Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Russell.
Amber, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our business was born almost ten years ago but became focused when I chose to shift my career from education to full-time photography. I have always been an artist. Dabbling in stories when I was young and then falling in love with opera at the age of 12. It was all I could talk about and my dreams took root. I had always loved classical music, studying piano starting around age 6. But opera wove itself into my soul. At the age of 26, I lost my hearing in my right ear. My dreams ground to halt and to protect my heart I pushed music away for a period. During its absence, I discovered photography. It began primarily as a way to pass the time. Until, one day, I created an image that brought a deep, aching connection; an anchoring of my soul, moving me in the way that opera had affected me with its beauty. I felt grounded for the first time in years.
4 years ago, my husband joined my business and we became a husband and wife team. Truth be told, he was always there behind the scenes before, but now his face became known to our clients as well. Our style took root at this time, with Jon bringing his journalistic eye to the work we created, which complemented my more editorial approach to wedding photography.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think there is always a cycle of self-doubt that creative entrepreneurs find themselves in. We love what we create; we become dissatisfied with our work, we push to improve, our skills deepen, we love our work and repeat. Some of the lowest lows come right before I make a break-through creatively. The key is to keep working even when you want to quit because growth is always on the other side of discouragement.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amber Lea Photography – what should we know?
We are primarily wedding photographers serving Arizona and anywhere we have the chance to travel! We are known for elegant, timeless and intimate wedding photography.
As a company, I am proud of the way we serve our couples. We know it is an honor to come alongside a couple on their Day One of Forever and it isn’t something we take lightly!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people who have stepped up, either as a mentor or as an encourager. We are blessed to be a part of a great community here in Tucson. I am especially thankful to Paul Davis for teaching me about light and how to control it. Tina Kraemer with Pure in Art has been an amazing friend; teaching, listening and even shooting weddings with us when we needed help.
Pricing:
- Our wedding packages start at $3400.
- We take a limited number of family portrait sessions each year. Those sessions start at $600.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4635 N Camino Gacela
- Website: www.amberleaphotos.com
- Phone: 520-991-0108
- Email: amber@amberleaphotos.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amberlearussell
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amberleaphotography
Image Credit:
Amber Lea Photography
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