Andi Grant Photography Blog bio picture

Welcome

My name is Andi. I take pictures. I’m a mom to three beautiful girls and an amazing son. A Navy wife of almost twenty years. Owner of 2 giant dogs. I’m told I smell nice. I live in Virginia Beach, VA. I can provide curious parties with informed opinions on McDreamy. Did I mention taking pictures? When I’m not doing that, you may catch me at my other job as a 911 dispatcher. Don’t call me. I’m reasonably sure that chocolate is proof that God wants us to be happy. I can make you smile, hablo Español, I can keep a 3-iron in the fairway, and fold on pocket sixes. My name is Andi. I’m blessed in many ways. I take pictures.

My gear: Two Canon 40D’s (5D Mark II in December!). Lots of great glass, including the must-have 24-70L and 70-200L. Next up is the 85mm, soon! I love Photoshop and get sucked into my editing everyday. I do all my post-processing in Lightroom 2 and CS3. I love Totally Rad actions and I use a bunch of Kubota’s too. For those who need to know, I work on a Mac book pro my hubby was kind enough to buy for me. I am open to questions from anyone pursuing photography, either as a hobby or business. I’m happy to help if I can. Bookmark the site! I’m always updating. Comment me!!

Lilli - anytime!

Lilli is one of the my favorites to photograph. Her encouragement was so important during those early months starting my photography business. She made me feel like a great photographer - and I suppose for the rookie I was I didn’t do too bad. Looking back at the pictures I took a year ago make me cringe, my technique has improved so much, I’ve got better equipment, a more solid understanding of posing and use of light, depth of field and way more post processing skills, nevertheless I had to start somewhere and Lilli is one of those who helped me start. here is a quick flashback. December 2007 I still like the craziness of this picture!

OK, enough with the past — this is what Lilli posted on my facebook last month
Lilli Mistichelli wrote at 12:01am
“i would like to schedule a shoot with you asap!!
when are you free? you are getting famous, and i want my name on the waiting list before you’re all booked up ;)”

Well, needless to say I found my very next available evening and offered it up - and she was available. What I later told her was that I would have kicked someone out of their spot to get her in if needed - she is that important to me. Zoe was out with me on this shoot as my trusty assistant and when she wasn’t being a complete goofball with Lilli she snapped some great shots, including this first one, it makes me happy
I get excited seeing where I was only 1 year ago when compared with my work these days and I’m so looking forward to 2009!

I love you Lilli!

now as for this song, she is not a bad influence as Pink is singing - it’s just a fun song!

Wilson Family

Erin told me the horrific story of her last experience having family portraits done and how the photographer actually got mad at Sean for not smiling.  OMG, this unbelievable concept floored me and all I could do was assure her that I would not get angry at with him at all during the shoot….How could I he was a joy the entire time.
a little known fact is I am the perfect photographer for deaf clients since my daughter’s and primary assistants Lizzie and Zoe are both fluent in ASL. Lizzie was on the task of getting him to smile and I think he had a great time and smiled his smile most of the shoot. this was my favorite family shoot ever!>this isn’t the first time I’ve made a family look like rock stars - remember the Wolfe family shoot!
Madison is only 11 years old - are you kidding me - mom and dad you are in trouble!shooting couples is my first love in photography

I am always looking for interesting poses or fun family interactions but you can be sure that I will also get the core traditional individual portrait of everyone at the shoot

Colby

I photograph Colby for the pure joy of it - he makes me smile and keeping his photos around makes me happy. It’s this little man’s face on my banner, with the tear in his eye, my absolute favorite baby picture ever! I get to document him growing up with pictures, how cool is that?

Jeremy and Brandy

running around the oceanfront was so much fun with these two. If it was very hard for Jeremy to be missing his Sunday football games you sure couldn’t tell it.


Meet Palak

I’ve always talked about how my clients always make me look good, Palak is exactly what I’m talking about, a natural beauty, perfect hair, gorgeous smile, smart and sweet - are you kidding me? So easy.

Chad and Kasey

Cold windy and rainy, not ideal but they pulled off a gorgeous wedding regardless. The ceremony was at the atrium in Indian River Plantation, a gorgeous location. The reception was at Shifting Sands. I’m very impressed with them. Rebecca Franklin was my second shooter and did a fabulous job, especially with detail shots. Here are a few of my favorites.

Charlie and Mary

It was Mary and Charlie’s wedding anniversary the weekend we met up. What could be better than having some anytime/still in love and looking good portraits done?


4 sisters on the beach

while the shoot was to be primarily candids of the girls on the beach, I made sure to get nice portraits of each, oh so pretty!





something a little different, I like it.  

Ryan & Christina - Engagements

while I was taking the above photo, my assistant for the evening Lizzie-tish was taking this one - I’m so lucky to have such helpful assistants living under my roof.  Lizzie also got this one







sweet song!

JP & Betsy

think back to that perfect sunny Sunday a couple of weeks ago - that’s the day I was on Sandbridge Beach with these two. Both are super photogenic and made the super easy.
This first one is one of those poses that works every single time! I don’t get tired of it, because it always looks so good! this is my favorite black and white of the day

all up in their business

to be continued…..