Conversations with the Inspiring Amanda Lindenmayer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lindenmayer.

Amanda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in photography started at the young age of nine when I choose it as my 4-H project. Growing up in a small town (before the internet had become what it is today), my resources to learn and expand my knowledge were fairly limited. It wasn’t until the summer after I graduated high school when I took my first photography class at AIMS Community College. This class solidified my decision that this was what I wanted to do with my life!

I worked at various chain photography studios throughout college. The experience I gained at these jobs was irreplaceable, but it also taught me that I didn’t enjoy the high-pressure sales driven environment that they practiced. It was after leaving one of these studios that I made the decision to start venturing out on my own.

In 2007, I graduated from UNC in Greeley with majors in both Business and Visual Arts. In 2009, after our 2nd daughter was born, I officially registered and started Foothills Photography. While both our daughters were young I worked part time, photographing clients either on location or at my makeshift studio in our house. When our youngest began school full-time, I made the decision to move the studio out of our house into a larger space and began focusing on offering clients prints and products along with their session. Since then, I have moved once more into the space I occupy now. Last year, I photographed over 200 family clients, many events and sports team, dozens of business headshots and several dance groups.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with any small business, there have been bumps along the way! Starting a business is scary, exciting and about a million other emotions all at the same time. It really is a leap of faith when you put all your blood, sweat and tears into something and have to hope that it is a success.

The photography industry is booming with experienced and novice photographers. One of the many struggles of my business is setting myself apart from other photographers. I offer my clients a full-service experience, as opposed to shoot and burn. A full-service studio means that I am available to my clients before, during and after their session. I’m there to assist with wardrobe planning, creating unique and custom sessions, designing albums, creating Christmas cards and helping design gallery walls.

One of my biggest challenges is one of the most common… the balance between work and family! My biggest piece of advice is finding a good routine and balance. I try to stick with business hours and family time. When I’m with my family, I don’t answer phone calls, emails, texts. But, when I’m working, my full attention is on my clients. This is easier now that my kids are older. But when they were young, I traded time with other moms. I would watch their kids and then they would watch mine! Being able to have focused, distraction-free time to build my business has allowed it to grow into what it is today!

What should we know about Foothills Photography? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Foothills Photography offers sessions of all varieties. Most of my clients are families that have come to me year after year for a range of sessions. These include engagement, newborn, milestones, family, and senior sessions. I love getting to watch families grow over time. Being able to document all the important memories in a family’s life is one of the greatest joys of this job!

My clients get to enjoy the benefits of a full-service studio. I’m here to guide them through the entire process, which can sometimes be overwhelming! Having someone who you can send wardrobe ideas to or ask to design an album or gallery wall takes a lot of the stress away. My end goal for a session to help my clients pick out their favorite images and get them hung up on walls or put into an album that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
In this day and age, it is extremely easy to find people with similar passions and interests. I belong to several online groups of other photographers, both from this area and around the world. Having a group of like-minded professionals to bounce ideas off of, get advice from, and join in the conversation with has had a huge positive impact on my business.

Being involved in your local community is one of the best forms of networking there is. I’m a member of the local chamber, support many non-profits, attend community events and shop at other locally owned businesses.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6380 W. 10th Street
  Unit 5
  Greeley, CO 80634
• Website: www.foothillsphoto.info
• Phone: 970-324-7806
• Email: foothillsphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: foothillsphoto_colorado
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/foothillsphotography
• Other: https://foothillsphotoingreeley.blogspot.com

Image Credit:
Headshot: Andrea LeBeau Photography

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