We are almost two weeks into March, my husband and I have survived the stomach flu, and I’m finally starting to believe the snow might melt! While I’ve had the pleasure of some incredibly sweet home sessions this winter (featuring kittens, bunnies, and babies, oh my!), I’ve been missing my outdoor sessions, and I am ready for spring. After a couple of warm days, it feels like the perfect time to share information on spring offerings: Motherhood Field Mini Sessions and Playground Portfolio Sessions!

Motherhood Field Mini Sessions

Mark your calendars for April 25 for 20-minute sessions dedicated to all those mothers out there wanting to be sure that they’re in the pictures with their kiddos, too. These sessions will be sweet and just maybe a little silly, and all clients will receive a full gallery of 15+ images in time for Mother’s Day! These will be held at an outdoor, field location in Amesbury, MA and are $150.

Book Now!

Playground Portfolio Sessions

I’m looking for 2-3 more families interested in a session that feels more like play than a photoshoot. As these are intended to build my portfolio, they will be complementary, and all families who sign up will receive a full digital and film hybrid gallery. I’ll be holding these sessions between April and June. If you are interested, please reach out! (If you’ve already reached out about this opportunity, I’ll be following up later this week!)

Let me know!

Finally, my Headshots in the Age of AI project is still in the works. Illness in the household keeps pushing my timeline back, but if youhave expressed interest, I’ll reach out in a few days with more details. If you want to learn more and be a part of this project, you can sign up here!

Alright, folks, that’s all for now. Can’t wait to see you on the other side of the lens!

Amelia

I’m afraid this newsletter finds you all a little more than overdue. February flew by, during which apartment issues, RSV, and an unexpectedly busy few weeks with my 9-5 job1 commanded my attention. I’m pleased to report that the heat is once again working properly in our apartment2, and our Sweet P has made a full recovery, so I can finally give everything at AJP some much needed attention! Knowing all the balls I’m keeping in the air, I will be moving to a monthly cadence for this newsletter. This newsletter will hit your inbox on the Tuesday morning of the first full week of every month, starting in March (which will be Tuesday).

What’s Coming Up?

With 17 feet of snow outside, it’s hard to imagine that spring is around the corner, but I believe it’s coming! And with that, so are Spring Motherhood Minis! I’ll be sharing more details in Tuesday’s official monthly newsletter, so stay tuned on this April weekend sessions. Also, if you shared interest in my Headshots in the Age of AI project, I’ll be reaching out next week! (If you’re interested, I’m still looking for 2-3 more subjects. Inquire here!) Finally, with the (hopefully) near arrival of spring, I’m looking for 2-3 families for play-focused portfolio sessions. (If you’ve already reached out about these, keep an eye out as I’ll be following up in the next couple of weeks.)

Until Tuesday, friends!

Amelia

AI is everyone’s favorite toy to play with at the moment, and I know several people who’ve worked it into their daily lives with (as they would say) positive results. I, however, describe myself as an AI agnostic. Is there something important going on? Sure. Do I think it’s paradigm-shifting? Remains to be seen. So when I saw colleagues sharing an AI prompt to generate headshots from any picture in our company AI-themed Slack channel, I took note. What resulted was that several of my coworkers, with different ages, ethnicities, and personalities, ended up with photos that looked the same. Yes, their features looked (mostly) like how they should, but the facial expressions were identical. The clothing was identical. The body language? Also identical. Everything that made these coworkers unique was stripped away, boiled down to a generative, generic copy.

It felt like the start of a dystopian YA novel.

So, I’m resolved to explore the headshot. Why does it matter whether or not your specific personality shines through? Can a headshot be fun, authentic, and still professional? How can I capture a person’s essence in a single photo?

This quarter, I’m looking for six individuals to explore headshots that celebrate individual personality.* This project will capture what makes each of these people unique, celebrating their uniqueness. These are headshots that can absolutely be used in professional settings, but should feel like an authentic representation of who you are, something unable to be replicated or copied. Headshots that could only be you.

Interested? Fill out the interest form linked here! Or feel free to reach out to me directly with questions!

Can’t wait to get started!

-Amelia

*All participants will receive a complimentary, downloadable gallery with their photos in exchange for their time, but must be comfortable with these images being used in my portfolio/website/social media/etc.

Build Community:

I’m a firm believer that other artists aren’t competition, and instead make me a better artist. With that in mind, I’m excited to make connections with other photogs this year — especially those who, like me, are towards the beginning of their journey. This year, I plan to set aside an hour once a month for “office hours” at a local coffee shop and invite other photographers to join me for brainstorming/big dreaming time. Stay tuned for details!

Special Projects:

The winter and spring tend to be slower months for photography, but that doesn’t mean I plan to let my camera collect dust on a shelf! I have a couple of special projects I want to develop. One focuses on the importance of headshots in the age of AI and the other seeks to create beauty in unexpected locations. I’ll be releasing information about both these projects and asking for participants in the coming weeks. Participants will receive a gallery from the project, free of charge, but must be willing to allow use of the images on my social media, website, newsletter, etc. Reach out if either of these sounds like something you want to be a part of!

Portfolio Sessions:

These sessions will be discounted sessions designed to fill out my portfolio. I’m looking for more couples/engagement, maternity, and seniors. I’m also including play-focused family sessions at local playgrounds as well. Participants will receive a gallery from the session and must be willing to allow the use of images on my social media, website, newsletter, etc. Reach out if this sounds like you!

Seasonal Sessions:

I experimented with some seasonal sessions for some friends at the end of 2025, and I had so much fun that I’ll be bringing this back and expanding the idea for 2026! Think Mother’s Day Flower Minis, Christmas Studio Minis, Christmas Studio Minis and more.

Experiment with Film:

Film photography has been such a joy and creative inspiration. In 2025, I even had my first-ever film-only session! While I’m not quite ready to offer this more broadly, I have some special ideas to capture on film this winter, and I hope to have 1-2 hybrid film/digital sessions later on in 2026. Is film something you’re interested in? Let me know!

Invest in Growth:

Photography is a skill I’m always interested in developing. This year I plan to invest in more education, whether that’s a class or in person styled shoot experience. Similarly, this year I plan to experiment and master a few more technical skills and equipment to elevate my work, both for my clients and for my own personal projects as well.

Refine the Experience:

Both my photography and my business have come a long way since I started in fall 2024, but there’s always room to grow. I’ll be refining my editing style and making some tweaks to elevate my customer experience. Being more consistent with this newsletter also fits into this category! Moving forward, you can expect this to hit your inboxes on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Plus, as always, I’ll be experimenting more, shooting more, and always chasing the light. What ideas for AJP are YOU most excited about? Are there any you want to be a part of? Let me know!

Until then, wishing you the happiest of new years and delight in the year ahead.

Amelia

Since my earliest memories, the magic of the Christmas season has enchanted me. Today, one of my greatest joys is watching my children discover the wonder of the holidays. I don’t want to forget a single moment, so I reach for my camera over and over again. This year, I invite you to join me in documenting the magic of the season with a 12 Days of Christmas challenge.

Historically, the 12 Days of Christmas runs from Christmas Day through January 5, the day before the Feast of Epiphany. For the next 12 days, I’ll be documenting our celebrations with a different theme every day. If you’re looking for a creative challenge, I invite you to join me! Whether you have a professional camera or your iPhone or something in between, these challenges work for everyone. You can be as elaborate with each theme as you want, taking extra time to prep or just capturing the perfect moment when it arises. Each day I’ll post the theme on my Instagram stories, and share my own work as we go along.

• Day 1: Christmas Day - GIFT

• Day 2: December 26 - FAMILY

• Day 3: December 27 - JOY

• Day 4: December 28 - LOVE

• Day 5: December 29 - SPARKLE

• Day 6: December 30 - REFLECT

• Day 7: New Year’s Eve - CELEBRATE

• Day 8: New Year’s Day - BEGIN

• Day 9: January 2 - PEACE

• Day 10: January 3 - WARM

• Day 11: January 4 - SWEET

• Day 12: January 5 - LIGHT

(At the end of the newsletter you can find a downloadable print out of these theme for a quick reference!)

With that, it’s time to return to my afternoon of catching up with family and devoring of Christmas cookies. Wishing you a holiday season filled with hugs, holiday cookies, and (if you want!) a dash of creativity.

My next newsletter will focus on what you can expect from 2026, and I can’t wait to share all my ideas with you. Until then, Merry Christmas!

12 Days Of Christmas

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I wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you trusting me with your memories and milestones. As a thank you, I’ll be holding my holiday giveaway in a few days. If you used photos taken by me in your holiday cards, DM or email me a photo of it by December 19 (IRL snail mail entries are also included!). On December 20, randomly select one to receive a free session in 2026. Winners will be alerted via email. Plus, everyone who enters will receive 10% a future session.

Stick around for my next newsletter in a couple of weeks with everything you can expect from AJP in 2026! Wishing everyone the best this holiday season!

• Holiday giveaway: If you use my photos for a holiday card, be sure to send me a photo (or an actual version - I love snail mail!) of your card, and receive 10% a future session AND be included in a drawing for a free session! All cards (either physical or photo) must be received by December 19. I will conduct the drawing on December 20. The winner will be notified by email!

• Referral Discount: If you refer a friend or family member and they book with me, you receive 15% off your next session! Just be sure they mention that you referred them when they reach out to me. (Note: Multiple discounts cannot be stacked and different discounts must apply to different sessions.)

And without further ado, my custom photo gift recommendations!

Photo Books:

A classic for a reason. What could grandparents want more than a beautiful book of their grandkids? Below are some of my favorite vendors:

• Artifact Uprising: A little pricey, but the quality cannot be beat. I’m a particular fan of their Softcover Photobooks, which feel like high-quality magazines, and planning to put one together for our family year book in a few weeks. Their baby board books also look adorable!

• Google Photos: If you already use Google to store photos, the Google Photos books are affordable and super easy to put together! The downside is that they aren’t nearly as customizable as other platforms, but that also makes them among the most user-friendly.

• Shutterfly: Easy to use, affordable, and plenty of options. Plus, almost everything is 50% off right now!

Photo Bag:

A practical gift that you can also customize with your favorite photos? There’s a reason I’ve given this gift repeatedly over the years. Below are some favorite spots to find them. They’re all fairly similar in terms of quality and price, so it comes down to which design you love most:

• Zazzle

• Snapfish

• Shutterfly

Little Items:

Small gifts that pack a punch and get used over and over again. I’ve loved turning my kids’ artwork into magnets or baby photos into ornaments for family members. My personal favorite, however, is socks. They are the most hilarious, unhinged gift I’ve ever given, and my mom loves hers.

• Shutterfly Magnets

• Artifact Uprising Ornaments (pricey but beautiful!)

• Zazzle Custom Socks (guaranteed to give a laugh!)

Hopefully, if you are also scrambling to finish out that Christmas shopping, these can help! And if you use your photos for something beyond holiday cards, I’d love to hear about it!

Until next time,

Amelia

Where to start?

A lover of giving and receiving cards, I’ve researched a lot of platforms, so here are some of my favorite cards and designs, in case you are still looking!

• All Time Favorite (for value, design, and ease): Minted

  • Year after year, I return to Minted for my holiday photos. They have a beautiful selection of designs, are easy to use, and are reasonably priced for their quality. You can also pay to upload a spreadsheet with addresses for your entire list, and the envelopes arrive already addressed! 10/10. (My favorite designs this season: this plaid, multi-photo option, this minimalist dream, and this vintage masterpiece)

• Runner Up: Artifact Uprising

  • For any photoprinting needs, Artifact Uprising’s quality can’t be beat. Uploading your photo is reasonably easy, and the cards are beautiful. That said, they don’t have nearly the variety that Minted does, and depending on how many you purchase and what sales you find, Minted can be a little more affordable. 9/10. (Favorite designs: this unusual shape and this classy two-tone number)

• Best Value: Shutterfly

  • If you’re looking for classic, affordable options, Shutterfly is an excellent option - plus they always seem to have a sale running! They have a plethora of designs, which occasionally can be overwhelming, but guarantee that there’s something you will love. The quality isn’t nearly as good as Minted and Artifact Uprising, but for cards going on your bestie-from-college’s fridge, it definitely gets the job done! 8.5/10 (Favorite designs: a classic, yet bold option, a whimsical photo frame, and for when you can’t choose just one)

So you’ve picked your card, now it’s time to pick your photo!

Tip 1#: You’ll know the photo when you see it. It’ll be the one that makes you smile, the one you come back to again and again and again, even if it’s not perfect.2 Can’t decide on just one? Pick a multi-photo option and choose more!

Tip #2: I cannot emphasize this enough, download your photo from the online gallery - do not screenshot! Downloading preserves the quality of the detail, ensuring it prints perfectly.

Tip #3: Pick a night to address and stamp your cards. Turn up your holiday playlist, pour yourself some cocoa, and get in the holiday spirit!

Did you know that your photos can also make perfect gifts? Stay tuned, because in my next email, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for photo gifts for all the special folks in your life!

Till then, good luck with your holiday to-dos!

PS: If you use my photos for a holiday card, be sure to send me a photo (or an actual version - I love snail mail!) of your card, and receive 10% a future session AND be included in a drawing for a free session for next year!

This fall, I’ve been reading Joy Prouty’s book Practicing Presence: A Mother’s Guide to Savoring Life Through the Photos You’re Already Taking1. In it, I’m again and again convicted by Joy’s reminders that the most beautiful photos aren’t the most aesthetic or beautiful. They aren’t the ones with necessarily the perfect outfits or Christmas card-worthy smiles. Instead, they are the ones that capture life at its truest. Photos that preserve what a moment feels like.

The other day, I had the opportunity to put her words into practice, when my son fell on his face the night before I’d scheduled to do our own family fall photos. His entire nose was red, the top layer of skin having rubbed away, and was quickly turning into a dark red scab. I could have rescheduled photos. I could have edited the scab out. Instead, I took the photos. I left the scab. I wanted to remember this moment, when he climbs and falls and climbs again, forever fearless.

Happy October! It’s hard to believe that this glorious month of fall and foliage is almost over. Busy season is in full swing over here at AJP, with family storytelling sessions, autumnal minis, and my first film scans from my first-ever film-only session! Here’s a couple of seasonal updates:

Holiday Drawing and Discount:

Using a photo from one of our sessions on your holiday cards this year? Send me a picture of the card to receive a 10% discount on a future session AND have your name included in a drawing for one free session. Send me a physical copy of your card for an extra chance at winning the free session!

November Sessions:

My November is booking up fast, so if you’re looking for a Mini or Standard Session, let me know ASAP. I’m also bringing a little holiday magic to my November sessions for anyone looking for a little something special. Think twinkle lights and cozy holiday blankets!

Finally, My First Ever Micro Sessions:

I still have a couple of slots left for my first-ever Micro Sessions happen this Saturday morning at Kenoza Lake in Haverhill! As of now, the foliage is at peak, a perfect backdrop for your photos. If you’re looking for a quick photo session that still packs a punch, this is the one for you. Let me know if you want to grab one of the last spots!

PS. I promised to update you all on my favorite track on Taylor Swift’s new album. While it’s not my favorite album of her’s,2 I can’t deny that The Fate of Ophelia is a bop!

Crisp morning. Colorful foliage. Sweaters. Pumpkins. Jumping in leaves. It really is one of the best parts of the year! Especially for photography and everything over at Amelia Jantzi Photography.

What’s new?

If you’ve received this newsletter before, you may notice it looks a little different. I discovered that juggling a full-time job, my two little ones, and the busy season for photography means that I need to keep things as simple as possible. I kept putting off my newsletter because I didn’t have time to figure out the platform. As an avid Substacker in my personal life (feel free to check that out), I realized that I could use this same platform for my work. Expect to see a little more regularity on the newsletter front, here on out.

So what’s the point here?

My goal is to connect with you a couple of times a month, both to share a little bit more about myself and to inform you about what I’m currently offering clients. I may share some insights into what it’s like running a business while also being a full-time working mom. I’ll definitely let you know what new Taylor Swift song I have on repeat once her new album comes out. Plus, I’ll share all seasonal session updates.

Okay, what’s going on in October?

I’m so glad you asked! Thanks to your interest, my October is booked solid! I still have a couple of Micro Session slots on October 25 available for anyone interested in a short and sweet session. Also, I always save room in my schedule for newborn sessions, so if we’ve been chatting about newborn photos, rest assured, I have time for them.

Wrapping Up

I know we’re just starting October, but I have to put out a little plug for November. If you missed the chance to book an October session, I have plenty of flexibility next month, so feel free to reach out!

Book Now

Thanks for being here.

Enjoy your October, and I hope to see you on the other side of my lens!