Ashley & Lynn: Engaged! | Northern VA Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of shooting Ashley and Lynn's engagement photos, right here in Brambleton. I love photographing couples here--there are lots of great obvious spots, but also many that are not so obvious. I love finding the new spots!
Ashley and Lynn are recent transplants from the Midwest. I felt a connection with Ashley right away--I am also from the Midwest, we are both crafty, and both went to school for something creative. She is doing a lot of diy projects for the wedding in May, which I cannot wait to see! The session was really fun, and it was great to meet Lynn. He recently got his dream job here in VA, which was a big reason for their move! Here are some of my favorite shots from the session--enjoy!



Spring was just strting to rear it's head on our session day. I was determined to get at least one shot with flowers in it!

This is one of my absolute faves from the session. Ashley said it looked like they were on a beach, and I think she is right!








Lynn was so sad the session was over!

AOP is the New Broadlands Live Photographer!

We are extremely excited that Amie Otto Photography was chosen to be the new Broadlands Live photographer! As the official photographer, we will be at all the events taking photos (of course!) of attendees and the acts performing. The images will be used for the production's website as as be available for viewing and purchase. We're super pumped and can't wait to meet more of our community. See you at the show!

Fundraising for Breast Cancer Research

A group of women in my neighborhood, who go by the team name The Step Sisters, are holding an event on April 2 at Nick's Corner Grill in the Brambleton Town Center. From 8-10 PM, 20% of food and drink sales will be donated directly to the sisters' fundraising efforts for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Having done the walk myself, I know what a task it is to raise the funds necessary to even be in the walk, not to mention the physical and emotional task of completing it! These ladies are doing a great thing--last year, they were second in the region in fundraising, with more than $130,000 raised! Impressive!
Part of the nights' festivities will be a silent auction. Amie Otto Photography is donating a $100 gift certificate to the cause, to be used towards services of your choice. So, get out there to Nick's, have a drink, and help the cause! Walk on!

Product Spotlight: Guest Books

I recently changed vendors for my guest books based on a recommendation from a photographer friend (Thanks Susan!). I was totally blown away by the difference in quality and the nice lay-flat pages--so much easier for guests to sign a book when it is totally flat! The pages are also nice and thick with a UV coating to resist fading. For the covers, there are choices of leathers, cloth, or custom designed photo hard covers.
Here are some images of my latest guest book. It features the leather cover with the silver imprinting. Enjoy!

Accepted to the Wedding Photojournalist Association!

I'm excited to announce that Amie Otto Photography was accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). The application process involves a portfolio review and lots of questions. I was excited to be accepted, as some of my favorite photographers are members--I feel honored to now be among them!

To explain the WPJA, here is an excerpt from their website:
Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.
The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization, represents professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. The WPJA was founded to uphold excellence in the area of wedding photojournalism.

AOP is a Wedding Chicks Preferred Vendor!

I'm thrilled to announce that AOP is now a Wedding Chicks Preferred Vendor. If you haven't seen the Wedding Chicks website, go there immediately! It's loaded with inspiration for your event and showcases the best vendors to help fulfill your dream wedding. We're so excited to be partnered with them!

Last Chance to Vote!

Northern Virginia Magazine is holding it's annual "Best of" Survey and I need your help! Voting closes March 8, so only a few days left!

Go to http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/best_of/ .
Scroll down to Affairs. And in the Event Photography line, Fill in Amie Otto, Amie Otto Photography and Ashburn where is asks for the info. You do NOT have to fill out the entire survey! Voting is open through the beginning of March, so keep voting! Thanks so much!

Snow!

Growing up in Michigan, I loved playing in the snow. My daughter, who is now nearing 4, has really only had enough snow to play in once or twice. She is quite obsessed with snowmen lately--dressing like a snowman, drawing snowmen, watching Frosty the snowman over and well beyond the Christmas holidays--so imagine her delight this morning waking up to snow on the ground AND still falling! My Midwestern friends may laugh, but I was a little excited too. We have gotten far too little snow these last few years, and anything we do get melts almost immediately.
So here he is, Frosty, her very first snowman.

And here is some scale reference. Unfortunately, the snow was very dry and fluffy, not the good packing kind for snowman making. This was as big as we could get it, and this is the 3rd or 4th head we made. Each time we inserted the carrot, the head literally exploded and we had to start all over again.

And the poor trees--they are so confused! The magnolia looks about to bloom and it is in the 30's. I'm hoping they will not be too damaged and we'll still get flowers this year!

More buds in a cold winter sky.