Welcome to my blog, the place where you'll see glimpses of the fun I experience each time I have the honor of capturing abundant moments full of life, love and laughter for people just like you! I enjoy sharing tid bits from my sessions, but occasionally you might see a post of some of the dearest people in my own life: my incredible husband Rahul or perhaps one of our four children (yes, 4)... Collin, Griffin, Eden Grace and Matthan. They are my constant inspiration! I look forward to getting to know you, whether we meet over a cup of coffee or just chat via email. Take a look around, leave a comment or two and check back often- you never know what surprises might be waiting!
Blessings Always, Annie
Yesterday morning I met up with a super sweet couple back in my hometown. Full of ideas and excitement Jamie, Paul and I got busy amidst the incredible wind storm it seemed we were facing. There are so many breathtaking images from this engagement session, but when I saw this one, it was screaming “Share me first!” And so… here it is!
There just aren’t words for the powerful statement this image makes. The clothing choices, the props, the scenery, the raccoon prints along the track, the smoky sky… I’m in love!!
Hope this is enough to hold you over until the rest are ready!!
Well, the blog has been calling for an update, but it seems that between all the editing, sessions and sick kiddos around our house it’s been pretty hard! I did want you to see though, that while there might be a break in posting, there is never a break in breathtaking newborns, adorable families, sweet kiddos and beautiful couples. Here’s what I’m working on these days… just a glimpse!
Sweet baby Kaylee. I could just eat her up! Thanks Joel and Kristine for letting us stop by, catch up and snag a few pics of your little angel!
My gorgeous cousin and her twin girls. Always an honor to have the chance to capture images for people you not only know, but that you love so much as well!
McKinley’s first birthday! Seriously, how adorable is this little girl??
Here’s her big brother Mason. I haven’t seen him since his first birthday session. Boy, has he grown. Still as handsome as ever though!
One of my favorite times of the year, candid captures at WEE World. Nothing like a sister trying to share her love!
Finally, a beautiful wedding! Introducing: Mr. and Mrs. Vogelsong! Congrats!!
Remember… it’s just a glimpse. Lots more to come over the next week or so!
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Psalm 119:111-112
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When Sharon contacted me about getting together with her extended relatives for a gigantic session I was so excited. I’ve known this family for many years and have treasured their friendships in ways that words could not even express. As we began working out the details of how to coordinate nearly 30 people, I started to think about the heritage of this family, their love for one another and their increasing love for the Lord. You just can’t help but to be inspired and motivated when you are in the presence of these individuals and so I wanted to make sure their images reflected their incredible bond. These pictures needed to be special, unique, memorable and full of personality- just like this awesome family.
Sharon had a fabulous idea: using their property – both pastures and orange groves as the backdrop. I loved everything about this idea and thus, the Heritage Session was born.
What makes the Heritage Session so special? The images are still captured on location, in a place of importance to your family. They quickly turn into treasured heirlooms and provide the opportunity to freeze in time this season of life with those you love the most. They are a gift that keeps giving! In fact, every year, during our annual beach vacation my family does this very same thing. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents- the works…and while these images are often more posed than my typical style, they connect generations, focusing on relationships and the value of family.
What could be better?
So, take a look. Here are some of my favorite images from the Durrance Family’s Heritage Session.
Of course, I have to start with the kiddos and these black and white images take my breath away every time I look at them!
Certainly one of my faves of the day!
As is this one too! I love the way that big brother J.D. is touching his new brother’s head. You can feel the love dripping off of this image!
There is something so simple, but so breathtaking about this sibling shot!
Cousins dancing in the field. Love it too!
How adorable are these sisters?
I love the symbolism of the Great Grandmother to these little children sitting on the roots of this tree.
And I love how much she smiles!
Pure. Joy.
Some seriously special sisters. (Gorgeous too!)
Every year at the beach, my family does a cousin shot as well. We are super close, almost like siblings and adore one another. I think that’s why these images speak to my heart. I love the playful spirit of them, but more so, I think I appreciate how much of their love for one another shines through!
You can’t be in an orange grove without peeling into at least one!
Miss A. was certainly enjoying her juicy treat! Look at those eyelashes! Geesh!
Of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without a true “heritage” shot! This one is hands down my favorite of this incredible family.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted andgrounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
In 2009, I created The Dream Calendar to help support Clouds of Hope, a local non-profit organization, whose focus is to provide support for groups and other organizations who care for families of children with life-altering illnesses. Allie was one of the inspirations for this charity project, as I have seen her battle through the complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or ITP. She desired for a playground to be built in the Tampa area for children with special needs, just like herself- a playground that would be safe and fun. Our charity project was a success and through the sponsorship of local business to help create the calendar, Annie Agarwal Photography was able to donate 100% of the profits to Clouds of Hope. Over $7,000.00 was awarded to help begin initial plans for this playground.
All of that to say, today, sweet little Allie is scheduled for surgery in an attempt to help control and even cure her ITP, which she has dealt with for 3 years. This disease decreases the platelets in your body and makes blood clotting and bruising serious concerns.
Would you please stop and lift up Allie today? She will have to receive a platelet transfusion before undergoing a splenectomy, which is scheduled for sometime this morning.
If you are interested in sending the family a message or in keeping up with Allie’s progress, please visit her CaringBridge Site.
Javier and Juana were my first wedding of 2010 and I was so excited to capture their special day. I knew from spending time with them during their engagement session that their wedding would be fun, stylish and of course, that they would shine in front of the camera. Javier and Juana did not disappoint.
Since this happens to be the first wedding post of the year, I’m going to offer the first comment incentive of 2010! If you view this post and leave a response on the blog the new Mr. and Mrs. will benefit! For 25 comments, they’ll receive a free 8×10, for 50 comments they’ll receive a free 11×14!
So, with that in mind- check out their awesome pics and start posting!! Thanks Javier and Juana for starting off 2010 in style!
I met up with the bride early Saturday morning at Bellisima Salon where she started getting ready.
I love these images of her. She was beaming the entire time!
Then we headed over to the stunning Terrace Hotel, where Juana slipped into her beautiful dress amidst the most glorious sunlight you have ever seen!
Loved all of these details!
Juana was waiting on her dad to walk her down the aisle when I noticed this burst of light just above the parking garage by Hollis Gardens, where Javier was anxiously awaiting her arrival. It was just stunning!
The big moment… Javier spotting his bride for the first time.
I couldn’t resist sharing this image from the ceremony. It’s one of my favorites!
This one is too!
Mr. and Mrs. Rosado! Javier stopped as they walked back down the aisle and embraced his wife. What a super sweet moment.
I am in love with the expressions in this image. Simple. Fun. Happy!
While walking around after the ceremony, Javier told us he had spotted a cool place to take some images. (I LOVE it when the groom is this involved.) The fire station was such a great idea and after having some fun with their red door and garages, we walked around the corner to spot a fireman outside. With a grin I looked over at the bride and groom and asked if we might be able to take some pictures on one of their engines. He was thrilled to help and drove one right outside for us to use! What a cool surprise!
Now this is how to have some fun with your couple shots!
The bride and groom also requested a “sign” picture and this one just makes me smile!
Finally, it was on to the reception. Here are a few fun details from the evening. I couldn’t resist Table #10, since it was the very beginning of the new year!
Such a sweet first dance!
Loved these centerpieces and the rings hanging from them.
Cake time…
The perfect ending to a perfect day. Congratulations Juana and Javier. May the Lord bless your marriage for many, many years to come!
Ok, I tried. I honestly tried! I wanted to keep all the pics a surprise until the full blog post; and then I saw this one. Try no more. I’m just sharing! It’s a tease for sure- you’ll want to come back to see the rest!
I met Juana and Javier through the first bride and groom I had the honor of shooting, Gretchen and Alan. I was so excited to get together with them for an engagement session, knowing they must be an awesome couple if they were friends with Mr. and Mrs. Pena! After some weather postponements, we finally had the opportunity to spend a morning together. Juana and Javier’s engagement session was right in the middle of the Christmas rush- so I’m just now posting it. The funny thing is, they have been married for just a little over 24 hours already! (I’m so behind on blogging!) I would have skipped straight to their wedding, but these images are too wonderful not to share. Besides, they did something that I would highly recommend to my couples: 1) they brought several clothing options to the session which changed it up and really gave us a great variety 2) they used their engagement pictures to create a guest book (It was a hit at the wedding!!).
Juana and Javier expressed to me at the beginning of their session that they were a little nervous about being stars in front of the camera, but it took about 3 seconds before I realized they were naturals. In fact, this happens to be one of my favorite client emails that came after they viewed their session:
Annie,
We are so happy with the pictures! Javier is convinced that he can be a model now. You created a monster. LOL We had a great time at the photo session!
Thank you – we love your work and the guest book is going to look great!
I am convinced that both of them could grace the pages of any magazine.
Enjoy and stay tuned – lots more from their special wedding day coming soon!
Love this one…
… and this one …and this one! I just can’t pick a single favorite!
One word: MODELS
Another fave
When I saw Javier helping Juana with her shoe I couldn’t resist capturing the moment. It totally reminded me of Cinderella, only this slipper was red hot!
One way? To the chapel!
There is something about this one that blows me away!
One of the greatest things about my job is building relationships with my clients and getting to know them better. Being a part of their lives, the exciting moments and sentimental ones is such an honor. This takes on a whole new level when you have the opportunity to photograph your friends. Wes and Jessica, whom I grew up with, have been prayerfully and patiently waiting on God’s timing to start their own little family. I was so excited when we started to plan their maternity session, knowing the incredible joy that this baby would bring into their lives. However, sweet Levi decided to make his grand appearance before his mommy and her belly ever got in front of my camera. So, when I should have been shooting Jessica during her last trimester, I found myself hanging out in their home “oohhing and aahhing” over this amazing little miracle baby. Now, I am finally getting to introduce you to Levi James, who is one of the cutest little cowboys I have ever seen!
Wes and Jessica, I couldn’t be more excited for you! I know that the Lord will use your story to touch others and that He will continue to use Levi as a precious reminder of His faithfulness. Thank you for your continued friendships over all these years too. It is still an honor to be a part of your lives and to laugh with you. It was a blast spending the morning catching up. Enjoy your little “surprise!”
One of my favorites, that so simply states this family jumped from 2 to 3!
I caught this moment of Jessica and Levi and it instantly took my breath away. It was quickly followed by a humorous moment, be sure to check out the slideshow for that image!
Wes had a vision and requested this image. It’s one of my absolute faves of the day!
I love the adoration and joy that seems to be overflowing from this family picture!
