DVD's From ANP

BFF Session ;)

It is a very rare occasion, me visiting with my bff from HS, not to mention spending time with each other's children.  I had the chance to spend some much needed time with Amy and family this evening.  I never get the chance to see her kids so I brought my camera and van full of props, then I put Amy and husband, Lavant to work!  We played around for a while but with temperatures in the high eighties, we didn't mess around too long.  Here are some shots we managed to pull off, aren't these the cutest kids? 

My Sunflower and My Little Photographer

I special ordered this Sunflower from my friend Tammy of "Stinkin' Cute" a few days ago.  While I have other plans for this headband, I could not wait to see it on my little butterball.  These were the only two shots I managed to grab during the 3 minute photo session before Karsen decided that being a sunflower in eighty degree weather was not "cool" and yanked it off.  Once we were finished, big sis decided that she needed to practice her photog skills, I have to admit that it was a little weird being on the other side of my camera!

My Loves

Class of '12 Sample Formal

My brother's prom tux came in today so I "MADE" him throw on his tops and let me snap a few pictures to verify that this is something that we will be able to offer.  I don't think it turned out too shabby!  I will be ordering a drape for the girls next week so I'll be prepared!  Don't forget, senior sessions are only $300!  Mini sessions will be available for the formal portraits only (details to follow).

I CANNOT Photoshop 25 pounds off of you...BUT...

EACH and EVERY session I have with a woman over 25 I hear, "Can you Photoshop 20-25 pounds off of me?" (sometimes replaced with my butt or...a--, well, you get it...)...The answer is, I guess?  Maybe?  But I really just tell them that they don't need it and it's ridiculous.  Society's standard for a beautiful woman are just totally pathetic and I won't go there.  Anyway, I don't take extra time to make you look skinniER BUT I did find this article today that I think you (beautiful curvy people) will enjoy.  So, enjoy!

HOT TIP! Sue specializes in Posing and has hundreds of requests for Posing women with Curves so she is creating online videos in how to do this.  These images have NO Photoshop, they are posing only.  and PS WE DO NOT SAY PLUS SIZE . . . we say women with curves!! Great News, http://www.inbedwithsue.com/ will transform in Mid June with Behind the scenes videos with Posing Videos, Business Marketing and so much more.  (Provided by interview blog by Leah Rimelet)

The Barb Family

Last Saturday I had a session with my childhood neighbor and her family.  The weather was calling for lots of rain ALL weekend, so I was sure that we were going to get rained out (although I would love to do a session in the rain!).  Our shoes were SOAKING wet but everything was green and we couldn't have asked for a prettier location.  I had a fun time working with both children and seeing such a difference in their personalities, both equally cute! 

Wow!!! You guys are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Just a month ago, I had 189 fans on Facebook.  As of today, I have hit 402 fans!  Seriously, I can't stop smiling.  As promised, once I hit 400 fans, I would show off the items that would be up for grabs for one lucky fan.  For a chance to become a "product tester" for all of the donated items, visit each page listed below, "Like" their page (or in some cases add them as a friend).  Write on EACH and EVERY vendor's wall (listed below) thanking them for their donation and tell them Abby Neese Photography sent you. Thank you, Heather Leake (again), Heather Snyder, Devon Stein, Jennifer Sandy, Tammy Dellinger and Chery Viar for your donations!  We LOVE all of your products, ladies!!!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!


1.  "Like" Heather's Thirty-One page comment on her wall.
2.  Visit Cheryl's cake page, add her as a friend and comment on her page.
3.  Visit, "Like" and comment on Stinkin' Cute.
4.  Visit, "Like" and comment on Miss Evaline.
5.  Visit, comment and follow on Merely Making It.
6.  Find Jennifer Sandy on FB and "Like" her page, comment and tell her that I sent you and be sure to thank her!!!  Then check out her Etsy shop!
7.  Come back to Pictures by Abby Neese to let me know you've completed all of the steps.  Once I hit 500 fans I will announce the newest "Product Tester" within 24 hours!!! 

Good Luck!!!! :)

Who's Looking?

I <3 <3 <3 Google!  They have so many awesome, free options that are very beneficial for marketing purposes!  I especially love Google Analytics, so much that I log in daily to see where my page is being viewed across the WORLD.  So exciting!  Thanks for looking, everyone...everywhere!

Thanks Molly!

My sister, aka Mo-Mo to my children, was nice enough to pose for a few pictures during a "pretend" senior session. As luck would have it, it started raining as soon as we started. I was able to get a few shots before it got dark, I hope to add more pictures to my "portrait" album soon, including a formal yearbook shot, stay tuned!

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

When I started this "photography thing" a year and a half ago, I NEVER thought I would be where I am today.  I still have a long way to go, but I'm going!  The good thing about the road that I am on is there is no map.  I can go wherever I want.  Who knows where it will take me. 

This is a VERY competitive industry and can be intimidating at times.  I have been struggling with the intimidation aspect of this for quite some time.  I have no formal education or training in photography, never had a class, never really read any photography books.  The extent of my professional training has been several Googled subjects and lots of questions answered by different pros across the country.  So on the rare occasion I do get to speak with a professional, it is so scary for me.  I'm always afraid they are going to ask a question about my white balance, aperture or lens and I'm not going to have a clue WHAT to say!  Okay, actually that has happened...a lot, but WHO CARES!!!  I mean, I used to...BIG TIME, but why?  Is a client really going to ask after I take a picture, "Okay, so, what shutter speed did you have that set on?"....uhm, NO!  I have accepted the fact that I don't have to explain myself to other photographers.  Finally.

I am learning that there is much more to owning a photography business than taking some pictures, getting paid and moving on to the next session.  It is hard work.  Taking your picture is the easy part, the fun part.  After a session the pictures have to be reviewed, the not-so-good ones deleted, the good ones downloaded, the selected few edited, all 700+ Meg(a-somethings) uploaded, labels created, packaging made pretty, etc. etc.  So regardless of their style, I have a TON of respect for ALL professional photographers. 

With my respect for all photographers, I understand if after we've spoken, you choose to have someone else take your pictures.  Honestly.  I want you to be happy with images that represent YOU and your family.  I've even told potential clients that I just don't think we're a good match, and referred them to someone else.  Not that I don't want their business, I just don't want to change my style.  I've had photographers criticize my lighting and question my rates, the funny thing about it, one of those photographers then asked me to work for them!  The bottom line is, I don't care.  I'm not here to please my "competition".  My style is my style.  My lighting is my lighting and my rates are my rates.  I appreciate each and every one of my clients and fans and am in awe that I have regulars that I have been working with since I started this.  So as long as my clients are happy, I continue to see smiles on their faces when they see their pictures, strangers still approach me in public to tell me how much they enjoy my photos, and I continue to enjoy taking photos, I am going to take pictures...of clients...

I thank God each and every day for giving me the courage to push my limits, learn and grow.  I also thank all of you who stand BESIDE me and walk with me down this road, wherever I end up, I hope that you are there with me.

-"If you can dream it, you can do it." {Walt Disney}

Seniors!

Once I get these next few weddings behind me, my primary focus is going to be planning senior sessions.  I'm honestly pretty excited about it.  Lots of ideas and plans running through my head.  I already have some clients lined up while I'm in OBX this summer.  Even making arrangements to offer formal portraits. 

My goal is to offer a variety of unique and original backgrounds, props and poses for every client.  It's time to change it up, guys.  I've seen the same backgrounds, props and poses (that were around long before I even had my senior pictures taken a "few" years ago) one too many times.  With that said, if you're looking for the flaming track shoes, the fake beach scene, or the white column in the middle of an empty muslin canvas (there's nothing wrong with that), you won't find it at ANP. 

If you're looking for an affordable, unique collection of Senior Portraits, book your session soon!!!

My Newest Obsession...

Smash the Cake

We all look forward to our little ones turning a year old just to watch them smear cake and icing EVERYWHERE!  Why not have a photo session specifically for that purpose?  I had the pleasure of capturing little Anna's excitement as she bit into her very own cupcake.  She had so much icing that I'm pretty sure she was in a sugar coma by the time she was finished (as you can see from the last photo, I had to share this one {hahaha}).  I wish all of my sessions were this much fun!!!  HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to the sweet, sweet Anna girl!

Ashley+Mark= Married in 4 weeks!

When I pulled up to meet Ashley and Mark for their engagement session, I could tell they saw "AWESOME" written all over my MINIVAN! Hahaha! After a few jokes and laughes to break the ice, I could tell they felt comfortable enough to pull off some amazing poses for these engagement photos. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful, good-looking clients like this. Anyone have the number for Glamour? ;)

Two Favorites, Back to Back

You may have noticed by now, but I have a few established clients that I LOVE to
hear from. It's always exciting to hear when they're ready to set up their next appointment. I can remember the first time I took pictures of the beautiful Chloe, and now she's already missing two teeth! Hope & Josh (and family), like the Helsley family, have been with me since I started to dabble in photography and I'm SO happy that they have. Sadly, Hope & Josh will be moving to Florida as soon as the school year is over. I'm not looking at this as losing some wonderful clients, but as gaining an opportunity to change up their family portrait backgrounds! Who knows, maybe next time we can add Mickey and Minnie to the family photo! Good luck guys, I'll miss you!!!