emily peyton cook photography

it is well...

"It is well with his soul."

Dr. Charles Akins went to be with the Lord just before midnight. Psalms tells us precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. We rejoice that he is at peace, but are broken at the loss. Amanda Joy Akins Joy and Mrs. Janice, you are in our prayers.

Thank each one of you who prayed for this sweet family. Keep lifting them up. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlesakins/?ref=nl

I have watched on the outside as Amanda Joy grew into the role God called her to. I have seen His strength displayed through her weakness. Seeing her walk through this since January, when I got the tearful call from her, has strengthened my faith. God is shining through you Amanda and I pray He will continue to strengthen you through the harder days to come. 

I remember this day (although a not so flattering pic of the two of us), like it was yesterday. It was a "joy" to be in the hospital room with all those Joys! I remember Dr. Charles sitting over on the sofa at Baptist Hospital and just sensing how excited he was to be a grandfather and how proud he was for his daugther. Charlie is named after his grandfather and I know that that was God's plan. This song makes me think of the Akins-Joy crew and how I watched their battle and how I saw God never leave their side.

"Carried by Your constant grace

Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful"
-Matt Redman

may sale

We were planning on being beach bound this last part of May, but it didn't work out. Because of that, I have 4 openings left on my calendar. Maybe you need updated pictures of your kiddos or want to try out those pinterest photo ideas you've been pinning away for such a time as this. I'd love to work with you to make your session come to life.

I have a special deal to offer anyone who wants to fill my openings. We can't waste these final beautiful days of Spring with low humidity. Email me for more details.

jake

Meet Jake.

I love when I get to meet new families through my business. Jake's family is from Collierville. When they came to visit me, I had no idea they were the family that started this wonderful business I'd heard about a few weeks ago at church. Check out their site, AgapeNorth.com and this great video. This is my kind of company and they deserve your business, too. : )

I loved meeting Jake's, Mom. : )

want your order before Christmas?

Next Friday, December 9, is the last day to get your order and payment in for guarenteed delivery by Christmas. EPC photographs make great gifts under the tree. My niece, surprisingly, had pictures of my kids on her Christmas list. I am going to hook her up. LOL! 

My last day to work for 2011 is Dec. 19, unless one special little baby planner is born early, and in that case my last day will be the 16th. I want to have everything wrapped up, no pun intended, : ) including, uploads, orders, proofs, etc. by that day. I haven't decided what my return day will be in January. All I want for Christmas is some extra special time with my children in the chilly first month of 2012. 

Until then, happy shopping and a Merry Christmas season to you! : )

a trip to memory lane: full circle moment at ole miss

I walked through this arch going to class many a day, 8 years ago. Many times, that year, I had a camera in hand headed to and from photography and photojournalism class. This is the place where my creativity launched and I developed the skills to begin the business that I enjoy today. 

Three weeks ago, I got to go back and spend the day with the Sprenkles. We shot their session in the Grove and the Circle and after a stop for lunch at Bottletree Bakery headed to Taylor. It was a fun walk down memory lane. I only wished we could have stayed longer. 

You know that picture in "You've Got Mail," where the mom is twirling the daughter. That was the look I was going after in this one. : )

why i do what i do: the art of life

Moments captured like this are why I do what I do. (Click the photo above to view a slideshow of my favorite images from this session).

I am not a photographer because:

{I have an expensive camera}.

Or

{I thought it would be a good way to make some extra cash}.

Or

{Its a career that allows me to spend more time with my children, although that's a great blessing}.

I am a photographer because {I get to stop moments in time for your families}.

Just as I get up hungry each day to read God's word, I also get up on Tuesdays and Fridays hungry to find beauty in you and your families. I could care less about awards, accolaids, or accomplishments. I crave the capturing the beauty of life and hopefully bringing you a moment of joy and thanksgiving to the One who created you when you view how I saw you through my lens. Each of you are unique, created by a wonderful Maker.

One of my favorite things is going to your homes. Your spaces always inspire me. The Smiths were no different. It was one of the most creatively fulfilling Tuesday afternoons I've had in a while and I've truly enjoyed reliving each moment as I proofed their session today. They live on my favorite street in Brownsville. When I was a little girl, in the back of my dad's truck headed to the lake, we'd pass through their neighborhood and I'd dream of what it would be like to live in one of the homes on that street. It's quite the idyllic scene, their street, straight out of the pages of Norman Rockwell.

Thank you Amber, for having me over to photograph your family. I enjoyed every minute, especially moving your sofa on the lawn! Only a fellow art major from Ole Miss would have gone along with that off the wall idea. : )

I love this image of them sitting on the side of the road. Their dad unexpectedly pulled up and look at that sweet reaction of the baby of their family.Dads have to love that!

time to start flexing my photography muscles again

I'm back! Today is my first day back in studio for sessions in over 8 weeks. I am excited about all that's to come this fall and hope you and I will be crossing paths, me behind the camera and you {or your kiddos} in front of my lens. September is booked with the exception of tomorrow morning at 9 and 9/23 at 9 a.m. I had a couple of babies born early and had to bump up so, that left those open spots. October is booked with the exception of the 21st at 9 and the 25th at 9, 3, or 4. November is beginning to book up as well, but the most dates available for fall. 

Don't forget to schedule your mini session. Click here for info. There are still plenty of appointments for each event. Saturday apts. are available for all three for those of you who work. 

Heritage Day is just 23 days away! And Pumpkin Patch one week after that. That is crazy to me!

Remember this year that I've answered your requests to select your own multiple images and sizes and to have personalized galleries for each family. Everyone gets FREE shipping and I'm offering a digital image for you to print from or put on your own Christmas cards, too. I hope this accomodates you and helps you get the most for your money and your needs. 

About to head out the door for my first session with a super sweet mommy and baby that I love dearly. Hopefully Bennett is in as good of a mood as I am. : )

Live fully and keep your eyes on the prize, 
Emily
Philippians 3:13

something to keep you entertained while i'm away

A new website design with updated images! This is something I've had on my list for a while and it's finally done so you have something to look at while I'm away from the camera and computer. ; ) 

here's the plan, stan

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
(These are my plans, but only God knows the day of Georgia's arrival).

I'm over 35 weeks and scheduled for a c-section at 39 weeks. 

I have less than 4 weeks left in this pregnancy and 2 weeks and 2 days left in before my maternity leave starts. In that time, I plan on completing 14 sessions on the books as well as uploading those sessions as well as two more previous sessions.

I'll be placing one big order next week (for those of you who've already ordered and paid) and one more order on the 24th for those who order and pay after that initial order.

My last day is June 24. I will return Sept. 1.

If you have proof requests or orders you want placed prior to my maternity leave, you'll need to get those in and paid for before June 24. 

My plan is to place orders received after that point on one designated day at the end of July and one designated day at the end of August. 

This should still keep your orders coming to you within the 4-6 week window. 

To clear up any confusion, I have complete control over all proofing and ordering. It's not an automated process to the lab when you press the order button. I go through each order with a fine tooth comb to assure your images meet my quality standards in terms of color, cropping, and design.

I'll be recovering from major abdominal surgery, enjoying a newborn baby and a 2.5 year old. In advance, I want to thank you for understanding this process and respecting my time away during this transition.

After June 24, I'll be available by email, but don't promise to be tied down to my blackberry responding at lighting speed. This being my 2nd go round at motherhood, I now know how quickly the first year goes and don't want to let technology and business distract from time I can't ever get back.

I will be promoting 3 Fall {Portraits for Hope} events during my leave in August. I'll be taking apts. for those events when the promotion starts on the blog and Facebook. 

There are only 6 apts. left in September, so if your baby plan baby is due for a session, you want to start your new baby on the plan, or you want a regular session in that month, let me know ASAP and I'll get you booked. Those dates are going fast. 

Thanks so much for your support, business, and friendships along the way. My growing family thanks you for all you do for us. We wouldn't be in business without you!

blankenship preview pics