Ready to create and capture real organic moments with you and your loved ones. Together we make the magic happen year after year. Thank you for coming by and checking out my portfolio. Feel free to reach out with all your questions. -xoxo
Amber Lee Photography
capturing your stories throughout the years
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Ashton + Marina ~Freeland Hall, Whidbey Island, Washington
"Every love story is beautiful but ours is my favorite."
Dear Gentle Reader, I’m currently experiencing a winter wedding season. Which is a wonderful way to have it happen. These adorable cuties came and had some engagement photos take at the UW. First we did the library ones miming the whole session. It was very exciting. The blood was pumping.
I got to know them and loved every minute.
Those are a few of this magical day. Ok just a few more. When I see the spot and the sun shining it’s a must stop moment.
The wedding was a classic fairytale dream that made me prance around in delight. It was a very chilly day but the sun was shining bright on them. It was so cold that it was hard to turn the pages in the Bible with their cold fingers.
Their first dance was brilliantly choreographed and every bit as magical. However, the most touching part was the father daughter moment that left me in tears. The love here is profound. Along with her girlfriends sharing their stories with each other and me.
And those lace gloves are everything.
These details were so carefully crafted.
She is so stunning.
A little warming up for the main event.
It was an honor to capture their most epic day. My dad and I spent a lovely day eating at the local cafe beforehand, getting to ride the ferry, and a little dancing at this fantastic celebration. Thank you Ashton and Marina.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your next milestone or event hit me up.
-xoxo Amber
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So in the midst of sharing a gorgeous senior session I thought I’d share an update. I’ve moved over your galleries to a different platform that is exciting and more luxurious. It integrates well with my honey book booking software and has the ability to make slideshows and blog posts. This save money overall and eliminates the use of extra apps doing the same tasks. So I’ll be using Pic-time for galleries. If you want to try it out message me for a discount. I know you’re going to love it.
Now for this gorgeous young lady that I’ve know her whole life. She has the same smile I had remembered. It was an absolute honor to capture her during this momentous time in her life. She picked a fabulous beach location in Mukilteo. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for coming by and checking out the latest. Follow for more!-Amber
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Jaivan-Class or 2024
Hey friends! So, when it comes to photographing seniors, I’ve found that creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere is key to capturing those genuine, beautiful moments. One of the best times to schedule a senior session is during golden hour – that magical time of day when the sun casts a warm, flattering glow over everything. Not only does it make your seniors look absolutely radiant, but it also helps them feel more at ease in front of the camera.
Another important aspect of a successful senior session is picking a location that suits your senior’s personality and style. Whether they’re into nature, urban settings, or something in between, choosing a location that resonates with them can really make a difference in how comfortable and confident they feel during the shoot.
At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a fun and memorable experience for your seniors, so they can look back on their photos with joy and nostalgia for years to come. By incorporating these tips into your senior sessions, you’ll not only capture stunning images, but you’ll also make your seniors feel truly special and celebrated. Happy shooting, friends!
Thank you for visiting my site. Follow for more photography tips.
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Last month included this love story among my photo sessions. I wish I could blog all that I have going on but now it seems that I just have time to blog the large events. So we will start with this one. My dad and I had an amazing time capturing the day for them. We are friends so that does allow for the tears to fall quicker and the heart to bust with pride faster. I am so happy for these two I can hardly contain the words on the screen.
My most favorite memories of the day were when the pair were reciting their vows to each other. It was very hard to remember those lines. Which led to so much laughter in the room. And the grand entrance was full of some amazing dance moves by the bridal party and the bride and groom. For someone who has some awesome high kicks herself I was very impressed. Ohh, and one more very special moment was when they surprised a couple who tied the knot during Covid and they gave them a first dance. The couple was full of emotion and so grateful for this . It was written all over their faces. What a kind and thoughtful gesture which just attests to who they are as a couple. 
This cake was made by my talented friend who is also the Auntie of the Bride. 
Another talented friend made this bouquet and all the flowers. They were magnificent. 
The venue was also top notch with awesome customer service and stunning ammenities. This is at the https://www.thomasfamilyfarm.com . I highly recommend using this facility.
Please enjoy my little slideshow with a few of my highlights during the wedding.
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I’m so excited to share this union with you all. It’s a beautiful love story that started off on a Friday, which I was a part of, and then went on through the weekend. What a joy is was for me. I traveled up to the beautiful Sedro-Woolley to capture this event.
I love an intimate wedding with family. During the time I had with them we packed in formal photos, a first look, the ceremony, and a first dance. Maybe a micro wedding is also for you. You don’t need coverage of the whole day. You just want specific moments captured. I watched a bride hike up to the ice caves about a month ago to have her ceremony. That was such a cool idea. I would hike with you guys!
Please enjoy this slideshow of the happy couple.
The blog is transforming to more topics that relate to a larger group. To stay up to date with my latest sessions come and follow me on Facebook or Instagram. And thank you all for your continued support. I think you’re amazing!
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So you have booked a session and you are hyped. A million things are going through your head from the location to the time of day to what the heck am I going to wear. Well I’m going to work on the first two with you and can give advise on what to wear, but ultimately you’ll be out shopping and having the final say on what looks best on you. And honestly, if it were me I’d see this as a time to shop for a new outfit. I don’t need much of a reason to shop so this would be a great excuse for me. Most likely you have one of the outfits in your closet right now too. So you’d be shopping for one or two more outfits. Pick something that makes you feel good. If you have the means get your hair and makeup done. That you will not regret.
I recently purchased a changing pod if we need that for some privacy. Sometimes you can change in your car or a bathroom nearby, but sometimes you may need this pod.
Something to think about is the weather we have in the PNW. Some days are brilliant, golden and cloud free. Other days are overcast (I think this is the most likely), and then we have mist, and rain that comes in buckets. Everything is great except that last weather catastrophe. If that happens we will need some covering. And it may just be too horrible for frizzy hair. So I do reschedule if needed. However, watching the weather app can be helpful if we can be flexible and adjust the time on that peticular day. So literally, time will tell. Ultimately, having the best experience is priority number one.
So back to your outfits. Let’s keep in mind the location you decide on. What time of the year it is. Think about the color palette. Fall is drenched in warm earthy tones. Winter has a cooler rich feel. Spring tends to have more pastels and flowers and so much green. Summer you have more of a mix. You get the start of dying grass that is very pretty in photos. If you pick a location with water you will have more blues. I love when clients choose complimentary colors and stay in the wheelhouse of the colors at the locations. Just something to think about. That is usually how I’m picking where to place you. It’s by outfit when you arrive.
Making your session unique is very important. Whatever your passion is or including some sort of momento can add such a great touch. Bring a furry friend or pick a place that is special to you. This can be a great idea for any type of session.
Most of all, have in mine that you will have fun. Relax and just be you. You’ll be told where to look and what to do, and it will move fairly quickly. Feel free to practice your best angles at home before you come.
It’s your year.
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If you want something to cure your winter blues you came to the right place. This sweet baby girl came into the studio and we had so much fun dressing her up and some fun family photos as well.
Perfect family photos don’t require more than a light and simple background.
And for fun we jump deep in this sweet rabbit hole.
And we did even more looks and some creatives.
Thank you for following my blog. If you want to see more of what I’m
doing come find me on Instagram or Facebook.
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Now that 2022 is a wrap I can get back to some blogging. This Fall and Winter I had four newborns that I was able to meet and capture. Some were private and some were shared. Some were in my studio and some were in home sessions. They were all very different creatively based on what my client and I collaborated on. All the colors were different and unique. The posing was different. It was this way intentionally. I’m not about cloning babies to be captured the same way, same light, or same props. That is just not me.
I thought I would share some of my tips for you guys to reference back to when the time comes or you happen to come by my site. However you arrived here I’m so thankful and love to have you as a subscriber.
How do you pick to have a studio session or an in person session?
For studio sessions to work well it’s best to photograph a newborn within the 14 day window. This is when they are the sleepiest. If they are older an in home session may be the way to go. So you can interact and be quicker with the session. In studio sessions are about 2-3 hours. At home sessions tend to be much faster. for one, they are not asleep in the carseat from the long drive. At home they can be dressed before getting here to photograph them and be ready to go.
If mama is still recovering, being at home can really provide more comfort for her. And your whole house does not need to be spotless. We just need an area close to a window to work with. And my focus is on baby anyways.
Also being at home brings an element to your images that is truly unique. Your blankets and furniture and nursery are part of the images. This leads to the telling of your beautiful story. We may add things then that we would have never been able to do at my studio.
Also in your home it’s easier to incorporate more siblings and fur babies too. Then the siblings can run off and play in the mean time. This overall helps the session time speed up. And you may feel more relaxed.
If you are set on a studio session, to help get baby fall asleep before the session you can make a warm and very long bath for the baby about 1 – 1.5 hours before the scheduled photo shoot. The bath relaxes and soothes the baby and makes them sleepy. Try to keep the baby awake by interacting with them for about 1.5 – 2.5 hours prior to the photo shoot. If you can keep the baby awake during the breastfeeding, feed the baby right before leaving the house. Another tip is to ride next to them in the car to the session to help keep them away so that when they arrive to the studio they are ready for a nice long nap! This will ensure that the little one gets tired upon arrival to the studio and falls asleep right before the session starts. Also, dress the baby in comfortable clothes or warm fabrics which are easy to unwrap without having to pull the layers over the head.
I hope this information helps you decide what is best for you and your sweet new precious human.
In Home session 
In Studio Session with my nephew Enzo
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After a week of being sick I’m coming alive again. I took a walk outside without music to take in the fresh air, all the sounds, and some of that sun. Why does it always have to be nice weather outside while I’m stuck indoors?! This happens to me every time.
I’ve watched all the shows and movies I can handle. So maybe my brain can handle a little blogging. It will just be short and sweet this time.
The youngster below is a family friend. So it was absolute delight to take his senior pics. He nailed it folks. I love the style, the location, his dog, and we got some family pics to boot. So as I’m trying to recover over here nothing brings me more joy than sharing this session with all of you.
I’m so proud of you and love being able to see you make such awesome decisions in your life.
I feel like a proud auntie!
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If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great
Tom HanksWise words from a famous guy we all know. They apply for those graduating and those who do anything in life. To really feel good about something it was the hard thing you did. It wasn’t the passive gesture or something that took minimal effort to do. It was the business that you spent your last dime on that couldn’t fail that really gave you drive and purpose. And when you see it doing well you feel exceptional about.
So what are the hard things about a photography business? I find time management challenging. I find rescheduling a client when you have no free time challenging. How about the stress of catching covid and not having a clone to capture a wedding or event for yourself. What about equipment failing. Or a child that is sick shows up to a session. Maybe you are at a busy park and people keep walking in your shot. You know the list can be endless for any number of unknown circumstances that can happen.
So how do you handle stress? I’ve taken some steps to help myself plan ahead better. To help with time management I use several calendars. I still hand write on a monthly calendar and have a daily one which I make lists on and then check them off as I go. When things get missed I circle those to dos and come back to them. One day I’ll master bullet journaling, but for now this works for me. I also use a software that sends reminders and googles the locations to both myself and the client. Honeybook is a lifesaver for me. You should find 20% off on that link if you need some help.
Rescheduling goes hand in hand with keeping some backup days free and constantly checking the weather or finding indoor location spots to shoot in. I was also using an app called Accuweather for a while and it was very accurate on the rain coming and going. Then I could be flexible as to the time of day if we needed to change the time of the session. I have even shot under a 10×10 covering a few times now so we could stay out of the rain. It’s not ideal, but it worked.
One more tidbit I want to share is to have written up questionnaires to send to clients as they book with you. Think of intentional questions that touch on various things you could prepare for if you have the knowledge. I ask about your interests, your ages, how you want to display your images, what’s important to you, what type of photography are you drawn to. There are quite a few questions you can get nailed down with each type of session. This will greatly ease your anxiety and make for a smooth session.
So now you can let it go and see one of my latest sessions with Miss Elsa. She brought her fantastic style and her awesome personality is shining!
Thanks so much for coming by my site!
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Shall we talk about editing images in this post?
Something I added to my editing toolbox is a Wacom tablet. I use this mostly for skin retouching because of the pressure point use of the pen versus the mouse. And my mouse is not the typical apple mouse. I use a gaming mouse I found on amazon. This allows for faster use and more buttons to use. I happen to be a lefty and use the mouse with my right hand. So I’m sometimes faster than the computer renders what I’ve done. Being ambidextrous comes in handy here.
Of course I have a few favorite buttons in Photoshop I go to first off. But before that I use Lightroom as much as I can to avoid pulling to many images into photoshop. I use command 5 to bring a photo into Photoshop from Lightroom. Memorizing the quick keys is super fast and one less button to push. So I highly recommend doing this. I’ll share a few more tips today and then on later posts go more in depth with Lightroom and then Photoshop.
So if I take an image into photoshop it’s for a few reasons. There is acne to retouch, an obscure object that needs to be removed, clothing that needs retouching that would involve the liquify tool, or I envision a creative tweak. So first I would start with the hardest adjustment which is usually the skin. I have actions and tools I use depending on the amount of retouching that needs to be done. For heavy retouching I purchased a separate software that I use.
But for today we will talk Photoshop tools. The spot healing brush works like a charm with my pen and Wacom tablet. And I do a ton of backlit photos so I adjust the light coming through a person’s ears. I don’t like a red ears. Just a preference of mine. So I take the time to correct that. Then I take the lasso patch tool and lasso around an object I don’t care for and hit fill and content aware and viola it’s disappeared and the background is replaced with the other background next to it. It’s pretty magical.
The best tip I got starting out with the liquify tool is whatever you are wanting to fix, start off by adjusting the brush size to match the same size as the spot you want to move. This you will figure out by playing around with the tools. They take time to practice and to master.
When I’m all finished editing in Photoshop I hit command s to save the image. If you are highly distracted like me, make your work flow and stick to it. If an image is taking too long to edit I look it over again and make sure it’s really worth the edit. Sometimes you end up trashing one you thought might originally think worthy of the retouch.
Now onto this awesome guy. We added some family photos at the session and were surprised with a hot air balloon in the sky. It was breathtaking.
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Imagine the scene
Getting ready in your uncles log cabin home with just a few of your family members for an intimate ceremony. Nostalgia is all over the walls with your favorite singers and songwriters. You can smell a hint of wood burning like a campfire outside. The light is a slight matte orange color and ash is falling like snow all day. There is a fire burning some miles away. This creates a unique filter you can’t quite place anywhere you’ve been.
The grounds are transformed to add some happy wedding touches with sunflowers and a sage green. The woods make this fairytale like setting. Something you dream of playing in as a kid. During the ceremony you decide to write your own vows and speak from the heart. This makes for an emotional packed moment you’ll remember forever.
The rest of the day you have friends pouring in. You really get to talk and hug everyone. Then you end the rest of the night with dancing and heart warming smiles.
Instead of sharing the individual images I created this slide that is better experienced in whole to the end. If you want to feel something today stop, take a gander, and turn the music up.
Kelli & Nick