Meet Boise Photographer

Amanda Smith

Hello! I’m so excited you’re here. I’m a professional baby snuggler, coffee (and wine) drinker and sunshine seeker. As I enter my 9th year in business, I marvel and am humbled by all the new parents that have entrusted their newborn babies into my care. I’ve been blessed to photograph over 650 newborns during my career and that experience has taught me every life is unique and precious. Even at a week old, I can see the personality of your baby. Very often when I see those babies again at their 6 month or 1 year milestone session, even though they’ve changed and grown so much, I’m reminded of those little smirks and sleepy smiles.

No words can prepare your heart for the experience of holding your baby for the first time. It’s like your heart will burst out of its chest, overflowing from pure love and joy. As a new parent, you want to soak in every minute…every moment. I know I did! So, don’t laugh when I tell you that I have over 100,000 personal pictures of my family (and that’s after I delete the bad ones).

My family, my children, are everything to me. They are growing too fast, and sometimes I want to go back in time and hold that newborn baby again. I want to relive those moments that flew by much too fast. Reality sets in and I know I can’t….but, I look at their newborn pictures, and instantly I’m back in time. Those feelings rush over me again. THAT is what your photography session means to me. When I’m holding your newborn, I’m putting myself in your shoes and I want to preserve this fleeting time for you. Right now – this moment will never happen again. This day will not return. Your baby will never be this age again. But oh, what treasure you will cherish in these lasting images.

I married the love of my life, Michael, who swept me off my feet. He is ridiculously romantic and unbelievably supportive of the endless props I just can’t seem to live without (which often spill over into his office). We will always be seen holding hands when we walk (and even driving in the car) and I like to think how cute we’ll look as little old people, still sweetly in love. For all the beautiful things I create, my most precious are my two children, Noah and Emily. The Lord has truly blessed me with an incredible family that I’m so grateful for.

While it may not be sunny every day, I believe that a sunny and happy attitude will shine in whatever the skies are doing outside. I’m looking forward to sharing the sunny disposition with you and your family!

-Amanda

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass….It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Vivian Greene

Get To Know Me Better

I’m a big fan of creating family tradition and memories for my children. One example, I get them an ornament every year that represents something significant from the past year. But there’s an extra secret surprise! Enclosed in their unique ornament box under the paper shred filler, is a love note to them.

Starting in January, I have a Note on my phone that I write in throughout the year noting all the funny things they say, things that happened, things that were a struggle – basically documenting that year to preserve their memories. Then in December, I open the Note so I have it all ready to write their letter.

They know they have these love notes from me, but they have to wait until they are on their own, established in life….and have their own Christmas tree. They will have 18 ornaments that will mean something to them, so they won’t start off with a bare tree! Then, they can read the letters. I’m super sentimental and like to know, that many decades from now, in their 70s or 80s, they’ll read all the funny and clever things they said when they were little and it will make them feel young, and very much loved.

I created and published a 300-page family cookbook. Initially, I just wanted to organize the recipes that were in the ziplock bag. (C’mon….who doesn’t have their mom’s favorite recipes tucked away in there.) What I thought would take a couple of months turned into a 4-year labor of love….but so worth it! I even made copies for my kids when they get older so our family recipes will carry on to my great grandchildren.

I decorate my house 6 times a year (winter, spring, summer, Halloween, fall and Christmas). Christmas is my favorite – I decorate 18 trees because I’m “that” kinda crazy.

I’ve swam with sharks in the ocean….twice…. and would totally do it again.

We got Mavis Joy, our English Cream Golden Retriever, as a puppy last summer. I didn’t think I could love anything as much as my husband and kids. I was wrong. Oh so very, very wrong! I did her newborn pictures at 7 days old, then again at 2 months, and now. Yeah, she’s NOT fitting in that little prop anymore. But it’s fun to see the size comparison to see how she’s grown.

I’ve driven a NASCAR. Got up to 165mph….legally. THAT was amazing!

If I had a superpower, I wish I could swap the grams of protein for the grams sugar in ice cream. I would eat it for just about every meal and I’d need a part-time job at The Stil to cover my bill.