflies

2009-11-25T07:35:00.001-08:00

eyes like butterflies, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

I'm playing with textures in Picnik, the online editing software that I use and absolutely LOVE! These are two of my favorite photos combined. It makes for an interesting effect!

"Capture the Essence of You" Mini Photo Sessions This Saturday

2009-11-10T12:19:00.001-08:00

love, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Where: Shelter Garden, Columbia, MO
When: 8:30-4:30
Who: Papillon Sky Photography 999-3791 or psphotography@rocketmail.com

Come to Shelter Garden this Saturday for another round of Mini Sessions! These 30 minute sessions are the perfect amount of time for families, and in this time, we will capture your family as you really are! The best photos are the ones caught in candid moments! You will not be disappointed with these professional quality images!

For $60 you get a priceless collection of family and individual portraits in a beautiful setting. All photos will be uploaded to Zenfolio in a private or public album (your choice). Then you and your family will be able to order top quality prints from Mpix, at a very reasonable price!

Bring things that reflect your family. Ideas include musical instruments, a blanket for sitting on, goofy hats, a bouquet of flowers, cherished stuffed animals, a book to read together, a football or kite, bubbles, and maybe umbrellas (it may rain a bit but that won't stop us).

All types of portraits are welcome: family, newborn or child portraits, pregnancy photos, pets, etc.

Call or email to set up your appointment today: 999-3791 or psphotography@rocketmail.com

2009-11-10T12:17:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:16:00.003-08:00

DSC_7637, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:16:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

DSC_7369
Originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}

tree hugger

2009-11-10T12:13:00.001-08:00

tree hugger, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

could it get any better?

2009-11-10T12:12:00.001-08:00

could it get any better?, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

mother and son

2009-11-10T12:11:00.001-08:00

mother and son, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:10:00.001-08:00

DSC_7092, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:08:00.001-08:00

DSC_6724, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

DSC_7049, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

DSC_7006

2009-11-10T12:04:00.001-08:00

DSC_7006, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T11:52:00.003-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T11:52:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T11:51:00.003-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

2009-11-10T11:51:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by Papillon Sky Photography {amy}.

Featured on Shutter Sisters

2009-11-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

My photo was featured on Shutter Sisters today! I am so honored!

First Day of School

2009-08-24T17:27:00.001-07:00

Here's some shots of my son Kai on his first day of school. These were features in the Missourian today.

More photos from the Shelter Garden shoot

2009-06-29T19:26:00.001-07:00

Photo shoot at Stephens Lake

2009-06-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Click on the photos to see higher quality versions on each image.

What a fun family to photograph! I love my job! Stay tuned for more photos from this shoot!

Family Portrait Session at Stephens Lake

2009-05-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

This was the greatest family to photograph (and my first large family to photograph as well!). They were a fun and happy group of people! We were aiming for some candid type shots with everyone, as you can imagine, that's challenging with such a large group but I think we got some good ones.

Click on the photos to see them on Flickr--Blogger reduced the quality on these somehow and they don't look quite the same.

Family Portrait Sessions

2009-04-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

One Word Project: Reflection

2009-03-02T17:42:00.001-08:00

Here are my submissions for the Shutter Sisters One Word Project contest for February. My word was reflection. I didn't win but had fun playing. This month every has the same word: beautiful. Here's more information in case anyone out there wants to enter!
And hooray for March. Spring is not far away. Soon the grass will be green and the crocuses will be blooming!

Beauty is everywhere

2009-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Pay attention.
Beauty is everywhere.
These moments
pass us by
if we aren't looking for them.

I love this photo of my friend Jesca. She came over a couple of weeks ago and gave a spontaneous music performance for me and my children. Kai's little guitar was lying around so she tuned it. And then started playing and it sounded amazing. I didn't know that cheap little guitar could sound so good, but maybe it was amazing because of who was playing it and the passion that flowed from her. Jesca's aunt had just died and she sang me the song she sang at her funeral. I caught Jesca on camera in this beautiful reflective moment. She looks sad but there is more, she looks beautiful and peaceful.

I'm so grateful I grabbed my camera when I saw this moment. And this photo has turned into something wonderful. Jesca showed it to her husband and he has asked me to be the photographer for their record label Koppa 2 Gold Productions.

You can learn more about my talented friends here:
http://www.myspace.com/thekatalyzts

I'm here...

2009-02-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I am not getting emailed when there are comments on my blog! I'm looking into that right now. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving your feedback! I'll work harder on posting pictures more often! And you can always visit my Flickr pages too!

red makes me happy

2009-02-13T18:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

assorted photos

2009-02-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

hands

2009-02-02T13:22:00.001-08:00

children

2009-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

melting

2009-02-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

apples

2009-01-30T23:29:00.000-08:00

artistic photos

2009-01-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

fall colors

2009-01-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

babies

2009-01-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

Photos of children

2009-01-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

handful of scarlet beans

2009-01-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

2009-01-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

nature photos

2009-01-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

How it all happened...

2009-01-28T14:40:00.001-08:00

I've always had a camera in my hand. I got my first real camera, a Kodak disc, in 1986, the summer after sixth grade. My childhood was spent dreaming of becoming an artist or a writer, being a photographer was never a consideration. In high school, I continued to write, draw, and paint, but longed to take a photography class. However, SLR cameras intimidated me and my schedule conflicted so I never did take that class. Years went by, and I continued to take photos. But I still didn't take a photography class. When a fire came near our home in Reno in 2003, I put my baby and the photos in the car. Then, a couple of years ago, my computer crashed and I lost thousands of photos. I was devastated. For months afterward, I would close my eyes and see photos that I lost. You think it would have been obvious what I loved, what my passion was, what I was really meant to do.

In May of 2008, everything changed. I got a Nikon D70s and entered the world of digital SLR photography. However, it didn't really click until I saw some amazing photos on Flickr. I stopped using the automatic settings and tried the manual settings. I started bugging photographers and reading books. And I took thousands of pictures. Somewhere in there, I realized that photography could be everything I loved. With a photo, I am writing a story and creating art. I am photographing the story of my life and the lives of others.

I saw a quote somewhere that said, "It's never too late to be who you might have been." That pretty much sums it up. At age 35, I have finally figured it out.

Coming soon!!

2009-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome! More information coming soon! Contact me at psphotography@rocketmail.com if you are interested in setting up an appointment.