AMY.

See entire set at: http://www.eaphotography.co/amy

So a little while ago, I used twitter and Instagram to reach out to my followers and friends to see if there was anyone willing to model for me. There was some confusion about it considering most of my comrades on campus are shooting for their portfolio. I just want to shoot for fun, because it's what I love to do. I understand everyone's taste in photography and style is different. Not everyone does portrait, or landscape, or still life, or what ever. I happen to love nature, flowers, and portraits. This has been central to the recent photos I have taken and integral in how my style is progressing.

Today I wanted to share a portrait session I did with a good friend of mine. After I reached out on social media, Amy was one of the first to respond. She is always such a joy to be around and I couldn't have been more excited to have any excuse to hang out with her.

Amy and I met my freshmen year of college during the fall of 2014. We sat next to each other in a class that I can only remember as boring. We sat in the back right corner next to each other every day. After awhile we would start responding for each other when attendance was taken to see if our professor would notice. He never did. The one thing that really bonded us together was a terrible group project. Since Amy and I were the loners in class, our group project consisted of us and two other people who didn't have a group. Needless to say we got through the project, better friends than ever. 

I've watched Amy grow and mature over the course of our friendship but she always stayed constant in her overwhelming qualities of grace and kindness. She is always one to encourage and pour into every persons life she encounters. 

Anyway, I hope to be doing more sessions like this one in the future. I can only hope they go half as well as this one did! If anyone sees this and is interested in modeling for me/getting coffee and talking about life please contact me! I am always looking for more beautifully unique individuals to shoot and get to know. 

 To Amy: I am so thankful for your time to help me out and your willingness to jump right in. I admire you in so many ways, and just wanted to thank you for modeling for me. I couldn't have asked for a better model and friend. :) 

To view our entire shoot follow this link: http://www.eaphotography.co/amy

-Em

Photo Series #7

This semester has been very different than the last in so many ways. For the past few weeks I have been making the 2.5 hour drive home to see my family and Tom. Those drives are long and take a lot of energy to truck through. I often find myself staying into Monday Morning and waking up at 4am to get my things together, stop to get gas, and head towards school for my 7:55 class. I think coming home on the weekends is one of the hardest, yet most enjoyable aspects of attending a university near my home. Being able to go home gives me the opportunity to take advantage of free laundry, spending time with Tom, and the familiarity and comfort only my family can bring. These three pictures fully encapsulate what my last few weeks have been like. I am looking at my next step and what I want my major to be. This causes a lot of heaviness, confusion, and essentially I feel like I'm in total fog and can't see what's ahead.  As this season is coming to an end and I head towards the summer semester, I am holding on to hope and trusting God that the fog will lift. I am consistently prompted these past few weeks to trust the Lord and that is what I am clinging to.

Photo Series #6

Communication has been to my benefit within this semester. Having the technology to Facetime and talk to anyone at a moments notice is such a blessing. Especially in a long-distance relationship.
The entirety of the beginning of our high school days rested on our after school Facetime sessions where we'd talk about anything and everything for at least 2 hours.

These days, we see each other much more and are not burdened by the obstacles being 16 brings about (like not having a license). Even though we are back to being long-distance, we still make a priority to talk and see each other (face to face or Facetime) everyday.

The more intentional we have become, the better our communication has become. This semester has hosted a lot of changes for the both of us, but sticking together, communicating, and being obedient to the holy spirit has really made all the difference.

Photo Series #5

The not quite dairy queen monster of a sundae. Still delicious!

Sipping on hot coffee, Tom Pottiger, 19, from New Jersey enjoys not only the quality coffee but the quality time with Emily at Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania..

Sipping on hot coffee, Emily Gouekr, 19, from New Oxford enjoys not only the quality coffee but the quality time with Tom at Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania..

I think it is one of the best feelings when you are peaking over a difficult season of life. When the shallow beginnings of a new fresh season are so close and knowing that this small part of your life is almost over and brings excitement about the something new that is beginning.

For me, this past season has been filled with loneliness, pain, heartache, and loss; but also immense amounts of joy, fun, laughter, and friendship. Quite the contrast.

Though I would peg my first semester of college as being the hardest, I'd say this semester was right up there. My work load was insane, solely because I am taking mostly project-based classes that require hours of out of class-intentional-work-time. Not to mention I am working and trying to balance friends, family, and significant relationships.

During the past spring break I had taken the much needed break from the craziness surrounding me. A lot has happened within the past few months between Tom and I, but one concept remains; we are always willing to fix and move forward no matter what obstacle. We spent much of our time just doing things together over my break.

We spent a few days thrift shopping, painting my room, watching movies, and going on ice-cream dates. We usually ended up at dairy queen which is always the best choice by far. Being home with him is such a tease and reminds me how much and often I miss him during our semi-long distance periods while I am at school. Much of our time was spent lounging and day dreaming about the future, then ending up looking intentionally at what is ahead.

Looking ahead is hard when your walls still smell like fresh paint. Thinking about leaving what is comfortable and safe is a process. Every choice and decision is shaping and molding what is to come. Realizing that pressure can be overwhelming and overbearing at times. Though, I find it helpful when making decisions toward goals and dreams even though sacrifices might have to be made along the way. New seasons bring change, and the best way I have learned to face that is to stand up and embrace what is to come with thanksgiving.

I am thankful for Tom and the past few weeks we have had. Being with each other and embracing our own season changes together has been such a blessing for me. I am ready to move on from this hectic semester and am praying for peace as the semester comes to a close. I am excited for what is to come.

Until next time,

Photo Series #4

On set for a dialogue scene project, Tom Pottiger, 19, from New Jersey snaps some pictures of actors at the university of Valley Forge located in Phoenixville Pennsylvania. 

Newly engaged couple, Rob Boyd and Hannah Weisensale of Gettysburg, Pa, getting pictures taken by Tom Pottiger and Emily Gouker at Sach's Covered Bridge in Gettysburg, Pa.

Rob and Hannah pose at a special location as videographer, Tom Pottiger , 19, gets some shots for the couple's engagement photos. 

Recently there have been a lot of projects in my life where Tom and I have been able to work together, which is so cool for us. This is something we have talked about as a future dream and watching it slowly become a reality is so fun to watch unfold. He brings a lot to the table that I lack especially while working with other people under a professional context. During projects, I usually am very focused on what needs to be done while Tom is relaxed and talking to the people about how to pose and etc. When it’s just me working in those situations, I notice his absence. I am so grateful for his insight in the video world as I come to grips with the projects I have at hand. I often get overwhelmed quickly and Tom reminds me to relax and just have fun doing my thing. He is such an encouraging part of my media process as well as to others involved. 

At this point in my college career, I feel challenged and inspired by the creatives surrounding me. There is so much talent being tapped into in my peers and fellow classmates that I feel are totally pushing me to break down walls and barriers within my own creative journey. Seeing where other people are, their focus, and their goals is eye-opening to my personal process and progress. This is a good place to be in for me and I am excited to where it leads. 
A project Tom and I were able to work on this week was one near and dear to my heart. My best friend from childhood has gotten engaged, and I was privileged enough to take her engagement photos! Tom did a quick engagement announcement video for them which gives some insight to some locations we went to. It was so special to spend some time with these lovebirds who took me to important locations in their relationships for photos. We walked to the site of their first date, first kiss, and potential wedding spot. It was encapsulating being in the presence of someone you love so dearly as she prepares and shares the person she wants to spend forever with. Hannah would not stop smiling the entire time, it was so adorable! I am so lucky to be her friend and to be doing these photos. As much fun as they were to take, they are equally as exciting to edit. I can't wait to give them to her and then be with her on this day. So happy to see this relationship that God has perfectly orchestrated together develop into something so beautiful.

Photo Series #3

My painter's mask hanging on our fridge at home.

The front view of my house in New Oxford. 

Researching how to cook in Tom Pottiger's apartment Sunday afternoon.

During this photo series, I really want my photos to relate the emotions that inspired them. For me, this holds true, though they are also my photos. I am hoping that just by looking at the shots, others will be able to feel that moment because this is my story.This past weekend I was able to go home for the first time this semester. I had a lot of things that needed to go back home, and some things that needed to be brought back to school. I was so happy arriving home as everything was right in its place, just as I had left it. Though this particular trip was unlike many others I had taken.

Upon my arrival, I was given specific orders to stay away from the house. My dad was fighting a very serious flu. So serious, he was in a separate room, and everyone was ordered to wear blue painters masks for personal protection. Both of my parents were worried about my health and effects of staying with them. By Saturday, my mom had caught the very contagious virus and was heavily advising me to stay away. The house was very quiet and lonely this weekend and the lively family dinners I was anticipating had been subsided for the time being. 

Most of my weekend was spent at Tom’s apartment up in the mountains. Truly one of my favorite areas. We made the most of our time together relaxing, talking, and making food. Of course making meals comes with eating them, though Tom’s small apartment had not yet been graced with a table, so we spent ample amounts of time figuring out Part A and Part H’s attachments to one another. Once we had figured out the correct parts we decided to rearrange everything in the room as it was time for a change. To celebrate our accomplishment we even put together our own two-person party, which just so happened to be on the same day as the super bowl. We made Pittsburg Potatoes, Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken Dip. Living large up in the mountains! Unfortunately our lack of culinary experience led us to many text messages to mom and a trip to Google. We’ll get the hang of it sometime.Until next time,

Photo Series #2

This semester has been challenging so far. Though, it is only week 4, I feel like the entire semester has passed already. when I was going into this semester I knew it was going to be a challenge as I truly felt I was over scheduling myself. I had joined 2 groups/clubs, am still working, and taking 18 credits. I've had many meeting with advisors and mentors asking them how to getaround my credits etc etc. I was told I could either do the work or drop the classes I desperately wanted to sit in on/ get over with. 
Now that I'm in it, I wouldn't change a thing. God is teaching me so much in this season of my life. Like our own muscle makeup, you have to be torn apart before you can grow stronger. 

This is being proven to me in every part of my life. Literally every part. Friendships, relationships, school, being away from home. It's a crucial part to our livelihood. I am grateful for the opportunities i have been given in these short 3 weeks as I am watching myself being torn apart and calling out to God to strengthen me. Never have I been so creatively challenged then right now. So many of my classes are digital media project based and totally out of my comfort zone. But what was anxiety is now excitement. I love the aspect of collaboration and getting to see other creative's work. It is truly inspiring me. It sounds so cliche as I write it down, but it has never been more true for me than right now in this season as I am surrounded by creative's who are honing down on their skills and tirelessly chiseling at their masterpieces.

I’ve had the opportunity to shoot for Penndel youth again for two weekends during their Winter Retreat camp. This was an awesome opportunity in itself where I was able to stretch my own skills. I hope that these opportunities make me into a better photographer. 

I am also seeing my heart for missions grow bigger and bigger during my time serving on missions committee this semester. Last weekend we put on the Missions Boot Camp for all of the teams our school is sending out which was such a humbling experience. I did my best to give as much insight as I possibly could. 

Also, Tom has been visiting me more and more since he has had less hours and I am having so much fun! Although, we have taken a break, we are more in tune with each other than ever before. Relationships are never easy, they are hard work and both parties need to put in effort to keep it healthy. Sometimes a break is the best solution.

Until next time,

Semester Photo Series

The beginning of the semester has started and I am back on campus after a long break. My break consisted of an amazing time on my family’s 32 acre farm, with our sheep in the fog that was winter. Besides a short trip to Minneapolis for a college graduation, I was in the comfort of my home practically every day. I had gotten used to the simple familiarity of family and home town life. I was also struggling with the loss of two dearly loved uncles while facing a dramatic loss of energy in my everyday life. During these hard times I was anticipating the arrival to school and what this semester would bring for me and my personal growth. All I wanted was to fit back into my routine of busy life to keep my mind off things. Coming into the semester I found myself falling into the path of loneliness I experienced through the entirety of my Freshman year. Everything in me wanted to run from those feelings instead of embrace them. Getting accustomed to life without Tom and the security of my home was difficult. I began reading my bible and trusting God as the new semester was starting and the Lord was speaking to me through his word clearly. I became at peace in my loneliness and now can only see it as an asset with my 18 credits and 15 hour work weeks. I have received my books for the semester and am preparing for the upcoming semester. The beginning is hard, though this past week has gotten much easier as I look ahead towards this short season of distance.

I hope this writing style can be improved throughout the semester.. also, the other person did not want me to do the photo story of them as they are too consumed with life.

Until next time,