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The October Edit: Family Portraits, Branding, and Community

Writer: Amanda Van Meter Burch
Amanda Van Meter Burch
Oct 1
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago


Avy Productions’ The Monthly Edit, October 2026: “Grateful. Growing. Going for it.” Amanda smiles while holding her camera.

Family portraits, a gift for your walls, fresh branding, and a little encouragement for the final quarter of the year.


It’s October 1, and I’m stepping into Q4 with a very full heart.


This year has brought growth in my business, in my home, and in myself—plus a few character-building exercises. Some were a little extra. 😂


In August, I reached my annual business goal. Every session, referral, and kind word helped make that happen. Thank you for being part of it. Every time someone trusts me to photograph their family, celebrate a milestone, or help them show up in their business, I’m reminded why I love this work.


Now I’m reaching for a stretch goal, with plenty of excitement for these final months. We still have beautiful things to create—and I’d love to create some of them with you.




Family Portraits

Your people. Your legacy.


Black-and-white portrait of a family of three in formal attire, with their young son seated on his mother’s lap.

Let’s give your favorite people the magazine treatment.


Maybe your children have grown another six inches. Maybe your grown kids will finally be in town at the same time. Or maybe you’re the one taking all the pictures, and it’s time you were in them.


Your session starts with a conversation about your family, your style, and what you want these portraits to mean. We’ll plan wardrobe and the overall look together. On session day, I’ll guide you through posing, right down to the question everyone asks: “What do I do with my hands?”


The goal is to create photographs that feel like your people, with the care and polish you’d expect from a magazine portrait. Then we’ll choose how you want to enjoy them, whether that’s an album to gather around or artwork for your home.


I welcome families from The Villages and the surrounding Central Florida area, with a few session dates remaining in October, November, and December. If you want finished portraits or gifts in hand for the holidays, reach out now. Production deadlines vary by product, so we’ll plan around what you hope to create.




A Gift for You

Wall Art, On Me


Framed black-and-white family portrait displayed on a console table beside candles and decorative accents.

To celebrate this season and say thank you, I have a gift for the next five families who book a custom family portrait session between October 1 and December 31, 2026.


With the purchase of an image collection, you’ll receive a complimentary piece of wall art.


There’s something special about seeing your family’s portrait in your home every day. It becomes part of the place where your life happens.


Your favorite people. A beautiful place on your wall. A little gift from me.


Five gifts available. Let’s reserve yours.





Headshot Refresh

One spot left.



Studio portrait of a woman in a striped shirt, leaning on a chair against a warm beige backdrop.

Still using a headshot from three hairstyles ago? Let’s fix that.


My final Headshot Marathon of 2026 has one opening left: October 21 at 10 a.m.


If you’re starting a new role, updating your LinkedIn profile, or ready for a portrait that feels like you today, this is your invitation. I’ll guide you through posing and expression so you can feel comfortable in front of the camera and confident sharing the result.


The next Headshot Marathon won’t be until January 29, 2027. If the October spot is calling your name, reach out today.





Branding That Works

Make your next move.


Personal branding portrait of a smiling woman in a black blazer, seated at a table beside a lamp and greenery.

Your business has grown. Have your images kept up?


If you have marketing funds to use before year-end, let’s plan branding photographs with a purpose. Think images for your website, social media, an upcoming launch, or the next time someone asks for a speaker photo.


We’ll talk about who you want to reach, what you want them to understand about your business, and where you’ll use the photographs. Those answers help us plan the wardrobe, setting, and variety of images you need.


A few Q4 session dates remain, so now is a good time to get the conversation started.


Photography used to market your business may qualify as a deductible business expense. Ask your tax professional how the business expense rules apply to your situation.





Color Me Powerful

Hosted by the Avy Confidence Community



Color Me Powerful with Joyce Wietrecki, hosted by the Avy Confidence Community. October 8, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon at Trinity Springs in Oxford, Florida.

Come spend a morning with us as we explore Color Me Powerful: Creating Your Professional Presence, with speaker, author, and coach Joyce Wietrecki.


We’ll look at how color, body language, and communication can shape the way you show up and connect with others. Whether you’re growing a business or looking for a little more confidence in your next room, there’s plenty to explore.


Thursday, October 8, 2026

10 a.m. – noon

Trinity Springs • Oxford, Florida


The Avy Confidence Community brings women together for encouragement, growth, and real connection. Bring a friend, come meet someone new, and give yourself a morning to learn.





Finish With Purpose

Your Q4 nudge.


Black-and-white portrait of photographer Amanda Van Meter Burch holding her camera in the studio, surrounded by photography lighting.

Give yourself credit for the hard things you’ve walked through this year. Growth isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like showing up, trying again, and keeping your sense of humor.


Before you fill these final months with another long list, choose one thing you still want to make happen. A family portrait you’ve put off. A step forward in your business. A morning spent with women who encourage you.


Then take the next step. Make the call. Put it on the calendar. Give it a little room in your life.


I’m cheering for you. Let’s make Q4 count!



With love,

Amanda Van Meter Burch | Avy Productions | 352-598-6237

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Professional Portraits, Headshots, & Personal Branding Photography serving The Villages and beyond.

 

Sumter County Studio:

2589 Co Rd 426A

Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

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CALL: (352)598-6237​

EMAIL: info@avyproductions.com

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