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Colorado Springs Photographer | This will have been that year (2011 in pictures)

Amanda — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:37:42 +0000

This will have been the year.

In 2021, when someone asks about my life 10 years ago, I’ll remember.

2011 was the year I traveled to Orange County California for Jessica Claire’s workshop, and was forced to re-evaluate the way I post-processed, posed, and lit my images. I also realized at this time that if I wanted my business to move forward, I needed to have more time to devote to it, which would mean quitting my teaching career. (January)

Workshop: Jessica Claire: http://www.jessicaclaire.net
Models: Ashley & Jeff Perez: http://www.ashley-photographer.com/
Dress: Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/blueeyebrowneye
Flowers: Jacqueline Ahne: http://www.floraldesignbyjacquelineahne.com
Hair & Makeup: Nicole Deanne: http://www.nicoledeanne.com

By the time Amy and Ken’s wedding came around on February 26th, I was officially a full time wedding and portrait photographer, and my own boss. (I’m SO excited that Amy and Ken will be welcoming a new little bundle into their lives, probably today!! Can’t wait to meet that little guy.)

2011 was the year I exceeded my own expectations. I set out to shoot 12 weddings, and was blessed to be entrusted with 15.

2011 was the year my mom (and best friend and biggest fan) beat breast cancer. There’s no way I’d be where I am today without her love and support, and I thank God for the strength and healing he gave her. (I’m embarrassed that I don’t have a picture of this woman to show you…resolution number 1!)

2011 was the year of AWESOME senior reps and fun families.

2011 was the year that I had the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and dream up a styled shoot with a woman who has become a trusted friend.

I’m always excited for new years and a new start, but 2012, I will warn you…You have big shoes to fill!

Happy New Year to you and yours, and may you have a healthy + prosperous 2012!

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Colorado Springs Photographer | Merry Christmas!

Amanda — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:22:55 +0000

There’s nothing like kids to make Christmas feel magical again. I absolutely love the way my little ones embrace the spirit of Christmas, and delight in all it’s wonder.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, and that you’re able to spend it with the ones you love!

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Colorado Springs Photographer | Why the change??

Amanda — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:42:10 +0000

Things change. People fall in love, families grow as babies are born, and people grow.

I started my humble little business in 2006…although I didn’t realize it. One of my students, Rachael, at the high school where I was teaching casually mentioned the stress involved with finding a senior portrait photographer. I told her that I had always loved photography, that I studied it in high school and in college, and had planned to have it be my major, but the school I had chosen to attend didn’t offer that major. I did a lot of soul searching, and decided that being a high school social studies teacher would be a wonderful second choice. After telling Rachael this full story, she said she’d be thrilled to let me take her senior pictures. Rachael loved her pictures. She told her friends. I got more requests. I was elated! It became apparent that I COULD have my dream job.

When I had my first child in 2007, I realized that while I still wanted very much to teach, a large part of me hated that I might miss her first tooth, or first steps, or first…anything because someone else was with her during the day. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wouldn’t miss near as much if I were able to work from home.

Through a series of other events, I finally bit the bullet and resigned from my teaching job in February of this year…and that brings me to the title of this post!

In October, I had mentioned to my very smart husband that I thought it might be time to change my website. “Again?” he said. “Yes, I know, we just did this, but I want my website to be more “social media friendly”.” I could tell he was less than excited, because in addition to being my wonderful husband, he had also been my amazing web design guy. Long story short, I decided to do it myself, even though it meant a little more expense. I had this urge to change the look of my site…and once I did, it still didn’t quite seem like what I was hoping for.

I was working on my site one day with my friend Sarah, and was working on my new logo. I wasn’t sure where to start, so I decided to start playing around with the colors I have decided I’d have if I were to be planning a wedding right now (of course to the same, awesome, web design guy), purple, gray and yellow. They’re my favorite. Lamb Photography Company didn’t fit in it. There just wasn’t enough space. So, I took that as the universe telling me that it was time. Time to do something I’d been wanting to do for…years. So, Lamb Photography Company changed into Amanda Lamb Photography!!! YAY!!!! It dawned on me that I had taken a HUGE step this year, but the look and feel of my business hadn’t been able to reflect that change yet. Sure, my work has grown a LOT this year (in my opinion). But, surely you’ll agree there’s more to a business than just it’s product. I desperately wanted my business to accurately reflect me. When I saw Amanda Lamb Photography in my new logo, I knew it was the right thing to do. YAY! Sarah gave me her approving nod (she was on the phone) and that was that.

Besides, now no one will wonder if I’m a livestock photographer (yes, I’ve been asked…more times than you’d imagine!)…and wedding DJ’s will always get my name right now…since that’s what they always called me anyway. HA! I’m so excited about this change, and I hope you are too! There will be some additional changes, as well. I’ll be offering a newsletter that you can subscribe to , as well as some tips for people looking for photographers…and of course more great photography. Stay tuned…and tell your friends!

Happy Wednesday!

Colorado Springs Photographer | Happy Halloween!

Amanda — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:18:16 +0000

It’s amazing how having kids can make a holiday you never cared a whole lot about before can quickly become one of your favorites. And, in case you’re wondering, no, my website isn’t in costume. This is it’s new look!! What do you think?? I’d love to hear what you think of it in the comments section below…and it’s still something of a work in progress, but I’m very pleased so far!

Anyway, nothing like taking what could have been a quiet, relaxing weekend and turning it into…a website redesign. Ha! It was worth it, and I still took the time to get some pictures of my adorable little ones. We My husband carved the pumpkins (after I did all the gut scooping for him- he hates that) and Reagan, Breckin and I worked on getting the seeds cleaned and roasted.

They have some pretty awesome costumes… Reagan chose Supergirl (even over all the other princess costumes) and Breckin wouldn’t rest until his “Super Tigger” (not to be outdone by Reagan, I’m sure) was in our cart at the JBF Sale a few weeks back.

They turned out pretty adorable, but I’ll let you see for yourself!

Colorado Springs Photographer | World Photography Day

Amanda — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 03:51:26 +0000

I learned this morning by reading Jasmine Star‘s blog post that today was World Photography Day. Since Jasmine is someone that I find inspiring, I decided that I would have to follow her lead and be sure I took the time to photograph my two favorite little subjects. I always knew I wanted to have children. Maybe it was always longing for a younger sibling when I was growing up (Mom and Dad mad it quite clear very early on that all the nagging in the world would NOT make that happen), but I knew that I would want children. But I spent a LOT of time focusing on “what I wanted to be when I grew up”. Truth be told, I spent a lot of money on it too. Shoot, I’m STILL spending a lot of money on that. But, as soon as I met my daughter, I knew, I just knew that my priorities had completely changed. Just. Like. That. Reagan has taught me more than any schooling or studying I could do ever has. And for that I am grateful. From her I am learning real patience. Not the kind where you just patiently wait for Christmas. But the kind where you answer for the millionth time that day how many sleeps until the next birthday party. The kind that makes you fight yourself to keep from holding her hand while she writes her name, because you know it’s best for her to do it herself. And love. Of course, I had loved before Reagan, but she taught me something new. The kind of love that would make you throw yourself into harms way if it meant it might make one second a little easier for her. She is truly special.

But, despite what she thinks, life in the Lamb house doesn’t revolve around Reagan. Breckin brings a light to my life that I never thought would be there. In fact, knowing him has shown me men in a whole new light. Deep down, I was pretty terrified when I found out I was having a boy. I struggled with a lot of male students when I was teaching…and I never understood why. But Breckin makes me see the tender nature of a boy’s heart that he keeps so hidden from the world. While I know the world will harden him, I hope that he keeps his sweet, thoughtful (he picks me flowers almost every day), tender nature as he grows into an adult. He will make a girl very happy someday.

Jasmine Star photographed her favorite subject, so I thought it would be appropriate to photograph mine.

Colorado Springs Photographer | Happy Birthday, Reagan!

Amanda — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:56:19 +0000

I really had tried to have this post written and ready to go by some time very early this morning. But, when I sat down to write it yesterday afternoon while the kids were sleeping, I realized that I just didn’t like the pictures I had of Reagan. I wanted to show you all how truly wonderful she is, and the pictures I had just weren’t cutting it. I had just commissioned a friend of mine to make some headpieces for me to have on hand for brides, and Reagan was SO excited about them. I was pondering the fact that I didn’t like the pictures I had when Reagan informed me that she was too excited about her birthday to take a nap. Normally this totally wouldn’t fly in our house. But, I took advantage of the opportunity. It was a fairly overcast day, so I wanted to make sure I dressed her in bright colors. As an extra incentive for her, I told her she could wear one of my new pretty flowers if she’d let me take some pictures of her for her birthday. She was SO happy to oblige…and who could blame her? The pieces came out WONDERFULLY! If you’re reading this, Susanne…thanks a bunch! You did awesome!!

I can’t imagine my life without either of my kids. I have learned so much from both of them. But I know in my heart that the bond I have with Reagan will long outlive me. To say that we are close is an understatement. I know now why people feel they will live on forever through their children. And what a wonderful way to live on. Reagan, Happy 4th Birthday! I love you muffin!

I decided it was time to show my images a little differently on here…what do you think?

Have a happy weekend!

Colorado Springs Photographer | Time Well Spent

Amanda — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:33:42 +0000

So most of the work I’ve been doing lately isn’t anything I typically show on here…it’s been albums, bookings, customer service, etc. But, I assure you, I have been working away. Today though, I took a trip to the playground with a good friend and her little one. I couldn’t resist showing this picture of my son, who proved to me today that he is all. boy. Period. That’s sand he’s dumping on himself. :) He was filthy, but I hugged and kissed him anyway.

I do have some announcements coming soon, so check back often, especially if you’re a class of 2012 high school senior. And, for my class of 2011 seniors, I have something coming for you too, so stay tuned.

Happy Wednesday!

Colorado Springs Photographer | The details behind my leap of faith…and how it all began

Amanda — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:59:28 +0000

Before starting to write this post I had to check to be sure I even had a “personal” category on here! Guess I don’t do much writing about myself on here…would you like to see that change?

I figured that since it’s been a few weeks, and I’ve made the announcement just about everywhere else in my “virtual life”, (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) that it was time to go ahead and spill the beans here on the blog. I guess I waited because…I knew I’d have to put a little more of my heart into this entry. Not that it’s hard for me to do that…I’ve learned that whether I like it or not I’m more or less an open book. But, I knew this would be an emotional post for me. So…here goes.

As anyone who knows me knows, I’ve been a high school social studies teacher for the last 6 years. When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue photography as a profession in some way, shape or form. But, I had my heart set on going to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. They didn’t have a photography major, and truly only had about 3 photography classes. So, I resigned myself to taking what I could, and keeping my photography as a hobby. I started coaching track during my 3rd year of college, and absolutely fell in love with working with high schoolers, as crazy as it may sound. So, I decided I’d give teaching a whirl. I loved it. When I started hearing from my students that they couldn’t afford to get senior pictures done, I said, shoot…I love photography and happened to have a camera, so I started doing senior pictures for some of my kids. Lamb Photography Company was born.

The year after that, my first child was born. I still loved teaching, but the idea of dedicating myself to my photography, being my own boss, and consequently getting to spend more time with my daughter was becoming more and more appealing, and also more and more realistic. I decided that I would love to be lucky enough to capture people on their wedding days, and (huge) thanks to Dawn Sparks, my own amazing wedding photographer, I was able to try it out and see if I would really love it. I did. One more child (a son), LOTS of hard work and learning, and about 3 years later, (now) I just couldn’t do it anymore. I was barely seeing my kids and my husband, and despite the new move of teaching for an online school and being able to design my own schedule, it still felt like I was working from the time I woke up until the time I went to sleep. It was what I had to do to get everything done.

In January, I was fortunate enough to get to go to Jessica Claire‘s JC/OC workshop (I’m hoping to post from this sometime next week). It was awesome to get to hear some of the things that a seasoned pro does, and pretty amazing to walk away from it feeling like I was doing a lot of the right things…but I felt so disappointed that I couldn’t do all those right things to their full potential because I simply didn’t have the time. My husband and I had what maybe should have been a longer talk, although I don’t know that it would have mattered because we’d have come to the same conclusion…and decided that I would go ahead and quit my teaching job. I was sad to be leaving my students that I’d come to know over the last 6 months, but felt in my heart that it was absolutely the right decision. And…here I am, about 2 weeks later without a doubt in my mind that I made the right decision. I couldn’t be more excited!

So…why did I pick pictures of my kids to show you while I told this story? A couple of reasons. One, because they’re the cutest kids on the planet, obviously. And two, because I took them yesterday in my backyard. Something I probably wouldn’t have been able to have the time to do if I were still working. I got to take pictures. Of my own kids. And that is truly one of my favorite things.

Colorado Springs Kids’ Portrait Photographer | My Favorites!

Amanda — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:36:40 +0000

I’m a little behind on blogging, and can’t wait to show you some of the images I’ve made in the last week. However, with my daughter’s 3rd birthday coming up, my own children are at the front of my mind! I wanted to share these two from our trip to the playground the other day. The weather here has been beautiful!

Also, don’t forget that the deadline for submitting your nomination for the 2010 Free Colorado Springs Wedding Photography is April 1st! Get a reminder about the rules here. My next post will have Shawnte’s BabyBump update! Stay tuned!

Colorado Springs Portrait Photographer | Falcon Runners – State Champs!

Amanda — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:47:35 +0000

In addition to photography, and teaching, I also coach cross country and track.

This year we were very excited becuase our boys’ cross country team won State! They guys, more than anything in the world, love to have a good time. I tried to photograph them every time I could!

I just want to know…

Amanda — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:48:25 +0000

…When Reagan became a toddler!
I feel like I blinked.
And no, for the record, I still don’t regret being excited for her to learn to walk. She has so much fun! And I enjoy chasing her!

I got some new photo equipment–I don’t know how I ever lived without it–and I took some of my favorite pictures of Reagan this afternoon as a trial run.

Wedding with Dawn

Amanda — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:07:52 +0000

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of shooting a wedding with my wedding photographer, Dawn Sparks.

The wedding was at the Belmar Center in Lakewood. The wedding was beautiful. Both weddings I have shot with Dawn have nearly brought tears to my eyes. It was clearly visible how in love the couple is, and I felt honored to be able to be a part of it.