amberly schmidt
photography
" Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. "
-Ansel Adams
photographer bio
growing up i always knew i wanted to do something that involved imagination and creativity. it actually wasn't until my sophomore year of highschool that i found out photography was a career path i could take and i was estatic! how awesome would it be to go to art school and then get paid to do something you love? not many people are blessed with creative talents or actually knowing your passion in life before it's too late.
i started out at central michigan university, working towards my bachelor's in fine arts of photography. there i learned darkroom techniques and how to develop my own film. that's something many new photography majors won't get to experience! after two years i decided i wanted to go to a school that was more focused on art and had more to offer a budding photographer. that's when i decided to take my husband and move to the chicago area to attend the illinois institute of art in schaumburg. two and a half years later i'm graduated and i own my own photography business. that's a big feat for a 24 year old!
i have been married since june 2005 and we are finally able to start a family, with our first baby, a boy, due august 4, 2010! (picture to the right is at 27 weeks along!) we do have to include our first child however, a black labradoodle named nala! she's been with us since the day we moved to chicago in 2007. you'll see plenty of her around this website, she's a very good doggy model!
i'd like to describe my photographic style as au-naturale and ever-changing. i pride myself on being able to capture subjects in any type of mood, sensual, humorous, serene, energetic, and intriguing. except for some events (like weddings), i use only natural lighting. i don't like to stun or confuse my subjects by using big equipment or bright flashes. i like to keep them comfortable and easy-going during the session. this is especially important for pets and young children/babies.
my personality is very laid-back and i love to laugh. interacting with my subjects is what makes my job not really seem like a job. i love to make your moments memories that will last forever.
i can stop time.
i book clients and end up with friends...
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investment
lifestyle portrait session: $125
includes an initial phone or email consultation before the shoot to get a feel for what you'd like from our session. includes 1-2 hours of my creative time photographing up to 4 people ($15 per extra person) in a location of your choice, indoors or outdoors. extra locations (if we have to drive somewhere else) are $20 each. this session is ideal for family shoots, children, babies, etc. includes a $50 photo credit.
pet portrait session: $110
includes an initial phone or email consultation before the shoot to get a feel for what you'd like from our session. includes 1-2 hours of my creative time photographing up to 2 (two) pets ($15 per extra pet) in a location of your choice, indoors or outdoors. most pets are happiest in their own home, yard, or barn, but we can go anywhere you'd like! includes a $35 photo credit.
graduation portraits: $300
up to 2 hours of my creative time and as many locations as we can fit into that time slot. these locations can be indoors or outdoors. if you don't already have location ideas, feel free to ask! plan drive time accordingly and remember that in one "spot" there can be several backgrounds to shoot at, so choosing 10 locations isn't ideal for time. keep outfits unique to your style and personality, but simple so they don't take the focus off of your face! try to plan haircuts and hairdyes at least a week before the shoot so you have time to get used to your new look and fix any problems that arise. bring as many props (pets, sports equipment, instruments, furniture to use... etc) as you'd like! and remember, the more relaxed you are, the better the outcome! you're also welcome to bring one or both of your parents or a friend to help give input, make you laugh harder, or just for support! includes 100 die-cut wallets and a $25 photo credit to get you started.
economy graduate portraits: $195
up to 1 hour of my creative time and 1-2 locations of your choice, indoor or outdoor. if you need suggestions on locations, don't hesitate to ask! plan drive time accordingly. keep outfits unique to your style and personality, but simple so they don't take the focus off of your face! try to plan haircuts and hairdyes at least a week before the shoot so you have time to get used to your new look and fix any problems that arise. bring as many props (pets, sports equipment, instruments, furniture to use... etc) as you'd like! and remember, the more relaxed you are, the better the outcome! you're also welcome to bring one or both of your parents or a friend to help give input, make you laugh harder, or just for support! includes 48 die-cut wallets and a $25 photo credit to get you started.
life's beginnings session: $550
- choose ANY combination of three (3) sessions below! -
maternity: book a date somewhere around 36-38 weeks (or sooner if you'd like!)
newborn: let me know when you delivered your new little one and book a date between 4 and 12 days old.
3 months: choose a date around the 3 month old mark. smiles and grins have become more frequent!
6 months: choose a date around the 6 month old mark. giggles and cooing are in the daily routine!
1 year: choose a date on or around the 1 year mark. toothy grins, goofy faces, and lots of personality to be captured here!
the life's beginnings session is the perfect way to follow those big milestones in your and your baby's life. each session will take anywhere between 1-3 hours (depending on the cooperation of the tiny one!) I allow for feedings, naps, diaper and clothing changes and am very patient! most sessions will take place within your home for comfort of the baby. outdoor locations aren't out of the question however! remember, i use only the natural lighting available, so when i arrive, please allow me to view various rooms and windowed areas for best portrait spots. i may also need to use and move small furniture, but i'll put it back before i leave! each session will be focused on the tiny new one, but will include a few snapshots of baby with parents and/or siblings. each session will include a $35 print credit. ONLY the newborn session will also include 15 custom-made birth announcements (rush ordered!)
want 4 sessions? add $100 (total of $650)..... thinking about all 5? add $200 (total of $750).
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notes:
a $50 deposit is due within 7 days of booking to ensure date reservation. if your session needs to be rescheduled because of weather or an emergency, the $50 will go towards another date. no refunds will be given on deposits.
if desired, following ANY session we will either return to your home to view the images on your TV/Computer or use my laptop at our last location. you will get to choose your favorites, up to 50, for me to view and edit personally. within 2 weeks i will send you an online gallery of the chosen proofs for you to decide on the finals. use your print credit towards your order and then decide if you want extras! prints will be delivered or can be picked up within 2-3 weeks of final choice. gallery wraps and books may take slightly longer. please allow an extra 1-2 weeks during the holiday rush season (nov-dec). plan accordingly!
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print options:
4 wallets: $2
3.5x5: $4
4x6: $5
5x7: $8
8x10: $15
11x14: $20
16x20: $28
20x24: $35
20x30: $40
24x36: $50
contact me for custom size print prices
gallery wraps:
8x10: $85
10x10: $125
11x14: $155
16x20: $195
24x36: $250
contact me for custom size gallery wrap prices.
hardcover photobooks
8x10 or 10x8, 40 page: $85, 80 page: $115
12x12, 40 page: $125, 80 page: $155
*prices subject to change without notice. book a date now to lock in your price. inquiries do not count as bookings.
woof!
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224.616.8207
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