Today we’d like to introduce you to Andria Damrell.
Hi, Andria. We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow! Life is so full circle. I came to the area to play college volleyball at Lindenwood University, where I got a Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Healthcare Management. Fresh out of grad school, I started working in long-term care and met my now husband. We have been married for over 12 years and have 3 amazing kids together! When I became a mom over 10 years ago, I desperately wanted to slow down time by documenting all the rapid changes in my fresh new baby. I remember begging my husband to let me buy an entry-level stock camera at Costco to document all the baby “firsts.” Only a short time after, I had close friends ask to snap a few photos here and there at their kiddo’s birthday parties, milestone events, etc., and as time went on, it grew and grew and grew! I now specialize as a family photographer in the Saint Louis area, documenting sweet, fleeting moments for over 140 families yearly (and growing)! We stay swamped balancing my business, the kid’s schedules, and our family vacation rental business where we manage our Branson, MO Airbnbs (Branson Boho #1 and Branson Boho #2). Check us out on Google 🙂 We love the time spent at our church, being outside, and traveling with our family! God is just so good!
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
Whew, I laughed out loud, pondering this. My best advice is to fail at full speed. Wow, I have done this a few times. I have learned over the years how much over-committing can take a downward spiral on your family unit and work-life balance. Thankfully, many years later, I am confident that “No” is a complete sentence, and I am improving at using it. I started out charging $40 a session. Forty Dollars, You Guys! I would say yes to anything and everything just for the experience and knowledge. In my mentorship sessions with aspiring new photographers, I whole-heartedly look them dead in the eyes and beg them to do this because until you are a dog on a bone chasing your dream, you aren’t taking every opportunity for growth and a new perspective. Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of this; indeed, the art of photography is such a fluid gift that, to this day, I learn something every single session! The most inspiring teachers are lifelong students 🙂
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
As a family photographer, I strive to make photo sessions fun! Let’s face it: getting your photos taken can be challenging, especially with lots of littles. My motto is if Dad leaves the session high-fiving and says, “That wasn’t so bad,” the next time Mom asks for family photos, Dad is on board. Yay! From start to finish, I focused on the experience as a whole. From helping mom lay out all the family outfits and making any needed adjustments to patterns, colors, etc., to bringing one of my kiddos if necessary to get babies attention during the session, to ending with suckers for all to celebrate a successful session, each piece is apart of the master puzzle in capturing the “memory” of each family and their love and joy in the chaos. I live by delivering photos that you can hear. I want your family and friends to feel the love when looking at your finished gallery. As a mom, I know how many tiny moments we miss out on just based on our vantage point. As a photographer, I intentionally wear that cap to show each mom how stunning they look mothering their people.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always willing to try any sport or activity. I was very free-spirited but also cautious. I was and still am very competitive at sports or games. My middle daughter is exactly like I was growing up. I find true enjoyment in her head-shaking moments because they give me perspective into my wild and crazy self at her age!
Pricing:
- 60 Min. Family Session $750
- 20 Min. In/Out Session $425
- Senior Sessions $750
- 10 Min. Mini $295
Contact Info:
- Website: imagesbyandria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andriadamrell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndriaDamrellimages
