Okay, so you don’t exactly feel like the radiant earth mother whose skin is aglow with the wonder of new life. Trust me, I get it. I have a daughter of my own, and the journey wasn’t always cute. 

I experienced all the discomfort, stress, heartbreak, hope, loss, and IVF needle pricks you may have traveled through in your own journey. It felt endless. But eventually, we brought home our beautiful, headstrong baby girl, Olive. Talk about a freaking emotional rollercoaster. Nothing is more exhausting, stressful, and emotionally taxing than an uncertain journey to bring a child into the world. But this is why I find such joy in preserving this milestone for other mothers like you. Your bravery is inspiring, and your resilience is unmatched. Now, it’s time to celebrate, and I want to give you the ability to see yourself the way I see you.

WHETHER YOU FEEL MOST POWERFUL IN JEANS AND A T-SHIRT, A LILAC SILK GOWN THAT FLUTTERS BEHIND YOU FOR MILES, OR NOTHING BUT YOUR BIRTHDAY SUIT, I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT BUILDING A TRUE-TO-YOU MATERNITY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE THAT CELEBRATES YOUR ENTIRE JOURNEY – THE ROAD YOU’VE ALREADY TRAVELED AND THE ONE ABOUT TO BEGIN.

Since 2009, I’ve documented the magic of motherhood with a modern, vibrant, and dramatic style. Inspired by the Renaissance masters and black and white photography, I craft each portrait with intentionality and care. You won’t catch me telling you to “just be natural” while I click away wildly. I’ve carefully studied the art of posing, and I’ll position you to perfection down to the way you rest your hands and hold your mouth. I’ll even teach you how to breathe in a way that floods your pregnancy-laden posture with strength and power. Basically, I leave nothing to chance in my pursuit to bring you the portraits of your dreams!

When I’m not draping moms-to-be in couture gowns or swaddling newborns for their close-up, I’m probably headed out with the family to see the elephants at the zoo, looking up the next tour dates for The Decemberists or The Black Keys, or sneaking in a few games of Mario Kart with my husband Brian after putting Olive to bed. And I love rewatching Bob’s Burgers about as much as I hate whales. What can I say...they just freak me out!

But enough about me! It’s you we’re here to celebrate! So, whether you want to look like an absolute sun goddess, embrace your sexier side, or lean into the soft femininity of motherhood, I can’t wait to help bring your vision—whatever it may be—to life. 

“Amanda is extremely professional, friendly, thorough, and she made us feel welcome and comfortable throughout the entire process. She captured the most beautiful photos of my family that we will cherish for years to come.”

– PAULA, 2021 CLIENT

The level of care and attention I give to my clients cannot be achieved by me alone! Take a moment to get to know the other talented professionals who will help bring your vision to life on session day.


MEET MY ASSOCIATES

My passion for photography ignited on a memorable Christmas morning at the age of seven, with the gift of my very first camera. This moment marked the beginning of my lifelong love affair with photography.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I am fortunate to have been married for 35 years and am a proud mother to two wonderful children. My journey has recently been enriched by the opportunity to collaborate with Amanda Ellis. Working with Amanda, who shares my commitment to capturing life's precious moments, has been incredibly fulfilling.

My approach is centered around creating a warm and inviting experience for our clients, ensuring they feel valued and at ease. The ultimate reward for me is witnessing the sheer joy and satisfaction on a client's face upon seeing the final result of their photos.

My extensive experience as a mother and nanny for 22 years, caring for children ranging from newborns to school-aged, has been invaluable in my own photography career and as an assistant to Amanda Ellis. My experience has equipped me with a unique set of skills that enable me to elicit genuine smiles, soothe fussy infants, and reassure anxious toddlers during photo sessions.

Ensuring that parents feel confident and secure entrusting their little ones to us, even if just for a moment, is of paramount importance to me.

SanDee

I’m a licensed and insured cosmetologist, who has been glamming up Amanda’s beautiful clients since 2021! I also own Blush Hair Co which I opened in 2019 with one mission in mind: to make every woman who walks into my salon feel like the absolute best version of herself.

A bit about my journey: I'm a licensed and insured cosmetologist with a passion that goes way beyond the surface. My love affair with beauty began long before I earned my credentials, driven by a desire to help others see the beauty within themselves. Working alongside Amanda, I’ve found a kindred spirit who shares my belief in the transformative power of a little TLC and the right shade of lipstick.

But the true light of my life? My 11-year-old daughter. She’s my inspiration, my joy, and the reason I strive every day to set an example of strength, creativity, and compassion. She reminds me that beauty starts with love and kindness.

I believe that every woman deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and special. Our services are personalized just for you because we know that beauty is not one-size-fits-all. From the moment you step into the studio, you’ll feel the warmth, care, and professionalism that sets us apart. We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you feel amazing.

So, whether you’re seeking a bold new transformation or a subtle enhancement to your natural beauty, let us be your guides on this journey. Together with Amanda, we promise to provide an experience that’s as delightful and unique as you are.

Shelby

Hi, my name is Ahshia and my journey into the world of hair, makeup, and beauty was born from one of the darkest periods of my life. As a young girl, I battled with severe self-esteem issues, to the point where I dreaded even looking in the mirror.

Hurtful comments like "ugly" or "big lips" left deep emotional scars, plunging me into a depression that further eroded my self-worth. It wasn't until I discovered the transformative power of makeup that I began to reclaim my confidence. Makeup became a tool that not only helped me feel good about myself but also instilled a newfound sense of self-assurance that I had never experienced before.

In my youth, I believed I needed something external to "make" me beautiful. It took time for me to recognize the natural beauty that God had bestowed upon me. Through this journey, God used my innate creativity to help me see the beauty within myself.

My ministry, born out of this challenging time, is a testament to God's calling on my life. I am dedicated to helping other women who have faced similar struggles, guiding them to value their inherent beauty and God-given talents.

When God plants a seed in your heart, nurture it with care. Water it, remove the weeds, and watch it flourish. As 2 Timothy 1:6 says, "So I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well."

Makeup by Ahshia has since blossomed into a successful luxury bridal hair and makeup business. We take pride in listening to your desires, collaborating with you to bring your vision to life, and ensuring that every detail is executed to perfection.

Bridal makeup is my true specialty, and I am deeply honored by the trust my clients place in me to enhance their natural beauty for their most special occasions, especially weddings. It is a privilege to be part of one of the most significant days in a woman’s life.

Ahshia

I am Alyssa Dotson, a stylist, makeup artist, and educator. I own an on-location bridal hair and makeup company and co-own a salon in Broadview Heights. 

Specializing in color, cutting, styling, and makeup, I have over a decade of experience, during which I’ve trained with celebrity stylists and mastered the art of creating personalized solutions to enhance my clients' unique features.

I absolutely love seeing all the babies come into Amanda's studio and being there for moms during this new stage of their lives, showing them how beautiful and incredible they truly are!

Beyond my professional life, I enjoy being a wife, soaking up the sunshine, spending time at the beach and in the mountains, traveling, trying new restaurants, and getting lost in a good book.

Alyssa