happy september 1

And then it was September.  Where the heck did this summer go?  I missed it completely by being consumed with my ridiculous work schedule complete with early mornings and late nights.  I missed running, I missed the lake.  I missed it all.  SO, we decided enough was enough and my husband and I took our summer missing saddened behinds out to California to give them a little taste of, er, fall?  Yes, we went to San Francisco and it was chilly and foggy and relaxing.  A perfect combination to help usher in the best season of the year.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79689343/tunnel-vision-8x10-fine-art-photographic

I'll be posting those pictures to Etsy as I finish the editing process.  In the meantime, lets revisit JAPAN.  Yes, again with the Japan.  No, it will never get old.  I miss that beautiful country and hope to someday return but until then I will relive my adventure through photos.  I'll share two of our mini-trip to Tokyo.  Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79688435/the-birds-nest-8x10-fine-art

top ten countdown

Today on Twitter we counted down AMP's top ten most viewed photos!  It was pretty fun to go through and see what you all chose to view the most and I must say that I was thrilled to see who sat at the #1 spot!  I'm thinking this would be a fun way thing to do each and every month since it really gives me a feel for what everyone is looking for and what promotions to run!

Without further ado, I give you a recap of the top ten!

#10.............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60414375/beer-can-art-02-8x10-fine-art

I've become quite the beer snob in the past year and I have to say that Surly sure does make my top ten beer list, so it's fitting that the Beer Can Art 2 photo makes your top ten of most viewed!

#9...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65725555/takeout-time-8x10-fine-art-professional

I love this photo because it was the day that I shared a very interesting pizza in Nagoya, Japan with my brother, husband and parents.  This mini hot dogs and curry to get your brain in the right direction.  It was, er, interesting...

#8...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55169751/from-across-the-room

One of my favorite things to do when we visit the North Shore is to collect a rock from the beach and write the date on it so we can always remember the times we've spent up north... I could use a vacation right now!

#7...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71422607/i-love-java-8x10-fine-art-photographic

Oh yes, its true.  I love JAVA.  Well, the drink.  I've never been to the place...

#6...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71418319/coffee-8x10-fine-art-photographic-print

For a former barrister, this photo conjures up all kinds of smells and tastes... YUM! I can't live without my coffee which is why I was inspired to take a series of coffee related photos and I must say that this series has been very popular when it comes to Etsy treasuries!

#5...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71427246/coffee-heart-8x10-fine-art-photographic

This photo in particular has been extremely popular in Etsy treasuries!  No words needed - this says it all!

#4...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55142211/duomo

This photo dates all the way back to 2005.  My trip to Italy, taken in the Vaticano near my apartment.  Every night my roommates and I would sit on our terrace drinking wine and viewing the beautiful dome as the sun set.  I really do miss those days.

#3...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55336045/the-stacks-2-lake-superior-rock-stacking

I don't really remember ever seeing this until the past two years - rock stacking.  Recently on our trips to Duluth and other towns along the beautiful Lake Superior, we have noticed dozens upon dozens of these small stacked rock sculptures.  People will spend hours creating tons of these little guys and they are so cool!  Although I did not stack these rocks, I sure did fall in love with this photo!  Check out The Stacks 1 for more rock stacking fun!

#2...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54714356/silver

Who knew that this little paver shot could be so adored?  What would I do with this photo?  I would blow it up to a large scale, print it on canvas and hang it in modern room!  It would look AMAZING printed on canvas!

#1...............................................................................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65729198/street-art-2-8x10-fine-art-professional

"What is that?!" The most frequently asked question about this photo.  What is it?  Well, it was one of many sculptures I found in Nagoya, Japan.  Some sculptures had the rods protruding out of the sculpture and some were flat.  They were very beautiful.  Want to see another?  Go here!

Well, that concludes our top ten for now!  The rankings change every day, so make sure you visit the AMP Etsy Shop to view and purchase your favorites!

Be sure to check out the poll on the upper, left side of the blog to pick your favorite photo from our top ten list!

little blue flowers - set of 3

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75388831/little-blue-flowers-1-8x10-professional

I created a set of 3 photos that can be purchased individually OR you can get them as a set of three to hang on your wall!!  I think they are absolutely, wonderfully blue.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75455221/little-blue-flowers-2-8x10-professional

I took these photos in my parents' back yard - they have a very wooded back yard which is completely carpeted with ground covers and at this moment they are exploding in color with blooms of yellow, blue, white and purple.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75456428/little-blue-flowers-3-8x10-professional

 I love this time of the year.  Everything in bloom and the world is so colorful and warm!

where have I been?

Aaaaah.  The sweetness of spring.  Yes, it's been cold.  Yes, we had snow for a very long time.  I had to finally get out and enjoy the few great days we've had so far and my day job was holding me back a bit.  BUT, I have new listings!!  Hopefully I'll have more to come since I have some time to breathe finally!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75169802/columbine-dreams-spring-flowers

 

Now that the flowers are in bloom I am in heaven!  How could it get any better?  Well, if it warmed up a bit... but not too much!  I'm enjoying the running temps just a little too much.  If it stopped raining, but then how would I get fantastic pictures like this one??

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75173067/rainy-oak-rain-drop-art-minneapolis

So, I guess where I'm going with this is that it has been perfect!  Visit my Etsy site often!  I'll have much more for you to view in the coming days, weeks and months including some fun greeting cards I have been working on!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

 Don't forget to check me out on Facebook and Twitter!  Like me on Facebook or follow this blog for a chance to win a free print!

trading aceo's

What the heck is an ACEO?!  Well, I can answer that.  It's just like a baseball card... but better!  It's art printed on cards at the same size as those lovable trading cards you collected as a kid... or as an adult.  Yep, you can collect and trade cards of art... my art!  Who knew??

Now you can collect my original photography on these adorable little 2.5" x 3.5" cards!  Slowly but surely I will have more of these little treasures listed.  In the meantime, if you don't see what you want just email/convo/leave a comment for me with what your heart desires.  I can make your wish come true!

I'll send your card(s) via USPS in a standard sized envelope (cost savings!) sandwiched between some extra cardboard for added protection or you can ask for the upgraded shipping option using a cardboard envelope for an additional cost.  See my ACEO listings for details.

As always, thanks for visiting the blog and make sure to check out the shop often!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

peacock

On Saturday I created a new treasury.  What was my inspiration?  Peacock feathers.  Why?  Color, color, color.  I am totally in love with the blues!  Check it out and see what I'm talking about!

GreyDogDesigns - Peacock Wedding Invitation & RSVP

 MaryWibis - Peacock Wedding Toast and Cake Serving 5-Piece Collection

 SwirlyGarden - Peacock Feathers Teacup and Saucer

I bought a peacock headband a while back from Sweet Grass Mill and I am so in love with it!  I wore it out last Saturday to celebrate a friends upcoming walk down the aisle - and her last few nights of single status.  I had SO many compliments on it and I just kept thinking about how I would love to incorporate more peacock into my life!  Hahaha!

SweetGrassMill - The Contessa

UrsulasBeadedJewelry - Dark Aqua Beaded Cluster Earrings in Brass

 LoveandKnit - Peacock Blue Fingerless Gloves

These listings are just a sneak preview of the great items in the treasury, so make sure you drop by and check it out!

Zimbalib - Peacock Eyes beautiful headband for baby toddler little girl adult

 Parisxox - Sapphire Blue 3.5 Heel Peacock Satin Shoes

 TatianaG -Peacock blue necklace with blue kyanite and sea aqua green apatite in sterling silver

Enjoy!

a new adventure

I'm exploring a new shop idea - a new shop with wedding/jeweled hair combs.  I had made them for my own wedding and had always toyed with the idea of starting up an Etsy shop just for them.  In fact, it was my original idea for a shop - long before the idea of photography... although I have been a photographer for much longer than I have been making hair combs!

I decided to make another comb (I'm a little attached to the comb I made for my wedding...) and post it on my AMP shop just to see if there was any interest.  So far so good.  My views shot right up there and hopefully I'll find an interested buyer - especially since it is ready to ship!  I sure do love these combs and even made them for each of my bridesmaids to wear.  They looked great on them and they were absolutely stunning in the low light of the church and the ballroom.  I just can't hold them back from the rest of the world!!

So, I invite you to give my very first listing a look.  If you like what you see and if there is enough interest, I'll start another shop just for my little darlings!  Pass on the idea to your friends and family because they're not only great for weddings, they're also great for proms, homecoming dances, black tie events and just going out on a Saturday!  Trust me, I love mine!

cards for occasions without cards

This weekend I attended a bachelorette party and to start out the fun we all gave the bride-to-be a little something something for the wedding night and honeymoon (ooh la la!).  We all had a good laugh because only two ladies found bachelorette cards and they were both the same card.  I had never thought of it before, but there really aren't any options for cards in this situation!  Hmmmmmm... I think I have a new mission in card making!

So now I'm curious - what other occasions have you all found to be sparse in the card department?

baby its cold outside

Last week I listed some fun pictures of little spring flowers popping up from the ground.  I was SO excited that something green had made its way out of the soggy Earth and we were going to get our spring on!

I always forget the temperamental mood swings of this Minnesota climate.  You would think that I know better since I have lived here pretty much all of my life, right?  I guess I have short term memory because I allowed myself to get all jived up about warm weather - to the point where I turned the furnace off last weekend!  The hubs told me I was crazy and I, in turn, called him crazy for thinking we would need the darn thing again... oh the shame of being so delusional.

Shamelessly, I'm browsing Old Navy online looking at pretty spring dresses and contemplating wearing one this weekend for a party I'll be attending.  So what if it snows, right?  I figure I can just add some tights and a sweater to make it seasonally appropriate and then when it warms up I can wear it as intended - light and free of all things wintry!!

If you want to get your spring on - you can check out some of my items here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

poll results

Well, my fun poll results are in and it turns out that everyone loves everything!  Wow, and I thought I had problems with coffee/caffeine!  You all love it in any way, shape and form!

Any ideas for some other polls I can have?  I always love to see what people think both in and for polls.

In the meantime, make sure you come and check out my Etsy shop.  There are some new photos up for you to view!  Spring, spring, spring!  I've really been enjoying taking some shots of the spring bulb flowers!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

coffee date

Yesterday I listed some of my new coffee pictures on the old Etsy shop!  It was pretty exciting because coffee and I have always had a really close relationship.

Ah... it seems like yesterday my grandma gave me my very first taste of coffee.  I believe I was about seven and I immediately liked it.  I asked for my very own cup to which I was given a very small one.  While I was sipping coffee, feeling quite grown up mind you, my grandma looked over and with a smirk on her face told me that if young ladies drink too much coffee their knees will turn black.  I played it off like I didn't believe her, but then my mind got the best of me.  Coffee grounds are black... it seemed somewhat logical that if food can stain your skin when you're cooking that coffee could stain your knees, right?  Oh Grandma, you get me every time!  She caught me sneaking looks at my knees and busted out laughing!

When I turned 16 I felt it was time to get a job.  I applied to one place and one place only... a coffee shop.  I was given the job and I spent ages 16-23 working in coffee shops.  It was a slight obsession to say the least.  It wasn't just making and drinking coffee, it was the customers that made it the most enjoyable job I have ever had.  Between the regulars, odd customers and amazing co-workers I have found that I miss it every day.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job but being stuck in a cubicle in front of a computer all day doesn't seem like a good substitute for the hustle and bustle and the total satisfaction of making and directly giving something to customers that they really wanted and watching the smile as take a sip.  Instant gratification!

Hopefully you will find my work at AMP to be exactly what you wanted and fill the void of direct customer satisfaction that I miss so much!

I hope you enjoy my coffee themed pictures!  Be sure to visit my Etsy store to see them all! http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

facebook

I finally bit the bullet and started a Facebook page.  I'm not really sure why I was so scared to do it, but I was.  Luckily, I have some great friends and family that immediately liked my page!  That was so exhilarating!

If you get a chance, pop on over and hit the like button.  You can also like this blog if you scroll down to the bottom of the page!! Yay marketing!

Abby Marie Photography on Facebook

AMP updates: I'm about to launch my coffee line.  In fact I have already listed one photo.  Well, actually, its a little better than a photo because its completely customizable!!  You can totally take advantage of this moment to get a message of your choosing written in coffee beans.  You can frame it or have it made into greeting cards or pretty much whatever you want!  Pretty neat, huh?  I thought so too!

Come check it out http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

friends and followers

We're making progress on the goal to 25 followers!!  Keep on spreading the word and once we get there all of my wonderful followers will be entered in a drawing with the lucky winner getting a free 8x10 fine art photo of their choosing!!!

On a side note - its almost that time of year again where the magical Easter Bunny will be making his rounds to drop off goodies shaped as eggs for all of the good little girls and boys!  I, for one, hope that I have been good enough to expect a visit from my furry, little friend...On that note, I did take a picture of his, um, droppings and you can buy and frame it or buy it matted and framed to hang every year in honor of his nose twitchy little self!

Stay tuned for Easter cards - coming soon!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyMarie09

ice ice baby, too cold too cold

While on vacation up north - one would think that it would be much colder, much snowier and much icier than Minneapolis and Saint Paul, right?  Wrong.  Well, except for the ice, maybe, but only around good old Lake Superior... and then again, is there ever no ice around the lake??  That water is FREEZING!  Okay, so I know that in the summer there is no ice, but my point is you can get hypothermia on a 105 degree day if you jump in that lake!

I lucked out with the most beautiful three days worth of super clear, blue skies and I took full advantage of the gorgeous color it created in all of my iced out lake scenes.  I mean, we are talking absolutely some of the most beautiful blue skies I have ever seen!!  Who wouldn't want to take a picture of that??

I lugged my poor husband out to the town of Two Harbors to walk around the actual harbor area which, and this still baffles me, is the first time in either of our almost 30 years of visiting the Superior Shore of actually seeing the harbor... hmmm.  I think we need to recheck our vacation priorities!  Too much time spent cuddling in front of the fire and not enough time spent exploring!

I have about a billion more pictures of ice and I'm debating on releasing those to Etsy.  They're all pretty cool and I'm definitely thinking that they would make a great greeting card set - for what, I'm not sure.

Anyway, as usual, make sure to keep checking my Etsy site for more fun Lake Superior photography!

my recent trip

Don't worry, I'm still working on other projects I have spoken about in previous posts.  Those projects are much more intense then just walking around and snapping a few pictures so they take a little extra time to set up, shoot, edit and post!

In the meantime, I went on a trip!  Well, okay, as I write this I'm still on said trip... but it ends today and I'm quite sad.  I wish I could stay here longer!!  But who doesn't feel that way on vacation?!

Yesterday I posted a few new listings on Etsy and today I'll give you the story behind them!

Just across the road from where we stay there is a set of railroad tracks.  I know some of this history of them - used for the transportation of mining materials from the mid-1800's until mid to late 1900's and now used mainly for tourism.  There are quite a few rail lines in the area, but the one directly outside our door is used mainly for fun.  You can board the train to reach Duluth or take a murder mystery/pizza party/nature inspired trip!

I have, in fact, taken an informative ride on the train years ago.  The train doesn't run all the time and I'm not even sure if it runs in the winter.  I haven't heard it this entire weekend.  But there is something so desolate and eerie about a "deserted" set of railroad tracks.  Something so dangerous and daring too.

I took these pictures yesterday as I wandered around the area getting some exercise.  I jumped on to the tracks in a few different places to see what the view looked like and snapped a few shots from different angles.  The sky has been SO blue up here and the weather, although a little chilly, has been amazing!  These two photos are some of my favorites and there are definitely more to follow!

follow me for free stuff!

Want a free 8x10 print from me?  Follow my blog!!

When the AMP blog reaches 25 followers, I'll place the names in a BIG bowl and fish out the winner.  This winner will choose a photo from my Etsy shop and I will ship it to them free of charge... this person could be YOU!!

Want one?  You can have it if you just follow the AMP blog!!!  Just click the follow button on the left side of the screen!  Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Tell your friends!!

lanterns lanterns everywhere

Today I posted a new picture to Etsy.  This photo was taken in Tokyo after the new year.  People were pouring in from everywhere to say a prayer, get their new year fortune and eat some delicious food!  The temple was decked out for the occasion and we were wading through the extreme amounts of people to check it all out!

 

The food was mmm, mmm, mmmmmm! I'm pretty sure that all of that walking we did the week that we were there did nothing for my waist line!  I was trying EVERYTHING!  I scarfed down some chicken bites on a stick just prior to snapping the shutter on this little beauty.

I must say that this is one of my favorite pictures... so much so that I made it my Google account background!  I can totally see printing this in a very large format and hanging it on a wall somewhere in my house!  I think it would look awesome!

Check out my Japanese Lantern listing as well as all of my other listings on Etsy!  I promise you won't be disappointed.

OH! And check out the Etsy Photography page on Monday - all day - to see my listings featured!!