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My Photo
I find it hard to believe that seven years have passed since I made the decision to pursue my dream of becoming a photographer. Even though it has been challenging, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I have had some amazing clients to photograph, and have made some lifelong friends. When the photos session is over, I can't wait to get home and upload the photos to see what I was able to capture. I love the finished product. A few years ago, I began blogging but have fallen behind in this area. I promise I will try to dedicate more time to my blog, so others can get to know the wonderful clients I am photographing. Many of them have interesting stories to tell. I also think it is interesting to see how couples met, and of their plans for the future. I am available most days to photograph you and your loved ones. Message or call for an appointment. View more on my website at http://brendakingphotography.com.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Sophie Cover

I was recently informed that one of my photos had been chosen for the cover of the April Sophie Woman's Magazine.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic.  I had submitted six photos from several of my clients to the shutterbuggerz contest in March.  I was contacted and asked if the photo of Katelyn Schoenen could be used for their April cover.  Of course, I said yes, lol !  I am completely honored that they would choose one of my photos.  It is humbling that some of my work would get this attention.  The Sophie magazine is published monthly, and is a regional magazine, out of Conover, NC.  The magazine contains great articles, as well as photos from professional and amateur photographers in the area.  You may pick one up at local restaurants, car dealerships, grocery stores, and many physician's offices.  Thanks again to Sophie for choosing my photo, and thanks to Katelyn for being such a beautiful model.  You may check out the magazine online at http://sophiewomansmagazine.com/


This is an ad I also had in the April Sophie magazine.  I received a free 1/4 page ad for winning the January photo contest.  (Model in Ad: Emily Sain Annas)


Friday, March 12, 2010

Amanda & Josh

I recently spent the day with an adorable couple, Amanda and Josh, in Asheville.  We were there to shoot their engagement session.  We had such a great day shooting in some beautiful locations.  Amanda wore some amazing heels, and boy did she rock those shoes, lol !  Even if they did cause blisters on her heels.  It was truly wonderful to see the love that they share.  Josh is an amazing guy, and treats Amanda like a princess. I will be shooting their wedding in October at a vineyard in Winston-Salem, and I cannot wait. 

This is their story (as told by Amanda) : 
We met in June of 1997 at First Assembly of God church in Morganton. After 11 years, we met again on facebook. We were both divorced and not really looking for a relationship other than friendship, but now are engaged to be married.

The Proposal:
Josh had planned a weekend getaway for the weekend of Dec. 18th. It was snowing that Friday when we were supposed to leave for our trip and I did not want to go! After much convincing from my bff (who knew the plan) I decided to go and I'm so glad I did.
It took us 7 hours to get to Asheville, normally a 45 minute trip. We were stuck in traffic in a blizzard on I-40 for 3 hours. Josh decided to walk...yes, walk...in the snow storm to the nearest exit in Old Fort. I managed to get the car, which btw is a Subaru...awesome in the snow....to the exit and we parked at the little convenience store with lots of other travelers. After hearing that the mountain was closed and that a shelter was open for everyone...and after eating chips, salsa, beef jerky and drinking hot chocolate... my wonderful man decided that we should attempt the trek up the mountain and see how far we could get. Well, we made it all the way up the mountain and down the other side to Asheville! It wasn't closed after all. Josh had made reservations at the Residences at Biltmore, at a very romantic condo.

All was going well until we lost power at the condo. The generator provided just enough power for my hair dryer and flat iron to barely work. It took me an hour to dry my hair...and I don't have much hair! We had gas logs for heat, so we were good to go!

Josh went out the next morning and found an awesome local sandwich shop and we had a super delicious brunch. We then drove over to the Biltmore Estate and made sure they were open..yay, they were, except for the restaurant where Josh had made reservations. No sweat, Josh being the resourceful man he is, made new reservations for Table restaurant in downtown Asheville. The food was wonderful and we had such a great time acting silly and taking pictures.

Next, we went to the Biltmore House for Candlelight Christmas. The Biltmore House at night, with all the lights, candles and fireplaces burning, and snow falling was enchanting. My favorite part of the tour was the ballroom dancers. I was captivated and felt like a child as I watched!

After our tour, Josh wanted to go to the gardens, which kind of confused me...there were no flowers. I agreed and we walked to the garden area and were admiring the view when Josh got down on one knee and popped the question. Of course, I said "a million times yes".....and that's the story :)
Don't let him tell you any differently...

These are some photos from their e-session.  Aren't they just an adorable couple !!!!










The Amazing Shoes !


To View More Photos of Josh and Amanda, visit http://brendakingphotography.com , look under Featured Galleries !

Sunday, January 31, 2010

My Photos In Print & Winning Photo

Well, I had an awesome surprise today ! As many of you know, I recently submitted five photos to a local magazine, Shutterbuggerz (website, http://shutterbuggerz.com/). The photos were posted online during the month of January for the public to vote on their favorite photo. Shutterbuggerz magazine also has a sister magazine, Sophie Woman’s Magazine (website, http://sophiewomansmagazine.com/).

After being in all morning due to the snow, my husband and I decided to venture out for me to take some snow photos, shop a while, then have dinner at Zeko’s Restaurant. Zekos has a magazine rack as you go in the door. I picked up the February issue of Sophie and took to the table with me. I began scanning the pages and saw that there was a feature section from Shutterbuggerz toward the back of the magazine. I saw what I thought to be the only page from Shutterbuggerz. I put the magazine down, ate dinner, then picked the magazine back up. I flipped the pages and saw photos that were submitted by some of my photographer friends. I was so surprised when I reached the next to last page, and there were four of my photos in print. I almost screamed, lol ! I was definitely not expecting to see them in print.

Since I began my business one year ago, I have only had one advertisement, which was in the football program at East Burke High School. Needless to say, seeing your photos in print when least expecting them is a pleasant surprise. I am truly honored that they would print some of my photos. The four photos in print are of Lydia Hodges, Braelynn Hodges (Lydia’s daughter), Addyson Whaley, and Lauren Williams Davis.

Amateur and professional photographers alike may submit photos monthly to shutterbuggerz.  I have submitted photos January, February, and March.  You may see some of my photos in the February and March issues of Sophie at http://sophiewomansmagazine.com/ .  Any photos from shutterbuggerz will be included in the Sophie magazine (but you will still vote at shutterbuggerz website). 

A few places that carry the Sophie magazine are Zeko's, El Paso, Buck's Pizza, and Habour Inn.  I am sure they may be found at other restaurants also.  Stop by one of these and pick up your copy.
I am including some of my photos that were shown in print.

UPDATE:  The first photo below of the little girl having a tea party won the photo contest for January 2010 contest, and was printed in the March 2010 issue of Sophie Womans Magazine.  Thanks to all who voted.

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