Life and Work with Amanda Lamb

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

Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started photography in high school. Other kids were stoked about showing the beautiful landscape of Colorado, but I never felt I could do it justice. Plus, my passion has always been people. I get excited by the sight of big cities because I think about all the people and their stories. I loved the idea of capturing a person’s essence. Some part of them unseen by others, but which I was blinded by. Perhaps it’s just my perception. But, I fell in love with that. It was the days of film. I said my fair share of swear words in a pitch black closet (I couldn’t see my hand in front of me-I tried lots of times) while trying to roll film for developing. Getting it into the tiny canister was cool, but threading into that little light-tight canister for developing felt like a chore.

I resisted digital for a long time, but believe it or not, that idea of rolling film (and never having to do it again) pushed me forward. I knew I wanted to make a living from photography somehow, but I had no idea how.

I continued college, and continued photography in each and every capacity I could, and decided to pursue a degree in my second favorite subject to people-teaching teenagers. Talk about a front row seat to humanity. Seniors were my favorite. I was coaching track, which I loved, and working a little in whatever teacher’s classroom that would have me. Upon graduation, I was hired for a Civics and World History position in a small rural town east of Colorado Springs.

In my second year of teaching, some students were talking about needing a photographer for their senior portraits. I’d like to say I rose to the occasion, but in reality, those kids put a lot of faith in me, and my dream began to take shape. From there, I took lots of jobs and began photographing weddings. I fell instantly in love because what better than a wedding day to showcase humanity in its many facets. My business began in 2006, and in 2011 I stopped teaching in order to pursue my business. It had grown to the point which I couldn’t continue to do both effectively.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m happy that I started slow. This gave me the safety net I needed when mistakes were made. And believe me, they were made. I was lucky to have a career and a steady income to get me through the bumps in the road. As I look back, I wish I’d have started with a mentor. I found several eventually but at the time I started, not many people were eager to help others (especially women) in the business. But I’m proud of my perseverance, and so so incredibly grateful for those who have helped me along the way. I was stubborn as a bull and felt determined to make my own way. This, of course, had its upsides and downsides, but in the end, I’m not sure anyone makes it without at least this grit and determination. Everything else can essentially be taught, but not these.

Almost three years ago, I left the financial comfort of a marriage that didn’t fulfill me. I have a lot of respect for the father of my children, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. Leaving this security was a TERRIFYING prospect for me as a self-employed woman and mother. The fear and lack of faith in myself led me to have an immense fear of being able to “make it”. But, fast forward and I’m about to buy MY first house next week. So, after all that I would say to any woman to never ever doubt her own power. It’s just like the old adage says (maybe Eleanor Roosevelt?) “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.” My grandmother was a woman I always admired and one of the possessions of hers that I kept was a daily uplifting quote calendar. This was one of them, and it always stuck with me.

So, all of that to say I’d tell young women to find someone who believes in you. Don’t take no for an answer, but also don’t be entitled. Be willing to make your own way, but be coachable. And believe in your power and ability. If someone is willing to take the time to teach you, be grateful! Try your best not to be smug, even if their advice SUCKS.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Amanda Lamb Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I always say I specialize in life’s MOMENTS. Humanity. Happy, sad, in between… in a time of Pinterest and Instagram, it’s difficult for this to be your brand… I’ll be the first to admit that! But, the gratitude and appreciation I receive for focusing on these things immeasurably compensate me. I can’t claim to be as cool as someone like Tyler Wirken (one of my mentors) who is 100% dedicated to documenting a wedding day or birth or family session in it’s most pure form. Or as cool as Tatiana Brenizer (my mentor and best friend) who is freaking incredible at thinking 87 steps ahead and making everyone look AMAZING while they’re living their best life… but I’ve really come to love my specific brand of photography-emotive moments. One of my favorite compliments I’ve ever received came from a fellow photographer and she said, “I can always tell when an image is yours because your people are always so damn happy!”

While other photographers might focus on details or portraits, I’m really proud to focus and have invested in my ability to capture moments on an important day. Plus, I think my clients and their friends and family tend to look really good doing their life in front of my lenses.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Like I said before, I can’t speak enough about a woman’s ability to work hard and handle criticism. I came from sports, so being “coachable” was always a part of my mindset. I had four older brothers, and believe me, they ALWAYS have a piece of advice or 6 for me. But I’m so glad for that. I came to view (constructive) criticism as love. And it’s kind of true, right? No one will waste their time giving you valuable feedback if they don’t care about you. That’s just a fact. You just have to believe in yourself enough to know what’s valuable and what’s just noise. Especially in something as subjective as art. You have to separate your vision and purpose from someone else’s nonsense.

Pricing:

• Full day weddings start at $5200
• Documentary family sessions start at $199
• Portraits and Headshots start at $199

Contact Info:

• Address: 6614 John Muir Trl.
  Colorado Springs CO 80927
• Website: www.amandalambphoto.com
• Phone: 7196482152
• Email: amanda@amandalambphoto.com
• Instagram: @amandalambphoto
• Facebook: @amandalambphoto

Image Credit:
All images ©Amanda Lamb Photography

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