Parents with Passion Series--Inspired photography: Amber's story

November 30, 10:02 PMSt. Louis Family & Parenting ExaminerAngela Atkinson

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The Montgomery Family. Image Credit: A. Montgomery

Amber Montgomery is a married St. Louis mom with five children, ranging in age from 7 years old to 21 years old. Amber owns God’s Image Photography, a business she was inspired to start after working for a hospital photography company that branched out into home portrait photography. She found that she loved the work and wanted to invest in herself and start her own company.

After discussing it with her husband, they refinanced their home and God’s Image Photography was born. Amber says that the idea for the name came to her one evening as she sat on her front porch looking out at the world. “God just dropped it into my heart,” she says, “Really, it just fit!  I knew it was right. It was perfect!”

Amber told me that owning her own business has had many positive effects on her family. For one, she says, she has brought her older daughters along on photo shoots in order to give them a feel for what she does. She reports that it helps her bond with her girls, as well as inspires the girls to be creative. Plus, her fifteen year old daughter Megan says, ”I have a great respect for my mom—especially because when we go on photo shoots together and I witness how much work she has to do, whether it is trying to handle an obnoxious kid or crazy dog, she always seems to get the job done and never complains about it.”

Amber says the the first step in starting your own business is doing your homework. "Ask yourself if is your heart in it," she says. "Are you ready to fail or are you ready to invest time and money to succeed?" She also mentions you need a support system and people who believe in your dreams to help you push past any doubts and insecurities that come up.

God’s Image Photography is different than a standard photo studio, because Amber comes into your home or other selected location. She brings all of the lighting, backdrops, props, and other necessary equipment and sets up her studio wherever she’s needed.

“I bring it all with me. No more lines, no hassle, no waiting for your appointment. No more dirty backdrops, rugs, or props,” Amber says, “I take my time so you can take yours. Children can be themselves. Moms can relax, newborns can nurse, and kids can take a break.”

Amber says she likes to use natural light when appropriate. She works with “your family, in your environment, at your convenience.” She even works round the clock—including all nighters for moms giving birth!

This is one photographer I’m adding to my rolodex. How about you?

Want to read about other Parents with Passion? Check out Turning a Hobby Into a Career: Johnna's story and Semient: A Single Dad's Dream.