Lesley & Jason's E-Session

I met up with Lesley and Jason a few weeks ago to discuss their engagement session. On the contact form on my website, Lesley said that she met Jason on an airplane. I was curious to know more and asked when we met in person. Last year Lesley and Jason both took a flight out to Vegas. They noticed each other on the flight out to Vegas, but didn’t engage in conversation. Coincidentally, they had the same flight back to Orlando! Seeing as is it a long flight, they started chatting and really hit it off. How cool is that to meet on an airplane?!

We got to talking about E-Session locations and they were interested in a place that had beautiful landscape and water. I was very excited when they decided on Leu Gardens! Harry P. Leu Gardens is located in Orlando and has over 50 acres of southern styled gardens.

I suggest to my clients to bring a few different outfits to their E-Session. Lesley started off in an adorable blue dress that matched Jason’s shirt. He also wore his cowboy boots and brought his hat! Jason is originally from Iowa and grew up on a farm, so he’s an authentic cowboy.

It was a very hot day and I suggested to Lesley and Jason an hour into the session to change their outfits. It was time for Lesley to bring out her boots!

I hope Lesley and Jason had as much fun as I did. Congratulations!













Amy Van Epps Photography
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What is custom photography?

Custom photography isn't necessarily for everyone, I'll be honest. Some people don't understand it or appreciate it.

So what makes me different from the portrait studio in the big box and department stores? I have over 10 years of experience and I take pride in my customer service. I think it is very important to meet up with my potential clients. I want to learn more about your special day and what exactly you are looking for. This is a perfect opportunity for you to ask my any questions and see if we are a good match. I believe there should be a level of comfort and chemistry with the clients and the photographer. Amy Van Epps Photography offers many different types of photography services. I am available for engagements, weddings, maternity, senior portraits, babies, events, and birth photography.

I offer many different products for my clients such as professionally printed portraits, albums, gallery wraps, signature mats, and other products. My portraits are printed from one of the best labs in the country. They are archival and will last at least 100 years. I do include high resolution disc of digital negatives with my engagement, wedding, and headshot packages. I am trying to slowly ease away from offering discs with all packages and transition into portraits. Why? I care about quality. With a disc of images you can simply go to a photo kiosk, photo center, and big box stores where you can get your images printed. I really have no idea about their quality or archival life. Or how old the ink and paper is. Is their monitor calibrated to their printer? Do they offer more than than glossy and matte finish? Frankly, the quality does not compare to a professional lab. I want the best for my clients.

Big box/department store portrait studios have tight schedules and they are trying to get as many customers as they can in and out of their doors in the shortest amount of time. I want my clients to have a great experience and not feel rushed. That is why my shortest session is an hour.

Some people only want cheap photography, photographs, or a photographer. When it comes to custom photography the last thing you want is something cheap. Look at how the dictionary defines cheap:

cheap (chp)
adj. cheap·er, cheap·est
1.
a. Relatively low in cost; inexpensive or comparatively inexpensive.
b. Charging low prices: a cheap restaurant.
2.
a. Obtainable at a low rate of interest. Used especially of money.
b. Devalued, as in buying power: cheap dollars.
3. Achieved with little effort: a cheap victory; cheap laughs.
4. Of or considered of small value: in wartime, when life was cheap.
5. Of poor quality; inferior: a cheap toy.
6. Worthy of no respect; vulgar or contemptible: a cheap gangster.
7. Stingy; miserly.

Yikes! I don't offer that to ANY of my clients. I offer quality.

I know some people's opinions about custom photography will never change. I just have to under accept that. I hope I was able to shed some light and educated some of my readers on how Amy Van Epps Photography is different and what separates us from the big box portrait studios.

Amy Van Epps Photography
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Kim and Andrew's E-Session

During the last engagement session I photographed Downtown, I noticed a beautiful old tree. Its branches were very long and almost touched the ground. I thought it would make a perfect backdrop for a future e-session. When I met up to discuss their e-session, Kim & Andrew decided on Downtown Orlando. I mentioned the tree and they liked the idea. We decided to meet Saturday morning.

Kim and Andrew did an excellent job selecting their outfits. They looked amazing! To shake off any nerves they may have had, I asked them to climb the tree (I loved climbing trees as a kid!). All of a sudden, we were greeted by a four legged friend! I think he helped break the ice before being called away by his owner.

I suggest to all of my clients that early morning or late afternoon is the best time to schedule any photography session. Kim and Andrew decided on the morning. There was ample warm light coming through the trees.


Kim and Andrew were just about to change outfits when I noticed a white blanket in Andrew’s truck. I always suggest to my clients to bring props. Props can be a blanket, old cameras, umbrellas, colorful heels, or anything else that brings some fun into the photography session. I was delighted to see the white blanket! They laid it out under the tree and I captured some wonderful moments. If you don’t know, black absorbs light and white reflects light. The blanket acted as a reflector to make the images really pop.

We packed up, Andrew and Kim changed, and we walked down to Lake Eola. Kim and Andrew brought bread and fed the various swan, ducks, and birds.

Continuing our way around Lake Eola we stopped in front of some beautiful flowers. Kim and Andrew showed off their great dance skills.

The session wrapped at the Walt Disney amphitheater.


I had a wonderful time with Kim and Andrew’s e-session. I cannot wait to photograph their wedding this fall, their theme is Victorian!

Amy Van Epps Photography
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Selecting a Videographer

Amy Van Epps Photography now offers videography services. As with choosing your wedding photographer it can be difficult to select your wedding videographer. I decided to sit down with my Videographer, Will Gibson, to give my readers more insight into videography. Especially the most important thing of all, what do you look for when selecting a videographer?

Here's some background information on Will before I begin my questions.


Will's interest in videography started when he first picked up a camera when he was 12. Videography was something he has always had a passion and a knack for. Will started doing TV Production when he was in high school and completed a degree in Radio/Television Production at the University of Central Florida. Will has been doing professional video for about 5 years and upscale amateur video for 8 years prior.

Now to the questions!

Will, What should couples be looking for when selecting a videographer?
When looking for a videographer, you want to obviously see some sort of demo footage to see what it looks like. Make sure their footage isn't too shaky or grainy. This could show that it isn't being shot well or with an acceptable camera for your special day. The other things to ask them will be what kind of camera they are shooting on and in what format. The great thing with the internet is you can check up on these things to see if they fit into the criteria that follows.

Is all videography/camcorder equipment the same?
All equipment isn't the same. When hiring a professional wedding videographer, you want to make sure they're shooting with a camera that has at least 3 CCDs. CCD or Charge-coupled devices is basically the chip in the camera that deals with colors. In normal consumer cameras you typically have one CCD which means one chip for all three colors (Red Blue Green). With prosumer or professional you have one chip per color, which will give you a better image.

Another question in quality will be what resolution they will be shooting in. Everyone has heard of HD being readily available but make sure if you want that crisp Bluray look that they are shooting in 1080p.

Some videography packages come with the option of the groom wearing a microphone. Why is that?
The reasoning behind having the groom wear a microphone is convenience. No bride wants to worry about running a cable through her dress or an odd black spot located somewhere around her neck or shoulder area, especially making itself visible on a white dress. The groom is generally going to wear a darker color which easily masks the microphone but it also allows for both parties audio i.e. vows to be picked up. You want those words you are promising to each other to be heard!


Some packages and videographers give their clients the option of having a raw and edited disc. What is the difference between the two?
A raw versus and edited disc: A raw disc will be the footage in its natural recorded form. There won't be any music added and their won't be any "cuts" which can be reminiscent of you old home videos due to length and pace. But in the case that you are doing that to save money, it does leave you the option to edit it yourself. The only issue is that you'll find it can become a long and arduous process and you might not want to deal with having to look at footage of yourself all day long.

An edited disc will contain the music you have provided in the list but also the artistry and skill to make the video flow and include the little moments that might not have been noticed as well as the important moments in a way that is entertaining and has feeling.

Will, is there anything else you would like to add before we wrap things up?
To many people they have the technique, the equipment, but they don't have the feeling behind it. One thing I pride myself on is that I really try to make my videos something that you are really going to enjoy. I'm a sucker for weddings and I want to make sure when I watch the video that it makes me giddy and smiley. Then I'll know that it's everything you'll want to remember.

Amy Van Epps Photography offers three Videography packages. We are able to work with you if you would like to create a custom package. Your videography package includes a song request & itinerary form. This helps Will to personalize your special day not only when filming, but editing. The itinerary form also helps to let Will know what aspects of your wedding are very important for you to be captured. It gives him ample time to set up his equipment to capture certain events.

When selecting a videographer, photographer, or any service for your wedding day I think it is important to sign a contract. If your videographer/photographer is not presenting you with a contract, I would be cautious. The contract exists to protect the client. Another thing to consider when signing a contract is the deposit. Some will require a non-refundable deposit to secure your date. This is not at all uncommon. However, the deposit can range from a dollar amount to a percentage of the total package.


If you have any other questions in regards to videography and photography services, please check out my website.

Amy Van Epps Photography
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or Email Me

Maternity Sessions

Pregnancy is a very beautiful time in a woman's life. Some women feel the most beautiful and have that "mommy glow". I suggest that every pregnant woman consider maternity photography. It is a time of celebration for you and your lil one.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding a maternity photography session. If you don't see an answer to a question you may have, please feel free to contact me. My information is available at the end of this blog.

“When should I schedule my maternity photography session?”

I recommend women to schedule their maternity photography session between 28-36 weeks. This is the time where the pregnancy is showing but not too close to the due date where the mother-to-be may miss her scheduled photography session due to an early delivery. It is up to you to decide when within the time frame to schedule a session.

“May I bring my husband or children with me during a maternity photography session?"

Of course! Please feel free to bring your significant other and any children you may have. Photographing interactions between family members not only allows for variety in your maternity portraits, but adds another dimension of emotion in your photographs.


“I don’t want the studio look that other mainstream photography businesses provide. Can I can choose a location that has a special meaning to me? Is it okay if I bring a photograph from online or a magazine that I like for inspiration?”

I specialize in on-location/outdoor photography. We can choose an outdoor location that holds a special meaning to you or is scenic and beautiful. If your house has ample window light (large windows, sliding glass doors) I can photograph there.

There's no problem browsing the internet or magazines for inspiration. One of clients really liked the Bazaar cover with Britney Spears and we recreated the pose in her kitchen.


“How do I prepare for my maternity photography session?”

Take into consideration what you will be wearing to your maternity photography session. Make sure to wear a shirt that flatters your pregnant figure and shows off your belly. A solid colored maternity shirt or dress is ideal for your photography session.

Bold colors and stylish clothes are perfect for an outdoor session. If you have any fun accessories like sunglasses, a hat, scarf, an umbrella, I encourage you to bring them.

Please avoid tight-fitting bands from maternity and stretchy clothes. These will leave pressure marks. You can roll the band down about an hour before the session to prevent these marks. Socks can leave marks too so I recommend wearing flip flops to your session and then changing into your preferred shoes.


For more information or to book a session, please visit my website or my Facebook page.

Amy Van Epps Photography
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Orlando Actor Henry Russell Nauman

I had the privilege to get back into the studio and work with the very talented Henry Russell Nauman. Henry is a Jack of all trades when it comes to singing, acting, & puppeteering. With plans of moving out to California this summer I wish him nothing but best and hope to see him on the big screen one day!


Henry has his roots in Cleveland, Tennessee. Born to a family of pirates and growing up as an only child, Henry had plenty of time for dramatic play. Whether he was Ninja Turtle, X-Man, or Power Ranger, Henry created worlds for his characters to play in. Thrust into martial arts at early age, Henry competed and performed for crowds at the local malls. Little did he know, this would be a platform for theatrical performances in the following years.


By chance, in 1998, a friend convinced Henry to attend a meeting of his high school's Drama Club. Soon after, he found himself drawn to performing in productions of "The Devil and Daniel Webster" as Jabez Stone, "The Ugly Duckling" as the King, and "Stuart Little" as Mr. Little. By 1999, he was being cast as the lead in several high school productions which gave him opportunities to sing on stage and eventually travel to New York City as part of Beginnings Workshop to perform an Off-Broadway showcase for talent agents and casting directors.


The year 2000 was a good year for Henry because this was the first time he received recognition for his acting talents. American Movie Classics awarded him a scholarship based on an audition he submitted to a panel of entertainment industry professionals in Los Angeles. He graduated high school with a Theatre Arts award and within one month of his Commencement ceremony, he moved to Orlando, Florida enrolling at Full Sail University for a degree in Film Production.

Early on, Henry discovered he could incorporate his acting into his school projects. After filming several "shorts" he eventually wrote and acted in his class' final project, "The Price of Love", which was shown at the Enzian Theatre in Orlando. After graduation, Henry took several odd jobs that included a hosting job with an exotic animal show, tarot card reader, school photographer, radio station disc jockey, ghost investigator, and production assistant on national television commercials.

After taking a hiatus from acting to go back to college and earn his degree in Anthropology, Henry fell back into acting by attending classes at Mad Cow Theatre and SAK Comedy Lab. Fate eventually led him to join the New York Acting Ensemble. With the NYAE, Henry was trained in The "I" Level Technique which gave him many new opportunities to explore musical theatre and puppetry.

In 2010, Henry joined Heather Henson and the Orlando Puppet Festival for "The Nativity Story". With puppets built by the Jim Henson Workshop and IBEX Puppetry the show was produced by Jane Henson and directed by Sean Keohane with Pinocchio's Marionette Theatre.


Having experiences in community, musical, and children's theatre, some of the shows Henry has performed in have included "Harvey" as Lyman Sanderson, "The Elephant Man" as Frederick Treves, "La Cage Aux Folles" as Albin, "Little Shop of Horrors" as Audrey II, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" as Schroeder, and "The Producers" as Leo Bloom. Some of Henry's film credits include "Conversations with a Serial Killer", "Ragdoll", and "The Fourth Trimester".

As a character actor, Henry stays busy exploring opportunities on both stage and screen. Whether it's playing a marionette, musician, or king, Henry brings life to his characters with his unique approach to acting.

Henry's Facebook Fan Page
Henry Russell Nauman's Website
Amy Van Epps Photography

Stacey and Kory E-Session

Don’t you just love a great love story? This just so happens to be the case with Stacey and Kory. Although they hung out in the same circle of friends, they never really thought about dating each other. It wasn't until their friend Jon decided to play matchmaker that things became interesting. His matchmaking skills worked! After dating for eight years they are engaged and are getting married this October!

Stacey suggested having the engagement session in Downtown Orlando. It was a really great idea. We started the shoot at 9 am (I know, it’s early, but the best light is early morning or late afternoon!) around Lake Eola. If you aren’t familiar with Lake Eola, it is infamous for their vast array of birds, especially swans.

As with most people, it’s kind of awkward to be in front of the camera and act natural. Having Stacey and Kory attempt to interact with the swans was a great decoy! While their attention was focused away from their nerves and from me, I was able to get some awesome shots.

We started walking around the lake and I incorporated some of the skyline into the photographs. The natural beauty of the rocks and foliage of the lake really added some interest.

It’s plain to see that these two are madly in love. I could tell with the way they interacted with one another and by the way they look at each other.

55 W is an apartment/condominium complex off Church Street. Their grand staircase provided for some more intimate photographs.

We hopped across the street to Hamburger Mary’s. Kory & Stacey changed and shared a strawberry milkshake followed by two Shocktops. I think the sugar/alcohol combination finally helped break any other anxiety being in front of the camera and they really started to open up.

Stacey and Kory both wanted traditional photographs, but Stacey is a big fan of different. I am too! Hamburger Mary’s really provided a fun, relaxed atmosphere. After they finished the drinks we headed to the railroad tracks to wrap up the shoot. Kory started to come out of his shell more and let loose in front of the camera. [After Stacey viewed the photographs from her e-session, she asked if I could do something "funky" with one of the photographs of her engagement ring. This is what I came up with. I really saturated the tones and incorporated a vintage map of Boston of where they lived for two years.]

My two-hour shoot lasted four hours and it was well worth it! Kory and Stacey are a big ball of F-U-N and really made this engagement session my most favorite to photograph to date.


I cannot wait to photograph their wedding in October.