This windmill stands tall on my husband's family farm in Kansas. Every time I visit I like to think of new ways to capture farm life in a creative way. This time I used my Lensbaby Sweet 35 and the reflection from a puddle. After a period drought, and then a period of too much rain, it seemed fitting to capture the windmill in the puddle reflection. Our family farm was hit during the flood of 1993, so I know the effects of rain on farming. Farming takes lots of resilience, like this windmill that stands tall to weather all the storms. 

Welcome sweet little Bree Nicole to the world! Here's a sample video of her recent newborn session in the studio. 

Here's a little snippet of little Brian's newborn session in my studio. I had the pleasure of photographing his sister when she was a newborn. It was so sweet to see her so in love with her brother. I am thankful for this family and the sacrifices they endure for our country. Dad was deployed during our first newborn session and has recently deployed again. 

I am beyond honored and humbled to be accepted as a Click Pro for Clickin Moms. I have admired and learned from many Click Pros when I joined Clickin Moms four years ago. I have taken countless workshops and breakouts through the Click Photo School taught by talented Click Pros. These women have pushed and supported me to continue to develop my photography. They have helped me become the artist I am today. I am forever grateful and humbled to be a part of this group of amazing women photographers. If you would like to check out Clickin Moms, go to www.clickinmoms.com/click/

​Click Pro is "a modern network of highly skilled professional photographers and independent artists. Our members work spans all photographic specialties, including newborn & maternity, children & families, weddings, seniors, fine art, still life, documentary and more. Membership to Click Pro is application-based, and invitation is extended on the basis of an applicant’s portfolio evaluation".

I found the process of applying to ClickPro to be almost spiritual. It was not easy, there were times when I doubted my ability, when I poured over my photography, when I was critiqued and had to look deep for strength to go on. However, I am glad I was not accepted a year ago, because I needed to explore and find out who I am as an artist. I still feel like I am in the early stages of this process and look forward to where this continued exploration will take me. 

I am incredible thankful for my family who have allowed me to practice on them when they didn’t want to. And who have put up with me on my computer taking classes, working on sessions, or patiently waiting on me when I’d say “just a few more minutes, the light isn’t quite right”. I am also extremely grateful for my clients, who have entrusted me with their photos and allowed me the opportunity to grow as an artist. Also thankful for my Click Pro Prep Group who helped me through the process. And last but not least thankful to God for giving me the gifts that allow me to do what I love.

I joined Clickin Moms looking for a class that would help distract me from the growth of benign vascular tumors in my brain. I was overwhelmed with all the what ifs this disease created in my mind and needed to find something positive to focus on. Clickin Moms helped me focus on something positive. Even though I could not control the growth of tumors, I could control my growth as an artist. Clickin Moms changed my life for the better. I am so glad I joined 4 years ago. I find there are moments in life when you know you are on the right path, when the angels seem to be shining down on you. The week before I was accepted to ClickPro I found out a few more new tumors have grown deep in my brain. However, this time I am more at peace, knowing I can focus on the positive with new Click Pro opportunities. As long as my brain is working, I will be creating.

If you would like to see my accepted Click Pro set, click below. ​

Did you get a new camera for Christmas? Are you making it your goal in 2019 to be more creative, social, learn something new, or just get outside? In 2019, I have decided to lead Photo Walks. I have been listening to Brene Brown who says, “Unused creativity is not benign. It metastasizes. It turns into grief, rage, judgment, sorrow, shame.” To be wholehearted people, we must allow ourselves to create. Everyone has the ability to create. Photography has healed me in several ways. I want to share my passion for this art form with you and create a safe place for us to be vulnerable and use our creativity.  On these walks, I will not be teaching photography. If you want to learn more about photography, I suggest taking a class with Scott Bean http://www.ufmprograms.org/ShowSchedule.awp?&Search=INSTRUCTOR&Target=U0NPVFRCRUFOMjEx&Title=Courses%20Taught%20by%20Scott%20Bean, checking out Creative Live https://www.creativelive.com, or ClickinMoms https://www.clickinmoms.com/cmu/. I will, however, be available to answer any questions you might have about photography. I plan to bring my kids with me on these walks and get them in the action too. You do not need to own a DSLR camera to attend the walk. It is all about supporting each other and your creative journey. I will be sharing the dates for the Photo Walk on Facebook and on my blog. If you are interested, make sure you are following me on Facebook so you do not miss out. https://www.facebook.com/amymengphotography/


Updated 12/19/18: 

Join us as we gather for the first MHK Photo Walk. We will meet 12/30/18 at 6pm-7pm at the fireplace at Blue Earth Plaza. Bring whatever camera you want to bring, iPhone to DSLR. Children are welcome. Our goal is to capture what we see in a creative way. You are welcome to join the Facebook Group MHK Photo at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhkphoto/and share what you created.

Updated 4/26/19
​We are continuing to meet this Spring and Summer. Join our Facebook Group to join the fun. All photo levels are welcome and we love children. Here's the Facebook MHK Photo Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhkphoto/and share what you created.

Are you looking for a unique gift this Christmas? I have partnered with an online photo gallery to offer fine art products printed by a professional print lab made in the USA. And I am giving all the proceeds from my Art Gallery from now until December 25, 2018 to the National Military Family Association.

I am offering a variety of products, from prints, cards, to calendars. A few years ago, I created cards from some of my photos. I love having this stash of unique cards ready whenever I need a birthday, thank you, or thinking of you note to send. No more running to the store last minute. I decided to share my photos with you. To view the gallery, go to picti.net/gbWCY?

Photography has been a great healer to me. I am so thankful for all I have been given, I would like to give back. Military families face many challenges from repeat deployments and moves. This is why I chose the National Military Family Association. If you would like to learn more about this organization, please go to www.militaryfamily.org