Check Out Amber Kelly’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Kelly. 

Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started photography as a hobbyist, wanting to capture my kids as they did all the things that make childhood magical. I picked up my camera more eagerly almost ten years ago. I wanted to learn, practice, and get better so I could have awesome photos for myself and my family to look back on and treasure. We live far from our family and I wanted the ability to document our life and share it since we don’t have the luxury of being together for the milestones. When photographing my children, I was never looking for the “perfect” image, I wanted to tell stories. I would share images on my personal social media and after a couple years, I had people telling me I should turn my hobby into a business. This was exciting and scary. It sounded good but I questioned myself for a very long time. Little by little I worked on creating a business, at first it was word of mouth with friends, then each year I’d take on a little bit more. A few years ago, I started second shooting with a friend and got more comfortable. Around the same time, I started a business page and website and did all the things through the state to make it official and I never looked back. Each year my business has steadily grown. Grown much more than I ever imagined it would. Now, I know my worth, I know that I put my whole heart into every session and I am able to deliver awesome galleries to my clients, for them to treasure. Where I started has truly translated into my work because a top priority for me now when photographing clients is to capture authentic moments. This started because I wanted to tell stories with images for my own family and now I do it for others! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been pretty smooth! I think your mindset is extremely important when starting your own business. When I first started, I was nervous, I let self-doubt and comparisons creep into my mind way too often. Once I let go of that, I was on a much better track. There’s many different hats to wear as a sole person running a business, but I’ve learned so much and I’ve been able to navigate different obstacles. It’s not always easy and it may take me a while to figure out, but I am proud of myself for facing those challenges and pushing forward. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in family photography, this could be families with newborns, young children, or adult children. While I do work mostly with families, I also LOVE photographing people with their animals and couples. I focus on capturing connection, I want to look at images and feel something. Yes, I do include some posed images, but I want the giggles, the hugs, the sweet quiet moments with a new baby, the intimate kiss. I want it to be fun, so, we keep moving, we play games, we dance and tell stories. Sessions should be enjoyable and not a chore! I want to capture the unique personalities of the kids, so I run around with them and capture them as they are. I am lucky to work with amazing families who understand my style and we always end up with an incredible gallery that shows glimpses of who they are and the love they have for each other. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am outgoing and have the ability to make people feel comfortable pretty quickly, that with a side of patience! Having someone photograph you isn’t always easy or comfortable and I understand that. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable and help you to have fun so your photos reflect that. 

Contact Info:

• Email: amber@luckykphoto.com
• Website: www.luckykphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckykphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckykphoto
• Other: https://g.page/r/CcM3O9nSkvv4EBA

Image Credits
Lucky K Photography