Amber Schaefer, Owner & Photographer
I'm a 6th generation Texan, born in the early 80's, the eldest of 3. Being 'The Big Sister' really helped make me the person I am today. It definitely helped prepare me for ministry as a Pastor. Over the last 10 years, my husband and I have been youth pastors, young adults pastors, and now we lead a Church Synaxis that meets weekly.
After graduating from Belton High School in 2000, I reconnected with my now husband, Travis. We went to church together as kids, but had lost contact for about 10 years. On December 1, 2000, we had our first date. He proposed 26 days later, and this year we celebrate 20 years of marriage. We live in Troy, Texas, on a peaceful 10 acre plot of land, with our 13 yr old Chihuahua, Abby. After 18 years of infertility and lots of prayer, we just had our first baby, Melody Joy! She is the light of our lives and we’re so blessed to finally be parents!
I was blessed with a very supportive husband. He usually assists with my photo shoots, so if you see near me a manly guy holding a big light diffuser, that's him! He's a tremendous blessing to me; I couldn't ask for a better best friend & soulmate. Travis is truly a Renaissance Man. He's a Pilot, Airplane Mechanic, Contractor, Volunteer Fireman and Storm Chaser. There's literally nothing he can't do. I'm super lucky to have him.
Travis and I are involved in various forms of public service, but one exciting way we serve is by leading a storm chasing team, Severe Storm Recon Team. We 'storm chase' across many states, but we also storm spot for our local area. 9 out of 10 tornadoes don't technically show up on the radar. The only way you receive timely alerts is if someone like us is out there reporting. So, please say a prayer for your local storm spotters. Spring & Fall are the craziest busiest times for us, between Church, photo shoots and storms, but we love our life!
I am an outdoor and studio portrait photographer. I am always looking for new locations at which to shoot, but I also enjoy having sessions in my comfortable home studio. Whether you desire traditional or modern photography, I'm confident we can put our minds together and exceed your expectations.
As a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), you may expect professionalism from me. This in no way means our shoot will be rigid or boring. Most of my clients leave our shoot saying, "I didn't expect to laugh so much!" This is especially true of shoots involving children. My husband and I make as many goofy faces and noises as it takes to see your child's beautiful smile through my lens. If I can get a smile from a 3yr old with a double ear infection (true story), then I'm confident we can do well with your children!
As for my composition and family posing style, I tend to lean more toward natural posing. I find that men/dads are most appreciative of this approach. If you are uncomfortable, you won't enjoy your shoot, and I want us all to have a good time. I can, however, recreate specific poses for you or use more traditional posing guides if that is what you desire. These will be images you cherish for a lifetime, so I strive to make each client happy with the image results.
If you would like to choose me as your photographer, please fill out a booking request & I'll get back with you ASAP. I look forward to seeing you through my lens!