Amanda Kern

Photographer, Educator, Student, Mother & Wife Obsessed with sharing moments through pictures & words

A photo session giveway to honor Brandon Coates

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pine

It’s about time I do another photo session giveaway. It’s time to do something pretty awesome. I sure do love to give when I am able to…especially when it’s towards a cause that’s worthy. This time it’s a cause that has impacted my family heavily and I hope it will be something that you all are interested in helping me with.

A little over five months ago Deputy Brandon Coates lost his life while working protecting our community. It was a night I certainly won’t forget. My husband worked directly with Brandon. They were on the same squad working as a part of a tactical high crime unit. My husband was one of the first on scene after Brandon was shot. He and his squadmates now live with the memory of that night. I still recall receiving his phone call that night when he told me Brandon had been shot. He was shaken and wanted me to know that if I watched the news that he was “okay”. A moment later I learned Brandon had been shot. As I continue to be so thankful that it was not my husband standing in Brandon’s shoes that night, my heart still aches to know that such a good man had to lose his life protecting us all.

Late last month Valencia honored Brandon with a memorial service at its Criminal Justice Institute. Brandon was also a graduate of Valencia’s law enforcement academy. At the memorial it was announced that Valencia has established a memorial scholarship fund in honor of Brandon Coates. An initial donation of $500 was made towards the scholarship by students currently in the program. I was informed by the foundation that a $3,000 minimum is needed to officially establish named scholarships.

As you can see…this scholarship is very valuable and means a lot for us to get started. As a faculty member at Valencia I certainly would love to have a scholarship established that will help our students achieve their career goals, especially those brave souls who wish to enter into a career in law enforcement. It’s so important that we all do everything we can to help support causes like this that will help train law enforcement officers to serve our community.

Something tells me Brandon is up there rooting for you all to help us get this scholarship going. So once again, I’m ready to give and hopefully you might be too. In honor of Brandon Coates I’ll be giving away TWO photo sessions very soon. Check out the details below if you’re interested in helping me. I’m not asking you all to give much to help me and to have a chance at winning a photo session with me. And once you’re done reviewing the details I’ve included a slideshow of the photos I took at Brandon’s memorial services in December. Perhaps if you take a moment to view the moving moments as so many in central Florida gathered to honor such an honorable man it’ll help remind you how important it is to help donate to this scholarship. And even if you’re not out to win a free photo session with me, you can still donate to help out however you can. Every little bit counts. You may enter to win the photo session through June 8th, 2011 at 2pm. June 8th marks the six month anniversary of Brandon’s passing. I’d love to say on that day, or earlier, that we’ve met the scholarship goal of $3,000. With your help I know we can do it.

FREE PHOTO SESSION ELIGIBILITY
Here’s what you have to do for a chance to win a FREE photo session for those who care to participate.

Go to the Valencia Foundation web site and Make a minimum of a $10 donation to the DFC Brandon Lee Coates Memorial Scholarship. Make sure you select this scholarship as the “designation”.
Email me proof of your donation to amanda [at] amandakern.com – to do this either take a screenshot of the confirmation page or proof of payment. Only email proof of your donation if you are entering to win a chance at a free photo session.
When emailing me share with me your name, contact information and the ages and number of people of who you wish to be photographed so that I can get back in touch with you if you are chosen.
You may only enter to win a photo session once, however, you may donate as many times as you’d like.
To be eligible for the free photo session you must donate prior to June 8th at 2pm. The names of those who have helped me give will be put in a hat and I will let my little blessings randomly help pick a winner. Entries will ONLY be accepted until 2pm on June 8th, 2011.

Below is a screenshot of a donation. You may email me this or the email confirmation as confirmation of your donation. Please ensure you have set the designation for the scholarship to the DFC Brandon Lee Coates Memorial Scholarship.

IF YOU’RE THE WINNER…
If you’re chosen as the winner you will have two options.

OPTION 1: FREE PHOTO SESSION

A free photo session with me that will last 1-2 hours for you, your family, or someone you wish to give the session to.
The session will be valid through December 31, 2011.
You will receive all unedited and edited photos in HIGH DIGITAL RESOLUTION format. Yes, I said FREE. That means I earn NOTHING from giving.
You will be given permission to print and share online all digital photos for personal use.

*By participating if you win you agree that photos may be used in my portfolio.
**You must be in the immediate Orlando area or willing to travel to Orlando if you win.
***The value of a custom photo session w/high resolution photos is $650.

OPTION 2: PHOTO MENTORING SESSION
I’ve received a lot of requests and inquiries in the last year or so for me to offer “mentoring” sessions. I’ve lost count of how many people have asked me “how” to I do something or if they could just spend an hour or two with me to see how my photography and/or editing approach. If you are chosen as the winner you have the option to select the mentoring session and it will be customized to meet your needs.

A free photo mentoring session with me that will last 1-2 hours. This includes the opportunity to sit in and participate in a photo session with me.
The session will be valid through December 31, 2011.
The mentoring session will be customized to meet your needs and could include tips on photography, editing or a combination of both.

*By participating if you win you agree that photos may be used in my portfolio.
**You must be in the immediate Orlando area or willing to travel to Orlando if you win.
***You are suggested to have a digital slr, photoshop and lightroom. If you don’t a mentoring session can still be offered but it may make more sense if you have access and/or a little previous experience to these things.

Below are photos taken at the memorial services held for Brandon in December.

Family, Jason, valencia

by Amanda Kern

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Field day

Sunday, May 15, 2011

“In the happiest of our childhood memories, our parents were happy, too.” ~Robert Brault

This past Friday afternoon I got the opportunity to visit Hope’s school to photograph her field day. Since Hope started elementary school I have taken a few trips to school throughout the year to photograph her class and school events she participates in. All the students and teachers have gotten to know me as the camera toting mother. As much as I love the experience I can tell they all enjoy having me around to take pictures. The kids all know me as “Hope’s mom” and they all go out of their way to pose for photos with huge smiles. Thankfully her teachers have been able to endure Hope’s paparazzi mother. Usually the photos are shared with the teachers to share with the kids and their families and are sometimes used in the end of year videos they create at school. As much as I enjoy being there to photograph a few moments in Hope’s class it has always been a treat to photograph and get to know all the kids and teachers.

This is the first year I was invited to photograph field day. Toward the end of the school year they hold a field day as most elementary schools do. It’s still one of the most memorable childhood moments I have from being in elementary school so I was quite excited to be allowed to join in the fun this year. I have to admit since having Chance I’ve taken a slow return to doing things physically because the c-section surgery definitely still leaves me in discomfort at times. I’ve paid for it physically after each photoshoot, including this little venture to take photos at field day. But it was so worth it. I spent an hour or two Friday afternoon in the 90+ degree heat chasing these little kids around with my nikon to capture some fun moments that definitely were reminiscent of my own childhood.

This year they elected to do a “super hero” theme. All the students were allowed to dress up as any super hero, even one they made up. Hope dressed up as “picture girl” sometimes calling herself “camera girl”. Of course her mother is a tad bit proud to hear her come up with this idea on her own. She was a little inspired by one of her uber cute gap camera shirts. It was fun seeing all the teacher’s dressed up as super heroes too.

Hope’s 3rd grade teacher is pregnant and due any time now. As much as we wished she could have been there beside the kids during field day, I’m so glad she elected to stay indoors because it was that hot. We still had a blast with Hope’s 1st grade teacher who filled in and dressed up as her 3rd grade teacher. She did an awesome job and at times it seemed like Mrs. Myers really was out there on the field.

Yes, all the grown ups made sure the kids had lots of fun. I can tell they all had just as much fun as the kids.

It was definitely a memorable day for Hope. She got home Friday from school telling me how much fun she had. Seeing her definitely put a smile on my face because I do still remember those moments as a kid…

…and I am sure years from now she will remember her own field day memories. Thankfully I have a few photos for her to reflect on a memorable field day.

Amanda, Family, Hope

by Amanda Kern

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Grayson

Friday, May 13, 2011

I had an opportunity to meet Melisa’s son, Grayson, who is nine months old. Just like my son Chance, he also has spina bifida. Chance isn’t wasting anytime meeting new friends that he has a special connection with. Okay, Chance slept most of the time during Grayson’s visit, but we still enjoyed getting to meet this sweet little guy and chat more about spina bifida and how it has affected our families. Though I’ve learned so much from all the things I’ve read and our doctors, I admit that one of the most valuable resources any family with a child with spina bifida could have is a community of others who are faced with similar challenges. At nine months old this little guy was such a happy little soul who is well on his way to being mobile. He has the most stunning eyes and an adorable little smile. Seeing how Chance was so busy sleeping his new friend Grayson gladly hung out with me to take a few photos. I think you all will agree he’s quite adorable.

Thanks Melisa…seeing your little guy today certainly left me with so much more optimism for the months we have ahead with Chance.

Photography

by Amanda Kern

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May 16, 2011 - 9:26 pm

Terri - Enjoyed reading the blog about Grayson. He is a very precious little boy,who won my heart on his very first visit to our home. He has the most wonderful smile and the biggest beautiful blue eyes. I enjoy all the pictures and videos that hisv mommie sends to us. I am very excited to hear how he is becoming mobile and is working so hard to reach his toys. He is very blessed to have the most awesome parents in his life!

March 15, 2025 - 11:05 pm

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What Are the Origins of Testosterone?

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Testosterone Cycle for Beginners

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is used to address hypogonadism, where the
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Suppression of natural testosterone production

Testosterone Cycle Before and After

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Testosterone Cycle (Higher Dose)

For more advanced users seeking greater muscle gains and fat loss, higher doses of testosterone
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Legal Steroid Alternatives That Work

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Zinc

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Boron Citrate

Testosterone and Dianabol

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Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)

Androgenic side effects

Testosterone and Deca Durabolin

Deca Durabolan, another synthetic steroid, is often stacked with testosterone
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Testosterone and Trenbolone

Trenbolone, a potent anabolic agent, is also commonly combined with testosterone.
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Testosterone and Anavar

Anavar, a mild yet effective steroid, pairs well with testosterone in certain cycles.
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Legal Testosterone Stack

A legal testosterone stack can be created using natural supplements and steroids that are legally obtainable.
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Testosterone and Anadrol

Anadrol, one of the most potent oral steroids available, is often paired
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Testosterone, Anadrol, and Trenbolone

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Can Testosterone Be Injected Subcutaneously?

Yes, testosterone can be injected subcutaneously, but the method of administration varies depending on the ester and personal preference.
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Testosterone undecanoate is a form of testosterone that is released slowly
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The results of testosterone therapy are not permanent.
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Is Testosterone FDA-Approved?

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In many countries, testosterone is legal for medical use but illegal for non-therapeutic purposes unless specifically authorized by law.
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Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy the Equivalent of Taking
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No, TRT is not equivalent to taking steroids. TRT is a medical treatment
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What Is the Cost of Testosterone on the Unauthorized Market?

The cost of testosterone on the black market varies widely based on the
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TRT pricing also varies and depends on the dosage, frequency, and form used.
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Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Be Discontinued?

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Can Women Administer Testosterone?

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Summary

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Co Authors

Dr. John Doe

Dr. Jane Smith

References

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

(2016). Testosterone.

Endocrine Society. (2020). Understanding Anabolic Steroids.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Global Prevalence of Hypogonadism.

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Today.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” ~ Maria Edgeworth

I’ve found myself taking less photos most days lately and instead enjoying the moments with the kids. My kids have a camera pointed in their face so often that they often complain about having their picture taken. In fact, I ask them some days and the answer is often “no”. Sometimes they say they hate it. Then other times they beg me to take their photos. Sometimes taking photos of one of the kids prompts the other to plea for the attention to have their photo taken. Usually when I plan to take photos…they rarely happen. So over the years I’ve learned it’s become a part of life to learn that sometimes it’s important to put the camera down. Other times it’s more important to pick the camera up and take more pictures, despite what the kids might be saying outwardly. Today was one of those days. As Hope and Jaylen told me they didn’t want their picture taken I elected to take a few photos of Chance. Here he is just over 11 weeks old.

Today this little guy didn’t complain about having his photo taken.

Today I decided to take the kids out to pick up something for dinner. Before we left I got Chance dressed and the kids were just too cute. Hope thought he was adorable in the outfit I put on him today. She let me take a photo.

Today I nearly put the camera down and left with the kids to get dinner but then I noticed Jaylen being incredibly cute with Chance. He’s totally in love with his little brother.

Today wasn’t one of those days to stage perfect shots…it was a day to observe just how cute these little ones were.

Today I was in awe seeing my baby girl embrace my baby boy.

Today I once again adored the kids flying Chance around the house proclaiming he was “Super Chance”.

Yes, this kid is super…and we feel quite super to have him with us now.

Ironically tonight Hope told me she finally figured out what “super hero” she’d be at school tomorrow. For their field day they get to dress up as a super hero. She has been trying to decide all day and tonight she ran out of her room and proclaimed happily that she was going to be “picture girl”! Yes, she likes pictures more than she admits.

Years from now I know I’ll be glad I didn’t put down the camera today.

Amanda, Family, Hope, Jaylen

by Amanda Kern

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Moments worth sharing…

Monday, May 9, 2011

“We do not remember days; we remember moments.” ~Cesare Pavese

It seems many of you keeping up with my blog, facebook or twitter have been a bit spoiled by my nearly constant connection to social media. I always laugh if I go a day or two without posting anything to at least one of the three that suddenly I get a handful of messages with people checking in. I’m really not connected 24-7 and this past week I definitely backed away from being so connected as I’ve been finishing up a lot of final preparations for the summer semester. And go figure the wonderful Florida weather left me with a lovely sinus infection just in time for Mother’s day and a brand new semester. It was definitely not the Mother’s day gift I was expecting at all…thankfully I’m starting to feel better. Anyhow, I thought I’d finally I thought I’d share a bit of an update…full of randomness from the last week or so and a few updates.

I suppose I should first wish you all a belated Mother’s day. Chance made sure to say Happy Mother’s day yesterday by sitting for a good 5-10 seconds without any assistance. It’s crazy that he can do that at 2 1/2 months old. Most babies I’ve been around don’t do this until 5-6 months old or later. He’s still wobbly and far from really truly “sitting” – but he did it and we got a few pictures! Yes, he’s one strong little dude…check him out!

It was definitely a team effort. Hope helped hold Chance and I trusted her to let go when he was stable. She did awesome. I promise there was no photoshop trickery done to take the photos above…we had to take a video of him sitting just to make sure everyone believed us.

This kid really has amazed us. Just a few days prior I was trying to take his photo as I noticed he was very alert and content. The little stinker kept trying to rollover, something he’s done since he was 3 1/2 weeks old. He did give good eye contact for this priceless photo.

I can’t say enough great things about Hope lately. She’s been so helpful with Chance which makes it much easier for me to get things done. This past week after he had his bath he was a bit fussy. He loves to cuddle. Thankfully Hope does too, especially with her baby brother. I don’t know who is luckier…Chance or Hope. Really, I feel like the lucky one to have such awesome kids.

Those that have seen the photos I’ve taken of Chance over the last 2+ months have commented how he’s such a great smiley little guy. This past week he’s really started to smile more. Not just in his sleep…now he smiles in response to all the attention he gets. I excited to finally get this one in a photo while he was awake.

Now that he’s no longer “newborn” I love getting to capture more of his personality and just observing what an adorable little guy we’ve been blessed with.

Last week I took a bit of time to visit Hope’s class. Every year I go in a few times during the school year to take pictures. Sadly, this was the first time I have been able to visit her class because the past year has just been too crazy to visit any sooner. It made Hope’s day…she’s been begging me all year to visit her class to take photos. Of course when I got into her classroom with my camera she wasn’t as thrilled that I was taking photos of her. I thought it was adorable to see that expression on her face as though she might have been less than thrilled for me to take her photo. Yes, her and her teacher were saying at the very moment this photo was taken that they though I was a “camera bully”. Just for that I took their photo. Hopefully Hope’s teacher is smiling to see me sharing this photo again…it’s one of my favorites. I’ll be photographing her twin boys in the next month. And you need not worry about Hope…by the time I got home from school she was telling me how much she wanted me to return to take pictures.

Our friend Blue stopped by this past week as well. He brought by the pictures he’s taken for our family before, during and after Chance was born. Yes, Chance will definitely grow up knowing we had such awesome people like Blue surrounding us when he was born.

I wanted to share just a few photos Blue took for us over Easter weekend. As usual, they are amazing and capture how blessed I am to have such an awesome family.

I seem to be bragging a lot about Hope & Chance and maybe some think I’ve forgotten about Jaylen…officially the “middle” child…just like me. Well, he’s amazing too. I thought for sure with his age that he might get jealous once Chance was born. That’s definitely not the case thus far. He absolutely adores his baby brother and has such a nurturing and caring spirit. At times I feel so bad for this sweet little boy of mine because he’s now not the baby…he’s the “middle” child. Of course he’ll always be my baby boy. Hope has since taking a preference for seeming to outwardly love Chance more. She refers to Chance as her little brother and Jaylen is her little “brother”…yes, just like the kids cartoon/book Olivia. She and Jaylen still get along but she has moments where Jaylen and her have become more competitive than prior to Chance’s birth.

Of course I adore this little guy. Every time I return home from work or going out of the house with out the kids I return home to him running to me all smiles and telling me, “Chance missed you!” And then proclaims aftewards, “me too!”

Today the summer semester began at Valencia. Though I taught in the spring prior to Chance’s birth, I only taught online. Today is the first time since December that I physically taught on campus in the classroom since December. It was definitely a welcomed return. Today’s class was electronic imaging where I teach photoshop among many other things. I am known to torture my students by dragging them out of the classroom for a brief period of time to take their photos to help me remember their names and so they then have photos of themselves to use as they begin to learn some basics about photoshop. As much as I enjoy teaching online, it was definitely awesome to be back on campus teaching today.

I’ll be sharing a way you win a free photo session by helping me make the Brandon Coates scholarship possible for Valencia students very soon. Oh, and…our friend Blue & his wife Jaya are getting ready to greet their baby girl any time now…so I can’t wait to share some sweet new baby girl newborn photos of their daughter with you hopefully in the next week or so.

Amanda, Family, Hope, Jason, Jaylen, valencia

by Amanda Kern

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